FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to novel calcium-sensing receptor-active compounds, to said compounds for use in therapy, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds, to methods of treating diseases with said compounds, and to the use of said compounds in the manufacture of medicaments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that signals through the activation of phospholipase C, increasing levels of inositol 1,4,5- triphosphate and cytosolic calcium. The CaSR belongs to the subfamily C of the GPCR superfamily, which also includes receptors for glutamate, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), pheromones and odorants that all possess a very large extra-cellular domain. This domain is highly negatively charged and is involved in binding of calcium and other positively charged molecules. The CaSR is found in the parathyroid glands but has also been identified in the brain, intestine, pituitary, thyroid glands, bone tissue and kidneys [Brown, E. M . Calcium-Sensing Receptor. Primer of the Metabolic Bone Diseases and Disorders of Mineral Metabolism Fifth Edition, 2003 by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, Chapter 17, p. 111. ; Drueke, T. E. Nephrol Dial Transplant (2004) 19, v20-v26] .

The calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) detects changes in extra-cellular calcium concentration and initiates the functional response of this cell, which is a modulation of the secretion of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) . Secretion of PTH increases extra cellular calcium ion concentration by acting on various cells, such as bone and kidney cells, and the extra-cellular calcium ion concentration reciprocally inhibits the secretion of PTH by acting on parathyroid cells. The reciprocal relationship between calcium concentration and PTH level is an essential mechanism for calcium homeostasis maintenance.

The calcimimetic activity corresponds to the ability to produce or induce biological responses observed through variations in the concentration of extracellular calcium ions (Ca ²⁺ ) _e and extracellular magnesium ions (Mg ²⁺ ) _e .

(Ca ²⁺ ) _e and (Mg ²⁺ ) _e ions play a major role in the body through their regulation of calcium homeostasis on which many vital functions of the body depend . Thus, hypo- and hypercalcemia, that is to say conditions in which (Ca ²⁺ ) _e ions are below or above the mean threshold, have a major effect on ma ny functions, such as cardiac, renal or intestinal functions. They deeply affect the central nervous system (Chattopadhyay et al. Endocr. Review, Vol.17, 4, pp 289-307 (1996)).

It has been shown that Ca ²⁺ and Mg ²⁺ ions, but also Ba ²⁺ ions, within millimolar concentration ranges, stimulate CaSRs. Activation of CaSRs might be induced in the brain by β-amyloid peptides, which are involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (Ye et al, J. Neurosci., 47, 547-554, Res. 1997).

Disturbance of CaSR activity is associated with biological disorders such as primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine and neurodegenerative diseases, or certain cancers in which (Ca ²⁺ ) _e ions are abnormally high.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (primary HPT) is characterised by elevated levels of PTH and serum calcium which is typically caused by adenoma of the parathyroid gland. It can result in bone pain and excessive bone resorption.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (secondary HPT) often develops in patients who have reduced kidney function and is characterised by elevated levels of PTH. The underlying causes are complex, but a reduced ability to convert vitamin D to calcitriol and elevated levels of phosphorus play significant roles in the development of secondary HPT. If left untreated, the clinical manifestations of secondary HPT include bone and joint pain and limb deformities [Harrington, P.E. and Fotsch, C. Calcium Sensing Receptor Activators: Calcimimetics. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 2007, 14, 3027- 3034].

A reduced kidney function or renal failure is also accompanied by renal

osteodystrophy, e.g. osteitis fibrosa, osteomalacia, adynamic bone disease, or osteoporosis. These disorders are characterized by either high or low bone turnover. Osteoporosis is a multifactor disease which depends in particular on age and sex. While menopausal women are very greatly affected, osteoporosis is increasingly proving to be a problem in elderly men as well, and, for the moment, no optimal treatment exists. Its social cost may become even heavier in the years to come, particularly as life expectancy is becoming longer. Osteoporosis is currently treated with estrogens, calcitonin or biphosphonates which prevent bone resorption without stimulating bone growth. More recent data demonstrate that intermittent increases in PTH or in derivatives thereof are effective in the treatment of osteoporosis and make it possible to remodel bone by stimulating bone formation (Whitfield et al., Drugs & Aging, 15 (2) pp 117-129 (1999)). This new therapeutic approach for treatment of osteoporosis appears to be very advantageous, although major problems are associated with the use of PTH hormone, such as the route of injection, but also the appearance of tumors, observed recently during clinical trials in humans. Intermittent secretion of endogenous PTH can be obtained by blocking the calcium sensing receptor. The blocking of PTH secretion with CaSR agonists may be followed by a rapid increase in PTH (rebound effect), which is then beneficial in the treatment of osteoporosis.

A compound having an activating effect on CaSR (CaSR agonist), that is, a compound which selectively acts on CaSR to mimic or strengthen the action of Ca ²⁺ , is called a calcimimetic. On the other hand, a compound having an antagonistic effect on CaSR (CaSR antagonist, that is, a compound which suppresses or inhibits the action of Ca ²⁺ ), is called a calcilytic.

The calcium-sensing receptor has recently been found to be a potent target for developing novel therapies such as using calcimimetics for treatment of diarrhea.

[Osigweh et al, J American Coll. of Surgeons, V201, Issue 3, suppl 1, Sept 2005, pl7.]

Calcimimetics have been shown to be commercially useful for the treatment of hyperparathyroidism (HPT) : The calcimimetic compound Cinacalcet® [Balfour, J. A. B. et al. Drugs (2005) 65(2), 271-281; Linberg et. al. J. Am. Soc. Nephrol (2005), 16,

800-807, Clinical Therapeutics (2005), 27(11), 1725-1751] is commercially available for the treatment of secondary HPT in chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis and for the treatment of primary HPT in patients with parathyroid carcinoma. Thus, proof of concept for activators of calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) in humans has been achieved and the clinical relevance is well established.

Other calcimimetic compounds are for example described in WO02/059102,

WO98/001417, WO05/065050, WO 05/34928, WO03/099814, WO03/099776,

WO00/21910, WO01/34562, WO01/090069, WO97/41090, US6,001,884,

W096/12697, EP1203761, W095/11221, WO93/04373, EP1281702, WO02/12181, WO04/56365, WO04/069793, WO04/094362, US2004242602, WO04/106280, WO04/106295, WO04/106296, WO05/068433, WO05/115975, EP 1757582, WO 2009/051718, WO 2008/019690, WO 2009/065406 and WO2010/021351. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The novel compounds of the present invention are modulators, e.g. activators or agonists of the human calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) and may thus be useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of a number of diseases or physiological disorders involving modulation of CaSR activity. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a compound of general formula I

wherein

Ri represents hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, Ci _-4 alkyl, trifluoromethyl or Ci _-4 alkoxy;

R ₂ represents hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, Ci _-4 alkyl, trifluoromethyl or Ci _-4 alkoxy; R ₃ represents Ci _-6 a I kyl;

R ₄ represents -C(0)NH ₂ , C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, C _2-6 alkynyl, Ci _-6 alkoxy, Ci- ₆ alkylamino, haloCi- salkyl, aminoCi- ₆ alkyl, hydroxyCi _-6 alkyl, C ₃ - ₆ cycloalkyl, C ₃ - ₆ cycloalkenyl, C ₂ . ₅ hetero- cycloalkyl comprising 1-4 hetero atoms selected from N, 0 and S, C _2-5 heterocyclo- alkenyl comprising 1-4 hetero atoms selected from N, O and S, aminosulfonylCi. ₆ alkyl, Ci _-3 alkylsulfonylCi- ₆ alkyl, Ci _-3 alkylsulfonylaminoCi _-3 alkyl, C _6- i ₂ aryl or C _1-:L iheteroaryl comprising 1-4 hetero atoms selected from N, 0 and S, wherein said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ . ₆ alkynyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, Ci. ₆ alkylamino, haloCi _-6 alkyl, aminoCi _-6 alkyl, hydroxyCi _-6 alkyl, C _{3- 6} cycloalkyl, C ₃ . ₆ cycloalkenyl, C _2-5 heterocycloalkyl comprising 1-4 hetero atoms selected from N, O and S, C ₂ . ₅ heterocycloalkenyl comprising 1-4 hetero atoms selected from N, 0 and S, aminosulfonylC _1-6 alkyl, Ci-salkylsulfonylaminoCi- ₃ alkyl, C _6- i ₂ aryl or Ci-nheteroaryl comprising 1-4 hetero atoms selected from N, O and S, is optionally substituted with one or more, same or different substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, hydroxy, mercapto, cyano, carboxy, -C(0)H, -NH ₂ , -C(0)NH ₂ , nitro, -S(0) ₂ NH ₂ , d _-6 alkyl, C _2-6 alkenyl, C _2-6 alkynyl, hydroxyCi- ₆ alkyl, haloCi _-6 alkyl, Ci _-4 alkoxy, Ci _-6 alkylamino, or phenyl; as well as stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, or hydrates thereof.

The compounds of the present invention may for example be useful in the treatment of complications associated with chronic kidney disease, such as hyperparathyroidism, e.g. primary and/or secondary hyperparathyroidism, or tertiary hyperparathyroidism. Other complications associated with chronic kidney disease are anemia, cardiovascular diseases, and the compounds of the present invention are also believed to have a beneficial effect on these diseases. The compounds of the present invention may furthermore be useful for promoting osteogenesis and treating or preventing osteo- porosis, such as steroid induced, senile and post-menopausal osteoporosis; osteomalacia and related bone disorders, or for the prevention of bone loss post renal transplantation, or in rescue therapy pre-parathyroidectomy.

It is presently believed that the compounds of the present invention may have advantageous pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic properties, such as prolonged in vivo half-life and prolonged in vivo efficacy, in comparison to known structurally related compounds.

The compounds of formula I, la and lb according to the present invention all contain features that imparts on the molecules a high stability towards human liver microsomes and hepatocytes, as well as increased volumes of distribution in vivo, which may render the compounds of the present invention especially suitable for intravenous or other parenteral administration. In another aspect, the invention relates to the compound of general formula I, la or lb as defined above for use as a medicament in therapy.

In another aspect, the invention relates to the compound of general formula I, la or lb as defined above for use in the treatment, amelioration or prophylaxis of physiological disorders or diseases associated with disturbances of CaSR activity, such as hyperparathyroidism.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula I, la or lb or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, hydrate or in vivo hydrolysable ester thereof together with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or vehicle.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of preventing, treating or ameliorating parathyroid carcinoma, parathyroid adenoma, primary parathyroid hyperplasia, cardiac, renal or intestinal dysfunctions, diseases of the central nervous system, chronic renal failure, chronic kidney disease, polycystic kidney disorder, podocyte- related diseases, primary hyperparathyroidism, secondary hyperparathyroidism, tertiary hyperparathyroidism, anemia, cardiovascular diseases, renal osteodystrophy, osteitis fibrosa, adynamic bone disease, osteoporosis, steroid induced osteoporosis, senile osteoporosis, post-menopausal osteoporosis, osteomalacia and related bone disorders, bone loss post renal transplantation, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, endocrine and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer,

Alzheimer's disease, IBS, IBD, malassimilation, malnutrition, abnormal intestinal motility such as diarrhea, vascular calcification, abnormal calcium homeostasis, hypercalcemia, or renal bone diseases, the method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of general formula I, la or lb, optionally in combination or as supplement with an active vitamin-D sterol or vitamin-D derivative, such as 1-a-hydroxycholecalciferol, ergocaiciferoi, choiecalciferoi, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, Ι-α-25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, or in combination or as supplement with phosphate binders, estrogens, calcitonin or biphosphonates.

In a still further aspect, the invention relates to intermediate compounds useful for the synthesis of compounds according to formula I, la or lb.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

The term "aryl" is intended to indicate a radical of aromatic carbocyclic ring(s) comprising 6-12 or 6-10 carbon atoms, in particular 5- or 6-membered rings, optionally fused carbocyclic rings with at least one aromatic ring, such as phenyl, naphthyl.

The term "heteroaryl" is intended to include radicals of (a) heterocyclic aromatic ring(s), comprising 1-4 heteroatoms (selected from 0, S and N) and 1-10 carbon atoms, such as 1-3 heteroatoms and 1-6 carbon atoms, such as 1-3 heteroatoms and 2-5 carbon atoms, such as 1-2 heteroatoms and 3-5 carbon atoms, e.g. a 5- or 6- membered ring with 1-3 heteroatoms and 2-5 carbon atoms or 2-3 heteroatoms and 2-4 carbon atoms selected from O, S and N, e.g . pyridyl, thiazolyl, 1,2,3-triazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, 1,2,4-pyrazolyl, indolyl, thienyl, furyl, l-benzo[b]thiophenyl, 2,3- dihydro-benzo[l,4]dioxinyl, or 2,3-dihydro-benzofuryl.

The term "cycloalkyl" is intended to indicate a saturated cycloalkane radical or ring, comprising 3-7 carbon atoms, such as 3-6 carbon atoms, such as 4-5 or 5-6 carbon atoms, e.g. cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl.

The term "cycloalkenyl" is intended to indicate a mono-, or di- unsaturated non- aromatic cyclic hydrocarbon radical, comprising 3-8 carbon atoms, such as 4-7, such as 3-6 carbon atoms, such as 4-6 or preferably 5-6 carbon atoms, e.g. cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, or cyclohexenyl. The term "heterocycloalkyl" is intended to indicate a cycloalkyl radical as defined above, such as 4, 5, 6 or 7-membered ring(s), such as 5-6 membered ring, comprising 1-6 or 1-5 carbon atoms and 1-4 heteroatoms selected from 0, N or S, such as 4-5 carbon atoms and 1-3 heteroatoms selected from 0, N, or S, e.g.

morpholino, morpholinyl, piperidyl, and piperazinyl.

The term "heterocycloalkenyl" is intended to indicate a cycloalkenyl radical as defined above, comprising 2-7 carbon atoms, such as 2-6 carbon atoms, in particular a 5- or 6-membered ring, comprising 2-5 carbon atoms and 1-5 hetero atoms (selected from 0, S and N), such as 3-5 carbon atoms and 1-3 hetero atoms, preferably 4-5 carbon atoms and 1-2 hetero atoms selected from 0, S, or N.

The term "halogen" is intended to indicate a substituent from the 7 ^th main group of the periodic table, preferably fluoro, chloro and bromo.

In the present context, the term "alkyl" is intended to indicate the radical obtained when one hydrogen atom is removed from a hydrocarbon. Said alkyl comprises 1-6, preferably 1-4 or 1-3, such as 2-3, carbon atoms. The term includes the subclasses normal alkyl (n-alkyl), secondary and tertiary alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, terf-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl and isohexyl.

The term "alkenyl" is intended to indicate a hydrocarbon radical comprising 1-4 C-C double bonds, e.g. 1, 2 or 3 double bonds and 2-6 carbon atoms, in particular 2-4 carbon atoms, such as 2-3 carbon atoms, e.g. ethenyl, allyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl etc.

The term "alkynyl" is intended to indicate a hydrocarbon radical comprising 1-4 C-C triple bonds, e.g. 1, 2 or 3 triple bonds and 2-6 carbon atoms, in particular 2-4 carbon atoms, such as 2-3 carbon atoms, e.g. ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, or pentynyl.

The term "haloalkyl" is intended to indicate a radical of the formula -R-R', wherein R represents alkyl as indicated above, and R' represents halogen as indicated above, e.g. chloromethyl, fluoromethyl, bromomethyl, chloroethyl fluoroethyl or bromoethyl.

The term "hydroxyalkyl" is intended to indicate a radical of the formula -R-OH, wherein R represents alkyl as indicated above, e.g. hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl. The term "alkoxy" is intended to indicate a radical of the formula -OR, wherein R is alkyl as indicated above, e.g. methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, etc.

The term "aminoalkyl" is intended to indicate a radical of the formula -R-NH ₂ , wherein R represents alkyl as indicated above, e.g. aminomethyl, aminoethyl or aminopropyl.

The term "alkylamino" is intended to indicate a radical of the formula -NH-R, wherein R represents alkyl as defined above, e.g. methylamino, ethylamino, or propylamino. The term "alkylsulfonylalkyl" is intended to indicate a radical of the formula -R-S(0) ₂ - R', wherein R and R' represents alkyl as defined above, e.g. methylsulfonylmethyl, or methylsulfonylethyl.

The term "alkylsulfonylaminoalkyl" is intended to indicate a radical of the formula -R- NH-S(0) ₂ -R, wherein R represents alkyl as defined above, e.g.

methylsulfonylaminomethyl, or methylsulfonylaminoethyl.

The term "aminosulfonylalkyl" is intended to indicate a radical of the formula -R-S(0) ₂ - NH ₂ , wherein R represents alkyl as defined herein, e.g. aminosulfonylmethyl, aminosulfonylethyl, aminosulfonylpropyl.

The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" is intended to indicate salts prepared by reacting a compound of formula I, la or lb with a suitable inorganic or organic acid, such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric, formic, acetic, 2,2-dichloroacetic, adipic, ascorbic, L-aspartic, L-glutamic, galactaric, lactic, maleic, L-malic, phthalic, citric, propionic, benzoic, glutaric, gluconic, D-glucuronic, methanesulfonic, salicylic, succinic, malonic, tartaric, benzenesulfonic, ethane-1,2- disulfonic, 2-hydroxy ethanesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic, sulfamic or fumaric acid. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of formula I or la may also be prepared by reaction with a suitable base such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, ammonia, or suitable non-toxic amines, such as lower alkylamines, for example triethylamine, hydroxy-lower alkyl- amines, for example 2-hydroxyethylamine, bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-amine, cycloalkyl- amines, for example dicyclohexylamine, or benzylamines, for example N,N'-dibenzyl- ethylenediamine, and dibenzylamine, or L-arginine or L-lysine.

The term "solvate" is intended to indicate a species formed by interaction between a compound, e.g. a compound of formula I, la or lb and a solvent, e.g. alcohol, glycerol or water, wherein said species are in a solid form. When water is the solvent, said species is referred to as a hydrate.

Compounds of formula I, la or lb may comprise asymmetrically substituted (chiral) carbon atoms and carbon-carbon double bonds which may give rise to the existence of isomeric forms, e.g. enantiomers, diastereomers and geometric isomers. The present invention includes all such isomers, either in pure form or as mixtures thereof. Pure stereoisomeric forms of the compounds and the intermediates of this invention may be obtained by the application of procedures known by persons skilled in the art. Diaste- reomers may be separated by physical separation methods such as selective crystallization and chromatographic techniques, e. g . liquid chromatography using chi ral stationary phases. Enantiomers may be separated from each other by the selective crystallization of their diastereomeric salts with optically active acids.

Alternatively, enantiomers may be separated by chromatog raphic techniques using chi ral stationary phases. Said pure stereoisomeric forms may also be derived from the corresponding pure stereoisomeric forms of the appropriate starting materials, provided that the reaction occurs stereoselective^ or stereospecifically. Preferably, if a specific stereoisomer is desired, said compound will be synthesized by stereoselective or stereospecific methods of preparation. These methods will advantageously employ chi rally pure starting materials. Likewise, pure geometric isomers may be obtained from the corresponding pure geometric isomers of the appropriate sta rting materials. A mixture of geometric isomers will typically exhibit different physical properties, and they may thus be separated by standard chromatographic techniques well -known in the art.

The present invention further includes prodrugs of compounds of general formula I, la or lb, i.e. derivatives such as esters, ethers, complexes or other derivatives which undergo a biotransformation in vivo before exhibiting their pharmacological effects. The compounds of formula I, la or lb may be obtained in crystalline form either directly by concentration from an organic solvent or by crystallisation or re-crystallisation from an organic solvent or mixture of sa id solvent and a co-solvent that may be organic or inorganic, such as water. The crystals may be isolated in essentially solvent-free form or as a solvate, such as a hydrate. The invention covers all crystalline modifications and forms and also mixtures thereof.

Embodiments

In an embodiment of the present invention compound I represent la or lb

la

lb

In an embodiment of the present invention R ₃ represents methyl.

In an embodiment Ri represents chloro, fluoro, methoxy or ethoxy. In an embodiment R ₂ represents chloro, fluoro, methoxy or ethoxy.

In an embodiment of the present invention Ri represents 4-fluoro and R ₂ represents 3- methoxy. In an embodiment Ri represents chloro and R ₂ represents hydrogen.

In an embodiment of the present invention R ₄ represents -C(0)NH ₂ , Ci. ₄ alkoxy, haloCi- ₄ alkyl, hydroxyCi- ₄ alkyl, aminoCi _-4 alkyl, C ₃ - ₆ cycloalkyl, C ₂ . ₄ heterocycloalkyl comprising 1-3 hetero atoms selected from N and 0, C ₂ - ₄ heterocycloalkenyl comprising 1-3 hetero atoms selected from N and 0, aminosulfonylCi- ₄ alkyl, Ci _-2 alkylsulfonylCi- ₄ alkyl, Ci-

₂ alkylsulfonylaminoC _1-3 alkyl, C _2-5 heteroaryl comprising 1-3 hetero atoms selected from N and 0,

wherein said Ci _-4 alkoxy, haloCi_ ₄ alkyl, hydroxyCi _-4 alkyl, C _3-6 cycloalkyl, C ₂ .

4heterocycloalkyl comprising 1-3 hetero atoms selected from N and 0, C ₂ .

4heterocycloalkenyl comprising 1-3 hetero atoms selected from N and 0,

aminosulfonylCi- ₄ alkyl, Ci. ₂ alkylsulfonylCi. ₄ alkyl, Ci. ₂ alkylsulfonylaminoCi_ ₃ alkyl, C _{2- 5} heteroaryl comprising 1-3 hetero atoms selected from N and O, is optionally further substituted with one or more, same or different substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, hydroxy, mercapto, cyano, carboxy, -C(0)H, -NH ₂ , -C(0)NH ₂ , nitro, -S(0) ₂ NH ₂ , Ci _-4 alkyl, C _2-4 alkenyl, C ₂ . ₄ alkynyl, hydroxyCi _-4 alkyl, haloCi- ₄ alkyl, Ci _-4 alkoxy, Ci _-4 alkylamino, or phenyl.

In an embodiment of the present invention wherein R ₄ represents -C(0)NH ₂ , hydroxyCi. ₃ alkyl, methylsulfonylCi _-2 alkyl, or C ₂ heteroaryl comprising 3 hetero atoms selected from N, wherein said hydroxyCi _-3 alkyl is optionally substituted with hydroxyl, such as -C(0)NH ₂ , hydroxymethyl, dihydroxyethyl, methylsulfonylmethyl or 1,2,4- triazole.

Specific examples of compounds of formula I, la or lb may be selected from the group consisting of

N-[2-[[4-[(lR,3S)-3-[[(lR)-l-(4-fluoro-3-methoxy-phenyl)ethy l]amino]cyclopentyl]- benzoyl]amino]ethyl]-lH-l,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide (Compound 101),

N-[2-(2,3-dihydroxypropanoylamino)ethyl]-4-[(lR,3S)-3-[[(lR) -l-(4-fluoro-3- methoxy-phenyl)ethyl]amino]cyclopentyl]benzamide (Compound 102),

4-[(lR,3S)-3-[[(lR)-l-(4-fluoro-3-methoxy-phenyl)ethyl]am ino]cyclopentyl]-N-[2-[(2- hydroxyacetyl)amino]ethyl]benzamide (Compound 103),

N-[2-[[4-[(lR,3S)-3-[[(lR)-l-(4-fluoro-3-methoxy-phenyl)e thyl]amino]-cyclopentyl]- benzoyl]amino]ethyl]oxamide (Compound 104), or

4-[(lR,3S)-3-[[(lR)-l-(4-fluoro-3-methoxy-phenyl)ethyl]amino ]cyclopentyl]-N-[2-[(2- methylsulfonylacetyl)amino]ethyl]benzamide (Compound 105) . Specific examples of intermediates for the preparation of compounds of formula I may be selected from the group consisting of:

Methyl 4-[(lR)-3-oxocyclopentyl]benzoate (Intermediate 1),

Methyl 4-[(lR,3S)-3-[[(lR)-l-(4-fluoro-3-methoxy-phenyl)ethyl]-amin o] cyclopentyl]- benzoate (Intermediate 2),

4-[(lR,3S)-3-[[(lR)-l-(4-fluoro-3-methoxy-phenyl)ethyl]am ino]-cyclopentyl]benzoic acid (Intermediate 3), or

N-(2-Amino-ethyl)-4-{(lS,3R)-3-[(lR)-l-(4-fluoro-3-methoxy-p henyl)-ethylamino]- cyclopentyl}-benzamide (Intermediate 4) . Pharmaceutical compositions

For use in therapy, compounds of the present invention are typically in the form of a pharmaceutical composition. The invention therefore relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula I, la or lb, optionally together with one or more other therapeutically active compound(s), together with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or vehicle. The excipient must be "acceptable" in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the composition and not deleterious to the recipient thereof. Conveniently, the active ingredient comprises from 0.05-99.9% by weight of the formulation.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be in unit dosage form such as tablets, pills, capsules, powders, granules, elixirs, syrups, emulsions, ampoules, suppositories or parenteral solutions or suspensions; for oral, parenteral, opthalmic, transdermal, intra-articular, topical, pulmonal, nasal, buccal or rectal administration or in any other manner appropriate for the formulation of compounds used in nephrology and in accordance with accepted practices such as those disclosed in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 21 ^st ed., 2000, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. In the composition of the invention, the active component may be present in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 99%, such as 0.1% to about 10 % by weight of the composition.

For oral administration in the form of a tablet or capsule, a compound of formula I, la or lb may suitably be combined with an oral, non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable carrier such as ethanol, glycerol, water or the like. Furthermore, suitable binders, lubricants, disintegrating agents, flavouring agents and colourants may be added to the mixture, as appropriate. Suitable binders include, e.g., lactose, glucose, starch, gelatin, acacia gum, tragacanth gum, sodium alginate, carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, waxes or the like. Lubricants include, e.g., sodium oleate, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium chloride or the like. Disintegrating agents include, e.g., starch, methyl cellulose, agar, bentonite, xanthan gum or the like. Additional excipients for capsules include macrogols or lipids. For the preparation of solid compositions such as tablets, the active compound of formula I, la or lb is mixed with one or more excipients, such as the ones described above, and other pharmaceutical diluents such as water to make a solid preformulation composition containing a homogenous mixture of a compound of formula I, la or lb. The term "homogenous" is understood to mean that the compound of formula I, la or lb is dispersed evenly throughout the composition so that the composition may readily be subdivided into equally effective unit dosage forms such as tablets or capsules. The preformulation composition may then be subdivided into unit dosage forms containing from about 0.05 to about 1000 mg, in particular from about 0.1 to about 500 mg, e.g. 10-200mg, such as 30- 180 mg, such as 20-50 mg of the active compound of the invention.

In the form of a dosage unit, the compound may be administered one or more times a day at appropriate intervals, always depending, however, on the condition of the patient, and in accordance with the prescription made by the medical practitioner. Conveniently, a dosage unit of a formulation contain between 0.1 mg and 1000 mg, preferably between 1 mg and 100 mg, such as 5-50 mg of a compound of formula I, la or lb.

A suitable dosage of the compound of the invention will depend, inter alia, on the age and condition of the patient, the severity of the disease to be treated and other factors well known to the practising physician. The compound may be administered either orally, parenterally, intravenously or topically according to different dosing schedules, e.g. daily or with weekly intervals. In general a single dose will be in the range from 0.01 to 400 mg/kg body weight. The compound may be administered as a bolus (i.e. the entire daily dosis is administered at once) or in divided doses two or more times a day. If the treatment involves administration of another therapeutically active compound it is recommended to consult Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9 ^th Ed ., J.G. Hardman and L.E. Limbird (Eds.), McGraw-Hill 1995, for useful dosages of said compounds. The administration of a compound of the present invention with one or more other active compounds may be either concomitantly or sequentially.

Liquid formulations for either oral or parenteral administration of the compound of the invention include, e.g ., aqueous solutions, syrups, aqueous or oil suspensions and emulsion with edible oils such as cottonseed oil, sesame oil, coconut oil or peanut oil. Suitable dispersing or suspending agents for aqueous suspensions include synthetic or natural gums such as tragacanth, alginate, acacia, dextran, sodium

carboxymethylcellulose, gelatin, methylcellulose or polyvinylpyrolidone.

For parenteral administration, e.g. intramuscular, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous or intravenous injection or infusion, the pharmaceutical composition preferably comprises a compound of formula I, la or lb dissolved or solubilised in an appropriate, pharmaceutically acceptable solvent. For parenteral administration, the composition of the invention may include a sterile aqueous or non-aqueous solvent, in particular water, isotonic saline, isotonic glucose solution, buffer solution or other solvent conventionally used for parenteral administration of therapeutically active substances. The composition may be sterilised by, for instance, filtration through a bacteria- retaining filter, addition of a sterilising agent to the composition, irradiation of the composition, or heating the composition. Alternatively, the compound of the invention may be provided as a sterile, solid preparation, e.g. a freeze-dried powder, which is dissolved in sterile solvent immediately prior to use.

The composition intended for parenteral administration may additionally comprise conventional additives such as stabilisers, buffers or preservatives, e.g. antioxidants such as methyl hydroxybenzoate or the like.

Compositions for rectal administration may be in the form of a suppository incorporating the active ingredient and a carrier such as cocoa butter, or in the form of an enema.

Compositions suitable for intra-articular administration may be in the form of a sterile aqueous preparation of the active ingredient which may be in microcrystaiiine form, for example, in the form of an aqueous microcrystaiiine suspension. Liposomal formulations or biodegradable polymer systems may also be used to present the active ingredient for both intra-articular and ophthalmic administration.

Compositions suitable for topical administration, including ophthalmic treatment, include liquid or semi-liquid preparations such as liniments, lotions, gels, applicants, oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions such as creams, ointments or pastes; or solutions or suspensions such as drops. For topical administration, the compound of formula I, la or lb may typically be present in an amount of from 0.01 to 20% by weight of the composition, such as 0.1% to about 10 %, but may also be present in an amount of up to about 50% of the composition. Compositions for ophthalmic treatment may preferably additionally contain a cyclodextrin. Compositions suitable for administration to the nasal or buccal cavity or for inhalation include powder, self- propelling and spray formulations, such as aerosols and atomizers. Such compositions may comprise a compound of formula I, la or lb in an amount of 0.01-20%, e.g. 2%, by weight of the composition.

The composition may additionally comprise one or more other active components conventionally used in the treatment of physiological disorders or diseases associated with disturbances of CaSR activity, such as hyperparathyroidism. Pharmacological methods

The calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) and its use in identifying or screening for calcimimetic compounds has e.g. been described in EP 637 237, EP 1 296 142, EP 1 100 826, EP 1 335 978, and EP 1 594 446.

In vitro and in vivo methods for testing the compounds of the present invention are well established and may be found in the references listed above, or e.g. in Journal of Biological Chemistry (2004), 279(8), 7254-7263 or in US 5 858 684 and references cited therein.

Biological assay for analysis of in vitro activity

The assay investigates a compound's functional ability to act as a biological positive modulator on the human CaSR. Activation of the receptor expressed on CHO-Kl cells is detected through the G alpha q pathway, the activation of phospholipase C and the accumulation of intracellular inositol phosphate (IP) as described earlier [Sandrine Ferry, Bruno Chatel, Robert H. Dodd, Christine Lair, Danielle Gully, Jean-Pierre Maffrand, and Martial Ruat. Effects of Divalent Cations and of a Calcimimetic on Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Release in Pituitary Tumor Cells. Biochemical and biophysical research Communications 238, 866-873 (1997)]. The human CaSR is stably expressed on a CHO-Kl cell clone, stimulated with a basal level of calcium and challenged with the tested compound. The level of IPl is determined using the IP-One Terbium htrf kit (Cisbio, France). CHO-Kl cells not transfected with the CaSR fail to elicit an IPl response upon calcium and/or compound stimulation. Cloning of the human CaSR gene

The ORF coding for the human CaSR (genebank: NM_000388) was acquired from Invitrogen Corp, USA and subsequently cloned into the mammalian expression vector PCDA3.1. Generation of cell line expressing CaSR

CHO-Kl cells were transfected using Lipofectamine according to manufacturer's protocol (400.000 cells/well were seeded in a 6-well plate and transfected after 24 hours using 2 g DNA and 5 μΙ lipofectamine). After another 24 hours the cells were detached, seeded and subjected to lmg/ml of G-418. Following 7 days growth single clones were picked, the CaSR expression evaluated using the 5C10 antibody against CaSR, the clones with the highest expression were selected and tested for functional response. The preferred clone was cultured according to standard procedures described in ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) protocols for CHO-Kl with the addition of 500pg/ml G-418. Functional whole cell assay

On the assay day, cells were thawed, harvested and resuspended to 4*10 ⁶ cells/ml in stimulation buffer (containing : Hepes lOmM, MgCI ₂ 0.5mM, KCI 4.2mM, NaCI 146mM, glucose 5.5mM, LiCI 50 mM, BSA 0.5% at pH 7.4). Ten μΙ cell solution was pipetted into wells of a white 384-well plate (Perkin Elmer Optiplate) containing 2 μΙ compound diluted in assay buffer (containing : Hepes lOmM, MgCI ₂ 0.5mM, KCI 4.2mM, NaCI 146mM, glucose 5.5mM, LiCI 50 mM, CaCI ₂ 11.4 mM at pH 7.4), resulting in a final Ca ²⁺ concentration of 1.9 mM. After compound stimulation for 1 hour at 37 ⁰ C and 15 min at room temperature, 10 ul of IP-One assay detection reagent (prepared as described by the IP-One assay kit manufacturer) was added and the plate was incubated for another 1 hour at room temperature. Finally the plate was read using a Perkin Elmer EnVision, according to the protocol supplied by the IP-One assay kit manufacturer. The FRET ratio was calculated by dividing the 665 nm emission signal with that of the 615 nm.

The molar concentration of a compound that produces 50% of the maximum agonistic response (the IC50 value) is calculated according to the equation "General sigmoidal curve with Hill slope, a to d" (Equation 1). This model describes a sigmoidal curve with an adjustable baseline. The equation can be used to fit curves where response is either increasing or decreasing with respect to the independent variable, X.

Equation 1. y = (a - d) / (1 + (x / c) b) + d Parameters:

x = concentration of tested compound

y = response (%)

a = min response as compound concentration approaches 0

d = max response as concentration of tested compound is increasing

c = IC50 for the curve

b = Hill coefficient or curve slope

Assay results using compounds of the present invention indicate that compounds of the present invention are potent modulators of CaSR, thus making them potentially useful in the treatment of diseases related to kidneys or bones.

See table 1.

Biological assay for analysis of clearance in human liver microsomes Test compound concentration is 0.5 μΜ, microsome concentration is 0.5 mg/mL and NADPH concentration is 1 mM in the incubation. The described method is performed by the liquid handling system Tecan RSP and is based on a 96-well format. Control incubations with test compound without NADPH and test compound without microsomes are conducted to investigate non-CYP mediated metabolism and stability in phosphate buffer at 37 °C, respectively.

Incubation conditions

The human liver microsomal suspension in phosphate buffer is mixed with NADPH. The mixture is pre-heated (7 min) to 37 °C. Test compound is added, and the mixture is incubated for 30 minutes. Incubations are run in duplicate. Samples are withdrawn at predetermined stop times and mixed with methanol containing internal standard (IS) to terminate all enzyme activity and precipitate proteins. A control without NADPH (to detect problems such as nonspecific protein binding, heat instability or non-CYP mediated metabolism) and a control without microsomes (for assessing compound stability in the absence of any active enzymes) are tested.

The percentage of organic solvent in the incubations is less than 1%. Careful inspections of reagents are performed prior to the start of any experiment to ensure all reagents are in solution.

Sample analysis

The 96-well plates are centrifuged. Test compound depletion, using a compound specific LC/MS/MS method, is determined.

The logarithm of the peak area ratios of test compound to internal standard (IS) versus incubation time is plotted in a graph. The rate constant (k) (min ^"1 ) of test compound depletion is calculated from the linear part of the curve and the half-time (t _1/2 ) in minutes can be calculated from the rate constant (Eq. 2).

Intrinsic clearance (Cl _int ) (mL/min/mg protein) is calculated from: Cl _int = k / c (Eq. 3)

where c is the microsomal protein concentration in mg/mL. Intrinsic clearance is the maximum ability of the liver to extract a drug in the absence of blood flow restrictions. Conversion to apparent clearance (Cl _app ) (mL/min/kg) is done by Eq. 4:

Clapp ⁼ CI _int x a x b/d (Eq. 4)

where a, b and d are the scaling factors for normalizing Cl _int to human body weight. The following human scaling factors are used :

a : 45 (microsomal protein / liver weight (mg/g))

b: 1500 (liver weight (g))

d : 70 (body weight (kg)) Hepatic clearance (Cl _h ) (mL/min/kg) based on the well-stirred model is described as followed :

Clh = (Cl _app ^■ Q) / (Cl _app + Q) (Eq. 5) where Q is the liver blood flow in mL/min/kg (20 in humans).

Dividing hepatic clearance with liver blood flow, the hepatic extraction ratio (%) can be calculated : E _h = Cl _h / Q ^■ 100 (Eq. 6)

Apparent clearance below approximately 10 mL/min/kg human body weight

(corresponding to extraction ratio of approx. 33%) is considered as low clearance (high metabolic stability). Apparent intrinsic clearance above approximately 60 mL/min/kg human body weight (corresponding to extraction ratio of approx. 75%) is considered as high clearance (low metabolic stability).

Results for compounds according to the present invention tested in the above assay are shown in table 1.

Biological assay for analysis of clearance in rat hepatocytes

Test compounds and 4 control compounds are tested in duplicate per run. Test compound concentration is 0.5 μΜ and cell concentration is lxlO ⁶ cells/mL in the incubation. The described method is performed by the liquid handling system Tecan RSP and is based on a 96-well format. The liver is collected from a male Spraque-Dawley rat. One liver lobe is cut off and flushed with various buffers to loosen the cells. The cell suspension is washed and centrifuged, and the cell density is adjusted to 1.2 x 10 ⁶ cells/mL with Krebs-Henseleit buffer, pH 7.4, containing 0.2% bovine serum albumin (BSA). Only cell suspensions with viability above 80% are used.

Incubation conditions

The cell suspension is pre-heated (20 min) to 37 °C. Test compound is added, and the mixture is incubated for 20 minutes. Incubations are run in duplicate. Samples are withdrawn at predetermined stop times and mixed with methanol containing internal standard (IS) to terminate all enzyme activity and precipitate proteins.

The percentage of organic solvent in the incubations is less than 1%. Careful inspections of reagents are performed prior to the start of any experiment to ensure all reagents are in solution.

Sample analysis

The 96-well plates are centrifuged. Test compound depletion, using a compound specific LC/MS/MS method, is determined. Data analysis

Data analysis is performed as described above in the section "Biological assay for analysis of clearance in human liver microsomes", with the following modifications:

Intrinsic clearance (Clint) (mL/min/10 ⁶ cells) is calculated from:

Clint = k / C where c is the cell concentration in 10 ⁶ cells/mL. The following scaling factors for rat are used in eq. 4:

a : 120 (cells / liver weight (10 ^s cells/g))

b: 10 (liver weight (g))

d : 0.25 (body weight (kg)) Liver blood flow in rats (for eq. 5) :

Q: 55 mL/min/kg

Apparent clearance below approximately 25 mL/min/kg rat body weight

(corresponding to an extraction ratio of approx. 33%) is considered as low clearance (high metabolic stability). Apparent intrinsic clearance above approximately 165 mL/min/kg rat body weight (corresponding to an extraction ratio of approx. 75%) is considered as high clearance (low metabolic stability). Results for compounds according to the present invention tested in the above assay are shown in table 1.

Table 1. Pharmacokinetic data for compounds of the present invention.

Methods of preparation

The compounds of general formula I can be prepared in a number of ways well known to those skilled in the art of organic synthesis. The compounds of formula I can be synthesised using the methods outlined below, together with methods known in the art of synthetic organic chemistry, or variations thereof as appreciated by those skilled in the art. Preferred methods include, but are not limited to, those described below.

The compounds of formula I can be prepared by techniques and procedures readily available to one of ordinary skill in the art, for example by following the procedures as set forth in the following schemes. The reactions are performed in solvents appropriate to the reagents and materials employed and suitable for the transformations being effected. Also, in the synthetic methods described below, it is to be understood that all proposed reaction conditions, including choice of solvent, reaction atmosphere, reaction temperature, duration of experiment and work-up procedures, are chosen to be conditions of standard for that reaction, which should be readily recognised by one skilled in the art. It is understood by one skilled in the art of organic synthesis that the functionalities present on various portions of the starting molecules in a reaction must be compatible with the reagents and reactions proposed. Not all compounds of formula I falling into a given class may be compatible with some of the reaction conditions required in some of the methods described. Such restrictions to the substituents which are compatible with the reaction conditions will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art and alternative methods can be used. The schemes described in this section are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. All substituents, unless otherwise indicated, are previously defined. The reagents and starting materials are either available from commercial suppliers or prepared by methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art following procedures set forth in references such as Fieser and Fieser's Reagents for Organic Synthesis, Volumes 1-22 (John Wiley and Sons, 2004); Rodd's Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, Volumes 1-5 and Supplements (Elsevier Science Publishers, 2000);

Organic Reactions, Volumes 1-64 (John Wiley and Sons, 2004); March's Advanced Organic Chemistry (John Wiley and Sons, 5 ^th Edition) and Larock's Comprehensive Organic Transformations (VCH Publishers Inc., 1999). These schemes are merely illustrative of some methods by which the compounds of this invention can be synthesised, and various modifications to these schemes can be made and will be suggested to one skilled in the art having referred to this disclosure. The starting materials and the intermediates of the reactions may be isolated and purified if desired using conventional techniques, including but not limited to filtration, distillation, crystallisation, chromatography and the like. Such materials may be characterised using conventional means, including physical constants and spectral data.

Compounds of general formula I may be obtained by amide formation between amine II and a carboxylic acid or an acid chloride III (X=OH or halogen) :

a. Standard amide coupling between II and III (X = OH) may involve the activation of the carboxylic acid using reagents such as EDAC, DIC, DCC, CDI, PyBOP, HOBt, HATU or HOAt in solvents such as DMF, THF, DCM, MeCN or H ₂ 0 or mixtures thereof, optionally in the presence of a base such as Et ₃ N or DIPEA.

Amide coupling between II and an acid chloride III (X = halogen) may be carried out in solvents such as DCM, THF, DMF, chloroform, acetonitrile, H ₂ 0 or mixtures thereof in the presence of a base such as KOH, pyridine, DMAP, Et ₃ N, DIPEA, or K ₂ C0 ₃ . Compounds of general formula II may be prepared from alkyl esters of general formula IV, either directly in 1 step, or in 2 steps via the carboxylic acid .

b. The alkyl ester IV may be converted directly to amides of the general formula II by reaction with excess ethylene diamine. The reaction may be carried out in a solvent such as, but not limited to, MeOH, EtOH, DCM, H ₂ 0, THF, DMF, or dioxane and with optional heating .

c. Alternatively, the alkyl ester IV may be hydrolysed to the carboxylic acid V, which subsequently is converted to the amide II by coupling with excess ethylene diamine. The hydrolysis may be carried out using a base such as NaOH, LiOH or KOH or a mineral acid such as HCI or H ₂ S0 ₄ in solvents such as MeOH, EtOH, or H ₂ 0 or mixtures thereof.

d. The subsequent amide formation may be carried out as described above for the coupling of II and III (X = OH).

V

In steps b and d described above, ethylenediamine may be replaced by mono- protected ethylenediamine such as BOC-ethylenediamine, N-CBZ-ethylenediamine, or N-(2-amino-ethyl)-phthalimide. In such cases, the protected intermediate thus formed must be deprotected by standard procedures to afford II.

Compounds of general formula IV may be prepa red by reductive amination between a cyclopentanone of general formula VI and an amine of general formula VII. The reaction between ketone VI and amine VII may be carried out either by one-pot reductive amination or with isolation of the imine followed by reduction .

e

VI VII IV

e. The formation of the intermediate iminium may be promoted by addition of a protic or aprotic acid such as, but not limited to, acetic acid, Yb(OAc) ₃ and Ti(Oi-Pr) ₄ . The reducing agent may be but is not limited to Na(CN)BH ₃ , NaBH ₄ , Na(OAc) ₃ BH (for other non-limiting conditions see Org. React. 2002, 59, 1-714 and references cited therein) . f. The formation of the imine is promoted either by Lewis acids such as TiCI ₄ , ZnC , AICI3 or by bases such as pyridine, optionally in the presence of a drying agent such as TiCU or molecular sieve (see Comprehensive Organic Functionnal Group

Transformations 3, 403 ( 1995) Pergamon) .

g. Reduction may be performed by hydrogenation in the presence of a catalyst such as Pd/C, Pt/C or a chiral rhodium complex to perform the reaction in a stereoselective manner or by hydride transfer from a reducing agent such as BH ₃ , NaBH ₄ , NaBH ₃ CN, LiAIH ₄ , L-selectride (see Larock R. C. Comprehensive Organic Transformations 1989, VCH Comprehensive Organic Functional Group Transformations 2, 268-269 (2005) Pergamon and references cited therein).

The cyclopentanone VI may be prepared from 2-cyclopentenones in 1 or 2 steps:

h. Coupling reaction with VIII (an arylhalide or pseudo halide such as triflate) in the presence of a palladium source such as Pd(OAc) ₂ , PdCI ₂ (PPh ₃ ) ₂ , a base such as NEt ₃ , K ₂ C0 ₃ , NaHC0 ₃ , optionally with a phosphine such PPh ₃ , P(o-Tol) ₃ , 1,3- bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (dppp), optionally in the presence of a salt like NBu ₄ CI, AgN0 ₃ in a solvent such as DMF or acetonitrile. Alternatively a decarboxylative Heck- type coupling may be performed using an aryl carboxylic acid (M = COOH) (Org. Lett. 2004, 6, 433).

i. Chemospecific reduction of the double bond may be performed under numerous conditions. The hydrogen source may be H ₂ , water, Hantzsch esters. Metal-based catalysts such as Pd/C, Pd(PPh ₃ ) ₄ , supported PdCI ₂ , Rh-, Co-, Cu-, Ir-based catalysts may be used. Stereoselectivity may be achieved by addition of a chiral auxiliary such as but not limited to enantiopure binaphtol phosphate derivatives/valine,

imidazolidinone iminiums, bidentate phosphines.

Alternatively, the cyclopentanone VI may be prepared from cyclopentenones in 1 step by 1,4-addition.

j. Reaction with an arylmetal VIII in which M may be Li, Mg halide, trialkyltin, boronic acid, boronic acid ester, optionally in the presence of a metal complex such as PdCI ₂ , Pd(OAc) ₂ , Pd(PPh ₃ ) ₄ , (acac)Rh(CO) ₂ , l\li(acac) ₂ , (COD)Rh(l,4-dihydroquinone)BF ₄ with a ligand typically phosphine-based such as PBu ₃ , PPh ₃ , 1,3- bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (dppp), 1,3-hydroquinone or 1,4-hydroquinone in solvents such as DMF, THF, water, toluene, dioxane, dimethoxyethane. The reaction may be performed stereoselectively by using catalysts with a chiral ligand as a pure enantiomer such as BINAP, phosphoramidite, Me-DuPHOS.

Diastereomeric mixtures of I, II, IV, and V may be separated using straight phase chromatography on silica gel, preparative HPLC or by chiral HPLC. The reaction sequence described above may be carried out in a different order, as in the following example:

IX

I

The individual steps a re carried out in a similar fashion as described previously.

Furthermore, ethylenediamine may be replaced by mono-protected ethylenediamine reagents as described previously. In such cases, a protected intermediate is formed which must be deprotected by standard procedures.

Chiral amines of the general formula VII are commercially available or may be prepared from readily available aldehydes by catalytic asymmetric synthesis using tert- butanesulfinamide according to Liu, G. ; Cogan, D.A. ; Ellmann, J. A., J. Amer. Chem. Soc, 1997, 114, 9913.

The invention is described in further detail in the following non-limiting examples which are not in any way intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed.

EXAMPLES

General

For ^X H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra (300 MHz) and ¹³ C NMR (75.6 MHz) chemical shift values (δ) (in ppm) are quoted for dimethyl-c/ ₆ sulfoxide (DMSO-d ₆ ) or CDCb solutions relative to internal tetramethylsilane (δ = 0) standard. The value of a multiplet, either defined (doublet (d), triplet (t), quartet (q), doublet of doublets (dd), doublet of triplets (dt)) or not (m) at the approximate mid-point is given unless a range is quoted, (bs) indicates a broad singlet. The ES mass spectra were obtained on a VG Quattro II triple quadrapole mass spectrometer (Micromass, Manchester, UK) operating in either positive or negative eiectrospray mode with a cone voltage of 30V. The microwave reactor used was the model Initiator™ from Biotage.

The organic solvents used were anhydrous unless otherwise specified. Flash chromatography was performed on silica gel from Fluka Chemie GmbH, Switzerland.

Chemicals unless otherwise noted were from commercial sources, e.g. Aldrich, Maybridge Chemical, Fluka or ABCR.

Abbreviations

ACAC Acetyl acetonate

BOC tert-Butyl oxycarbonyl

CBZ Carboxybenzyl

CDI Ν,Ν'-Carbonyl diimidazole

COD 1,5-Cyclooctadiene

DCC N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide

DCM Dichloromethane

DIC Di-isopropyl carbodiimide

DIPEA Diisopropyl ethylamine

DMF N,N-Dimethyl formamide

DMSO Dimethylsulfoxide

Me-DuPhos 2,2',5,5'-Tetramethyl-l,l-(o-phenylene)diphospholane

EDAC N-Ethyl N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride

HATU (2-(7-Aza-lH-benzotriazole-l-yl)-l,l,3,3-tetramethyluronium

hexafluorophosphate)

HOAt l-Hydroxy-7-Azabenzotriazole

HOBt 1-Hydroxy-benzotriazole

NMP N-methylpyrrolidinone

P(o-Tol) ₃ tri-o-tolylphosphine

PyBOP benzotriazol-l-yl-oxytripyrrolidinophosphonium hexafluorophosphate

RT Retention time

rt room temperature

Flash chromatography was performed on silica gel. Appropriate mixtures of ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, methanol, and heptane were used as eluents unless otherwise noted. [Rh(R-BINAP)(nbd)]BF ₄ was prepared according to the procedure described in Itooka, R.; Iguchi, Y. ; Miyaura, N. ; J. Org . Chem., 2003, 68, 6000.

HPLC purifications of the crude products were performed by using Waters LC-MS system [column : Waters X Terra C18, 5 μΐη or Luna C18 100 A 5μ; Size: 250 χ 10.00 mm (Phenomenex)]; Sample Manager: Waters 2767; Pump: Waters 2525; Single Quadrupole: Waters ZQ; PDA-detector: Waters 2996), solventsystem: A = 50 mM Ammonium hydrogencarbonate and B = acetonitrile; flow rate = 18 mL/min. Table 2. Exemplified compounds of general formula I :

Table 3 : Exemplified intermediates:

Intermediate Structure

Intermediate 1: Methyl 4-[( lR)-3-oxocyclopentyl]benzoate

[Rh(R-BINAP)(nbd)]BF ₄ (27 mg, 0.03 mmol) and 4-methoxycarbonylphenylboronic acid (270 mg, 1.5 mmol) were added to a 25 mL-flask containing a magnetic stirring bar and a septum inlet. The flask was flushed with argon. Triethylamine (152 mg, 1.5 mmol) and 2-cyclopenten-l-one (82 mg, 1.0 mmol) dissolved in 1,4-dioxane - H ₂ 0 (6: 1, 3 ml_) were then added. The mixture was stirred for 6 h at 25 °C. Brine was added, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried and concentration in vacuo. The residue was purified on silica (0-30% EtOAc/heptane) to afford the title compound.

1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO) δ 7.96 - 7.88 (m, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.56 - 3.41 (m, 1H), 2.64 - 2.52 (m, 1H), 2.42 - 2.22 (m, 4H), 2.03 - 1.83 (m, 1H).

Intermediate 2: Methyl 4-[( lR,3S)-3-[[(lR)-l-(4-Fluoro-3-methoxy-phenyl)- ethyl]-amino]cyclopentyl]benzoate

To a solution of Intermediate 1 in DMF (0.38M) were added (lR)-l-(4-fluoro-3- methoxyphenyl)ethylamine hydrochloride (1.1 eq.), glacial AcOH (1.2 eq.) and NaBH(OAc) ₃ (1.4 eq.). The mixture was stirred at r.t. overnight and filtered. The resulting isomers were separated by flash chromatography (gradient of 0-50% EtOAc in heptane containing 3% Et ₃ N). The faster eluting peak was isolated to afford the title compound 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO) δ 7.86 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (dd, J = 8.7, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.09 (dd, J = 11.5, 8.3 Hz, 1H), 6.92 - 6.84 (m, 1H), 3.82 (2 s, 6H), 3.80 - 3.70 (m, 1H), 2.96 (dd, J = 19.0, 8.6 Hz, 2H), 2.22 - 2.02 (m, 2H), 2.01 - 1.52 (m, 4H), 1.41 - 1.27 (m, 1H), 1.23 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 3H).

Intermediate 3: 4-[(lR,3S)-3-[[(lR)-l-(4-Fluoro-3-methoxy-phenyl) ethyl]- amino]-cyclopentyl]benzoic acid

Intermediate 2 (89 mg, 0.24 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (1 mL) and treated with 2M NaOH at rt for 2 h. After removal of the solvent in vacuo, pH was adjust to 4 with 2M acetic acid. The resulting precipitate was collected on a filter, washed with water and dried to afford the title compound.

1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO) δ 7.78 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 3H), 7.10 (dd, J = 11.5, 8.3 Hz, 1H), 6.89 (ddd, J = 8.2, 4.5, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 3.85 - 3.73 (m, 4H), 2.98 - 2.82 (m, 2H), 2.14 - 2.01 (m, 1H), 1.97 - 1.54 (m, 4H), 1.36 (td, J = 11.7, 8.9 Hz, 1H), 1.25 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 3H).

Intermediate 4: N-(2-Amino-ethyl)-4-{(lS,3R)-3-[( lR)-l-(4-fluoro-3- methoxy-phenyl)-ethylamino]-cyclopentyl}-benzamide

To a solution of Intermediate 3 (100 mg, 0.28 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) were added EDAC (107 mg, 0.56 mmol), HOBt (38 mg, 0.28 mmol) and ethylenediamine (110 μΙ, 6 eq). After stirring for 1 h at rt, the solution was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were dried and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was used without further purification.

1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOH) δ 7.86 - 7.77 (m, 2H), 7.38 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.27 (dd, J = 8.0, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (dd, J = 11.0, 8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.06 (ddd, J = 8.4, 4.1, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 4.45 (q, J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.65 (t, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.61 - 3.49 (m, 1H), 3.23 - 3.10 (m, 3H), 2.50 - 2.36 (m, 1H), 2.33 - 1.64 (m, 8H).

General procedure 1 (GP1) :

Example 1: N-[2-[[4-[(lR,3S)-3-[[( lR)-l-(4-Fluoro-3-methoxy-phenyl) ethyl]-amino]cyclopentyl]benzoyl]amino]ethyl]-lH-l,2,4-triaz ole-3- carboxamide (Compound 101)

To a solution of Intermediate 4 (719 mg, 1.8 mmol) in dry DMF (12 mL) was added HOBt (276 mg, 2 mmol) and EDAC (517 mg, 2.7 mmol), and the mixture was stirred at rt for 4 hours. lH-l,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylic acid (200 mg, 1.8 mmol) was then added, and stirring was continued overnight at rt. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the crude purified by flash chromatography (30% MeOH/DCM), affording the title compound in 78% yield. *H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.70 (br m, IH), 8.48 (br m, IH), 8.41 (s, IH), 7.76 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (dd, J = 8.6, 1.6 Hz, IH), 7.10 (dd, J = 11.5, 8.3 Hz, IH), 6.89 (ddd, J = 8.1, 4.4, 1.8 Hz, IH), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.78 (q, J = 6.6 Hz, IH), 3.46 (br m, 4H), 3.04 - 2.85 (m, 2H), 2.15 - 1.54 (m, 6H), 1.43 - 1.19 (m, 4H).

Example 2: N-[2-(2,3-Dihydroxypropanoylamino)ethyl]-4-[(lR,3S)-3-[[( lR)- l-(4-fluoro-3-methoxy-phenyl)ethyl]amino]cyclopentyl]benzami de

(Compound 102)

Prepared according to GP1 from Intermediate 4 and 2,3-dihydroxypropanoic acid. *H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.41 - 8.29 (m, IH), 7.94 - 7.85 (m, IH), 7.73 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.30 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.20 - 7.14 (m, IH), 7.10 (dd, J = 11.5, 8.3 Hz, IH), 6.93 - 6.84 (m, IH), 5.48 (d, J = 5.4 Hz, IH), 4.64 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, IH), 3.92 - 3.71 (m, 5H), 3.64 - 3.16 (m, 6H), 3.03 - 2.84 (m, 2H), 2.17 - 2.00 (m, IH), 2.00 - 1.51 (m, 4H), 1.43 - 1.28 (m, IH), 1.24 (d, J = 6.5 Hz, 3H).

Example 3: 4-[(lR,3S)-3-[[(lR)-l-(4-Fluoro-3-methoxy-phenyl)ethyl] amino]cyclopentyl]-N-[2-[(2-hydroxyacetyl)amino]ethyl]benzam ide

(Compound 103)

Prepared according to GP1 from Intermediate 4 and 2-hydroxyacetic acid.

*H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.41 (t, J = 4.9 Hz, IH), 7.93 (d, J = 5.4 Hz, IH), 7.74 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (dd, J = 8.6, 1.9 Hz, IH), 7.10 (dd, J = 11.5, 8.3 Hz, IH), 6.89 (ddd, J = 8.2, 4.5, 2.0 Hz, IH), 3.87 - 3.71 (m, 6H), 3.41 - 3.23 (m, 4H), 3.02 - 2.84 (m, 2H), 2.16 - 2.02 (m, IH), 2.00 - 1.53 (m, 4H), 1.36 (td, J = 11.7, 8.8 Hz, IH), 1.25 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 3H).

Example 4: N-[2-[[4-[(lR,3S)-3-[[( lR)-l-(4-Fluoro-3-methoxy-phenyl) ethyl ]amino]cyclopentyl] benzoyl ]amino]ethyl]oxamide (Compound 104)

Prepared according to GP1 from Intermediate 4 and aminooxoacetic acid.

1H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.79 (t, J = 5.9 Hz, IH), 8.44 (t, J = 5.5 Hz, IH), 8.05 (s, IH), 7.79 - 7.69 (m, 3H), 7.30 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (dd, J = 8.6, 1.7 Hz, IH),

7.10 (dd, J = 11.5, 8.2 Hz, IH), 6.88 (ddd, J = 8.1, 4.3, 1.8 Hz, IH), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.79 - 3.72 (m, IH), 3.42 - 3.24 (m, 4H), 2.98 - 2.86 (m, 2H), 2.23 - 2.15 (m, IH),

2.11 - 2.03 (m, IH), 1.96 - 1.87 (m, IH), 1.85 - 1.75 (m, IH), 1.72 - 1.63 (m, IH), 1.63 - 1.55 (m, IH), 1.34 (td, J = 11.7, 8.8 Hz, IH), 1.23 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 3H).

Example 5: 4-[(lR,3S)-3-[[(lR)-l-(4-Fluoro-3-methoxy-phenyl)ethyl] amino]-cyclopentyl]-N-[2-[(2-methylsulfonylacetyl)amino]ethy l]benzamide (Compound 105) Prepared according to GPl from Intermediate 4 and 2-methanesulfonylacetic acid. IH NMR (300 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.50 (br m, IH), 8.38 (br m, J = 4.7 Hz, IH), 7.76 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (dd, J = 8.6, 1.9 Hz, IH), 7.10 (dd, J = 11.5, 8.3 Hz, IH), 6.89 (ddd, J = 8.2, 4.4, 1.9 Hz, IH), 4.06 (s, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.80 - 3.70 (m, IH), 3.43 - 3.23 (m, 4H), 3.15 - 3.06 (m, 3H), 3.01 - 2.85 (m, 2H), 2.23 - 1.53 (m, 6H), 1.43 - 1.27 (m, IH), 1.24 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 3H).