COMPOSITIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF FIBROSIS AND

FIBROSIS-RELATED CONDITIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to novel compounds and their use in the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of fibrosis and fibrosis-related conditions.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily for the treatment of fibrosis and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

[0004] Repair of damaged tissues is a fundamental biological process. The repair process involves two distinct stages: a regenerative phase, in which injured cells are replaced by normal cells of the same type; and a phase known as fibrosis, in which connective tissue replaces normal parenchymal tissue. In most cases, both stages are required to slow or reverse the damage caused by a damaging agent. However, although initially beneficial, the healing process can become pathogenic if it continues unchecked, leading to considerable tissue remodelling and the formation of permanent scar tissue. Fibrotic scarring is often defined as a wound-healing response that has gone awry.

[0005] Fibrotic changes can occur in all the main tissues and organ systems, including the heart, kidney and liver, and the US government estimates that 45% of deaths in the US can be attributed to fibrotic disorders (Wynn, Nat Rev Immunol, 2004, 4(8):583-594). For example:

• fibrotic changes in the heart results in thickening of the heart valves and loss of flexibility in the cardiac muscle, which may lead to heart failure;

• fibrotic changes in the kidney may result in the destruction of renal tubules and interstitial capillaries, leading to progressive loss of renal function; and

• fatty liver disease (in which large vacuoles of triglyceride accumulate in liver cells) results in the accumulation of fibrosis in the liver, leading to in cirrhosis, liver failure and portal hypertension. [0006] There is a need for agents that preve t or treat fi rosis and fibrosis-related conditions. In particular, there is a need for agents that prevent, reduce or slow the progression of fibrosis,, reduce established fibrosis, prevent, reduce or slow renal tubuiar cell death, prevent, reduce or slow fat accumulatiOn in the liver, and/or restore normal tissue architectu e.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a compound of the formulae:

wherein:

A Is selected from optionally substituted saturated, partly saturated or unsaturated 5- or 6-membered heterocyclyl; optionally substituted C^alkoxyl amine; optionally substituted Ci-ea!kyl amine; optionally substituted C _h alk ! cartroxylic acid; optionally substituted C _h alky! hydroxy!; optionally substituted saturated or unsaturated Gg-eaikyi bicyc!ic heterocyclyl; and optionally substituted saturated or unsaturated C^alkoxyl bicydic heterocyclyl,

or a pharmacologically acceptable salt, stereoisomer, diastereomer, enantiomer, racemate, hydrate and/or solvate thereof.

[0009] In one embodiment, the saturated:, partly saturated or unsaturated 5- or 6- membered heterocyclyl contains one or more of N, S or G, optionally su stituted with one or more oxo, C _h alky!, amino, hydroxyl or ha!o substituents. [0010] In one embodiment, the saturated, partly saturated or unsaturated 5- or 6- membered heterooyclyi is selected from pyrro!y!, pyrazoiy!, imidazolyl, triazoSyl, imidazolfdinyli pyrrolidinyt, pyrrolidinyiidene, dihydropyrroiyi, isoxazolyi dihydrooxazoiyi, isoxazoitdinyi, oxazoiidinyl and oxazoiyi, optionally substituted with one or more oxo, C _1-6 aikyi, amino, hydroxy! or halo substttuents.

[001 1] In one embodiment, the Ci. _s aikoxyi amine is aminooxyrnethyi.

[0012] In one embodiment, the C _h alky! amine is optionally substituted with one or more of Ci_ _e a!kyl, Ci . _e haio alkyl , hydroxyl or halo, preferably mono-, di- or iri-substituted halo a!kyi, most preferably tri-fluoro methane.

[0013] In one embodiment, the Co-ealkyi carboxylic acid is carboxylio acid,

[0014] In one embodiment, the C _h alky! hydroxy! is methyi hydroxyl.

[0015] In one embodiment, the Co-salkyl bicyc!ic heterocyclyl is selected from indolyl, isoindoly!, insolinyl and isoirtdoiinyl, optionally substituted with one or more oxo, preferably ioxo.

[0016] In one embodiment, the Ci-sa!koxyi bicyclic heterocyclyl is selected indolyl, isoindo!y!, insolinyl and isoindoiiny!, optionally substituted with one or more oxo, and wherein the Ci. ₆ alkoxyl is methoxy or ethoxy.

[0017 In one embodiment, A is selected from:

or a pharmacologically acceptable salt, stereoisomer _* dtastereomers enantiomer, racemate, hydrate and/or solvate thereof.

[0019] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the present invention and a pharmaceuticaliy acceptable exeipieni

[0020] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for the therapeuiic treatment of fibrosis in a subject comprising administering to the subject a compound or a pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention. [0021] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for the prophylactic treatment of fibrosis in a subject comprising administering to the subject a compound or a pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention.

[0022] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention for use in a method for the therapeutic treatment of fibrosis.

[0023] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention for use in a method for the prophylactic treatment of fibrosis.

[0024] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to use of a compound of the present invention for the manufacture of a medicament for the therapeutic treatment of fibrosis.

[0025] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to use of a compound of the present invention for the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylactic treatment of fibrosis.

[0026] In one embodiment, the compound, pharmaceutical composition or medicament of the invention prevents, reduces or slows the progression of fibrosis.

[0027] In one embodiment, the compound, pharmaceutical composition or medicament of the invention reduces established fibrosis.

[0028] In one embodiment, the compound, pharmaceutical composition or medicament of the invention restores normal tissue architecture.

[0029] In one embodiment, the fibrosis is myocardial fibrosis.

[0030] In one embodiment, the fibrosis is kidney fibrosis.

[0031] In one embodiment, the fibrosis is liver fibrosis.

[0032] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preventing, reducing or slowing fat accumulation in the liver of a subject comprising administering to the subject a compound or a pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention.

[0033] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preventing, reducing or slowing renal tubular cell death in a subject comprising administering to the subject a compound or a pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention. [0034] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for restoring normal tissue architecture in a subject comprising administering to the subject a compound or a pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention.

[0035] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention for use in a method for in preventing, reducing or slowing fat accumulation in the liver.

[0036] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention for use in a method for preventing, reducing or slowing renal tubular cell death.

[0037] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention for use in a method for restoring normal tissue architecture.

[0038] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a compound of the present invention for the manufacture of a medicament for preventing, reducing or slowing fat accumulation in the liver.

[0039] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a compound of the present invention for the manufacture of a medicament for preventing, reducing or slowing renal tubular cell death.

[0040] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a compound of the present invention for the manufacture of a medicament for restoring normal tissue architecture.

[0041] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a compound of the formula:

[0042] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0043] Figure 1 : Synthesis scheme for A32.

[0044] Figure 2: Synthesis scheme for A6.

[0045] Figure 3: Synthesis scheme for A30.

[0046] Figure 4: Synthesis scheme for A56f, A56g and A56.

[0047] Figure 5: Synthesis scheme for A56k.

[0048] Figure 6: Synthesis scheme for Intermediate A31 -4.

[0049] Figure 7: Synthesis scheme for A26 and A27.

[0050] Figure 8: Synthesis scheme for A31 .

[0051] Figure 9: Synthesis scheme for A35.

[0052] Figure 10: Synthesis scheme for A45.

[0053] Figure 1 1 : Synthesis scheme for A79.

[0054] Figure 12: Synthesis scheme for A81.

[0055] Figure 13: Cell impedance in bovine aortic endothelial cells treated with test compounds at 3 concentrations 62.5μΜ (white bars), 125μΜ (grey bars) and 250μΜ (black bars).

[0056] Figure 14: Cell death in human renal proximal tubular cells incubated with cis- diamminedichloroplatinum (III) (cisplatin) 5μg ml alone (solid bars), cisplatin 5μg ml plus 32μΜ of A32 (hatched bars), cisplatin 5μg ml plus 63μΜ of A32 (open bars) and cell death in rat renal proximal tubular cells incubated with cisplatin 12^g/ml alone (solid bars), cisplatin 12^g/ml plus 32μΜ of A32 (hatched bars), cisplatin 12^g/ml plus 63μΜ of A32 (open bars). All incubations were 24 hrs duration.

[0057] Figure 15: Effect of 500pmol/kg/min of A32 for 4 weeks on interstitial fibrosis in the kidney in SHR on 2.2% salt diet and 5% ethanol drinking solution.

[0058] Figure 16: Effect of 500pmol/kg/min of A32 for 4 weeks on myocardial fibrosis in SHR on 2.2% salt diet and 5% ethanol drinking solution. [0059] Figure 17: Effect of 500 rnol/kg/min of A32 for 8 weeks on he atic fibrosis in SHR on high fat diet and 10% ethanol drinking solution.

[0060] Figure 18; Ivlasson's tri-chrome stained sections showing porta! tracts from control rats (A), as well as rats treated with A32 (B), A6 (G), A27 (D>, A56 (E) and A56f

(F).

[0061] Figure 19: ; asson's tri-chrome stained sections showing heart tissue from control rats (A) and rats treated with A32 (B)

[0062] Figure 20: Effect of test compounds on accumulation of fat in the liver in SHR on a high fat salt diet after 6 weeks treatment with compound in the drinking solution (10% ethanol) or drinking solution alone.

[0063] Figure 21 : Effect of treatment with test compound for 6 weeks on plasma aminotransferase (AST) levels in SHR on high fat diet and 10% ethanol drinking solution.

[0064] Figure 22: Comparison of cell impedance in bovine aortic endothelial cells and the level of hepatic fibrosis in SHR on a high fat diet treated with test compounds,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] The present invention relates to compounds that show antt-ftbrotic and related effects. The invention also relates to compounds that are effective in preventing, reducing or slowing the progression of fibrosis, reducing established fibrosis, preventing, reducing or slowing renal tubular cell death, preventing, reducing or slowing fat accumulation in the liver, and/or restoring normal tissue architecture.

[0066] The compounds of the present invention are represented by the formulae:

wherein: A is selected from optionally substituted saturated, partly saturated or unsaturated 5- or 6-membered heterocyclyl; optionally substituted d-ealkoxyl amine; optionally substituted Ci-galk l amine; optionally substituted Co^alkyl carboxylic acid; optionally substituted Cj-ea!k l hydroxy!; 'Optionally substituted saturated or unsaturated Co g lkyi bicyclic heterocyclyl; and optionally substituted saturated or unsaturated d^alkoxyi bicyclic heterocyclyl,

or a pharmacologically acceptable salt, stereoisomer, diastereomer, enantiomer, racemate. hydrate and/or solvate thereof.

[0067] The following compounds are specific, but non-limiting, examples of the compounds of the present invention;

(00683 As used herein, the term "alky!", alone or in combination, means a straight- chain or branched-chain alkyl radical of the formula -CnHpn+i ₎ . Examples of alkyls include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyi, isobuty!, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyi, isoamyi, hexyi, octyl and the like.

[0069] As used herein, the term "aikoxy", alone or in combination, means an alkyl bonded to an oxygen, wherein the term alkyi is as defined above. Examples of alkoxy include rnethoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, iso-butoxy, sec-butoxy, tert- butoxy and the like.

0070] As used herein, the term "halo" designates -F, -CI, -Br or -I

0071] As used herein* the term "hydroxy" designates -OH.

00723 As used herein, the terms "amino" or "amine" designate -NH ₂ .

0073] As used herein, the term "carboxylic acid" designates -C(0}OH.

0074] As used herein* the term "oxy" designates -0-.

0075] As used herein, the term "oxo" designates =0.

0076] As used herein, the abbreviations Me, Et, Ph, Ms represent methyl, ethyl, phenyl, and meihanesulfonyl, respectively. A more comprehensive list of the abbreviations utilized by organic chemists of ordinary skill in the art appears in the first issue of each volume of the Journal of Organic Chemistry; this list is typically presented in a table entitled Standard List of Abbreviations. The abbreviations contained in said list, and all abbreviations utilized by organic chemists of ordinary skill in the art are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0077] Compounds of the present invention may exist in particular geometric or stereoisomeric forms. The present invention contemplates all such compounds, including cis- and trans-isomers, (R)- and (S)-enantiomers, diastereomers, (d)-isomers, (l)-isomers, the racemic mixtures thereof, and other mixtures thereof, as falling within the scope of the invention. All such isomers, as well as mixtures thereof, are intended to be included in this invention.

[0078] If, for instance, a particular enantiomer of a compound of the present invention is desired, it may be prepared by asymmetric synthesis, or by derivatisation with a chiral auxiliary, where the resulting diastereomeric mixture is separated and the auxiliary group cleaved to provide the pure desired enantiomers. Alternatively, diastereomeric salts may be formed with an appropriate optically active acid or base, followed by resolution of the diastereomers thus formed by fractional crystallization or chromatographic means well known in the art, and subsequent recovery of the pure enantiomers.

[0079] In general, the compounds of the present invention may be prepared by the methods illustrated in the general reaction schemes as, for example, described below, or by modifications thereof, using readily available starting materials, reagents and conventional synthesis procedures. In these reactions, it is also possible to make use of variants which are in themselves known, but are not mentioned here.

[0080] Other than where noted, compound synthesis methods are based on well established methods described in, for example March's Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure (2013) by Michael B. Smith; Advanced Organic Chemistry, Part A: Structure and Mechanisms (2008) and Advanced Organic Chemistry: Part B: Reaction and Synthesis (2010) by Francis A. Carey and Richard J. Sunberg; and Greene's Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis (2014) by Peter G. M. Wuts.

[0081] The present invention also contemplates pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds. The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" includes both acid and base addition salts and refers to salts which retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the free bases or acids, and which are not biologically or otherwise undesirable. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts are formed with inorganic or organic acids or bases, and can be prepared in situ during the final isolation and purification of the compounds, or by separately reacting a purified compound in its free base or acid form with a suitable organic or inorganic acid or base, and isolating the salt thus formed.

[0082] The term "fibrosis" as used in the context of the present invention" refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue, and includes myocardial fibrosis, kidney fibrosis and/or liver fibrosis.

[0083] All organs rely on specific, but different, arrangement of tissues (architecture) for normal function. Disease and/or fibrotic depositions can cause malfunction or poor function of the organ. Thus, restoring normal tissue architecture enables organs to regain their normal function.

[0084] In addition to treatment of established fibrosis, the compounds of the present invention may be used prophylactically in subjects at risk of developing fibrosis. As an example of subjects in the risk category for developing fibrosis are those having hypertension, diabetes, myocarditis, ischemic heart disease, Conn's Syndrome, pheochromocytoma, malignancies (such as myeloma and lymphoma) genetic predisposition (Alport syndrome, Wilsons disease, a1 anti-trypsin deficiency, haemachromatosis), infections (Hep B Hep C), high salt diet and/or receiving drugs used in cancer chemotherapy (such as daunorubicin, cisplatin, bleomycin), for treatment of hypomania (lithium), transplant rejection (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), arthritic conditions (NSAIDs, penicillamine, gold) and those exposed to heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. The term "prophylactic" as used in the context of the present invention is intended inter alia to encompass treatments used to prevent or slow down the development of fibrosis in the at risk group.

[0085] The present invention also contemplates pharmaceutical compositions which include the compounds of the present invention, in conjunction with acceptable pharmaceutical excipients. The term "pharmaceutically acceptable excipient" as used in the context of the present invention means any pharmaceutically acceptable inactive component of the composition. As is well known in the art, excipients include diluents, buffers, binders, lubricants, disintegrants, colorants, antioxidants/preservatives, pH- adjusters, etc. The excipients are selected based on the desired physical aspects of the final form: e.g. obtaining a tablet with desired hardness and friability being rapidly dispersible and easily swallowed etc. The desired release rate of the active substance from the composition after its ingestion also plays a role in the choice of excipients. Pharmaceutical compositions may include any type of dosage form such as tablets, capsules, powders, liquid formulations, delayed or sustained release, patches, snuffs, nasal sprays and the like. The physical form and content of the pharmaceutical compositions contemplated are conventional preparations that can be formulated by those skilled in the pharmaceutical formulation field and are based on well established principles and compositions described in, for example, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 19th Edition, 1995; British Pharmacopoeia 2000 and similar formulation texts and manuals.

[0086] For example, where the compounds or compositions are to be administered orally, they may be formulated as tablets, capsules, granules, powders or syrups; or for parenteral administration, they may be formulated as injections (intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous), drop infusion preparations or suppositories. For application by the ophthalmic mucous membrane route, they may be formulated as eye drops or eye ointments. These formulations can be prepared by conventional means, and, if desired, the active ingredient may be mixed with any conventional additive, such as an excipient, a binder, a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a corrigent, a solubilising agent, a suspension aid, an emulsifying agent or a coating agent.

[0087] When the compound(s) of the present invention are administered as pharmaceuticals, to humans and animals, they can be given per se or as a

pharmaceutical composition containing, for example, 0.1 to 99.5% (more preferably, 0.5 to 90%) of active ingredient in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0088] The dosage of a compound and frequency of administration that should be used can also be easily determined by the practicing physician in order to produce the desired response.

[0089] Although the dosage will vary depending on the symptoms, age and body weight of the patient, the nature and severity of the disorder to be treated or prevented, the route of administration and the form of the drug, in general, a daily dosage of from 0.0001 mg to 200 mg of the compound of the present invention may be a suitable effective amount for an adult human patient, and this may be administered in a single dose or in divided doses.

[0090] A "patient" or "subject" to be treated by the subject method can mean either a human or non-human subject.

[0091] An "effective amount" of a subject compound, with respect to a method of treatment, refers to an amount of the therapeutic in a preparation which, when applied as part of a desired dosage regimen provides a benefit according to clinically acceptable standards for the treatment or prophylaxis of a particular disorder. [0092] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to specific but non-limiting examples describing specific compositions and methods of use. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description of specific procedures, compositions and methods is included solely for the purpose of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood in any way as a restriction on the broad description of the inventive concept as set out above.

EXAMPLES

Example 1 : Synthesis of A32

[0093] The synthetic route used to prepare A32 is shown in Figure 1. Briefly, 2-formyl aryl triflate 14 was prepared by means of a Suzuki cross-coupling reaction between 5- bromo-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and phenylboronic acid to generate 2-hydroxy-5-phenyl benzaldehyde 13, which was subsequently reacted with /V-phenyltriflamide. Another Suzuki reaction between 2-formyl aryl triflate 14 and 3-benzyloxyphenylboronic acid yielded terphenyl aldehyde 15, which underwent a Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) reaction with diethyl 5-hydantoylphosphonate to form unsaturated hydantoin 16. In the presence of hydrogen and Pd/C, compound 16 underwent simultaneous olefin reduction and phenol deprotection to produce A32.

Production of 2-Hydroxy-5-phenylbenzaldehyde (13)

[0094] 5-Bromosalicylaldehyde (2.49 g, 12.4 mmol), phenyl boronic acid (1 .51 g, 12.4 mmol), palladium(ll) acetate (14 mg, 0.5 mol%) and potassium carbonate (5.14 g, 37.2 mmol) were stirred in degassed water (75 mL) at ambient temperature for 2 h, under an argon atmosphere. The reaction was monitored by TLC (1 :1 dichloromethane/pentane). Water (75 mL) was added and the reaction mixture acidified (pH 6) with 10% HCI, then extracted with ethyl acetate (3x). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, then dried and concentrated. The crude material was passed through a short column of silca, eluting with 1 :1 dichloromethane/pentane, then recrystallised from ethyl acetate/pentane to afford 2-hydroxy-5-phenylbenzaldehyde (1 .89 g, 77%) as dark yellow crystals (can be triturated with pentane instead recrystallised if desired); mp 100-101 °C. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI ₃ ) δ 10.99 (s, 1 H); 9.97 (s, 1 H); 7.78-7.73 (m, 2H); 7.56-7.52 (m, 2H); 7.47-7.41 (m, 2H); 7.37-7.32 (m, 1 H); 7.09-7.04 (m, 1 H). ¹³ C NMR (100 MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 5 196.9, 161.2, 139.6, 136.0, 133.6, 132.1 , 129.2, 127.6, 126.8, 121.0, 1 18.4. EIMS: m/z 198 [M] ⁺ . HRMS calcd for Ci ₃ H ₁₀ O ₂ 198.0675, found 198.0677. Production of 3-formylbiphenyl-4-yl trifluoromethanesulfonate (14)

[0095] 2-Hydroxy-5-phenylbenzaldehyde (100 mg, 0.50 mmol), /V-phenyltriflimide (180.0 mg, 0.51 mmol) and potassium carbonate (209 mg, 1 .51 mmol) were stirred in dry THF in a sealed tube, and heated at- 120 °C for 6 min, using microwave irradiation. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure; water and dichloromethane were added and the layers separated. The aqueous layer was extracted further with dichloromethane (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (Ix), then dried and concentrated. Purified by radial chromatography, eluting with 1 : 1

dichloromethane/pentane, to afford 3-formylbiphenyl-4-yl-trifluoromethanesulfonate (143 mg, 86%) as a clear, colourless oil. ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCI ₃ ) δ 10.32 (s, 1 H); 8.17 (d, 1 H, J=2.4 Hz); 7.89 (dd,1 H, J=8.6, 2.5 Hz); 7.63-7.36 (m, 6H). ¹³ C NMR (125 MHz, CDCL ₃ ) 5 186.5, 149.1 , 142.3, 138.0, 134.1 , 129.2, 129.1 , 128.8, 128.6, 127.2, 122.9, 1 18.7 (q, JCF-=320.9 Hz). ¹⁹ F NMR (188 MHz, CDCI ³ ) δ -73.2. EIMS: m/z 330 [M] ⁺ . HRMS calcd for C14H9F3O2S 330.0168, found 330.0163.

Production of 2'-[3-benzyloxy-(1 , 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl)]carbaldehyde (15)

[0096] 3-Formylbiphenyl-4-yl trifluoromethanesulfonate (153 mg, 0.463 mmol), 3-benzyloxyphenylboronic acid (1 16 mg, 0.51 mmol),

tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (13 mg, 2.5 mol%) and anhydrous potassium phosphate (147 mg, 0.695 mmol) were placed in a Schlenk flask, under an argon atmosphere. Degassed 1 ,4-dioxane (2 mL) was added and the mixture purged with argon. The reaction mixture was heated at 85 °C until complete conversion was observed (monitored by GCMS); generally required overnight reaction time. The reaction mixture was diluted with benzene (4 mL) and treated with 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide (10 mL). The product was extracted with diethyl ether (3x); the combined organic extracts were washed with brine then dried and concentrated. Purified by radial chromatography, eluting with 1 :1 dichloromethane/pentane, to afford 2'-[3-benzyloxy- (1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl)]carbaldeyde (122 mg, 72%) as a clear, colourless, viscous oil. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI ₃ ) δ 10.02 (s, 1 H); 8.24 (dd, 1 H, J=2.1 , 0.3 Hz); 7.86 (dd, 1 H, J=8.0, 2.1 Hz); 7.68-7.64 (m, 2H); 7.56-7.30 (m, 10H); 7.08-7.02 (m, 2H); 7.01 -6.97 (m, 1 H); 5.1 1 (s, 2H). ¹³ C NMR (100 MHz, CCI ₃ ) δ 192.6, 159.0, 144.8, 141 .0, 139.7, 139.1 , 136.9, 134.2, 132.2, 131 .4, 129.8, 129.2, 128.9, 128.4, 128.2, 127.8, 127.3, 126.1 , 123.2, 1 16.9, 1 14.9, 70.4. EIMS: m/z 364 [M] ⁺ . HRMS calcd for C2 ₆ H2 ₀ O2 364.1458, found 364.1450. Production of (E/Z)-5-((3-(Benzyloxy)-[1, 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl]-2'-yl)methylene) imidazolidine- 2,4-dione (16)

[0097] 2'-[3-Benzyloxy-(1 ,r:4',1 "-terphenyl)]carbaldehyde (15) (978 mg, 2.7 mmol), diethyl 5-hydantoylphosphonate (949 mg, 4.0 mmol), powdered potassium hydroxide (301 mg, 5.4 mmol), ethanol (20 mL) and water (0.5 mL) were combined in a 20 mL reaction vial and heated at 150 °C for 1 h using microwave irradiation (300 watt). The mixture was poured into water and the solid collected by filtration using Whatman's 542 hardened ashless filter paper, washing thoroughly with water. The solid was taken up in hot ethanol and again poured slowly into water with stirring to produce a fine precipitate. The solid was collected by filtration (Whatman's 542 hardened ashless filter paper), washed thoroughly with water then dried in vacuo at 40 °C to afford (E/Z)-5-((3- (benzyloxy)-[1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl]-2'-yl)methylene)imidazolidine-2,4-dione (16) (1 .04 g, 87%) as a pale yellow solid. Further purification was not required. ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d ₆ ) 5 10.99 (br s, 2H); 7.90 - 7.21 (m, 14H), 7.17 - 6.89 (m, 3H), 6.21 (s, 1 H), 5.14 (s, 2H). ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d ₆ ) δ 165.5, 158.3, 155.9, 141.0, 140.5, 139.8, 139.6, 137.0, 131.2, 130.5, 129.5, 129.2, 128.8, 128.4, 127.8, 127.6 (two signals coincident), 127.1 , 126.9, 122.1 , 1 15.9, 1 14.2, 106.8, 69.4 (one signal not observed). EIMS: m/z Found: M ^+" 446.1619, C2 ₉ H22N2O ₃ requires 446.1625. EIMS: m/z 446 (M ⁺ \ 8%), 383 (5), 356 (15), 355 (57), 313 (10), 312 (42), 284 (13), 258 (6), 257 (24), 228 (6), 92 (8), 91 (100).

Production of 5-((3-Hydroxy-[1 , 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl]-2'-yl)methyl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione (A32)

[0098] (E/Z)-5-((3-(Benzyloxy)-[1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl]-2'-yl)methylene)imidazolidine-2,4- dione (16) (1 .02 g, 2.3 mmol) and 10% palladium on carbon (50% wt in H ₂ 0, 200 mg) in methanol (50 mL) were stirred at rt under a hydrogen atmosphere at 50 psi for 1 h. The methanol was removed and the residue taken up in DCM and gravity filtered through GF paper. Purified by radial chromatography (3:97 methanohDCM→ 5:95 methanohDCM) and preparative HPLC (compound pre-adsorbed onto Chromatorex Ci ₈ silica, 45% ACN/H2O, 80 mL/min, 240 nm, 300 x 40 mm Deltaprep C _i8 column) to afford 5-((3- hydroxy-[1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl]-2'-yl)methyl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione (A32) (285 mg, 35%) as a fine white powder; mp 214 - 216 °C. ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d ₆ ) δ 10.59 (br s, 1 H), 9.54 (br s, 1 H), 7.90 (m, 1 H), 7.80 - 7.31 (m, 7H), 7.30 - 7.15 (m, 2H), 6.84 - 6.67 (m, 3H), 4.22 (m, 1 H), 3.12 (dd, 1 H, J 4.5, 14.6 Hz), 2.81 (dd, 1 H, J 9.0, 14.6 Hz). ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d ₆ ) δ 175.4, 157.3, 157.1 , 141 .8, 141 .3, 139.9, 139.1 , 134.4. 130.3, 129.2, 128.8, 128.0, 127.4, 126.8, 124.8, 1 19.8, 1 16.0, 1 14.1 , 57.9, 34.8. EIMS: m/z Found: IVT 358.1306, C22H18N2O3 requires 358.1312. EIMS: m/z 358 (M ⁺ \ 50%), 260 (23), 259 (100). HPLC purity (40% ACN / H ₂ 0, 263 nm): 99.26%.

Example 2: Synthesis of A6

[0099] The synthetic route used to prepare A6 is shown in Figure 2.

Production of Diethyl [2-amino-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1 -en-1 -yl]phosphonate

[0100] A solution of diethyl methylphosphonate (1.000 g, 6.57 mmol) in anhyd.

tetrahydrofuran (33 mL) was prepared under nitrogen and cooled in a -80°C cooling bath. Methyllithium solution, 1 .21 M in diethyl ether (5.5 mL, 6.6 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at -80°C under nitrogen for 1 h.

[00100] Trifluoroacetic acid (0.71 mL, 9.6 mmol) was added dropwise to anhyd.

pyridine (1 1 .7 mL, 145 mmol) under nitrogen. The cloudy vapours were cleared under a stream of nitrogen. A 50 mL round bottomed flask was charged with trifluoroacetamide (3.177 g, 33.4 mmol) and dissolved in the pyridine/trifluoroacetic acid mixture under nitrogen. A cannula was inserted into the head space above this solution while the other end of the cannula was inserted into the phosphonate solution. Trimethylacetyl chloride (7.3 mL, 59.3 mmol) was added dropwise to the trifluoroacetamide solution over a 80 min period. The phosphonate solution was stirred at -80°C during the addition, then for a further 4 h before being allowed to warm to room temperature overnight.

[0101] The reaction mixture was partitioned between dichloromethane (20 mL) and water (60 mL). The phases were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (10 mL). The combined dichloromethane layers were washed with brine (20 mL), dried over anhyd. sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexanes) to give the title compound as a pale yellow powder (638 mg, 39%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 5.71 (br. s, 2H), 4.46 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1 H), 3.98 - 4.15 (m, 4H), 1 .34 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 6H). [Reference: F. Palacios et al., J. Org. Chem. 2004, 69, 8767-8774].

Production of 1, 1, 1 -Trifluoro-4-[3-(benzyloxy)-1 , 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]but-3-en-2-amine

[0102] Solutions of diethyl [2-amino-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1 -en-1 -yl]phosphonate

(638 mg, 2.58 mmol) in anhyd. tetrahydrofuran (7.7 mL) and 3-(benzyloxy)-1 ,1 ':4',1 "- terphenyl-2'-carbaldehyde (944 mg, 2.59 mmol) in anhyd. tetrahydrofuran (7.7 mL) were prepared under nitrogen. The phosphonate solution was cooled to -5°C. Butyllithium solution, 1 .47 M in hexanes (1 .8 mL, 2.65 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at -5°C under nitrogen for 1 h. The aldehyde solution was added dropwise via syringe. The mixture was stirred under nitrogen at -5°C for 15 min, then at room temperature for 70 min.

[0103] The reaction mixture was cooled to -78°C. Sodium borohydride (196 mg, 5.18 mmol) was added, followed by the dropwise addition of methanol (15 mL). The mixture was stirred at -78°C for 80 min, then allowed to warm to room temperature overnight.

[0104] Hydrochloric acid (1 M, 5 mL) was added cautiously. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 45 min, adjusted to pH 1 1 (universal indicator) by the addition of sodium hydroxide (253 mg, 6.33 mmol) and extracted with ethyl acetate (30 mL). The aqueous layer was partitioned between ethyl acetate (10 mL) and water (10 mL), and the phases separated. The combined ethyl acetate layers were washed with brine (2x20 mL), dried over anhyd. sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (dichloromethane) to give a mixture of the title compound (72 mol%) and the benzyl alcohol from reduction of the starting aldehyde (28 mol%) (467 mg, 39%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ; selected resonances) Title compound C(3)H: 6.14 (dd, J=15.8, 6.8 Hz, 1 H), Benzyl alcohol ArCH ₂ OH: 4.65 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 2H).

Production of 2'-(3-Amino-4,4,4-trifluorobutyl)-1, 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl-3-ol (A6)

[0105] A solution of crude 1 ,1 ,1 -trifluoro-4-[3-(benzyloxy)-1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]but- 3-en-2-amine (576 mg, 1 .25 mmol) in acetic acid (20 mL) was added to 10% palladium on carbon (131 mg, 0.12 mmol wrt Pd). The mixture was hydrogenated at 2.1 bar for 18 h. The mixture was filtered through celite. The filter cake was washed with acetic acid (2x20 mL). The combined filtrates were evaporated to dryness. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate (20 mL) and sat. sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (20 mL). The ethyl acetate layer was washed with sat. sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (20 mL) and brine (20 mL), dried over anhyd. sodium sulfate, and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexanes) to give the title compound as a pale orange brown oil which solidified on standing (323 mg, 69%). The product was suspended in 7.5%

dichloromethane/hexanes and isolated by filtration to give an off-white powder. ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 7.58 - 7.67 (m, 2H), 7.42 - 7.55 (m, 4H), 7.33 - 7.40 (m, 1 H), 7.27 - 7.33 (m, 2H), 6.88 - 6.95 (m, 1 H), 6.79 - 6.87 (m, 2H), 5.26 (br. s, 1 H), 2.93 - 3.08 (m, 2H), 2.69 - 2.82 (m, 1 H), 1 .85 - 1.98 (m, 1 H), 1 .48 - 1.61 (m, 1 H), 1.17 (br. s, 2H); HPLC (water/ACN + 0.1 % TFA gradient) 99.40% at 220nm; LCMS [M+H] ⁺ = 372.2. Example 3: Synthesis of A30

[0106] The synthetic route used to prepare A30 is shown in Figure 3.

Production of 3-(Triphenyl-l ⁵ -phosphanylidine )pyrrolidine-2, 5-dione

[0107] A suspension of maleimide (3.17 g, 32.7 mmol) and triphenylphosphine (8.56 g, 32.6 mmol) in acetone (165 mL) was heated at reflux under nitrogen for 1 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered. The filter cake was washed with acetone (3><20 mL) and dried under vacuum to give the title compound as a white powder (7.21 g, 61 %). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, DMSO-d6) 9.73 (br. s, 1 H), 7.66 - 7.75 (m, 3H), 7.53 - 7.65 (m, 12H), 2.89 (s, 2H).

[0108] The filtrates from above were combined and concentrated to remove ca.

120 mL of solvent. The remaining material was heated at reflux under nitrogen for 2 h, allowed to cool to room temperature and filtered. The filter cake was washed with acetone (3><10 mL) and dried under vacuum to give a further crop of the title compound as a white powder (2.63 g, 22%). [Reference: G. Brackman et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2013, 2i, 660-667].

Production of S-llS-iBenzyloxy i^ '^^ V' erphenyl-^-ylJmethylidenejpyrrolidine^^- dione

[0109] A mixture of 3-(benzyloxy)-1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl-2'-carbaldehyde (1.71 g, 4.69 mmol) and 3-(triphenyl-l ⁵ -phosphanylidine)pyrrolidine-2, 5-dione (1 .69 g, 4.69 mmol) in methanol (15 mL) was heated at reflux under nitrogen for 1.5 h. The reaction mixture was filtered hot. The filter cake washed with methanol (2x25 mL) and air dried to give the title compound as a yellow powder (1 .05 g, 50%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 8.18 (s, 1 H), 7.67-7.69 (m, 3H), 7.61 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.33 - 7.51 (m, 10H), 7.02 (dd, J=8.0, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.95 (s, 1 H), 6.92 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1 H), 5.10 (s, 2H), 3.56 (s, 2H); LCMS

[M+H] ⁺ = 446.3, [M+Na] ⁺ = 468.2, [M-H] ^" = 444.2.

Production of 3-[(3-Hydroxy-1 , 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl)methyl]pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (A30)

[00101 ] A mixture of 3-{[3-(benzyloxy)-1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]methylidene}pyrrolidine- 2, 5-dione (2.25 g, 5.05 mmol), ethyl acetate (200 mL) and triethylamine (40 drops) was degassed by bubbling nitrogen (2 L) through the mixture over a 5-10 min period. 10% Palladium on carbon (0.23 g) was added under nitrogen. The mixture was hydrogenated at atmospheric pressure at reflux overnight. The hot reaction mixture was filtered through celite and the filter cake washed with ethyl acetate (3x50 mL). The combined filtrates were evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexanes). The product was concentrated from ethanol (100 mL) and dried under high vacuum for 3 days to give the title compound as a colourless glass (1 .61 g, 89%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 7.89 (br. s, 1 H), 7.61 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (dd, J=8.0, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.44 - 7.48 (m, 3H), 7.37 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.31 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 6.81 - 6.90 (m, 3H), 5.40 (br. s, 1 H), 3.51 (dd, J= 14.0, 4.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.01 (m, 1 H), 2.87 (dd, J=14.0, 10.4 Hz, 1 H), 2.56 (dd, J=18.4, 9.2 Hz, 1 H), 2.25 (dd, J= 18.4, 5.6 Hz, 1 H); HPLC 99.01 % at 220nm; LCMS [M+H] ⁺ = 358.2, [M+Na] ⁺ = 380.1 , [M-H] ^" = 356.2.

Example 4: Synthesis of A56f, A56g and A56

[01 10] The synthetic route used to prepare of A56f, A56g and A56 is shown in Figure 4.

Production of 2-[3-(Benzyloxy)-1 , 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]-1-(methylsulfanyl)ethenyl methyl sulfoxide

[01 1 1] 3-(Benzyloxy)-1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl-2'-carbaldehyde (5.330 g, 14.6 mmol) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (65 mL). Methyl (methylsulfinyl)methyl sulfide (2.745 g, 22.1 mmol) and sodium hydroxide (654 mg, 16.4 mmol) were added. The mixture was heated at reflux under nitrogen overnight. The reaction mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate (400 mL) and water (200 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (2x200 mL). The combined ethyl acetate layers were washed with water (2x200 mL) and brine (200 mL), dried over anhyd. sodium sulfate, and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (ethyl acetate/dichloromethane) to give the title compound as a pale orange oil (3.733 g, 54%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 8.14 (d, J=1 .4 Hz, 1 H), 7.62 - 7.72 (m, 4H), 7.42 - 7.53 (m, 5H), 7.39 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H), 7.29 - 7.36 (m, 2H), 6.90 - 7.01 (m, 3H), 5.10 (s, 2H), 2.70 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

Production of Ethyl [3-(benzyloxy)-1, 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]acetate

[01 12] 2-[3-(Benzyloxy)-1 , 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]-1 -(methylsulfanyl)ethenyl methyl sulfoxide (3.733 g, 7.93 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (70 mL). Cone, hydrochloric acid (6.6 mL) was added and the mixture heated at reflux for 5 days. The reaction mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate (500 mL) and water (250 mL). The ethyl acetate layer was washed with water (200 mL) and brine (200 mL), dried over anhyd. sodium sulfate, and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (dichloromethane) to give the title compound as a yellow-orange oil (2.129g, 64%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 7.60 - 7.68 (m, 2H), 7.59 (br. s, 1 H), 7.55 (dd, J=8.0, 1 .6 Hz, 1 H), 7.42 - 7.50 (m, 4H), 7.29 - 7.42 (m, 6H), 6.92 - 7.04 (m, 3H), 5.09 (s, 2H), 4.10 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.65 (s, 2H), 1 .21 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H); LCMS [M+H] ⁺ = 423.1 .

Production of 2-[3-(Benzyloxy)-1, 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]ethanol

[01 13] Ethyl [3-(benzyloxy)-1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]acetate (2.129 g, 5.04 mmol) was dissolved in anhyd. tetrahydrofuran (20 mL) under nitrogen. A suspension of lithium aluminium hydride (306 mg, 8.06 mmol) in anhyd. tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) was prepared under nitrogen and cooled in an ice/water bath. The ester solution was added drop wise to the lithium aluminium hydride suspension. The mixture was stirred at room

temperature under nitrogen overnight. The reaction mixture was cooled in an ice/water bath. The excess lithium aluminium hydride was quenched by the drop wise addition of water (0.37 mL), 15% sodium hydroxide solution (0.37 mL) and water (1.5 mL). The mixture was stirred for 30 min. Ethyl acetate (60 mL) was added and the mixture filtered through celite. The filter cake was washed with ethyl acetate (2x30 mL). The combined filtrates were evaporated to dryness to give the title compound as a pale orange oil (2.046 g, 107%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 7.59 - 7.67 (m, 2H), 7.55 (d, J=1 .6 Hz, 1 H), 7.50 (dd, J=7.9, 1 .9 Hz, 1 H), 7.43 - 7.48 (m, 4H), 7.28 - 7.42 (m, 6H), 6.92 - 7.03 (m, 3H), 5.1 1 (s, 2H), 3.66 - 3.74 (m, 2H), 2.92 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 1 .21 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 1 H); LCMS [M+H-H ₂ 0] ⁺ = 363.3, [2M+H] ⁺ = 761 .6.

Production of 2-{2-[3-(Benzyloxy)-1 , 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]ethoxy}-1 H-isoindole-1 ,3(2H)- dione

[01 14] A mixture of 2-[3-(benzyloxy)-1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]ethanol (2.046 g, 5.38 mmol), triphenylphosphine (1 .707 g, 6.51 mmol) and /V-hydroxyphthalimide

(1 .053 g, 6.45 mmol) was suspended in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (30 mL) under nitrogen. The mixture was cooled in an ice/water bath. Diethyl azodicarboxylate (1 .130 g, 6.49 mmol) was added drop wise. The mixture was stirred at room

temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (dichloromethane/hexanes) to give the title compound as a pale yellow waxy solid (2.509 g, 89%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 7.75 - 7.82 (m, 2H), 7.69 - 7.74 (m, 2H), 7.61 - 7.68 (m, 3H), 7.43 - 7.53 (m, 5H), 7.32 - 7.43 (m, 4H), 7.28 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.21 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1 H), 6.86 - 6.96 (m, 2H), 6.79 (dd, J=8.3, 1 .9 Hz, 1 H), 5.06 (s, 2H), 4.26 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 3.19 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 2H).

Production of 0-{2-[3-(Benzyloxy)-1 , 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]ethyl}hydroxylamine

[01 15] 2-{2-[3-(Benzyloxy)-1 , 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]ethoxy}-1 H-isoindole-1 ,3(2H)- dione (1.769 g, 3.37 mmol) was suspended in abs. ethanol (65 mL). Hydrazine hydrate (230 μΙ_, 3.69 mmol) was added and the mixture heated at 65°C under nitrogen for 8 h, then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was filtered. The filter cake was washed with ethanol (2x30 mL). The combined filtrates were evaporated to dryness. The residue was suspended in dichloromethane (60 mL) and the mixture filtered. The filter cake was washed with dichloromethane (2x30 mL). The combined filtrates were evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (ethyl acetate/dichloromethane) to give the title compound as a clear oil (1 .317 g, 99%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 7.59 - 7.68 (m, 2H), 7.55 (d, J=1 .8 Hz, 1 H), 7.42 - 7.52 (m, 5H), 7.27 - 7.42 (m, 6H), 6.93 - 7.03 (m, 3H), 5.22 (br. s, 2H), 5.1 1 (s, 2H), 3.77 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.96 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H).

Production of 2'-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-1, 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl-3-ol (A56f)

[01 16] A solution of 0-{2-[3-(benzyloxy)-1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]ethyl}hydroxylamine (1 .317 g, 3.33 mmol) in ethyl acetate (40 mL) was added to 10% palladium on carbon (346 mg, 0.33 mmol wrt Pd). The mixture was hydrogenated at 2.1 bar for 65 h. The mixture was filtered through celite. The filter cake was washed with ethyl acetate (2x40 mL). The combined filtrates were evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (methanol/dichloromethane) to give the title compound as a white powder (864 mg, 89%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 7.59 - 7.68 (m, 2H), 7.53 - 7.58 (m, 1 H), 7.41 - 7.53 (m, 3H), 7.33 - 7.40 (m, 1 H), 7.26 - 7.33 (m, 2H), 6.88 - 6.96 (m, 1 H), 6.79 - 6.87 (m, 2H), 5.14 (br. s, 1 H), 3.71 - 3.84 (m, 2H), 2.97 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.35 - 1.48 (m, 1 H); HPLC (water/ACN + 0.1 % TFA gradient) 99.19% at 220nm; LCMS [M+H-H ₂ 0] ⁺ = 273.2, [M+Na] ⁺ = 313.2.

Production of 2-[2-(3-Hydroxy-1, 1 ':4 1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl)ethoxy]-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)- dione (A56g)

[01 17] A mixture of 2'-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl-3-ol (864 mg, 2.98 mmol), triphenylphosphine (946 mg, 3.61 mmol) and /V-hydroxyphthalimide (587 mg, 3.60 mmol) was suspended in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (30 mL) under nitrogen. The mixture was cooled in an ice/water bath. Diethyl azodicarboxylate (626 mg, 3.59 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (ethyl acetate/dichloromethane) to give the title compound as a white powder (1.265 g, 98%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 7.79 - 7.88 (m, 2H), 7.71 - 7.79 (m, 2H), 7.56 - 7.68 (m, 3H), 7.41 - 7.54 (m, 3H), 7.31 - 7.40 (m, 2H), 7.23 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1 H), 6.93 - 7.00 (m, 1 H), 6.88 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.75 (dd, J=8.1 , 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 5.72 (s, 1 H), 4.40 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 2H), 3.21 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 2H); HPLC (water/ACN + 0.1 % TFA gradient) 98.52% at 220nm; LCMS [M+Na] ⁺ = 458.1 .

Production of 2'-[2-(Aminooxy)ethyl]-1 , 1 ':4 1 "-terphenyl-3-ol (A56)

[01 18] 2-[2-(3-Hydroxy-1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl)ethoxy]-1 H-isoindole-1 ,3(2H)-dione (999 mg, 2.29 mmol) was suspended in abs. ethanol (45 mL). Hydrazine hydrate (150 μΙ_, 2.40 mmol) was added. The mixture was heated at 65°C for 4 h under nitrogen, then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was filtered. The filter cake was washed with ethanol (2x20 mL). The combined filtrates were evaporated to dryness. The residue was suspended in dichloromethane (40 mL) and the mixture filtered. The filter cake was washed with dichloromethane (2x20 mL). The combined filtrates were evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (methanol/dichloromethane) to give the title compound as a white powder (648 mg, 92%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 7.60 - 7.66 (m, 2H), 7.54 (d, J=1 .6 Hz, 1 H), 7.41 - 7.51 (m, 3H), 7.33 - 7.39 (m, 1 H), 7.26 - 7.32 (m, 2H), 6.89 - 6.96 (m, 1 H), 6.79 - 6.87 (m, 2H), 5.29 (br. s, 3H), 3.82 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.98 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H); HPLC (water/ACN + 0.1 % TFA gradient) 95.36% at 220nm; LCMS [M+H] ⁺ = 306.2,

[M+Na] ⁺ = 328.1 .

Example 5: Synthesis of A56k

[01 19] The synthetic route used to prepare A56k is shown in Figure 5.

Production of 2-[3-(Benzyloxy)-1 , 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]-1-(methylsulfanyl)ethenyl methyl sulfoxide

[0120] 3-(Benzyloxy)-1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl-2'-carbaldehyde (5.330 g, 14.6 mmol) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (65 mL). Methyl (methylsulfinyl)methyl sulfide (2.745 g, 22.1 mmol) and sodium hydroxide (654 mg, 16.4 mmol) were added. The mixture was heated at reflux under nitrogen overnight. The reaction mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate (400 mL) and water (200 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (2x200 mL). The combined ethyl acetate layers were washed with water (2x200 mL) and brine (200 mL), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (ethyl acetate/dichloromethane) to give the title compound as a pale orange oil (3.733 g, 54%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 8.14 (d, J=1 .4 Hz, 1 H), 7.62 - 7.72 (m, 4H), 7.42 - 7.53 (m, 5H), 7.39 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H), 7.29 - 7.36 (m, 2H), 6.90 - 7.01 (m, 3H), 5.1 0 (s, 2H), 2.70 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H). Production of Ethyl [3-(benzyloxy)-1, 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]acetate

[0121] 2-[3-(Benzyloxy)-1 , 1 ':4', 1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]-1 -(methylsulfanyl)ethenyl methyl sulfoxide (3.733 g, 7.93 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (70 mL). Cone, hydrochloric acid (6.6 mL) was added and the mixture heated at reflux for 5 days. The reaction mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate (500 mL) and water (250 mL). The ethyl acetate layer was washed with water (200 mL) and brine (200 mL), dried over anhyd. sodium sulfate, and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (dichloromethane) to give the title compound as a yellow-orange oil (2.129g, 64%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 7.60 - 7.68 (m, 2H), 7.59 (br. s, 1 H), 7.55 (dd, J=8.0, 1 .6 Hz, 1 H), 7.42 - 7.50 (m, 4H), 7.29 - 7.42 (m, 6H), 6.92 - 7.04 (m, 3H), 5.09 (s, 2H), 4.10 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.65 (s, 2H), 1 .21 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H); LCMS [M+H] ⁺ = 423.1 .

Production of ^' [3-(Benzyloxy)-1 , 1 ':4', 1"-terphenyl-2'-yl]acetic acid

[0122] Ethyl [3-(benzyloxy)-1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]acetate (414 mg, 0.98 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (15 mL). Sodium hydroxide solution (1 M, 3 mL, 3 mmol) was added and the mixture heated at 70°C for 1 h. The reaction mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate (45 mL) and hydrochloric acid (1 M, 15 mL). The ethyl acetate layer was washed with water (15 mL) and brine (15 mL), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness to give the title compound as a pale brown powder (350 mg, 91 %). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 7.59 - 7.65 (m, 2H), 7.53 - 7.59 (m, 2H), 7.40 - 7.48 (m, 4H), 7.27 - 7.39 (m, 6H), 6.96 - 7.02 (m, 2H), 6.91 - 6.96 (m, 1 H), 5.08 (s, 2H), 3.68 (s, 2H).

Production of (3-Hydroxy-1, 1 ':4', 1"-terphenyl-2'-yl)acetic acid (A56k)

[0123] [3-(Benzyloxy)-1 ,1 ':4',1 "-terphenyl-2'-yl]acetic acid (350 mg, 0.89 mmol) was suspended in acetic acid (9 mL) and cone, hydrochloric acid (2.2 mL). The mixture was heated at 100°C for 2.25 h. The reaction mixture was poured into water (60 mL) and the mixture extracted with ethyl acetate (60 mL). The ethyl acetate layer was washed with water (2x30 mL) and brine (30 mL), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The residue was suspended in toluene (20 mL) and evaporated to dryness. This process was repeated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (ethyl acetate/dichloromethane) to give the title compound as a waxy brown solid (189 mg, 70%). The product was suspended in 7.5%

dichloromethane/hexanes and isolated by filtration to give a pale beige powder. ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 7.58 - 7.65 (m, 2H), 7.51 - 7.58 (m, 2H), 7.40 - 7.48 (m, 2H), 7.31 - 7.39 (m, 2H), 7.26 - 7.30 (m, 1 H), 6.87 - 6.92 (m, 1 H), 6.79 - 6.86 (m, 2H), 3.69 (s, 2H); HPLC (water/ACN + 0.1 % TFA gradient) 95.58% at 220nm; LCMS [M-H] ^" = 303.1 , [2M- H]- = 607.3.

Example 6: Synthesis of Intermediate A31 -4

[0124] The synthetic route used to prepare A31 -4 is shown in Figure 6.

Production of Methyl 2-bromo-5-iodobenzoate

[0125] A mixture of 2-bromo-5-iodobenzoic acid (20.070 g, 61 .4 mmol) and potassium carbonate (12.698 g, 91.9 mmol) was suspended in DMF (45 mL). lodomethane

(1 1 .373 g, 80.1 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was partitioned between diethyl ether (400 mL) and water (250 mL). The ether layer was washed with water (2x120 mL) and brine (120 mL), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness to give the title compound as an orange oil (20.451 g, 98%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 8.10 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.62 (dd, J=8.4, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.38 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.93 (s, 3H).

[Reference: WO 2004/048314].

Production of Methyl 4-bromobiphenyl-3-carboxylate

[0126] Methyl 2-bromo-5-iodobenzoate (10.019 g, 29.4 mmol), phenylboronic acid (3.571 g, 29.3 mmol) and potassium carbonate (8.1 12 g, 58.7 mmol) were dissolved in a mixture of toluene (200 mL), abs. ethanol (50 mL) and water (25 mL). The reaction flask was purged with nitrogen and nitrogen bubbled through the mixture for 30 min.

Tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (3.401 g, 2.94 mmol) was added under a stream of nitrogen. Nitrogen was bubbled through the reaction mixture for 15 min. The mixture was heated at reflux for 12 h, then allowed to stand at room temperature. The reaction mixture was partitioned between toluene (100 mL) and water (300 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with toluene (100 mL). The combined toluene layers were washed with brine (150 mL), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography

(dichloromethane/hexanes) to give the title compound as an orange oil (8.092 g, 84%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 8.01 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.72 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.52 - 7.60 (m, 3H), 7.43 - 7.49 (m, 2H), 7.36 - 7.42 (m, 1 H), 3.96 (s, 3H).

Production of (4-Bromobiphenyl-3-yl)methanol

[0127] A solution of methyl 4-bromobiphenyl-3-carboxylate (6.992 g, 24.0 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (80 mL) was prepared under nitrogen. A suspension of lithium aluminium hydride (692 mg, 18.2 mmol) in anhyd. tetrahydrofuran (60 mL) was prepared under nitrogen and cooled in an ice/water bath. The ester solution was transferred to the lithium aluminium hydride suspension via cannula. The mixture was stirred in the ice/water bath for 40 min. The excess lithium aluminium hydride was quenched by the drop wise addition of water (1.75 mL), 15% sodium hydroxide solution (1 .75 mL) and water (7 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 40 min. Ethyl acetate (290 mL) was added and the mixture filtered through celite. The filter cake was washed with ethyl acetate (2x 140 mL). The combined filtrates were evaporated to dryness. The residue was combined with the crude products from similar reactions with methyl 4-bromobiphenyl-3-carboxylate (1.024 g, 3.51 mmol), and the mixture purified by flash chromatography (dichloromethane/hexanes) to give the title compound as a pale orange oil which solidified on standing (6.729g , 93%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 7.71 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.53 - 7.64 (m, 3H), 7.41 - 7.48 (m, 2H), 7.32 - 7.41 (m, 2H), 4.82 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.01 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 1 H).

Production of4-Bromobiphenyl-3-carbaldehyde (A31-4)

[0128] Activated manganese(IV) oxide (19.279 g, 222 mmol) was added to a solution of (4-bromobiphenyl-3-yl)methanol (5.844 g, 22.2 mmol) in toluene (90 mL). The mixture was stirred at 60°C under nitrogen for 16 h. The reaction mixture was filtered through celite. The filter cake was washed with toluene (2x20 mL). The combined filtrates were evaporated to dryness to give the title compound as a pale yellow oil which solidified on standing (4.782 g, 82%). , H NMR (400MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 10.41 (s, 1 H), 8.14 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.70 - 7.74 (m, 1 H), 7.65 - 7.70 (m, 1 H), 7.56 - 7.63 (m, 2H), 7.43 - 7.51 (m, 2H), 7.36 - 7.43 (m, 1 H).

Example 7: Synthesis of A26 and A27

[0129] The synthetic route used to prepare A26 and A27 is shown in Figure 7.

Step 1 - i) 1 -Carboethoxycyclopropyl triphenylphosphonium tetrafluoroborate, DMF, 2 h, 80°C, ii) A31 -4, 18h, 80°C (adapted from Chung ef a/ Org. Letts, 201 1 Vol. 13, No. 19, 5338-5341 ).

Step 2 - TFA, DCM (adapted from WO2009/89359).

Step 3 - 3-Hydroxybenzeneboronic acid, K ₂ C0 ₃ , H ₂ 0, 1 ,4-dioxane, Pd(PPh ₃ ) ₄ , 18 h, 75°C.

Step 4 - H ₂ (balloon), 5 mol% Pd/C in MeOH, 18 h, 50°C (adapted from WO2005/90300). Example 8: Synthesis of A31

[0130] The synthetic route used to prepare A31 is shown in Figure 8.

Step 1 - N-Acylglycine, Ac ₂ 0, AcONa, heat, 6 h.

Step 2 - 3M HCI, heat Step 3 - Mel, DBU, DMF, heat.

Step 5 - Methoxycarbonylmethyltriphenylphosphorane, toluene to give a mixture of E and Z-isomers

Step 5 - NaOH, heat

(Steps 1 -5 adapted from Wong et al, Synthesis, 1992, 793-797 and Queffe ^' lec et al, Eur. J. Chem., 2008, 43(10), 2268-2271 ).

Step 6 - Urea, toluene, heat. (E-isomer to remain unreacted - as described in

WO2008/15139)

Step 7- 3-Hydroxybenzeneboronic acid, K ₂ C0 ₃ , H ₂ 0, 1 ,4-dioxane, Pd(PPh ₃ ) ₄ , 18 h, 75°C.

Example 9: Synthesis of A35

[0131] The synthetic route used to prepare A35 is shown in Figure 9.

Step 1 - NaBH ₄ , MeOH, rt.

Step 2 - PBr ₃ , THF (as described in Yu et al, Org. Letts, 2009, vol.1 1 (2), 469 - 472). Step 3 - (4-Formyl-5-methyl-isoxazol-3-yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester, nBuLi, THF (as described in Konoike ei a/ Tet. Letts, Vol. 37, No. 19, 3339-3342, 1996).

Step 4 - TFA, DCM, rt

Step 5 - 3-Hydroxybenzeneboronic acid, K ₂ C0 ₃ , H ₂ 0, 1 ,4-dioxane, Pd(PPh ₃ ) ₄ , 18 h, 75°C.

Example 10: Synthesis of A45

[0132] The synthetic route used to prepare A45 is shown in Figure 10.

Step 1 - HNMeOMe.HCI, CDI, DIPEA, DCM (adapted from WO201 1/1 19518)

Step 2 - Benzeneboronic acid, Pd(PPh ₃ ) ₄ , K ₂ C0 ₃ , Toluene:ethanol:water, heat, 12 h.

Step 3 - MeMgBr, THF, 0°C (as described in EP2455380)

Step 4 - Br ₂ , EtOH, rt (as described in WO2008/157726)

Step 5 - 1 ,3-thiazolidine-2,4-dione, K ₂ C0 ₃ , TBAI, DMF, rt, 2h (adapted from Nagarapu et al, Euro. J. Med. Chem. 71 , (2014), 91 -97)

Step 6 - NaOH in MeOH or NEt ₃ in EtOH ) (adapted from Shvaika et al, J. Org. Chem. USSR, 1983, vol. 19, # 8, 1533 - 1543)

Step 7 - 3-Hydroxybenzeneboronic acid, K ₂ C0 ₃ , H ₂ 0, 1 ,4-dioxane, Pd(PPh ₃ ) ₄ , 18 h, 75°C.

Example 1 1 : Synthesis of A79

[0133] The synthetic route used to prepare A79 is shown in Figure 1 1 .

Step 1 - 4-Oxazolidinon-2-thione, NaOAc, HOAc.

Step 2 - Mel, (i-Pr) ₂ NEt Step 3 - HCI, EtOH, H ₂ 0

(Steps 1 -3 adapted from Unangst et al, J. Med. Chem. 1994, 37, 322-328).

Step 4 - 3-Hydroxybenzeneboronic acid, K ₂ C0 ₃ , H ₂ 0, 1 ,4-dioxane, Pd(PPh ₃ ) ₄ , 18 h,

75°C

Step 5 - H ₂ (balloon), 5 mol% Pd/C in MeOH, 18 h, 50°C.

Example 12: Synthesis of A81

[0134] The synthetic route used to prepare A81 is shown in Figure 12.

Step 1:

i) 5.02 g A31 -3 gave desired product A31 -4 (5.027g, 96% yield).

ii) 20.1 g,mol A31 -3 gave desired product A31 -4 (20.451g, 98% yield)

Step 2:

i) 0.984 g A31 -4 (1.0 equiv PhB(OH) ₂ , 0.05 equiv Pd(dppf)CI ₂ , 2 equiv K ₂ C0 ₃ , Dioxane / ethanol /water, 85°C, 16h). Complete consumption of A31 -4 observed by TLC. Crude product was fractionated by column chromatography. Pure samples were not obtained but at least 4 products, including a biphenyl consistent with A31 -5 were detected by 1 H NMR analysis.

ii) 10g A31 -4 gave desired product A31 -5 (8.1 g, 84%)

Step 3:

i) 0.809g A31 -5 (1 .5equiv LiAIH ₄ , r.t, 16h) gave desired product A31 -6 (0.340g, 47%) and the undesired des-bromo compound (biphenyl-3-ylmethanol): 0.208g, 41 %.

ii) 0.51 Og A31 -5 (1 .5equiv LiAIH ₄ , 0°C, 50min) gave desired product (crude) A31 -6 (0.435g, 95%). Contained 10mol% of the des-bromo compound by 1 H NMR. Purification with larger scale batch pending.

iii) 0.514g A31 -5 (0.75equiv LiAIH ₄ , 0°C, 50min) gave desired product (crude) A31 -6 (0.453g, 98%). Contained 5.5mol% of the des-bromo compound by 1 H NMR.

iv) 6.992g A31 -5 (0.75equiv LiAIH ₄ , 0°C, 40min) gave crude product A31 -6 (6.183g) containing 5.5mol% of the des-bromo compound by 1 H NMR. Combined with products from two trial reactions purified by column chromatography to give A31 -6 (6.729g, 93%). Step 4:

0.102g A31 -6 (1.2 equiv 3-(HO)C ₆ H ₄ B(OH) ₂ , 0.1 equiv Pd(PPh ₃ ) ₄ , 3 equiv K ₂ C0 ₃ , toluene / ethanol / water, Δ, 17h) gave desired product A81 (0.054g, 50% yield).

Example 13: in vitro screening of compounds

[0135] The xCELLigence SP system (Roche) was used to measure changes in cellular impedance (cell index) following the treatment of bovine aortic endothelial cells (European Collection of Cell Cultures) with test compound. In this in vitro cell based experimental system a negative impedance profile correlates with blood pressure reduction in rats - a decrease in impedance is associated with vasodilatation and an increase in impedance is associated with vasoconstriction (Stallaert W, Dorn JF, van der Westhuizen E, Audet M & Bouvier M. Impedance responses reveal β-adrenergic signaling pluridensitometry and allow classification of ligands with distinct signalling profiles PLoS ONE 2012; 7(1 ):e29420, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0029420).

[0136] Briefly, 50 μΙ of cell culture medium (DMEM low glucose supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum at 37°C) was added to each well of an E-Plate 96 (Roche), and the background impedance in each well was measured. 50 μΙ of bovine aortic endothelial cell suspension (10,000 cells/well) was then added to the appropriate wells of the E-Plate 96. Cell index was monitored for each well of the E-Plate 96 in RTCA SP Station within the cell culture incubator. After overnight incubation for 16-20 hours at 5% C0 ₂ and 95% humidity, 100 μΙ of test compound solution (test compounds were prepared in DMSO and diluted with cell culture medium to a concentration of 62.5μΜ, 125 μΜ or 250 μΜ of test compound with a final DMSO concentration of 0.25%) was added to the appropriate wells of the E-Plate 96 and cell index values were measured immediately following compound treatment every 20 seconds for 3 hours. Cell index value is baseline- corrected by subtracting the cell index of vehicle-treated cells and normalized by dividing by the cell index at the time point immediately before compound addition. Baseline normalized cell index as a function of time is plotted using Roche RTCA software.

[0137] Negative impedance responses for bovine aortic endothelial cells were observed for A6, A26, A27, A30, A32, A35, A56, A56f, A56g, A56k and A81 (Figure 13), indicating that these compounds are vasodilators.

[0138] Human (HPCT-wt-05) and rat (NRK-52E) renal proximal tubule cells grown in (Keratinocyte Medium II + Keratinocyte Growth Supplement + 5 ng/ml human

recombinant epidermal growth factor + 5% FBS + 2 mM glutamine or DMEM + 10% FBS + 1 % NEAA + 2mM glutamine respectively) were placed in 96 well plates at 10,000 cells/well and incubated at 37°C with 5% C0 ₂ overnight. Test compounds at

concentrations of 32μΜ or 63 μΜ were incubated with human or rat renal proximal tubule cells for 2 hours at 37°C and 5%C0 ₂ . C/s-diamminedichloroplatinum(lll) (cisplatin) was then added at a concentration of 5μg ml for human cells and 12^g/ml for rat cells. Each cell population was then incubated for 24 hours at 37°C with 5% C0 ₂ . Test compound A32 was maintained at its original concentrations. To assay the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin on the human and rat renal proximal tubule cells a highly water-soluble tetrazolium salt, WST-8, which is reduced by dehydrogenases in cells to produce formazan, a water-soluble, yellow-coloured indicator dye was used following the manufacturer's instructions (specifically the Cell Count Kit- 8 (CCK-8) assay from

Sigma). Plate absorbance of the WST-8 (CCK-8) reagent was then measured at 450nm using a Thermo Scientific Multiskan EX plate reader.

[0139] Cisplatin induced cell death was decreased in cultures of human and rat renal proximal tubular cells treated with 32μΜ or 63μΜ of A32 for 24 hours (Figure 14), demonstrating that this compound reduces renal proximal tubular cell death.

Example 14: in vivo screening of compounds

[0140] Fourteen week old SHR on a 2.2% salt diet (Glen Forrest Stockfeeders) were randomly assigned to zero time control, test compound treatment (500 pmol/kg/min) in the drinking solution or control drinking solution (5% ethanol in deionised distilled water (n=5 each group). The rats assigned to zero time control group (14 weeks old rats) were anaesthetised and had their kidneys and heart harvested while rats assigned to control and test compound treatment were weighed twice weekly and had their drinking solution intake monitored to allow adjustment of the test compound concentration in the drinking solution to maintain a constant dose over the 4-week study period (18 weeks old rats). At the completion of the study period, rats were anaesthetised and had their kidneys and heart harvested.

[0141] Fourteen week old SHR on a high fat diet (Glen Forrest Stockfeeders) were randomly assigned to test compound drinking solution (500 pmol/kg/min test compound in 10% ethanol in deionised distilled water) or control drinking solution (10% ethanol in deionised distilled water). After 4 weeks, rats were anaesthetised and blood samples were taken for analysis of plasma aminotransferase (AST) levels and livers were harvested.

[0142] To quantitate tissue fibrosis and/or fat content, tissue slices < 3mm thick were fixed in 10% buffered formalin for 24 hours, processed and embedded in paraffin. Three micron transverse sections were stained using Masson's trichrome stain. A minimum of 20 random fields at magnification x20 from transverse sections (5 at each of 2 levels) were digitized and the degree of fibrosis determined as a percent of field area of each digitized image using Image-Pro Plus V.7 (Media Cybernetics, Bethesda, MD, USA) then averaged to determine the level of fibrosis and/or fat content for each rat.

[0143] Plasma AST levels were measured using a RefloVET Plus (Roche) machine using consumable strips with magnetic assay identifiers recognized by the machine. A calibration standard was used in the machine prior to each use and the device was operated according to the manufacturer's instructions. Results are presented as international units per litre (IU/L).

[0144] Fibrosis in the kidney after 4 weeks treatment with 500 pmol/kg/min of A32 was decreased compared to 18 week controls (Figure 15), demonstrating that this compound prevents the development of kidney fibrosis.

[0145] Myocardial fibrosis after 4 weeks treatment with 500 pmol/kg/min of A32 was decreased compared to 14 and 18 week controls (Figure 16), demonstrating that this compound prevents the development of myocardial fibrosis and reverses established myocardial fibrosis.

[0146] Hepatic fibrosis after 6 weeks treatment with 500 pmol/kg/min of A6, A27, A32 and A56f was decreased compared controls (Figure 17, ^* p <0.025, ^** p <0.01 ,

^*** p <0.005), demonstrating that these compounds prevent the development of hepatic fibrosis.

[0147] In Masson's tri-chrome stained sections showing portal tracts, fibrous bands can be seen extending from the portal tract (arrows) and disrupting tissue architecture in the control (Figure 18A). In sections from rats treated with A32 (Figure 18B), A6 (Figure 18C), A27 (Figure 18D), A56 (Figure 18E) and A56f (Figure 18F), normal tissue architecture has been restored.

[0148] In Masson's tri-chrome stained sections showing heart tissue from control rats (Figure 19A), fibrosis is present throughout the section interspersed between muscle fibres, in some instances surrounding and replacing muscle fibres (arrows). In sections showing heart tissue from rats treated with A32 (Figure 19B), minimal fibrous tissue is present and normal tissue architecture has been restored.

[0149] Fat in the liver after 4 weeks treatment with 500 pmol/kg/min of A27, A32 and A56 was reduced compared to 18 week controls (Figure 20, ^* p <0.05) demonstrating that these compounds reduce accumulation of hepatic fat.

[0150] Plasma AST levels were decreased in rats treated with A32 and A56f compared to controls (Figure 21 , ^* p <0.025), demonstrating that these compounds prevent liver damage.

Example 15: Comparisons of in vitro and in vivo screening of compounds

[0151] A comparison of cell impedance in bovine aortic endothelial cells and the level of hepatic fibrosis in SHR treated with various test compounds showed that the in vitro assay is predictive of the ability of the test compounds to decrease fibrosis in the liver (Figure 22, R ² =0.925).