This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending United States Patent Application Serial No. 08/032,958, filed March 17, 1993, which is a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/US92/07600, filed September 8, 1992, which is a continuation-in-part of United States Patent Application Serial No. 07/755,208, filed September 5, 1991 and now abandoned.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to novel chemical compounds having immunomodulatory activity, and in particular to macrolide immunosuppressants. More particularly, the invention relates to semisynthetic analogs of ascomycin and FK-506, means for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods of treatment employing the same.

Background of the Invention

The compound cyclosporine (cyclosporin A) has found wide use since its introduction in the fields of organ transplantation and immunomodulation, and has brought about a significant increase in the success rate for transplantation procedures. Unsatisfactory side- effects associated with cyclosporine, however, such as nephrotoxicity, have led to a continued search for immunosuppressant compounds having improved efficacy and safety.

Recently, several classes of macrocyclic compounds having potent immunomodulatory activity have been discovered. Okuhara et al., in European Patent Application No. 184162, published June 11, 1986, disclose a number of macrocyclic compounds isolated from the genus Streptomyces. Immunosuppressant FK-506, isolated from a strain of S. tsukubaensis , is a 23-membered macrocyclic lactone represented by formula la, below. Other related natural products, such as FR-900520 (lb) and FR-900523 (lc), which differ from FK-506 in their alkyl substituent at C-21, have been isolated from S. hygroscopicus yakushimnaensis. Yet another analog, FR-900525, produced by S. tsukubaensis, differs from FK-506 in the replacement of a pipecolic acid moiety with a proline group.

FR-900520, also known as ascomycin, has been previously disclosed by Arai et al. in U.S. Patent No. 3,244,592, issued April 5, 1966, where the compound is described as an antifungal agent Monaghan, R.L., et al ., on the other hand, describe the use of ascomycin as an immunosuppressant in European Patent Application No. 323865, published July 12, 1989.

Although the immunosuppressive activity of FK-506 has been clinically confirmed, toxicity in mammals has limited its utility. The activity of FK-506 has, however, prompted efforts to discover novel analogs of FK-type compounds which possess superior properties. These efforts include the isolation of new fermentation products, the microbial transformation

of existing chemical entities, the chemical modification of these macrocycles, and the synthesis of hybrid species derived from smaller synthetic fragments.

1(a): FK-506 R = CH ₂ CH=CH2; n=l 1(b): FR-900520 R = CH2CH3; n=l 1(c): FR-900523 R = CH3; n=l 1(d): FR-900525 R = CH ₂ CH=CH ₂ ; n=0

Fermentation products of FK-type compounds include C-21-epi derivatives of FK-506; a 31-demethylated derivative of FK-506; 31-oxo-FK-506; and compounds derived from FK-506, FR-900523 and FR-900525 which are characterized by the introduction of hydroxy- protecting groups, formation of a double bond by elimination of water between carbons 23 and 24, oxidation of the hydroxy group at carbon 24 to the ketone, and reduction of the allyl side- chain at carbon 21 via hydrogenation. Other published derivatives include those derived from FK-506 and FR-900520 where the lactone ring is contracted to give a macrocyclic ring containing two fewer carbons.

Several microbial transformations of FK-type compounds at carbon 13 have been published, such as the microbial demethylation of FR-900520 to form the bw-demethylated 13,31-dihydroxy ring-rearranged derivative of FR-900520; the microbial monodemethylation of FK-506 and FR-900520, respectively; and the microbial demethylation of FR-900520 at C- 31, as well as a number of other macrocyclic microbial transformation products.

Numerous chemical modifications of the FK-type compounds have been attempted. These include the preparation of small synthetic fragments of FK-type derivatives; a thermal

rearrangement of a variety of derivatives of FK-506 which expands the macrocyclic ring by two carbons; and modifications which include methyl ether formation at C-32 and/or C-24, oxidation of C-32 alcohol to the ketone, and epoxide formation at C-9.

Although some of these modified compounds exhibit immunosuppressive activity, the need remains for macrocyclic immunosuppressants which do not have the serious side effects frequently associated with immunosuppressant therapy. Accordingly, one object of the invention is to provide novel semisynthetic macrolides which possess the desired immunomodulatory activity but which may be found to minimize untoward side effects.

Another object of the present invention is to provide synthetic processes for the preparation of such compounds from starting materials obtained by fermentation, as well as chemical intermediates useful in such synthetic processes.

A further object of the invention is to provide pharmaceutical compositions containing, as an active ingredient, one of the above compounds. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method of treating a variety of disease states, including post-transplant tissue rejection and autoimmune disfunction.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect of the present invention are disclosed compounds having the formula

as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides and prodrugs thereof.

In the above formula (I), n is an integer between one and three, inclusive;

R is methyl, ethyl, allyl or propyl;

R102 is hydrogen and R!^3 i _s hydrogen, hydroxy or protected hydroxy, or, alternatively, Rl02 ^d Rl03 taken together to form a bond;

R1"4 j _s hydrogen, hydroxy or protected hydroxy;

one of Rl05 _an d R106 J _S hydrogen and the other is hydroxy, or, alternatively, Rl05 and R- ^. 06 -tøkg- together form a divalent radical selected from oxygen and methylene;

RlO ^7" , R1^8 and R HO are each independently hydrogen, methoxy or an azole radical; and

Rl0 i _s hydrogen or an azole radical.

Radicals Rl 7 Rl 8 ₅ R109 _a nd RllO are subject to three provisos, namely, that

(a) exactly one of Rl07, R 08, Rl09 and Rl 10 i _s an azole radical,

(b) exactly one of Rl07 and Rl08 is hydrogen, and

(c) exactly one of R 09 and R 0 is hydrogen.

The azole radical above is a 1,2,3-benztriazole, a 1,2,4-triazole or an imidazole selected from among the subformulae

(H) (III) (IV) and

in which R*, R^'and R^" are independently: (i) hydrogen, (ii) lower alkyl, (iii) lower alkenyl, (iv) cycloalkyl, (v) cycloalkylalkyl, (vi) cycloalkylalkenyl, (vii) nitro,

(viii) halogen,

(ix) -C(0)-0-R4, where R ⁴ is hydrogen, loweralkyl or (c) arylalkyl,

(x) mono-, di-, tri-, or perhalogenated loweralkyl,

(xi) aryl, or

(xii) arylalkyl; alternatively, any two adjacent Rl, R and Rl" taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached may form a saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring having between five and seven ring atoms, inclusive, and zero, one or two additional heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur.

R2 and R^' in the above subformulae are independently: (i) hydrogen, (ii) lower alkyl, (iϋ) lower alkenyl, (iv) amino, (v) alkylamino, (vi) arylallylarnino, (vii) acylamino, (viii) arylamino, (ix) cycloalkyl, (x) cycloalkylalkyl, (xi) Cycloalkylalkenyl,

(xii) -C(O)-O-R ⁴ where R ⁴ is as described above, (xiii) ureido, (xiv) aryl, (xv) arylalkyl,

(xvi) heterocyclic alkylamino, or (xvii) nitro;

and R3 and R^' are independently: (i) hydrogen, (ii) lower alkyl, (iii) hydroxyalkyl, (iv) alkoxyalkyl, (v) halogen, (vi) cyanoalkyl, (vii) acylaminoalkyl, (viii) alkylamino,

(ix) arylalJcylamino, (x) acylamino, (xi) arylamino, (xii) cycloalkyl, (xiϋ) cycloalkylalkyl, (xiv) aryl, or (xv) arylalkyl.

Representative of the compounds of the invention are those in which:

(a) R is ethyl;

(b) R ¹ 0 ² is hydrogen;

(c) R ¹⁰³ is selected hydrogen or hydroxy;

(d) R ¹⁰³ is protected hydroxy;

(e) R ¹⁰ is hydrogen or hydroxy;

(f) R ¹⁰⁵ and R ¹⁰⁶ , taken together, form an oxo (=O) group; and/or

(g) n is one or two.

Preferred among the compounds of the present invention are those in which the heterocyclic radical is a 1,2,3-benztriazole or 1,2,4-triazole radical having the subformula:

⁽ ID or (HI) , respec _ri tive .ly.

Of these, especially preferred are those compounds of subformula (LTJ) in which R^ and R^' are each hydrogen.

Compounds which are further representative of the present invention are the title compounds of Examples 1-60 which follow, and especially those of Examples 5-16.

In a second aspect of the present invention are disclosed pharmaceutical compositions useful for immunomodulation, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In another aspect of the present invention is disclosed method of producing immunomodulation in a human or mammalian patient in need of such treatment, comprising

administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention in such amounts and for such time as is necessary to obtain the desired effect.

In yet another aspect of the present invention are disclosed processes for the preparation of the above compounds, as further described in connection with the examples which follow.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The compounds of the present invention are those in which a single azole radical is substituted for either the C-31 methoxy functionality or the C-32 hydroxy functionality. In each instance, the azole substituent may be in either the R- or the S-configuration. Consequently, and in accordance with the provisos above, the possible configurations of these radicals Rl07, RlOδ _^ 109 and Rl 1 can be represented by the following partial structural formulae:

in which Az represents the azole radical as defined above. >

As used throughout this specification and in the appended claims, the following terms have the meanings specified:

The term "acyl" as used herein refers to an aryl or alkyl group, as defined below, appended to a carbonyl group including, but not limited to, acetyl, pivaloyl, benzoyl and the like.

The term "acylamino" as used herein refers to an acyl group, as defined above, appended to an amino group including, but not limited to, acetylamino, pivaloylamino, benzoylamino and the like.

The term "acylaminoalkyl" as used herein refers to an acylamino group, as defined above, appended to an alkyl group, as defined below, including but not limited to, acetylamino methyl, acetylaminoethyl, propionylaminoethyl, and the like.

The term "alkenyl" as used herein refers to straight or branched chain groups of 2 to 12 carbon atoms containing one or more carbon-carbon double bonds including, but not limited to ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 2-methyl-l-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl and the like.

The term "alkoxy" as used herein refers to a loweralkyl, as defined below, attached to the remainder of the molecule through an oxygen atom including, but not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, w-butoxy, .sec-butoxy, isobutoxy, tert-butoxy, and the like.

The term "alkoxyalkyl" as used herein refers to an alkoxy group, as defined above, appended to an alkyl group, as defined below.

The term "alkyl" as used herein refers to a monovalent straight chain or branched chain group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms including, but not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl and the like.

The terms "alkylamino" as used herein refers to a group having the structure -NH-(loweralkyl), where the loweralkyl portion is as defined below. Alkylamino and loweralkylamino groups include, for example, methylamino, ethylamino, isopropylamino and the like.

The terms "aryl" as used herein refers to carbocyclic aromatic groups including, but not limited to, phenyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl, fluorenyl, (1, 2)-dihydronaphthyl, (1,2,3,4)- tetrahydronaphthyl, indenyl, indanyl and the like, substituted by R ⁶ , R ⁷ and R ⁸ .

The term "arylalkyl" as used herein refers to an aryl group, as previously defined, appended to an alkyl group including, but not limited to, benzyl, 1- and 2-naphthylmethyl, halobenzyl, alkoxybenzyl, hydroxybenzyl, aminobenzyl, nitrobenzyl, guanidinobenzyl, fluorenylmethyl, phenylmethyl(benzyl), 1-phenylethyl, 2-phenylethyl, 1-naphthylethyl and the like.

The term "arylalkylamino" as used herein refers to a group having the structure -NH-(arylalkyl), where the arylalkyl portion is as previously defined. Examples of arylalkylamino groups include benzylamino, 1-phenylethylamino and the like.

The term "arylamino" as used herein refers to an aryl group, as defined above, appended to an amino group including, but not limitted to, anilino, naphthylamino and the like.

The term "cycloalkyl" as used herein refers to cyclic groups of 3 to 8 carbons including, but not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and the like.

The term "cyanoalkyl" as used herein refers to a cyano group appended to an alkyl group, as previously defined.

The term "cycloalkylalkenyl" as used herein refers to cycloalkyl, as defined above, appended to an alkenyl group, as defined above.

The term "cycloalkylalkyl" as used herein refers to a cycloalkyl group appended to a lower alkyl group including, but not limited to, cyclohexylmethyl and cyclohexylethyl.

The term "halogen" as used herein refer to an atom selected from fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

The term "heterocyclic" as used herein, except where otherwise specified, refers to any aromatic or non-aromatic 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring or a bi- or tri-cyclic group comprising fused six-membered rings having between one and three heteroatoms independently selected from oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen, wherein (i) each 5-membered ring has 0 to 2 double bonds and each 6-membered ring has 0 to 3 double bonds, (ii) the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms as well as the carbon atoms may optionally be oxidized by unsaturation and/or substitution by

hydroxy, thiol, oxo or thiooxo, (iii) the nitrogen heteroatom may optionally be quaternized, (iv) any of the above heterocyclic rings may be fused to a benzene ring, and (v) any carbon or heteroatom with suitable valence may be optionally substituted. Representative heterocycles include, but are not limited to, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, cytosinyl, thiocytosinyl, imidazolyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyridyl, piperidinyl, pyrazinyl, piperazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, xanthenyl, xanthonyl, xanthopterinyl, oxazoyl, oxazolidinyl, thiouracilyl, isoxazolyl, isoxazolidinyl, morpholinyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, uracilyl, urazolyl, uricyl, thiazolyl, thiazohdinyl, isothiazolyl, isothiazolidinyl, isoquinolinyl, thyminyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, furyl, thienyl and benzothienyl.

The term "(heterocyclic)alkyl" as used herein refers to a heterocyclic group appended to an alkyl group, as previously defined.

The term "(heterocyclic)alkylamino" as used herein refers to a (heterocyclic)alkyl moiety, as defined above, attached via an amino group.

The term "hydroxyalkyl" as used herein refers to a hydroxy group appended to an alkyl group, as previously defined.

The term "hydroxy-protecting group" as used herein refers to those groups which are known in the art of organic synthesis (Greene, T.W. and Wuts, P.G.M., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 2nd Ed., John Wiley & Son, Inc., 1991) to protect a hydroxy group against undesirable reaction during synthetic procedures and to be selectively removable including, but not limited to, methylthiomethyl, dimethylthexylsilyl, trisubstituted silyl such as tri(lower)alkylsilyl (e.g. trimethylsilyl, triethylsilyl, tributylsilyl, tri-i-propylsilyl, tert-butyl- dimethylsilyl, tri-tert-butylsilyl, triphenylmethyl-dimethylsilyl, etc.); lower alkyldiarylsilyl (e.g. methyl-diphenylsilyl, ethyl-diphenylsilyl, propyl-diphenylsilyl, tert-butyl-diphenylsilyl, etc.), and the like; triaiysilyl (e.g. triphenylsilyl, tri-p-xylylsilyl, etc.); triarylalkylsilyl (e.g. tribenzylsilyl, etc.); alkylacyl (e.g. acetyl); aryloyl (e.g. benzolyl); alkoxycarbonyl (e.g. ethoxycarbonyl); -S(O)2-(loweralkyl), -S(O)2-(aryl); acyl substituted with an aromatic group and the like.

The term "lower alkyl" as used herein refers to an alkyl group, as defined above, of 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

The term "lower alkenyl" as used herein refers to an alkenyl group, as defined above, of 2 to 8 carbon atoms.

The term "mono, di, tri, or perhalogenated lower alkyl" as used herein refer to a lower alkyl group as defined above, substituted with one or more halogens, including, but not limited to chloromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, and the like.

The term "oxo" as used herein refers to an oxygen atom forming a carbonyl group.

The term "protected hydroxy" as used herein refers to a hydroxy group to which has been appended a hydroxy-protection group, as previously defined.

The term "ureido" as used herein refers to a radical having the formula -NHC(O)NH ₂ .

The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides and prodrugs" as used herein refers to those carboxylate salts, amino acid addition salts, esters, amides and prodrugs of the compounds of the present invention which are, within the scope of sound medical judgement, suitable for use in contact with with the tissues of humans and lower animals with undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response, and the like, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio, and effective for their intended use, as well as the zwitterionic forms, where possible, of the compounds of the invention. The term "salts" refers to the relatively non- toxic, inorganic and organic acid addition salts of compounds of the present invention. These salts can be prepared in situ during the final isolation and purification of the compounds or by separately reacting the purified compound in its free base form with a suitable organic or inorganic acid and isolating the salt thus formed. Representative salts include the hydrobromide, hydrochloride, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, nitrate, acetate, oxalate, valerate, oleate, palmitate, stearate, laurate, borate, benzoate, lactate, phosphate, tosylate, citrate, maleate, fumarate, succinate, tartrate, naphthylate, mesylate, glucoheptonate, lactiobionate and laurylsulphonate salts and the like. These may include cations based on the alkali and alkaline earth metals, such as sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and the like, as well as nontoxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium and amine cations including, but not limited to, ammonium, tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, ethylamine and the like. (See, for example S. M. Berge, et al., "Pharmaceutical Salts," J. Pharm. Sci.. 66: 1-19 (1977) which is incorporated herein by reference.)

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable, non-toxic esters of the compounds of this invention include to C alkyl esters wherein the alkyl group is a straight or branched chain. Acceptable esters also include C5 to C7 cycloalkyl esters as well as arylalkyl esters such as, but not limited to benzyl. Ci to C ₄ alkyl esters are preferred. Esters of the compounds of the present invention may be prepared according to conventional methods.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable, non-toxic amides of the compounds of this invention include amides derived from ammonia, primary Cj to C alkyl amines and secondary Ci to dialkyl amines wherein the alkyl groups are straight or branched chain. In the case of secondary amines the amine may also be in the form of a 5 or 6 membered heterocycle containing one nitrogen atom. Amides derived from ammonia, Ci to C ₃ alkyl primary amides and Ci to C ₂ dialkyl secondary amides are preferred. Amides of the compounds of the invention may be prepared according to conventional methods.

The term "prodrug" refers to compounds that are rapidly transformed in vivo to yield the parent compound of the above formula, for example by hydrolysis in blood. A thorough discussion is provided in T. Higuchi and V. Stella, "Pro-drugs as Novel Delivery Systems",

Vol 14 of the A.C.S. Symposium Series, and in Bioreversible Carriers in Drug Design, ed. Edward B. Roche, American Pharmaceutical Association and Pergamon Press, 1987, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Where appropriate, prodrugs of derivatives of compounds of the present invention may be prepared by any suitable method. For those compounds in which the prodrug moiety is an amino acid or peptide functionality, the condensation of the amino group with amino acids and peptides may be effected in accordance with conventional condensation methods such as the azide method, the mixed acid anhydride method, the DCC (dicyclohexylcarbodiimede) method, the active ester method (p-nitrophenyl ester method, N-hydroxysuccinic acid imide ester method, cyanomethyl ester method and the like), the Woodward reagent K method, the DCC- HOBT (1-hydroxy-benzotriazole) method and the like. Classical methods for amino acid condensation reactions are described in "Peptide Synthesis" Second Edition, M. Bodansky, Y.S. Klausner and M.A. Ondetti (1976).

As in conventional peptide sysnthesis, branched chain amino and carboxyl groups at alpha and omega positions in amino acids may be protected and deprotected if necessary. The protecting groups for amino groups which can be used involve, for example, benzyloxycarbonyl (Z), o-chlorobenzyloxycarbonyl ((2-Cl)Z)), p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl (Z(NO2)), p-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl (Z(OMe)), t-amyloxycarbonyl (Aoc), isobornealoxycarbonyl, adamantyloxycarbonyl (Adoc), 2-(4-biphenyl)-2-propyloxy carbonyl (Bpoc), 9-fluorenyl-methoxycarbonyl (Fmoc), methylsulfonylethoxy carbonyl (Msc), trifluoroacetyl, phthalyl, formyl, 2-nitrophenylsulfonyl (Nps), diphenylphosphinothioyl (Ppt) and dimethylphosphino-thioyl (Mpt).

The examples for protecting groups for carboxyl groups involve, for example, benzyl ester (OBzl), cyclohexyl ester, 4-nitrobenzyl ester (OBzlNO2), t-butyl ester (OtBu), 4- pyridylmethyl ester (OPic) and the like.

In the course of the synthesis of certain of the compounds of the present invention, specific amino acids having functional groups other than amino and carboxyl groups in the branched chain such as arginine, cysteine, serine and the like may be protected, if necessary, with suitable protecting groups. It is preferable that for example, the guanidino group (NG) in arginine may be protected with nitro, p-toluenesulfonyl (Tos), benzyloxycarbonyl (Z), adamantyloxycarbonyl (Adoc), p-methoxybenzenesulfonyl, 4-methoxy-2,6-dimethyl- benzenesulfonyl (Mts) and the like; the thiol group in cysteine may be protected with benzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, triphenylmethyl, acetamidomethyl, ethylcarbamyl, 4-methylbenzyl (4-MeBzl), 2,4,6-trimethylbenzyl (Tmb) and the like; and the hydroxy group in serine may be protected with benzyl (Bzl), t-butyl, acetyl, tetrahydropyranyl (THP) and the like.

Numerous asymmetric centers may exist in the compounds of the present invention. Except where otherwise noted, the present invention contemplates the various stereoisomers

and mixtures thereof. Accordingly, whenever a bond is represented by a wavy line, it is intended that both steric orientations are intended.

The compounds of the invention, including but not limited to those specified in the examples, possess immunomodulatory activity in animals. As immunosuppressants, the compounds of the present invention may be useful for the treatment and prevention of immune- mediated diseases such as the resistance by transplantation of organs or tissue such as heart, kidney, liver, medulla ossium, skin, cornea, lung, pancreas, intestinum tenue, limb, muscle, nervus, duodenum, small-bowel, pancreatic-islet-cell, etc.; graft-versus-host diseases brought about by medulla ossium transplantation; autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, type I diabetes uveitis, allergic encephalomyelitis, glomerulonephritis, and the like; and further infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Further uses may include the treatment and prophylaxis of inflammatory and hyperproliferative skin diseases and cutaneous manifestations of immunologically-mediated illnesses, such as psoriasis, atopical dermatitis, contact dermatitis and further eczematous dermatitises, seborrhoeis dermatitis, Lichen planus, Pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, Epidermolysis bullosa, urticaria, angioedemas, vasculitides, erythemas, cutaneous eosinophilias, Lupus erythematosus, acne and Alopecia areata; various eye diseases (autoimmune and otherwise) such as keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, uveitis associated with Behcet's disease, keratitis, herpetic keratitis, conical cornea, dystrophia epithelialis corneae, corneal leukoma, ocular pemphigus, Mooren's ulcer, Scleritis, Graves' opthalmopathy, Nogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, sarcoidosis, etc.; reversible obstructive airway disease, which includes condition such as asthma (for example, bronchial asthma, allergic asthma, intrinsic asthma, extrinsic asthma and dust asthma), particularly chronic or inveterate asthma (for example, late asthma and airway hyper-responsiveness), bronchitis and the like; inflammation of mucosa and blood vessels such as gastric ulcers, vascular damage caused by ischemic diseases and thrombosis, ischemic bowel diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal lesions associated with thermal burns and leukotriene B4-mediated diseases; intestinal inflammations/allergies such as Coeliac diseases, proctitis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, mastocytosis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; food-related allergic diseases which have symptomatic manifestation remote from the gastro¬ intestinal tract (e.g. migraine, rhinitis and eczema); renal diseases such as interstitial nephritis, Goodpasture's syndrome, hemolytic-uremic syndrome and diabetic nephropathy; nervous diseases such as multiple myositis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Meniere's disease, polyneuritis, multiple neuritis, mononeuritis and radiculopathy; endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism and Basedow's disease; hematic diseases such as pure red cell aplasia, aplastic anemia, hypoplastic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, agranulocytosis, pernicious anemia, megaloblastic anemia and anerythroplasia; bone diseases

such as osteoporosis; respiratory diseases such as sarcoidosis, fibroid lung and idiopathic interstitial pneumonia; skin disease such as dermatomyositis, leukoderma vulgaris, ichthyosis vulgaris, photoallergic sensitivity and cutaneous T cell lymphoma; circulatory diseases such as arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, aortitis syndrome, polyarteritis nodosa and myocardosis; collagen diseases such as scleroderma, Wegener's granuloma and Sjogren's syndrome; adiposis; eosinophilic fasciitis; periodontal disease such as lesions of gingiva, periodontium, alveolar bone and substantia ossea dentis; nephrotic syndrome such as glomerulonephritis; male pattern aleopecia or alopecia senilis by preventing epilation or providing hair geπriination and/or promoting hair generation and hair growth; muscular dystrophy; Pyoderma and Sezary's syndrome; Addison's disease; active oxygen-mediated diseases, as for example organ injury such as ischemia-reperfusion injury of organs (such as heart liver, kidney and digestive tract) which occurs upon preservation, transplantation or ischemic disease (for example, thrombosis and cardiac infraction): intestinal diseases such as endotoxin-shock, pseudomembranous colitis and colitis caused by drug or radiation; renal diseases such as ischemic acute renal insufficiency and chronic renal insufficiency; pulmonary diseases such as toxinosis caused by lung-oxygen or drug (for example, paracort and bleomycins), lung cancer and pulmonary emphysema; ocular diseases such as cataracta, siderosis, retinitis, pigmentosa, senile macular degeneration, vitreal scarring and corneal alkali bum; dermatitis such as erythema multiforme, linear IgA ballous dermatitis and cement dermatitis; and others such as gingivitis, periodontitis, sepsis, pancreatitis, diseases caused by environmental pollution (for example, air pollution), aging, carcinogenis, metastasis of carcinoma and hypobaropathy; disease caused by histamine or leukotriene-C4 release; Behcet's disease such as intestinal-, vasculo- or neuro-Behcet's disease, and also Behcet's which affects the oral cavity, skin, eye, vulva, articulation, epididymis, lung, kidney and so on. Furthermore, the compounds of the invention are useful for the treatment and prevention of hepatic disease such as immunogenic diseases (for example, chronic autoimmune liver diseases such as the group consisting of autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis and sclerosing cholangitis), partial liver resection, acute liver necrosis (e.g. necrosis caused by toxin, viral hepatitis, shock or anoxia), B-virus hepatitis, non-A/non-B hepatitis, cirrhosis (such as alcoholic cirrhosis) and hepatic failure such as fulminant hepatic failure, late-onset hepatic failure and "acute-on-chronic" liver failure (acute liver failure on chronic liver diseases), and moreover are useful for various diseases because of their useful activity such as augmention of chemotherapeutic effect preventing or treating activity of cytomegalovirus infection, particularly HCMV infection, anti- inflammatory activity, and so on.

Additionally, some compounds appear to possess FK-506 antagonistic properties. The compounds of the present invention may thus be used in the treatment of immunodepression or a disorder involving immunodepression. Examples of disorders involving immunodepression include AIDS, cancer, senile dementia, trauma (including wound healing, surgery and shock)

chronic bacterial infection, and certain central nervous system disorders. The immunodepression to be treated may be caused by an overdose of an immunosuppressive macrocyclic compound, for example derivatives of 12-(2-cyclohexyl-l-methylvinyl)-13, 19,21,27-tetramethyl-ll,28-dioxa-4-azatricyclo[22.3.1.0 ⁴ > ⁹ ] octacos-18-ene such as FK-506, or rapamycin. Overdosing of such medicants by patients is quite common upon their realizing that they have forgotten to take their medication at the prescribed time and can lead to serious side effects.

A further situation in which the compounds of the present invention may be used to treat immunosuppression is in vaccination. It is sometimes found that the antigen introduced into the body for the acquisition of immunity from disease acts as an immunosuppressive agent, and so antibodies are not produced by the body and immunity is not acquired. By introducing a compound of the invention into the body (as in a vaccine), the undesired immunosuppression may be overcome and immunity acquired.

Aqueous liquid compositions of the present invention may be particularly useful for the treatment and prevention of various diseases of the eye such as autoimmune diseases (including, for example, conical cornea, keratitis, dysophia epithelialis comeae, leukoma, Mooren 's ulcer, sclevitis and Graves' ophthalmopathy) and rejection of comeal transplantation.

When used in the above or other treatments, a therapeutically effective amount of one of the compounds of the present invention may be employed in pure form or, where such forms exist in pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug form. Alternatively, the compound may be administered as pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound of interest in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. By a "therapeutically effective amount" of the compound of the invention is meant a sufficient amount of the compound to treat gastrointestinal disorders, at a reasonable benefit risk ratio applicable to any medical treatment It will be understood, however, that the total daily usage of the compounds and compositions of the present invention will be decided by the attending physician within the scope of sound medical judgement. The specific therapeutically effective dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the disorder being treated and the severity of the disorder; activity of the specific compound employed; the specific composition employed; the age, body weight general health, sex and diet of the patient the time of administration, route of administration, and rate of excretion of the specific compound employed; the duration of the treatment drugs used in combination or coincidental with the specific compound employed; and like factors well known in the medical arts. For example, it is well within the skill of the art to start doses of the compound at levels lower than required for to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and to gradually increase the dosage until the desired effect is achieved.

The total daily dose of the compounds of this invention administered to a human or lower animal may range from about 0.001 to about 3 mg/kg/day. For purposes of oral

administration, more preferable doses may be in the range of from about 0.005 to about 1.5 mg/kg/day. If desired, the effective daily dose may be divided into multiple doses for purposes of administration; consequently, single dose compositions may contain such amounts or submultiples thereof to make up the daily dose.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise a compound of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient, which may be administered orally, rectally, parenterally, intracisternally, intravaginally, intraperitoneally, topically (as by powders, ointments, drops or transdermal patch), bucally, or as an oral or nasal spray. By "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" is meant a non-toxic solid, semi-solid or liquid filler, diluent encapsulating material or formulation auxiliary of any type. The term "parenteral" as used herein refers to modes of administration which include intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intrasternal, subcutaneous and intraarticular injection and infusion.

Pharmaceutical compositions of this invention for parenteral injection comprise pharmaceutically acceptable sterile aqueous or nonaqueous solutions, dispersions, suspensions or emulsions as well as sterile powders for reconstitution into sterile injectable solutions or dispersions just prior to use. Examples of suitable aqueous and nonaqueous carriers, diluents, solvents or vehicles include water, ethanol, polyols (such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and the like), carboxymethylcellulose and suitable mixtures thereof, vegetable oils (such as olive oil), and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of coating materials such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions, and by the use of surfactants.

These compositions may also contain adjuvants such as preservative, wetting agents, emulsifying agents, and dispersing agents. Prevention of the action of microorganisms may be ensured by the inclusion of various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, paraben, chlorobutanol, phenol sorbic acid, and the like. It may also be desirable to include isotonic agents such as sugars, sodium chloride, and the like, Prolonged absorption of the injectable pharmaceutical form may be brought about by the inclusion of agents which delay absorption such as aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

In some cases, in order to prolong the effect of the drug, it is desirable to slow the absorption of the drug from subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. This may be accomplished by the use of a liquid suspension of crystalline or amorphous material with poor water solubility. The rate of absorption of the drug then depends upon its rate of dissolution which, in turn, may depend upon crystal size and crystalline form. Alternatively, delayed absorption of a parenterally administered drug form is accomplished by dissolving or suspending the drug in an oil vehicle.

Injectable depot forms are made by forming microencapsule matrices of the drug in biodegradable polymers such as polylactide-polyglycolide. Depending upon the ratio of drug

to polymer and the nature of the particular polymer employed, the rate of drug release can be controlled. Examples of other biodegradable polymers include poly(orthoesters) and poly (anhydrides) Depot injectable formulations are also ^" prepared by entrapping the drug in liposomes or microemulsions which are compatible with body tissues.

The injectable formulations can be sterilized, for example, by filtration through a bacterial-retaining filter, or by incorporating sterilizing agents in the form of sterile solid compositions which can be dissolved or dispersed in sterile water or other sterile injectable medium just prior to use.

Solid dosage forms for oral administration include capsules, tablets, pills, powders, and granules. In such solid dosage forms, the active compound is mixed with at least one inert, pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier such as sodium citrate or dicalcium phosphate and/or a) fillers or extenders such as starches, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, and silicic acid, b) binders such as, for example, carboxymethylcellulose, alginates, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sucrose, and acacia, c) humectants such as glycerol, d) disintegrating agents such as agar-agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, certain silicates, and sodium carbonate, e) solution retarding agents such as paraffin, f) absorption accelerators such as quaternary ammonium compounds, g) wetting agents such as, for example, cetyl alcohol and glycerol monostearate, h) absorbents such as kaolin and bentonite clay, and i) lubricants such as talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate, and mixtures thereof. In the case of capsules, tablets and pills, the dosage form may also comprise buffering agents.

Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in soft and hard- filled gelatin capsules using such excipients as lactose or milk sugar as well as high molecular weight polyethylene glycols and the like.

The solid dosage forms of tablets, dragees, capsules, pills, and granules can be prepared with coatings and shells such as enteric coatings and other coatings well known in the pharmaceutical formulating art They may optionally contain opacifying agents and can also be of a composition that they release the active ingredients) only, or preferentially, in a certain part of the intestinal tract optionally, in a delayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions which can be used include polymeric substances and waxes.

The active compounds can also be in micro-encapsulated form, if appropriate, with one or more of the above-mentioned excipients.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs. In addition to the active compounds, the liquid dosage forms may contain inert diluents commonly used in the art such as, for example, water or other solvents, solubilizing agents and emulsifiers such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, dimethyl formamide, oils (in particular, cottonseed, groundnut,

co , germ, olive, castor, and sesame oils), glycerol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, polyethylene glycols and fatty acid esters of sorbitan, and mixtures thereof.

Besides inert diluents, the oral compositions can also include adjuvants such as wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, sweetening, flavoring, and perfuming agents.

Suspensions, in addition to the active compounds, may contain suspending agents as, for example, ethoxylated isostearyl alcohols, polyoxyethylene sorbitol and sorbitan esters, microcrystalline cellulose, aluminum metahydroxide, bentonite, agar-agar, and tragacanth, and mixtures thereof.

Topical administration includes administration to the skin or mucosa, including surfaces of the lung and eye. Compositions for topical administration, including those for inhalation, may be prepared as a dry powder which may be pressurized or non-pressurized. In non- pressurized powder compositions, the active ingredient in finely divided form may be used in admixture with a larger-sized pharmaceutically acceptable inert carrier comprising particles having a size, for example, of up to 100 micrometers in diameter. Suitable inert carriers include sugars such as lactose. Desirably, at least 95% by weight of the particles of the active ingredient have an effective particle size in the range of 0.01 to 10 micrometers.

Alternatively, the composition may be pressurized and contain a compressed gas, such as nitrogen or a liquified gas propellant The liquified propellant medium and indeed the total composition is preferably such that the active ingredient does not dissolve therein to any substantial extent. The pressurized composition may also contain a surface active agent. The surface active agent may be a liquid or solid non-ionic surface active agent or may be a solid anionic surface active agent. It is preferred to use the solid anionic surface active agent in the form of a sodium salt.

A further form of topical administration is to the eye, as for the treatment of immune- mediated conditions of the eye such as automimmue diseases, allergic or inflammatory conditions, and co eal transplants. The compound of the invention is delivered in a pharmaceutically acceptable ophthalmic vehicle, such that the compound is maintained in contact with the ocular surface for a sufficient time period to allow the compound to penetrate the comeal and internal regions of the eye, as for example the anterior chamber, posterior chamber, vitreous body, aqueous humor, vitreous humor, cornea, iris/cilary, lens, choroid/retina and sclera. The pharmaceutically acceptable ophthalmic vehicle may, for example, be an ointment, vegetable oil or an encapsulating material.

Compositions for rectal or vaginal administration are preferably suppositories which can be prepared by mixing the compounds of this invention with suitable non-irritating excipients or carriers such as cocoa butter, polyethylene glycol or a suppository wax which are solid at room temperature but liquid at body temperature and therefore melt in the rectum or vaginal cavity and release the active compound.

Compounds of the present invention can also be administered in the form of liposomes. As is known in the art, liposomes are generally derived from phospholipids or other lipid substances. Liposomes are formed by mono- or multi-lamellar hydrated liquid crystals that are dispersed in an aqueous medium. Any non-toxic, physiologically acceptable and metabolizable lipid capable of forming liposomes can be used. The present compositions in liposome form can contain, in addition to a compound of the present invention, stabilizers, preservatives, excipients, and the like. The preferred lipids are the phospholipids and the phosphatidyl cholines (lecithins), both natural and synthetic. Methods to form liposomes are known in the art. See, for example, Prescott, Ed., Methods in Cell Biology, Volume XIV, Academic Press, New York, N. Y. (1976), p. 33 et seq.

The compounds of the invention may be prepared using one or more of the processes which follow. The starting materials for use in these processes are preferably one of the macrolides isolated from culture media obtained in accordance with known methods by fermentation of microorganisms of the genus Streptomvces. which are disclosed in European Patent Application No. 0184162. Samples are available from the Fermentation Research Institute, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305, Japan under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty, under deposit No. FERM BP-927. This strain has been redeposited on April 27, 1989 with the Agricultural Research Culture Collection International Depository, Peoria, Illinois 61604, USA under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty, under deposit No. NRRL 18488. The macrolide FR-900520 (European Patent Application 0184162), also known as ascomycin, may be prepared in accordance to the published methods of (i) H. Hatanaka, M. Iwami, T. Kino, T. Goto and M. Okuhara, FR-900520 and FR-900523, Novel immunosuppressants isolated from A streptomyces. I. Taxonomy of the producing strain. J. Antibiot., 1988. XLI(ll), 1586- 1591; (ii) H. Hatanaka, T. Kino, S. Miyata, N. Inamura, A. Kuroda, T. Goto, H. Tanaka and M. Okuhara, FR-900520 and FR-900523 , Novel immunosuppressants isolated from A streptomyces. II. Fermentation, isolation and physico-chemical and biological characteristics. J. Antibiot, 1988. XLI(ll), 1592-1601; (iϋ) T. Arai, Y. Koyama, T. Suenaga and H. Honda, Ascomycin, An Antifungal Antibiotic. J. Antibiot., 1962. 15(231-2); and (iv) T. Arai in U.S. Patent No. 3,244,592. One or more of the processes discussed below may be then employed to produce the desired compound of the invention.

Such processes comprise:

(a) producing a compound of formula I, which contains bis(CH-O-PG) groups, in a corresponding compound wherein PG is a protecting group.

(b) producing a compound of formula I, which contains a mono(CH-O-PG) group, by selective deprotection in a corresponding compound wherein PG is a protecting group.

(c) producing a compound of formula I, which contains a CH-OLG group, by selective activation of a selected CH-OH group in a corresponding compound wherein -OLG is a leaving group which is easily displaced by nucleophilic attack.

(d) producing a compound of formula I, which contains a CH-R ¹⁰⁰ group, by selective displacement of a selected CH-OLG group in a corresponding compound wherein -R ¹⁰⁰ is a nucleophile.

(e) producing a compound of formula I, which contains a CH-OH group, by selective and final deprotection of a CH-O-PG in a corresponding compound.

(f) producing a compound of formula I, which contains a CH-OSO2F group, by selective activation of a CH-OH group with an appropriate amount of fluorosulfonyl anhydride under conditions suitable for the production of the desired product;

(g) producing a compound of formula I, which contains a CH-OH group with inverted stereochemistry, by first activating a selected CH-OH group to its corresponding sulfonate, examples are but not limited to CH-OSO2F and CH-OSO2CF3 and reacting with dimethylsulfoxide-water, or water with other cosolvents.

In process (a), the hydroxy group at C-24 position may or may not necessary to be protected. Suitable protecting groups for hydroxy, however, include those groups well known in the art such as dimethylthexylsilyl, trisubstituted silyl such as tri(lower)alkylsilyl (e.g. trimethylsilyl, triethylsilyl, tributylsilyl, tri-i-propylsilyl, tert-butyl-dimethylsilyl, tri-tert- butylsilyl, triphenylmethyl-dimethylsilyl, etc.); lower alkyldiarylsilyl (e.g. methyl- diphenylsilyl, ethyl-diphenylsilyl, propyl-diphenylsilyl, tert-butyl-diphenylsilyl, etc.), and the like; triarysilyl (e.g. triphenylsilyl, tri-p-xylylsilyl, etc.); triarylalkylsilyl (e.g. tribenzylsilyl, etc.), and the like, in which the preferred one may be tri(Cι-to-C4)alkylsilyl and CH0-C4 alkyldiphenylsilyl, and the most preferred one may be tert-butyldimethylsilyl;

The suitable o-silylation reactions may be carried out using a wide variety of organosilicon reagents such as, but not limitted to tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride, N-(tert- butyldimethylsιlyl)-N-methyltrifluoroacetarnide ( Mawhinney, T., and Madison, M. A. J. Org. Chem., 1982, 47, 3336), tert-butylchlorodiphenylsilane ( Hanessian, S. and Lavallee, P Can. J. Chem., 1975, 63, 2975), tert-butyldimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate ( Mander, L. Ν. and Sethi, S. P. Tetrahedron Lett., 1984, 25, 5953), dimethylthexylsilyl chloride or dimethylthexylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (Wetter, H. and Oertle, K. Tetrahedron Lett., 1985, 26, 5515), l-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-imidazole and the like.

Carbonates may be prepared by using a wide variety of a haloformates such as methy, ethyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, isobutyl, vinyl, allyl, 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl, 2-(benzenesulfonyl)ethyl, 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy methyl, benzyl and substituted benzyl chloroformates, where benzyl substituents include p-methoxy, 3,4-dimethoxy andp-nitro, in the presence of tertiary base such as pyridine, triethylamine, imidazole, diisopropylethylamine

and the like. (Tetrahedron Lett., 1980, 21, 3343; ibid., 1981, 22, 3667; ibid. 1981, 22, 969; ibid. 1981, 22, 1933. )

The reaction may be carried out in a solvent which does not adversely affect the reaction (e.g., diethylether, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform or NN-dimethylformamide or a mixture thereof). The reaction may require cooling or heating, depending on the activation method chosen. Further, the reaction is preferably conducted in the presence of an organic or inorganic base such as an alkaline earth metal (e.g. calcium, etc.), alkali metal hydride (e.g. sodium hydride, etc.), alkali metal hydroxide (e.g. sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc.), alkali metal carbonate (e.g. sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, etc.), alkali metal hydrogen carbonate (e.g. sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, etc.), alkali metal alkoxide (e.g. sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, potassium tert-butoxide, etc.), alkali metal alkanoic acid (e.g. sodium acetate, etc.), trialkylamine (e.g. triethylamine, etc.), pyridine compounds (e.g. pyridine, lutidine, picoline, 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine, etc.), quinoline, and the like, preferably in the presence of organic bases such as imidazole, triethylamine or pyridine.

In process (b), suitable reagents for selective deprotection of a protecting group (PG) from CH-O-PG may be carefully carried out by using, but not limitted to, aqueous hydrogen fluoride in acetonitrile (Newton, R. F., Reynolds, D. P., Finch, M. A. W., Kelly, D. R. and Roberts, S. M. Tetrahedron Lett., 1979, 3891), tetraalkyl ammonium fluoride in tetrahydrofuran (Corey, E. J. and Snider, B. B. J. Am. Chem. Soc, 1972, 94, 2549, Corey, E. J. and Venkateswarlu, A. J. Am. Chem. Soc, 1972, 94, 6190) or tetraalkyl ammonium chloride-potassium fluoride in acetonitrile (Carpino, L. A. and Sau, A. C. J. Chem. Soc, Chem. Commun. 1979, 514) whererin an alkyl group as defined above, p-toluenesulfonic acid, potassium carbonate in anhydrous methanol (Hurst, D. T. and Malnnes, A. G. Can. J. Chem., 1965, 43, 2004), citric acid in methanol (Bundy, G. L. and Peterson, D. C. Tetrahedron Lett., 1978, 41), acetic acid : water (3:1) (Corey, E. J. and Varma, R. K. J. Am. Chem. Soc, 1971, 93, 7319), Dowex 50W-X8 in methanol (Corey, E. J., Ponder, J. W. and Ulrich, P. Tetrahedron Lett., 1980, 21, 137), boron trifluoride etherate in chloroform (Kelly, D. R., Roberts, M. S. and Newton, R. F. Synth. Commun. 1979, 9, 295), methanolic hydrogen fluoride (Hanessian, S. and Lavallee, P. Can. J. Chem., 1975, 53, 2975; ibid., 1977, 55, 562), and pyridinuim fluoride in tetrahydrofuran (Nicolaou, K. C, Seitz, S. P., Pavia, M. R. and Petasis, N. A. /. Org. Chem., 1979, 44, 4011), pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate in ethanol (Prakash, C, Saleh, S. and Blair, I. A. Tetrahedron Lett., 1989, 30, 19), N-bromo-succinimide in dimethylsulfoxide (Batten, R.J. et al., Synthesis, 1980, 234), and tetraethyldiboroxane in the presence of catalytic amounts of trimethylsilyl triflate (Dahlhoff, W.V. and Taba, K.M., Synthesis, 1986, 561).

The reaction is usually conducted under from cooling to heating, preferably from 0 °C to 50 °C. The reaction may require 20 minutes to one day, depending on the reagent and temperature chosen.

In process (c), suitable reagents for activation of an alcohol include acetic anhydride, trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (triflic anhydride), fluorosulfonic anhydride, methane- sulfonyl chloride (mesyl chloride), p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (tosyl chloride), trifluoroacetic anhydride, trifluoroacetyl chloride, o-nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride, l-methyl-2-fluoro- pyridinium salt and the like.

The activation may be carried out in a solvent which does not adversely affect the reaction (e.g., diethylether, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform orNN- dimethylformamide or a mixture thereof). The reaction may require cooling or heating, depending on the activation method chosen. Further, the reaction is preferably conducted in the presence of an organic or inorganic base such as an alkaline earth metal (e.g. calcium, etc.), alkali metal hydride (e.g. sodium hydride, etc.), alkali metal hydroxide (e.g. sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc.), alkali metal carbonate (e.g. sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, etc.), alkali metal hydrogen carbonate (e.g. sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, etc.), alkali metal alkoxide (e.g. sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, potassium tert-butoxide, etc.), alkali metal alkanoic acid (e.g. sodium acetate, etc.), trialkylamine (e.g. triethylamine, etc.), pyridine compounds (e.g. pyridine, lutidine, picoline, 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine, etc.), quinoline, and the like, preferably in the presence of organic bases such as triethylamine or pyridine.

The reaction is usually conducted under from cooling to heating, preferably from -70 °C to 50 °C. The reaction may require 20 minutes to one day, depend on the reagent and temperature chosen.

In process (d), a variety of compounds may be prepared from the displacement reactions. An activated hydroxy group such as CH-OSO ₂ CF ₃ or CH-OSO ₂ F may be substituted by triazoles or imidazoles (as defined above and below). The displacement reaction may be carried out in a solvent which does not adversely affect the reaction (e.g. chloroform, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, pyridine, dimethylsulfoxide, NN-dimethylformamide, hexamethylphosphoramide, etc. or a mixture thereof). The reaction may be conducted above, at or below ambient temperature, preferably from 0 °C to 50 °C. The reaction may require 20 minutes to one week, depend on the reagent chosen.

In process (e), the final deprotection of a C-24 protecting group may be carried out according to the methods described in process (c).

In process (f), suitable reagent for activation of an alcohol of formula I is fluorosulfonic anhydride (prepared according to the procedure described by S. Kongpricha, W.G. Preusse and R. Schwarer, in Inorganic Synthesis, 1968, 11, 151-155). The activation may be carried out in a solvent which does not adversely affect the reaction (e.g. diethyl ether,

dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform or N-methylpyrrolidone or a mixture thereof). The reaction may require cooling or heating, depending on the method used. Further, the reaction is preferably conducted in the presence of an organic or inorganic base such as cesium bicarbonate, pyridine, lutidine, picoline, quinoline, diisopropylethylamine and the like. The reaction temperature is preferably from -100 to 30 °C, and more preferably from -78 to 0 °C. The reaction may require 20 rninutes to 24 hours to complete, depending on the reagent chosen.

In process (g), a suitable reagent for activation of an alcohol of formula I is sulfonyl chlorides, fluorosulfonic anhydride or trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride. The activation may be carried out in a solvent which does not adversely affect the reaction (e.g. diethyl ether, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform or N-methylpyrrolidone or a mixture thereof). The reaction may require cooling or heating, depending on the method used. Further, the reaction is preferably conducted in the presence of an organic or inorganic base such as cesium bicarbonate, pyridine, lutidine, picoline, quinoline, diisopropylethylamine and the like. The reaction temperature is preferably from -100 to 30 °C, and more preferably from -78 to 0 °C. The reaction may require 20 minutes to 24 hours to complete, depending on the reagent chosen.

A suitable reagent for the inversion of stereochemistry is water, dimethylsulfoxide, pyridine N-oxide, dimethylphosphite or triphenylphosphine oxide. The inversion reaction may be carried out in a solvent which does not adversely affect the reaction (e.g. dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylsulfoxide or a mixture therof). The reaction may require cooling or heating, depending on the method used. The reaction temperature is preferably from - 100 to 30 °C, and more preferably from -78 to 0 °C. The reaction may require 20 minutes to 24 hours to complete, depending on the reagent chosen.

The compounds, processes and uses of the present invention will be better understood in connection with the following examples, which are intended as an illustration of and not a limitation upon the scope of the invention. Both below and throughout the specification, it is intended that citations to the literature are expressly incorporated by reference.

Rl-Q^H: R-I and R-1 taken together form an oxo: R-l-Q^ R- = H: R-UQ -^ methoxy: n = 2.

Ascomycin (25 g, 0.032 mol) was dissolved in a solution of imidazole (43.03 g, 0.64 mol) in dry NN-dimethylformamide (500 L) and tert-butyldimethylchlorosilane (47.64 g, 0.32 mol) was added in portions and stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. NN- dimethylformamide and excess tert-butyldimethylchlorosilane were removed by evaporation (35 °C water bath ) under high vaccum. The solid residue was dissolved in 350 mL of ethyl

acetate, and the ethyl acetate layer was washed with saturated ammonium chloride aqueous solution (200 mL x 3), 10 %-NaHSO4 (200 mL x 3), brine, saturated NaHCO3 (200 mL x 3), and brine (200 mL x 3). After dired over MgSO4, solvent was removed in vacuo and the solid residue was purified by silica gel chromatography, followed by HPLC eluting with 5% acetone in hexane providing the title compound (27 g) in 84 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K = 1058.

Example 2 : Formula I: R = ethyl: R.1.Q2= H: R QI =tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy: R-J-Q-^H: RI05 and RU taken together form an oxo: R-I-Q2-= hvdroxy : ± = RI09 - H _: RJJLO = methoxy: n = 2.

To a solution of 48% hydrogen fluoride aqueous solution (5 mL) was added Example 1 (32 g, 0.031 mol) in acetonitrile (500 mL), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 90 minutes. It was cooled to 0°C in an ice bath, and solid NaHCO3 was added to the reaction mixture. It was stirred for 1 hour and solid was removed by filtration. Acetonuile was removed in vacuo and ethyl acetate (500 mL) was added to tthe residue, and the organic layer was washed with 10%-NaHCO ₃ (300 mL x3), brine (250 mL), 10%-NaHSO4 (300 mL x3), and brine ( 350 mL x3), and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvent gave 35 g of crude title compound which was purified by silica gel column chromatography, followed by HPLC eluting with 25%-acetone in hexane. 24.28 g (85 %) of pure compound was obtained. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K = 844;

In addition to the tilte compound, unreacted starting material (Example 1, 1.5 g) and ascomycin (500 mg) were isolated as a pure form.

Example 3: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-102= H: R-1 =tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy: R-1Q4=H: RJ05_ and RJ-Q6 taken together form an oxo: R-l.Q2-= O-trifluoromethanesulfonyl : R!.Q = Rl09 ₌ H: R.1I0 = methoxy : n = 2.

The product of Example 2 (4.0 g, 4.42 mmol) was dissolved in 20 mL of methylene chloride at 0 °C. Pyridine (3.57 mL, 44.2 mmol), followed by trifluoromethanesulfonic acid anhydride (0.74 mL, 4.42 mmol) were carefully added to the reaction mixture. It was stirred at 0 °C for 20 minutes and the solvent was removed. Ethyl acetate (50 mL) was added to the residue. The organic layers were washed with brine, saturated NaHCO3 (20 mL x3), brine (20 mL), 10%-NaHSO4 (20 mL x3), brine (20 mL x3) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. After the solvent was removed, the title compound was obtained in quantitative yield (4.2 g). This compound was used for the displacement reaction without further purification and characterization.

RU- = methoxy: n = 2.

The product of Example 3 (2.1 g, 2.03 mmol) was dissolved in 10 mL of freshly distilled methylene chloride, (lH)-l,2,3-triazole (0.42 g, 6.08 mmol) and triethylamine (0.565 mL, 4.05 mmol) were added, and the reaction was then stirred at room temperature for three days. The reaction mixture was passed through silica gel, using 10-25 % acetone in hexane as an elutant to obtain semi-pure title compound (1.25 g) in 65 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K = 995.

Example 5: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-i-Q- ² _^ H: R- ₌ hvdroxy: RJi = H: R-lfii and R-I taken together form an oxo: R-l-QZ = R-1Q2 = H: R-lflJi \-( 1.2.3-triazolvD: R-UQ = methoxy: n = 2.

The product of Example 4 (1.25 g, 1.307 mmol) was dissolved in 35 mL of acetonitrile, 48 % hydrogen fluoride aqueous solution (4 mL) was added, and the reaction was then stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. It was cooled to 0 °C in an ice bath, and solid NaHCO3 was added to the reaction mixture. It was stirred for an additional 2 hours and solid was removed by filtration. Acetonirile was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), eluting with 30 % acetone in hexane. 263.6 mg of pure title compound was obtained in 24 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K = 881; mp = 110-113 °C (dec); iH-NMR (ppm in pyridine) : 3.25 (s, 3H, Rl'-OMe)

Example 6: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-l^ H: R- = hvdroxy: Rl = H: R-1 and R1Q& taken together form an oxo: one of R-H-H-or R-IQ& = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of RJ09 _or RIIQ j _s ι_π .2.3-triazolvD and the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The title compound (85 mg) was isolated from the reaction described in Example 3 as a minor product in 8 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K = 881; mp = 103-105 °C; iH-NMR (ppm in pyridine) : 3.05 (s, 3H, Ri-OMe)

Example 7: Formula I: R = ethyl: R!Q2= H: R-Iig = hvdroxy: R-l-Q4= H: R-^ and R-l-QS taken together form an oxo: R-l-Q- = R-l-0-2 = H: R1Q! = 1-f 1.2.3-benzotriazolvn: RU-Q = methoxy: n = 2.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but replacing (lH)-l,2,3-triazole with (1H)- 1,2,3-benzotriazole, provided the desired compound. The product of Example 3 (2.1 g, 2.03 mmol), (lH)-l,2,3-benzotriazole (0.724 g, 6.08 mmol), and triethylamine (0.565 mL, 4.05 mmol) in 10 mL of methylene chloride were used and stirred at room temperature for three days. 1.45 g of pure compound was isolated after silica gel column chromatography, followed by normal phase HPLC purification in 71 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+H=1007. M+K=1045.

The obtained product (1.4 g, 1.39 mmol) was treated with 48 %-HF (4 mL) in 40 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5. After a normal phase-HPLC purification, 422 mg of the pure title compound was isolated in 34 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K=931. mp •=■ 120 °C; 1H-NMR (ppm in pyridine) : 3.15 (s, 3H, Ri'-OMe)

Example 8: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-l^= H: R-l^ = hvdroxy: R-i-Q-^ H: Rl and R-i-QS taken together form an oxo: one of R-MZ-or RJQS = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of RlQ9 _OΓ RJJO js l-d.2.3-benzotriazolv and the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The title compound (60 mg) was isolated from the reaction described in Example 7 as a minor product in 5 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K = 931; mp = 115-116 °C; iH-NMR (ppm in pyridine) : 2.95 (s, 3H, Rl-OMe)

Example 9: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-1.Q2= H: R-1 = hvdroxy: R-l-Q^ H: R- and taken together form an oxo: R - = R109 - H _: R108_= i -f 5-nJtτo- 1.2.3-benzotriazolyl : RlIO = methoxy: n = 2.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but replacing (lH)-l,2,3-triazole with 5-nitro- (lH)-l,2,3-benzotriazole, provided the desired compound. The product of Example 3 (2.1 g, 2.03 mmol), 5-nitro-(lH)-l,2,3-benzotriazole (0.997 g, 6.08 mmol), and triethylamine (0.565 mL, 4.05 mmol) in 10 mL of methylene chloride were used and stirred at room temperature for three days. 2.0 g of semi-pure compound was isolated after silica gel column chromatography, followed by normal phase HPLC purification. MS (FAB) mlz: M+H=1090. The obtained product (2.0 g, 1.90 mmol) was treated with 48 %-HF (4 mL) in 40 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5. After a normal phase-HPLC purification, 146.5 mg of the pure title compound was isolated in 8 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K=976. mp = 125-130 °C; 1H-NMR (ppm in pyridine) : 3.20 (s, 3H, Rl'-OMe), 7.99 (d, 1H, aromatic), 8.40 (d. 1H, aromatic).

Example 10: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-l-Q2= H: RJ = hvdroxy: R.104= _H: RlQl _an d RIQ6 taken together form an oxo: R-l-QZ = RJ^2 - H: R108.= l-(6-nitro-1.2.3-benzotriazolvD: RlIO = methoxy: n = 2.

The title compound (80 mg) was isolated from the reaction mixture described in Example 9 as a minor product in 4 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K=976. mp = 120 °C (dec); iH-NMR (ppm in pyridine) : 3.19 (s, 3H, R -OMe), 8.20 (s, 1H, aromatic), 8.40 (br. d. 1H, aromatic), 8.99 (s, 1H, aromatic).

Example 11 : Formula I: R = ethyl: R-lfl2= H: RJ-Ql - hvdroxy: RlM= H: R-1 and RlQ& taken together form an oxo: one of R-J^ or R-1Ω& = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of RJ09 _or RlI0 ^" is l-f5-nitro-1.2.3-benzotriazoIyl) and the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The title compound (78 mg) was isolated from the reaction described in Example 9 as a minor product in 4 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K=976. mp = 110-117 °C (dec); -NMR (ppm in pyridine) : 2.99 (s, 3H, R '-OMe), 7.95-8.02 (br. m. aromatic), 8.20 (m, aromatic).

Example 12: Formula T: R = ethyl: R!Q2= H: R . = hvdroxy: RJQ4-- H: R-1 and RJ taken together form an oxo: one of R-MZ-or R-l-Q-S = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of RI09 _or RJjO is l-(6-nitro-1.2.3-benzotriazolyl ^' ) and the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The title compound (78 mg) was isolated from the reaction described in Example 9 as a minor product in 4 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K=976. mp = 115 °C (dec); 1H-NMR (ppm in pyridine) : 2.99 (s, 3H, Rl'-OMe), 8.23 (m, aromatic).

Example 13: Formula I: R = ethyl: R.1.Q2= H: R-J-Ql ^, hvdroxy: R±Q = H: R-l-Q- ⁵ - and R.1Ω6 taken together form an oxo: R-1-Q2 = R-l^ = H: R.--Q = \-( 1.2.4-triazolvD: R-U-Q = methoxy: n = 2.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but replacing (lH)-l,2,3-triazole with (1H)- 1,2,4-triazole, provided the desired compound. The product of Example 3 (1.7 g, 1.67 mmol), (lH)-l,2,4-triazole (0.288 g, 4.18 mmol), and triethylamine (0.58 mL, 4.18 mmol) in 10 mL of methylene chloride were used and stirred at room temperature for one over night and at 40 °C for an additional day. After silica gel column chromatography eluting with 10 %- acetone in hexane, followed by normal phase HPLC purification using 40 % acetone in hexane as an elutant 1.057 g of pure major isomer was isolated in 67 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K=995, M+H=957. An additional 0.28 g of minor isomer was isolated as a pure form in 18 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz M+H=957. This minor isomer was used to prepare an example 14. The obtained major product (1.05 g, 1.106 mmol) was treated with 48 %-HF (4 mL) in 35 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5. After a reverse phase-HPLC purification, 190 mg of the pure title compound was isolated in 18 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K=881, M+H=843. mp = 110-114 °C; 1H-NMR (ppm in pyridine) : 8.20 (s, 1H, triazole), 8.80 (s. 1H, triazole). 1 ³ C-NMR (ppm in pyridine) : 142.7 (t, CH, triazole), 143.2 (t. CH, triazole).

Example 14: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-l-Q2= H: R- = hvdroxy: R-l-Q^ H: R-1 and RJQ6 taken together form an oxo: one of R- L-or R-IQ& = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of RlQ9 or RJIO is l-q.2.4-triazolvD and the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The above minor product (example 13) (0.28 g, 0.292 mmol) was treated with 48 %- HF (1 mL) in 10 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5, for three hours.

After a reverse phase-HPLC purification, 52 mg of the pure title compound was isolated in 22 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K=881, M+H=843. mp = 92-98 °C; !H-NMR (ppm in pyridine) : 8.25 (s, 2H, triazole). 1 ³ C-NMR (ppm in pyridine) : 145.0 (t, 2-CH, triazole).

Example 15: Formula I: R = ethyl: RJ-Qte H: R-l^ = hvdroxy: RJiMs H: Rlfl≤ and RJ.Q6 taken together form an oxo: R-HE - R!09 - H _: R!Q = l-(3-nitro-1.2.4-triazorvn: R-ϋ-Q = methoxy: n = 2.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but replacing (lH)-l,2,3-triazole with 3-nitro- 1,2,4- triazole, provided the desired compound. The product of Example 3 (2.0 g, 1.93 mmol), 3-nitro-l,2,4-triazole (0.66 g, 5.79 mmol), and triethylamine (0.538 mL, 3.86 mmol) in 10 mL of methylene chloride were used and stirred at room temperature for three days. 1.59 g of semi-pure compound was isolated after silica gel column chromatography, initally eluting with 10 %-acetone in hexane, followed by 10 % methanol in methylene chloride in 82 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K=1040. The obtained product (1.58 g, 1.78 mmol) was treated with 48 %-HF (4 mL) in 35 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5. After a normal phase-HPLC purification, 219 mg of the pure title compound was isolated in 16 % yield. MS (FAB) m/z: M+K=926. mp = 110-112 °C; 1H-NMR (ppm in pyridine) : 3.24 (s, 3H, Rl'-OMe)

Example 16: Formula I: R = ethyl: = H: lfl = hvdroxy: SΑ- H: l and R-I taken together form an oxo: one of R.l.Q.2-or R-1-Q& = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of RI09 QΓ RlIO is l-(3-nitro-1.2.4-triazolyl1 and the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The title compound (98 mg) was isolated from the reaction described in Example 15 as a minor product in 7 % yield. MS (FAB) mlz: M+K = 926; mp = 121-127 °C; iH-NMR (ppm in pyridine) : 3.01 (s, 3H, Rl-OMe)

Example 17: Formula I: R = ethyl: RJfl2= H: RJΩS = hvdroxy: = H: R-1 and R- taken together form an oxo: L = R-1-Q2 = H: Rl.Q8-= l-(5.6-dimethyl-1.2.3-benzotriazolvP: RlIO = methoxy: n = 2.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but replacing (lH)-l,2,3-triazole with 5,6- dimethyl-lH-benzotiϊazole, provides the desired compound. The product of Example 3 (2.0 g, 1.93 mmol), 5,6-dimethyl-lH-benzotriazole (0.852 g, 5.79 mmol), and triethylamine (0.538 mL, 3.86 mmol) in 10 mL of methylene chloride are used and stirred at room temperature for three days. Semi-pure compound is isolated after silica gel column chromatography, initally eluting with 10 %-acetone in hexane, followed by 10 % methanol in methylene chloride. The obtained product is treated with 48 %-HF (4 mL) in 35 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5. After a normal phase-HPLC purification, the pure title compound is isolated.

Example 18: Formula I: R = ethyl: R!Q1= H: R.1Q ³ = hvdroxy: R-I = H: R-l-Q- ⁵ - and R-I taken together form an oxo: one of R.3^Z-or R-1-Q& = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of RJ09 _or R_1_10 is l-(5.6-dimethyl-1.23-benzotriazolyl) and the other is hydrogen: n = 2:

The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 17 as a minor product.

Example 19: Formula I: R = ethyl: RJfl2= H: R-l-Q ³ = hvdroxy: RJJM= H: R-l-Q-5 and R-I RIIQ = methoxy: n = 2.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but replacing (lH)-l,2,3-triazole with 5- chloro-(lH)-l,2,3-benzotriazole, provides the desired compound. The product of Example 3 (2.1 g, 2.03 mmol), 5-chloro-(lH)-l,2,3-benzotriazole (0.934 g, 6.08 mmol), and triethylamine (0.565 mL, 4.05 mmol) in 10 mL of methylene chloride are used and stirred at room temperature for three days. Semi-pure compound is isolated after silica gel column chromatography, followed by normal phase HPLC purification. The obtained product is treated with 48 %-HF (4 mL) in 40 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5. After a normal phase-HPLC purification, the pure title compound is isolated.

Example 20: Formula I: R = ethyl: Rl.Q2= H: R-l-Q. ³ - = hvdroxy: RlQ -- H: RlQ-5 and R-1-Q6 taken together form an oxo: R-1.Q2 = R.109 - H: R101 = l-f6-chloro-1.2.3-benzotriazorvD: RlIO = methoxy: n = 2.

The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 19 as a minor product.

Example 21: Formula I: R = ethyl: Rl02= H: RJfl3. = hvdroxy: RlQ4= H: R-I and R-I taken together form an oxo: one of Rlfl2-or R-J-Q-S = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of RJ-Q2 or RJIQ. is l-(5-chloro-1.2.3-benzotriazolyl) and the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 19 as a minor product.

Example 22: Formula I: R = ethyl: Rlfi2= H: R-l-Q ³ = hvdroxy: RJi = H: R-I and R-1 taken together form an oxo: one of R-ϋ-G-or R-1-Q& = methoxy and the other is hydro en: one of R-109 or RlIO. is l-(6-chloro-1.2.3-benzotriazolv and the other is hydrogen; n ■= 2.

The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 19 as a minor product.

Example 23: Formula I: R = ethyl: RJfl2= H: R-l-Q ³ = hvdroxy: RlQ4= H: R-lΩ-5 and RlQ6 taken together form an oxo: R-l-QZ = R-1.Q9 = H: R-!-QS-= l-( ^" 5-carboxy-1.2.3-benzotriazolvD: RlIO = methoxy: n = 2.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but replacing (lH)-l,2,3-triazole with benzotriazole-5-carboxylic acid, provides the desired compound. The product of Example 3 (2.1 g, 2.03 mmol), benzotriazole-5-carboxylic acid (0.992 g, 6.08 mmol), and triethylamine (0.565 mL, 4.05 mmol) in 10 mL of methylene chloride are used and stirred at room temperature for three days. Semi-pure compound is isolated after silica gel column chromatography, followed by normal phase HPLC purification. The obtained product is treated with 48 %-HF (4 mL) in 40 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5. After a normal phase-HPLC purification, the pure title compound is isolated.

Example 24: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-1Q2= H: RJΩS = hvdroxy: R-lfl4= H: R-lflS and R- taken together form an oxo: R-1-Q2 = RJQS. = H: Rϋ^ l-f6-carboxy-1.2.3-benzotriazolyl ^' ): RlIO = methoxy: n = 2.

The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 23 as a minor product.

Example 25: Formula I: R = ethyl: R!Q2= H: R-1-Q2. = hvdroxy: RlQ4= H: R-1 and Rlfl6 taken together form an oxo: one of R-lQZ-or R-1-Q& = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of RlQ9 QΓ RIIQ is l-(5-carboxy-1.2.3-benzotriazorvD and the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 23 as a minor product.

Example 26: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-1Ω2= H: R-l-Q- ³ - = hvdroxy: R1Ω^= H: R- and R-1Q6 taken together form an oxo: one of R-lQI-or R- -Q-- = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of RIQ2 QΓ RIIQ is l-(6-carboxy-1.2.3-benzotriazolvD and the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 23 as a minor product.

Example 27: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-H&= H: R-1-Q2. = hvdroxy: RlQ = H: R-I and R- taken together form an oxo: UIZ = R- = H: R-H-i 1 -(5-trifluoromethyl-l .2.3- benzotriazolvD: R-l-l-Q = methoxy: n = 2.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but replacing (lH)-l,2,3-triazole with 5- trifluoromethyl-(lH)-l,2,3-benzotriazole, provides the desired compound. The product of Example 3 (2.1 g, 2.03 mmol), 5-trifluoromethyl-(lH)-l,2,3-benzotriazole (1.126 g, 6.08 mmol), and triethylamine (0.565 mL, 4.05 mmol) in 10 mL of methylene chloride are used and stir at room temperature for three days. Semi-pure compound is isolated after silica gel

column chromatography, followed by normal phase HPLC purification. The obtained product is treated with 48 %-HF (4 mL) in 40 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5. After a normal phase-HPLC purification, the pure title compound is isolated.

Example 28: Formula I: R = ethyl: RJfl2= H: R-l-Q ³ = hvdroxy: Rl = H: R-1 and R-1 taken together form an oxo: R-1.Q2 = RlQ9 = H: R-1Q1L= l-(6-trifluoromethyl- 1.2.3- benzotriazolyl): R-l-l-Q = methoxy: n = 2.

The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 27 as a minor product.

Example 29: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-l-Q2= H: R-l-Q ³ = hvdroxy: Rl ^ H: R-J- and R-I taken together form an oxo: one of R-H-Z-or R.1Q& = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of Rl02 or R-UQ is l-(5-trifluoromethyl-1.2.3-benzotriazolyl and the other is hydrogen: n = 2. The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 27 as a minor product.

Example 30: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-l-Q2= H: R-1Q ³ = hvdroxy: RlQfl= H: R-l-Q. ⁵ - and R-1 taken together form an oxo: one of R-MZ-or R-1.Q& = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of RJ_Q9 or RIIQ is l-(6-trifluoromethyl-1.2.3-benzotriazolyl and the other is hydrogen: n = 2. The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 27 as a minor product.

Example 31: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-1.Q2= H: R-l-Q ³ = hvdroxy: R!.Q4= H: R-I and R-I taken together form an oxo: R-HS- = R-l-Q ⁹ - = H: Rl = l-G-amino-1.2.4-triazolvD: R-i-l-Q = methoxy: n = 2.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but replacing (lH)-l,2,3-triazole with 3- amino-l,2,4-triazole, provides the desired compound. The product of Example 3 (2.0 g, 1.93 mmol), 3-amino-l,2,4-triazole (0.487 g, 5.79 mmol), and triethylamine (0.538 mL, 3.86 mmol) in 10 mL of methylene chloride are used and stirred at room temperature for three days. Semi-pure compound is isolated after silica gel column chromatography, initally eluting with 10 %-acetone in hexane, followed by 10 % methanol in methylene chloride. The obtained product is treated with 48 %-HF (4 mL) in 35 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5. After a normal phase-HPLC purification, the pure title compound is isolated.

Example 32: Formula T: R = ethyl: R1Ω2= H: R-1Q2 = hvdroxy: RJ = H: R-lfiS and RJ taken together form an oxo: one of R-1-QZ-or R-1-Q& = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of RI09 QΓ RJJLΩ is 3-amino-1.2.4-triazoryP and the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 31 as a minor product.

Example 33: Formula I: R = ethyl: Rlfi2= H: Ri£2 = hvdroxy: RJI = H: R-1Q5 and R-1-Q6 taken together form an oxo: R-l-QZ = R-1.Q9 - H; IQJ - l-f3-amino-5-carboxy- 1.2.4- triazolyl): R-1-1Q = methoxy: n = 2.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but replacing (lH)-l,2,3-triazole with 3- amino-l,2,4-triazole-5-carboxylic acid, provides the desired compound. The product of Example 3 (2.0 g, 1.93 mmol), 3-amino-l,2,4-triazole-5-carboxylic acid (0.742 g, 5.79 mmol), and triethylamine (0.538 mL, 3.86 mmol) in 10 mL of methylene chloride are used and stirred at room temperature for three days. Semi-pure compound is isolated after silica gel column chromatography, initally eluting with 10 %-acetone in hexane, followed by 10 % methanol in methylene chloride. The obtained product is treated with 48 %-HF (4 mL) in 35 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5. After a normal phase-HPLC purification, the pure title compound is isolated.

Example 34: Formula I: R = ethyl: Rlfi2= H: RJΩ3. = hvdroxy: R- -Q^ H: R-1 and R-lflS taken together form an oxo: one of RJflZ-or R-1Q& = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of R.109 or RllQ is l-G-amino-5-carboxy-1.2.4-triazoly and the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 33 as a minor product.

Example 35: Formula I: R = ethyl: RlΩ2= H: R-l-Q ³ = hvdroxy: RJ-Q^ H: R-i- and Rlfi6 taken together form an oxo: R-l-QI = R109 - H: R1Q8-= l-f3-πSf-maleimidel-1.2.4-triazolvD: RlIO = methoxy: n = 2.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but replacing (lH)-l,2,3-triazole with N-(3- triazole)maleimide, provides the desired compound. The product of Example 3 (2.0 g, 1.93 mmol), N-(3-triazole)-maleimide (0.950g, 5.79 mmol), and triethylamine (0.538 mL, 3.86 mmol) in 10 mL of methylene chloride are used and stirred at room temperature for three days. Semi-pure compound is isolated after silica gel column chromatography, initally eluting with 10 %-acetone in hexane, followed by 10 % methanol in methylene chloride. The obtained product is treated with 48 %-HF (4 mL) in 35 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5. After a normal phase-HPLC purification, the pure title compound is isolated.

Example 36: Formula I: R = ethyl: RJ-Q2= H: R-l-Q ³ = hvdroxy: RU = H: R-l-Q- ⁵ - and R-1-Q6 taken together form an oxo: one of RJ-QZ-or R-l-QS = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of R1Q9 or RJLLO j _s l-(3-rN-maleimide1-L2.4-triazoly and the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 35 as a minor product.

Example 37: Formula I: R = ethyl: = H: R-l-Q- ³ - = hvdroxy: RJIM= H: R-l-Q- ⁵ - and R- taken together form an oxo: R-l-QZ = R-l-Q^ = H: R-l-Q§-= l-f3-phenyl-5-ureido-1.2.4-triazolvn: RlIO = methoxy: n ■= 2.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but replacing (lH)-l,2,3-triazole with 3- phenyl-5-ureido-l,2,4-triazole, provides the desired compound. The product of Example 3 (2.0 g, 1.93 mmol), 3-phenyl-5-ureido-l,2,4-triazole (1.177 g, 5.79 mmol), and triethylamine (0.538 mL, 3.86 mmol) in 10 mL of methylene chloride are used and stirred at room temperature for three days. Semi-pure compound is isolated after silica gel column chromatography, initally eluting with 10 %-acetone in hexane, followed by 10 % methanol in methylene chloride. The obtained product is treated with 48 %-HF (4 mL) in 35 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5. After a normal phase-HPLC purification, the pure title compound is isolated.

Example 38: Formula I: R = ethyl: RJ.Q2= H: R-1Q2 = hvdroxy: R-1.Q = H: R-lfi ⁵ and R-1-Q& taken together form an oxo: one of R-lQ or R-1-Q& = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of RI09 or RlIO is l-(3-phenyl-5-ureido-1.2.4-triazoIyP and the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 37 as a minor product.

Example 39: Formula I: R = ethyl: RJ-Q- ² ^ H: R-1Q3. = hvdroxy: Rl = H: R-l-Q ⁵ and R- -Q- ⁵ - taken together form an oxo: R-l-Ql = R-1-Q2 = H: R £ = l- -B-pyridylmethylarninol- 1.2.4- triazoly : R-U--Q = methoxy: n = 2.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but replacing (lH)-l,2,3-triazole with 3-(3- pyridylmethylamino)-l,2,4-triazole, provides the desired compound. The product of Example 3 (2.0 g, 1.93 mmol), 3-(3-pyridylmethylamino)-l,2,4-triazole (1.014 g, 5.79 mmol), and triethylamine (0.538 mL, 3.86 mmol) in 10 mL of methylene chloride are used and stirred at room temperature for three days. Semi-pure compound is isolated after silica gel column chromatography, initally eluting with 10 %-acetone in hexane, followed by 10 % methanol in methylene chloride. The obtained product is treated with 48 %-HF (4 mL) in 35 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5. After a normal phase-HPLC purification, the pure title compound is isolated.

Example 40: 32: Formula I: R = ethyl: R!Q2= H: R-l-Q ³ = hvdroxy: R1Q&= H: R-I and RI06 taken together form an oxo: one of RJ-QZ-or R.1Q8 = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of R-l-Q£ or R-ϋ-Q is l- -r3-pyridylmethylaminol-1.2.4-triazoly and the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 39 as a minor product.

taken together form an oxo: R-1-Q2 = R-1-Q2 = H: Rlfi- = l-f4-methyl-1.2.3-benzotriazolvn : RlIO = methoxy: n = 2.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but replacing (lH)-l,2,3-triazole with tolyltriazole, provides the desired compound. The product of Example 3 (2.0 g, 1.93 mmol), tolyltriazole (0.771 g, 5.79 mmol), and triethylamine (0.538 mL, 3.86 mmol) in 10 mL of methylene chloride are used and stirred at room temperature for three days. Semi-pure compound is isolated after silica gel column chromatography, initally eluting with 10 %- acetone in hexane, followed by 10 % methanol in methylene chloride. The obtained product is treated with 48 %-HF (4 mL) in 35 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5. After a normal phase-HPLC purification, the pure title compound is isolated.

Example 42: Formula I: R = ethyl: Rl.Q2= H: R1Q2. = hvdroxy: Rl = H: R-l-Q ⁵ and R-1Ω6 taken together form an oxo: one of R-l^Z-or R-1-Q& = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of RJLQ9 or RJULQ is l-(4-methyl-1.23-benzotriazoM) and the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 41 as a minor product.

Example 43: Formula I: R = ethyl: RlQ2= H: R-l-Q- ³ = hvdroxy: R-1.Q4= H: R-l-Q ⁵ and Rl taken together form an oxo: R-l-QZ = R-1-Q = H: R-l-QJ- l-f3-methylamino-5-phenyl-1.2.4- triazolyP : R-l-l-Q = methoxy: n = 2.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but replacing (lH)-l,2,3-triazole with 3- methylamino-5-phenyl-l,2,4-triazole, provides the desired compound. The product of Example 3 (2.0 g, 1.93 mmol), 3-methylamino-5-phenyl-l,2,4-triazole (1.009 g, 5.79 mmol), and triethylamine (0.538 mL, 3.86 mmol) in 10 mL of methylene chloride are used and stirred at room temperature for three days. Semi-pure compound is isolated after silica gel column chromatography, initally eluting with 10 %-acetone in hexane, followed by 10 % methanol in methylene chloride. The obtained product is treated with 48 %-HF (4 mL) in 35 mL of acetonitrile in the procedure described in Example 5. After a normal phase-HPLC purification, the pure title compound is isolated.

Example 44: Formula I: R = ethyl: RJ_Q2= H: R-1-Q = hvdroxy: R±Q = H: R-H- ⁵ and R- taken together form an oxo: one of R-l-QZ-or R-1Q& = methoxy and the other is hydrogen: one of R109 or RIIQ is l-f3-methylamino-5-phenyl-1.2.4-triazolyl) and ^" the other is hydrogen: n = 2.

The title compound is isolated from the reaction described in Example 43 as a minor product.

taken together form an oxo: R-l-QZ-= O-fluorosulfonyl : R-l-Q^ R-l-QS = H: R-U-Q = methoxy : n = 2.

2,6-Lutidine (0.89 mL) was added into a stirred solution of ascomycin (3.0 g) in freshly distilled (from calcium hydride) dichloromethane (30 mL) at -78 °C. Fluorosulfonic anhydride (0.49 mL) in dichloromethane (10 mL) was added drop wise into the reaction mixture at -78 °C. After being stirred for 1 hour, the reaction mixture was partitioned between ice-cold ether and 0.15 N hydrochloric acid. The organic phase was washed once with ice- cold brine and dried over magnesium sulfate. The filtrate was poured on a silica gel column (50 g) prepacked in ether and eluted with ether. Solvent was removed in vacuo to give the title compound as light pink solid. Yield: 3.4 g; MS (FAB) mle M+ K = 912.

Example 46: Formula I: R = ethyl: R.1.Q2= H: R-l-Q ³ = hvdroxy: R =H: R-l^ ⁵ and R-I taken together form an oxo: R- Z^ R-1-Q2 = H: R-1-Q& = hvdroxy: R-UQ = methoxy : n = 2.

The title compound of Example 45 (3.4 g) was dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (25 mL) and stirred at room temprature for 2 hours. The reaction was partitioned between ethyl acetate and sodium bicarbonate. The organic phase was washed once with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and solvent removed in vacuo. The crude product was purified by silica gel chromatography (90 g) eluting with 27% acetone/hexanes. Yield: 2.0 g, m.p. = 96 -98 °C; MS (FAB) mle M+ K = 830.

Example 47: Formula I: R = ethyl: R.1.Q2= H: R-l-Q ³ = hvdroxy: R-1Q4=H: R- ^ and R-1 taken together form an oxo: R- -Q- ^ R-1Ω2 = H: R-1-Q& = O-fluorosulfonyl: R-U-Q = methoxy : n = 2.

The title compound was prepared from the title compound of Example 46 and fluorosulfonic anhydride according to the procedure described in Example 45. MS (FAB) mle M+ K = 912.

Example 48: Formula T: R = ethyl: R! = H: R-l-Ql = hvdroxy: R-3 =H: R-l-Q ⁵ and Rl 06 taken together form an oxo: R-l-QZ-= (9-trifluoromethanesulfonyl : R-J---8_= R-l-Q- ⁹ - = H: R-l- -Q = methoxy : n = 2.

The title compound was prepared from ascomycin and trifluoromethanesulfonyl anhydride according to the procedure described in Example 45. MS (FAB) mle M+ K = 962.

Example 49: Formula I: R = ethyl: RlQ2= H: R-l-Q ³ = hvdroxy: R-1-Q- ι: R-l-Q ⁵ and RU methoxy : n = 2.

The title compound was prepared from the title compound of Example 46 and trifluoromethanesulfonyl anhydride according to the procedure described in Example 45. MS (FAB) mle M+ K = 962.

Example 50: Formula I: R = ethyl: Rlfl2= H: R1Ω2. = hvdroxy: Rl =H: R-lfii and R-1 taken together form an oxo: R-lΩZ-= R1Ω£ = H: R-1-Q& = N-imidazolyl: R-U-Q = methoxy : n =

Imidazole (0.2 g) was added into a stirred solution of the tide compound of Example 45 (0.8 g) in acetone (2 mL) at 0 °C. After being stirred at room temperature for 16 hours, solvent was removed in vacuo and product purified by silica gel chromatography (40 g) eluting with 6% isopropanol-dichloromethane. The product (0.7 g) was further purified by HPLC (Renin Microsorb silica gel column) eluting with 6% isopropanol-dichloromethane. Yield: 0.26 g; MS (FAB) mle M+ H = 842.

Example 51: Formula I: R = ethyl: R1ΩZ= H: R-l-Q ³ = hvdroxy: R-1-Q^H: R-l-Q ⁵ and R-I taken together form an oxo: R.MZ-= RlQS. = H: R-l-QS = N-H '-f2'-methylimidazolylYI: R-UQ = methoxy : n = 2.

The title compound is prepared from the title compound of Example 45 and 2- methylimidazole according to the procedures described in Example 50.

Example 52: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-l-Q-^ H: R-1Q1 = hvdroxy: R-lQf- H: R-l-Q- ⁵ - and R-1 taken together form an oxo: R-l.Q2-= RlQ£ = H: R-1 = /V-n'-f2'-ethvUmidazolvDl: R Q = methoxy : n = 2.

The title compound is prepared from the title compound of Example 45 and 2- ethylimidazole according to the procedures described in Example 50.

Example 53: Formula T: R = ethyl: RlQ2= H: R-lfl = hvdroxy: R-IΩ.4=H: RIΩS. and.R-lQέ taken together form an oxo: R-1-Q ⁷ -- _^ -l^ = H: R-1-Q& = N-ri'-r2'-phenylimidazolyl)1: RU- = methoxy : n = 2.

The title compound is prepared from the title compound of Example 45 and 2- phenylimidazole according to the procedures described in Example 50.

Example 54: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-i-Q^ H: R-1Q ³ = hvdroxy: R-l-Q-^H: RI and R-1Q6 taken together form an oxo: R- QL= RJ0£ = H: R-1Q& = N-π '-f2'-methoxymethyl- imidazolyl)]: R-U-Q = methoxy : n = 2.

The title compound is prepared from the title compound of Example 45 and 2- methoxymethyl-imidazole according to the procedures described in Example 50.

Example 55: Formula I: R = ethyl: RJ 2= H: R-l-Q ³ = hvdroxy: R-1-Q^H: RJQ ⁵ and R-I taken together form an oxo: R-l-Q-^ R-i = H: Rl & = N-IT-f2'-hvdroxymethyl- imidazolylϊl: R-U-Q = methoxy : n = 2.

The title compound is prepared from the title compound of Example 45 and 2- hydroxymethyl-imidazole according to the procedures described in Example 50.

Example 56: Formula I: R = ethyl: Rl 2= H: R-l-QS. = hvdroxy: R-1 =H: Rl ⁰ - ⁵ and R- fiS taken together form an oxo: R-1-QI _^ R-l-Q ⁹ = H: R-1-Q& = N-n'-f4'-methylimidazolvD1: R-U-Q = methoxy : n = 2.

The title compound is prepared from the title compound of Example 45 and 4- methylimidazole according to the procedures described in Example 50.

Example 57: Formula I: R = ethyl: R!Q2= H: R-l-Ql = hvdroxy: R-1-Q4=H: R-l-Q ⁵ and RJ imidazolv I: R-UQ = methoxy : n = 2.

The title compound is prepared from the title compound of Example 45 and 4- hydroxymethyl-imidazole according to the procedures described in Example 50.

Example 58: Formula I: R = ethyl: R-l-Q2= H: R-l-Q- ³ - = hvdroxy: R-1.Ω1=-H: R-l-Q- ⁵ and R-1-Q& taken together form an oxo: R-l-Ql-= R-1-Q2 = H: R-1-Q& = N-rr-f4'-cvanomethyl-imidazolylYl: RUO = methoxy : n = 2.

The title compound is prepared from the title compound of Example 45 and 4- cyanomethyl-imidazole according to the procedures described in Example 50.

Example 59: Formula I: R = ethyl: R.1Q2= H: R.1Q1 = hvdroxy: Rlfl4=H: R-1-Q ⁵ _an d R- 06 taken together form an oxo: RH2L= R1Ω2 = H: R-H = N-fl 4'-hromo-imidazolylVI: R-UO = methoxy : n = 2.

The title compound is prepared from the title compound of Example 45 and 4- bromoimidazole according to the procedures described in Example 50.

Example 60: Formula I: R = ethyl: R1Ω2= H: R-l-Q- ³ - = hvdroxy: R-lJQ4=H: R^ ⁵ - and R-I taken together form an oxo: R± £L= Rl . = H: R-1-Q& = N-ri'-(4'-rbeta-acetylaminoethylV imidazolylYl: R-U-Q = methoxy : n = 2.

The title compound is prepared from the title compound of Example 45 and Ν- acetylhistamine according to the procedures described in Example 50.

Example 61: In Vivo Assay of Biological Activity

The immunosuppressant activity of the compounds of the present invention was determined using the human mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay described by Kino, T. et al. in Transplantation Proceedings, XIX(5):36-39, Suppl. 6 (1987). The results of the assay, shown below in Table 1, demonstrate that the compounds tested are effective immuno- modulators at sub-micromolar concentrations.

Table 1

It is understood that the foregoing detailed description and accompanying examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims and their equivalents. Various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications, including without limitation those relating to the chemical structures, substituents, derivatives, intermediates, syntheses, formulations and/or methods of use of the invention, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.