Pharmaceutically active I- (pip eridin-4-vl) benzimidazole derivatives are disclosed in US3318900, W097/40035. W099/04794, W099/36421, EP-Al-1069124andJ. Med. Chem.

(1978) 91 (11) 1116-1120.

Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines that are released by a wide variety of cells to attract macrophages, T cells, eosinophils, basophils and neutrophils to sites of inflammation and also play a role in the maturation of cells of the immune system. There are two classes of chemokine, C-X-C (a) and C-C (ß) depending on whether the first two cystines are separated by a single amino acid (C-X-C) or are adjacent (C-C). CCR5 is an example of a (3-chemokine receptor.

The CCR5 receptor is expressed on T-lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, microglia and other cell types. These detect and respond to several chemokines, principally"regulated on activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted" (RANTES), macrophage inflammatory proteins (MIP) MIP-la and MIP-lb and monocyte chemoattractant protein-2 (MCP-2).

This results in the recruitment of cells of the immune system to sites of disease. In many diseases it is the cells expressing CCR5 which contribute, directly or indirectly, to tissue damage. Consequently, inhibiting the recruitment of these cells is beneficial in a wide range of diseases.

CCR5 is also a co-receptor for HIV-1 and other viruses, allowing these viruses to enter cells. Blocking the receptor with a CCR5 antagonist protects cells from viral infection.

The present invention provides a compound of formula (I) : wherein

A is a 5. 6 or 7 membered ring comprising, respectively, 4. 5 or 6 carbons and one nitrogen which carries a substituent R'. A being either saturated or including one endocyclic double bond ; X-Y is N=C (R') or N=N ; J is N or CR2a; K is N or CR2b; L is N or CR2c; M is N or CR2d ; provided that no more than 2 of J, K L and M are N ; R2a, R2b. R2c and R2d are, independently, hydrogen. halo, cyano. nitro. hydroxy, SH. S (O) pR6, NR7R8, SO2NR9R10, CONR11R12, NR13SO2R14, NR15COR16, COR17, CO2R18, NR19CONR20R21, C1-6 alkyl, C3-6 cycloalkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, CI-6 alkenyloxy, C26 alkynyl. C1-6 haloalkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkoxy, C l alkoxy (C, _6) alkyl or heterocyclyl, or phenyl, phenyl (C 4) alkyl. phenoxy, phenyl (CI 4) alkoxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryl (CI4) alkyl, heteroryloxy or heteroaryl (C, 4) alkoxy, wherein any of the foregoing phenyl and heteroaryl moieties are optionally substituted with halo, hydroxy, cyano, C, 4 alkyl or C alkoxy ; R1 is C1-10 alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, C3-8 alkenyl or C3-8 alkynyl, each optionally substituted with one or more of : halo, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, C 1-6 alkoxy (itself optionally substituted by heterocyclyl or CONR62R63), C3-7 cycloalkyl, NR22R23, C (O) R24, NR25SO2R26, NR27C(O)R28, SO2NR29R30, CONR31R32, NR33CONR34R35, S (O),, mR64, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyloxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, 9H-fluorenyl (optionally substituted with halo, hydroxy, cyano, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C2-6 alkenyl, pehnyl or phenyl(C1-4)alkyl), 9H-xanthenyl (optionally substituted with halo, hydroxy, cyano, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C2-6 alkenyl, phenyl or phenyl(C1-4)alkyl) or dibenzo (a,d)cycloheptatrienyl (optionally substituted with halo. hydroxy, cyano. Cl 6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C2-6 alkenyl, phenyl or phenyl (C1-4)alkyl) ; R3, R3a, R4 and R4a are, independently, hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl (optionally substituted by hydroxy or alkoxy), CO2R36 or CONR37R38 (wherein R36, R37 and R38 are, independently, hydrogen or C,-6 alkyl) ; R5 is hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl (optionally substituted with cyano, hydroxy, C1-4 alkoxy, C3-7 cycloalkyl, COR SO2NR58R59. C (O) NR7'R, NR74COR65, NR73SO2R66, NHC(O)NR67R72, NR68R69. SO2R77, C (O) R78 heterocyclyl. phenyl or heteroaryl), C3-6 alkenyl, C3-6 alkynyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl, heterocyclyl. heteroaryl. OR'9, SR CONR39R40. COR39, NR39R40, (wherein R39 and R40 are. independently, hydrogen. Cl 6 alkyl (optionally substituted with C37 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl), C2-6 alkenyl, ¬2-6 alkynyl. C3, cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl : and R79 is Cl 6 alkyl (optionally substituted with C3 7 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl), C3-6 alkenyl, C3-6 alkynyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl. phenyl or heteroaryl). NR70SO2R71 or

NR70C(O)R71 (wherein R'°, R73 and R74 are, independently, hydrogen, Cl 4 alkyl, C24 alkenyl, C24 alkynyl or C3-6 cycloalkyl; and R"is C,-6 alkyl, C3 7 cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl) ; R64 is alkyl. cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl ; R R'9, R R R, are. independently, hydrogen, Cl I-, alkyl or phenyl ; R6, R'4 and R26 are, independently, alkyl (optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, C-6 alkoxy, C haloalkoxy or phenyl), phenyl or heteroaryl ; R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R16, R17, R18, R20, R21, R22, R23, R24, R28, R29, R30, R31, R32, R34, R35, R58, R59, R67, R68, R69, R72, R75 and R76 are, independently, hydrogen or alkyl (optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, C1-6 alkoxy, C-6 haloalkoxy, heterocyclyl, CONR OR, or phenyl (itself optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, cyano, C, alkyl or C, 4 alkoxy)), phenyl or heteroaryl ; unless specified otherwise, the foregoing aryl, phenyl and heteroaryl moieties are optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, S (O) qR41,NR42R43,SO2NR44R45, CONR46R47, NR48SO2R49, NR51COR52, COR53, CO2R54, NR55CONR56R57, C1-6 alkyl, C3_6 cycloalkyl, C-1-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, C1-6 haloalkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkoxy, C1-6 alkoxy (Cl 6) alkyl, phenyl, phenyl (Cl 4) alkyl, phenoxy, phenylthio, phenyl (CI 4) alkoxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryl (Ci_ 4) alkyl, heteroaryloxy or heteroaryl (C1-4) alkoxy ; wherein any of the immediately foregoing phenyl and heteroaryl moieties are optionally substituted with halo, hydroxy, cyano, C, alkyl or C, alkoxy ; R48, R51 and R55 are, independently, hydrogen, C, 6 alkyl or phenyl ; R'', R49 R66 are. independently, alkyl (optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, C1-6 alkoxy, C-6 haloalkoxy or phenyl (itself optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, cyano, C -4 alkyl or C 4 alkoxy)), phenyl or heteroaryl ; R42, R43, R44, R45, R46, R47, R52, R53, R54, R56, R57, R60, R61, R62, R63 and R65 are, independently, hydrogen or alkyl (optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, C 1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkoxy or phenyl (itself optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, cyano, C 1-4 alkyl or C 1-4 alkoxy)), phenyl or heteroaryl ; the pairs of substituents : R7 and R8, R9 and R10, R11 and R12, R20 and R21, R22 and R23, R29 and R30, R31 and R32, R34 and R35, R37 and R38, R39 and R40, R42 and R43, R44 and R45, R46 and R47, R56 and R, R58 and R59, R75 and R76, R67 and R72 and R68 and R69 may, independently, join to form a ring and such a ring may also comprise an oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen atom ; R"and R'8 are. independently, tu-linked heterocyclyl ;

where for any of the foregoing heterocyclic groups having a ring-N (H)- moiety, that-N (H)- moiety may be optionally substituted by C alkyl (itself optionally substituted by hydroxy), C (O) (CI alkyl), C (O) NH (C,. alkyl), C (O) N (C alkyl) 2 or S02 (C, 1-4 alkyl) ; in. p and q are. independently, 0, 1 or 2 ; a ring nitrogen and/or sulphur atom is optionally oxidised to form an lV-oxide and or an S- oxide ; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Certain compounds of the present invention can exist in different isomeric forms (such as enantiomers. diastereomers or geometric isomers). The present invention covers all such isomers and mixtures thereof in all proportions.

Suitable salts include acid addition salts such as hydrochlorides, hydrobromides or acetates.

The compounds of the invention may exist as solvates (such as hydrates) and the present invention covers all such solvates.

Alkyl groups and moieties are straight or branched chain and are, for example, methyl, ethyl, _-propyl or iso-propyl. Unless specified otherwise, alkyl groups preferably contain from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, especially from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Alkoxyalkyl is, for example, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, 2-methoxyeth-1-yl or 2- ethoxyeth-1-yl.

Alkenyl and alkynyl groups and moieties are, for example, vinyl, allyl or propargyl.

Cycloalkyl is. for example, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl.

Acyl is, for example, carbonyl substituted by C,-6 alkyl or optionally substituted phenyl.

Halogen includes fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. Preferably halogen is chlorine or fluorine.

Heterocyclyl is a non-aromatic 5 or 6 membered ring comprising at least one heteroatom selected from the group comprising nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur. Heterocyclyl is, for example, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl or tetrahydrofuryl.

Heteroaryl is an aromatic 5 or 6 membered ring comprising at least one heteroatom selected from the group comprising nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur. Heteroaryl is. for example, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, 1, 2, 3-triazolyl, 1, 2, 4-triazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl. pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, thienyl, furyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl. indolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzo [b] furyl or benzo [b] thienyl.

Aryl is a carbocyclic aromatic ring system (for example phenyl or naphthyl).

Phenyl (C1-4 alkyl) is, for example, benzyl or 2-phenyleth-1-yl. Phenyl (CI-4 alkoxy) is. for example, benzyloxy. Heteroaryl (C alkyl) is for example, pyridylmethyl or pyrimidinylmethyl. Heteroaryl (C)-4 alkoxy) is. for example. pyridylmethoxy or pyrimidinylmethoxy.

Haloalkyl is, for example CF3. Haloalkoxy is, for example, OCF3.

When R39 and R40 join to form a ring the ring is, for example. a piperazinyl, piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl or morpholinyl ring.

The ring A is, for example, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl (such as piperidin-4-yl), homopiperidinyl or 1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridinyl. Preferably A is piperidinyl (such as piperidin-4-yl).

In one particular aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ia) : wherein J. K, L, M, X, Y, R', R3 and R4 are as defined above.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ib) or (Ic) : wherein Rl, R2a, R2b and Rs are as defined above.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ib') or (Ic') :

wherein Rl and R are as defined above ; and the meanings of R2a and R2b are, independently, selected from the list recited above for R2a and R.

In another aspect the invention provides a compound of formula (Id) : wherein R'is C,, 0 alkyl optionally substituted with the substituents recited above ; R2a is as defined above ; and R5 is hydrogen, C,-6 alkyl (optionally substituted with C37 cycloalkyl, CoR58, SO2NR58R59, phenyl or heteroaryl), ¬2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl, heterocyclyl. heteroaryl, OR79, SR79, CONR39R40, COR39 or NR39R40, (wherein R58 and R59 are. independently, hydrogen or Cl alkyl : R39 and R40 are. independently, hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl (optionally substituted with C37 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl), C3-6 alkenyl, C3-6 alkynyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl ; R79 is Cl ^ alkyl (optionally substituted with C3- 7 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl), C3-6 alkenyl, C3-6 alkynyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl) ; wherein the phenyl and heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted as above.

In another aspect the invention provides a compound of formula (Id') :

wherein R1 is C1-10 alkyl optionally substituted with the substituents recited above ; the meaning of R2a is selected from the list recited above for R2a ; and R5 is hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl (optionally substituted with C3-7 cycloalkyl, COR58, SO2NR58R59, phenyl or heteroaryl), C2-6 alkenyl, Cl--6 alkynyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, oR79, SR CONR39R40, COR39 or NR39R40, (wherein R58 and R59 are, independently, hydrogen or C 4 alkyl ; R39 and R40 are, independently, hydrogen, C alkyl (optionally substituted with C3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl), C3_6 alkenyl, C3-6 alkynyl, C3 7 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl ; R79 is C-6 alkyl (optionally substituted with C3 7 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl), C3-6 alkenyl, C3-6 alkynyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl) ; wherein the phenyl and heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted as above.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ie) : wherein R1 is C1-10 alkyl optionally substituted with the substituents recited above.

In yet another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (If) : wherein R79 is Cl -6 alkyl, C3_6 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl ; M1 is a bond. C (O), S (O) 2, S (O) 2NH or C (O) NH ; and M2 is C, _6 alkyl, C3-6 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl ; the phenyl and heteroaryl groups being optionally substituted as recited above.

In another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) or (Ia) wherein J is CR2a; K is CR2b; L is CR2c ; and M is N or CR2d.

In another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) or (la) wherein X-Y is N=C (R').

In a still further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ib) wherein R2a and R2d are. independently, hydrogen, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, SH, S (O) pR°, NR7R8, SO2NR9R10, CONR"R, NR13SO2R14, NR15COR16, COR17, CO2R18, NR19CONR20R21, C1-6 alkyl, C3-6 cycloalkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkenyloxy, C2-6 alkynyl, C1-6 haloalkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkoxy, C1-6 alkoxy (C, ^) alkyl or heterocyclyl, or phenyl, phenyl (C, 4) alkyl, phenoxy, phenyl (C1-4) alkoxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryl (CI 4) alkyl, heteroaryloxy or heteroaryl (C, 4) alkoxy, wherein any of the foregoing phenyl and heteroaryl moieties are optionally substituted with halo, hydroxy, cyano, Cl alkyl or C1 alkoxy ; R1 is 2, 4, 6-trimethoxybenzyl, 2, 4-dimethoxy-6-hydroxybenzyl, 3- (4-dimethylamino-phenyl) prop- 2-enyl, (1-phenyl-2. 5-dimethylpyrrol-3-yl) methyl, 2-phenylethyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 3-R/S- phenylbutyl, 3-cyano-3, 3-diphenylpropyl, 3-cyano-3-phenylpropyl, 4-(N-methylbenzene- sulphonamido)-3-phenylbutyl, 4- (N-methylbenzamido)-3-phenylbutyl or 3, 3-diphenylpropyl ; R5 is hydrogen, C-6 alkyl (optionally substituted with cyano, hydroxy, C, alkoxy, C3-7 cycloalkyl, COR58, SO2NR58R59, C(O)NR75R76, NR74COR65, NR73SO2R66, NHC(O)NR67R72, NR58R69, SO2R77, C (O) R78, heterocyclyl, phenyl or heteroaryl), C3 S alkenyl, C3-6 alknyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, OR79, SR79, CONR39R40, COR39, NR39R40, (wherein R'and R are. independently, hydrogen, C)-6 alkyl (optionally substituted with C3 7 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl), C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl ; R79 is C1-6 alkyl (optionally substituted with C3 7 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl), C3_6 alkenyl, C3_6 alkynyl, C3 cycloalkyl, phenyl or heteroaryl), NR70SO2R71 or NR70C(O)R71 (wherein R70. R73 and R74 are, independently, hydrogen, C, 4 alkyl, C24 alkenyl, C24 alkynyl or C3_6 cycloalkyl; and R71 is C1-6 alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl) ; R'3, R15 and R19 are, independently, hydrogen, C alkyl or phenyl ; R6 and R14 are, independently, alkyl (optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkoxy or phenyl), phenyl or heteroaryl ; R, R, R9, R, R", R12, Ró, R17, Rl8 R20, R21, R58, R59, R67, R68, R69, R72, R75 and R76 are, independently, hydrogen or alkyl (optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkoxy, heterocyclyl, CONRó°Ró', or phenyl (itself optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, cyano, C 4 alkyl or Cl -4 alkoxy)), phenyl or heteroaryl ; unless specified otherwise. the foregoing aryl, phenyl and heteroaryl moieties are optionally substituted with

halo, nitro hydroxy, S (O) qR4lz NR42R43, SO2NR44R45, CONR46R47, NR48SO2R49, NR51COR52, COR, CO2R54, NR55CONR56R57, C1-6 alkyl, C3-6 cycloalkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, C -6 haloalkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C -6 haloalkoxy, C1-6 alkoxy(C1-6)alkyl. phenyl, phenyl (C, 4) alkyl, phenoxy, phenylthio, phenyl (CI 4) alkoxy, heteroaryl. heteroaryl (CI 4) alkyl, heteroaryloxy or heteroaryl (C, 4) alkoxy ; wherein any of the immediately foregoing phenyl and heteroaryl moieties are optionally substituted with halo, hydroxy, cyano, C, 4 alkyl or Cl -4 alkoxy ; R 48 R 51 and R 55 are, independently, hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl or phenyl ; R4', R49 R66 are. independently, alkyl (optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkoxy or phenyl (itself optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, cyano, C alkyl or C, 4 alkoxy)), <BR> <BR> <BR> phenyl or heteroaryl ; R42, R43, R44, R45, R46, R47, R52, R53, R54, R56, R57, R60, R61 and R65 are<BR> phenyl or heteroaryl; R@, R@, R@, R@, R@, R@, R@, R@, R@, R@, R@, independently, hydrogen or alkyl (optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, C1 6 alkoxy, Cl I haloalkoxy or phenyl (itself optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, cyano. C1-4 alkyl or C, 4 alkoxy)), phenyl or heteroaryl ; the pairs of substituents : R7 and R8, R9 and R10, R11 and R12, R20 and R21, R37 and R38, R39 and R40, R42 and R43, R44 and R45, R46 and R47, R56 and R57, R58 and R59, R75 and R76, Ró7 and R72 and R68 and R69 may, independently, join to form a ring and such a ring may also comprise an oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen atom ; R77 and R78 are, independently, N-linked heterocyclyl ; where for any of the foregoing heterocyclic groups having a ring-N (H)- moiety, that-N (H)- moiety may be optionally substituted by C alkyl (itself optionally substituted by hydroxy), C (O) (C, alkyl), C (O) NH (C1-4 alkyl), C (O) N (C, -4 alkyl) 2 or SO2(C1-4alkyl) ; m, p and q are, independently, 0, 1 or 2 ; a ring nitrogen and/or sulphur atom is optionally oxidised to form an N-oxide and/or an S-oxide ; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof ; provided that when R2a and R2b are both hydrogen and Rus ils hydrogen or methyl, then Ru ils not 2-phenylethyl.

In yet another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ib) wherein : R, and R2b are, independently, hydrogen halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, SH. S (O) prao, NR7R8, SO2NR9R10, CONR11R12, NR13SO2R14, NR15COR16, COR17, CO2R18, NR19CONR20R21, C1-6 alkyl, C3-6 cycloalkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C26 alkenyloxy. C2-6 alkynyl, C1-6 haloalkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C 1-6 haloalkoxy, C 1-6 alkoxy (CI -6) alkyl or heterocyclyl, or phenyl, phenyl (C, 4) alkyl, phenoxy, phenyl (C, 4) alkoxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryl (CI 4) alkyl, heteroaryloxy or heteroaryl (C1-4) alkoxy, wherein any of the foregoing phenyl and heteroaryl moieties are optionally substituted with halo. hydroxy, cyano, C -4 alkyl or Cl 4 alkoxy ; Rl is C1-6 alkyl, C3 7 cycloalkyl, C3-8 alkenyl or C3 alkynyl. each optionally substituted with one or more of: halo, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, C1-6 alkoxy (itself optionally substituted by heterocyclyl

or CONR62R63), C3-7 cycloalkyl, NR22R23, C(O)R24, NR25SO2R26, NR27C(O)R28, SO2NR29R30.

CONR31R32, NR33CONR34R35, S (O) mR64, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyloxy, aryl. aryloxy, heteroaryl or heteroaryloxy ; R5 is hydrogen; R64 is alkyl. cycloalkyl. aryl or heteroaryl ; R R15, R19, R25, R27, R33, are, independently, hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl or phenyl ; R°, R16 and R26 are. independently, alkyl (optionally substituted by halo. hydroxy, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkoxy or phenyl), phenyl or heteroaryl; R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R16, R17, R18, R20, R21, R22, R23, R24, R28, R29, R30, R31, R32, R34 and R35 Are. independently, hydrogen or alkyl (optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, Ci 6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkoxy, heterocyclyl, CONR60R61, or phenyl (itself optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, cyano, Cl alkyl or C alkoxy)), phenyl or heteroaryl ; unless specified otherwise, the foregoing aryl, phenyl and heteroaryl moieties are optionally substituted with halo. cyano, nitro, hydroxy, S (O) qR41, NR42R43, SO2NR44R45, CONR46R47. NR48SO2R49, NR51COR52, COR53, CO2R54, NR55CONR56R57, C1-6 alkyl, C3-6 cycloalkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, C1-6 haloalkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkoxy, Cri-6 alkoxy (C, ^) alkyl, phenyl, phenyl (C, 4) alkyl, phenoxy, phenylthio, phenyl (CI-4) alkoxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryl (C, 4) alkyl. heteroaryloxy or heteroaryl (C, 4) alkoxy ; wherein any of the immediately foregoing phenyl and heteroaryl moieties are optionally substituted with halo, hydroxy, cyano, C1-4 alkyl or C, alkoxy ; R48, R5 ! and R55 are, independently, hydrogen, Cri-6 alkyl or phenyl : R4'and R49 are, independently, alkyl (optionally substituted by halo. hydroxy, C1-6 alkoxy, C haloalkoxy or phenyl (itself optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, cyano. Ci 4 alkyl or Cl4 alkoxy)), phenyl or heteroaryl R R R R R'R R52, R53,. R54, R56, R57, Rbo, R6', R and are, independently, hydrogen or alkyl (optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy. C -6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkoxy or phenyl (itself optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, cyano, Cl4 alkyl or Cl alkoxy)), phenyl or heteroaryl ; the pairs of substituents : R7 and R8, R9 and R10, R11 and R12, R20 and R21, R22 and R23, R29 and R30, R31 and R. R and R, R37 and R38, R42 and R43, R44 and R45, R46 and R47 and R56 and R57 may, independently, join to form a ring and such a ring may also comprise an oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen atom : where for any of the foregoing heterocyclic groups having a ring-N (H)- moiety, that-N (H)- moiety may be optionally substituted by C 1-4 alkyl (itself optionally substituted by hydroxy), C (O) (C1-4 alkyl), C (O) NH (CI alkyl), C (O) N (C, 4 alkyl) 2 or SO2 (C 4 #alkyl) ; m, p and q are. independently, 0, 1 or 2 : a ring nitrogen and/or sulphur atom is optionally oxidised to form an lV-oxide and or an S-oxide : or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof ; provided that when R23 and R b are both hydrogen then R'is not methyl, benzyl, C3 alkylen substituted once by tetrahydrophthalimide. 3- (4-fluorobenzoyl) propyl, (3,4-

dihydro-2H-I-benzopyran-2-yl) methyl or a 3- (2-oxo-3. 6-dihydro-4-methyl-6- (3. 4- difluorophenyl)-2H-pyrimidin-I-ylcarbonylamino) propyl ; and provided that when R2a is 5- fluoro and R2bis hydrogen then R'is not 2- (3- (4-fluorophenyl)-5-aminothiazol-2-yl) ethyl.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a compound as hereinbefore defined wherein R2a and R2b are, independently, hydrogen, halo, OH. CN. nitro, NPL, NH (C1-4 alkyl), N (Cl -4 alkyl)2, NHC (O) (C, 4 alkyl), N (C, alkyl) C (O) (CI-4 -4 alkyl), NHSO2(C1-4 alkyl), N (C1 -4 alkyl) SO2 (Ct 4 alkyl), SH, S (O) (CI -4 alkyl), SO2(C1-4 alkyl), SO2NH2, SO2NH(C1-4 alkyl), SO2N (Ci 4 alkyl) 2, CO2H, CO2 (C, alkyl), C (O) NH2, C (O) NH (C, alkyl), C (O) N (C, -4 alkyl) 2, Cl -4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 haloalkoxy, C2-4 alkenyl, C24 alkenyloxy, C2-4 alkynyl. C (O) (C1-4 alkyl), SCF3, SO2CF3, phenyl, heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ; the phenyl and heteroaryl groups being optionally substituted as recited above.

In another aspect the present invention provides a compound as hereinbefore described wherein R3 and R4 and, if present R3a and R4a are all hydrogen.

In a further aspect the invention provides a compound as hereinbefore described wherein R'is 2, 6-dimethoxybenzyl, 2, 4, 6-trimethoxybenzyl, 2, 4-dimethoxy-6- hydroxybenzyl, 3- (4-dimethylaminophenyl) prop-2-enyl, (1-phenyl-2, 5-dimethylpyrrol-3- yl) methyl, 2-phenylethyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 3-R/S-phenylbutyl, 3-cyano-3,3-diphenylpropyl, 3- cyano-3-phenylpropyl, 4-(N-methylbenzene-sulphonamido)-3-phenylbutyl, 4-(N- methylbenzamido)-3-phenylbutyl or 3, 3-diphenylpropyl.

In a still further aspect the invention provides a compound as hereinbefore described wherein R1 is 3-R/S-phenylbutyl, 3-cyano-3,3-diphenylpropyl, 3-cyano-3-phenylpropyl, 4-(N- methylbenzenesulphonamido)-3-phenylbutyl, 4-(N-methylbenzamido)-3-phenylbutyl or, preferably, 3, 3-diphenylpropyl.

In another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ig) :

wherein X-Y is N=CH or N=N; R1 is (Ch2)rCHR'R"; R2a is hydrogen or halo (such as fluoro) : R2b is hydrogen. halo (such as tluoro or chloro), CF3, cyano or C, alkyl (such as methyl) ; R2C is hydrogen. halo (such as fluoro or chloro) or Cl4 alkyl (such as methyl) ; R2d is hydrogen or halo (such as chloro) ; r is 2 or 3 ; R'is phenyl optionally substituted by halo (such as chloro) ; and. R"is Cl alkyl (optionally mono-substituted with N (CI 4 alkyl) S (92phenyl) or phenyl.

In yet another aspect R5 is hydrogen or Cl alkyl (for example methyl). The group R5 is particularly hydrogen.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ih) : wherein R'is CR80R81CR82R83R84; R84 is OR85, NR86R87 or CR88R89R90; R80, R81, R82, R83 and R88 are. independently, hydrogen or C, -4 alkyl (for example methyl) ; Regs, R and R89 are phenyl or heteroaryl ; R86 is hydrogen, Cl -4 alkyl, phenyl, heteroaryl, C (O) phenyl or C (O) heteroaryl ; R90 is CI-4 alkyl, phenyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, phenoxy, heteroaryloxy, NHC(O)(C1-6 alkyl), NHC (O) phenyl, NHC (O) heteroaryl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, CH2C (O) (C, _6 alkyl), NHC (O) NH (C 1-6 alkyl) or NHC (O) O (C1 1-6 alkyl) ; R2a, R2b, R2C and R2d are, independently, hydrogen, halogen, cyano, S (O) 2 (Cl 4 alkyl), S (O) 2NH2, S (O) 2NH (C, 4 alkyl) or S (O) 2N (Ci-4 alkyl) 2; and, R'is hydrogen or Cl 4 alkyl (for example methyl), {R5 is especially hydrogen} ; wherein the foregoing phenyl and heteroaryl groups and moieties are optionally substituted by halogen (especially chlorine or fluorine) or CF3.

In another aspect the present invention provides a compound as hereinbefore defined wherein R1 is CR80R81CR82R83R84; R84 is OR85, NR86R87 or CR88R89R90; R80, R81, R82, R83 and

R88 are. independently, hydrogen or Cl alkyl (for example methyl) ; R, and R'9 are phenyl or heteroaryl ; R86 is hydrogen. C1-4 alkyl, phenyl, heteroaryl, C (O) phenyl or C (O) heteroaryl : and R90 is C1-4 alkyl, phenyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, phenoxy, heteroaryloxy, NHC (O) (CI 6 alkyl), NHC (O) phenyl, NHC (O) heteroaryl, ¬3. 7 cycloalkyl.

CH2C (O) (Ci -6 alkyl), NHC (O) NH (Cl ^ alkyl), NHC (O) O (C1-6 alkyl) ; wherein the foregoing phenyl and heteroaryl groups and moieties are optionally substituted by halogen (especially chlorine or fluorine) or CF3.

In yet another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ih) wherein R84 is CR88R89R90.

In yet another aspect three of R2a, R2b, R2c and R2d are hydrogen and the other is S (O) 2 (Cl 4 alkyl), S (O) 2NH2, S (0) 2NH (CI-4 -4 alkyl) or S (O) 2N (C, alkyl) 2. In a further aspect R2a, R2C and R2d are all hydrogen and R2b is S (O) 2 (C1-4 alkyl), S (O) 2NH2, S (O) 2NH (C, alkyl) or S (O) 2N (C1-4 alkyl) 2 {especially R2b is S (O) 2 (Cl 4 alkyl), for example S (0) 2CH3'.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (1) or (Ia) wherein J, L and M are as defined above ; K is CR2b ; and R2b is S (O) 2 (C1 4 alkyl), S (O) 2NH2, S (O) 2NH (C1 -4 alkyl) or S (O) 2N (C1-4 alkyl) 2 {especially R2b is S (O) 2 (C1- 4 alkyl), for example S (0) 2CH3}.

In a still further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ij) : wherein R89 and R90 are as defined above.

When Rl is 3-phenyl-butyl it is preferably in the form of the S-isomer.

Examples of compounds of the invention are provided in the Examples below and in the Tables hereunder.

TABLE I Table I concerns compounds of formula (Ij) : wherein R89 and R90 are as defined in the table below. Compound No. R89 R90 Comment Phenyl Phenyl 2 Phenyl Methyl 3 Phenyl Methyl S-isomer 4 Phenyl Psyridin-2-yl 5 Phenyl Pyrimidin-2-yl 6 6 4-fluoro-phenyl Pyridin-2-yl # 4-CF3-phenylPyridin-2-yl 8 3-fluoro-phenylPyridin-2-yl 9 3-fluoro-phenyl Pyrazin-2-yl 10 3-fluoro-phenyl NHC(O)phenyl 11-tluoro-phenyl NHC (O) thien-3-yl 12 4-CF3-phenyl NHC(O) CH (CH3) 2 13 4-CF3-phenyl NHC (O) NHCH (CH3) 2 14 Phenyl 4-fluoro-phenyl 15 3-fluoro-phenyl Thien-3-yl 16 3-fluoro-phenyl Pyridin-3-yl 17 Phenvl Pvridin-2-yloxy 18 Phenyl 4-CF3-phenyl 19 Pyrimidin-4-yl 3-chloro-phenyl 20 3-fluoro-phenyl NHC(O) phenyl 21 4-CF3-phenyl NHC (O) thienyl 22 4-CF3-phenyl CH2C(O)CH(CH3)2 23 Phenyl cyclobutyl

24 Phenyl phenoxy 25 4-CF3-phenyl | methyl ! 26 4-CF3-phenyl Methyl S-isomer 27 I 3-fluoro-phenyl NHC (O) OCH (CH3) 2 i The compounds of the invention can be prepared by adaptation of methods disclosed in the chemical art. For example compounds of formula (Ib), (Ic), (Ig), (Ih) and (Ik) can be prepared following the reaction sequences shown in Schemes 1 and 2 in which the reagents are as follows : i. starting material can be prepared by adaptation of route described in EP309422 ; a fluoronitrobenzene or a chloronitrobenzene ii. Raney nickel hydrogenation iii. an alkylorthoformate iv. hydrogenation (for example hydrogen in the presence of palladium of carbon catalyst) v. reductive amination of aldehyde or alkylation with R"L (where L is a leaving group) vi. Boc chloride or anhydride vii. hydrogenation (for example hydrogen in the presence of palladium of carbon catalyst) viii. reductive amination of aldehyde or alkylation with R"L (where L is a leaving group) ix. trifluoroacetic acid x. a fluoronitrobenzene or a chloronitrobenzene xi. Raney nickel hydrogenation xii. an alkylorthoformate Alternatively, compounds of formula (I), where A is piperidine, can be made by first reducing a compound of formula (II) :

and then cyclising the product so formed. (For example, cyclising in the presence ol NaNO, and dilute hydrochloric acid as 0-5"C to produce a triazole ring ; or cyclising in the presence of R5CO2H in refluxing toluene to produce an imidazole ring.) A compound of formula (II) can be prepared by coupling a compound of formula (III) : wherein LG is a leaving group (such as chlorine), with a compound of formula (IV) : in the presence of a base. Compounds of formula (III) can be made by nitration of the respective chloroheteroaryl or respective chloroheteroaryl N-oxide (followed by reduction to remove the N-oxide) ; or by chlorination of an oxo-nitro-heteroaryl (such as 3-nitropyridin-4- one).

Alternatively, compounds of formula (1), where A is piperidine, can be prepared by coupling a compound of formula (V) : with a compound of formula (VI) wherein LG is a leaving group such as chlorine, tosyl or methylsulphonyl, in the presence of a base.

Compounds of formula (If) can be prepared by alkylation or reductive amination of a compound of formula (VII) : for example alkylation with a compound of formula (IX) :

Alternatively compounds of formula (I) can be prepared by preparing compounds of formula (VIII), for example as shown in Scheme 3, and then cyclising the compound of formula (VIII) as hereinbefore described.

Compounds of formula (1) wherein A is other than piperidine can be prepared by adaptation of literature methods or by adaptation of methodologies described above.

In another aspect the present invention provides processes for the preparation of compounds of formula (1), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If), (Ig), (Ih) and (Ij).

Many of the intermediates defined herein are novel and these are provided as a further feature of the invention.

By virtue of them being modulators (such as agonists, partial agonists, inverse agonists or antagonists) of the CCR5 receptor the compounds of the present invention are of value in the prevention or treatment of inflammatory and immunoregulatory disorders and diseases including asthma, allergic diseases and transplant rejection as well as autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, including pulmonary fibrosis) and cerebral malaria. The compounds of the present invention are also of value in inhibiting the entry of viruses (such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)) into target calls and. therefore, are of value in the prevention of infection by viruses (such as HIV), the treatment of infection by viruses (such as HIV) and the prevention and/or treatment of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a compound of the formula and (1j), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal body by therapy.

According to a further feature of the present invention there is provided a method for modulating a CCR5 receptor in a warm blooded animal, such as man. in need of such treatment, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of a compound of the present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The invention also provides a compound of the formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id). (Ie), (If), (Ig), (Ih) and (Ij), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use as a medicament.

In another aspect the present invention provides the use of a compound of the formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (It), (Ig), (Ih) and (Ij), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. in the manufacture of a medicament for use in modulating a CCR5 receptor in a warm blooded animal, such as man.

The invention further provides the use of a compound of formula (I) (Ia), (Ib). (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If), (Ig), (Ih) and (Ij), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of asthma, transplant rejection. rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, glomerulonephritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. cerebral malaria. human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome in a warm blooded animal, such as man.

The invention further provides the use of a compound of formula (I), (Ia), (Ib). (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If), (Ig), (Ih) and (Ij), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in a warm blooded animal. such as man.

The present invention further provides a method of treating a CCR5 mediated disease state in mammals which comprises administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If), (Ig), (Ih) and (Ij), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The present invention further provides a method of treating rheumatoid arthritis in mammals which comprises administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), (Ia), (Ib). (Ic), (Id), (Ie). (If), (Ig), (Ih) and (Ij), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In order to use a compound of the invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. for the therapeutic treatment of mammals including humans, in particular modulating a CCR5 receptor. it is normally formulated in accordance with standard pharmaceutical practice as a pharmaceutical composition.

Therefore in another aspect the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound of the formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (1d). (le), (If), (Ig), (Ih) and (Ij), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be administered in standard manner for the disease condition that it is desired to treat, for example by oral. rectal or parenteral administration. For these purposes the compounds of this invention may be formulated by means known in the art into the form of, for example. tablets, capsules, aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions, (lipid) emulsions, dispersible powders. suppositories, ointments, creams, drops and sterile injectable aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions.

A suitable pharmaceutical composition of this invention is one suitable for oral administration in unit dosage form, for example a tablet or capsule which contains between 1 Omg and 1 g of the compound of this invention.

In another aspect a pharmaceutical composition of the invention is one suitable for intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.

Each patient may receive, for example, an intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular dose of O. lmgkg-' to 100mgkg-1 of the compound, preferably in the range of 0. 5mgkg~ to 20mgkg-'of this invention, the composition being administered 1 to 4 times per day. The intravenous, subcutaneous and intramuscular dose may be given by means of a bolus injection. Alternatively the intravenous dose may be given by continuous infusion over a period of time. Alternatively each patient will receive a daily oral dose which is approximately equivalent to the daily parenteral dose, the composition being administered I to 4 times per day.

The following illustrate representative pharmaceutical dosage forms containing the compound of formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (Ifl, (Ig), (Ih) and (Ij), or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof (hereafter Compound X), for therapeutic or prophylactic use in humans : (a)

Tablet I m2/tablet Compound X 100 Lactose Ph. Eur. 179 Croscarmellose sodium 12. 0 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 6 Magnesium stearate 3. 0 (b) Tablet II mgitablet Compound X 50 Lactose Ph. Eur. 229 Croscarmellose sodium 12. 0 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 6 Magnesium stearate 3. 0 (c) Tablet III mg/tablet Compound X 1. 0 Lactose Ph. Eur. 92 Croscarmellose sodium 4. 0 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 2. 0 Magnesium stearate 1. 0 (d) Capsule mg/capsule Compound X 10 Lactose Ph. Eur. 389 Croscarmellose sodium 100 Magnesium stearate 1. 0

(e) Injection I (50 mg/ml) Compound X 5. 0% w/v Isotonic aqueous solution to 100% 1 Buffers, pharmaceutically-acceptable cosolvents such as polyethylene glycol. polypropylene glycol, glycerol or ethanol or complexing agents such as hydroxy-propyl ß- cyclodextrin may be used to aid formulation.

The above formulations may be obtained by conventional procedures well known in the pharmaceutical art. The tablets (a)- (c) may be enteric coated by conventional means. for example to provide a coating of cellulose acetate phthalate.

The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples in which, unless stated otherwise : (i) temperatures are given in degrees Celsius (°C) ; operations were carried out at room or ambient temperature, that is, at a temperature in the range of 18-25°C ; (ii) organic solutions were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate : evaporation of solvent was carried out using a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure (600-4000 Pascals : 4. 5-30 mm Hg) with a bath temperature of up to 60°C ; (iii) chromatography unless otherwise stated means flash chromatography on silica gel : thin layer chromatography (TLC) was carried out on silica gel plates ; where a"Bond Eluat"" column is referred to, this means a column containing lOg or 20g of silica of 40 micron particle size, the silica being contained in a 60ml disposable syringe and supported by a porous disc, obtained from Varian, Harbor City, California, USA under the name"Mega Bond Elut SI". Where an"IsoluteT SCX column"is referred to, this means a column containing benzenesulphonic acid (non-endcapped) obtained from International Sorbent Technology Ltd., 1 st House, Duffryn Industial Estate. Ystrad Mynach. Hengoed. Mid Glamorgan, UK.

(iv) in general. the course of reactions was followed by TLC and reaction times are given for illustration only ; (v) yields are given for illustration only and are not necessarily those which can be obtained by diligent process development ; preparations were repeated if more material was required : (vi) when given,'H NMR data is quoted and is in the form of delta values for major diagnostic protons, given in parts per million (ppm) relative to tetramethylsilane (TMS) as an

internal standard, determined at 300MHz using perdeuterio DMSO (CD3SOCD3) as the solvent unless otherwise stated : coupling constants (J) are given in Hz : (vii) chemical symbols have their usual meanings : SI units and symbols are used ; (viii) solvent ratios are given in percentage by volume ; (ix) mass spectra (MS) were run using standard mass spectrometry techniques : where values for miz are given, generally only ions which indicate the parent mass are reported, and unless otherwise stated the mass ion quoted is the positive mass ion- (M+H) t ; (x) LCMS characterisation was performed using a pair of Gilson 306 pumps with Gilson 233 XL sampler and Waters ZMD4000 mass spectrometer. The LC comprised water symmetry 4. 6x50 column C 18 with 5 micron particle size. The eluents were : A, water with 0. 05% formic acid and B. acetonitrile with 0. 05% formic acid. The eluent gradient went from 95% A to 95% B in 6 minutes. Where indicated ionisation was effected by electrospray (ES) ; where values for m/z are given, generally only ions which indicate the parent mass are reported, and unless otherwise stated the mass ion quoted is the positive mass ion- (M+H) t ; and (xi) the following abbreviations are used : DMSO dimethyl sulphoxide ; DMF. N,N-dimethylformamide; DCM dichloromethane ; EEDQ 2-ethoxy-1-ethoxycarbonyl-1 2-dihydroquinoline ; EtOH ethanol : EtOAc ethyl acetate : M. pt. melting point HATU O-(7-Azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N,'N'-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate : and NMP. N-methylpyrrolinone; Example 1 1-[1-(3R/S-Phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-benzimidazole 3-(R/S)-Phenvlbutyraldehyde (0.'5ml 1. 6mmol) was added to a solution of 1- (IH- piperidin-4-vl) benzimidazole (Method A) (, 00mg ? 1. 5mmol) in methanol (10ml) and acetic

acid (lml) was then added. After 1 hour sodium triacetoxyborohydride (474mg, 2. 2mmol) was added portionwise over 15mins and the reaction was left to stir for 70h. Water (5mi) was added to the mixture and the methanol was removed in vacuo. The solution was diluted with water (60ml), and partitioned with EtOAc (3 x 70ml). The organic fractions were combined and washed with water (30ml). dried (MgSO,) and concentrated to give a pale yellow oil. The residue was chromatographed on silica (MPLC) eluting with EtOAc followed by 4% EtOH' EtOAc to give the title compound as a gum (350mg, 1. 05mmol) ; NMR : 1. 2 (d. 3H). 1. 7 (q, 2H), 2. 0 (m, 6H), 2. 2 (m, 2H), 2. 8 (m, 1 H), 2. 95 (in, 2H), 4. 3 (m. 1H), 7. 2 (in, 7H), 7. 6 (t, 2H) and 8. 3 (s. 1H) ; MS : 334.

Example 2 1- [1- (3. 3-Diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4-yl] benzimidazole 3, 3-Diphenylpropyl bromide (1. 36 g, 5 mmol) was added dropwise to a suspension of potassium carbonate (688 mg, 5 mmol), tetra-butylammonium iodide (10 mg) and 1-(1H- piperidin-4-yl) benzimidazole (Method A) (500 mg, 2. 49 mmol) in DMF (15 ml). After 15h the mixture was poured into 50% brine (30 ml) and extracted with EtOAc (2 x 50 ml). The combined organics were washed with water (25 ml), dried (MgSOJ), concentrated and chromatographed on silica (MPLC) eluting with DCM/EtOAc (1 : 1) followed by 4% EtOH/ EtOAc to give the title compound as a white solid (550 mg, 1. 4 mmol) ; M. pt.. 156-157°C ; NMR : 2. 0 (m, 6H), 2. 25 (m, 4H), 2. 95 (m, 2H), 4. 0 (t, 1H), 4. 3 (m, 1H), 7 2 (m, 12H) 7. 6 (t, 2H) and 8. 3 (s, 1 H) ; MS : 396.

Example 3

1-[1-(3-{3,4-Dichlorophenyl}-4-{N-methylbenzenesulphonamide} butyl)-piperidin-4-yl]- benzimidazole The procedure shown in Example 2 was followed except that 1-bromo-3- (3, 4- dichlorophenyl)-4-(V-methylbenzenesulphonamide) butane (Method G) (114 mg, 0. 25 mmol), I- (IH-pipen*din-4-yl) benzimidazole (Method A) (50 mg, 0. 23 mmol), potassium carbonate (127 mg, 0. 92 mmol) and DMF (7 ml) were used to give the title compound as a solid (20 mg, 0. 035 mmol) ; MS : 571.

Example 4 5-Fluoro-1- [1- (3R/S-phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl] benzimidazole A solution of 2-amino-4-fluoro-1-N [1- (3R/S-phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline (prepared as described below) (40 mg, 0. 12 mmol), trimethyl orthoformate (0. 5 ml, 4. 8 mmol) andpara-toluenesulphonic acid monohydrate (5 mg, 0. 03 mmol) was stirred at 100°C. After 2h the mixture was cooled and water (2 ml) was added. The solution was partitioned with DCM (2 x 3 ml) then the organics were combined, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated to give the title compound as an oil that did not need further purification (27 mg, 0. 08 mmol) ; NMR : 1. 25 (d, 3H), 1. 75 (m. 2H), 2. 2 (m. 6H), 2. 9 (m. 2H), 4. 4 (m, 1H), 7. 2 (m, 6H). 7. 45 (m. 1H), 7. 65 (m, 1H) and 8. 4 (s, 1H) ; MS : 352.

2-Amino-4-fluoro-1-. [1- (3R/S-phenylbutvl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline A mixture of 4-amino-1-(3R/S-phenylbutyl)piperidine (Method E) (500 mg, 1. 45 mmol), 2, 5-difluoronitrobenzene (0. 18 ml. 1. 6 mmol) and potassium carbonate (600 mg, 4. 4 mmol) in DMSO (5 ml) was heated at 90°C. After 15h the mixture was poured onto ice and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 50ml). The combined organics were dried (MgSO4) concentrated and purified by Bond Elut chromatography (eluting with DCM followed by 50°, % EtOAc/ DCM) to give 4-fluoro-2-nitro-1-N-[1-(3R/S-phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline as a gum (280 mg, 0. 75 mmol) ; NMR : 1. 2 (d. 3H), 1. 5 (q, 2H), 1. 7 (q, 2H), 1. 9 (m. 2H), 2. 1 (m, 4H), 2. 7 (m, 3H), 3. 6 (m, 1H), 7. 2 (m,5H), 7. 5 (m. 1H) and 7. 8 (m, 2H) ; MS : 372.

To a stirred solution of suspension of 4-fluoro-2-nitro-l-'V [1- (3R/S-phenvlbutyl)- piperidin-4-yl] aniline (275 mg, 0. 74 mmol) in methanol (5 ml) was added concentrated HC1

(1 ml) followed by stannous chloride dihydrate (300 mg, 1. 3 mmol) and the mixture was heated to 100°C. After 2h, further stannous chloride dihydrate (100 mg), methanol (2 ml) and concentrated HC1 (1 ml) were added and the mixture heated to 70°C. After 15h, further stannous chloride dihydrate (50 mg) and methanol (2 ml) were added and the mixture continued to be heated at 70°C. After 24h the reaction mixture was concentrated and suspended in water (50 ml) and potassium carbonate was added to neutralise the solution.

The solution was extracted with DCM (3 x 70 ml) and the combined extracts were dried (MgSO4), concentrated and purified by Bond Elut chromatography (eluting with EtOAc followed by 4% EtOH/EtOAc and 1 % isopropylamine in 4% EtOH/EtOAc) to give 2-amino- 4-fluoro-1-N [1- (3R/S-phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline as an oil (210 mg, 0. 62 mmol) ; NMR : 1. 2 (d, 3H), 1. 35 (q, 2H). 1. 7 (m, 2H), 1. 9 (m, 4H), 2. 1 (m, 2H). 2. 7 (m, 3H), 3. 0 (m, 3H), 3. 9 (d, 1H), 4. 8 (br s. 2H), 6. 1 (m, 1H), 6. 3 (m, 2H) and 7. 2 (m. 5H) ; MS : 342.

Example 5-14 The procedure described in Example 4 was repeated using the appropriate starting material (shown below) to replace the 2, 5-difluoronitrobenzene to obtain the compounds described in the following table. Example Starting Material Final Product MS (MH) No. 2, 6-Difluoro-4-Fluoro-1- [1-(3R/S-352 nitrobenzene phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl]- benzimidazole g F Non 0- 6 2, 4-Difluoro- 6-Fluoro-1- [1- (3R/S- i 352 I nitrobenzene phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl]- I benzimidazole rS I / F/\ I j i 7. 2-Fluoro-4-methyl-. 6-Methyi-l- [l- (3R/S- 348 l nitrobenzene phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl]- benzimidazole j i I, , w N i I ! 2-Fluoro-5-5-Methyl-1-[1-(3RJS-| 348 ! ! methylnitrobenzene phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl]- I benzimidazole ~ Nv \dC ' i NN I , I li i '92. 4. 5-Trichioro-5, 6-Dichioro-l- [l- (3R/S-02 nitrobenzene phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl]- benzimidazole N v N^ I N I CI CI 10 2, 4-Dichloro- 6-Chloro-1- [1- (3R/S- 368 I, nitrobenzene I phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl]- , benzimidazole !"c i C'N' ci i I I /I Ci i 11 ! 2, 3, 4-Trichioro- 6. 7-Dichloro-l- [l- (3R/S- 402 ' nitrobenzene I phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl]- I y i i benzimidazole N °- ! ! i il I i I C i I i i

, 12 2-Chloro-5-cyano-, 5-Cyano-l- [l- (3R/S- 359 nitrobenzene phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl]- benzimidazole j N ,/= I \\ 13 2, 5-Dichloro- 5-Chloro-1- [1- (3R/S- 368 nitrobenzene phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl]- benzimidazole N N Cl I 14 2, 6-Dichloro-')- 6-Chloro-7-aza-l- [I- (3R/S- 369 nitropyridine phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl]- benzimidazole 1 ; N Cri Cl + This final product was purified on a Bond Elutr'eluting with DCM, then 5% EtOH/DCM and finally 10% EtOH/DCM.

Example 15 1- [1- (3. 3-Diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4-yl] benzotriazole The procedure shown in Example 2 was followed except that 3, 3-diphenylpropyl bromide (570 mg, 2. 1 mmol), 4-benzotriazol-1-yl-piperidine hydrochloride (250 mg, 1. 05 mmol), potassium carbonate (580 mg, 4. 2 mmol) and DMF (5 ml) were used to give the title

compound as a gum (170 mg, 0. 43 mmol); NMR : 2. 2 (m, 9H), 3. 0 (m. H). 4. 0 (m. 2H), 4. 8 (m, 1H), 7. 1 (m, 2H), 7. 3 (m, 9H), 7. 5 (t, 1H). 7. 8 (d, 1H) and 8. 05 (d, IH) ; MS : 397.

Example 16 1- [1- (3, 3-Diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-5-trifluoromethylbenzotria zole The procedure shown in Example 2 was followed except that 3, 3-diphenylpropyl bromide (570 mg, 2. 1 mmol), 4- (5-trifluoromethyl) benzotriazol-1-yl-piperidine hydrochloride (321 mg, 1. 05 mmol), potassium carbonate (580 mg, 4. 2 mmol) and DMF (5 ml) were used to give the title compound as a gum (320 mg, 0. 69 mmol) ; NMR : 2. 2 (m, 9H), 3. 0 (d, 2H), 4. 0 (m, 2H), 4. 9 (m, 1H), 7. 1 (m, 2H), 7. 3 (m, 8H), 7. 8 (d, 1H), 8. 15 (d, 1H) and 8. 5 (d, 1H) ; MS : 465.

Example 17 1- [1- (3R/S-Phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl] benzotriazole The procedure shown in Example 1 was followed except that 3- (R/S)- phenylbutyraldehyde (0. 18 ml, 1. 2 mmol), 4-benzotriazol-1-yl-piperidine hydrochloride (250 mg, 1. 1 mmol), sodium triacetoxyborohydride (334 mg, 1. 6 mmol) and acetic acid (0. 5 ml) in methanol (5 ml) were used to give the title compound as a white solid (210 mg, 0. 63 mmol) ; NMR : 1. 2 (d, 3H), 1. 8 (m, 2H), 2. 2 (m, 7H). 2. 9 (m, 3H), 4. 9 (m, 1H), 7. 2 (m. 5H), 7. 4 (t, 1H), 7. 5 (t, 1H), 7. 9 (d, 1H) and 8. 1 (d, 1H) : MS : 335.

Example 18

1- [1- (3R/S-Phenylbutyl)-piperidin-=-yl]-5-trifluoromethvlbenzotna zole The procedure shown in Example 1 was followed except that 3- (R/S)- phenylbutyraldehyde (0. 18 ml. 1. 2 mmol), 4- (5-trifluoromethyl) benzotriazol-1-yl-piperidine hydrochloride (325 mg, 1. 1 mmol), sodium triacetoxyborohydride (334 mg, 1. 6 mmol) and acetic acid (0. 5 ml) in methanol (5 ml) were used to give the title compound as a gum (180 mg, 0. 48 mmol) ; NMR : 1. 2 (d, 3H), 1. 8 (m, 2H), 2. 2 (m. 6H), 2. 8 (m, 2H), 3. 0 (m. 2H), 4. 95 (m, 1H), 7. 2 (m, 5H), 7. 8 (d, 1H), 8. 15 (d, 1H) and 8. 5 (s, 1H) ; MS : 403.

Example 19 1-1- (3-Cyano-3, 3-diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4-yl] benzimidazole 4-Bromo-2, 2-diphenylbutyronitrile (507mg, 1. 7 mmol) was added dropwise to a suspension of potassium carbonate (234 mg, 1. 7 mmol), tetra-butylammonium iodide (10 mg) and 1-(lH-piperidin-4-yl) benzimidazole (Method A) (170 mg, 0. 85 mmol) in DMF (10 ml) and the reaction mixture was heated to 90°C. After 15h the mixture was poured into water (30 ml) and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 60 ml). The combined organics were dried (MgSO,), concentrated and chromatographed on silica (medium pressure liquid chromatography, MPLC) eluting with DCM followed by 5% EtOHi'DCM to give the title compound as a pale yellow solid (70 mg, 0. 17 mmol) ; M. pt., 172-173°C ; NMR : 2. 0 (m, 6H), 2. 4 (m, 2H), 2. 7 (m, 2H), 3. 0 (d, 2H), 4. 3 (m, 1H), 7. 2 (m, 2H), 7. 4 (m, 10H), 7. 6 (m. 2H) and 8. 2 (s, 1H) ; MS : 422.

Example 20 2-Methyl-1- [1- (3R/S-Phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-benzimidazole To a solution of 2-acetamido-1- : V- [1- (3R/S-phenylbutyl)-pipendin-4-yl] aniline (Method P) (55 mg, 0. 15mmol) in chloroform (Sml) was added phosphorous pentachloride

(62 mg, 0. 3mmol) and the mixture refluxed. After 3h the reaction mixture was cooled and water (15ml) was added carefully followed by potassium carbonate until pH>9. The mixture was then extracted with DCM (2x20ml) and the combined organics dried (MgSO4), concentrated and chromatographed on silica (MPLC) eluting with DCM followed by 2. 5% EtOH/DCM and finally 5% EtOH/DCM to give the title compound as a pale yellow oil (40 mg, 1. 15 mmol) : NMR : 1. 2 (d, 3H), 1. 8 (m, 4H), 2. 05 (m, 2H), 2. 3 (m, 4H), 2. 6 (s, 3H), 2. 75 (m. 1H), 2. 9 (m. 2H). 4. 2 (m, 1H), 7. 1 (m, 3H), 7. 3 (m, 4H) and 7. 5 (m, 2H) ; MS : 348.

Example 21 5-Methanesulphonyl-1- [1- ( R/S-phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-benzimidazole A solution of 2-amino-4-methanesulphonyl-1-N-[1-(3R/S-phenylbutyl)-piperid in-4- yl] aniline (prepared as described below) (390 mg, 0. 97 mmol), trimethyl orthoformate (3 ml) and para-toluenesulphonic acid monohydrate (15 mg, 0. 09 mmol) was stirred at 100°C. After 2h the mixture was cooled and water (10 ml) was added. The solution was partitioned with DCM (3 x 30 ml) then the organics were combined. dried (MgSO,) and concentrated to give an oil that was purified first by MPLC eluting with DCM followed by 2. 5% EtOH/DCM and then by chromatography (20g silica Bond ElUtTM) eluting with DCM followed by 1. 5% EtOH/ DCM and finally 3% EtOH/DCM to give the title compound as an orange oil (140 mg, 0. 34 mmol) ; NMR : 1. 2 (d. 3H), 1. 7 (m, 2H), 2. 1 (m, 8H), 2. 8 (m, 1H), 2. 9 (m, 2H), 3. 2 (s, 3H), 4. 4 (m, 1H), 7.2 (m, 5H), 7. 8 (d. 1H), 7. 9 (d, 1H), 8. 2 (s, 1H) and 8. 6 (s, 1H) ; MS : 412.

2-Amino-4-methanesulphonyl-1-V- [1- (3R/S-phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline A mixture of 4-amino-1- (3R/S-phenylbutyl) piperidine di-trifluoroacetate salt (Method E) (l. 15g, 2. 5 mmol). 2-fluoro. 5-methanesulphonylnitrobenzene (603 mg, 2. 75 mmol) and potassium carbonate (1. 04 g, 7. 5 mmol) in DMSO (10 ml) was heated at 90°C. After 3h the mixture was poured onto ice and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 100ml). The combined organics were dried (MgS04), concentrated and purified by Bond Elut chromatography (eluting with DCM followed by 25% EtOAc/DCM. 50% EtOAc/DCM, 75% EtOAc/DCM and finally EtOAc) to give 4-methanesulphonyl-2-nitro-1- : V- [ 1- (3R/S-phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline as a pale yellow oil (790 mg, 1. 8 mmol) : NMR : 1. 2 (d. 3H), 1. 6 (m. 4H). 1. 9 (m. 2H). 2. 1 (m.

4H), 2. 7 (m, 3H), 3. 2 (s. 3H), 3. 7 (m, 1H), 7. 2 (m, 5H), 7. 9 (d, 1H), 8. 2 (d, IH) and 8. 5 (m.

1H) ; MS : 432.

To a stirred solution of suspension of 4-methanesulphonyl-2-nitro-1-N-[1-(3R/S- phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline (780 mg, 1. 81 mmol) in methanol (13 ml) was added concentrated HC1 (2. 5 ml) followed by stannous chloride dihydrate (1. 63 g, 7. 2 mmol) and the mixture was heated to 100°C. After 2h the reaction mixture was concentrated and suspended in water (100 ml) and potassium carbonate was added to basify the solution. The solution was extracted with DCM (3 x 150 ml) and the combined extracts were dried (MgSO,), concentrated and purified by Bond Elut chromatography (eluting with EtOAc followed by 4% EtOH/EtOAc and 1 % isopropylamine in 4% EtOH/EtOAc) to give the title compound as a light brown oil (400 mg, 1 mmol) ; NMR : 1. 2 (m, 3H), 1. 4 (m, 2H), 1. 7 (m, 2H), 1. 9 (m, 4H), 2. 1 (m, 2H), 2. 8 (m, 3H), 2. 95 (s, 3H), 5. 0 (m, 3H), 5. 75 (s, 1H), 6. 5 (d, 1H), 6. 95 (m.

2H) and 7. 2 (m, 5H) ; MS : 402.

Example 22 Chiral 5-Methanesulphonyl-1-[1-(3-S-phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-be nzimidazole A solution of 2-amino-4-methanesulphonyl-1-. V-[1-(3-S-phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4- yl] aniline (prepared as described below) (440 mg, 1. 1 mmol), trimethyl orthoformate (3 ml) andpara-toluenesulphonic acid monohydrate (20 mg, 0. 11 mmol) was stirred at 100°C. After 15h the mixture was cooled and water (10 ml) was added. The solution was partitioned with EtOAc (3 x 40 ml) then the organics were combined, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated to give the title compound as an orange oil (430 mg, 1. 05 mmol) ; NMR : 1. 2 (d, 3H), 1. 7 (m, 2H), 2. 1 (m, 8H), 2. 8 (m, 1H), 3. 0 (m, 2H), 3. 2 (s, 3H), 4. 45 (br s. 1H), 7. 2 (m, 5H), 7. 75 (d, 1H), 7. 9 (d, 1H), 8. 2 (s, 1H) and 8. 6 (s, 1H) ; MS : 412.

2-Amino-4-methanesulphonyl-1-N-[1-(3-S-phenylbutyl)-piper idin-4-vl] aniline A mixture of 4-amino-1-N-(3-S-phenylbutyl) piperidine (Method M) (581mg, 2. 5 mmol), 2-fluoro-5-methanesulphonylnitrobenzene (603 mg, 2. 75 mmol) and potassium carbonate (1. 04 g, 7. 5 mmol) in DMSO (10 ml) was heated at 90°C. After 3h the mixture was

poured onto ice and filtered off. the yellow solid was washed with water and dried to give 4- methanesulphonyl-2-nitro-1-, [1- (3-S-phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline as a yellow waxy oil (1. 06 g, 2. 5 mmol) ; NMR : 1. 2 (d. 3H). 1. 6 (m, 4H), 1. 9 (m, 2H), 2. 1 (m, 4H). 2. 7 (m, 3H), 3. 2 (s, 3H), 3. 7 (m, 1H), 7. 2 (m, 5H), 7. 9 (m. 1H), 8. 2 (m, 1H) and 8. 5 (s, 1H) ; MS : 432.

To a stirred solution of 4-methanesulphonyl-2-nitro-1-l\T-[l-(3-S-phenylbutyl)- piperidin-4-yl] aniline (1. 05 g, 2. 44 mmol) in methanol (17 ml) was added concentrated HCI (3 ml) followed by stannous chloride dihydrate (2. 2 g, 9. 8 mmol) and the mixture was heated to 100°C. After 2h the reaction mixture was concentrated and suspended in water (100 ml) and potassium carbonate was added to basify the solution. The solution was extracted with DCM (3 x 150 ml) and the combined extracts were dried (MgSO,), concentrated and purified by Bond Elut chromatography (eluting with EtOAc followed by 4% EtOH/EtOAc and 1 % isopropylamine in 4% EtOH/EtOAc) to give the title compound as a light red oil (880 mg, 2. 2 mmol) ; NMR : 1. 2 (d, 3H), 1. 4 (m, 2H), 1. 7 (m, 2H), 1. 9 (m, 4H), 2. 1 (m, 2H), 2. 7 (m, 3H), 2. 95 (s, 3H), 5. 0 (m. 3H), 6. 5 (m, 1H), 6. 95 (m, 2H) and 7. 2 (m, 5H) ; MS : 402.

Example 23 5-Methanesulphonyl-1- [1- (3. 3-diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-benzimidazole A solution of 2-amino-4-methanesulphonyl-1-N [1- (3, 3-diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4- yl] aniline (prepared as described below) (50 mg, O. lmmol), trimethyl orthoformate (0. 7 ml) andpara-toluenesulphonic acid monohydrate (2 mg, 0. 11 mmol) was stirred at 100°C. After 2. 5h the mixture was cooled and water (10 ml) was added. The solution was partitioned with EtOAc (2 x 40 ml) then the organics were combined, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated to give the title compound as an oil (47 mg, 0. 1 mmol) ; MS : 474.

2-Amino-4-methanesulphonyl-1-. N- [I- (3. 3-diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4-ylaniline A mixture of -amino-1-N-(3, 3-diphenylpropyl) piperidine di-trifluoroacetate (Method I) (500mg, 0. 96 mmol), 2-fluoro-5-methanesulphonylnitrobenzene (380 mg, 1. 47 mmol) and potassium carbonate (700 mg, 5. 05 mmol) in DMSO (4 ml) was heated at 90°C. After 15h the mixture was poured onto water and extracted with EtOAc (2x30ml). The organics were

combined, washed with brine. dried (MgSO,), concentrated and purified by Bond ElutTM chromatography to give 4-methanesulphonyl-2-nitro-1-ív-[l-(3*3-diphenylpropyl)-pip eridin 4-yl] aniline as an oil (200 mg, 0. 4 mmol) ; MS : 494.

To a stirred solution of 4-methanesulphonyl-2-nitro-1-N [1- (3, 3-diphenylpropyl)- piperidin-4-yl] aniline (200 mg, 0. 4 mmol) in methanol (4 mi) was added concentrated HC1 (1 ml) followed by stannous chloride dihydrate (620 mg) and the mixture was heated to 95°C.

After 3h the reaction mixture was concentrated and suspended in water (100 ml) and potassium carbonate was added to basify the solution. The solution was extracted with EtOAc (150 ml) and the emulsion left to separate. The mixture was then filtered through Celte, separated, dried (MgSO4), concentrated and purified by Bond ElutTM chromatography (using 1% to 7. 5% EtOH in DCM) to give the title compound as an oil (50 mg, 0. 11 mmol) ; MS : 464.

Example 24 5-Cyano-1- [1- (3. 3-diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-benzimidazole A solution of 2-amino-4-cyano-1-N-[1-(3, 3-diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline (prepared as described below) (60 mg, 0. 15mmol), trimethyl orthoformate (0. 7 ml) and para- toluenesulphonic acid monohydrate (2 mg, 0. 11 mmol) was stirred at 100°C. After 2. 5h the mixture was cooled and water (10 ml) was added. The solution was partitioned with EtOAc (2 x 40 ml) then the organics were combined, dried (MgSO,) and concentrated to give the title compound as an oil (58 mg, 0. 15 mmol) ; MS : 421.

2-Amino-4-cvano-1-19-[l-(3, 3-diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline A mixture of 4-amino-1- (3, 3-diphenylpropyl) piperidine di-trifluoroacetate (Method I) (500mg, 0. 96 mmol), 2-chloro, 3-nitrobenzonitrile (373 mg, 2. 04 mmol) and potassium carbonate (700 mg, 5. 05 mmol) in DMSO (4 ml) was heated at 90°C. After 15h the mixture was poured onto water and extracted with EtOAc (2x30ml). The organics were combined, washed with brine, dried (MgSO,), concentrated and purified by Bond ElutTm chromatographv

to give 4-cyano-2-nitro-1-N-[1-(3,3-diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4-yl]a niline as an oil (300 mg, 0. 68 mmol) ; MS : 442.

To a stirred solution of 4-cyano-2-nitro-1-N-[1-(3,3-diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4- yljaniline (300 mg, 0. 68 mmol) in methanol (4 ml) was added concentrated HCI (1 ml) followed by stannous chloride dihydrate (620 mg) and the mixture was heated to 95°C. After 3h the reaction mixture was concentrated and suspended in water (100 ml) and potassium carbonate was added to basify the solution. The solution was extracted with EtOAc (150 ml) and the emulsion left to separate. The mixture was then filtered through Celite, separateds dried (MgSO4), concentrated and purified by Bond Elut chromatography (using 1% to 7. 5% ó EtOH in DCM) to give the title compound as an oil (60mg, 0. 15 mmol) ; MS : 411.

Example 25 7-Aza-1- [1- (3, 3-diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-benzimidazole A solution of 2-amino-5-aza-1-N-[1-(3, 3-diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline (prepared as described below) (35 mg, 0. 09mmol). trimethyl orthoformate (0. 7 mi) andpara- toluenesulphonic acid monohydrate (2 mg, 0. 11 mmol) was stirred at 100°C. After 2. 5h the mixture was cooled and water (10 ml) was added. The solution was partitioned with EtOAc (2 x 40 ml) then the organics were combined, dried (MgSO,) and concentrated to give the title compound as an oil (21 mg 0. 05 mmol) ; MS : 397.

2-Amino-6-aza-1-N-[1-(3,3-diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline A mixture of 4-amino-1- (3. 3-diphenylpropyl) piperidine di-trifluoroacetate (Method I) (500mg, 0. 96 mmol), 2-chloro-3-nitropyridine (323 mg, 2. 04 mmol) and potassium carbonate (700 mg, 5. 05 mmol) in DMSO (4 ml) was heated at 90°C. After 15h the mixture was poured onto water and extracted with EtOAc (2x30ml). The organics were combined, washed with brine. dried (MgSO,), concentrated and purified by Bond Elut chromatography to give 6- aza-2-nitro-1-íV-[1-(3 3-diphenylpropyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline the as an oil (350 mg, 0. 84 mmol) ; MS : 417.

To a stirred solution of6-aza-2-nitro-l-V- [l- (3, 3-diphenylpropyl)-pipendin-4- yl] aniline (350 mg, 0. 84 mmol) in methanol (4 ml) was added concentrated HCI (1 mi) followed by stannous chloride dihydrate (620 mg) and the mixture was heated to 95°C. After 3h the reaction mixture was concentrated and suspended in water (100 ml) and potassium carbonate was added to basify the solution. The solution was extracted with EtOAc (150 ml) and the emulsion left to separate. The mixture was then filtered through CeliteT^, separated, dried (MgSO,), concentrated and purified by Bond ElutTM chromatography (using 1% to 7. 5% EtOH in DCM) to give the title compound as an oil (35 mg, 0. 09 mmol) ; MS : 387.

Example 26 1- [2. 4-Dimethoxy-6-hydroxyphenylmethyl)-piperidin-4-yl] benzimidazole To a solution of 2, 4-dimethoxy-6-hydroxybenzaldehyde (1. 8mg, 10pLM) in NMP (100pL) was added a solution of l-(lH-4-piperidin-4-yl) benzimidazole (Method A) (l. Omg, 5pM) and diisopropylethylamine (1µL, 5. 5M) in NMP (100µL), After 1. 5h a solution of sodium triacetoxyborohydride (2. 8mg, 15µM) in acetonitrile : NMP, 1 : 1 (100pL) was added.

After 16h at room temperature the reaction mixture was concentrated to give the title compound which was identified by LCMS ; MS : 368.

Examples 27-28 The procedure described in Example 26 was repeated using the appropriate starting material (shown below) to replace the 2, 4-dimethoxy-6-hydroxybenzaldehyde to obtain the compounds described in the following table. Example Starting Material Final Product MS (MH) No. i i 27 4-NiV-I- [ ('- (4-NIV- 361 Dimethylaminocinn Dimethylaminophenyl) prop-2-E- amaldehyde | enyl}-piperidin-4- g yl] benzimidazole ! ! ) ! , i i i I 28 1 2. 4-Dimethyl. l-. V-I-[t (2. 4-Dimethyl, l-. V-385 , i phenylpyrrole-3-phenylpyrrol-3-yl) methyl}- carboxaldehyde piperidin-4-yl] benzimidazole Jazz 'v j

Method A 1-(lH-4-Piperidin-4-yl) benzimidazole A suspension of l- [l- (phenylmethyloxycarbonyl)-piperidin-4-yl] benzimidazole (Method B) (3. 44 g, 9. 7 mmol) and 10% palladium on carbon (250 mg) in EtOH (150 ml) was stirred at room temperature under a hydrogen atmosphere (1 atm). After 70h the mixture was filtered through CeliterM and concentrated to give a brown oil. The residue was chromatographed on silica with 10% methanol/DCM as eluant to give the title compound as an oil (1. 95g, 9. 7mmol) ; NMR : 1. 9 (m, 4H), 2. 7 (m, 2H), 3. 1 (m, 2H), 4. 4 (m, 1H), 7. 2 (m, 2H), 7. 6 (m, 2H) and 8. 3 (s, 1H) ; MS : 202.

Method B 1- [1- (Phenylmethyloxycarbonyl)-piperidin-4-yl] benzimidazole A solution of 42-amino-1-N-[1-(phenylmethyloxycarbonyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline (Method C) (500 mg, 1. 4 mmol), trimethyl orthoformate (1 ml, 9. 7 mmol) and para- toluenesuphonic acid monohydrate (30 mg, 0. 16 mmol) were stirred at 100°C. After 2h the mixture was cooled and water (10 ml) was added. The solution was partitioned with EtOAc (3 x 20 ml) then the organics were combined, washed with water (10 ml), dried (MgSO4) and concentrated to give the title compound as an oil that did not need further purification (410 mg, 1. 2 mmol) ; NMR : 2. 0 (m, 4H), 3. 0 (m, 2H), 4. 2 (d, 2H), 4. 6 (m, 1H), 5. 1 (s, 2H), 7. 2 (m, 2H), 7. 4 (m, 5H), 7. 65 (d, 2H) and 8.3 (s, 1H) ; MS : 336.

Method C 2-Amino-1-., V-[1-(phenvlmethyloxvcarbonyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline To a stirred suspension of Raney nickel (510 mg) in THF (40 ml) was added 2-nitro-1- wiV-[1-(phenylmethyloxycarbonyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline (Method D) (200 mg, 0. 56 mmol) and the mixture was stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere (1 atmosphere). After 15h the mixture was filtered through CeliteT>. concentrated and purified by column chromatography (eluting with 25% EtOAc/DCM) to give the title compound as an oil (50 mg, 0. 15 mmol) ;

NMR : 1. 3 (m, 2H), 1. 9 (m, 2H). 3. 0 (m. 2H), 3. 3 (m, ? H). 3. 9 (m, 1H), 4. 1 (d. IH). 4. 45 (br s, 2H), 5. 05 (s, 2H), 6. 4 (m. 4H) and 7. 3 (m. 5H) ; MS : 326.

Method D 2-Nitro-I-. [1- (phenylmethvloxvcarbonyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline A suspension of 2-fluoronitrobenzene (3. 52 g, 25 mmol), 4-amino-1- (phenylmethyloxycarbonyl) piperidinet (4. 0 g, 17 mmol) and potassium carbonate (2. 64 g, 19 mmol) in DMSO (25 ml) was heated to 100°C. After 5h the mixture was poured into ice/ water and the resulting yellow solid was collected by filtration and washed with water. The solid was dried to give the title compound as a yellow solid (5. 69 g, 16 mmol) : NMR : 1. 6 (m, 2H), 2. 1 (d, 2H), 3. 1 (t, 2H), 3. 7 (m, 1H), 4. 1 (d, 2H), 5. 2 (s, 2H), 6. 7 (t, 1H), 6. 9 (d. IH), 7. 3- 7. 5 (m, 6H), 8. 1 (d, 1H) and 8. 2 (dd, 1H) ; MS : 356. t Compound described in EP-A-0309422 Method E 4-Amino-1-(3R/S-phenylbutyl) piperidine To a solution of 4-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-1- (3R/S-phenylbutyl) piperidine (Method F) (13. 1g, 39. 5 mmol) in DCM (150 ml) was added trifluoracetic acid (30 ml) dropwise.

After 15h, toluene was added and the reaction mixture was concentrated to give the di- trifluoroacetic acid salt of the title compound as an oil (12. 8 g, 27. 8 mmol) ; MS : 233.

Method F 4-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-1- R S-phenylbutyl) piperidine To a stirred solution of 4-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino) piperidine (45 (y. 0. 225 mol) in methanol (160 ml) was added 3-phenylbutyraldehyde (36. 5 ml, 0. 25 mol) followed by acetic acid (15 ml). After Ih, sodium triacetoxyborohydride (71. 5 g, 0. 34 mol) was added portionwise over 30 mins [Caution : effervescence and exotherm]. After 15h water (60 ml) was added and the total mixture was concentrated to remove methanol. Water (250 ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3 x 500 ml). The combined organics were washed with water, brine and dried (MgSO,) to give the title compound as a white solid that was furtherrecrystallised from DCM/EtOAc (54. 1 g, 0. 163 mol) ; M. pt. 220-221°C ; NMR : 1. 2 (m, 3H), 1. 4 (s, 9H), 1. 7 (m, 2H), 2. 0 (m, 6H), 2. 8 (m, 4H), 3. 3 (m. 2H), 7. 0 (br s, 1H), 7.3 (m, 5H) ; MS : 333.

Method G 1-Bromo-3-(3. (3. chlorophenyl)-4-(1V-methylbenzenesulphonamide) butane To a solution of 3-(3. 4-dichlorophenyl)-4-(iV-methylbenzenesulphonamide) butan-1-ol (prepared as described below) (257 mg, 0. 66 mmol) in DCM (20 ml) was added carbon tetrabromide ('3'mg, 0. 7 mmol) followed by triphenylphosphine (183 mg, 0. 7 mmol). After 5 hours the solution was concentrated and then purified by Bond Elut chromatography (eluting with dichloromethane) to give the title compound as an oil, which solidified on standing (290 mg, 0. 64 mmol) ; NMR : 2. 07 (m, 1H). 2. 38 (m, 1H), 2. 69 (s, 3H), 3. 06 (dd, 1H), 3. 10 (dd, 1H), 3. 17 (m. 1H), 3. 40 (m, 2H), 7. 07 (dd, 1H), 7. 28 (d, 1H), 7. 40 (d, 1H), 7. 55 (m, 3H) and 7. 77 (d, 2H).

3-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-(N-methylbenzenesulophonamide)bu tan-1-ol Sodium hydride (57. 4 g, 60% dispersion in oil, 1. 43 mol) was added to a 3 L, 3- necked flask (fitted with mechanical stirrer, exit needle and condenser) and suspended in THF (900 ml). A solution of 3, 4-dichlorophenylacetonitrile (957 g, 1. 38 mol) in THF (400 ml) was added to the ice-cooled flask via cannula over a period of 1 hour. The mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 1. 5 hours during which time there was vigorous gas evolution.

The reaction mixture was then ice-cooled and 2- (2-bromoethyl) oxytetrahydropyran (288. 5 g, 1. 38 mol) was added via teflon cannula under nitrogen pressure over a period of 30 mins.

After 40 hours the reaction mixture was quenched with ammonium chloride (10 ml), concentrated (to remove the THF) and water was added. The mixture was extracted with DCM and the organic extracts dried (Na, SO,), concentrated and distilled under reduced pressure (174°C, 100 mtorr) to give an oil. This residue was purified by flash column chromatography (hexane to 1 : 1, hexane : DCM) to give 2- (3-cyano-3- [3, 4- dichlorophenyl] propyl) oxytetrahydropyran as an oil (210 g, 0. 67 mol).

Raney nickel (38 g) was placed in a stainless steel bottle and EtOH (100 ml) was added followed by a solution of'2- (3-cyano-3- (3, 4-dichlorophenyl) propyl) oxytetrahydropyran (138 g, 0. 44 mol) in EtOH (1100 ml) and concentrated ammonium hydroxide (600 ml). The bottle was then shaken under an atmosphere of hydrogen gas (53 psi) and when the pressure fell below 35 psi the flask was repressurised. After 24h the pressure remained constant so the reaction mixture was filtered through CeliteT and concentrated. Water was added, the mixture was extracted with DCM and then dried (Na, SO,) and concentrated to give 2- (3- (3. 4- dichlorophenyl)-4-aminobutyl) oxytetrahydropyran as an oil (75 g, 0. 24 mol).

To a stirred solution of2- (3- [3. 4-dichlorophenyl]-4-aminobutyl) oxytetrahydropyran (2 g, 6. 3 mmol) in DCM (50 ml) was added triethylamine (1. 3 ml, 9. 4 mmol) followed by benzenesulphonyl chloride (0. 82 ml. 6. 4 mmol). After 15 hours the reaction mixture was diluted with DCM, washed with hydrochloric acid (0. 3M, 50 ml), sodium hydroxide (IM. 20 ml), water (20 ml), dried (Na, SO,), concentrated and purified by flash column chromatography (eluting with 1 : 1 hexane, ether) to give 2- (' :)- [3, 4-dichlorophenyl]-4- (IV- benzenesulphonamide) butyl) oxytetrahydropyran as an oil (3. 02g, 6. 3 mmol) ; MS : 462.

Sodium hydride (0. 5 g, 60% dispersion in oil, 12. 5 mmol) was washed with petroleum ether and DMF (5 ml) was added. A solution of 2- (')- [3, 4-dichlorophenyl]-4- (iV- benzenesulphonamide) butyl) oxytetrahydropyran (2. 6 g, 5. 7 mmol) in DMF (15 ml) was then added via cannula and the mixture was left to stir until bubbling ceased at which point methyl iodide (0. 7 ml, 11. 2 mmol) was added in one portion. After 2 hours the reaction was quenched with the dropwise addition of water. Hydrochloric acid (IM. 13 ml) and water (350 ml) were added and the mixture extracted with DCM (3 x 50 ml). The combined organics were washed with water, dried (Na, SO,) and concentrated to give 2- (3- [3, 4-dichlorophenyl]- 4- (N-methylbenzenesulphonamide) butyl) oxytetrahydropyran as an oil (2. 6 g, 5. 5 mmol).

A solution of 2- (3- [3, 4-dichlorophenyl]-4- [. V-methylbenzenesulphonamide] butyl)- oxytetrahydropyran (3g, 6 mmol) in THF (100 ml) and hydrochloric acid (IM, 50 ml). After 60h the solution was concentrated to remove THF, then sodium hydroxide (1 M solution, 45 ml) was added followed by saturated sodium bicarbonate and the mixture was extracted with ether (3 x 50 ml). The combined organics were washed with brine, dried (Na, SO,), concentrated and purified by flash column chromatography (using ether : hexane, 4 : 1 as eluent) to give 3-(3, 4-dichlorophenyl)-4-(V-methylbenzenesulphonamide) butan-1-ol as an oil (1. 83 g, 4. 7 mmol) ; MS : 387.

Method H The ability of compounds to inhibit the binding of RANTES was assessed by an in vitro radioligand binding assay. Membranes were prepared from Chinese hamster ovary cells which expressed the recombinant human CCR5 receptor. These membranes were incubated with 0. 1mM iodinated RANTES, scintillation proximity beads and various concentrations of the compounds of the invention in 96-well plates. The amount of iodinated RANTES bound to the receptor was determined by scintillation counting. Competition curves were obtained for compounds and the concentration of compound which displaced 50% of bound iodinated

RANTES was calculated (IC50). All of the compounds of Examples 1-28 had an ICDo of less than 50pM.

Method I -Amino-1-(3. 3-diphenylpropyl) piperidine To a solution of 4-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-1-N-(3,3-diphenylpropyl)piperidin e (Method J) (lOg, 25 mmol) in DCM (100 ml) was added trifluoroacetic acid (20 ml) dropwise. After 3h, toluene was added and the reaction mixture was concentrated to give the di-trifluoroacetic acid salt of the title compound as an oil (9. 7 g, 19 mmol) ; MS : 295.

Method J 4-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-1-N-(3,3-diphenylpropyl) piperidine To a solution of 4-(Boc-amino) piperidine (10g, 50mmol) in acetonitrile (200ml) was added 3, 3-diphenylpropyl bromide (15. lu, 55mmol), tetra-butylammonium iodide (2g, 5mmol) and potassium carbonate (15g, 100mmol) and the mixture refluxed. After 5h the reaction mixture was cooled and poured into water. The solution was partitioned with EtOAc and the organic layer dried (MgS04), concentrated and purified by column chromatography (toluene : EtOAc, 1 : 1 with 1% triethylamine) to give the title compound as an oil (15. 9g, 40mmol) ; MS : 395.

Method K 4-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-1-(3-S-phenyl-l-butanoic amide) piperidine To a solution of 4-Boc-amino piperidine (2. 46g, 12. 3 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) was added HATU (4. 67g, 12. 3 mmol), 3-S-phenyl-1-butanoic acid (2g, 12. 2 mmol) and diisopropylethylamine (2. 12 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred over night then poured into water and extracted into ethyl acetate. Dried over MgSO4 and evaporated to afford the title compound as a white solid, (4. 03 g, 11. 6mmol) ; NMR : 1. 20 (6H, m), 1. 38 (9H, s), 1. 65 (2H, m), 2. 60 (2H, m), 3. 00 (1H, m), 3. 15 (1H, q), 3. 40 (1H, m), 3. 80 (1H, d, broad), 4. 20 (1H, m), 6. 80 (1H, m), 7. 18 (1 H. m), 7. 24 (4H, m) MS : 347, 291 (-BOC).

Method L 4-Amino-1- (3-S-phenyl-1-butanoic amide) piperidine hydrochloride To a solution of acetyl chloride (5mL) in methanol (20mL) was added 4-Boc-amino-l- (3-S-phenyl-l-butanoic amide) piperidine (Method K) (lg, 3mmol) and stirred for lh. The solvents were then evaporated to afford the title compound as a white solid. (850mg, 3mmol); NMR : 1. 20 (3H, d), 1. 35 (2H. m), 1. 41 (1H, m), 1. 89 (2H, m), 3. 0 (5H, m), 3. 90 (1 H, d), 4. 30 (1H. d), 7. 10 (1H, m), 7. 20 (4H. m) : MS : 247.

Method M 4-Amino-1- (3-S-phenvlbutyl) piperidine To a solution of 4-amino-1- (3-S-phenyl-1-butanoic amide) piperidine (Method L) (850mg, 3 mmol) in THF (20mL) was added a solution of LiAIH, in THF (10 mL of I. OM solution) and the mixture was refluxed for 5h. After cooling and quenching with aqueous sodium hydroxide the mixture was filtered and partitioned between water and ethyl acetate.

The combined organic phase was dried (MgSO,) and evaporated to afford the title compound as a white solid. (610 mg, 2. 6mmol) ; NMR : 1. 20 (4H, m), 1. 60 (4H, m), 1. 89 (2H, m), 2. 10 (2H, m), 2. 43 (1H, m), 2. 70 (4H, m), 7. 10 (3H, m), 7. 20 (2H, m) ; MS : 233.

Method N 2-Amino-1- [1- (3R/S-phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline To a stirred solution of 2-nitro-1-N-[1-(3R S-phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline (Method O) (765 mg, 2. 16 mmol) in ethanol (10 ml) was added 10% Pd on carbon and the mixture was stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere (1 atmosphere). After 5h the reaction mixture was filtered through CeliteTM, concentrated and purified by Bond ElutTNt chromatography (using DCM, and 2. 5% to 10% EtOH in DCM) to give an oil that still contained impurities. The oil was then purified on an amine retention SCX column eluting first with methanol and then with 2% aqueous ammonia in methanol to give the title compound as an oil (580mg, 1. 8 mmol) ; NMR : 1. 2 (d, 3H), 1. 4 (m, 2H), 1. 7 (m, 2H), 2. 0 (m, 6H), 2. 8 (m, 3H), 4. 05 (m, 1H), 4. 4 (m, 2H), 6. 4 (m, 4H) and 7. 20 (m, 5H) : MS : 324.

Method O 2-Nitro-1- [1- ( 3 R/S-phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-vl] aniline A mixture of 4-amino-1- (3R/S-phenylbutyl) piperidine di-trifluoroacetate (Method E) (lg, 2. 17 mmol), 2-fluoronitrobenzene (0. 37ml, 3. 5 mmol) and potassium carbonate (1. 2g, 8. 7 mmol) in DMSO (10 ml) was heated at 90°C. After 2h the mixture was poured onto water and extracted with EtOAc (3x200ml). The organics were combined, washed with brine, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated to give the title compound as an oil (765mg, 2. 17 mmol) ; NMR : 1. 2 (d, 3H), 1. 5 (m, 2H), 1. 7 (m, 2H), 1. 9 (m, 2H), 2. 2 (m, 4H), 2. 7 (m, 4H). 3. 6 (m, 1H), 6. 75 (t, 1H), 7. 20 (m, 6H) and 7. 4 (m, 2H) ; MS : 354.

Method P 2-Acetamido-1-_V R (3R/S-phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline A mixture of 2-amino-1-N [1- (3R/S-phenylbutyl)-piperidin-4-yl] aniline (Method N) (80mg, 0. 25mmol), acetic acid (0. 016ml, 0. 28mmol) and EEDQ (68mg, 0. 28mmol) in DCM

(3ml) was stirred. After 15h the mixture was concentrated and purified by column chromatography (DCM followed by 2. 5% EtOH/DCM, 5% EtOH/DCM and finally 5% EtOH/DCM with added 2% isopropylamine to give the title compound as an oil (60mg, 0. 16mmol) ; NMR : 1. 15 (d, 3H), 1. 4 (m. 2H). 1. 7 (q, 2H), 2. 0 (m, 9H), 2. 7 (m, 3H). 4. 55 (d, 1H), 6. 5 (t. 1H), 6. 65 (d, IH), 6. 95 (t. 1H), 720 (m, 6H) and 9. 05 (s, 1H) ; MS : 366.

Method Q The ability of compounds to inhibit the binding of MIP-la was assessed by an in vitro radioligand binding assay. Membranes were prepared from Chinese hamster ovary cells which expressed the recombinant human CCR5 receptor. These membranes were incubated with 0. 1 nM iodinated MIP-Ia. scintillation proximity beads and various concentrations of the compounds of the invention in 96-well plates. The amount of iodinated MIP-la bound to the receptor was determined by scintillation counting. Competition curves were obtained for compounds and the concentration of compound which displaced 50% of bound iodinated MIP-la was calculated (IC50). All of the compounds of Examples 1, 2, 4, 5, 15, 19. 22, 23 and 24 had an IC50 of less than 50) J. M.

Scheme 1 * optionally substituted ring Scheme 2 * optionally substituted ring Scheme 3 0 0 0 acid/heat tNf Rt aR4 N K NH2 H L, m NH R3 Ra Il N