Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an improved process for the manufacture of candesartan and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof and to intermediate products useful in this process.

Background of the invention

Candesartan cilexetii of formula (I) is chemically described as (+/-)-1 - [[(cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl]oxy]ethyl-2-ethoxy-1 -[[2'-(1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-1 , 1 '-biphenyl-4- yl]methyl]-1 H-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate. Candesartan is a selective AT1 subtype angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Because of its ability to inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme it is widely used for the treatment of hypertension and related diseases and conditions.

Processes for the preparation of Candesartan cilexetii are well known and disclosed in e.g. WO 2013/041944, WO 201 1/145100, WO 201 1/080684, WO 201 1/061996, WO 2010/067913, WO 2010/0341 18, WO 2009/157001 , WO 2009/1 5585.

CN 101646659C relates to the process of production of intermediate in the synthesis of candesartan cilexetii with chemical name 1 -(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-((tert- butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3- nitrobenzoate.

Yongjun Mao, Heterocycles, Vol. 81 , No. 6, 2010, p. 1503-1508 discloses the process for the production of candesartan cilexetii wherein the intermediate compounds with chemical name

1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1 -trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)- [1 , 1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate and 1 -(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl

2- (((2'-(1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 , 1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate are purified by using chromatography on silica gel. Moreover, in the step of obtaining 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 , 1 '-biphenyl]-4- yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate stannous chloride dehydrate is used.

Regardless of these various art known preparation processes, there still exists a need for an efficient synthesis of candesartan cilexetii which provides for mild reaction conditions and which does not require further cumbersome purification steps, such as chromatography in particular.

Therefore, the goal of the present invention is a novel process for the preparation of candesartan cilexetii with high yield on industrial level without using hazardous organotin compounds while omitting purification of intermediates by column chromatography.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of candesartan cilexetii comprising the steps of:

a) hydrogenation of 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1- trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate by using a catalyst in an organic solvent to get an oily product of 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-amino-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1 -trityl-1 H- tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 , 1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)benzoate,

b) addition of an acid in an organic solvent to get 1 -(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 , 1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate in the form of any pharmaceutically acceptable salt,

c) optional addition of an anti-solvent,

d) ring closure with tetraethyl orthocarbonate to get candesartan cilexetii,

e) optional addition of an anti-solvent.

In addition, the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of candesartan cilexetii comprising the steps of:

a') reaction between d^alkyl 2-((terf-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate and 5-(4'- (bromomethyl)-[1 ,1 '-biphenyl]-2-yl)-1 -trityl-1 H-tetrazole to give C _{1 4} alkyi 2-((tert- butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3- nitrobenzoate,

a") hydrolysis of C^alkyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1 -trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1 '- biphenyl]-4-yl)methyi)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate and reaction to give 1 - (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5- yl)-[1 , 1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate,

a) hydrogenation of 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-((ferf-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1- trityl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate by using a catalyst in an organic solvent to get an oily product of 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-amino-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1 -trityl-1 H- tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)benzoate,

b) addition of an acid in an organic solvent to get 1 -(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl

2- (((2'-(1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate in the form of any pharmaceutically acceptable salt,

c) optional addition of an anti-solvent,

d) ring closure with tetraethyl orthocarbonate to get candesartan cilexetil,

e) optional addition of an anti-solvent.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of candesartan cilexetil comprising the steps of:

a') reaction between ethyl 2-((fert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate and 5-(4'- (bromomethyl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-2-yl)-1-trityl-1 H-tetrazole to give ethyl 2-((tert- butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3- nitrobenzoate,

a") hydrolysis of ethyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1 -trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]- 4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate to give 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2- ((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-

3- nitrobenzoate,

a) hydrogenation of 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-((fe/f-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1 - trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate by using a catalyst in an organic solvent to get an oily product of 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-amino-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1 -trityl-1 H- tetrazol-5-yi)-[1 , 1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)benzoate,

b) addition of an acid in an organic solvent to get 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate in the form of any pharmaceutically acceptable salt,

c) optional addition of an anti-solvent,

d) ring closure with tetraethyl orthocarbonate to get candesartan cilexetil,

e) optional addition of an anti-solvent.

In another embodiment the present invention relates to compound 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-amino-2-((ierf-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1 -trityl-1 H-tetrazol- 5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4-l)methyl)amino)benzoate or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In yet another embodiment the present invention relates to compound 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1 /-/-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 , 1 '-biphenyl]-4- yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate in the form of any pharmaceutically acceptable salt, particularly in the form of hydrochloride salt.

In yet another embodiment the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the steps of preparing candesartan cilexetil by a process according to any of the appended claims 1 to 9 followed by mixing a therapeutically effective amount thereof with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipient(s) and optionally with one or more other active substance(s).

Detailed description of the invention

The present inventors surprisingly found that by hydrogenation of N0 ₂ group of

1 -(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-((re/f-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 - -tetrazol-5-yl)- [1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate by using a catalyst in an organic solvent, subsequent cleavage of the /V-Boc group under acidic condition, followed by isolation of solid 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4- yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate in the form of any pharmaceutically acceptable salt and ring closure by using tetraethyl orthocarbonate in an organic solvent to obtain the final product candesartan cilexetil, the reaction proceeds very well under very mild conditions. The process does not require cumbersome purification steps such as column chromatography and it gives the final product with high yield and purity. The process can be easily used on industrial level.

Therefore, the first embodiment of the present invention is a process for the preparation of candesartan cilexetil comprising the steps of:

a) hydrogenation or reduction of 1 -(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-((ierf- butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 /-/-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 , 1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3- nitrobenzoate by using a catalyst in an organic solvent to get 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-amino-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1H- tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 , 1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)benzoate,

b) addition of an acid in an organic solvent to get 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate in the form of any pharmaceutically acceptable salt, c) optional addition of an anti-solvent,

d) ring closure with tetraethyl orthocarbonate to get candesartan cilexetil,

e) optional addition of an anti-solvent.

The route of the process of the present invention is presented in Scheme 1.

Scheme 1 :

Easy performed crystallization of the key intermediate in the synthesis 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 , 1 '-biphenyl]-4- yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt from an appropriate solvent or a solvent mixture already provides the desired intermediate in a high yield and purity. Moreover, in comparison to the known prior art process such as disclosed by Mao, Yongjun, Heterocycles, Volume: 81 , Issue: 6, Pages: 1503-1508, the use of stannous chloride is not required.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a novel processes for the preparation of candesartan cilexetil and reaction intermediates suitable for manufacturing the same.

According to the present invention, the obtained candesartan cilexetil can be in the form of the amorphous substance or any crystalline (polymorphic) form thereof. Moreover, it is contemplated in the context of the present invention to prepare any pharmaceutically acceptable solvate (hydrate) form of candesartan cilexetil.

According to one embodiment of the invention the inventive process comprises the step of hydrogenation of 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyi)oxy)ethyl 2-((ie t-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl- 1 -/-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate by using a catalyst in an organic solvent, wherein the catalyst is selected from the group consisting of Raney catalysts, palladium, platinum or rhodium, preferably Ra/Ni is used. The organic solvent can be an alcohol, preferably an alcohol consisting of a linear or branched Ci to C ₁₀ alky! group to which a hydroxyl group is attached, an ester, preferably an ester of the general type R ¹ - COO-R ² with R ¹ and R ² each independently representing a linear or branched d to C ₁₀ alkyl group, such as ethyl acetate, or any mixture thereof, preferably isopropyl acetate is used. The hydrogenation is performed at temperature below 50°C, preferably at room temperature.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-((fert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 -tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1 ^, - biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate may also be reduced with other reducing agents in the presence of a catalyst and a solvent. A possible reducing agent may be hydrogen.

Suitable solvents are alcohols, preferably an alcohol consisting of a linear or branched Ci to C ₁₀ alkyl group to which a hydroxyl group is attached, (such as for example methanol, ethanol, isopropanol), acetates, preferably C _-6 alkyl acetates (such as for example ethyl, isopropyl, butyl acetates), ethers, preferably ethers of the general type R ¹ -0-R ² with R ¹ and R ² each independently representing a linear or branched d to C ₁₀ alkyl group or R ¹ and R ² being alkyl groups connected to each other to form a 5 or 6-membered cycle (such as THF). Suitable as catalyst is any known reduction catalyst, preferably Pd/C RaNI, RaCo.

If isolated, the obtained product is typically an oily substance. It may be further processed as such. However, it is also possible to further process the product also in other forms, e.g. in dissolved form.

To the obtained product 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-amino-2-((tert- butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1,1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)benzoate an acid is added, preferably in an organic solvent. The acid is selected from the group consisting of a mineral acid, an organic acid such as for example carboxylic acid and sulphonic acid, or any mixture thereof, preferably HCI is used. Acid present in the reaction mixture acts as a reagent for deprotection of protecting groups and for formation of a salt which precipitates from the reaction mixture. The reaction is performed at temperature below 40°C, preferably at a temperature of from 15°C to 30°C and more preferably at room temperature such as 20°C to 25°C. It is preferably performed in the presence of an organic solvent. The organic solvent can be an alcohol, ester or ether, or any mixture thereof. Preferably, the alcohol consists of a linear or branched Ci to Ci ₀ alkyl group to which a hydroxyl group is attached, the ester preferably is an ester of the general type R ¹ -COO-R ² with R ¹ and R ² each independently representing a linear or branched d to C ₁₀ alkyl group, and the ether is preferably an ether of the general type R ¹ -0-R ² with R ¹ and R ² each independently representing a linear or branched d to C ₁₀ alkyi group or R ¹ and R ² being alkyi groups connected to each other to form a 5 or 6-membered cycle. More preferably ethanol is used. After the reaction is completed 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'- (1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate in the form of any pharmaceutically acceptable salt is precipitated as a solid product from the reaction mixture. The solid product is preferably HCI salt.

Before, during or after the product is precipitated an anti-solvent may be added, the anti- solvent can be selected from group consisting of an ether, an alkane, a chlorinated alkane, or any mixture thereof. Preferably, the ether is an ether of the general type R ¹ -0-R ² with R ¹ and R ² each independently representing a linear or branched Ci to C ₁₀ alkyi group or R and R ² being alkyi groups connected to each other to form a 5 or 6-membered cycle. Preferably, the alkane is a linear or branched alkane with 5 to 10 carbon atoms. The chlorinated alkane is preferably a linear or branched alkane with 1 to 10 carbon atoms and one or more chlorine atoms, provided that the number of carbons and the number of chlorine atoms is selected such that the substance is liquid under normal pressure and at 20°C. More preferably tert- butyl methyl ether can be used as anti-solvent.

A salt of 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 , 1'-biphenyl]-4- yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate is well suited for purification. During the synthesis byproducts are formed, said byproducts are removed during the crystallization process.

The obtained salt is further processed to candesartan cilexetil by ring closure with tetraethyl orthocarbonate. In the present invention molar ratio between 1 - (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4- yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate and tetraethyl orthocarbonate can be from 1 : 3 to 1 : 8, preferably 1 : 3 to 1 : 6, most preferably from 1 : 3 to 1 : 5. The temperature of the reaction is below 40°C, preferably between 0°C and 25°C, most preferably between 0°C and 10°C. An acid selected from the group of an organic acid might optionally be added, but preferably no acid is added. The reaction may be performed without solvent or it is performed with any solvent, preferably the solvent such as for example an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of an ether such as for example THF, fert-butyl methyl ether, methyl THF, diisopropyl ether, dioxane, an ester such as for example ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, dichloromethane, or any mixture thereof, preferably THF is used. The volume ratio between tetraethyl orthocarbonate and the solvent is from 1 : 0 to 1 : 2, preferably from 1 : 0 to 1 : 1 , most preferably from 1 : 0 to 1 : 0.5. After the reaction is completed the product precipitates and an anti-solvent may be added before, during or after precipitation. The anti-solvent may be selected from the group consisting of an ether. The ether is preferably an ether of the general type R ¹ -0-R ² with R ¹ and R ² each independently representing a linear or branched Ci to C ₁₀ alkyi group or R ¹ and R ² being alkyi groups connected to each other to form a 5 or 6-membered cycle, such as for example THF, te/f-butyl methyl ether, methyl THF, diisopropyl ether and dioxane. The ester is preferably an ester of the general type R ¹ -COO-R ² with R ¹ and R ² each independently representing a linear or branched Ci to C ₁₀ alkyl group, such as for example ethyl acetate and isopropyl acetate, or any mixture thereof. Preferably ferf-butyl methy ether or THF can be used.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to methods for the preparation of candesartan cilexetii, comprising the above process as reaction steps.

A further preferred embodiment relates to a novel intermediate in the process for the preparation of candesartan cilexetii with chemical name 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-amino-2-((rert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol- 5-yi)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4-l)methyl)amino)benzoate or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Yet a further preferred embodiment relates to a novel intermediate in the process for the preparation of candesartan cilexetii with chemical name 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1 H-tetr azo I -5-y I ) - [ 1 , 1 '-biphenyl]-4- yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate in the form of any pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

Yet another preferred embodiment relates to a novel intermediate in the process for the preparation of candesartan cilexetii with chemical name 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1/-/-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4- yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate in the form of a hydrochloride salt. The hyrochloride salt can be monohydrochloride or dihydrochloride.

By formation and precipitation of 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1 H-tetrazol-5- yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate in the form of any pharmaceutically acceptable salt all impurities and byproducts originating from all previous steps are removed and consequently no additional purification is required and needed (as e.g. column chromatography).

Another embodiment the present invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of candesartan cilexetii comprising the reaction between the commercially available ethyl 2- ((ie/f-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate and the commercially available 5-(4'- (bromomethyl)-[1 ,1 '-biphenyl]-2-yl)-1-trityl-1 H-tetrazole to give the intermediate with chemical name ethyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4- yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate which upon hydrolysis and reaction gives 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'- biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate that is hydrogenated by using a catalyst in an organic solvent to yield the oily product 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-amino-2- ((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)benzoate or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The oily product is converted to 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4- yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate in the form of any pharmaceutically acceptable salt which is recrystallized from a suitable solvent and subsequent converted into candesartan cilexetil. In this process, it is also possible to use another C^alkyl ester instead of the ethyl ester in the first two reaction steps.

Therefore, next embodiment of the present invention is a process for the preparation of candesartan cilexetil comprising the steps of:

a') reaction between C _1-4 alkyl 2-((ferf-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate and 5-(4'- (bromomethyl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-2-yl)-1-trityl-1 H-tetrazole to give C^alkyl 2-((tert- butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3- nitrobenzoate,

a") hydrolysis of C^alkyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1 '- biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate and reaction to give 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5- yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate,

a) hydrogenation or reduction of 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-((terf- butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 -/-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)meihyl)amino)-3- nitrobenzoate by using a catalyst in an organic solvent to get 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-amino-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1 -trityl-1 H- tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 , 1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)benzoate,

b) addition of an acid in an organic solvent to get 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 , 1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate in the form of any pharmaceutically acceptable salt,

c) optional addition of an anti-solvent,

d) ring closure with tetraethyl orthocarbonate to get candesartan cilexetil,

e) optional addition of an anti-solvent.

The route of the process of the present invention is presented in Scheme 2.

Scheme 2:

The above reaction scheme shows 1-chloroethyl cyclohexyl carbonate as a suitable and preferred reagent for converting ethyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)- [1 , 1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate after the hydrolysis to give 1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'- biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate. However, in other embodiments the reagent may also carry a leaving group different from chlorine.

Moreover, the above reaction scheme shows the use of the ethyl ester in the first two reaction steps, As noted above, it is also possible to use another C^alkyl ester.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the obtained candesartan cilexetil has a purity of at least 97%, preferably of at least 98% and more preferably of at least 99%.

The yield of the complete synthesis from ethyl 2-((ferf-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-3- nitrobenzoate to crude candesartan cilexetil is at least 60%, preferably at least 65%.

The yield of the synthesis from 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 , 1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3- nitrobenzoate to crude candesartan cilexitil is typically greater than 85%, preferably between 95 and 99%, more preferably between 97 and 99%.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to methods for the preparation of candesartan cilexetil, comprising the above process as a reaction step.

In another embodiment the present invention relates to candesartan cilexetil prepared according to the above processes for use in a method for treating hypertension.

In another embodiment the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the steps of preparing candesartan cilexetil according to the above processes and mixing a therapeutically effective amount thereof with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and optionally with one or more further active substances. Preferred examples of such further active substances are selected from the group of antihypertensives that can be selected from the group of angiotensive converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and antiadrenergics. Lipid regulators can for example be HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) or furosemide, lipid regulators or antidiabetics. According to the present invention, HCTZ preferably has an average particle size of less than 80 pm, preferably less than 50 pm, more preferably less than 30 pm.

The term "average particle size" as used herein refers to the volume mean diameter of the particles. The volume mean diameter was determined by laser light scattering using a Malvern-Mastersizer Apparatus MS 2000 equiped with Hydro S dispersion unit. Vegetable oil was used as the dilution medium.

A therapeutically effective amount of candesartan cilexetil is preferably provided in a unit dosage form, each unit dosage form containing from about 1-100 mg, preferably 1-50 mg, and even more preferably 4-32 mg of candesartan cilexetil.

It has surprisingly been found that the stability of the candesartan cilexetil composition according to the invention is not adversely affected if the other active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of captopril, enalapril, cilazapril, lisinopril, trandolaprii, ramipril, fosinopril, perindopril, amlodipine, diltiazem, felodipine, nifedipine, nitrendipine, verapamil, acebutol, atenolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, carvedilol, lovastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin, rosuvastatin, indapamide, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfonyl urea, metglinides such as nateglinide or repaglinide, thiazolidinediones such as pioglitazone or rosiglitazone, a-giucosidase inhibitors, incretin mimetics, biguanides such as metformin hydrochloride and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The pharmaceutically acceptable excipients used in and for the preparation of the present pharmaceutical composition particularly include diluents, binders, disintegrants and lubricants. Other and further excipients can also be contained.

The pharmaceutical composition can be used for oral administration such as in the form of tablets, coated tablets, capsules, sachet and oral liquids, or can be used for topical administration such as in the form of gels, lotions, patches, or ointments, or can be used for parenteral administration such as intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injection, or can be used as suppositories.

In a preferred embodiment the pharmaceutical composition is for the treatment of hypertension.

The present invention is described in more detail by the following examples, but is not limited thereto.

Description of HPLC method:

Equipment

HPLC: Agilent 1100

Data evaluation: ChemStation Chromatographic conditions:

Column: Zorbax Eclipse XDB C- 18, 1 ,8 μιη, 50 x 4,6 mm

Mobile Phase:

Solvent A: 0,0IM sodium dihydrogenphosphate, pH 2.5

Solvent B: acetonitrile

Gradient :

Post run: 2 min

Column temp, 30°C Flow rate: 1.0 ml/min

Detection: UV, 225nm

Injection: 10 μΙ

Example 1 : Ethyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1,1 ^, -biphenyl]-4- yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate

The mixture of 4.68g (15mmol) of ethyl 2-((terf-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate, 8.75g (15.7 mmol) of 5-(4'-(bromomethyl)-[1 , 1'-biphenyl]-2-yl)-1 -trityl-1 H-tetrazole, 4.64 g (33.6 mmol) of K ₂ C0 ₃ and 60.3 ml of acetonitrile is heated to reflux temperature (aprox. 80°C) for 7 hours. The mixture is cooled and filtered. Filter cake is washed with acetonitrile (2x 50ml). The filtrate is concentrated to thick oil (title compound m = 13.3g).

HPLC purity: 90.1 % of the title product

Example 2: 2-((iert-Butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1 -trityl-1 W-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1 '-biphenyl]-4- yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoic acid

13.3g of Ethyl 2-((ferf-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1 -trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4- yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate (the product of previous reaction) is dissolved in 56 ml of DMA and then 15.6 ml of 6M NaOH is added. The mixture is stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. Then the reaction mixture is neutralized to pH 2-3. During the neutralization 94 ml of isopropyl acetate is added. After the neutralization 62 ml of water is added and the phases are separated. Organic phase is then washed with water (2* with 62 ml) and concentrated to the oily residue (title compound 14.4 g).

HPLC purity: 89.4% of the title product

Example 3: 1-(((Cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-((fert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl- 1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitro benzoate

The mixture of 13.4 g of 2-((ferf-Butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 , 1'-biphenyl]- 4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoic acid (the product of previous reaction), 1 1.2 ml of N,N- dimethylacetamide, 4.06 g of 1-chloroethyl cyclohexyl carbonate and 2.35 g of K ₂ C0 ₃ is heated at 60°C for 6 hours. Then the reaction mixture is cooled 82 ml of isopropyl acetate and 82 ml of water are added. The phases are separated and aqueous phase is reextracted with 82 ml of isopropyl acetate. Collected organic phases are washed with water (2 ^χ 82 ml). Isolated organic phase is a solution of the title product in isopropyl acetate.

HPLC purity: 87.5% of the title product

Example 4: 1 -(((Cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-amino-2-((iert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'- (1 -trityl-1H-tetrazol-5-yI)-[1,1"-biphenyI]-4-yI)methyl)amino) benzoate

½ of the volume of the solution of 1-(((Cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-((ferf- butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3- nitrobenzoate (the product of previous reaction) is concentrated to around 50ml and poured into the reactor. The catalyst is added (2.1 g of RaNi) and the mixture is hydrogenated at 3.5 barg and room temperature for 24h. After the reaction is completed the catalyst is filtered of and the solution is concentrated to yield 9.39 g of oily title product.

HPLC purity: 90.7% of the title product

Example 5: 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1,1'- biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate dihydrochloride

To the 1/3 of the oily product of previous reaction (1-(((Cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3- amino-2-((fe/f-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1 -trityl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 , 1 '-biphenyl]-4- yl)methyl)amino)benzoate; 3.13g) 9.5 ml of of 3.02 M HCI in Ethanol is added and stirred at room temperature for 3 hours to complete the reaction. Then 85 ml of feri-butyl methyl ether is added and the mixture is stirred for 18 hours. The product is filtered off and the product is washed with 4 ml of ferf-butyl methy ether and dried.

HPLC purity: 94.2% of title product,

m (of title product)=1.25g

Yield: 75% calculate to starting material ethyl 2-((ferf-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate. T (melting point) = 129-136°C

FTIR = 341 1 , 2938, 2862, 1758, 1708, 1289, 1256, 1072, 762

Example 6: Candesartan cilexetil The mixture of 1.87 ml of tetraethyl orthocarbonate, 0.6 ml of THF is cooled to 5°C. Then 1.25g of 1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 2-(((2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1 ,1'-biphenyl]-4- yl)methyl)amino)-3-aminobenzoate dihydrochloride is added and the mixture is stirred under inert atmosphere at 5°C for 6 hours. Then 2.4 ml of te/f-butyl methyl ether is added and the suspension is stirred at 5°C for 6 hours.

HPLC purity: 97%

m = 1.00g

Yield: 83%, from starting material ethyl 2-((fert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate the yield is 66%.

Example 7: Methyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)((2'-(1-trityl-1 H-tetrazoi-5-yl)-[1 _I 1'-biphenyl]- 4-yl)methyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate

The mixture of 14.8 (50 mmol) of methyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-3-nitrobenzoate, 29 g (52 mmol) of S^'-ibromomethy -tl . l '-biphenyll^-y -l-trityl-IH-tetrazole, 14 g (101 mmol) of K ₂ C0 ₃ and 200 ml of acetonitrile is heated to reflux temperature (aprox. 80°C) for 12 hours. The mixture is cooled for about 20°C and filtered. Filter cake is washed with acetonitrile (2x 50ml). The filtrate is concentrated (at temperature up to 50°C) to thick oil and then 150 ml of isopropanol is added and the mixture is heated to reflux temperature to obtain solution. From the solution soon precipitates the product. The suspension is cooled to room temperature in around 1 h and stirred at this temperature for 1 h. The product is filtered and washed with fresh isopropanol (2x25 ml) and dried,

m = 40g

HPLC purity: 93.7% of the title product

Melting point: 163-169.3°C

Yield calculated on pure product: 96%