The activity of the PPAR-type receptors has been the subject of numerous studies. There may be mentioned, as a guide, the publication entitled "Differential Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator- Activated Receptor Subtypes During the Differentiation of Human Keratinocytes", Michel Rivier et al., J.

Invest. Dermatol 111, 1998, p. 1116-1121, in which a large number of bibliographic references relating to PPAR-type receptors is listed. There may also be mentioned, as a guide, the dossier entitled"The PPARs : From Orphan Receptors to Drug Discovery", Timothy M.

Willson, Peter J. Brown, Daniel D. Sternbach, and Brad R. Henke, J. Med. Chem. , 2000, Vol. 43, p. 527-550.

The PPAR receptors activate transcription by binding to elements of DNA sequences, called peroxisome

proliferator response elements (PPRE), in the form of a heterodimer with the retinoid X receptors (called RXRs).

Three human PPAR subtypes have been identified and described: PPARa, PPARy and PPAR5 (or NUC1). PPARa is mainly expressed in the liver while PPAR is ubiquitous.

It is described in Patent Application WO 98/32444 that PPARa selective compounds play a role in the barrier function and the differentiation of the stratum corneum.

PPARy is the most widely studied of the three subtypes. All the references suggest a critical role of the PPARy receptors in the regulation of differentiation of adipocytes, where it is highly expressed. It also plays a key role in systemic lipid homeostasis.

It has in particular been described in Patent Application WO 96/33724 that PPARy-selective compounds, such as prostaglandin-J2 or-D2, are potential active agents for treating obesity and diabetes.

One of the aims of the present invention is to provide a novel class of PPAR-modulating compounds.

Thus, the present invention relates to compounds corresponding to the following general formula (I):

in which: - Ri is chosen from a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical, an aryl or heteroaryl radical, or an aralkyl ; - R2 is chosen from a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical optionally substituted with an aryl radical or with a heteroaryl radical, a radical-CH20R6, or an aryl radical; R6 having the meanings given below ; - X is chosen from-S-,-Se-,-0-,-N-R7 ; R7 having the meanings given below ; - R3 represents an alkyl radical or an aralkyl radical; - R4 represents a hydroxyl radical, an alkoxyl radical or the radical-N (R8, Rg), R8 and Rg having the meanings given below ; - R5 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl radical, an alkoxyl radical or a hydroxyl radical; - R6 represents an aryl radical or a heteroaryl radical; - R7 is chosen from a hydrogen atom, an alkyl

radical, an aralkyl radical, or a radical-C (Y) Rio ; Rio having the meanings given below; - Rg and Rg, which are identical or different, are chosen independently of each other from a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical, or form together with the nitrogen a morpholino, piperidino or pyrrolidino group; - Rlo represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical, an alkoxyl radical, or a radical-NR1l ; RI, having the meanings given below; - Rll represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical or an aralkyl radical; - Y represents an oxygen or a sulphur atom; - n is an integer ranging from 0 to 2; - m is 0 or 1; and when X represents S or Se and m represents 0, then n represents 0, and the possible optical and/or geometric isomers, which are pure or in the form of a mixture, in any proportions, of the said compounds of formula (I), the possible tautomeric and N-oxide forms, and the salts of the said compounds of formula (I).

For the compounds of formula (I) which is presented below, the term"geometric isomer"means a cisltrans or E/Z isomer. More particularly, the possible double bond (s) present in the various substituents of the compounds of general formula (I) may be of the E or Z

configuration. These geometric isomers, which are pure or not, alone or in the form of a mixture, form an integral part of the compounds of formula (I).

The term"optical isomer"groups together all the isomer forms, which are alone or in the form of mixtures, due to the presence of one or more axes and/or centres of symmetry in the molecule, and leading to the rotation of a beam of polarized light. The term "optical isomer"comprises more particularly the enantiomers and the diastereoisomers, in pure form or in the form of a mixture.

The acids which are capable of forming pharmaceutically acceptable salts with the compounds of formula (I) above are organic or inorganic acids. By way of nonlimiting examples, there may be mentioned hydrochloric, hydrobromic, phosphoric, sulphuric, tartaric, citric, maleic, acetic, fumaric, alkylsulphonic, naphthalenesulphonic, para- toluenesulphonic, bistrifluoroacetic and camphoric acids.

The bases which are capable of forming pharmaceutically acceptable salts with the compounds of formula (I) above are inorganic or organic bases. Among these bases, there may be mentioned, by way of nonlimiting examples, alkali or alkaline-earth metal hydroxides, for example sodium or potassium hydroxide, but also ammonia, diethylamine, triethylamine,

ethanolamine, diethanolamine, piperidine, piperazine, morpholine, basic amino acids such as arginin and lysine, osamines, for example meglumine and amino alcohols such as 3-aminobutanol and 2-aminobutanol.

In particular, when the compounds according to the invention exist in the form of salts, they are salts of an alkali or alkaline-earth metal, zinc salts or salts of an organic amine.

The invention covers in particular the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, as indicated above, but also the salts allowing appropriate separation or crystallization of the compounds of formula (I), such as the salts obtained with chiral amines.

The compounds of formula (I) above also comprise the prodrugs of these compounds. The expression"prodrugs"is understood to mean compounds which, once administered to the patient, are chemically and/or biologically converted by the living organism to compounds of formula (I).

In particular, when the compounds according to the invention exist in the form of salts, they are salts of an alkali or alkaline-earth metal, zinc salts or salts of an organic amine.

According to the present invention, the expression hydroxyl radical is understood to mean the - OH radical.

According to the present invention, the

expression alkyl radical is understood to mean a linear or cyclic, optionally branched and optionally fluorinated or perfluorinated radical containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

Preferably, the alkyl radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, dodecyl or cyclohexyl radicals.

The expression alkoxyl radical is understood to mean a radical containing from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, such as methoxyl, ethoxyl, isopropyloxyl, tert-butoxyl, hexyloxyl, benzyloxyl or phenoxyl radicals, each being optionally substituted with one (or more) alkyl radicals.

The expression aryl radical is understood to mean a phenyl, biphenyl or naphthyl radical, optionally fused with one or more other rings and optionally mono- or di-substituted with one or more atoms, groups, functional groups or radicals chosen from a halogen atom, a CF3 radical, an alkyl radical, an alkoxyl radical, a nitro functional group.

The expression aralkyl radical is understood to mean a benzyl, phenethyl or naphthylen-2-ylmethyl radical which is optionally mono-or disubstituted with one or more atoms, groups, functional groups or radicals chosen from a halogen atom, a CF3 radical, an alkyl radical, an alkoxyl radical, a nitro functional

group, an alkyl ester group, a carboxyl functional group, a hydroxyl radical, an amino functional group which is optionally substituted with at least one alkyl radical.

The expression heteroaryl radical is understood to mean an aryl radical which is interrupted by one or more heteroatoms 0, N, S, Se, such as the pyridyl, furyl, thienyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, imidazolyl, isothiazolyl, quinazolinyl, benzothiadiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, indolyl or benzofuryl radical, optionally substituted with one or more atoms, groups, functional groups or radicals chosen from a halogen atom, a CF3 radical, an alkyl radical, an alkoxyl radical, a nitro functional group, an alkyl ester group, a carboxyl functional group, a hydroxyl radical, an amino functional group which is optionally substituted with at least one alkyl radical.

According to the present invention, the compounds of formula (I) which are more particularly preferred are those for which at least one, and preferably all the conditions below are satisfied: - X represents a nitrogen atom, - Rl represents an alkyl radical or an aryl radical, - R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical, an aryl radical, - R7 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl

radical, - m is equal to 0, - n is equal to 0, and the possible optical and/or geometric isomers, which are pure or in the form of a mixture, in any proportions, of these compounds, and their possible tautomeric and N-oxide forms, and salts of the said compounds.

Among the compounds of formula (I) above falling within the scope of the present invention, the following compounds may be mentioned in particular (alone or in the form of a mixture): 1. Ethyl (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1,2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzylamino}- phenyl) acetate; 2. (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzylamino}- phenyl) acetic acid; 3a. (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-phenethyloxybenzylamino}- phenyl) acetic acid; 3b. Ethyl (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1,2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-phenethyloxy- benzylamino} phenyl) acetate; 4a. (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-benzyloxybenzylamino}- phenyl) acetic acid;

4b. Ethyl (4-14- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1,2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-benzyloxybenzylamino}- phenyl) acetate; 5a. (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-propoxybenzylamino}- phenyl) acetic acid; 5b. Ethyl (4-14- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1,2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-propoxybenzylamino}- phenyl) acetate; 6a. {4- [4- (4-Methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)- 2-heptyloxybenzylamino] phenyl} acetic acid; 6b. Ethyl {4-[4-(4-methyl-4H-[1, 2,4]-triazol- 3-ylsulphanyl)-2-heptyloxybenzylamino] phenyl} acetate ; 7a. {4-[4-(4-Methyl-4H-[1, 2,4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)- 2-phenethyloxybenzylamino] phenyl} acetic acid; 7b. Ethyl {4- [4- (4-methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]-triazol- 3-ylsulphanyl)-2-phenethyloxybenzylamino] phenyl}- acetate; 8a. {4-[4-(4-Methyl-4H-[1, 2,4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)- 2-benzyloxybenzylamino] phenyl} acetic acid; 8b. Ethyl {4-[4-(4-methyl-4H-[1, 2,4]-triazol- 3-ylsulphanyl)-2-benzyloxybenzylamino] phenyl} acetate ; 9a. {4- [4- (4-Methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)- 2-propoxybenzylamino] phenyl} acetic acid; 9b. Ethyl {4- [4- (4-methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]-triazol- 3-ylsulphanyl)-2-propoxybenzylamino] phenyl} acetate ;

10a. (4- {4- [5- (4, 5-Dichloroimidazol-1-ylmethyl)- 4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]- 2-heptyloxybenzylamino} phenyl) acetic acid; 10b. Ethyl (4-14- [5- (4, 5-dichloroimidazol-1-ylmethyl)- 4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]- 2-heptyloxybenzylamino} phenyl) acetate; lla. (4-{4-[5-(4,5-Dichloroimidazol-1-ylmethyl)- 4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]- 2-phenethyloxybenzylamino}phenyl) acetic acid; llb. Ethyl (4-14- [5- (4, 5-dichloroimidazol-1-ylmethyl)- 4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]- 2-phenethyloxybenzylamino} phenyl) acetate; 12a. (4- {4- [5- (4, 5-Dichloroimidazol-1-ylmethyl)- 4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]- 2-benzyloxybenzylamino} phenyl) acetic acid; 12b. Ethyl (4-14- [5- (4, 5-dichloroimidazol-1-ylmethyl)- 4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]- 2-benzyloxybenzylamino} phenyl) acetate ; 13a. (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4- (4-chlorophenyl)- 4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-benzyloxy- benzylamino} phenyl) acetic acid ; 13b. Ethyl (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)-4- (4-chlorophenyl)-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]- 2-benzyloxybenzylamino} phenyl) acetate; 14a. (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4- (4-chlorophenyl)- 4H-[1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-phenethyloxy- benzylamino} phenyl) acetic acid;

14b. Ethyl (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)-4- (4-chlorophenyl)-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]- 2-phenethyloxybenzylamino} phenyl) acetate; 15a. (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4- (4-chlorophenyl)- 4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-propoxy- benzylamino} phenyl) acetic acid; 15b. Ethyl (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)-4- (4-chloro- phenyl)-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-propoxy- benzylamino} phenyl) acetate; 16a. {4- [4- (4-Methyl-5-thiophen-3-ylmethyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-heptyloxylbenzylamino]- phenyl} acetic acid; 16b. Ethyl {4- [4- (4-methyl-5-thiophen-3-ylmethyl-4H- [1,2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-heptyloxybenzylamino]- phenyl} acetate ; 17a. {4- [4- (4-Methyl-5-thiophen-3-ylmethyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-benzyloxybenzylamino]- phenyl} acetic acid; 17b. Ethyl {4- [4- (4-methyl-5-thiophen-3-ylmethyl-4H- [1,2, 4] -triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-benzyloxybenzylamino]- phenyl} acetate ; 18a. {4- [4- (4-Methyl-5-thiophen-3-ylmethyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-phenethyloxybenzylamino]- phenyl} acetic acid; 18b. Ethyl {4- [4- (4-methyl-5-thiophen-3-ylmethyl-4H- [1,2, 4] -triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-phenethyloxybenzyl- amino] phenyl} acetate ;

19a. {4- [4- (4-Methyl-5-thiophen-3-ylmethyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-propoxybenzylamino] phenyl}- acetic acid; 19b. Ethyl {4-[4-(4-methyl-5-thiophen-3-ylmethyl-4H- [1,2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-propoxyben zylamino]- phenyl} acetate ; 20a. (4- {4- [5- (7-Methylindan-4-yloxymethyl)-4-phenyl- 4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptylo xybenzyl- amino} phenyl) acetic acid ; 20b. Ethyl (4- {4- [5- (7-methylindan-4-yloxymethyl)-4- phenyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]- 2-heptyloxybenzylamino} phenyl) acetate; 21a. (4- {4- [5- (7-Methylindan-4-yloxymethyl)-4-phenyl- 4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-benzyloxybenzyl- amino} phenyl) acetic acid; 21b. Ethyl (4- {4- [5- (7-methylindan-4-yloxymethyl)-4- phenyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]- 2-benzyloxybenzylamino} phenyl) acetate; 22a. (4- {4- [5- (7-Methylindan-4-yloxymethyl)-4-phenyl- 4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-phenethyloxybenzyl- amino} phenyl) acetic acid; 22b. Ethyl (4- {4- [5- (7-methylindan-4-yloxymethyl)-4- phenyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]- 2-phenethyloxybenzylamino} phenyl) acetate; 23a. (4- {4- [5- (7-Methylindan-4-yloxymethyl)-4-phenyl- 4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-propoxybenzyl- amino} phenyl) acetic acid;

23b. Ethyl (4- {4- [5- (7-methylindan-4-yloxymethyl)-4- phenyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]- 2-propoxybenzylamino} phenyl) acetate; 24. Methyl (4-14- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzylamino}- phenyl) acetate; 25. 2- (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzylamino}- phenyl) -N-hexylacetamide; 26. 2- (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxy- benzylamino} phenyl)-1-morpholin-4-ylethanone ; 27. 2- (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzylamino}- phenylacetamide; 28. 2- (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzylamino}- phenyl) -N-ethylacetamide; 29. {4-[4-(5-Heptyl-4-methyl-4H-[1, 2,4]-triazol-3- ylsulphanyl)-2-heptyloxybenzyloxy] phenyl} acetic acid methyl ester; 30. {4-[2-Heptyloxy-4-(5-hexyl-4-methyl-4H-[1, 2,4]- triazol-3-ylsulfanyl) benzyloxy] phenyl} acetic acid; 31. {4- [4- (5-Heptyl-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]-triazol-3- ylsulphanyl)-2-propoxybenzylamino] phenyl} acetic acid ethyl ester;

32. 4- [2-Propoxy-4- (5-pyridin-4-yl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol- 3-ylsulphanyl) benzylamino] phenyl} aceti c acid ethyl ester; 33. 14- [4- (4-Methyl-5-pyridin-4-yl-4F : Y- [1, 2,4]-triazol- 3-ylsulphanyl)-2-propoxybenzylamino] phenyl} acetic acid ethyl ester; 34. {4-[4-(5-Heptyl-4-methyl-4H-[1, 2,4]-triazol-3- ylsulphanyl) -2-propoxybenzylamino] phenyl} acetic acid ; 35. {4-[2-Propoxy-4-(5-pyridin-4-yl-4H-[1, 2,4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl) benzylamino] phenyl} acetic acid; 36. f4- [4- (4-Methyl-5-pyridin-4-yl-4F-l- [1, 2,4]-triazol- 3-ylsulphanyl)-2-propoxybenzylamino] phenyl} acetic acid; 37. Butyl (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1,2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-heptyloxybenzyl- amino} phenyl) acetate; 38. Octyl (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1,2, 4] -triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-heptyloxybenzyl- amino} phenyl) acetate; 39. Nonyl (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1,2, 4] -triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-heptyloxybenzyl- amino} phenyl) acetate; 40. 2- (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1,2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-heptyloxybenzyl- amino} phenyl)-N-methylacetamide ; 41. 2- (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1,2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-heptyloxybenzyl- amino} phenyl)-N-ethylacetamide ;

42. 2- (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-heptyloxybenzyl- amino} phenyl)-N-pentylacetamide ; 43. 2- (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-heptyloxybenzyl- amino} phenyl)-N-heptylacetamide ; 44. (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-heptyloxybenzyloxy}- phenyl) acetic acid; 45. Methyl (4-14- [5- (4-te-rt-butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-heptyloxybenzyl- oxy} phenyl) acetate; 46. Methyl (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-heptyloxybenzyl- sulphanyl} phenyl) acetate; 47. (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-heptyloxybenzyl- sulphanyl} phenyl) acetic acid; 48. 2- (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulfanyl]-2- heptyloxybenzylamino} phenyl)-N-octylacetamide.

The reaction scheme described in Figures 1 and 2 is a general scheme allowing the production of the compounds according to the invention.

The compounds of general formula (I) may be obtained (Figures 1 and 2) by alkylation of the hydroxyl group of an ester of salicylic acid,

halogenated at the para position with respect to the ester group COOR, in the presence of a base, such as potassium or caesium carbonate, and of an alkyl halide such as iodoheptane in an aprotic polar solvent (Step 1). The ester is then obtained and subjected to the various steps below based on one of the three routes detailed below: - Route A in the case where m = 0 and X = NR7 : The ester obtained during Step 1 is then reduced to an aldehyde, for example by the succession of a reduction with a metal hydride such as diisobutylaluminium hydride followed by an oxidation, for example by a Swern reaction. The next step is a reductive amination with the aid of an aromatic amine with the aldehyde previously obtained, which may be carried out with the isolation of the intermediate imine or not, and then reduction of the latter by the action of a reducing agent such as sodium cyanoborohydride (NaBH3CN). The haloarylamine obtained may then be subjected to coupling with a thiol, by virtue of the use of a metal catalyst such as nickel, palladium or copper derivatives, optionally in the presence of a hydride donor such as sodium borohydride, supported or not, and if necessary of a base. The sulphur atom of the derivatives obtained is then optionally oxidized to a sulphone or sulphoxide, and

then optionally hydrolysed to give the corresponding acids.

Route B in the case where m = 0 and X = 0, S, Se: The ester obtained during Step 1 is then reduced to an alcohol, for example with the aid of a metal hydride such as diisobutylaluminium hydride. The alcohol obtained is then converted to a leaving group by the action of a base and of a reagent such as tosyl or mesyl chloride. By the reaction of an alcohol, of a thiol or of a selenized derivative in the presence of a base such as potassium carbonate and/or optionally of a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride, supported or not, the corresponding ether, thioether or selenoether is obtained. As in Route A, the derivative thus obtained may then be subjected to coupling with a thiol, by virtue of the use of a metal catalyst such as nickel, palladium or copper derivatives, optionally in the presence of a hydride donor such as sodium borohydride, supported or not, and if necessary of a base. The sulphur atom of the derivatives obtained is then optionally oxidized to a sulphone or a sulphoxide, and then optionally hydrolysed to give the corresponding acids.

Route C in the case where m = 1: The ester obtained during Step 1 is then saponified to give the corresponding acid and then reacted with an aromatic alcohol, an aromatic thiol or

an aromatic amine to give the corresponding ester, thioester or amide. As in Route A, the derivative thus obtained may then be subjected to coupling with a thiol, by virtue of the use of a metal catalyst such as nickel, palladium or copper derivatives, optionally in the presence of a hydride donor such as sodium borohydride, supported or not, and if necessary of a base. The sulphur atom of the esters or imides obtained is then optionally oxidized to a sulphone or a sulphoxide. The derivatives, which may or may not be oxidized, are then optionally hydrolysed to give the corresponding acids.

Persons skilled in the art will be capable of adapting the operating conditions described above according to the various substituents present in the compounds of formula (I). Thus, the synthesis scheme presented in Figures 1 and 2 should be considered as an example of a possible route of synthesis, variants to this route of synthesis being also possible and easily accessible to persons skilled in the art.

The starting compounds are either known or are easily accessible by syntheses of which the procedures are either known to a person skilled in the art, or are available and easily accessible in the patent and nonpatent literature, and in"Chemical Abstracts", online databases and the internet.

The compounds according to the invention have PPAR-type receptor modulating properties. This activity on the PPARa, 8 and y receptors is measured in a transactivation test and quantified by the dissociation constant Kdapp (apparent), as described in Example 25.

The preferred compounds of the present invention have a dissociation constant of less than or equal to 1 000 nM, and advantageously of less than or equal to 500 nM for at least one of the PPAR subtypes.

The subject of the present invention is also, as a medicament, the compounds of formula (I) as described above.

The subject of the present invention is the use of the compounds of formula (I) for manufacturing a composition intended for regulating and/or restoring the metabolism of skin lipids.

The compounds according to the invention are particularly suitable in the fields of the following treatments: 1) for treating dermatological conditions linked to a keratinization disorder related to cell differentiation and proliferation, in particular to treat acne vulgaris, comedo-type acne, polymorphic acne, acne rosacea, nodulocystic acne, acne conglobata, senile acne, secondary acne such as solar acne, acne medicamentosa or occupational acne;

2) for treating other types of keratinization disorders, in particular ichthyosis, ichthyosiform states, Darrier's disease, keratosis palmaris et plantaris, leukoplasia and leukoplasiform states, cutaneous or mucosal (buccal) lichen; 3) for treating other dermatological conditions with an inflammatory immunoallergic component, with or without cell proliferation disorder, and in particular all the forms of psoriasis, whether cutaneous, mucosal or ungual, and even psoriatic rheumatism, or cutaneous atopy, such as eczema or respiratory atopy or gingival hypertrophy; 4) for treating any dermal or epidermal proliferations whether benign or malignant, whether of viral origin or not, such as verruca vulgaris, verruca plana and epidermodysplasia verruciformis, oral or florid papillomatoses, T lymphoma, and proliferations which may be induced by ultraviolet radiation, in particular in the case of baso-and spinocellular epitheliomas, and any precancerous skin lesions such as keratoacanthomas; 5) for treating other dermatological disorders such as immune dermatoses such as lupus erythematosus, bullous immune diseases and collagen diseases, such as scleroderma; 6) in the treatment of dermatological or general conditions with an immunological component;

7) in the treatment of skin disorders due to exposure to UV radiation and for repairing or combating skin ageing, whether photoinduced or chronological or for reducing actinic keratoses and pigmentations, or any pathologies associated with chronological or actinic ageing, such as xerosis; 8) for combating sebaceous function disorders such as acne hyperseborrhoea, simple seborrhoea, or seborrhoeic dermatitis; 9) for preventing or treating cicatrization disorders, or for preventing or repairing stretch marks; 10) in the treatment of pigmentation disorders, such as hyperpigmentation, melasma, hypopigmentation or vitiligo; 11) in the treatment of lipid metabolism conditions, such as obesity, hyperlipidaemia, non-insulin-dependent diabetes or X syndrome; 12) in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis; 13) in the treatment or prevention of cancerous or precancerous states; 14) in the prevention or treatment of alopecia of different origins, in particular alopecia due to chemotherapy or to radiation; 15) in the treatment of immune system disorders, such as asthma, diabetes mellitus type I, multiple

sclerosis, or other selective dysfunctions of the immune system; and 16) in the treatment of conditions of the cardiovascular system such as arteriosclerosis or hypertension.

The subject of the present invention is also a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one compound of formula (I) as defined above.

The administration of the composition according to the invention may be carried out orally, parenterally, topically or ocularly. Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition is packaged in a form suitable for application by the topical route.

By the oral route, the composition, more particularly the pharmaceutical composition, may be provided in the form of tablets, gelatin capsules, sugar-coated tablets, syrups, suspensions, solutions, powders, granules, emulsions, lipid or polymeric microspheres or nanospheres or vesicles allowing controlled release. By the parenteral route, the composition may be provided in the form of solutions or suspensions for perfusion or injection.

The compounds according to the invention are generally administered at a daily dose of about 0.001 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of body weight, in 1 to 3 doses.

The compounds are used by the systemic route at a concentration generally of between 0.001% and 10% by weight, preferably between 0. 01% and 1% by weight, relative to the weight of the composition.

By the topical route, the pharmaceutical composition according to the invention is more particularly intended for the treatment of the skin and the mucous membranes and may be provided in the form of salves, creams, milks, ointments, powders, impregnated pads, syndets, solutions, gels, sprays, mousses, suspensions, lotions, sticks, shampoos or washing bases. It may also be provided in the form of suspensions of lipid or polymeric microspheres or nanospheres or vesicles or of polymeric patches and of hydrogels allowing controlled release. This composition for the topical route may be provided in anhydrous form, in aqueous form or in the form of an emulsion.

The compounds are used by the topical route at a concentration which is generally between 0. 001% and 10% by weight, preferably between 0. 01% and 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The compounds of formula (I) according to the invention also find application in the cosmetics field, in particular in body and hair care, and more particularly for regulating and/or restoring skin lipid metabolism.

The subject of the invention is therefore also the cosmetic use of a composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable carrier, at least one of the compounds of formula (I) for body or hair care.

The cosmetic composition according to the invention containing, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier, at least one compound of formula (I) or one of its optical or geometric isomers or one of its salts, may be provided in particular in the form of a cream, a milk, a lotion, a gel, suspensions of lipid or polymeric microspheres or nanospheres or vesicles, impregnated pads, solutions, sprays, mousses, sticks, soaps, shampoos or washing bases.

The concentration of compound of formula (I) in the cosmetic composition is preferably between 0.001% and 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions as described above may in addition contain inert additives, or even pharmacodynamically active additives as regards the pharmaceutical compositions, or combinations of these additives, and in particular: - wetting agents; - flavour enhancers; - preservatives such as esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid; - stabilizers ;

- moisture regulators; - pH regulators; - osmotic pressure modifiers; - emulsifiers ; - UV-A and UV-B screening agents; - antioxidants, such as a-tocopherol, butylated hydroxyanisole or butylated hydroxytoluene, Super Oxide Dismutase, Ubiquinol or certain metal chelators; - depigmenting agents such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, caffeic acid or kojic acid; - emollients ; - moisturizing agents such as glycerol, PEG 400, thiamorpholinone and its derivatives, or urea; - antiseborrhoeic or anti-acne agents, such as S-carboxymethylcysteine, S-benzylcysteamine, their salts or their derivatives, or benzoyl peroxide; - antibiotics such as erythromycin and its esters, neomycin, clindamycin and its esters, tetracyclines; - antifungal agents such as ketoconazole or 4,5-polymethylene-3-isothiazolidones ; - agents promoting hair regrowth, such as Minoxidil (2,4-diamino-6-piperidinopyrimidine 3-oxide) and its derivatives, Diazoxide (7-chloro-3-methyl- 1,2, 4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide) and Phenytoin (5,4-diphenylimidazolidine 2, 4-dione); - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents; - carotenoids and, in particular, ß-carotene ;

- antipsoriatic agents such as anthralin and its derivatives; - 5, 8, 11,14-eicosatetraynoic and 5,8, 11-eicosatriynoic acids, their esters and amides; - retinoids, that is to say ligands for the RAR or RXR receptors, which may be natural or synthetic; - corticosteroids or oestrogens; - a-hydroxy acids and a-keto acids or their derivatives, such as lactic, malic, citric, glycolic, mandelic, tartaric, glyceric and ascorbic acids, and their salts, amides or esters, or (3-hydroxy acids or their derivatives, such as salicylic acid and its salts, amides or esters; - ion channel, such as potassium channel, blockers; - or alternatively, more particularly for pharmaceutical compositions, in combination with medicaments known to interfere with the immune system (for example cyclosporine, FK 506, glucocorticoids, monoclonal antibodies, cytokines or growth factors, and the like).

Of course, persons skilled in the art will be careful to choose the possible compound (s) to be added to these compositions such that the advantageous properties intrinsically attached to the present invention are not or not substantially impaired by the addition envisaged.

Several examples of production of active compounds of formula (I) according to the invention, results of biological activity thereof and various concrete formulations based on such compounds, will now be given by way of illustration and without being limiting in any manner.

EXAMPLES The products were analysed by HPLC/Mass.

Column: 2. 1x5 mm, zip High purity C18 Hypersil.

Mobile phase: A (CH3CN/0. 1 v/v HCO2H) ; B (H20/0. 1 v/v HCO2H), Waters Alliance 2790 LC Mobile Phase Solvents A% 35.0 Solvent A B% 65.0 Solvent B Flow rate (ml/min) 0.450 Analytical time (min) 5.00 Column temperature (°C) 60 Maximum column temperature (°C) 10 Waters Alliance 2790 LC Rapid Equilibration System time (min) 0.30 Re-equilibration time (min) 0.50 The gradient contains 3 entries which are: Time A% B% Flow rate Curve 0.00 35.0 65.0 0.450 1 3.00 95.0 5.0 0.450 6 5.00 95.0 5.0 0.450 6

EXAMPLE 1: Ethyl (4-14- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1,2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzylamino}- phenyl) acetate Step a: Methyl 2-heptyloxy-4-iodobenzoate A mixture of methyl 2-hydroxy-4-iodobenzoate (25 g, 90 mmol), caesium carbonate (35.2 g, 108 mmol) and n-heptyl iodide (19.2 ml, 117 mmol), in 500 ml of dimethylformamide (DMF) is stirred for 10 hours at room temperature. The solution is neutralized by addition of 2N hydrochloric acid solution. The desired product is extracted by addition of ethyl acetate. The organic phase is washed with water, dried with magnesium sulphate and concentrated using a rotary evaporator.

After evaporation of the solvent, 33.84 g (100%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a brown oil.

Step b : (2-Heptyloxy-4-iodophenyl) methanol A 1M solution of DiBAlH (87. 5 ml, 87.5 mmol) is added dropwise to a solution of methyl 2-heptyloxy- 4-iodobenzoate obtained in Step a (14 g, 43.7 mmol) in toluene (450 ml), at 0°C. After stirring for 2 hours, a saturated solution of mixed tartrate of sodium and of potassium is added and then the desired product is extracted by addition of ethyl ether. The organic phase is washed with water, dried with magnesium sulphate and concentrated using a rotary evaporator. The product is

purified by chromatography on a silica column, eluted with a heptane/ethyl acetate 9: 1 mixture. After evaporation of the solvents, 13.64 g (90%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a yellow oil.

Step c: 2-Heptyloxy-4-iodobenzaldehyde A solution of dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) (41.4 mmol, 3 ml) in dichloromethane (10 ml) is added to a solution of 1. 8 ml of oxalyl chloride (20.7 mmol) in 55 ml of dichloromethane, dropwise, at-78°C. After stirring for 15 minutes, a solution of (2-heptyloxy- 4-iodophenyl) methanol obtained in Step b (6.55 g, 18.8 mmol) in 25 ml of dichloromethane is added dropwise. After stirring for 20 minutes, 14 ml of triethylamine are added. After stirring for 2 hours, the reaction medium is hydrolysed by addition of water.

The desired product is extracted by addition of ethyl acetate. The organic phase is washed with water, dried with magnesium sulphate and concentrated using a rotary evaporator. After evaporation of the solvents, 6.49 g (100%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a yellow solid.

Step d : Ethyl [4- (2-heptyloxy-4-iodobenzylamino)- phenyl] acetate A solution of ethyl (4-aminophenyl) acetate (1.76 g, 9.84 mmol) and acetic acid (0.71 ml) in DMF (71 ml) is added to a solution of 2-heptyloxy-

4-iodobenzaldehyde of Step c (3.1 g, 8.94 mmol), acetic acid (0.71 ml) in DMF (71 ml). The mixture is stirred for 12 hours and then 1.12 g of sodium cyanoborohydride (17.89 mmol) is added. The mixture is heated at 60°C for 4 hours. The desired product is extracted by addition of ethyl ether. The organic phase is washed with brine and then with water, dried with magnesium sulphate and concentrated using a rotary evaporator.

The product is purified by chromatography on a silica column, eluted with a heptane/ethyl acetate 9: 1 mixture. After evaporation of the solvents, 4.11 g (96%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a yellow oil.

1H NMR/CDC13 : 0.9 (t, 3H); 1.2 to 1.4 (m, 7H); 1.5 (m, 2H); 1.8 (m, 2H); 3.5 (s, 2H); 4 (t, 2H); 4.1 (q, 2H); 4.3 (s, 2H); 6.6 (d, 2H); 7 (d, 1H) ; 7.1 (dd, 2H); 7.2 (d, 1H) ; 7.25 (d, 1H) ; 7.3 (s, 1H).

Step e: Ethyl (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-methyl- 4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzyl- amino} phenyl) acetate A solution of ethyl [4- (2-heptyloxy-4-iodo- benzylamino) phenyl] acetate obtained in Step d (4.11 g, 8. 07 mmol) in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran (THF) (18 ml) and ethanol (18 ml) is added dropwise to a mixture of 5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]- triazole-3-thiol (2. 99 g, 12.1 mmol), bis (bipyridine) nickel (II) bromide (106 mg, 0.2 mmol)

(Organometallics, 4, (1985), 657-661) and 9.68 g of borohydride polymer supported on Amberlite@ IRA400 resin at 2.5 mmol/g (Aldrich) in 18 ml of a mixture of THF and ethanol 50: 50. The mixture is heated for 20 hours under reflux, and then filtered at room temperature. The filtrate is concentrated using a rotary evaporator. The product is purified by chromatography on a silica column, eluted with a heptane/ethyl acetate 7: 3 mixture. After evaporation of the solvents, 4.58 g (90%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of an oil.

1H NMR/CDC13 : 0. 9 (t, 3H); 1.25 to 1.3 (m, 7H); 1.4 (s, 9H); 1.5 (m, 2H); 1. 8 (m, 2H); 3.5 (s, 2H); 3.6 (s, 3H); 4 (t, 2H) ; 4.1 (q, 2H); 4.3 (s, 2H); 6.6 (d, 2H); 6.9 (d, 1H) ; 7 (s, 1H) ; 7.1 (d, 2H); 7.3 (d, 1H) ; 7.5 (d, 2H); 7.6 (d, 2H).

HPLC/mass analysis: Column: Waters Atlantis: dC18, 150 x 2.1 mm, 3 um, eluent A: acetonitrile + formic acid 0. 1% ; eluent B: water + formic acid 0. 1%, Gradient: 0 min 90% B, 0-25 min: 90 to 5% B, flow rate: 0.5 ml/min, detection: UV, Mass: positive electrospray # HPLC (o total of the surface area): 99.5 -t Mass spectrometry (ES) (M+H+) : 629

EXAMPLE 2: (4-14- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4}- <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzylamino} phenyl)- acetic acid A solution of ethyl (4- {4- [5- (4-tert- butylphenyl)-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]-triazol-3-yl- sulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzylamino} phenyl) acetate obtained in Example 1 (2.5 g, 4 mmol) of a 2M aqueous potassium carbonate solution (32 ml) in methanol (65 ml) is heated under reflux for 3 hours. The organic phase is acidified at room temperature with a 2N hydrochloric acid solution to pH 5. The desired product is extracted by addition of ethyl acetate. The organic phase is washed with water, dried with magnesium sulphate and concentrated using a rotary evaporator.

The product is purified by chromatography on a silica column, eluted with a heptane/ethyl acetate 4: 6 mixture. After evaporation of the solvents, 1.7 g (70%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a yellow amorphous solid.

Melting point (m. p. ) : 71°C.

1H NMR/DMSOd6: 0. 9 (t, 3H); 1.25 to 1.3 (m, 4H); 1.3 (s, 9H); 1.4 (m, 2H); 1.7 (m, 2H) ; 3.7 (s, 3H); 4 (t, 2H); 4.2 (d, 2H); 6 (m, 1H) ; 6.4 (d, 2H); 6.8 (d, 1H) ; 6.9 (d, 2H); 7 (s, 1H) ; 7.2 (d, 2H); 7.6 (d, 2H); 7.7 (d, 2H).

The compound of Example 2 may also be obtained by parallel chemistry, according to the procedure described for the following compounds 2 to 23.

EXAMPLES 2 to 23: Synthesis of compounds 2 to 23 Compounds 2 to 23 were obtained by parallel chemistry. The reactions for coupling for a triazole- thiol with a previous iodinated starting compound obtained by reductive amination of FMOC- (4-amino- phenyl) acetic acid grafted on Mimotope Lanterns are carried out in several reactors simultaneously following the procedure described below.

Alkylation of the phenols Methyl 2-heptyloxy-4-iodobenzoate A suspension of caesium carbonate (35.2 g, 108 mmol), methyl 4-iodo-2-hydroxybenzoate (25 g, 90 mmol), iodoheptane (19.2 ml, 117 mmol) in DMF (500 ml) is stirred for 10 hours at room temperature.

The organic phase is acidified at room temperature with a 2N hydrochloric acid solution to pH 5. The desired product is extracted by addition of ethyl acetate. The

organic phase is washed with water, dried with magnesium sulphate and concentrated using a rotary evaporator. After evaporation of the remainder of the iodoheptane by placing the oil obtained under vacuum produced by a rotary vane pump, 33.8 g (100%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a brown oil.

Methyl 4-iodo-2-propoxybenzoate The procedure is the same as that followed above using 10.6 ml of bromoheptane. The suspension is stirred for 24 hours at room temperature. The organic phase is acidified at room temperature with a 2N hydrochloric acid solution to pH 5. The desired product is extracted by addition of ethyl ether. The organic phase is washed with water, dried with magnesium sulphate and concentrated using a rotary evaporator.

28.2 g (98%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a brown oil. The product is purified by chromatography on a silica column, eluted with a heptane/ethyl acetate 9.5 : 0.5 mixture. After evaporation of the solvents, 25.9 g (75%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a yellow oil.

Methyl 4-iodo-2-phenethyloxybenzoate A suspension of caesium carbonate (35.2 g, 108 mmol), methyl 4-iodo-2-hydroxybenzoate (25 g, 90 mmol), phenethyl bromide (16 ml, 117 mmol) in DMF

(500 ml) is stirred for 10 hours at room temperature.

Caesium carbonate (20 g, 61.4 mmol) and phenethyl bromide (8.5 ml, 61.4 mmol) are added to the suspension. The organic phase is acidified at room temperature with a 2N hydrochloric acid solution to pH 5. The desired product is extracted by addition of ethyl ether. The organic phase is washed with water, dried with magnesium sulphate and concentrated using a rotary evaporator.

Methyl 2-benzyloxy-4-iodobenzoate The procedure is the same as that followed for methyl 4-iodo-2-phenethyloxybenzoate, using 5.6 ml of benzyl bromide, 14 g of caesium carbonate and 10 g of methyl 4-iodo-2-hydroxybenzoate in 200 ml of DMF.

The suspension is stirred for 48 hours at room temperature. The organic phase is acidified at room temperature with a 2N hydrochloric acid solution to pH 5. The desired product is extracted by addition of ethyl ether. The organic phase is washed with water, dried with magnesium sulphate and concentrated using a rotary evaporator. 14 g of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a brown solid.

Reduction of the esters OH \ DiBAiHne H3Cuo 1 1 0 I 1 0 Ri Ri R

(2-Heptyloxy-4-iodophenyl) methanol 87. 5 ml of a solution of diisobutylaluminium hydride (DiBAlH) is added at 0°C to a solution of methyl 2-heptyloxy-4-iodobenzene (14 g, 43.7 mmol) previously obtained, in toluene (450 ml). The solution is stirred for 2 hours at 0°C, and then a saturated solution of mixed tartrate of sodium and potassium is added.

The desired product is extracted by addition of ethyl ether. The organic phase is washed with water, dried with magnesium sulphate and concentrated using a rotary evaporator. The product is purified by chromatography on a silica column, eluted with a heptane/ethyl acetate 9: 1 mixture. After evaporation of the solvents, 13.7 g (90%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a yellow oil.

(4-I odo-2-propoxyphenyl) methanol The procedure is the same as that described above, using 14 g of methyl 4-iodo-2-propoxybenzoate, 450 ml of toluene and 87.5 ml of DiBAlH. The product is purified by chromatography on a silica column, eluted with a heptane/ethyl acetate 9: 1 mixture. After evaporation of the solvents, 11.3 g (88%) of the

expected compound are recovered in the form of a yellow oil.

(4-Iodo-2-phenethyloxyphenyl) methanol The procedure is the same as that described above, using 16.7 g of methyl 4-iodo-2-phenethyl- oxybenzoate, 450 ml of toluene and 87.5 ml of DiBAlH.

After evaporation of the solvents, 15.4 g (100%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a red oil.

(2-Benzyloxy-4-iodophenyl) methanol The procedure is the same as that described above, using 14 g of methyl 2-benzyloxy-4-iodobenzoate, 350 ml of toluene and 72 ml of DiBAlH. The product is purified by chromatography on a silica column, eluted with a heptane/ethyl acetate 9: 1 mixture. After evaporation of the solvents, 12.2 g (99%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a yellow oil.

Oxidation of the alcohols Oh Swern oxidation"H 0 I O 'o, R1 0 2-Heptyloxy-4-iodobenzaldehyde A solution of dimethyl sulphoxide (3 ml, 41.4 mmol) in dichloromethane is added to a solution of

oxalyl chloride (20.7 mmol, 1.8 ml) in dichloromethane (55 ml). A solution of (2-heptyloxy-4-iodophenyl)- methanol (6. 55 g, 18.8 mmol) in 25 ml of dichloromethane is added dropwise to the solution previously obtained, at-78°C. The mixture is stirred until the temperature returns to room temperature. The organic phase is acidified with a 2N hydrochloric acid solution. The desired product is extracted by addition of ethyl acetate. The organic phase is washed with water, dried with magnesium sulphate and concentrated using a rotary evaporator. 6.5 g (100%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a yellow solid.

H NMR/CDC13 : 0.9 (t, 3H); 1.2 to 1.4 (m, 4H); 1.5 (m, 2H); 1.8 (m, 2H); 4 (t, 2H); 7.3 (d, 1H) ; 7.4 (dd, 1H) ; 7.5 (d, 1H) ; 11.4 (s, 1H).

4-Iodo-2-propoxybenzaldehyde The procedure is the same as that described above, using 5.5 g, that is 18.8 mmol, of (4-iodo-2- propoxyphenyl) methanol, 1.8 ml of oxalyl chloride and 3 ml of DMSO-After evaporation of the solvents, 5.5 g (100%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a yellow solid.

1H NMR/CDC13 : 1.1 (t, 3H); 1.9 (m, 2H); 4 (t, 2H) ; 7. 3 (d, 1H) ; 7.4 (dd, 1H) ; 7.5 (d, 1H) ; 11.4 (s, 1H).

4-Iodo-2-phenethyloxybenzaldehyde The procedure is the same as that described above, using 6.6 g, that is 18.8 mmol, of (4-iodo-2-

phenethyloxyphenyl) methanol, 1. 8 ml of oxalyl chloride and 3 ml of DMSO. After evaporation of the solvents, 6.4 g (96%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a yellow solid.

1H NMR/CDC13 : 3.1 (t, 2H); 4.3 (t, 2H); 7.3 to 7.4 (m, 7H); 7.5 (d, 1H) ; 11.4 (s, 1H).

2-Benzyloxy-4-iodobenzaldehyde The procedure is the same as that described above, using 12.15 g, that is 35.7 mmol, of (2-benzyl- oxy-4-iodophenyl) methanol, 3.5 ml of oxalyl chloride in 100 ml of dichloromethane and 5.6 ml of DMSO in 20 ml of dichloromethane. After evaporation of the solvents, 11. 6 g (96%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a yellow solid.

1H NMR/CDCl3 : 5.18 (s, 2H); 7.4 to 7.5 (m, 7H); 7.6 (d, 1H) ; 11.5 (s, 1H).

Grafting of fmoc- (4-aminophenyl) acetic acid OH p DIC, DMAP fmoc, 0-fmoc 1 0 H 4 ml of a solution of DMF (28 ml), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) (103 mg, 0.12 mmol), diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC) (2.6 ml, 3.6 mmol) in dichloromethane (2.6 ml) are diluted with 16 ml of dichloromethane. 1.34 g (3.6 mmol) of fmoc- (4-aminophenyl) acetic acid and 80 Mimotope synphase-PS

lanterns coupled to a hydroxymethylphenoxy (reference: SPPSLHMP, 15 umol per lantern) introduced. The solution is slowly stirred for 12 hours at 50°C. The lanterns are filtered and washed twice with DMF, twice with a dichloromethane/methanol 5: 5 solution and finally dichloromethane and dried.

Deprotection of the grafted fmoc- (4-aminophenyl) acetic acid piperidine ! !'--'ptpendine n'r n H fmoc J 0------J ! j fmoc/O--I O /

The lanterns previously obtained are stirred in a 20% solution of piperidine in DMF (about 30 ml) for 1.5 hours. The lanterns are filtered and washed twice with DMF, twice with a dichloromethane/methanol 5: 5 solution and finally dichloromethane and dried.

Reductive amination

240 lanterns previously grafted with fmoc- (4- aminophenyl) acetic acid and whose fmoc-amino group has been deprotected are identified by a transponder and

then distributed into flasks containing various solutions of aldehydes B5 to B8. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. A solution (noted 1 in the table) of sodium cyanoborohydride (236 mg, 3.75 mmol) in 37.5 ml of DMF and 375 pi of acetic acid is added to each flask. The resulting solution is stirred at 60°C for 12 hours. The lanterns are filtered and the reduction with cyanoborohydride is started again under the same conditions. The lanterns are filtered and washed twice with DMF, twice with a solution of dichloromethane/methanol 5: 5 and finally dichloromethane and dried. Aldehydes (300 µl/1)# MM [C] Number mmol Mass vol DMF vol AcOH lanterns introduced ml 1 B5 2-Heptyloxy-4-iodo-346. 21 0.50 60 9.00 3.116 18.00 180 benzaldehyde B6 2-Benzyloxy-4-iodo-338.14 0.50 60 9.00 3.043 18.00 180 benzaldehyde B7 4-Iodo-2-352.17 0.50 60 9.00 3.170 18. 00 180 phenethyloxy- benzaldehyde B8 4-Iodo-2-propoxy-290. 10 0.50 60 9.00 2.611 18.00 180 benzaldehyde 1 | NaBH3CN (625 62.84 0.1 60 3.75 0.236 37.5 375 Coupling with the thiol

A mixture of borohydride, polymer-supported resin AmberliteX IRA400 (2.5 mmol/g) (Aldrich: 32864-2) (9.6 g), bis (bipyridine) nickel (II) bromide (Organometallics, 4, (1985), 657-661) (576 mg, 0.001 mmol), of the corresponding thiol (see quantities in Table I below) and of 48 lanterns previously grafted with the corresponding iodinated derivatives (obtained by reductive amination) in an ethanol/THF (24 ml/24 ml) mixture is stirred at 70°C for 12 hours. The lanterns are filtered and washed twice with DMF, twice with a solution of dichloromethane/methanol 5: 5 and finally dichloromethane and dried.

Table I Molar Concen Number Mmol Mass ETOHITHF Thiols mass tration present (g) lanterns N-N 5- (4-tert-Butyl- SH phenyl)-4- methyl-4H-247. 36 0. 50 48 24. 000 5 94 48. 000 / [1, 2, 4] triazole-3- thiol 4-Methyl-4H- N SH [1, 2, 4] triazole-3- 115. 16 0. 50 48 24. 000 2. 76 48. 000 thiol 5- (4, 5-Dichloro- N) VCI innidazol-1- N-N ylmethyl)-4- methyl-4H-264. 14 0. 50 48 24. 000 6. 34 48. 000 N SN [1, 2, 4] triazole-3- thiol N-N -SH 5- (4-tert-Butyl- phenyl)-4- (4- chloro-phenyl)-343. 88 0. 50 48 24. 000 8. 25 48. 000 [1, 2, 4] triazole-3- thiol N-N 4-Methyl-5- thiophen-3- gH ylmethyl-4H-211. 31 0. 50 48 24. 000 5. 07 48. 000 [1, 2, 4] triazole-3- thiol 0 6- (7-Methyl- indan-4- yloxymethyl)-4-337. 44 0, 50 48 24. 000 8. 1 48. 000 phenyl-4H- [1, 2, 4] triazole-3- thiol ResinBH4-2. 5 mmoll 1 eq 48 24. 000 9. 60 9 NiBr2 (bpy) 2 530. 87 1 2mg/L 48 0. 00109 0. 576

Cleavage Each of the lanterns previously identified is individually cleaved with a solution of trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane (1.5 to 2 ml). After concentration, the products are individually analyzed by HPLC/Mass (see the following Table II).

Table II EXAMPLE HPLC MASS ES total of the {M+H*) surface area) 2 89.00% 601 3a 85. 00% 607 4a 89. 00% 593 5a 90.00% 545 6a 86.00% 469 7a 83. 00% 474 8a 63. 00% 461 9a 78. 00% 413 10a 90. 00% 617 11a 89.00% 623 12a 88. 00% 609 13a 81.00% 689 14a 86. 00% 703 15a 83.00% 641 16a 100. 00% 565 17a 95.00% 5% (565) 18a 100.00% 571 19a 100.00% 509 20a 100. 00% 691 21a 92. 00% 683 22a 100.00% 697 23a 92. 00% 635 EXAMPLE 25: 2- (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Bu-tylphenyl)-4-methyl- 4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzyl- amino} phenyl) -N-hexylacetamide

A solution of (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl) - 4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2- heptyloxybenzylamino} phenyl) acetic acid (0.3 g, 0.5 mmol), benzotriazol-1-ol (0.074 g, 0.55 mmol) in dimethylformamide (10 ml) is stirred for 20 minutes. n-Hexylamine (0.066 ml, 0.5 mmol) and (3-dimethylaminopropyl)ethylcarbodiimide (0.105 g, 0.55 mmol) are added and then the medium is stirred for 24 hours at room temperature. The addition of water causes the formation of a precipitate which is dried before being purified by chromatography on a silica column, eluted with a heptane/ethyl acetate (3/7) mixture. After evaporation of the solvents, 0.205 g (60%) of the expected compound is recovered.

1H NMR/DMSOD6, 400 MHz: 8 = 0.84 (m, 3H); 1.26 to 1.39 (m, 8H) ; 1.33 (s, 9H); 1.4 (m, 2H) ; 1.7 (m, 2H); 2.98 (m, 2H); 3.16 (s, 2H); 3.65 (s, 3H); 4 (t, 2H); 4.17 (s, 2H); 6.45 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H) ; 6. 80 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) ; 6.1 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H); 6. 96 (s, 1H) ; 7.21 (d, J

= 7.8 Hz, 2H); 7.58 (d, J = 8. 3 Hz, 2H); 7.69 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H); 7.79 (p, 1H).

HPLC/MS : 90% [684] EXAMPLE 26: 2- (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl- 4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzyl- amino} phenyl)-1-morpholin-4-ylethanone Same procedure as for Example 25. After evaporation of the solvents, 0.261 g (78%) of the expected compound is recovered.

H NMR/DMSOD6,400 MHz: 8 = 0.84 (m, 6H); 1.21 to 1.33 (m, 6H); 1.33 (s, 9H); 1.42 (m, 2H); 1. 72 (m, 2H); 2.31 (s, 1H) ; 2.56 (s, 1H) ; 3.42 (s, 4H); 3.50 (s, 4H); 3.65 (s, 3H); 4.00 (s, 2H); 4.17 (s, 2H); 5.8-6. 1 (p, 1H) ; 6.47 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H) ; 6.81 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H) ; 6.89 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H); 6.96 (s, 1H) ; 7.17-7. 26 (m, 2H); 7. 58 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H); 7. 69 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H).

HPLC/MS : 97% [669] EXAMPLE 27: 2- (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Bu-tylphenyl)-4-methyl- <BR> <BR> 4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzyl- amino} phenylacetamide

152 mg (1.12 mmol, 1.5 eq) of benzotriazol-1- ol, 497 mg (1.12 mmol, 1.5 eq) of benzotriazol-1- yloxytris (dimethylamino) phosphonium hexafluorophosphate, 780 pi (4.50 mmol, 4 eq) of diisopropylethylamine and finally 80 mg (1.50 mmol, 2 eq) of ammonium chloride are added to a solution of 450 mg (0.75 mmol, 1 eq) of (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-butylphenyl)- 4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2- heptyloxybenzylamino} phenyl) acetic acid in 6 ml of dimethylformamide. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 24 hours, and then supplemented with a small amount of water. The precipitate obtained is filtered, dried and chromatographed on a silica gel cartridge (heptane/ethyl acetate 30/70). 298 mg (66%) of the expected compound are obtained.

1H NMR/DMSOD6, 400 MHz: 8 = 0.85 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H); 1.24-1. 34 (m, 6H); 1.33 (s, 9H); 1.43 (m, 2H); 1.73 (m, 2H); 3.14 (s, 2H); 3.65 (s, 3H); 4.00 (t, j = 6. 3 Hz, 2H); 4.17 (d, j = 5.9 Hz, 2H); 5.94 (t, 1H) ; 6. 44 (d, j

= 8.5 Hz, 2H); 6.72 (s large, 1H); 6.81 (dd, jl = 1.6 Hz, j2 = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 6.92 (d, j = 8. 4 Hz, 2H); 6.95 (d, j = 1. 6 Hz, 1H) ; 7.21 (d, j = 7. 9 Hz, 1H) ; 7.25 (s large, 1H) ; 7.58 (dd, j1 = 1.8 Hz, j2 = 6 7 Hz, 2H); 7.69 (dd, jl = 1.9 Hz, j2 = 6.6 Hz, 2H); 13C NMR/DMSOD6, 400 MHz : 6 = 14.82 (CH3) ; 22.90 (CH2); 26.38 (CH2) ; 29.27 (CH2) ; 29. 38 (CH2) ; 31.81 (3CH3) ; 32.11 (CH2) ; 33.08 (CH3) ; 35. 48 (C); 41.84 (CH2) ; 42. 36 (CH2) ; 68.68 (CH2) ; 112.77 (2CH) ; 121.65 (CH); 124.47 (C); 125.15 (C); 126.54 (2CH); 128. 70 (C) ; 129. 10 (CH) ; 129.61 (CH); 130.37 (CH); 131.62 (CH); 147.89 (C); 148.71 (C); 153.69 (C); 156.87 (C); 157.56 (C); 173. 85 (C).

HPLC/MS: 95% [600. 3] EXAMPLE 28: 2- (4- {4- [5- (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-4-methyl- 4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzyl- amino} phenyl)-N-ethylacetamide Same procedure as for Example 27. After evaporation of the solvents, 0.366 g (78%) of the expected compound is recovered.

H NMR/DMSOD6, 400 MHz: 8 = 0.85 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H); 0.98 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H) ; 1. 24-1.33 (m, 6H); 1.33 (s, 9H); 1.43 (m, 2H); 1.72 (m, 2H); 3.00-3. 04 (qd, 2H); 3.15 (s, 2H); 3.65 (s, 3H); 4. 00 (t, j = 6. 3 Hz, 2H) ; 4.16 (d, j = 5.8 Hz, 2H) ; 5. 95 (t, 1H) ; 6. 81 (dd, jl = 1.6 Hz, j2 = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 6.90 (d, j = 8.4 Hz, 2H); 6.95 (d, j = 1.6 Hz, 1H); 7.21 (d, j = 7.9 Hz, 1H) ; 7.58 (dd, jl = 1.9 Hz, j2 = 6.7 Hz, 2H) ; 7.69 (dd, jl = 1.9 Hz, j2 = 6.6 Hz, 2H) ; 7. 82 (t, 1H) 13C NMR/DMSOD6,400 MHz: = 14.29 (2CH3) ; 15.10 (CH3); 22.37 (CH2) ; 25.87 (CH2); 28. 74 (CH2) ; 28.86 (CH2) ; 31.29 (3CH3); 31.59 (CH2) ; 32.56 (CH3) ; 33.72 (CH2) ; 34.96 (C) ; 40.36 (CH2) ; 42. 02 (CH2) ; 68. 17 (CH2) ; 112.27 (2CH) ; 121.13 (CH) ; 123. 96 (C) ; 124. 63 (C); 126. 02 (3CH); 128.19 (C); 128. 58 (2CH); 129.12 (CH); 129.74 (2CH); 131.12 (C); 147. 38 (C); 148.18 (C); 153.18 (C); 156.35 (C); 157.05 (C); 170.81 (C).

HPLC/MS: 94% [628. 3] EXAMPLE 29: {4-[4-(5-Heptyl-4-methyl-4H-[1, 2,4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzyloxy]- phenyl} acetic acid methyl ester a. 5-Heptyl-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazole-3-thiol

5 g (30.74 mmol, 1 eq) of octanoyl chloride and 3.58 g (33.81 mmol, 1.1 eq) of 4-methyl- 3-thiosemicarbazide in solution in 350 ml of tetrahydrofuran are stirred for 3 hours at room temperature. The solution is concentrated to dryness.

The solid obtained is taken up in 350 ml of a 10% aqueous potassium hydroxide solution 35 g (0.82 mmol, 20 eq). The reaction mixture is stirred overnight under reflux. In the cold state, the reaction medium is acidified. The precipitate obtained is filtered, washed with a minimum of water and then dried. 5.94 g (90%) of the expected compound are obtained.

1H NMR (DMSOD6, 400 MHz): 8 = 0.87 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H) ; 126-136 (m, 8H) ; 1. 59-1.65 (2m, 2H); [2.19 (t) + 2.64 (t, j = 7.5 Hz), 2H]; [3.33 (s) + 3.40 (s), 3H]; [11.95 (s)-12% + 13.45 (s)-88%, 3H]. b. {4- [4- (5-Heptyl-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3- ylsulphanyl]-2-heptyloxybenzyloxy] phenyl} acetic acid methyl ester

979 mg (2.45 mmol, 3 eq) of resin-supported borohydride and 11 mg (0.02 mmol, 0.03 eq) of bis (bipyridine) dibromonickel (II) are added to a solution of 244 mg (1.22 mmol, 1.5 eq) of 5-heptyl-4- methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]-triazole-3-thiol in 4 ml of tetrahydrofuran/ethanol 5/5. To the suspension obtained there is added a solution of 405 mg (0.82 mmol, 1 eq) of [4- (2-heptyloxy-4-iodobenzyloxy) phenyl] acetic acid methyl ester in 4 ml of tetrahydrofuran/ethanol 5/5.

The reaction mixture is stirred overnight under reflux.

After returning to room temperature, the reaction medium is filtered and then concentrated. The residue is chromatographed on silica gel (heptane/ethyl acetate: gradient from 70/30 to 50/50). After concentration, 427 mg (92%) of the expected compound are obtained.

1H NMR/DMSOD6, 400 MHz : 6 = 0.82-0. 87 (m, 6H); 1. 18-1. 33 (m, 17H); 1.64-1. 68 (m, 4H); 2.75 (t, j = 7.5 Hz, 2H) ; 3. 49 (s, 2H), 3. 59 (s, 2H); 3.60 (s, 3H); 3.95 (t, j = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.98 (s, 2H); 6.70 (dd, jl = 1.7 Hz, j2 = 7.9 Hz, 1H) ; 6. 86 (d, j = 1.6 Hz, 1H) ; 6.90 (dd, jl = 2.0 Hz, j2 = 8.6 Hz, 2H); 7.16 (d, j = 8. 6 Hz, 2H) ; 7.34 (d, j = 7.9 Hz, 1H) 3C NMR/DMSOD6, 400 MHz: 8 = 14.26 (CH3) ; 14.27 (CH3) ; 22.33 (CH2) ; 22.41 (CH2) ; 24.97 (CH2) ; 25.73 (CH2) ; 26. 44 (CH2) ; 28.70 (CH2) ; 28. 82 (CH2) ; 28.84 (CH2) ; 30.69 (CH3) ; 31.53 (CH2) ; 39.26 (C); 39.47 (CH2) ; 51.94 (CH3) ;

64.54 (CH2) ; 68.30 (CH2) ; 111.68 (CH); 114.81 (2CH); 120.10 (CH); 124.64 (C); 126.82 (C); 130.56 (CH); 130.69 (2CH); 133.92 (C); 146.04 (C); 157.23 (C); 157.64 (C); 157.69 (C); 172.16 (C).

HPLC/MS: 89% [582] EXAMPLE 30: {4- [2-Heptyloxy-4- (5-hexyl-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl) benzyloxy] phenyl} acetic acid Same procedure as for Example 2. After evaporation of the solvents, 0.177 g (38%) of the expected compound is recovered.

H NMR (DMSOD6, 400 MHz): # = 0.90 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H) ; 0.93 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H); 1.28-1. 39 (m, 16H); 1.72-1. 75 (m, 4H); 2.81 (t, j = 7.7 Hz); 3.54 (s, 2H): 3.55 (s, 3H); 4.01 (t, j = 6. 3 Hz, 2H) ; 5.04 (s, 2H); 6.76 (dxd, j = 7.9 Hz - j = 1. 7 Hz, 1H) ; 6.91 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 1H) ; 6.94-6. 97 (m, 2H); 7.21 (d, j = 8.7 Hz, 2H); 7.40 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H).

HPLC/MS 98% [568]

EXAMPLE 31: 14- [4- (5-Heptyl-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-propoxybenzylamino] phenyl}- acetic acid ethyl ester a. [4- (4-Iodo-2-propoxybenzylamino) phenyl] acetic acid ethyl ester 1.50 g (5.17 mmol, 1 eq) of 4-iodo-2- propoxybenzaldehyde in solution in 40 ml of dimethylformamide supplemented with 1% of acetic acid is added to a solution in 40 ml of dimethylformamide supplemented with 1% of acetic acid. The reaction mixture is stirred overnight at room temperature. 50 g (5.17 mmol, 1 eq) of sodium cyanoborohydride are added.

The reaction medium is heated at 60°C for 4 hours.

After returning to room temperature, the reaction medium is supplemented with water and then extracted with ether. The organic phase is dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and then concentrated. The residue is chromatographed on silica gel (heptane/ethyl acetate 80/20). 2.00 g (85%) of the expected compound are obtained.

'H NMR (DMSOD6, 400 MHz) : 6 = 1.01 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H) ; 1.16 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H); 1.76 (m, 2H) ; 3.42 (s, 2H);

3.98-4. 17 (m, 2x2H); 4.16 (d, J = 6 Hz, 2H); 6.04 (t, j = 6Hz, 1H) ; 6.45 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H) ; 6.92 (d, j = 8. 5 Hz, 2H); 7.23 (dd, jl = 7.9 Hz, j2 = 1.5 Hz, 1H) ; 7.27 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H). b. {4- [4- (5-Heptyl-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]-triazol-3- ylsulphanyl)-2-propoxybenzylamino] phenyl} acetic acid ethyl ester 2.647 g (6.62 mmol, 3 eq) of resin-supported borohydride and 30 mg (0.06 mmol, 0.03 eq) of bis (bipyridine) dibromonickel (II) are added to a solution of 0.706 g (3.31 mmol, 1.5 eq) of 5-heptyl-4- methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]-triazole-3-thiol in 10 ml of tetrahydrofuran/ethanol 5/5. To the suspension obtained there is added a solution of 100 mg (0.22 mmol, 1 eq) of ethyl [4- (4-iodo-2-propoxybenzylamino) phenyl] acetate in 10 ml of tetrahydrofuran/ethanol 5/5. The reaction mixture is stirred overnight under reflux. After returning to room temperature, the reaction medium is filtered, concentrated and then chromatographed on silica gel (heptane/ethyl acetate 40/60). After

evaporation of the solvents, 0.750 g (63%) of the expected compound is recovered.

1H NMR/DMSOD6, 400 MHz: # = 0.91-0. 94 (m, 3H) 1.06 (t, j = 7. 4 Hz, 3H) ; 1.22 (t, j = 7.1 Hz, 3H) ; 1.31-1. 38 (m, 8H); 1.67-1. 87 (m, 4H); 2.79 (t, j = 7.6 Hz, 2H); 3.47 (s, 2H) ; 3.53 (s, 3H) ; 3.98 (t, j = 6.3 Hz, 2H) ; 4. 09 (q, j = 7. 1 Hz, 2H) ; 4.22 (d, j = 6. 0 Hz, 1H) ; 6.08 (t, j = 6.0 Hz, 1H) ; 6.51 (d, j = 8. 5,2H) ; 6.74 (d, j = 7. 9 Hz, 1H) ; 6.89 (d, j = 1.6 Hz, 1H) ; 6.97 (d, j = 8. 4 Hz, 2H) ; 7.23 (d, j = 7.9 Hz, 1H) 13C NMR/DMSOD6, 400 MHz: # = 10.81 (CH3) ; 14. 28 (CH3); 14.44 (CH3) ; 22. 32 (CH2); 22.40 (CH2) ; 24. 96 (CH2) ; 26.42 (CH2) ; 28.68 (CH2) ; 28. 83 (CH2) ; 30.66 (CH3) ; 31.52 (CH2) ; 39.86 (CH2); 41.22 (CH2) ; 60.33 (CH2) ; 69.58 (CH2) ; 111.74 (CH) ; 112.32 (2CH) ; 120.55 (CH) ; 121.64 (C) ; 127.80 (C) ; 129.06 (CH) ; 130.06 (2CH); 131.68 (C) ; 146.37 (C) ; 147.76 (C) ; 157.04 (C) ; 157.49 (C) ; 172.06 (C).

EXAMPLE 32: {4-[2-Propoxy-4-(5-pyridin-4-yl-4H-[1, 2,4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl) benzylamino] phenyl} acetic acid ethyl ester 265 mg (0.66 mmol, 3 eq) of resin-supported borohydride and 3 mg (0.01 mmol, 0.03 eq) of

bis (bipyridine) dibromonickel (II) are added to a solution of 69 mg (0.33 mmol, 1.5 eq) of 5- (3- fluorophenyl)-lH- [1, 2,4]-triazole-3-thio in 1.5 ml of tetrahydrofuran/ethanol 5.5. To the suspension obtained there is added a solution of 100 mg (0.22 mol, 1 eq) of ethyl [4- (4-iodo-2-propoxybenzylamino) phenyl] acetate in 1.5 ml of tetrahydrofuran/ethanol 5/5. The reduction mixture is stirred overnight under reflux. After returning to room temperature, the reaction medium is filtered and then concentrated. 0.115 g (97%) of the expected compound is recovered.

1H NMR (DMSOD6, 400 MHz): 5 = 1. 06 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H) ; 1.21 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H); 1.79-1. 84 (m, 2H); 3.73 (s, 3H); 4.02-4. 11 (m, 4H); 4. 24 (d, J = 6.1 Hz, 2H); 6.08 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 1H) ; 6.51 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H); 6.87 (dd, J1 = 1.7 Hz, J2 = 7. 9 Hz, 1H) ; 6.97 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H); 7.07 (d, J = 1. 7 Hz, 1H) ; 7. 26 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) ; 7.48-7. 50 (m, 1H) ; 7.66-7. 70 (m, 3H).

3C NMR/DMSOD6, 400 MHz : = 10.83 (CH3) ; 12.04 (CH3) ; 19.93 (CH2) ; 30.21 (CH3) ; 36. 85 (CH2) ; 38. 86 (CH2) ; 57.92 (CH2) ; 67.27 (CH2) ; 109.93 (CH); 110.18 (CH); 113.20 (CH); 113.44 (CH); 118. 98 (CH); 119.26 (C); 122.72 (CH); 125.84 (C); 126.73 (CH); 127.04-127. 18 (C); 127.67 (CH); 128.41 (C); 129.01 (CH); 129.10 (CH); 145.36 (C); 146.43 (C); 152.86 (C); 154.66 (C); 158.74 (C); 169.66 (C). EXAMPLE 33: 14- [4- (4-Methyl-5-pyridin-4-yl-4H- [1, 2,4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-propoxybenzylamino] phenyl} - acetic acid ethyl ester

265 mg (0.66 mmol, 3 eq) of resin-supported borohydride and 3 mg (0.01 mmol, 0.03 eq) of bis (bipyridine) dibromonickel (II) are added to a solution of 64 mg (0.33 mmol, 1.5 eq) of 4-methyl-5- pyridin-4-yl-4H- [1, 2,4]-triazole-3-thiol in 1.5 ml of tetrahydrofuran/ethanol 5/5. To the suspension obtained there is added a solution of 100 mg (0.22 mmol, 1 eq) of ethyl [4- (4-iodo-2-propoxybenzylamino) phenyl] acetate in 1.5 ml of tetrahydrofuran/ethanol 5/5. The reaction mixture is stirred overnight under reflux. After returning to room temperature, the reaction medium is filtered and then concentrated. 0.111 g (97%) of the expected compound is recovered.

H NMR (DMSOD6, 400 MHz): 6 = 1. 06 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H) ; 1.21 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H); 1.81 (q, J = 6.5 Hz, 2H); 3.46 (s, 2H); 3.79 (s, 3H), 4. 02-4. 20 (m, 4H); 4.24 (d, J = 6 Hz, 2H); 6.08 (t, J = 6 Hz, 1H), 6.51 (D, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H); 6.89 (Dd, J1-1. 69 Hz, J2 = 7.9 Hz, 1H) ; 6.97 (d, j = 8. 5 Hz, 1H) ; 7.09 (d, J = 1.69 Hz, 1H) ; 7.26

(D, j = 7.9 Hz, 1H) ; 7.85 (Dd, J1 = 1.33, J2 = 4.25 Hz, 2H), 8.83 (Dd, J1 = 1.33, J2 = 4.25 Hz, 2H).

HPLC/MS 97% [519] EXAMPLE 34: {4- [4- (5-Heptyl-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2,4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-propoxybenzylamino] phenyl}- acetic acid A solution of {4- [4- (5-heptyl-4-methyl-4H- [1, 2, 4]-triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-propoxybenzylamino]- phenyl} acetic acid ethyl ester obtained in Example 31 (0.7 g, 2.39 mmol), 2M aqueous potassium carbonate (9 ml) in methanol (20 ml) is heated under reflux for 3 hours. The reaction medium is acidified at room temperature with a 2N hydrochloric acid solution to pH 5. The desired product is extracted by addition of ethyl acetate. The organic phase is washed with water, dried over magnesium sulphate. After evaporation of the solvents, 0.592 g (89%) of the expected compound are recovered in the form of a yellow amorphous solid.

'H NMR (DMSOD6, 400 MHz): 8 = 0.93 (t, j = 4. 4 Hz, 3H) ; 1.24 (t, j = 7. 2 Hz, 3H); 1.31-1. 37 (m, 8H); 1.70-1. 81 (m, 4H); 2. 78 (t, j = 7.6 Hz, 2H); 3. 40 (s, 2H); 3.53 (s, 3H); 3. 98 (t, j = 6.4 Hz, 2H); 4. 22 (s, 2H); 6. 04

(s large, 1H) ; 6.50 (d, j = 8.5 Hz, 2H); 6.73 (dd, jl = 8.0 Hz, j2 = 1.6 Hz, 1H) ; 6.89 (d, j = 1.6 Hz, 1H) ; 6.96 (d, j = 8.4 Hz, 2H); 7.23 (d, j = 7.9 Hz, 1H) ; 12.17 (s large, 1H).

EXAMPLE 35: {4- [2-Propoxy-4- (5-pyridin-4-yl-4H- [1, 2,4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl) benzylamino] phenyl} acetic acid Same procedure as that followed in Example 34, using the ester obtained in Example 32.

After evaporation of the solvents, 0.043 g (47%) of the expected compound is recovered.

1H NMR (CDC13, 400 MHz): 8 = 0.94 (t, j = 7.4 Hz, 3H) ; 1.69-1. 76 (m, 2H); 3.42 (s, 2H); 3.57 (s, 2H); 3.82 (t, j = 6.0 Hz, 2H); 4.22 (s, 2H); 6.54 (d, j = 7. 7 Hz, 2H); 6.81 (d, j = 7. 2 Hz, 1H) ; 6.88 (s, 1H) ; 6.98 (d, j = 7.8 Hz, 2H); 7.11-7. 19 (m, 2H); 7.29-7. 43 (m, 3H) EXAMPLE 36: {4-[4-(4-Methyl-5-pyridin-4-yl-4H-[1, 2,4]- triazol-3-ylsulphanyl)-2-propoxybenzylamino]- phenyl} acetic acid

Same procedure as that followed in Example 34, using the ester obtained in Example 33.

After evaporation of the solvents, 0.070 g (74%) of the expected compound is recovered.

1H NMR (CDC13, 400 MHz): 8 = 1.25 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H) ; 1. 80 (q, J = 6.5 Hz, 2H); 3.52 (s, 2H); 3.69 (s, 3H); 3.93 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2H); 4.30 (s, 2H); 6.56 (D, J = 6.4 Hz, 2H); 6.91 (Dd, J1 = 1.68 Hz, J2 = 7.8 Hz, 1H) ; 6.99 (d, j = 7. 8 Hz, 1H) ; 7.05 (D, j = 8.5 Hz, 2H); 7.24 (D, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) ; 7.63 (Dd, J1 = 1.64, J2 = 4. 48 Hz, 2H), 8. 78 (Dd, J1 = 1.64, J2 = 4. 48 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 37: CROSS CURVE PPAR TRANSACTIVATION TEST The activation of receptors with an agonist (activator) in HeLN cells leads to the expression of a reporter gene, luciferase, which, in the presence of a substrate, generates light. The modulation of the receptors is measured as quantity of luminescence produced after incubating the cells in the presence of a reference agonist. The ligands will displace the agonist from its site. The measurement of the activity is performed by quantification of the light produced.

This measurement makes it possible to determine the modulatory activity of the compounds according to the

invention by determining the constant which represents the affinity of the molecule for the receptor. Since this value can fluctuate according to the basal activity and the expression of the receptor, it is called apparent Kd (Kd app in nM).

To determine this constant, the cells are in contact with a concentration of the product to be tested and a concentration of the reference agonist, <BR> <BR> 2- (4- {2- [3- (2, 4-difluorophenyl)-l-heptylureido] ethyl}- phenylsulphanyl) -2-methylpropionic acid for PPARa, {2-methyl-4- [4-methyl-2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl)- thiazol-5-ylmethylsulphanyl] phenoxy} acetic acid for PPAR6 and 5- {4- [2- (methylpyridin-2-ylamino) ethoxy] - benzyl} thiazolidine-2, 4-dione for PPARy. Measurements are also carried out for the controls total agonist with the same products.

The HeLN cell lines used are stable transfectants containing the plasmids ERE-pGlob-Luc-SV-Neo (reporter gene) and PPAR (a, 8, y) Gal-hPPAR. These cells are inoculated into 96-well plates in an amount of 10 000 cells per well in 100 all of DMEM medium free of phenol red and supplemented with 10% lipid-free calf serum. The plates are then incubated at 37°C, 7% CO2 for 16 hours.

The various dilutions of the test products and of the reference ligand are added in an amount of 5 Ll per well. The plates are then incubated for

18 hours at 37°C, 7% COz. The culture medium is removed by turning over and 100 1 of a 1: 1 PBS/Luciferin mixture are added to each well. After 5 minutes, the plates are read by the luminescence reader.

These cross curves make it possible to determine the AC50 values (concentrations at which 50% activation is observed) for the reference ligand at various concentrations of test product. These AC50 values are used to calculate the Schild regression by plotting a straight line corresponding to the Schild equation ("Quantitation in Receptor Pharmacology"Terry P. Kenakin, Receptors and Channels, 2001, 7, 371-385) which leads to Kd app values being obtained (in nM).

Transactivation results: Compound PPAR a PPARs 8 PPAR y Kd app (nM) Kd app (nM) Kd app (nM) Example 1 n. a. n. a. 60 Example 2 8000 n. a. 15 n. a. means not active The results obtained with the compounds according to the invention indeed show Kd app values < 100 nM for at least one of the receptor subtypes. The compounds according to the invention are therefore indeed modulators of the PPAR receptors.

EXAMPLE 38: COMPOSITIONS Various concrete formulations based on the compounds according to the invention have been illustrated in this example.

A-ORAL ROUTE (a) 0.2 g tablet - Compound of Example 1 0.001 g - Starch 0.114 g - Bicalcium phosphate 0.020 g - Silica 0.020 g -Lactose 0.030 g - Talc 0.010 g - Magnesium stearate 0.005 g (b) Oral suspension in 5 ml vials - Compound of Example 2 0.001 g - Glycerine 0.500 g - Sorbitol at 70% 0.500 g - Sodium saccharinate 0.010 g - Methyl para-hydroxybenzoate 0.040 g - Flavouring qs - Purified water qs 5 ml (c) 0.8 g tablet - Compound of Example 5 0.500 g - Pregelatinized starch 0.100 g - Microcrystalline cellulose 0.115 g - Lactose 0.075 g - Magnesium stearate 0.010 g

(d) Oral suspension in 10 ml vials - Compound of Example 7 0.200 g - Glycerine 1.000 g - Sorbitol at 70% 1.000 g - Sodium saccharinate 0.010 g - Methyl para-hydroxybenzoate 0.080 g - Flavouring qs - Purified water qs 10 ml B-TOPICAL ROUTE (a) Salve - Compound of Example 4 0.020 g - Isopropyl myristate 81.700 g - Fluid liquid paraffin 9.100 g - Silica ("Aerosil 200"sold by DEGUSSA) 9.180 g (b) Salve - Compound of Example 6 0.300 g - Petroleum jelly qs 100 g (c) Nonionic water-in-oil cream - Compound of Example 8 0.100 g - Mixture of emulsifying lanolin alcohols, waxes and oils ("anhydrous eucerin"sold by BDF) 39. 900 g - Methyl para-hydroxybenzoate 0.075 g - Propyl para-hydroxybenzoate 0.075 g - Sterile demineralized water qs 100 g

(d) Lotion - Compound of Example 20 0.100 g - Polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) 69.900 g - Ethanol at 95% 30. 000 g (e) Hydrophobic salve - Compound of Example 12 0.300 g - Isopropyl myristate 36.400 g - Silicone oil ("Rhodorsil 47 V 300"sold by RHONE-POULENC) 36.400 g - Beeswax 13.600 g - Silicone oil ("Abil 300,000 cst"sold by GOLDSCHMIDT) qs 100 g (f) Nonionic oil-in-water cream - Compound of Example 1 1.000 g -Cetyl alcohol 4.000 g - Glyceryl monostearate 2.500 g - PEG 50 stearate 2.500 g - Shea butter 9.200 g - Propylene glycol 2.000 g - Methyl para-hydroxybenzoate 0.075 g - Propyl para-hydroxybenzoate 0.075 g - Sterile demineralized water qs 100 g