Novel multi-cyclic compounds

The present invention relates to compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the in vitro and in vivo processes mediated by cell adhesion molecules. The disclosed small molecules comprise dimethoxy and dihydroxy phenyl subunits and modulate cell adhesion molecule-mediated functions potently.

Cell-adhesion molecule-mediated functions are part of a complex cascade leading to the migration of circulating white blood cells (leukocytes) from the blood stream into the surrounding tissue (transmigration). Physiologically, leukocyte transmigration is of critical importance for homeostasis and immuno-surveillance of living beings including humans. Lymphocytes for example, are constitutively leaving the blood stream into lymphatic tissues in order to patrol for harmful antigens. Under pathological circumstances however, e.g. local or systemic inflammation and/or injury of the vascular system, this fundamental process is dys-regulated, at least in part, due to an increased surface expression of E- and P-selectin. Consequently, the excessive leukocyte transmigration leads to a pathological cellular infiltrate with subsequent tissue damage in several clinically relevant settings. Disease states such as Acute Lung Injury (ALI), Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Asthma bronchiale (asthma), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Sepsis are all associated with tissue inflammation induced and perpetuated by pathologically activated leukocytes infiltrating the respective tissue. In addition, exaggerated leukocyte infiltration contributes to the pathogenesis of Ischemic-Reperfusion Injury (IRI) associated with organ transplantation, cardiopulmonary bypass or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

To transmigrate, leukocytes must bind to the wall of the vascular endothelium to diffuse through the cell wall of the capillary into the surrounding tissue. Therefore, leukocytes

have to roll onto and then adhere to the endothelial cell wall (initial rolling or "tethering"). This primary event in transmigration is mediated by the selectin family of cell-adhesion molecules. In addition to directly binding to the endothelium, leukocytes can adhere to other leukocytes, leukocyte-particles, platelets or platelet-derived particles that are already attached to the endothelium.

The selectin family of adhesion molecules is comprised of three structurally related calcium-dependent carbohydrate binding cell surface proteins, E-, P- and L-selectin. E- selectin is expressed only on inflamed endothelium, P-selectin is expressed on inflamed endothelium as well as on platelets and L-selectin is expressed on leukocytes. Selectins are composed of an amino terminal lectin domain, an epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain, a variable number of complement receptor-related repeats, a hydrophobic transmembrane domain and a C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. The binding interactions leading to the adhesion of the leukocytes are supposed to be mediated by contact of the lectin domain of the selectins and various carbohydrate ligands on the surface of the leukocytes. All three selectins can bind with low affinity to the carbohydrate sialyl Lewis" (sLe ^x ), a glycosyl moiety present on the surface of most leukocytes. A structurally related glycosyl moiety, sialyl Lewis ^a (sLe ^a ), is predominantly found on the surface of cancer cells [K. Okazaki et al., J Surg. Res., 1998, 78(1). 78-84; R. P. McEver et al., Glycoconjugate Journal, 1997, 14(5), 585-591]. In case of P-selectin, a distinct high affinity glycoprotein ligand has been described [R.P. McEver, R.D. Cummings, J.Clin. Invest., 1997, 100, 485- 492], the so-called P-selectin glycoprotein ligand- 1 (PSGL-I), which contributes to a high affinity selectin binding by its sLe ^x moiety as well as by parts of its peptide components, in particular sulphated tyrosine residues [R.P. McEver, Ernst Schering Res. Found. Workshop, 2004, 44, 137-147]. PSGL-I is one of the most important selectin ligands binding with highest affinity to P-selectin, but it also binds to E- and L-selectin [G. Constantin; Drug News Perspect; 2004; 17(9); 579-586]. It is a homodimeric sialomucin predominantly expressed on leukocytes.

In inflammatory diseases, dys-regulated transmigration is, at least in part, mediated due to an increased cell surface expression of E- and P-selectin. In contrast to their low basal expression, E- and P-selectin expression is upregulated during inflammation, leading to a

substantial recruitment of leukocytes into the inflamed tissue. Although selectin-mediated cell adhesion is required for fighting infection, there are various situations in which such cell adhesion is undesirable or excessive, resulting in severe tissue damage instead of repair. In the case of many acute as well as chronic inflammatory disorders [e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), psoriasis, etc.], an association between infiltration of activated leukocytes into the tissue simultaneously with a marked elevation of tissue expression of corresponding adhesion molecules, particularly E- and P-selectin, has been demonstrated [Muller et al., J. Pathol, 2002, 198(2), 270-275; Di Stefano et al., Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care. Med., 1994, 149(3) 803-810; Terajima et al., Arch. Dermatol. Res., 1998, 290, 246-252]

Leukocyte infiltration may also play a role in inflammatory symptoms in the course of transplant and graft rejection. Also the process of blood clotting is further promoted by leukocyte-leukocyte and leukocyte-platelet binding, which occurs because leukocytes possess both L-selectin and its corresponding ligand PSGL-I and can thus interact with themselves via PSGL-I, and they can also bind to platelets which carry P-selectin.

Therefore, the modulation of selectin-mediated cell adhesion and other selectin mediated functions, e.g. leukocyte activation, offers a promising possibility to interfere with and stop the inflammation cascade at a very early step. Small molecule selectin antagonists should modulate all three selectins simultaneously as pan-selectin-antagonists to circumvent possible redundancies between the selectins [M. Sperandio et al., Vascular Disease Prevention, 2004, 1, 185-195].

Besides sLe ^x /sLe ^a , the natural, high affinity ligand PSGL-I is another template structure for the design of small molecule selectin antagonists. As compared to sLe7sLe ^a , PSGL-I shows high affinity for all three selectins. To find and to detect novel small molecule drugs that compete with PSGL-I and PSGL-I -like ligands for selectin binding is therefore a promising strategy to develop a novel class of effective pan-selectin antagonists for treating inflammatory disorders. Selectin antagonists may be designed using selectins as well as using a ligand like PSGL-I as a template structure, since they are intended to

modulate the binding between selectins and PSGL-I or other ligands with similar binding motifs.

Novel small molecule selectin antagonists could meet certain requirements to be drug-like and to have potential oral bioavailability. The term drug likeness is described in the literature [Lipinski; Adv. Drug Dev. Rev., 1997, 23, 3-25]. Beside other molecular properties, passively transported molecules are supposed to have on average a relative molecular weight of less than 500 in order to be drug like. According to these rules it is common to define compounds with a relative molecular weight of less 500 or closely above that as small molecules. Compounds with relative molecular weights above 500 are unlikely to be orally bioavailable. Also the presence of highly polar carbohydrate moieties or a peptidic components is not in accordance with the concept of drug likeness [H. Ulbrich et al., Trends Pharmacol. ScL, 2003, 24(12), 640-647; D. Slee et al., J. Med. Chem., 2001, 44, 2094-2107]. The same accounts for the development of antibody-based drugs, because they are polypeptides and so oral administration is a problem. Moreover, the desired compounds must be stable during the passage through the gastrointestinal tract so that they can be ingested/absorbed latest by the cells of the small intestines. This is not the case for most glycosidic molecules and peptidic structures.

There have been various investigations to develop low-molecular weight compounds with a modulatory effect on selectin mediated processes. These compounds include disalicylates and disalicylate-based C-glycosides [WO 99/29706], benzyl amino sulfonic acids [WO 03/097658], diglycosylated 1,2-diols [WO 97/01569], substituted 5-membered heterocycles [WO 00/33836], mannopyranosyloxy-phenyl-benzoic acids [EP0758243 Bl], piperazine based compounds [US6432957B1], gallic acid derivatives of peptides [WO 2004/018502], gallic acid [C. C. M. Appeldoom et al., Circulation 2005, 111, 106-112; EP 1481669A1], and quinic acid derivatives [N. Kaila et al., J. Med. Chem. 2005, 48, 4346- 4357 ]. However, none of these selectin-antagonizing compounds have successfully passed clinical trials up to date [S. J. Romano, Treat. Respir Med 2005, 4(2), 85-94; M. P. Schon, Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 2005, 1(3), 201-208]. This is due to the fact, that many of these structures have been designed on the basis of the low potency template sLe . Therefore, sLe -mimicking structures are unlikely to show low potency. Other

compounds show specificity against different members of the selectin family, but antagonizing only selected selectins can be bypassed by other selectins [M. P. Schon, Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 2005, 1(3), 201-208]. In addition, most of the compounds developed so far have high molecular weights and often bear carbohydrates and/or peptides making them prone to degradation and modification by peptidases and/or glycosidases. Carbohydrate-bearing structures have further disadvantages such as high degree of chirality, anomericity, and low probability of transport through lipid bilayers. Similar disadvantages are known for peptide-bearing compounds. Some other compounds developed for antagonizing selectin mediated processes contain pyrogallol- and catechol- substructures. These motifs are prone to oxidation processes [Kumamoto M. et al., Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., 2001, 65(1), 126-132] making the pharmaceutical development of these compounds difficult. In addition, compounds with pyrogallol substructures, such as gallic acid, are known to be cytotoxic [E. Sergediene et al., FEBS Letters, 1999, 462, 392- 396] and induce apoptosis [K. Satoh et al., Anticancer Research, 1997, 17, 2487-2490; N. Sakaguchi et al., Biochemical Pharmacology, 1998, 55, 1973-1981].

The leading compound in the field of selectin antagonists is bimosiamose [S. J. Romano, Treat. Respir Med 2005, 4(2), 85-94]. Presently bimosiamose [D. Bock et al., New Drugs, 2003, D04, 28, p.28; EP 0 840 606 Bl] is the most advanced compound in clinical studies Recent investigations support the hypothesis that bimosiamose can be considered as PSGL-I mimetic [E. Aydt, G. Wolff; Pathobiology; 2002-2003; 70; 297-301]. This distinguishes bimosiamose from other selectin antagonists. It is, however, a high molecular weight compound with carbohydrate structures. The pan-selectin antagonist bimosiamose seems to lack oral bioavailability. Some observations indicate that bimosiamose shows good affinity for P-selectin and a moderate affinity for E- and L-selectin.

There is a strong medical need for novel highly potent pan-selectin antagonists which modulate selectin-mediated function, e.g. of selectin-dependent cell adhesion, and for the development of methods employing such compounds to modulate conditions associated with selectin-ligand interaction. Most of the available anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical therapies, which are available on the market, comprise mostly corticosteroids or NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) having several serious drawbacks/side effects, and target different steps of the inflammatory cascade. Unlike this, modulating the selectin

function is a therapeutic concept intervening the inflammation cascade at a very early stage. Almost all promising selectin antagonists so far failed to become marketed drugs, mostly because of low potency and /or high molecular weight that causes problems in their absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion (ADME) behaviour and thus in oral bioavailability required for the treatment of most inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, atherosclerosis, reperfusion injury and many others.

Object of the invention is to provide novel small molecules, especially non- glycosylated/non-glycosidic and non-peptidic compounds, which are able to potently antagonize selectin-mediated processes and which have less negative side effects during their application than prior art compounds.

Unlike most of the sLe -mimicking compounds developed in this field, the inventive compounds are not prone to glycosidases or peptidases. Most of the selectin antagonists developed so far are structurally and biologically based on the properties of sLe ^x or sLe ^a . These resulting compounds showed, therefore, low biological activity like their template structures. This invention, however, provides novel potent small and drug like pan-selectin antagonists that have been invented on the basis of biological in vitro assays mimicking PSGL-I and PSGL-I -like ligands or any ligands bearing sLe ^x or sLe ^a and tyrosinesulfate motifs [N. V. Bovin; Biochem Soc Symp.; 2002;(69): 143-60. N. V. Bovin; Glycoconj. J; 1998; 15(5); 431-46. T.V. Pochechueva et al.; Bioorg Med Chem Lett; 2003;13(10);1709- 12. G. Weitz-Schmidt et al.; Anal. Biochem.; 1996; 238; 184-190].

The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound having the general structure of formulas (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier which is useful in medicine.

wherein the symbols and substituents have the following meaning -X- =

(a)

with m = 0,1 ; n = an integer from 1 to 3

(b)

wherein "ring" is

and with R ¹ being H, NO ₂ , CF ₃ , F, Cl, Br, I, CN, CH ₃ , NH _2, NHAlkyl, NHAryl, NHAcyl and k = O,l

(C)

T being O, S or [H,H]; p = 0,1,2,

(d)

the double bond is either E- or Z-configurated

(e)

(0

with -E- being -(CH ₂ -) _q NH- and q = 0, 1, 2, 3 -Y =

(a)

with s being 0 or 1 ,

R ² being CO ₂ H, CO ₂ Alkyl, CO ₂ Aryl, CO ₂ NH ₂ , CO ₂ Aralkyl, SO ₃ H, SO ₂ NH ₂ , PO(OH) ₂ , 1-H-tetrazolyl-, CHO, COCH ₃ , CH ₂ OH, NH ₂ , NHAlkyl, N(Alkyl)Alkyl', OCH ₃ , CH ₂ OCH ₃ , SH, F, Cl, Br, I, CH ₃ , CH ₂ CH ₃ , CN, CF ₃

R ³ independently from R ² being H, CH ₃ , CH ₂ CH ₃ , CF ₃ , F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO ₂ and

R ⁴ independently from R ² and R ³ being H, CH ₃ , CH ₂ CH ₃ , CF ₃ , F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO ₂ , R ²

R ⁵ being H, NO ₂ , CF ₃ , F, Cl. Br, I, CN, CH ₃ , OCH ₃ , SH, NH ₂ and -W- = -(CH ₂ -) _V , and v being 0,1,2; in case that -W- is cw-CH=CH- or trans-CH=CH-, R ² must not be NH ₂ or SH;

(b)

R ⁶ independently from R ² being H, F, Cl, Me, tert-Bu, CN, NH ₂

(C)

(d)

(e)

with t being 0,1,2

(f)

(g)

-Z =

(i)

^R2

R ⁷ independently from R ² being H, NO ₂ , CF ₃ , F, Cl. Br, I, CN, CH ₃ , OCH ₃ , SH,

NH _2,

(ϋ)

R ⁸ independently from R ² being H, F, Cl, Me, tert-Bu, CN, NH ₂ (iii)

(iv)

with K = NH, NMe, O, S

(V)

(vi)

(vϋ)

-W-R ²

or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters or amides and prodrugs of the above identified compounds of formulas (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib).

In a further embodiment, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of the formulas (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier which is useful in a medicine,

wherein the symbols and substituents have the following meaning -X- =

(a)

with m = 0, 1 ; n = an integer from 1 to 3

(b)

wherein "ring" is

and with R ¹ being H, NO ₂ , CF ₃ , F, Cl, Br, I, CN, CH ₃ , NH _2, NHAlkyl, NHAryl, NHAcyl and k = O,l

(C)

T being O, S or [H ₅ H]; p = 0,1,2,

(d)

the double bond is either E- or Z-configurated

-Y =

(a)

with s being 0 or 1 ,

R ² being CO ₂ H, CO ₂ Alkyl, CO ₂ Aryl, CO ₂ NH ₂ , CO ₂ Aralkyl, SO ₃ H, SO ₂ NH ₂ , PO(OH) ₂ , 1 -H-tetrazolyl-, CHO, COCH ₃ , CH ₂ OH, NH ₂ , NHAlkyl, N(Alkyl)Alkyl',

OCH ₃ , CH ₂ OCH ₃ , SH, F, Cl, Br, I, CH ₃ , CH ₂ CH ₃ , CN, CF ₃

R ³ independently from R ² being H, CH ₃ , CH ₂ CH ₃ , CF ₃ , F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO ₂ and

R ⁴ independently from R ² and R ³ being H, CH ₃ , CH ₂ CH ₃ , CF ₃ , F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO ₂ , R ² R ⁵ being H, NO ₂ , CF ₃ , F, Cl. Br, I, CN, CH ₃ , OCH ₃ , SH, NH ₂ and -W- = -(CH ₂ -X, cw-CH=CH- or tram-CH=CH-, and v being 0,1,2; in case that -W- is cw-CH=CH- or trans-CH ^≡ CW-, R ² must not be NH ₂ or SH;

(e)

with t being 0,1,2

(f)

(g)

-Z =

(0

R ⁷ independently from R ² being H, NO ₂ , CF ₃ , F, CL Br, I, CN, CH ₃ , OCH ₃ , SH,

NH _2, (iv)

with K = NH, NMe, O, S

(V)

or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters or amides and prodrugs of the above identified compounds of formulas (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib).

Preferred pharmaceutical compositions comprise compounds of formulas (Ilia) or (HIb) or (IVa) or (IVb)

wherein -Y is like defined above and wherein -X'- is X (a), X (b), X (c), and X (d) like defined above. Preferably, -X'- is X(a), X(b) and X(c).

Further preferred pharmaceutical compositions comprise compounds of formulas (Al), (A2), (Bl), (B2), (Cl), (C2), (Dl), or (D2)

A1 A2 B1 B2

wherein -X'- and -Y are like defined above and wherein -X"- is

and wherein -Y' is

wherein all indices, symbols and substituents are like defined above.

The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions, wherein the compounds are defined by formulas (Al) or (A2) or (Bl) or (B2) or (Cl) or (C2) or (Dl) or (D2)

A1 A2 B1 B2

C1 C2 D1 D2

wherein -X'- and -Y are as defined as above and wherein -X"- is

and wherein -Y' is

wherein all indices, symbols and substituents are as defined as above.

Particularly preferred pharmaceutical compositions comprise compounds of formulas (El), (E2), (Fl), or (F2)

E1 E2 F1 F2

wherein -X"- and -Y' are like defined above.

Very particularly preferred pharmaceutical compositions comprise compounds of formulas (Gl), (G2), (Hl), or (H2)

G1 G2 H1 H2

wherein -X"- is like defined above and -Y" is

with R ⁹ being CO ₂ H, CO ₂ alkyl, C0 ₂ aryl, CO ₂ NH ₂ , CO ₂ aralkyl, CH ₂ SO ₃ H, CH ₂ SO ₂ NH ₂ , CH ₂ PO(OH) ₂ , 1 -H-tetrazolyl, CHO, COCH ₃ , CH ₂ OH, CH ₂ NH ₂ , CH ₂ NHalkyl, CH ₂ N(alkyl)alkyl\ CH ₂ OCH ₃ , CH ₂ SH.

A further aspect of the invention are pharmaceutical compositions, wherein the compounds are defined by formulas (Gl) or (G2) or (Hl) or (H2)

G1 G2 H1 H2

wherein -X"- is as defined above and -Y" is

with R ⁹ being CO ₂ H, CO ₂ alkyl, CO ₂ aryl, CO ₂ NH ₂ , CO ₂ aralkyl, CH ₂ SO ₃ H, CH ₂ SO ₂ NH ₂ , CH ₂ PO(OH) ₂ , 1-H-tetrazolyl, CHO, COCH ₃ , CH ₂ OH, CH ₂ NH ₂ , CH ₂ NHalkyl, CH ₂ N(alkyl)alkyl', CH ₂ OCH ₃ , CH ₂ SH, wherein all indices, symbols and substituents are as defined above.

These chemical compounds (El), (E2), (Fl), (F2), (Gl), (G2), (Hl) and (H2) are also new compounds for themselves.

All compounds as described before present the ability of modulating cell adhesion and modulate selectin- as well as PSGL-I -like mediated binding. The compounds have the ability to modulate the interaction of selectins with sLe7sLe ^a and also the interaction between selectins and tyrosinesulfate residues. Therefore they are useful for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory disorders, as well as other medical conditions where selectin mediated processes play a role.

The term "pharmaceutical" includes also diagnostic applications.

The term "pharmaceutical" includes also prophylactic applications in order to prevent medical conditions where selectin mediated processes play a role. The term "pharmaceutical" includes also applications, where compounds of the present invention may be used as vehicles for drug targeting of diagnostics or therapeutics.

In a further preferred variant the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of formula (Al), (A2), (Bl), (B2), (Cl), (C2), (Dl), (D2), (El), (E2), (Fl), (F2), (Gl), (G2), (Hl), or (H2).

The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of formulas (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) and in a preferred variant of formulas (Ilia) or (HIb) or (IVa) or (IVb).

In a further preferred variant the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of formula (Al), (A2), (Bl), (B2), (Cl), (C2), (Dl) or (D2). In a particularly preferred variant the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of formula (El), (E2), (Fl) or (F2).

In a very particularly preferred variant the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of formula (Gl), (G2), (Hl) or (H2).

The present invention further provides a method of nodulating the binding of P-selectin, L- selectin or E-selectin to sLe ^x or sLe ^a and tyrosinesulfate residues comprising the step of administering to a patient an effective amount of at least one compound having the structure of formulas (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) to modulate the binding of P-, E- or L- selectin to sLe ^x or sLe ^a and tyrosinesulfate. It has been found that compounds having the formulas (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) shown above act to modulate E-, P- or L-selectin binding.

As used herein the terms "alkyl" shall mean a monovalent straight chain or branched chain group of 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10 or 11 or 12 carbon atoms including, but not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl and the like. "Alkyl" are independently from each other and can be different or identical.

The term "aryl" shall mean carbocyclic and heterocyclic aromatic groups including, but not limited to, phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, fluorenyl, (l,2)-dihydronaphthyl, indenyl, indanyl, thienyl, benzothienyl, thienopyridyl and the like.

The term "aralkyl" (also called arylalkyl) shall mean an aryl group appended to an alkyl group including, but not limited to, benzyl, 1-naphthylmethyl, 2-naphthylmethyl, fluorobenzyl, chlorobenzyl, bromobenzyl, iodobenzyl, alkoxybenzyl (wherein "alkoxy" means methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy an the like), hydroxybenzyl, aminobenzyl, nitrobenzyl, guanidinobenzyl, fluorenylmethyl, phenylmethyl(benzyl), 1-phenylethyl, 2-phenylethyl, 1-naphthylethyl and the like.

The term "acyl" shall mean -(CHO) or -<C-O)-alkyl or -(C=O)-aryl or -<C=O)-aralkyl including, but not limited to, formyl, acetyl, n-propionyl, isopropionyl, n-butyryl, isobutyryl, pivaloyl, benzoyl, 4-nitrobenzoyl and the like.

The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides and prodrugs" as used herein refers to those carboxylate salts, amino acid addition salts, esters, amides and prodrugs of the compounds of the present invention which are, within the scope of sound medical judgement, suitable for use in contact with tissues of patients without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response and the like, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio, and effective for their intended use, as well as the zwitterionic forms, where possible, of the compounds of the present invention. The term "salts" refers to the relatively non-toxic, inorganic and organic acid addition salts of the compounds of the present invention. These salts can be prepared in situ during the final isolation and purification of the compounds or by separately reacting the purified compounds in its free form with a suitable inorganic or organic acid or base and isolating the salt thus formed. Representative salts of the compounds of the present invention include the hydrobromide, hydrochloride, sulfate, bisulfate, nitrate, acetate, oxalate, valerate, palmitate, stearate, laurate, borate, benzoate, lactate, phosphate, tosylate, citrate, maleate, fumarate, succinate, tartrate, naphthylate, mesylate, glucoheptonate, lactiobionate, laurylsulphonate salts and the like. These may include cations based on the alkali and alkalineearth metals, such as sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and the like, as well as non-toxic ammonium, quaternary

ammonium and amine cations including, but not limited to, ammonium, tetramethylammoniurn, tetraethylammonium, methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, ethylamine, and the like.

Examples of the pharmaceutically acceptable, non-toxic esters of the compounds of this invention include C ₁ , C ₂ , C ₃ , C ₄ , C ₅ and C ₆ alkyl esters wherein the alkyl group is a straight or branched chain. Acceptable esters also include C ₅ , C ₆ and C ₇ cycloalkyl esters as well arylalkyl esters such as, but not limited to benzyl. C ₁ , C ₂ , C ₃ , C ₄ , C ₅ and C ₆ alkyl ester are preferred. Esters of the compounds of the present invention may be prepared according to conventional methods.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable, non-toxic amides of compounds of this invention include amides derived from ammonia, primary C ₁ , C ₂ , C ₃ , C ₄ , C ₅ and C ₆ alkyl amines and secondary C ₁ , C ₂ , C ₃ , C ₄ , C ₅ and C ₆ dialkyl amines wherein the alkyl groups are straight or branched chains. In the case of secondary amines the amine may also be in the form of a 5 or 6 membered heterocycle containing one nitrogen atom. Amides derived from ammonia, Ci, C ₂ and C ₃ alkyl primary amides and C ₁ to C ₂ dialkyl secondary amides are preferred. Amides of the compounds of the present invention may be prepared according to conventional methods.

The term "prodrug" refers to one or more compounds that are rapidly transformed in vitro and from a non-active to active state in vivo to yield the parent compound of the above formulas (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib), for example by hydrolysis in blood or in vivo metabolism.

It is also contemplated that pharmaceutically active compositions may contain a compound of the present invention or other compounds that modulate or compete with E-selectin or P-selectin or L-selectin binding.

Pharmaceutically active compositions of the present invention comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound of formulas (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib), whereby a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can also be a medically appropriate nano-particle, dendrimer, liposome, microbubble or polyethylene glycol (PEG). The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may include one or more of the compounds having the above structure (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) formulated together with one or more, physiologically acceptable carriers, adjuvants or vehicles, which are collectively referred to herein as carriers, for parenteral injection, for oral administration in solid or liquid form, for rectal or topical administration and the like.

The compositions can be administered to humans and animals either orally, rectally, parenterally (intravenously, intramuscularly, intradermaly or subcutaneously), intracisternally, intravaginally, interperitoneally, locally (powders, ointments or drops), or as a buccal or by inhalation (nebulized, or as nasal sprays).

Compositions suitable for parenteral injection may comprise physiologically acceptable sterile aqueous or nonaqueous solutions, stabilizers, antioxidants, preservatives (e.g. ascorbic acid, sodium sulfite, sodium hydrogene sulfite, benzyl alcohol, EDTA), dispersions, suspensions or emulsions and sterile powders for reconstitution into sterile injectable solution or dispersion. Examples of suitable aqueous and nonaqueous carriers, diluents, solvents or vehicles include water, ethanol, polyol, (propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerol and the like), suitable mixtures thereof, vegetable oils (such as olive or canola oil) and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Proper fluidity can be maintained, for examples, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions and by the use of surfactants.

These compositions may also contain adjuvants such as preserving, wetting, emulsifying, and dispersing agents. Prevention of the actions of microorganisms can be ensured by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for examples, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, and the like. It may also be desirable to include isotonic agents, for examples

sugars, sodium chloride and the like. Prolonged absorption of the injectable pharmaceutical form can be brought about by the use of agents delaying absorption, for examples aluminium monostearate and gelatin.

If desired, and for more effective distribution, the compounds can be incorporated into slow or timed release or targeted delivery systems such as polymer matrices, liposomes, and microspheres. They may be sterilized, for example, by filtration through a bacteria- retaining filter, or by incorporating sterilizing agents in the form of sterile water, or some other sterile injectable medium immediately before use.

Solid dosage forms for oral administration include capsules, tablets, pills, powders and granules. In such solid dosage forms, the active compound or a prodrug is admixed with at least one inert customary excipient (or carrier) such as sodium citrate or dicalcium phosphate or (i) fillers or extenders, as for example, starches, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol and silicic acid, (ii) binders, as for example, carboxymethylcellulose, alginates, gelatine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sucrose and acacia, (iii) humectants, as for example, glycerol, (div disintegrating agents, as for example, agar-agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch, aliginic acid, certain complex silicates and sodium carbonate, (v) solution retarders, as for examples, paraffin, (vi) absorption- accelerators, as for example, quaternary ammonium compounds, (vii) wetting agents, as for examples, cetyl alcohol and glycerol monostearate, (viii) adsorbents, as for example, kaolin and bentonite, and (ix) lubricants, as for example, talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate and mixtures thereof. In the case of capsules, tablets, and pills, the dosage forms may also comprise buffering agents.

Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in soft and hard-filled gelatine capsules using excipients as lactose or milk sugars as well as high molecular polyethylene glycols and the like. Solid dosage forms such as tablets, dragees, capsules, pills and granules can be prepared with coatings and shells, such as enteric coatings and others well known in the art. They may contain opacifying agents, and can also be of such

compositions that they release the active compound or compounds in a certain part of the intestinal tract in a delayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions that can be used are polymeric substances and waxes. The active compounds can also be in microencapsulated form, if appropriate, with one or more of the above-mentioned excipients.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs, hi addition to the active compounds, the liquid dosage forms may contain inert diluents commonly used in the art such as water or other solvents, solubilizing agents and emulsifiers, as for example, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, dimethylformamide, oils, in particular, cottonseed oil, groundnut oil, corn germ oil, olive oil, cannola oil, caster oil and sesame seed oil, glycerol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, polyethylene glycols and fatty acid esters of sorbitan or mixtures of these substances, and the like. Besides such inert diluents, the compositions can also include adjuvants, such as wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, sweeting, flavouring and perfuming agents.

Suspensions, in addition to the active compounds, may contain suspending agents, for example, ethoxylated isostearyl alcohols, polyoxyethylene sorbitol and sorbitan esters, microcrystalline cellulose, aluminium metahydroxide, bentonite, agar-agar, tragacanth or mixtures of these substances and the like.

Compositions for rectal administrations are preferably suppositories, which can be prepared by mixing the compounds of the present invention with suitable nonirritating excipients or carriers such as cacao butter, polyethylene glycol or a suppository wax, which are solid at ordinary temperatures but liquid at body temperature and therefore melt in the rectal or vaginal cavity and release the active component. Dosage forms for topical administration of a compound of this invention include ointments, powder, sprays and inhalants.

The active component is admixed under sterile conditions with a physiologically acceptable carrier and any needed preservatives, buffers or propellants as may be required. Ophthalmic formulations, eye ointments, suspensions, powder and solutions are also contemplated as being within the scope of this invention.

The compounds of the present invention can also be incorporated into or connected to liposomes or administrated in the form of liposomes. As is known in the art, liposomes are generally derived from phospholipids or other lipid substances. Liposomes are formed by mono or multilamellar hydrated liquid crystals that are dispersed in an aqueous medium. Any non-toxic, physiologically acceptable metabolized lipid capable of forming liposomes can be used. The present compositions in liposome form can contain, in addition to the selectin binding antagonists of the present invention, stabilizers, preservatives, excipients and the like. The preferred lipids are the phospholipids and the phosphatidyl cholines (lecithins), both natural and synthetic. Methods to form liposomes are well known in the art.

Non-parenteral dosage forms may also contain a bioavailability enhancing agent (e.g. enzyme modulateors, antioxidants) appropriate for the protection of the compounds against degradation. Actual dosage levels of active ingredient in the composition of the present invention may be varied so as to obtain an amount of active ingredient that is effective to obtain the desired therapeutic response for a particular composition and method of administration. The selected dosage level, therefore, depends on the desired therapeutic effect, on the route of administration, on the desired duration of treatment and other factors. The total daily dosage of the compounds on this invention administered to a host in single or divided doses may be in the range up to 50 mg per kilogram of body weight. Dosage unit compositions may contain such submultiples thereof as may be used to make up the daily dosage. It will be understood, however, that the specific dose level for any particular patient, whether human or other animal, will depend upon a variety of factors including the body weight, general health, sex diet, time and route of administration, rates of absorption and excretion, combination with other drugs and the severity of the particular disease being treated.

In particular, the compounds of the present invention may be used to treat a variety of diseases relating to inflammation and cell-cell recognition and adhesion. For example, the compounds of the present invention may be administrated to a patient to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), acute lung injury (ALI), cardiopulmonary bypass, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), Crohn's disease, septic shock, sepsis, chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and reperfusion injury that occurs following heart attacks, strokes, atherosclerosis, and organ transplants, traumatic shock, multi-organ failure, autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. In each case, an effective amount of the compounds of the present invention is administered either alone or as part of a pharmaceutically active composition to a patient in need of such treatment. It is also recognized that a combination of the compounds may be administered to a patient in need of such administration. The compounds of the present invention may also be administered to treat other diseases that are associated with cell-cell adhesion. As the present compounds modulate the binding of E-selectin or P-selectin or L- selectin, any disease that is related to this interaction may potentially be treated by the modulation of this binding interaction.

In addition to being found on some white blood cells, sLe ^a is found on various cancer cells, including lung and colon cancer cells. It has been suggested that cell adhesion involving sLe ^a may be involved in the metastasis of certain cancers and antagonists of sLe ^a binding might be useful in treatment of some forms of cancer.

The use of the active ingredients according to the invention or of cosmetic or topical dermatological compositions with an effective content of active ingredient according to the invention surprisingly enables effective treatment, but also prophylaxis of skin ageing caused by extrinsic and intrinsic factors.

The invention particularly relates to the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof for the preparation of a cosmetic or dermatological composition.

The amount used of the active compound or a stereoisomeric form thereof corresponds to the amount required to obtain the desired result using the cosmetic or dermatological compositions. One skilled in this art is capable of evaluating this effective amount, which depends on the derivative used, the individual on whom it is applied, and the time of this application. To provide an order of magnitude, in the cosmetic or dermatological compositions according to the invention, the compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or

(lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof may be administered in an amount representing from

0.001% to 40% by weight, preferentially 0.005% to 30% by weight and more preferentially from 0.01 % to 20% by weight.

A further aspect covers cosmetic compositions comprising a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof and at least one cosmetically tolerable component, e.g. a cosmetically tolerable component for skin applications.

The amounts of the various components of the physiological medium of the cosmetic composition according to the invention are those generally included in the fields under consideration. When the cosmetic composition is an emulsion, the proportion of the fatty phase may range from 2% to 80% by weight and preferably from 5% to 50% by weight relative to the total weight of the cosmetic composition.

Thus, the cosmetic composition should contain a non-toxic physiologically acceptable medium that can be applied to human skin. For a topical application to the skin, the cosmetic composition may be in the form of a solution, a suspension, an emulsion or a dispersion of more or less fluid consistency and especially liquid or semi-liquid consistency, obtained by dispersing a fatty phase in an aqueous phase (O/W) or, conversely, (W/O), or alternatively a gel. A cosmetic composition in the form of a mousse or in the form of a spray or an aerosol then comprising a pressurized propellant may also be provided. Also the compositions may be in the form of a haircare lotion, a shampoo or

hair conditioner, a liquid or solid soap, a treating mask, or a foaming cream or gel for cleansing the hair. They may also be in the form of hair dye or hair mascara.

The cosmetic compositions of the invention may also comprise one or more other ingredients usually employed in the fields under consideration, selected from among formulation additives, for instance aqueous-phase or oily-phase thickeners or gelling agents, dyestuffs that are soluble in the medium of the cosmetic composition, solid particles such as mineral or organic fillers or pigments in the form of microparticles or nanoparticles, preservatives, fragrances, hydrotopes or electrolytes, neutralizers (acidifying or basifying agents), propellants, anionic, cationic or amphoteric surfactants, polymers, in particular water-soluble or water-dispersible anionic, nonionic, cationic or amphoteric film-forming polymers, mineral or organic salts, chelating agents; mixtures thereof.

The cosmetic compositions may be used to inhibit the micro-inflammatory cycle. Thus, the present invention also relates to cosmetic compositions comprising a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof that is used for the cosmetic treatment or cosmetic prophylaxis of micro-inflammatory conditions.

Cosmetic compositions comprising a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof that is used for the cosmetic treatment or cosmetic prophylaxis of skin ageing caused by intrinsic factors are also subject of the present invention. Intrinsic factors responsible for skin ageing are genetically programmed determinants including age, hormonal status, and psychological factors.

Beside cosmetically inactive ingredients the cosmetic compositions of the present invention may also comprise one or more cosmetically active ingredients with beneficial action on the skin. Thus, the present invention relates to cosmetic compositions comprising a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof and at least one further cosmetically active ingredient, e.g. an UV-blocker or proteins.

Dermatological compositions comprising a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof and at least one dermatologically tolerable component, e.g. a dermatologically tolerable component for skin applications, are also subject of the invention.

Dermatologically tolerable components that can be used for the dermatological compositions described here are identical to the cosmetically tolerable components as defined in this invention.

A further embodiment of this invention are dermatological compositions comprising a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof that is used for the dermatological treatment, dermatological diagnosis or dermatological prophylaxis of micro-inflammatory conditions.

hi particular the invention covers dermatological compositions comprising a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof that is used for the dermatological treatment, dermatological diagnosis or dermatological prophylaxis of itching and skin ageing caused by extrinsic factors. Extrinsic factors include environmental factors in general; more particularly photo-ageing due to exposure to the sun, to light or to any other radiation, atmospheric pollution, wounds, infections, traumatisms, anoxia, cigarette smoke, hormonal status as response to external factors, neuropeptides, electromagnetic fields, gravity, lifestyle (e.g. excessive consumption of alcohol), repetitive facial expressions, sleeping positions, and psychological stressors.

hi addition to dermatologically inactive ingredients the dermatological compositions may also comprise dermatologically or pharmaceutically active ingredients. Thus, the present invention also relates to dermatological compositions comprising a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof and at least one further dermatologically or pharmaceutically active ingredient. The dermatologically or pharmaceutically active ingredients that can be used for the dermatological compositions described herein are defined as the cosmetically active ingredients defined above. Dermatologically or pharmaceutically

active ingredients can be identical to the cosmetically active ingredients as defined in this invention.

Another subject of the present invention are dermatological compositions comprising a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof and at least one further dermatologically or pharmaceutically active ingredient characterized in that it is used for the dermatological treatment, dermatological diagnosis or dermatological prophylaxis of micro-inflammatory conditions.

In particular, the present invention relates to dermatological compositions comprising a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof and at least one further dermatologically or pharmaceutically active ingredient characterized in that it is used for the dermatological treatment, dermatological diagnosis or dermatological prophylaxis of itching and skin ageing caused by extrinsic factors.

Ageing of the skin may also be caused by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Therefore, the present invention also relates to dermatological compositions comprising a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof and at least one further pharmaceutically or cosmetically active ingredient characterized in that it is used for the cosmetic and dermatological treatment and cosmetic and dermatological prophylaxis of skin ageing caused by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

Another embodiment of this invention is a process for the preparation of a cosmetic composition by mixing a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof, at least one cosmetically tolerable component and eventually further cosmetically active ingredients.

In particular, a process for the preparation of a cosmetic composition by mixing a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof, at least one cosmetically tolerable component and eventually further cosmetically active ingredients, wherein the composition includes from 0.01% to 20% by weight of compound of formula (Ia) or Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof, based on the total weight of the composition is subject of this invention.

A further aspect deals with a process for the preparation of a dermatological composition by mixing a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) or (Ha) or (lib) or a stereoisomeric form thereof, at least one dermatologically tolerable component and eventually further pharmaceutically active ingredients.

Many of the compounds of the present invention may be synthesized according to the following general synthetic schemes.

SCHEME1

In SCHEME 1 an amino acid of type (1) is reacted with Fmoc-CI in dioxane under basic conditions (10% Na ₂ CO ₃ in water) to the corresponding N-Fmoc protected acid (2). Carboxylic acid (2) is immobilized to a 2-chlorotrityl chloride resin (3) to form the solid phase supported 2-chlorotrityl ester (4). Deprotection of (4) with piperidine in DMF gives amine of type (5). Further reaction of amine (5) with carboxylic acid (6) under standard coupling conditions (DIC and HOBt in DMF) gives amide (7) which is easily released

frora the resin with Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) in dichloromethane to obtain carboxylic acids of type (8). Alternatively N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-ethyl carbodiimide (EDC), triethylamine and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) in a chlorinated solvent may be used for the amide coupling reaction step. The synthesis sequence shown in SCHEME 1 leading to compounds like (8) is not only reduced to the Y-H building blocks like (1) but may be generally applied to all other Y-H type building blocks bearing a carboxylic and a NH ₂ - function.

In SCHEME 2 carboxylic acids of type (8) are reacted with boron tribromide in dichloromethane at -40°C to obtain after following aqueous workup corresponding demethylated acids of type (9). The synthesis sequence shown in SCHEME 2 leading to compounds like (9) is not only reduced to X-Y-H and Y-H building blocks like (8) but may be generally applied to all other X-Y-H and Y-H type building blocks.

In SCHEME 3 an aniline of type (10) is reacted under inert atmosphere conditions with N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-ethyl carbodiimide (EDC), triethylamine, 4- dimethylamino-pyridine (DMAP) and carboxylic acid of type (11) in dichloromethane to give an amide of type (12). Further hydrolysis of ester (12) with aqueous LiOH in THF and MeOH leads to carboxylic acids of type (13).

SCHEME 4

In SCHEME 4 carboxylic acids of type (13) are reacted with boron tribromide in dichloromethane at -40 ⁰ C to obtain after following aqueous workup corresponding demethylated acids of type (14). The synthesis sequence shown in SCHEME 4 leading to compounds like (14) is not only reduced to X-Y-H and Y-H building blocks like (13) but may be generally applied to all other X-Y-H and Y-H type building blocks.

The present invention is furthermore illustrated by the following representative examples.

EXAMPLE 1

3-[4-(3,5-Dihydroxy-benzoylamino)-butyrylamino)-benzoic acid (21) and 3-[4-(3,5-Dihydroxy-benzoyIamino)-butyrylamino]-benzoic acid methyl ester (22)

Step 1: Dissolve 3-Aminobenzoic acid ((15); 1.0Og, 7.30mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (12.OmL) and 10% aqu. Na ₂ CO ₃ (20.8mL) and add Fmoc-CI (2.26g, 8.76mmol). Stir the reaction mixture for 2.5h at rt. Add IM aqu HCl (42.OmL) to the mixture and extract with

EtOAc (3 times). Wash the combined organic layers with IM aqu HCl, water and brine, extract the combined aqu layers once again with EtOAc, dry the combined organic layers

with Na ₂ SO ₄ and remove solvent under reduced pressure. The left crude product is washed with ice cold EtOAc and dried in oil pump vacuum to obtain (16) as a white solid (1.6 Ig, 61%). No further purification. [M. Nichifor; E. H. Schacht; Tetrahedron; 1994; 50; 12; 3747-3760]. ¹ H NMR (400MHz, DMSO-(I ₆ ): 4.31 (t, 1 H, J - 6.6Hz); 4.49 (d, 2 H, J = 6.6Hz); 7.31-7.45 (m, 5 H); 7.56 (d, 1 H, J= 7.6Hz); 7.60-7.70 (br.m, 1 H); 7.75 (d, 2 H, J = 7.3Hz); 7.90 (d, 2 H, J= 7.3Hz); 8.11 (s, 1 H); 9.88 (s, 1 H).

Step 2: Dissolve (16) (180mg, 0.5mmol) in DCM (0.5mL) and DMF (0.25mL) at rt in a pre-dried tube, add DIEA (0.52mL, 1.5mmol) and add this solution to 2-chlorotritylchlorid-polystyrene (3) (82mg, 0.13mmol (loading 1.6mmol/g)) which is preswollen before in DCM (0.15mL). Shake the reaction suspensions for 14h at rt. The resin bound product (17) is washed with DCM/MeOH/DIEA (17+2+1, 3 times), DCM (once), DMF (3 times) and again DCM (twice) and dried in vacuum, [i.e. Novabiochem ^® 2000 Catalog; 2000; S 15-Sl 8].

Step 3: Suspend complete amount of resin (17) from step 2 in DMF (0.4mL) and piperidine (O.lmL) and shake it for 1.5h at rt. Washed resin bound product (18) with DMF (3 times) and DCM (3 times for 30min) and dry in vacuum.

Step 4: Complete amount of resin (18) from step 3 is preswollen in DMF (0.8mL) for 20min. Dissolve acid (6) (158mg, 0.59mmol) and HOBt (90mg, 0.59mmol) in DMF (2.8mL) at rt, add DIC (75mg, 0.59mmol), stir for 15min and add this solution to the preswollen resin (18). Shake the resin suspension gently for 2Oh at rt. Wash resin bound product (19) with DMF (3 times) and DCM (4 times) and dry in vacuum.

Step 5: Suspend complete amount of resin (19) from step 4 in 1.5mL of

DCM+HFIP (2+1) and shake for 45min at rt. Filter the remaining solution of and wash resin once with DCM . Repeat cleavage procedure and washing once. Evaporate solvent of the combined filtrates under reduced pressure to afford crude product (20). No further purification.

Step 6: (The following reaction is done in an anhydrous N ₂ atmosphere.) Suspend complete amount of crude (20) from step 5 in anhydrous DCM (2.OmL), cooled it to -40 ⁰ C and added BBr ₃ (0.15mL, 1.59mmol). Shake the reaction suspension for Ih at -40 ⁰ C, 2h at -25°C and 30min at +5°C. Add dropwise water under vigorous stirring followed by MeOH. Remove solvent under reduced pressure. Purify the crude product by preparative RP HPLC (gradient, water/MeCN 95:5) to obtain 3-[4-(3,5-Dihydroxy-benzoylamino)- butyrylamino] -benzoic acid (21) (8.9mg, 19% over 5 steps) and 3-[4-(3,5-Dihydroxy- benzoylamino)-butyrylamino]-benzoic acid methyl ester (22) (3.0mg, 6% over 5 steps) as white solids both. ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CD ₃ OD) (21): 2.03 (quint, 2 H, J= 7.1 Hz); 2.51 (t, 2H, J= 7.5Hz); 3.47 (t, 2 H, J= 6.7Hz); 6.44 (br.s, 1 H); 6.75 (br.s, 2 H); 7.44 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.3Hz, J ₂ = 7.8Hz); 7.78 (d, 1 H, J = 7.8Hz); 7.85 (d, 1 H, J = 8.6Hz); 8.26 (br.s, 1 H); (22): 2.03 (quint, 2 H, J= 6.9 Hz); 2.51 (t, 2H, J= 7.5Hz); 3.47 (t, 2 H, J= 6.9Hz); 3.94 (s, 3 H); 6.43 (br.t, 1 H, J= 2.0Hz); 6.74 (d, 2 H, J= 2.0Hz); 7.44 (t, 1 H, J= 8.1Hz); 7.77 (d, 1 H, , J= 7.6Hz); 7.83 (br.d, 1 H, J= 8.1Hz); 8.28 (br.s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 2

{4-[4-(3,5-Dihydroxy-benzoylamino)-butyryl]-piperazin-l-y l}-acetic acid (23)

SCHEME 6

According to the procedure described in EXAMPLE 1 {4-[4-(3,5-Dihydroxy- benzoylamino)-butyryl]-piperazin-l-yl} -acetic acid (23) is obtained as a yellowish oil (6.8mg, 14% over 5 steps). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CD ₃ OD): 1.96 (quint, 2 H, J = 6.7 Hz); 2.54 (t, 2H, J= 6.9Hz); 3.41-3.51 (m, 4 H); 3.90 (br.s, 4 H); 4.12 (s, 2 H); 6.46 (br.s, 1 H); 6.74 (d; 2 H, J= 2.0Hz).

EXAMPLE 3

4-[4-(3,5-Dihydroxy-benzoylamino)-butyrylamino]-benzoic acid (24)

SCHE

According to the procedure described in EXAMPLE 1 4-[4-(3,5-Dihydroxy- benzoylamino)-butyrylamino] -benzoic acid (24) is obtained as a white solid (1.2mg, 2% over 5 steps). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CD ₃ OD): 2.03 (quint, 2 H, J = 6.9Hz); 2.52 (t, 2H, J = 7.8Hz); 3.47 (t, 2H, J= 6.6Hz); 6.44 (br.s, 1 H); 6.75 (br.s, 2 H); 7.71 (d, 2 H, J= 8.3Hz); 7.99 (d, 2 H, J= 8.3Hz).

EXAMPLE 4

5-{4-[2-(2,4-Dimethoxy-phenyl)-acetylamino]-phenyl}-2-met hyl-furan-3-carboxyIic acid ethyl ester (27) and

5-{4-[2-(2,4-Dimethoxy-phenyl)-acetylamino]-phenyl}-2-met hyl-furan-3-carboxyIic acid (28)

SCHEME 8

Step 1: (The following reaction is done in an anhydrous N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve EDC hydrochloride (117mg, O.όlmmol) and triethylamine (85μL, O.όlmmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (2.OmL) and stir for 5min at rt. Add acid (26) (84mg, 0.43mmol) and DMAP (8mg, O.Oόmmol) and stir for lOmin. Add ethyl ester (25) (lOOmg, 0.41mmol) and stir the reaction solution overnight at rt. Hydrolize the reaction solution with saturated aqu. NH ₄ Cl followed by water, separate layers, extract aqu. layer with dichloromethane (3 times) and wash the combined organic layers with water and brine and dry with Na ₂ SO ₄ . Remove solvent under reduced pressure. Purify crude product by preparative radial chromatography (silica gel 60PF, EtOAc/CyH 1+1) to obtain 5-{4-[2-(2,4-Dimethoxy- phenyl)-acetylamino]-phenyl}-2-methyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (27) as a yellow solid (153mg, 88%). [K. C. Nicolaou; P. S. Baran; Y.-L. Zhong; K. Sugita; J Am. Chem. Soc; 2002; 124; 10; 2212-2220]. ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.34 (t, 3 H, J = 7.2Hz); 2.61 (s, 3 H); 3.63 (s, 2 H); 3.81 (s, 3 H); 3.89 (s, 3 H); 4.28 (q, 2 H, J= 7.2Hz); 6.48-6.53 (m, 2 H); 6.77 (s, 1 H); 7.19 (d, 1 H, J= 8.1Hz); 7.42 (d, 2 H, J= 8.6Hz); 7.52 (d, 2 H, J= 8.8Hz); 7.60 (br.s, 1 H).

Step 2: Dissolve 5-{4-[2-(2,4-Dimethoxy-phenyl)-acetylamino]-phenyl}-2-methyl - furan-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (27) (150mg, 0.35mmol) in MeOH (0.5mL) and THF (8mL) at rt and add IM aqu LiOH (3.6mL, 3.6mmol). Stir reaction mixture 18h at rt. Quench reaction mixture (cooling bath) with 2M aqu. HCl. Extract the mixture with EtOAc (3x), wash the combined organic layer with brine and dry with Na ₂ SO ₄ to obtain 5- {4-[2-(2,4-Dimethoxy-phenyl)-acetylamino]-phenyl}-2-methyl-f uran-3-carboxylic acid (28) (136mg, 97%) as a white solid. ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CD ₃ OD): 2.66 (s, 3 H); 3.65 (s, 2

H); 3.83 (s, 3 H); 3.86 (s, 3 H); 6.54 (dd, 1 H, J, = 8.3Hz, J ₂ = 2.3Hz); 6.59 (d, 1 H, J 2.3Hz); 6.91 (d, 1 H); 7.18 (d, 1 H, J= 8.3Hz); 7.64 (s, 4 H).

EXAMPLE 5

5-{4-[2-(2,4-Dihydroxy-phenyl)-acetylamino]-phenyl}-2-met hyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid (29)

SCHEME 9

(The following reaction is done in an anhydrous N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve 5-{4-[2-(2,4- Dimethoxy-phenyl)-acetylamino]-phenyl}-2-methyl-furan-3-carb oxylic acid (28) (lOOmg, 0.25mmol) in anhydrous DCM (2.5mL), cool the solution to -78°C and add dropwise BBr ₃ (95μL, l.Olmmol). Stir the reaction mixture for 30min at -78°C and after slowly warming up for additional 2h at rt. Add dropwise ice water, separate layers and extract aqu. layer with DCM (3 times). Wash combined organic layer with brine and dry with Na ₂ SO ₄ .. Purify the crude product by preparative RP HPLC (gradient, water/CH ₃ CN 95:5 to 5:95) to obtain 5-{4-[2-(2,4-Dihydroxy-phenyl)-acetylamino]-phenyl}-2-methyl -furan-3-carboxylic acid (29) (30mg, 32%). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CD ₃ OD): 2.65 (s, 3 H); 3.62 (s, 2 H); 6.33 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.3Hz, J ₂ = 2.3Hz); 6.39 (d, 1 H, J = 2.3Hz); 6.89 (s, 1 H); 7.02 (d, 1 H, J = 8.3Hz); 7.62 (s, 4 H).

EXAMPLE 6

5-{4-[2-(3,5-Dimethoxy-phenyI)-acetylamino]-phenyl}-2-met hyl-furan-3-carboxyIic acid (30)

According to the procedure described in EXAMPLE 4 5-{4-[2-(3,5-Dimethoxy-phenyl)- acetylamino]-phenyl}-2-methyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid (30) is obtained as a white solid (138mg, 85% over 2 steps). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CD ₃ OD): 2.66 (s, 3 H); 3.65 (s, 2 H); 3.81 (s, 6 H); 6.43 (t, 1 H, J= 2.0Hz); 6.58 (d, 2 H, J= 2.0Hz); 6.92 (s, 1 H); 7.65 (s, 4 H).

EXAMPLE 7

5-{4-[2-(3,5-Dihydroxy-phenyl)-acetylamino]-phenyl}-2-met hyl-furaii-3-carboxylic acid (31)

According to the procedure described in EXAMPLE 5 5-{4-[2-(3,5-Dihydroxy-phenyl)- acetylamino] -phenyl }-2-methyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid (31) is obtained as a white solid (57mg, 55% yield). ¹ H NMR (400MHz, CD ₃ OD): 2.66 (s, 3 H); 3.57 (s, 2 H); 6.22 (t, 1 H, J= 2.0Hz); 6.35 (d, 2 H, J= 2.0Hz); 6.91 (s, 1 H); 7.65 (s, 4 H).

In the following, the preparation of intermediates is described: [5-(2-Amino-phenyl)-thiophen-2-yl]-acetic acid methyl ester (43)

SCHEME 13

Step 1 : (The following reaction is carried out in an anhydrous N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve thiophene-2-yl-acetic acid methyl ester (41) (2.Og, 12.8mmol) in anhydrous chloroform (9.OmL) and glacial acetic acid (9.OmL), add N-bromosuccinimide (2.3g, 13.0mmol) in portions and stir the mixture for 3d at it. Add water to the reaction mixture, separate layers and extract the aqu. layer with dichloromethane. Wash combined organic layer several times with a IM aqu. NaOH and water and once with brine and dry it with Na ₂ SO ₄ . Purify the crude product by preparative radial chromatography (silica gel 60PF, CyH/EtOAc 5+1) to obtain (5-bromo-thiophen-2-yl)-acetic acid methyl ester (42) as a yellow oil (2.46g, 81%) which is used without any further purification. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.71 (s, 3 H); 3.75 (s, 2 H); 6.67 (d, 1 H, J= 3.8 Hz); 6.88 (d, 1 H, J= 3.8 Hz).

Step 2: (The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Ethanol (3.7mL), tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)-palladium(0) (289mg, 0.25mmol) and Na ₂ CO ₃ decahydrate (4.Og, 14.0mmol) dissolved in water (5.2mL) are subsequently added to a solution of 2- amino-benzeneboronic acid hydrochloride (910mg, 5.25mmol) in toluene (52mL). Degas the reaction mixture carefully (5 times) and flush with N ₂ again. A solution of (5-bromo- thiophen-2-yl)-acetic acid methyl ester (42) (1.17 g, 5.0 mmol) in toluene (4.5 mL) is added. Degas the mixture again (5 times) and stir for 22h at 100°C. Partition the reaction solution between EtOAc and brine and extract the separated aqueous layer with EtOAc (3 times). Wash combined organic layer with water and brine and dry it with Na ₂ SO ₄ . Purify the crude product by preparative radial chromatography (silica gel 60PF, CyH/EtOAc 5+1)

to obtain [5-(2-amino-phenyl)-thiophen-2-yl]-acetic acid methyl ester (43) as a brown oil (634 mg, 51%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.73 (s, 3 H); 3.83 (s, 2 H); 3.92-4.07 (br.s, 2 H); 6.74 (d, 1 H); 6.76 (td, 1 H, J, = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 6.92 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.02 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.11 (td, 1 H, J, = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.23 (dd, 14 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz).

5-(2-Amino-phenyl)-thiophene-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (45)

SCHEME 14

Step 1: Dissolve 5-bromo-thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (1.5Og, 7.24mmol) in MeOH (1OmL) and add cone, sulfuric acid (0.39mL, 7.24mmol). Stir the reaction mixture for 2Oh at 75°C. Cool mixture to it, remove solvent under reduced pressure and resolve the residue in EtOAc. Wash this organic layer 3 times with 5% aqu. Na ₂ CO ₃ and extract the combined aqueous layer with EtOAc. Wash the combined organic layers with brine and dry with Na ₂ SO ₄ . Remove solvent under reduced pressure and dry the residue without further purification in oil pump vacuum to obtain ester (44) as a white solid (1.48g, 92%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.85 (s, 3 H); 7.05 (d, 1 H, J= 4.0 Hz); 7.53 (d, 1 H, J= 4.0 Hz). Step 2: (The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve tetrakis- (triphenylphosphine)-palladium(O) (510mg, 0.45 mmol) and ester (44) (1.97g, 8.91mmol) in DME (16mL), degas the reaction mixture carefully (5 times) and flush with N ₂ . Add 2- (4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-[l,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)-phenylamine (2.15g, 9.80mmol) and a IM aqueous NaHCO ₃ solution (27.OmL, 27.0mmol), degas the reaction mixture again carefully (5 times) and flush with N ₂ . Stir the mixture for 18h at 95°C. Cool the mixture to rt, partition between EtOAc and water and extract the separated aqueous layer with EtOAc (3

times). Wash combined organic layer with brine and dry it with Na ₂ SO ₄ . Purify the crude product by flash chromatography (silica gel 60, CyH/EtOAc 5+1] to obtain 5-(2-amino- phenyl)-thiophene-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (45) as a yellow solid (1.41g, 67%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.88 (s, 3 H); 4.00 (br.s, 2 H); 6.73-6.82 (m, 2 H); 7.13-7.21 (m, 2 H); 7.26 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.0 Hz); 7.78 (d, 1 H, J= 3.8 Hz).

5-(4-Amino-phenyl)-2-methyl-furan-3-carboxyIic acid methyl ester (47)

SCHEME 15

Step 1: (The following reaction is carried out under exclusion of light.) Dissolve 2- methyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (3.6OmL, 28.5mmol) in chloroform (2OmL) and glacial acetic acid (2OmL) and add NBS (6.9Og, 38.8mmol) portionwise in between a period of 95min. Stir the reaction suspension for additional 19h at rt. Add water to the reaction mixture and extract the aqu. layer with dichloromethane (2 times), wash the combined organic layer with 2M aqu. NaOH, water (3 times) and brine and dry it with Na ₂ SO ₄ to obtain 5-bromo-2-methyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (46) (4.9Og, 78%) as a red brown oil. No further purification. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.54 (s, 3 H); 3.80 (s, 3 H); 6.53 (s, 1 H).

Step 2: (The following reaction is carried out in a N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve Pd(PPh ₃ ) ₄ (1.26g, 1.09mmol) and 5-bromo-2-methyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (46) (4.77g, 21.77mmol) in DME (116mL) and stir for 15min at rt. Add 4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl- [l,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)-phenylamine (5.25g, 23.96mmol) followed by an aqu. IM sodium bicarbonate solution (65.4mL, 65.3mmol). Degas the reaction mixture carefully, flush with N ₂ (5 times) and stir for 4h at 95 °C (reflux). Cool reaction mixture to rt, remove

organic solvent under reduced pressure and partition the residue between water and EtOAc. Extract the aqu. layer with EtOAc (3 times), wash the combined organic layer with water and brine and dry it with Na ₂ SO ₄ . Purify the obtained crude product by flash chromatography (silica gel 60, EtOAc/CyH 1+2) to obtain 5-(4-amino-phenyl)-2-methyl- furan-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (47) (2.35g, 46%) as a yellow-brown solid. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.60 (s, 3 H); 3.74 (br.s, 2 H); 3.82 (s, 3 H); 6.64 (s, 1 H); 6.67 (dt, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.6 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 7.42 (dt, 2 H, Ji = 8.8 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz).

2-Thiophene-2-yl-phenylamine (48) SCHEME 16

48

(The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve tetrakis- (triphenylphosphine)-palladium(O) (297mg, 0.26 mmol) and 2-bromo-thiophene (837mg, 5.13mmol) in DME (42mL), degas the reaction mixture carefully (5 times) and flush with N ₂ . After lOmin stirring add 2-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-[l,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)-phenylamine (1.24g, 5.64mmol) and a IM aqueous NaHCO ₃ solution (15.4mL, 15.4mmol), degas the reaction mixture again carefully (5 times) and flush with N ₂ . Stir the mixture for 3h at 95°C. Cool mixture to rt, remove solvent under reduced pressure and partition the residue between EtOAc and water. Extract the separated aqueous layer with EtOAc (3 times). Wash combined organic layer with brine and dry it with Na ₂ SO ₄ . Purify the crude product by flash chromatography (silica gel 60, CyH/EtOAc 15+1] to obtain 2-thiophene-2-yl- phenylamine (48) as a brown solid (825mg, 92%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 4.40-6.00 (m, 2 H); 6.88 (td, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.0 Hz); 6.93 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.0 Hz, J ₂ = 1.0 Hz); 7.07 (dd, 1 H, J, = 5.3 Hz, J ₂ = 3.5 Hz); 7.17 (td, 1 H, J, = 8.0 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz) 7.22 (dd, I H ₁ Ji = 3.5 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.30 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.33 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 5.3 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz).

[5-(3-Amino-phenyl)-thiophen-2-yl]-acetic acid methyl ester (50)

S

Step 1: (The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve Tetrakis- (triphenylphosphine)-palladium(O) (1.12g, 0.97 mmol) and ester (42) (4.57g, 19.44mmol) in toluene (20OmL) and EtOH (20.OmL), degas the reaction mixture carefully (5 times) and flush with N ₂ . Add 3-nitrophenylboronic acid (3.57g, 21.38mmol) and a 3 M aqueous Na ₂ CO ₃ solution (18.ImL, 54.3mmol), degas the reaction mixture again carefully (5 times) and flush with N ₂ . Stir the mixture for 18h at 100°C. Partition the reaction solution between EtOAc and water and extract the separated aqueous layer with EtOAc (3 times). Wash combined organic layer with brine and dry it with Na ₂ SO ₄ . Purify the obtained crude product by preparative radial chromatography (silica gel, EtOAc/CyH 1+5) to obtain [5-(3- nitro-phenyl)-thiophen-2-yl]-acetic acid methyl ester (49) as a yellow solid (3.15g, 58%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.75 (s, 3 H); 3.85 (s, 2 H); 6.94 (br.d, 1 H, J= 3.8 Hz); 7.27 (d, 1 H, J= 3.8 Hz); 7.51 (t, 1 H, J= 8.0 Hz); 7.84 (ddd, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz, J ₃ = 0.8 Hz); 8.08 (ddd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.3 Hz, J ₂ = 2.1 Hz, J ₃ = 1.0 Hz); 8.39 (t, 1 H, J= 1.9 Hz).

Step 2: (The following reaction is done in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve [5-(3-Nitro- phenyl)-thiophen-2-yl] -acetic acid methyl ester (49) (3.15g, 11.35mmol) in MeOH

(225mL) and add Pd on carbon (10% (w/w) Pd content, 1.2Og, 1.13mmol) followed by NH ₄ CO ₂ H (7.15g, 113.4mmol) at rt. Degas the reaction mixture carefully (flush with N ₂ ) and stir it for 22h at rt. Filtrate reaction mixture through a short pad of celite and remove solvent. Purify the obtained crude product by preparative radial chromatography (silica gel, EtOAc/CyH 1+3) to obtain [5-(3-Amino-phenyl)-thiophen-2-yl]-acetic acid methyl ester

(50) (2.08g, 74%) as a yellow solid. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.73 (s, 3 H); 3.81 (s, 2 H); 6.59 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ - 2.0 Hz); 6.86 (br.d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 6.88 (t, 1 H, J= 1.9 Hz); 6.97 (br.d, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.09 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.13 (t, 1 H, J= 7.7 Hz).

5-(6-Amino-pyridin-3-yl)-2-methyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (51)

SCHEME 18

Step 1: (The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve 5-(4,4,5,5- tetramethyl-[l,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)-pyridin-2-ylamine (500mg, 2.27mmol) and tetrakis- (triphenylphosphine)-palladium(O) (114mg, O.lOmmol) in DME (12.5mL). Degas the reaction mixture carefully (5 times) and flush with N ₂ . Stir 10 min at rt, add 5-bromo-2- methyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (46) (433mg, 2.00mmol) and a IM aqueous NaHCO ₃ solution (5.9mL, 5.9mmol), degas the reaction mixture again carefully (3 times) and flush with N ₂ . Stir the mixture for 3h at 95°C. Cool mixture to rt, dilute with EtOAc and filtrate over a short pad of silica. Remove solvent under reduced pressure and purify the crude product by preparative radial chromatography (silica gel 60PF, CyH/EtOAc 2+1] to obtain the 5-(6-amino-pyridin-3-yl)-2-methyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (51) as yellow solid (382mg, 82%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.61 (s, 3 H); 3.82 (s, 3 H); 4.55 (br. s, 2 H); 6.51 (d, 1 H, J= 8.6 Hz); 6.69 (s, 1 H); 7.65 (dd, 1 H, J, = 8.6 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 8.35 (d, 1 H, J= 2.3 Hz).

2',4'-Dimethoxy biphenyl-3-carbonyl chloride (54) SCHEME 19

Pd(PPh ₃ J ₄ NaHCO ₃

Step 1: (The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve tetrakis- (triphenylphosphine)-palladium(O) (410mg, 0.35mmol) and methyl 3-bromobenzoate (2.5 Ig, 11.7mmol) in DME (22mL).Add 2,4-dimethoxyphenylboronic acid (2.5Og, 13.7mmol) and a IM aqueous NaHCO ₃ solution (35.5mL, 35.5mmol), degas the reaction mixture carefully (5 times) and flush with N ₂ . Stir the mixture for 2.5h at 10O ⁰ C. Cool the reaction solution to rt, partition between EtOAc and water and extract the separated aqueous layer several times with EtOAc. Wash combined organic layer with brine and dry it with Na ₂ SO ₄ . Purify the crude product by flash chromatography (silica gel 60, CyH/EtOAc 7+1 then 4+1] to obtain the biphenyl (52) as a yellow oil (2.95g, 93%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.78 (s, 3 H); 3.84 (s, 3 H); 3.90 (s, 3 H); 6.55 (s, 1 H); 6.56 (dd, 1 H, Ji = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 7.23 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.0 Hz); 7.43 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.68 (dt, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.94 (dt, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 8.14 (t, I H, J= 1.5 Hz).

Step 2: Dissolve 2',4'-dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (52) (2.95g, 10.8mmol) in MeCN (HOmL) at rt and add IM aqu LiOH (154mL, 154mmol). Stir reaction mixture overnight at rt and Ih at 50°C. Quench reaction mixture (cooling bath) with IM aqu. HCl (160ml, to get pH ca. 3). Extract the mixture with EtOAc (3x), wash the combined organic layer with brine and dry with Na ₂ SO ₄ to obtain 2',4'-dimethoxy- biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid (53) as a white solid (2.59g, 93%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz,

CDCl ₃ ): 3.79 (s, 3 H); 3.84 (s, 3 H); 6.55 (s, 1 H); 6.54-6.58 (m, 1 H); 7.23-7.26 (m, 1 H); 7.46 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.73 (dt, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.98 (dt, 1 H , J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 8.19 (t, 1 H, J= 1.5 Hz).

Step 3: (The following reaction is done in an anhydrous N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve 2',4'- dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid (53) (2.59g, lO.Ommol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (7ImL) and add anhydrous DMF (4mL, cat. amount). Then add slowly oxalyl chloride (1.3mL, 15.0mmol) by keeping temperature at ca. 15°C (water bath) and stir the yellow solution for additional 3h at rt. Remove solvent under reduced pressure and dry the residue in vacuum to obtain crude 2',4'-dimethoxy biphenyl-3-carbonyl chloride (54) as a yellow solid (3.2g, quant.). No further purification.

(2',4'-Dimethoxy biphenyl-3-yl)-acetic acid (57)

SCHEME 20

55

Step 1: Dissolve (3-bromo-phenyl)-acetic acid (4.0Og, 18.6mmol) in MeOH (74mL) and add cone, sulfuric acid (1.0OmL, 18.6mmol). Stir the reaction mixture for 65h at 45°C.

Cool mixture to it, remove solvent under reduced pressure and partition the residue between EtOAc and sat. aqueous NaHCO ₃ solution. Extract the aqueous layer 3 times with EtOAc and wash the combined organic layers with brine and dry with Na ₂ SO ₄ . Remove solvent under reduced pressure to obtain (3-bromo-phenyl)-acetic acid methyl ester (55) as a colorless oil (4.25g, 99%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.58 (s, 2 H); 3.69 (s, 3 H); 7.17 (t, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.18-7.21 (m, 1 H); 7.39 (dt, 1 H, J ₁ = 6.8 Hz, J ₂ = 2.0 Hz); 7.41-7.43 (m, 1 H).

Step 2: (The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve (3-bromo- phenyl)-acetic acid methyl ester (55) (2.0Og, 8.73mmol) and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)- palladium(O) (303mg, 0.26mmol) and in DME (18mL). Add 2,4-dimethoxyphenylboronic acid (1.84g, 10.12mmol) and a IM aqueous NaHCO ₃ solution (26mL, 26mmol), degas the reaction mixture carefully (3 times) and flush with N ₂ . Stir the mixture overnight at 100°C. Cool the reaction solution to rt , partition between EtOAc and water and extract the separated aqueous layer several times with EtOAc. Wash combined organic layer with brine and dry it with Na ₂ SO ₄ . Purify the crude product by preparative radial chromatography (silica gel 60PF, CyH/EtOAc 3+1] to obtain the (2',4'-dimethoxy biphenyl-3-yl)-acetic acid methyl ester (56) as a yellow oil (2.25g, 90%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.65 (s, 2 H); 3.68 (s, 3 H); 3.77 (s, 3 H); 3.83 (s, 3 H); 6.54 (s, 1 H); 6.55 (dd, 1 H, Ji = 7.0 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 7.18-7.21 (m, 1 H); 7.22 (dd, 1 H, Ji = 6.8 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 7.32 (t, 1 H, J= 8.0 Hz); 7.39 (d, 1 H, J= 1.5 Hz); 7.38-7.41 (m, 1 H).

Step 3: Dissolve (2',4'-dimethoxy biphenyl-3-yl)-acetic acid methyl ester (56) (2.25g, 7.86mmol) in MeCN (79mL) at rt and add IM aqu LiOH (4OmL, 40mmol). Stir reaction mixture overnight at rt. Quench reaction mixture (cooling bath) with IM aqu. HCl (to get pH ca. 3) and remove MeCN under reduced pressure. Dilute aqueous residue with EtOAc, separate layers and extract the aqueous layer several times with EtOAc. Wash the combined organic layer with brine and dry with Na ₂ SO ₄ to obtain (2',4'-dimethoxy- biphenyl-3-yl)-acetic acid (57) as a yellow oil (2.16g, quant.). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.67 (s, 2 H); 3.76 (s, 3 H); 3.83 (s, 3 H); 6.53 (s, 1 H); 6.52-6.56 (m, 1 H); 7.18- 7.22 (m, 1 H); 7.22 (dd, 1 H, Ji = 7.3 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.33 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz), 7.39-7.42 (m, 2 H).

3\5'-Dimethoxy biphenyl-3-carbonyl chloride (60)

Step 1: (The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve tetrakis- (triphenylphosphine)-palladium(O) (410mg, 0.35mmol) and l-bromo-3,5-dimethoxy- benzene (1.8Og, 8.29mmol) in DME (17mL).Add 3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl- [l,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)-benzoic acid ethyl ester (2.66g, 9.62mmol) and a IM aqueous NaHCO ₃ solution (25mL, 25mmol), degas the reaction mixture carefully (5 times) and flush with N ₂ . Stir the mixture for overnight at 100°C. Cool the reaction solution to it, partition between EtOAc and water and extract the separated aqueous layer several times with EtOAc. Wash combined organic layer with brine and dry it with Na ₂ SO ₄ . Purify the crude product by preparative radial chromatography (silica gel 6OPF, CyH/EtOAc 10+1] to obtain 3',5'-dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (58) as a yellow oil (2.04g, 86%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.37 (t, 3 H, J= 7.1 Hz); 3.84 (s, 6 H); 4.39 (q, 2 H, J= 7.1 Hz); 6.48 (t, 1 H, J= 2.3 Hz); 6.73 (d, 2 H, J= 2.3 Hz); 7.48 (t, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.74 (d, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz); 8.01 (dt, 1 H, Ji = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 8.23 (t, 1 H, J= 1.5 Hz).

Step 2: Dissolve 3',5'-dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (58) (2.04g, 7.13mmol) in MeCN (7ImL) and add IM aqu LiOH (36mL, 36mmol). Stir reaction mixture overnight at rt and remove solvent under reduced pressure. Add 1 M aqu. HCl (to

get pH ca. 3) and EtOAc, separate layers and extract the aqueous layer with EtOAc (several times). Wash the combined organic layer with brine and dry it with Na ₂ SO ₄ to obtain 3',5'-dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid (59) as a white solid (1.73g, 93%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.85 (s, 6 H); 6.49 (t, 1 H, J= 2.3 Hz); 6.74 (d, 2 H, J= 2.3 Hz); 7.52 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.80 (ddd, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz, J ₃ = 1.3 Hz); 8.07 (dt, I H ₁ J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 8.30 (t, 1 H, J= 1.5 Hz).

Step 3: (The following reaction is done in an anhydrous N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve 3',5'- dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid (59) (950mg, 3.68mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (25mL) and add anhydrous DMF (3mL, until clear solution occurs). Then add slowly oxalyl chloride (0.48mL, 5.52mmol) by keeping temperature at ca. 15°C (water bath) and stir for additional 3h at it. Remove solvent under reduced pressure and dry the residue in vacuum to afford crude 3',5'-dimethoxy biphenyl-3-carbonyl chloride (60) as a yellow solid (1.22g, quant.). No further purification.

EXAMPLE 8

(5- {2- [(2 ',4 ' -Dimethoxy-bipheny 1-3-carbony l)-am ino] -phenyl} -thiophen-2-y 1) acetic acid methyl ester (61) and

(5- {2- [(2 ' ,4 ' -Dimethoxy-bipheny 1-3-carbony l)-amino] -phenyl} -thiophen-2-y 1) acetic acid

(62)

SCHEME 22

pyridine

Step 1: (The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve [5-(2- amino-phenyl)-thiophen-2-yl]-acetic acid methyl ester (43) (62,0mg, 0.25mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (3.7mL) and anhydrous pyridine (1.ImL) and cool the reaction mixture to 0°C. Add a solution of 2',4'-dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl-chloride (54)

(69mg, 0.25mmol) in dichloromethane (1.5mL) and stir the reaction mixture for Ih at 0°C and overnight at rt. Pour the reaction mixture into ice cooled IM aqu. HCl, separate layers, extract the aqueous layer with dichloromethane (3x), wash the combined organic layer with brine and dry with Na ₂ SO ₄ . Purify the crude product by preparative radial chromatography (silica gel 60PF, EtOAc/CyH 3+1) to obtain (5-{2-[(2',4'-dimethoxy- biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl}-thiophen-2-yl) acetic acid methyl ester (61) as a yellow solid (4.2mg, 37%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.71 (s, 3 H); 3.76 (s, 3 H); 3.82 (s, 2 H); 3.85 (s, 3 H); 6.55 (d, 1 H, J= 2.3 Hz); 6.57 (dd, 1 H, J, = 8.0 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz);

6.95 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.02 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.15 (td, 1 H, Ji = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.0 Hz);

7.21 (d, 1 H, J= 8.0 Hz); 7.39 (d, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.40 (d, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.44 (t, 1 H,

J= 7.6 Hz); 7.61-7.67 (m, 2 H); 7.89 (t, 1 H, J = 1.5 Hz); 8.34 (br. s, 1 H); 8.50 (d, 1 H, J= 8.0 Hz).

Step 2: Dissolve 5-{2-[(2',4'-dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl}- thiophen-2-yl) acetic acid methyl ester (61) (45.0mg, 0.09mmol) in MeCN (0.9mL) and add IM aqu LiOH (0.5mL, 0.5mmol). Stir reaction mixture overnight at rt. Add dropwise IM aqu. HCl (to get pH ca. 3) and remove solvent under reduced pressure. Dissolve residue in EtOAc and water and extract the separated aqueous layer several times with EtOAc. Wash combined organic layer with brine and dry it with Na ₂ SO ₄ to obtain (5-{2- [(2',4'-dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl}-thioph en-2-yl) acetic acid (62) as yellow solid (48mg, quant.). No further purification. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 3.84 (br. s, 5 H); 3.89 (s, 3 H); 6.65-6.70 (m, 2 H); 6.98 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.18 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.31 (d, 1 H, J= 8.0 Hz); 7.37 (td, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.43 (td, I H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.52 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.63 (dd, I H, J _x = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.70-7.76 (m, 2 H); 7.83 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 8.01 (br. s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 9

(5-{2-[(2',4'-Dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-aminoj-pheny l}-thiophen-2-yl) acetic acid (63) and

(5-{2-[(2',4'-Dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-pheny l}-thiophen-2-yl) acetic acid methyl ester (64)

SCHEME 23

(The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve (5-{2-[(2',4'- dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl}-thiophen-2-yl) acetic acid (62) (48.0mg, O.lOmmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (1.5mL), cool the solution to -78°C and add dropwise IM BBr ₃ solution in dichloromethane (0.63mL, 0.63mmol). Stir the reaction mixture for 30min at -78°C and after slowly warming up for additional 2h at rt. Cool to 0°C, add dropwise water followed under vigorous stirring by MeOH. Concentrate the resulting mixture under reduced pressure. Purify the crude product by preparative RP HPLC (gradient, water/CH ₃ CN 95:5 to 5:95) to obtain (5-{2-[(2',4'-dihydroxy-biphenyl-3- carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl}-thiophen-2-yl) acetic acid (63) (3.7mg, 8%) and (5-{2-[(2',4'- dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl}-thiophen-2-yl) acetic acid methyl ester (64) (7.1mg, 15%) both as yellow solids. ¹ H NMR compound (63) (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 3.85 (s, 2 H); 6.42-6.47 (m, 2 H); 6.98 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.18 (d, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.19 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.36 (td, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz), 7.43 (td, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.51 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.62 (dd, 1 H, J, = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.75-7.81 (m, 3 H); 8.08 (br. s, 1 H), ¹ H NMR compound (64) (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 3.66 (s, 3 H); 3.89 (s, 2 H); 6.44 (dd, I H, J ₁ = 7.0 Hz ₅ J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 6.45 (s, I H); 6.97 (d, I H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.18 (d, 1 H, J= 7.0 Hz); 7.19 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.37 (td, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.43 (td, 1 H, J _x = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.51 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.63 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.72 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.80 (d, 1 H, J= 8.0 Hz); 7.81 (t, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 8.07 (s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 10

(5-{2-[(2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyI)-amino]-pheny l}-thiophene-2- carboxylic acid methyl ester (65)

SCHEME 24

(5- { 2- [(2 ' ,4' -dimethoxy-biphenyl-3 -carbonyl)-amino] -phenyl } -thiophene-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (65) is synthesized according to the procedure described in step 1 of EXAMPLE 8 starting from the aniline (45) and the carboxylic acid chloride (54) and is isolated as a yellow solid (147mg, 62%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.75 (s, 3 H); 3.85 (s, 3 H); 3.87 (s, 3 H); 6.54 (s, 1 H); 6.57 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.6 Hz, J ₂ = 2.0 Hz); 7.17 (d, 1 H, J= 4.3 Hz); 7.19 (d, 1 H, J= 9.0 Hz); 7.20 (t, 1 H, J= 8.6 Hz); 7.41 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.44 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.46 (t, 1 H, J= 8.0 Hz); 7.64 (d, 1 H, J= 8.3 Hz); 7.66 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.80 (d, I H, J= 4.0 Hz); 7.83 (s, I H); 8.19 (br. s, I H); 8.47 (d, I H, J= 8.3 Hz).

EXAMPLE 11

(5- {2- [(2 ' ,4 ' -Dimethoxy-bipheny 1-3-carbony l)-amino] -phenyl} -th iophene-2- carboxylic acid (66)

Saponification of carboxylic acid methyl ester (65) in mixture of THF and MeOH (3+2) according to the procedure described in step 2 of EXAMPLE 8 affords (5-{2-[(2',4'- dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino] -phenyl} -thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (66) as a yellow oil (130mg, quant.). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 3.83 (s, 3 H); 3.88 (s, 3 H); 6.66 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.0 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 6.67 (s, 1 H); 7.31 (d, 1 H, J= 8.0 Hz); 7.36 (d, 1 H, J= 4.0 Hz); 7.44 (td, I H, Ji = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = LO Hz); 7.48-7.53 (m, I H); 7.52 (t, I H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.65 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.71 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.73 (d, 1 H, J= 8.3 Hz); 7.76 (d, 1 H, J= 4.0 Hz); 7.84 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 8.01 (s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 12

(5-{2-[(2\4'-Dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyI }-thiophene-2- carboxylic acid (67)

(The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Suspend (5-{2-[(2',4'- dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino] -phenyl }-thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (66)

(88.6mg, 0.19mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (4.OmL), cool the mixture to -78°C and add dropwise IM BBr ₃ solution in dichloromethane (0.8OmL, 0.80mmol). Stir the reaction mixture for 30min at -78°C and after slowly warming up for additional 2h at rt.

Cool the reaction mixture to 0°C, add dropwise ice water, separate layers and extract aqu. layer with EtOAc (3 times). Wash combined organic layer with brine and dry with Na ₂ SO ₄ .

Purify the crude product by preparative RP HPLC (gradient, water/CH ₃ CN 95:5 to 5:95) to obtain (5- { 2- [(2 ' ,4' -dihydroxy-biphenyl-3 -carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl } -thiophene-2- carboxylic acid (67) as a off white solid (23mg, 26%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 6.44

(dd, 1 H, J, = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 6.45 (s, 1 H); 7.19 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.35 (d, 1 H, J= 4.0 Hz); 7.42 (t, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.50 (td, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.51 (t, 1 H,

J= 7.8 Hz); 7.69 (d, 2 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.72 (d, 1 H, J= 3.8 Hz); 7.80 (d, 2 H, J= 7.8 Hz);

8.09 (s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 13

(S-IZ-fZ^l'^'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-S-ylJ-acetylaminoJ-pheny lJ-thiophen-Z-y^-acetic acid methyl ester (68)

SCHEME 27

68

(5-{2-[2-(2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-yl)-acetylamino]-phenyl }-thiophen-2-yl)-acetic acid methyl ester (68) is synthesized according to the procedure described in step 1 of EXAMPLE 4 starting from the aniline (43) and the carboxylic acid (57) and is isolated as a white solid (117mg, 57%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.66 (s, 2 H); 3.71 (s, 3 H); 3.72 (s, 2 H); 3.73 (s, 3 H); 3.84 (s, 3 H); 6.39 (d, 1 H, J= 3.0 Hz); 6.53 (s, 1 H); 6.51-6.57 (m, 2 H); 7.06 (t, 1 H, J- 8.3 Hz); 7.07 (d, 1 H, J= 8.0 Hz); 7.13 (d, 1 H, J= 8.6 Hz); 7.22- 7.27 (m, 1 H); 7.28 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.31 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.33 (s, 1 H); 7.42 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.66 (s, 1 H); 8.38 (d, 1 H, J= 8.3 Hz).

EXAMPLE 14

(S-fZ-P^'^'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-S-yO-acetylaminoJ-phenylJ- thiophen-l-y^-acetic acid (69)

SCHEME 28

69

Saponification of the acetic acid methyl ester (68) in MeCN according to the procedure described in step 2 of EXAMPLE 8 affords (5-{2-[2-(2\4'-dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-yl)- acetylamino] -phenyl }-thiophen-2-yl)-acetic acid (69) as a yellow oil (117mg, 96%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 3.72 (s, 2 H); 3.75 (s, 2 H); 3.80 (s, 3 H); 3.88 (s, 3 H); 6.64 (dd, 1 H, Ji = 8.6 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 6.66 (m, 1 H); 6.70 (d, 1 H, J= 3.0 Hz); 6.78 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.22-7.27 (m, 1 H); 7.25 (d, 1 H, J= 8.6 Hz); 7.26 (t, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.36 (t, 2 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.42-7.49 (m, 3 H); 7.74 (d, 1 H, J= 8.0 Hz).

EXAMPLE 15

(5-{2-[2-(2 ^f ,4'-Dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-yl)-acetylamino]-phenyl}-thiopheii- 2-yl)-acetic acid (70)

SCHEME 29

70

According to the procedure described in EXAMPLE 12 the reaction of the carboxylic acid (69) with a IM BBr ₃ solution affords (5-{2-[2-(2',4'-dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-yl)- acetylamino]-phenyl}-thiophen-2-yl)-acetic acid (70) as a off-white solid (61mg, 55%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 3.75 (s, 2 H); 3.76 (s, 2 H); 6.42 (dd, I H, Ji = 8.3 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 6.44 (d, 1 H, J= 2.3 Hz); 6.74 (d, 1 H, J- 3.5 Hz); 6.81 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.11 (d, 1 H, J= 8.3 Hz); 7.22 (d, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.26 (t, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.35 (t, 2 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.46 (d, 1 H, J- 7.8 Hz); 7.48-7.52 (m, 1 H); 7.51 (s, 1 H); 7.78 (d, 1 H, J= 8.1 Hz).

EXAMPLE 16

[5-(2-{[5-(2,4-Dihydroxy-phenyl)-pyridine-3-carbonyl]-ami no}-pheπyl)-thiophen-2- yl] -acetic acid (73) and

[5-(2-{[5-(2,4-Dihydroxy-phenyl)-pyridine-3-carbonyl]-ami no}-phenyl)-thiophen-2- y I] -acetic acid methyl ester (74)

SCHEME 30

Step 1: (The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve [5-(2-amino- phenyl)-thiophen-2-yl] -acetic acid methyl ester (43) (250mg, l.Olmmol) in anhydrous C ₆ H ₆ (4.OmL). Add a solution of 5-bromo-nicotinoyl chloride (223mg, l.Olmmol) and stir the resulting suspension overnight at it. Remove solvent under reduced pressure. Purify the crude product by preparative radial chromatography (silica gel 60PF, CyH/EtOAc 3+1, then 1+1 and later EtOAc and EtOAc/MeOH 1+1) to obtain (5-{2-[(5-bromo-pyridine-3- carbonyl)-amino] -phenyl }-thiophen-2-yl)-acetic acid methyl ester (71) as a yellow solid (216mg, 49%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 3.71 (s, 3 H); 3.90 (s, 2 H); 6.97 (d, 1 H,

J= 3.5 Hz); 7.18 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.41 (td, 1 H, Ji = 7.3 Hz, J ₂ = 1.8 Hz); 7.45 (td, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.3 Hz, J ₂ = 2.0 Hz); 7.59 (dd, I H, J _x = 7.3 Hz, J ₂ = 2.0 Hz); 7.67 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.1 Hz, J ₂ = 2.0 Hz; 8.52 (s, 1 H); 8.88 (m, 1 H); 9.05 (s, 1 H).

Step 2: (The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve tetrakis- (triphenylphosphine)-palladium(O) (12mg, 0.01 mmol) and (5-{2-[(5-bromo-pyridine-3- carbonyl)-amino] -phenyl }-thiophen-2-yl)-acetic acid methyl ester (71) (150mg, 0.35mmol) in DME (1.4mL). Add 2,4-dimethoxyphenylboronic acid (95.0mg, 0.52mmol) and a IM aqueous NaHCO ₃ solution (1.OmL, l.Ommol), degas the reaction mixture carefully (5 times) and flush with N ₂ . Stir the resulting mixture for Ih at 90°C and cool down to rt again. Remove solvent under reduced pressure, resolve the residue in MeOH and filtrate over a short pad of silica gel. Concentrate the filtrate under reduced pressure and purify the crude product by preparative radial chromatography (silica gel 60PF, CyHTEtOAc 1+1] to obtain [5-(2- { [5 -(2,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-3 -carbonyl] -amino } -phenyl)-thiophen- 2-yl]-acetic acid methyl ester (72) as a yellow sticky oil (121mg, 71%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 3.64 (s, 3 H); 3.89 (br.s, 5 H); 3.90 (s, 3 H); 6.70-6.75 (m, 1 H); 6.74 (s, 1 H); 6.97 (d, 1 H, J= 3.3 Hz); 7.20 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.37-7.44 (m, 2 H); 7.47 (td, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.3 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.61-7.72 (m, 3 H); 8.44 (s, 1 H); 8.87 (s, 1 H); 8.97 (s, I H). Step 3: (The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve [5-(2-{[5- (2,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-3-carbonyl]-amino}-phenyl)-t hiophen-2-yl]-acetic acid methyl ester (72) (50mg, O.lOmmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (1.2mL), cool the solution to -78 °C and add dropwise IM BBr ₃ solution in dichloromethane (1.1 OmL, l.lOmmol). Stir the reaction mixture for 30min at -78°C and for additional Ih at rt. Cool the mixture to 0°C, add dropwise water and concentrate under reduced pressure. Purify the crude product by preparative RP HPLC (gradient, water/CH ₃ CN 95:5 to 5:95) to afford [5- (2-{[5-(2,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-pyridine-3-carbonyl]-amino}-ph enyl)-thiophen-2-yl]-acetic acid (73) as a yellow solid (12,6mg, 46%) and [5-(2-{[5-(2,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-pyridine- 3-carbonyl]-amino}-phenyl)-thiophen-2-yl]-acetic acid methyl ester (74) as a brown solid (21.9mg, 47%). ¹ H NMR compound (73) (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 3.86 (s, 2 H); 6.49 (dd, 1 H, J, = 9.1 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 6.49 (d, 1 H, J= 2.0 Hz); 6.98 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.20 (d, 1 H,

J= 3.5 Hz); 7.26 (d, 1 H, J= 9.1 Hz); 7.40 (td, 1 H, J, = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.45 (td, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.8 Hz); 7.66 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.8 Hz); 7.66-7.70 (m, 1 H); 8.50 (br.s, 1 H); 8.92 (br.s, 1 H); 8.95 (s, 1 H). ¹ H NMR compound (74) (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 3.65 (s, 3 H); 3.89 (s, 2 H); 6.51 (s, 1 H); 6.52 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.3 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 6.97 (d, I H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.21 (d, I H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.36 (d, I H, J= 8.3 Hz); 7.43 (td, I H, Ji = 7.3 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.46 (td, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.8 Hz); 7.63-7.69 (m, 2 H); 8.80 (br.s, 1 H); 9.00 (br.s, 1 H); 9.11 (s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 17

5-(4-{[5-(2,4-Dimethoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-3-carbonyl]-amin o}-phenyl)-2-methyI- furan-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (75)

5-(4- { [5-(2,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-3 -carbonyl] -amino } -phenyl)-2-methyl-furan- 3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (75) is synthesized according to the procedure described in step 1 and 2 of EXAMPLE 16 starting from the aniline (47) and 5-bromo-nicotinoyl chloride and is isolated as a grey solid (103mg, 32% over 2 steps). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 2.68 (s, 3 H); 3.89 (s, 3 H); 3.90 (s, 3 H); 3.91 (s, 3 H); 6.71-6.76 (m, 2 H); 6.99 (s, 1 H); 7.42 (d, 1 H, J= 8.1 Hz); 7.74 (d, 2 H, J= 8.6 Hz); 7.84 (d, 2 H, J= 8.6 Hz); 8.47 (t, 1 H, J= 2.0 Hz); 8.87 (d, 1 H, J= 2.0 Hz); 9.00 (d, 1 H, J= 2.0 Hz).

EXAMPLE 18

5-(4-{[5-(2,4-Dihydroxy-phenyI)-pyridine-3-carbonyl]-amin o}-phenyl)-2-methyl- furan-3-carboxylic acid (76)

According to the procedure described in step 3 of EXAMPLE 16 the reaction of the amide (75) with a IM BBr ₃ solution affords 5-(4-{[5-(2,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-pyridine-3- carbonyl]-amino}-phenyl)-2-methyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid (76) as a brown solid (22mg, 24%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 2.69 (s, 3 H); 3.39 (s, 1 H); 6.51 (s, 1 H); 6.52 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.1 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 6.98 (s, 1 H); 7.36 (d, 1 H, J= 8.1 Hz); 7.74 (br.d, 2 H, J= 8.6 Hz); 7.85 (br.d, 2 H, J= 8.6 Hz); 8.73 (s, 1 H); 9.08 (br.s, 2 H).

EXAMPLE 19

3-[(2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-beiizoic acid methyl ester (77)

SCHEME 33

3-[(2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-benzoic acid methyl ester (77) is synthesized according to the procedure described in step 1 of EXAMPLE 8 starting from 3 -amino-benzoic acid methyl ester and 2',4'-dimethoxy biphenyl-3-carbonyl chloride (54) and is isolated as a colorless oil (143mg, 73%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.80 (s, 3 H); 3.85 (s, 3 H); 3.91 (s, 3 H); 6.57 (s, 1 H); 6.58 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.1 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 7.26 (d, I H, J= 8.1 Hz); 7.45 (t, I H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.50 (t, I H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.68 (dt, I H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.78 (ddd, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.8 Hz, J ₃ = 1.3 H); 7.81 (dt, I H ₅ J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.88 (br.s, 1 H); 7.97 (t, 1 H, J = 1.8 Hz); 8.04 (ddd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.1 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz, J ₃ = 1.0 H); 8.13 (t, 1 H, J= 1.8 Hz).

EXAMPLE 20

3-[(2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-benzoic acid (78)

SCHEME 34

Saponification of the carboxylic acid methyl ester (77) in MeCN according to the procedure described in step 2 of EXAMPLE 8 affords 3-[(2',4'-dimethoxy-biphenyl-3- carbonyl)-amino] -benzoic acid (78) as a white solid (109mg, 80%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, (CD ₃ ) ₂ SO): 3.77 (s, 3 H); 3.81 (s, 3 H); 6.65 (dd, 1 H, J, = 8.3 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 6.69 (d, 1 H, J= 2.3 Hz); 7.32 (d, 1 H, J= 8.3 Hz); 7.45 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.52 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.66 (br.d, 2 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.87 (dt, 1 H, J, = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 8.00-8.05 (m, 1 H); 8.01 (t, 1 H ₅ J= 1.5 Hz); 8.38 (br.s, 1 H); 10.39 (s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 21

3-[(2',4'-Dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-benzoic acid (79)

SCHEME 35

According to the procedure described in EXAMPLE 12 the reaction of the carboxylic acid (78) with a IM BBr ₃ solution affords 3-[(2',4'-dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)- amino] -benzoic acid (79) as a off-white solid (19mg, 26%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, (CD ₃ OD): 6.45 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ ^' = 8.1 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 6.46 (s, 1 H); 7.22 (d, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.44 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.53 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.77-7.82 (m, 2 H); 7.85 (d, 1 H ₅ J= 7.8 Hz); 8.04 (d, 1 H ₅ J= 8.1 Hz); 8.10-8.15 (m, 1 H); 8.12 (t, 1 H ₅ J= 1.8 Hz).

EXAMPLE 22

(5-{2-[(3 ^f ,5 ^f -Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl}-thiophen-2-yl )-acetic acid methyl ester (80)

SCHEME 36

(5-{2-[(3',5'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl}- thiophen-2-yl)-acetic acid methyl ester (80) is synthesized according to the procedure described in step 1 of EXAMPLE 8 starting from the aniline (43) and 3',5'-dimethoxy biphenyl-3-carbonyl chloride (60). In difference to the purification procedure described there the crude product (80) is suspended in EtOAc, filtrated and the filter cake washed with EtOAc (2 times). Compound (80) is obtained as a yellow solid (187mg, 68%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.71 (s, 3 H); 3.84 (s, 6 H); 3.87 (s, 2 H); 6.48 (t, I H, J= 2.3 Hz); 6.69 (d, 2 H, J= 2.3 Hz); 6.99-7.02 (m, I H); 7.03 (d, I H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.17 (dd, I H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.39-7.44 (m, 2 H); 7.50 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.68-7.73 (m, 2 H); 7.90-7.94 (m, 1 H); 8.43 (s, 1 H); 8.53 (d, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz).

EXAMPLE 23

(5-{2-[(3',5 ^t -Dimethoxy-biphenyI-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl}-thiophen-2-yl )-acetic acid (81)

SCHEME 37

Saponification of the carboxylic acid methyl ester (80) in MeCN according to the procedure described above in step 2 of EXAMPLE 8 affords (5-{2-[(3',5'-dimethoxy- biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl}-thiophen-2-yl)-acetic acid (81) as a yellow solid (188mg, quant.). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 3.83 (s, 2 H); 3.89 (br.s, 6 H); 6.56 (t, 1 H, J= 2.3 Hz); 6.86 (d, 2 H, J= 1.8 Hz); 6.97-7.00 (m, 1 H); 7.19 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.38 (td, 1 H, Ji = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.44 (td, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.61 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.64 (dd, 1 H, J, = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.72-7.76 (m, 1 H); 7.84-7.87 (m, 1 H); 7.90-7.94 (m, 1 H); 8.16 (br.s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 24

(S-fl-^S'-S'-Dihydroxy-biphenyl-S-carbony^-aminoJ-phenylJ -thiophen-Z-y^-acetic acid (82)

SCHEME 38

According to the procedure described above in EXAMPLE 12 reaction of the carboxylic acid (81) with a IM BBr ₃ solution affords (5-{2-[(3',5'-dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)- amino]-phenyl}-thiophen-2-yl)-acetic acid (82) as a light brown solid (33mg, 35%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 3.87 (s, 2 H); 6.34 (t, I H, J= 2.0 Hz); 6.63 (d, 2 H, J= 2.0 Hz); 7.01 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.20 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.38 (td, 1 H, Ji = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.44 (td, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.58 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.64 (dd, I H, J, = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.74 (d, I H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.79 (dd, I H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.0 Hz); 7.89 (d, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 8.10 (s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 25

5-{2-[(3',5'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl }-thiophene-2- carboxylic acid methyl ester (83)

SCHEME 39

5-{2-[(3',5'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl}-t hiophene-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (83) is synthesized according to the procedure described in step 1 of EXAMPLE 8 starting from aniline (45) and carboxylic acid chloride (60). In difference to the purification procedure described there the crude product (80) is suspended in EtOAc, filtrated and the filter cake washed with EtOAc (2 times). Compound (83) is obtained as a yellow solid (168mg, 63%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.84 (s, 6 H); 3.87 (s, 3 H); 6.48 (t, 1 H, J= 2.0 Hz); 6.89 (d, 2 H, J= 2.0 Hz); 7.20 (d, 1 H, J= 3.8 Hz); 7.21-7.25 (m, 1 H); 7.43 (td, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.47 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.49 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.65 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.72 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.0 Hz); 7.84 (d, 1 H, J= 3.8 Hz); 7.97 (d, 1 H, J= 1.5 Hz); 8.22 (s, 1 H); 8.46 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz).

EXAMPLE 26

5-{2-[(3',5'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl }-thiophene-2- carboxylic acid (84)

SCHEME 40

Saponification of the carboxylic acid methyl ester (83) in MeCN according to the procedure described above in step 2 of EXAMPLE 8 affords 5-{2-[(3',5'-dimethoxy- biphenyl-3 -carbonyl)-amino] -phenyl }-thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (84) as a white solid (159mg, 97%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 3.88 (s, 6 H); 6.55 (t, 1 H, J= 2.0 Hz); 6.86 (br.s, 2 H); 7.38 (d, 1 H, J= 3.8 Hz); 7.46 (td, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.52 (td, 1 H, J, - 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.58-7.65 (m, 2 H); 7.71-7.74 (m, 1 H); 7.75 (d, 1 H, J= 3.8 Hz); 7.87 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.0 Hz); 7.91-7.96 (m, 1 H); 8.19 (s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 27

5-{2-[(3 ^f ,5'-Dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyI)-amino]-phenyl}-thiophene- 2- carboxylic acid (85)

SCHEME 41

According to the procedure described above in EXAMPLE 12 reaction of the carboxylic acid (84) with a IM BBr ₃ solution affords 5-{2-[(3',5'-dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)- amino]-phenyl}-thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (85) as a white solid (24mg, 50%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 6.33 (t, 1 H, J= 2.0 Hz); 6.66 (d, 2 H, J= 2.0 Hz); 7.38 (d, 1 H, J= 4.0 Hz); 7.46 (td, 1 H, J _x = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.52 (td, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.58 (t, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.63 (d, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.73 (dd, 1 H , J _x = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.75 (d, 1 H, J= 4.0); 7.80 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.87-7.91 (m, 1 H); 8.16 (s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 28

2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid (2-thiophen-2-yl-phenyl)-amide (86)

SCHEME 42

2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3 -carboxylic acid (2-thiophen-2-yl-phenyl)-amide (86) is synthesized according to the procedure described above in step 1 of EXAMPLE 8 starting from the aniline (48) and 2',4'-dimethoxy biphenyl-3-carbonyl chloride (54) and is isolated as a light yellow solid (159mg, 58%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz ₅ C ₆ D ₆ ): 3.27 (s, 3 H); 3.50 (s, 3 H); 6.52 (dd, 1 H, J, = 8.3 Hz, J ₂ = 2.5 Hz); 6.58 (d, 1 H, J= 2.5 Hz); 6.76 (dd, 1 H, Ji = 5.0 Hz, J ₂ = 3.5 Hz) 6.87 (dd, I H, J, = 3.5 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 6.92 (dd, I H, J ₁ = 5.0 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 6.98 (td, 1 H, J, = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.23 (t, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.28-7.33 (m, 1 H); 7.39 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.71 (dt, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz,

J ₂ = U Hz); 7.77 (ddd, I H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz, J ₃ = 1.3 Hz); 8.28 (t, I H, J= 1.5 Hz); 8.46 (br. s, 1 H); 9,18 (d, 1 H, J= 8.3 Hz).

EXAMPLE 29

2',4'-Dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid (2-thiophen-2-yl-phenyl)-amide (87)

SCHEME 43

(The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Suspend 2',4'-dimethoxy- biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid (2-thiophen-2-yl-phenyl)-amide (86) (122mg, 0.29mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (9.7mL), cool the mixture to -78°C and add drop by drop IM BBr ₃ solution in dichloromethane (1.17mL, 1.17mmol). Stir the reaction mixture for 30min at — 78°C, slowly warm up to 0°C (over a period of 2h) and stir additional 30min at 0 ⁰ C. Slowly add ice water, stir Ih at it to complete the reaction, separate layers and extract aqu. layer with EtOAc (3 times). Wash combined organic layer with brine and dry with Na ₂ SO ₄ . Purify the crude product by preparative RP HPLC (gradient, water/CH ₃ CN 95:5 to 5:95) to obtain 2',4'-dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid (2-thiophen-2-yl-phenyl)-amide (87) as an off white solid (35mg, 31%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 6.41-6.46 (m, 2 H) 7.14 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 5.0 Hz, J ₂ = 3.5 Hz); 7.17 (d, 1 H, J= 8.1 Hz); 7.36 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 3.5 Hz, J ₂ = LO Hz); 7.39 (dd, I H, J _x = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = LO Hz); 7.45 (td, I H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz,

J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.47-7.49 (m, 1 H); 7.50 (t, I H , J= 7.8 Hz) ; 7.65 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.5 Hz); 7.72 (d, 1 H , J= 7.8 Hz); 7.75-7.81 (m, 2 H); 8.06 (s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 30

(5-{3-[(2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyI)-amino]-pheny l}-thiophen-2-yl)-acetic acid methyl ester (88)

(5-{3-[(2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl}- thiophen-2-yl)-acetic acid methyl ester (88) is synthesized according to the procedure described above in step 1 of EXAMPLE 8 in a reaction time of 3h starting from the aniline (50) and the carboxylic acid chloride (54) and is isolated as a yellow solid (213mg, 87%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.73 (s, 3 H); 3.80 (s, 3 H); 3.83 (s, 2 H); 3.85 (s, 3 H); 6.57 (s, 1 H); 6.58 (dd, 1 H , J ₁ = 8.3 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 6.89 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.18 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.27 (d, 1 H, J= 8.3 Hz); 7.32-7.37 (m, 2 H); 7.50 (t, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.54-7.58 (m, 1 H); 7.68 (dt, 1 H , J, = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.79 (dt, 1 H , Ji = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.79-7.82 (m, 1 H); 7.86 (t, 1 H, J= 1.3 Hz); 7.97 (t, 1 H, J= 1.5 Hz).

EXAMPLE 31

(5-{3-[(2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-pheny l}-thiophen-2-yl)-acetic acid (89)

Dissolve (5-{3-[(2',4'-dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl}- thiophen-2-yl)- acetic acid methyl ester (88) (190mg, 0.39mmol) in MeCN (3.9mL), add IM aqu LiOH (1.9mL, 1.9mmol) and stir 16h at it. Concentrate reaction mixture under reduced pressure and add IM aqu. HCl (ca. 2mL, to get pH ca.3). Add EtOAc and water and extract the separated aqueous layer several times with EtOAc. Wash combined organic layer with brine and dry it with Na ₂ SO ₄ to obtain (5-{3-[(2',4'-dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)- amino]-phenyl}-thiophen-2-yl)-acetic acid (89) as orange solid (185mg, quant.). No further purification. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ CN): 3.81 (s, 3 H); 3.84 (s, 3 H); 3.85 (s, 2 H); 6.64 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.3 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 6.66 (d, 1 H, J= 2.3 Hz); 6.94 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.25 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.33 (d, 1 H, J= 8.3 Hz); 7.36-7.41 (m, 2 H); 7.52 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.67-7.71 (m, 2 H); 7.85 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 8.02 (br.s, 2 H); 8.80 (s, 1 H).

- 11 -

EXAMPLE 32

(S-fS-^Z'^'-Dihydroxy-biphenyl-S-carbonyO-aminol-phenylJ- thiophen-l-yO-acetic acid (90)

According to the procedure described above in EXAMPLE 12 reaction of the carboxylic acid (89) with a IM BBr ₃ solution affords (5-{3-[(2',4'-dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)- amino]-phenyl}-thiophen-2-yl)-acetic acid (90) as a yellow/brown solid (1.2mg, 1.3%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 3.89 (s, 2 H); 6.45 (dd, 1 H, Ji = 8.1 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 6.46 (s, 1 H); 6.97 (d, 1 H, J- 3.5 Hz); 7.22 (d, 1 H, J= 8.1 Hz); 7.30 (d, 1 H, J= 3.5 Hz); 7.40 (t, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.41-7.45 (m, 1 H); 7.54 (t, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.67 (d, 1 H, J= 7.3 Hz); 7.80 (d, 1 H ₅ J= 7.8 Hz); 7.85 (d, 1 H ₅ J= 7.8 Hz); 8.07 (s, 1 H); 8.12 (s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 33

5-{6-[(2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-aiiiino]-pyri din-3-yl}-2-methyl-furan- 3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (91) and

5-{6-[^4'-Dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-cαrbonyl)-αmino]φyridin -3-yl}-2- methyl-furαn-3-cαrboxylic acid (93)

Step 1: (The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve 5-(6-amino- pyridin-3-yl)-2-methyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (51) (80.0mg, 0.34mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (5.4mL) and anhydrous pyridine (1.2mL) and cool the reaction mixture to O ⁰ C. Add slowly a suspension of 2',4'-dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl- chloride (54) (105mg, 0.38mmol) in dichloromethane (3.OmL) and stir the reaction mixture for Ih at 0°C and 19h at it. Separate reaction mixture between water and EtOAc and extract the aqueous layer with EtOAc (3x). Wash the combined organic layer with water (6 times) to remove pyridine and with brine and dry with Na ₂ SO ₄ . Purify the crude product by preparative radial chromatography (silica gel 60PF, CyH/EtOAc 2+1) to obtain 5-{6- [(2',4 ^l -dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-pyridin-3-yl}-2-methy l-furan-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (91) as an off-white solid (74mg, 45%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.65 (s, 3 H); 3.80 (s, 3 H); 3.84 (s, 3 H); 3.85 (s, 3 H); 6.57 (s, 1 H); 6.58 (dd, 1 H,

Ji = 8.1 Hz, J ₂ = 2.5 Hz); 6.89 (s, 1 H); 7.26 (d, 1 H, J= 8.1 Hz); 7.51 (t, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.70 (dt, 1 H, Ji = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.84 (dt, 1 H, J, = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.97 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.8 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 8.03 (t, 1 H, J= 1.5 Hz); 8.45 (d, 1 H, J= 8.8 Hz); 8.57 (d, 1 H, J= 2.3 Hz); 8.70 (br.s, 1 H). Step 2: Dissolve 5-{6-[(2',4'-dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-pyridin-3 -yl}-2- methyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (91) (67.1mg, 0.14mmol) in THF (3mL) and

MeOH (0.5mL) and add IM aqu LiOH (0.7ImL, 0.71mmol). Stir reaction mixture 16h at rt. Remove solvents under reduced pressure and dissolve the residue in a mixture of THF/acetonitrile (2+1). Add Amberlite IRC86 and stir additional 2h at rt. Remove supernatant and stir remaining resin several times (lOmin each) with new portions of THF and acetonitrile. Concentrate collected supernatants under reduced pressure to obtain crude S-lό-^'^'-dimethoxy-biphenyl-S-carbony^-aminol-pyridin-S-yl J-l-methyl-furan- 3-carboxylic acid (92) as a light yellow solid (87mg, quant.) without further purification. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, (CD ₃ ) ₂ SO): 2.61 (s, 3 H); 3.77 (s, 3 H); 3.81 (s, 3 H); 6.65 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.6 Hz, J ₂ = 2.5 Hz); 6.68 (d, 1 H, J= 2.5 Hz); 7.19 (s, 1 H); 7.38 (d, 1 H, J= 8.3 Hz); 7.50 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.68 (dt, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.91 (dt, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 8.05 (t, 1 H, J= 1.5 Hz); 8.13 (dd, I H ₁ J ₁ = 8.8 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 8.27 (d, 1 H ₅ J= 8.8 Hz); 8.75 (d, 1 H, J= 1.3 Hz); 11.00 (s, 1 H); 12.69 (br.s, 1 H).

Step 3: (The following reaction is carried out in an N ₂ atmosphere.) Dissolve acid (92) (63.9mg, O.Hmmol) in a mixture of anhydrous 1 ,2-dichloroethane (4.OmL) and anhydrous dichloromethane (1.OmL), cool the solution to -50°C and add dropwise IM BBr ₃ solution in dichloromethane (0.7OmL, 0.70mmol). Stir the reaction mixture for 30min at -78°C and after removal of the cooling bath for additional 1.5h at rt. Cool to 0°C, add dropwise water and stir the resulting mixture 30min at rt. Concentrate under reduced pressure and purify the crude product by preparative RP HPLC (gradient, water/CH ₃ CN 95:5 to 5:95) to obtain 5-{6-[(2',4 ^l -dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-pyridin-3-yl}-2-methy l-furan-3- carboxylic acid (93) (18mg, 30%) as an off-white solid. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 2.70 (s, 3 H); 6.45 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 6.47 (s, 1 H); 7.09 (br.s, 1 H); 7.22 (dd, 1 H, Ji = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.0 Hz); 7.56 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.82 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.88 (d, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 8.15 (br.s, 2 H); 8.36 (br.d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 8.72 (br.s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 34

5-{4-[(2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl }-2-methyI-furan-3- carboxylic acid ethyl ester (94)

SCHEME 48

5-{4-[(2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl}-2 -methyl-furan-3- carboxylic acid ethyl ester (94) is synthesized according to the procedure described above in step 1 of EXAMPLE 8 starting from the aniline (25) and the carboxylic acid chloride (54) and is isolated as a yellow solid (190mg, 64%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, C ₆ D ₆ ): 1.17 (t, 3 H, J= 7.1 Hz); 2.59 (s, 3 H); 3.32 (s, 3 H); 3.50 (s, 3 H); 4.24 (q, 2 H, J= 7.1 Hz); 6.55 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.3 Hz, J ₂ = 2.3 Hz); 6.62 (d, 1 H, J= 2.3 Hz); 7.05 (s, 1 H); 7.32 (d, 1 H, J= 8.3 Hz); 7.25-7.34 (m, 2 H); 7.61 (d, 2 H, J= 9.0 Hz); 7.65 (d, 2 H, J= 9.0 Hz); 7.71 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.77 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 8.82 (s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 35

5-{4-[(2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl }-2-methyl-furan-3- carboxylic acid (95)

SCHEME 49

Saponification of the carboxylic acid ethyl ester (94) in a mixture of THF and MeOH (2+1) according to the procedure described above in EXAMPLE 31 affords 5-{4-[(2',4'- dimethoxy-biphenyl-3 -carbonyl)-amino] -phenyl }-2-methyl-furan-3 -carboxylic acid (95) as a off-white solid (137mg, quant.). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, (CD ₃ ) ₂ SO): 2.60 (s, 3 H); 3.78 (s, 3 H); 3.82 (s, 3 H); 6.66 (dd, 1 H, J, = 8.3 Hz, J ₂ = 2.2 Hz); 6.70 (d, 1 H, J= 2.2 Hz); 7.00 (s, 1 H); 7.32 (d, 1 H, J= 8.3 Hz); 7.53 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.66 (d, 1 H, J= 8.6 Hz); 7.69 (d, 2 H, J= 8.6 Hz); 7.86 (d, 3 H, J= 8.6 Hz); 7.99 (s, 1 H); 7.99 (s, 1 H); 10.34 (s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 36

5-{4-[(2',4'-Dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)-amino]-phenyl }-2-methyl-furan-3- carboxylic acid (96)

SCHEME 50

According to the procedure described above in EXAMPLE 12 reaction of the carboxylic acid (95) with a IM BBr ₃ solution affords 5-{4-[(2',4'-dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carbonyl)- amino]-phenyl}-2-methyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid (96) as a light yellow solid (24mg, 32%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 2.67 (s, 3 H); 6.43-6.47 (m, 1 H) 6.46 (s, 1 H); 6.95 (s, 1 H); 7.21 (d, 1 H, J= 8.6 Hz); 7.53 (t, 1 H, J= 7.7 Hz); 7.71 (d, 2 H , J= 8.8 Hz); 7.78-7.85 (m, 2 H); 7.81 (d, 2 H ₃ J= 8.8 Hz); 8.11 (s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 37

2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyI-3-carboxylic acid (3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-amide (97)

SCHEME 51

2',4'-Dimethoxy-biphenyl-3 -carboxylic acid (3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-amide (97) is synthesized according to the procedure described above in step 1 of EXAMPLE 8 starting from 3-trifluoromethyl-phenylamine and carboxylic acid chloride (54) and is isolated as a yellow oil (32mg, 31%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.80 (s, 3 H); 3.85 (s, 3 H); 6.56- 6.60 (m, 1 H); 6.57 (s, 1 H); 7.26 (d, 1 H, J= 8.6 Hz); 7.39 (d, 1 H, J= 7.6 Hz); 7.47 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.50 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.69 (dt, 1 H, Ji = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.77 (dt, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.84 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.88 (br. s, 1 H); 7.94 (s, 1 H); 7.96 (t I H, J= 1.5 Hz).

EXAMPLE 38

2',4'-Dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid (3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-amide (98)

According to the procedure described above in EXAMPLE 12 reaction of 2',4'- dimethoxy-biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid (3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-amide (97) with a IM BBr ₃ solution affords 2',4'-dihydroxy-biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid (3-trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-amide (98) as a brown solid (27mg, 72%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CD ₃ OD): 6.45 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.3 Hz, J ₂ = 2.5 Hz); 6.46 (s, 1 H); 7.21 (dd, 1 H, J ₁ = 8.6 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.47 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.54 (t, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 7.59 (t, 1 H, J= 8.0 Hz); 7.81 (dt, 1 H, J ₁ = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.3 Hz); 7.85 (ddd, 1 H, Ji = 7.8 Hz, J ₂ = 1.7 Hz, J ₃ = 1.0 Hz); 7.99 (d, 1 H, J= 7.8 Hz); 8.12 (t, 1 H ₅ J= 1.7 Hz); 8.21 (s, 1 H).

The compounds referred to in the following SCHEME 12 are those compounds referred to as the particularly preferred compounds herein.

SCHEME 12

Sialyl Lewis ^x Tyrosine Sulfate Assay (sLe* TSA):

Compounds of the present invention are assayed on a molecular level for their ability to inhibit the binding of P-, L-, or E-selectin chimeric molecules to sLe ^x and tyrosinesulfate residues linked to a polymeric matrix as a PSGL-I substitute. Selected IC _5O - values are determined.

Microtiter plates are coated overnight in carbonate buffer pH9,6 with goat anti human Fc mAB (10 μg/ml). After washing in assay buffer (25mM 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-l- piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES), 15OmM NaCl, ImM CaCl ₂ pH7,4) and blocking (3% bovine serum albumin (BSA) in assay buffer) plates are incubated for 2h at 37°C with human P-Selectin-IgG-chimera (0,6InM respectively 150ng/mL) or human L-Selectin- IgG-chimera (0,6InM respectively 89ng/mL) or human E-Selectin-IgG-chimera (0,6InM respectively 131ng/mL). 5μl of sLe ^x -tyrosine sulfate polyacrylamide (lmg/ml) carrying 15% sLe ^x , 10% Tyrosine-sulfate and 5% biotin is complexed with 20μl Streptavidin- Peroxidase solution (lmg/ml) and 25μl assay buffer without CaCl ₂ . For use in the assay, the ligand complex is diluted 1:10000 in assay buffer and further diluted 1 :1 with varying amounts of compounds in assay buffer incl. 2%DMSO. This mixture is added to the wells precoated with E- or P-selectin. After incubation for 2h at 37 ⁰ C, wells are washed for six times with in assay buffer incl. 0,005% Polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate (TWEEN 20), developed for 10-15min with 20μl 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)/H ₂ 0 ₂ substrate solution and stopped with 20μl IM H ₂ SO ₄ . Bound sLe ^x -Tyrosine sulfate ligand complex is determined by measuring optical density at 450nm vs. 620nm in a Fusion alpha-FP reader (sold from Packard Bioscience, Dreieich, Germany).

Results from SLe ¹¹ TSA; in vitro inhibition Data for E-/ P-/ L-Selectin at lOOuM

Results from sLe ^x TSA: ICsn Data for E-/ P-/ L-Selectin

Flow Chamber Assay / Cell Adhesion and Rolling under Flow Conditions

To assess the capability of compounds to inhibit cell binding under dynamic conditions resembling the flow in a blood vessel, flow chamber assays addressing/ testing binding of HL-60 cells / various cell lines to P-selectin, L-selectin and E-selectin chimeric molecules are performed.

Cell attachment under flow conditions is determined using a parallel flow chamber system. A 35mm polystyrene culture dish is coated for 1 hour at room temperature with coating buffer (5OmM tris-(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane buffer (Tris), 150 mM NaCl, 2 mM

CaCl ₂ ; pH 7,4) containing human E- or P-selectin-IgG chimera at concentrations of 2,5μg/ml or lOμg/ml, respectively. After removal of the coating solution non specific binding sites are blocked for an additional hour with 1% BSA in coating buffer at room temperature. After washing with assay buffer ("Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640" (RPMI 1640) + 1OmM HEPES) the dish is fitted into a parallel plate laminar flow chamber (sold from Glycotech, Rockville, MD) and mounted on an inverted phase-contrast microscope (sold from Olympus, Hamburg, Germany) equipped with a CCD camera (JVC) that is connected to a PC. Employing a peristaltic pump (sold from Ismatec, Wertheim- Mondfeld, Germany) the re-circulating system is equilibrated with assay buffer containing 125μM compound or vehicle control (DMSO). Cells (1 million / ml) are added to the chamber and allowed to distribute for 2 minutes at a high flow rate. The flow rate is then decreased resulting in a calculated flow shear of 1 dyne/cm ² . Video sequences of 10 low power fields are digitally recorded after 5 minutes continuous flow. The percentage of inhibition is calculated from the mean number of cells per field that attached to the coated dish surface in the presence versus absence of compound of at independent experiments.

Data from Flow Chamber Assay for E- and P-Selectin

Values are given as normalized ratios of %-inhibition of compound x divided by %- inhibition of bimosiamose.