The present invention relates to sulphonamide derivatives, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, to processes for preparing them and to their use as medicaments (for example in the treatment of an inflammatory disease state).

Sulphonamide derivatives are disclosed as disinfectants in WO 2004018414. Sulphonamides are also disclosed in WO 99/38845.

It is known that certain non-steroidal compounds interact with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and, as a result of this interaction, produce a suppression of inflammation (see, for example, US6323199). Such compounds can show a clear dissociation between anti¬ inflammatory and metabolic actions making them superior to earlier reported steroidal and non-steroidal glucocorticoids. The present invention provides further non-steroidal compounds as modulators (for example agonists, antagonists, partial agonists or partial antagonists) of the glucocorticoid receptor capable of having a dissociation between their anti-inflammatory and metabolic actions.

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

wherein:

R ³ is phenyl optionally substituted by U, X, Y and Z; or thienyl, furyl or pyrazolyl all optionally substituted by X, Y and Z; L ³ is a bond or CH ₂ ;

U, X, Y and Z are, independently, hydrogen, halo, C _1-6 alkyl, C _1-6 alkoxy, C _1-4 alkylthio, C _1-4 fhioroalkyl, C _1-4 fluoroalkoxy, phenyl (optionally substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 fluoroalkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy or C _1-4 fluoroalkoxy), pyridyl (optionally substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 fluoroalkyl, Ci _-4 alkoxy or C _1-4 fluoroalkoxy), pyrazolyl (optionally substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 fluoroalkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy or C _1-4 fluoroalkoxy), benzyloxy (optionally substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 fluoroalkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy or C _1-4 fluoroalkoxy), phenoxy (optionally substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 fluoroalkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy or C _1-4 fluoroalkoxy), pyridyloxy (optionally substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 fluoroalkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy or C _1-4 fluoroalkoxy), nitro, cyano, S(O) ₂ NH ₂ , C(O)( Q _-4 alkyl), C(O)NH ₂ , NHC(O)(C _1-4 alkyl) or NR ⁴ R ⁵ ; or X and Y join to form a fused benzene or pyridine ring;

R ⁴ and R ⁵ are, independently hydrogen, C _1-4 alkyl or C _3-7 cycloalkyl;

R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-4 alkyl;

W is a phenyl, isoxazolyl or pyrazolyl, cyclohexyl ring, or an acenaphthene ring system; W being optionally substituted by halo or C _1-4 alkyl; L ¹ is a bond or CH ₂ ;

L ² is a bond, O, NH ₅ (CEb) _n or CH ₂ NH; n is 1 or 2;

R ² is cyclohexyl, phenyl, methylenedioxyphenyl, thienyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, 1,2,3-triazinyl, 1,2,4-triazinyl, benzofuranyl, benzthienyl, indolyl, indolinyl, dihydroindolinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzthiazolyl, quinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, [l,8]-naphthiridinyl, [l,6]-naphthiridinyl, quinolin-

2(LH)-onyl, isoquinolin-l(2i7)-onyl, phthalazin-l(2H)-onyl, lH-indazolyl, l,3-dihydro-2# ^~ - indol-2-onyl, isoindolin-1-onyl, 3,4-dihydro-lH-isochromen-l-onyl, lH-isochromen-1-onyl, or an acenaphthene ring system;

R ² is optionally substituted by halo, C _1-6 alkyl, C _1-6 alkoxy, C _1-4 alkylthio, C _1-4 fluoroalkyl, C _1-

₄ fluoroalkoxy, nitro, cyano, OH, C(O) ₂ H, C(O) ₂ (C _1-4 alkyl), S(O) ₂ (C _1-4 alkyl), S(O) ₂ NH ₂ ,

S(O) ₂ NH(C _1-4 alkyl), S(O) ₂ N(C _1-4 alkyl) ₂ , benzyloxy, imidazolyl, C(O)(C _1-4 alkyl), C(O)NH ₂ ,

C(O)NH(C _1-4 alkyl), C(O)N(C _1-4 alkyl) ₂ , NHC(O)(C _1-4 alkyl) Or NR ⁶ R ⁷ ; R ⁶ and R ⁷ are, independently, hydrogen, C _1-4 alkyl or C _3-7 cycloalkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Compounds of of formula (I) can exist in different isomeric forms (such as enantiomers, diastereomers, geometric isomers or tautomers). The present invention covers all such isomers and mixtures thereof in all proportions. Suitable salts include acid addition salts such as a hydrochloride, hydrobromide, phosphate, acetate, fumarate, maleate, tartrate, citrate, oxalate, methanesulphonate,/7- toluenesulphonate, succinate, glutarate or malonate.

The compounds of formula (I) may exist as solvates (such as hydrates) and the present invention covers all such solvates. Alkyl groups and moieties are straight or branched chain and are, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl or tert-butyl.

Fluoroalkyl comprises, for example, 1 to 6, such as 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 fluorine atoms. It is, for example, CHF ₂ , CF ₃ , CH ₂ CF ₃ or C ₂ F ₅ . Fluoroalkoxy comprises, for example, 1 to 6, such as 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 fluorine atoms. It is, for example, OCHF ₂ , OCF ₃ , OCH ₂ CF ₃ or OC ₂ F ₅ .

Cycloalkyl is for example, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl. In one particular aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein:

R ³ is phenyl optionally substituted by U, X, Y and Z;

L ³ is a bond;

U, X, Y and Z are, independently, hydrogen, halo, C _1-6 alkyl, C _1-6 alkoxy, C _1-4 alkylthio, CF ₃ , OCF ₃ , phenyl (optionally substituted by halo or C _1-4 alkyl), benzyloxy, phenoxy (optionally substituted by halo or C _1-4 alkyl), nitro, cyano, S(O) ₂ NH ₂ , C(0)( C _1-4 alkyl), C(O)NH ₂ ,

NHC(O)(Ci _-4 alkyl) or NR ⁴ R ⁵ ; or X and Y join to form a fused benzene or pyridine ring;

R ⁴ and R ⁵ are, independently hydrogen, C _1-4 alkyl or C _3-7 cycloalkyl;

R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-4 alkyl; W is a phenyl, isoxazolyl or pyrazolyl, cyclohexyl ring, or an acenaphthene ring system; W being optionally substituted by halo or C _1-4 alkyl;

L ¹ is a bond or CH ₂ ;

L ² is a bond, O, NH ₅ (CH ₂ ) _n or CH ₂ NH; n is 1 or 2; R ² is a phenyl, pyridyl or pyrazolyl ring, said ring being optionally substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy, C _1-4 alkylthio, CF ₃ , OCF ₃ , benzyloxy, nitro, cyano, S(O) ₂ NH ₂ , C(0)( C _1-4 alkyl), C(O)NH ₂ , NHC(O)( C _1-4 alkyl) OrNR ⁸ R ⁹ ;

R ⁸ and R ⁹ are, independently hydrogen, C _1-4 alkyl or C _3-7 cycloalkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; for use as a medicament. In another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein:

R ³ is phenyl optionally substituted by U, X, Y and Z; or thienyl, furyl or pyrazolyl all optionally substituted by X, Y and Z;

L ³ is a bond or CH ₂ ;

U, X, Y and Z are, independently, hydrogen, halo, C _1-6 alkyl, C _1-6 alkoxy, C _1-4 alkylthio, C _1-4 fluoroalkyl, C _1-4 fluoroalkoxy, phenyl (optionally substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 fluoroalkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy or C _1-4 fluoroalkoxy), pyridyl (optionally substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 fluoroalkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy or C _1-4 fluoroalkoxy), pyrazolyl (optionally substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 fluoroalkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy or Cj _-4 fluoroalkoxy), benzyloxy (optionally

substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 fluoroalkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy or C _1-4 fluoroalkoxy), phenoxy (optionally substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 fluoroalkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy or C _1-4 fluoroalkoxy), pyridyloxy (optionally substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 fluoroalkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy or C _1-4 fluoroalkoxy), nitro, cyano, S(O) ₂ NH ₂ , C(O)( C _1-4 alkyl), C(O)NH ₂ , NHC(O)(C _1-4 alkyl) or NR ⁴ R ⁵ ; or X and Y join to form a fused benzene or pyridine ring; R ⁴ and R ⁵ are, independently hydrogen, C _1-4 alkyl or C _3-7 cycloalkyl; R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-4 alkyl;

W is cyclohexyl, phenyl, methylenedioxyphenyl, thienyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, 1,2,3-triazinyl, 1,2,4-triazinyl, benzofuranyl, benzthienyl, indolyl, indolinyl, dihydroindolinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzthiazolyl, quinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, [l,8]-naphthiridinyl, [l,6]-naphthiridinyl, quinolin- 2(l//)-onyl, isoquinolin-l(2#)-onyl, phthalazin-l(2#)-onyl, l/Z-indazolyl, l,3-dihydro-2/f- indol-2-onyl, isoindolin-1-onyl, 3,4-dihydro-lH-isochromen-l-only, lH-isochromen-1-only, or an acenaphthene ring system;

W is optionally substituted by halo, C _1-6 alkyl, C _1-6 alkoxy, C _1-4 alkylthio, C _1-4 fluoroalkyl, C ₁ . ₄ fluoroalkoxy, nitro, cyano, OH, C(O) ₂ H, C(O) ₂ (C _1-4 alkyl), S(O) ₂ (C _1-4 alkyl), S(O) ₂ NH ₂ , S(O) ₂ NH(C _1-4 alkyl), S(O) ₂ N(C _1-4 alkyl) ₂ , benzyloxy, imidazolyl, C(O)(C _1-4 alkyl), C(O)NH ₂ , C(O)NH(C _1-4 alkyl), C(O)N(C _1-4 alkyl) ₂ , NHC(O)(C _1-4 alkyl) OrNR ⁶ R ⁷ ; R ⁶ and R ⁷ are, independently, hydrogen, C _1-4 alkyl or C _3-7 cycloalkyl; L ¹ is a bond or CH ₂ ; L ² is a bond, O, NH, (CH ₂ ) _n or CH ₂ NH; n is 1 or 2; R ² is a phenyl, pyridyl or pyrazolyl ring, said ring being optionally substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, CM alkoxy, C _1-4 alkylthio, CF ₃ , OCF ₃ , benzyloxy, nitro, cyano, S(O) ₂ NH ₂ , C(0)( C _1-4 alkyl), C(O)NH ₂ , NHC(0)( C _1-4 alkyl) OrNR ⁸ R ⁹ ; R ⁸ and R ⁹ are, independently hydrogen, C _1-4 alkyl or C _3-7 cycloalkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; provided that when L ¹ and L ³ are both a bond then W is not optionally substituted phenyl; and that when L ¹ and L ³ are both a bond, L ² is (CH ₂ ) ₂ , W is unsubstituted 2-pyridin-6-yl and R ² is unsubstituted phenyl then R ³ is neither 4- NHC(O)CH ₃ -phenyl nor -NH ₂ -phenyl.

In yet another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein: R ³ is phenyl optionally substituted by U, X, Y and Z; L ³ is a bond; U, X, Y and Z

are, independently, hydrogen, halo (such as fluoro or chloro), C _1-6 alkyl, C _1-6 alkoxy, phenyl (optionally substituted by halo) or phenoxy (optionally substituted by C _1-4 alkyl); or X and Y join to form a fused benzene ring; R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-4 alkyl; W is a phenyl, isoxazolyl or pyrazolyl, cyclohexyl ring, or an acenaphthene ring system; W being optionally substituted by C _1-4 alkyl; L ¹ is a bond or CH ₂ ; L ² is a bond, O, NH, (CH ₂ ) _n or CH ₂ NH; n is 1 or 2; R ² is a phenyl, pyridyl or pyrazolyl ring, said ring being optionally substituted by halo (such as chloro or bromo), C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy or C _1-4 alkylthio; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; for use as a medicament.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein R ³ is phenyl optionally substituted by U, X, Y and Z; L ³ is a bond; U, X, Y and Z are, independently, hydrogen, halo, C _1-6 alkyl, C _1-6 alkoxy, C _1-4 alkylthio, CF ₃ , OCF ₃ , phenyl (optionally substituted by halo or C _1-4 alkyl), benzyloxy, phenoxy (optionally substituted by halo or C _1-4 alkyl), nitro, cyano, S(O) ₂ NH ₂ , C(O)( Ci _-4 alkyl), C(O)NH ₂ , NHC(O)(C _1-4 alkyl) or NR ⁴ R ⁵ ; or X and Y join to form a fused benzene or pyridine ring; R ⁴ and R ⁵ are, independently hydrogen, C _1-4 alkyl or C _3-7 cycloalkyl; R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-4 alkyl; W is a phenyl, isoxazolyl or pyrazolyl, cyclohexyl ring, or an acenaphthene ring system; W being optionally substituted by halo or C _1-4 alkyl; L ¹ is a bond or CH ₂ ; L ² is a bond, O, NH, (CH ₂ ) _n or CH ₂ NH; n is 1 or 2; R ² is a phenyl, pyridyl or pyrazolyl ring, said ring being optionally substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy, C _1-4 alkylthio, CF ₃ , OCF ₃ , benzyloxy, nitro, cyano, S(O) ₂ NH ₂ , C(0)( C _1-4 alkyl), C(O)NH ₂ , NHC(0)( Ci _-4 alkyl) or NR ⁸ R ⁹ ; R ⁸ and R ⁹ are, independently hydrogen, Ci _-4 alkyl or C _3-7 cycloalkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In a still further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein: R ³ is phenyl optionally substituted by U, X, Y and Z; L ³ is a bond; U, X, Y and Z are, independently, hydrogen, halo, C _1-6 alkyl, C _1-6 alkoxy, C _1-4 alkylthio, CF ₃ , OCF ₃ , phenyl (optionally substituted by halo or C _1-4 alkyl), benzyloxy, phenoxy (optionally substituted by halo or C _1-4 alkyl), nitro, cyano, S(O) ₂ NH ₂ , C(0)( Cj _-4 alkyl), C(O)NH ₂ , NHC(O)(C _1-4 alkyl) or NR ⁴ R ⁵ ; or X and Y join to form a fused benzene or pyridine ring; R ⁴ and R ⁵ are, independently hydrogen, C _1-4 alkyl or C _3-7 cycloalkyl; R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci _-4 alkyl; W is a phenyl or isoxazolyl, cyclohexyl ring, or an acenaphthene ring system; W being optionally substituted by halo or Ci _-4 alkyl; L ¹ is a bond or CH ₂ ; L ² is a bond, O, NH or (CH ₂ ) _n ; n is 1 or 2; R ² is a phenyl, pyridyl or pyrazolyl ring, said ring being optionally substituted by halo, Ci _-4 alkyl, Ci _-4 alkoxy, C _1-4 alkylthio, CF ₃ , OCF ₃ , benzyloxy, nitro, cyano, S(O) ₂ NH ₂ , C(0)( C _1-4

alkyl), C(O)NH ₂ , NHC(O)( C _1-4 alkyl) OrNR ⁸ R ⁹ ; R ⁸ and R ⁹ are, independently hydrogen, C _1-4 alkyl or C _3-7 cycloalkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein L ¹ is CH ₂ . In yet another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein L ³ is a bond.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein L ² is CH ₂ CH ₂ .

In a still further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein W is phenyl (for example unsubstituted phenyl).

In another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein R ³ is phenyl (optionally substituted by halogen, Ci _-4 alkyl, Ci _-4 haloalkyl, Ci _-4 alkoxy or C _1-4 haloalkoxy), pyridyl (optionally substituted by halogen, Ci _-4 alkyl, Ci _-4 haloalkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy or Ci _-4 haloalkoxy) or pyrazolyl (optionally substituted by Ci _-4 alkyl, Ci _-4 haloalkyl or phenyl (itself optionally substituted by halogen, Ci _-4 alkyl, Ci _-4 haloalkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy or Ci _-4 haloalkoxy)).

In yet another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein R ³ is phenyl optionally substituted by halo, Ci _-6 alkyl, C _1-6 alkoxy, C _1-4 alkylthio, CF ₃ , OCF ₃ , phenoxy (optionally substituted by halo or C _1-4 alkyl), phenyl (optionally substituted by halo or C _1-4 alkyl), nitro, cyano, S(O) ₂ NH ₂ , C(O)(C _1-4 alkyl), C(O)NH ₂ , NHC(O)(C _1-4 alkyl) OrNR ⁴ R ⁵ ; R ⁴ and R ⁵ are, independently, hydrogen, C _1-4 alkyl or C _3-7 cycloalkyl.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein R ³ is phenyl optionally substituted by halo, C _1-6 alkyl, C _1-6 alkoxy, C _1-4 alkylthio, CF ₃ , OCF ₃ , nitro, cyano, S(O) ₂ NH ₂ , C(O)(C _1-4 alkyl), C(O)NH ₂ , NHC(O)(C _1-4 alkyl) or NR ⁴ R ⁵ ; R ⁴ and R ⁵ are, independently, hydrogen, C _1-4 alkyl or C _3-7 cycloalkyl.

In a still further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein R ² is phenyl, methylenedioxyphenyl, pyridinyl, benzofuranyl, benzthienyl, indolyl, indolinyl, dihydroindolinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzthiazolyl, quinolinyl, indazolyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, [l,8]-naphthiridinyl or [l,6]-naphthiridinyl, optionally substituted as defined above.

In another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein R ² is phenyl, pyridyl, indolyl (for example mdol-4-yl, mdol-5-yl, indol-6-yl or indol-7-yl), indazolyl (for example indazol-4-yl, indazol-5-yl, indazol-6-yl or indazol-7-yl), quinolinyl (for example quinolin-5-yl) or isoquinolinyl (for example isoquinolm-5-yi). In yet another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein R ² is optionally substituted by halogen, C _1-4 alkyl, CF ₃ , C _1-4 alkoxy, OCF ₃ , phenyl (itself optionally substituted by halogen, C _1-4 alkyl, CF ₃ , C _1-4 alkoxy or OCF ₃ ) or C(O)NH ₂ . In a further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein R ² is a phenyl, pyridyl or pyrazolyl ring, said ring being optionally substituted by halo, C _1-4 alkyl, C _1-4 alkoxy, C _1-4 alkylthio, CF ₃ , OCF ₃ , benzyloxy, nitro, cyano, S(O) ₂ NH ₂ , C(0)( C _1-4 alkyl), C(O)NH ₂ , NHC(0)( C _1-4 alkyl) or NR ⁸ R ⁹ ; and R ⁸ and R ⁹ are, independently hydrogen, C _1-4 alkyl or C _3-7 cycloalkyl.

In a still further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein R ¹ is hydrogen. The compounds of the invention are illustrated by the Examples.

The compounds of formula (I) can be prepared using or adapting methods disclosed in the art, or by using or adapting the method disclosed in the Examples below. Starting materials for the preparative methods are either commercially available or can be prepared by literature methods, adapting literature methods. For example the compounds of the invention can be prepared by coupling a compound of formula (II):

O

3 3 I ' R-L ³ -S-L (ID

O wherein L is a leaving group (for example chlorine), with a compound of formula (III):

in a suitable solvent (such as tetrahydrofuran or N,N-dimethylformamide) at a temperature in the range -1O ⁰ C to 5O ⁰ C.

The invention further provides processes for the preparation of these compounds of formula (I).

Because of their ability to bind to the glucocorticoid receptor the compounds of formula (I) are useful as anti-inflammatory agents, and can also display antiallergic, immunosuppressive and anti-proliferative actions. Thus, the compounds of formula (I) can be used as medicaments for treatment or prophylaxis of the following pathologic conditions in mammals (such as humans):

(i) Lung diseases, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes:

• chronically obstructive lung diseases of any origin, mainly bronchial asthma

• bronchitis of different origins • all forms of restructive lung diseases, mainly allergic alveolitis

• all forms of pulmonary edema, mainly toxic pulmonary edema

• sarcoidoses and granulomatoses, such as Boeck's disease

(ii) Rheumatic diseases/auto-immune diseases/degenerative joint diseases, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes: • all forms of rheumatic diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis, acute rheumatic fever, polymyalgia rheumatica, collagenoses

• reactive arthritis

• inflammatory soft-tissue diseases of other origins

• arthritic symptoms in degenerative joint diseases (arthroses) • traumatic arthritides

• collagen diseases of other origins, for example systemic lupus erythematodes, sclerodermia, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, polyarteritis nodosa, temporal arteritis

• Sjogren's syndrome, Still syndrome, Felty's syndrome (iii) Allergies, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes:

• All forms of allergic reactions, for example Quincke's edema, hay fever, insect bites, allergic reactions to pharmaceutical agents, blood derivatives, contrast media, etc., anaphylactic shock, urticaria, contact dermatitis

(iv) Dermatological diseases, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes:

• atopic dermatitis (mainly in children)

• psoriasis

• erythematous diseases, triggered by different noxae, for example radiation, chemicals, burns, etc.

• acid burns

• bullous dermatoses • diseases of the lichenoid group

• itching (for example of allergic origins)

• seborrheal eczema

• rosacea

• pemphigus vulgaris • erythema exudativum multiforme

• erythema nodosum

• balanitis

• vulvitis

• inflammatory hair loss, such as alopecia areata • cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

(v) Nephropathies, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes:

• nephrotic syndrome

• all nephritides (vi) Liver diseases, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes:

• acute liver cell decomposition

• acute hepatitis of different origins, for example virally-, toxically- or pharmaceutical agent-induced • chronically aggressive and/or chronically intermittent hepatitis

(vii) Gastrointestinal diseases, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes:

• regional enteritis (Crohn's disease)

• ulcerative colitis • gastroenteritis of other origins, for example native sprue

(viii) Proctological diseases, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes:

• anal eczema

• fissures

• haemorrhoids

• idiopathic proctitis (ix) Eve diseases, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes:

• allergic keratitis, uvenitis iritis

• conjunctivitis

• blepharitis • optic neuritis

• chorioiditis

• sympathetic ophthalmia

(x) Diseases of the ear-nose-throat area, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes: • allergic rhinitis, hay fever

• otitis externa, for example caused by contact dermatitis, infection, etc.

• otitis media

(xi) Neurological diseases, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes: • cerebral edema, mainly tumor-induced cerebral edema

• multiple sclerosis

• acute encephalomyelitis

• different forms of convulsions, for example infantile nodding spasms

(xii) Blood diseases, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes:

• acquired haemolytic anemia

• idiopathic thrombocytopenia

(xiii) Tumor diseases, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes: • acute lymphatic leukaemia

• malignant lymphoma

• lymphogranulomatoses

• lymphosarcoma

• extensive metastases, mainly in breast and prostate cancers

(xiv) Endocrine diseases, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes: • endocrine orbitopathy

• thyrotoxic crisis

• de Quervain's thyroiditis

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis

• hyperthyroidism (xv) Transplants, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes;

(xvi) Severe shock conditions, which coincide with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes, for example anaphylactic shock

(xvii) Substitution therapy, which coincides with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes, with:

• innate primary suprarenal insufficiency, for example congenital adrenogenital syndrome

• acquired primary suprarenal insufficiency, for example Addison's disease, autoimmune adrenalitis, meta-infective, tumors, metastases, etc. • innate secondary suprarenal insufficiency, for example congenital hypopituitarism

• acquired secondary suprarenal insufficiency, for example meta-infective, tumors, etc.

(xviii) Emesis, which coincides with inflammatory, allergic and/or proliferative processes:

• for example in combination with a 5 -HT3 -antagonist in cytostatic-agent-induced vomiting.

Without prejudice to the foregoing, the compounds of formula (I) can also be used to treat disorders such as: Conies Syndrome, primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism, increased sodium retention, increased magnesium and potassium excretion (diuresis), increased water retention, hypertension (isolated systolic and combined systolic/diastolic), arrhythmias, myocardial fibrosis, myocardial infarction, Bartter's Syndrome, disorders associated with excess catecholamine levels, diastolic and systolic congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral vascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, cirrhosis with edema and ascites,

oesophageal varicies, Addison's Disease, muscle weakness, increased melanin pigmentation of the skin, weight loss, hypotension, hypoglycemia, Cushing's Syndrome, obesity, hypertension, glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, polyuria, polydipsia, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, tissue rejection associated with organ transplant, malignancies such as leukemias and lymphomas, acute adrenal insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, rheumatic fever, polyarteritis nodosa, granulomatous polyarteritis, inhibition of myeloid cell lines, immune proliferation/apoptosis, HPA axis suppression and regulation, hypercortisolemia, modulation of the Thl/Th2 cytokine balance, chronic kidney disease, stroke and spinal cord injury, hypercalcemia, hyperglycemia, acute adrenal insufficiency, chronic primary adrenal insufficiency, secondary adrenal insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, cerebral edema, thrombocytopenia, and Little's syndrome, systemic inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, polyartitis nodosa, Wegener's granulomatosis, giant cell arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, urticaria, angioneurotic edema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, tendonitis, bursitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, hepatitis, cinhosis, inflammatory scalp alopecia, panniculitis, psoriasis, inflamed cysts, pyoderma gangrenosum, pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid, dermatomyositis, eosinophilic fasciitis, relapsing polychondritis, inflammatory vasculitis, sarcoidosis Sweet's disease, type 1 reactive leprosy, capillary hemangiomas, lichen planus, erythema nodosum acne, hirsutism, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiform, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, psychoses, cognitive disorders (such as memory disturbances) mood disorders (such as depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders and personality disorders. As used herein the term "congestive heart failure" (CHF) or 'congestive heart disease" refers to a disease state of the cardiovascular system whereby the heart is unable to efficiently pump an adequate volume of blood to meet the requirements of the body's tissues and organ systems. Typically, CHF is characterized by left ventricular failure (systolic dysfunction) and fluid accumulation in the lungs, with the underlying cause being attributed to one or more heart or cardiovascular disease states including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, diabetes, valvular heart disease, and cardiomyopathy. The term "diastolic congestive heart failure" refers to a state of CHF characterized by impairment in the ability of the heart to properly relax and fill with blood. Conversely, the term "systolic congestive heart

failure" refers to a state of CHF characterized by impairment in the ability of the heart to properly contract and eject blood.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, physiological disorders may present as a "chronic" condition, or an "acute" episode. The term "chronic", as used herein, means a condition of slow progress and long continuance. As such, a chronic condition is treated when it is diagnosed and treatment continued throughout the course of the disease. Conversely, the term "acute"means an exacerbated event or attack, of short course, followed by a period of remission. Thus, the treatment of physiological disorders contemplates both acute events and chronic conditions. In an acute event, compound is administered at the onset of symptoms and discontinued when the symptoms disappear.

In another aspect the present invention provides a compound or formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for use in therapy (such as a therapy described above).

The present invention further provides a method of treating a glucocorticoid receptor mediated disease state in a mammal (such as man), which comprises administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In a still further aspect of the invention a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is used to treat an inflammatory (such as an arthritic) condition.

In a still further aspect of the invention a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is used to treat an asthmatic or dermatological condition.

In order to use a compound of formual (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the therapeutic treatment of a mammal, said active ingredient is normally formulated in accordance with standard pharmaceutical practice as a pharmaceutical composition.

Therefore in another aspect the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) ₅ or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (active ingredient), and a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier. In a further aspect the present invention provides a process for the preparation of said composition comprising mixing the active ingredient with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier. Depending on the mode of administration, the pharmaceutical

composition can comprise from 0.05 to 99 %w (per cent by weight), for example from 0.05 to

80 %w, such as from 0.10 to 70 %w (for example from 0.10 to 50 %w), of active ingredient, all percentages by weight being based on total composition.

A pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be administered in standard manner for the disease condition that it is desired to treat, for example by topical

(such as to the lung and/or airways or to the skin), oral, rectal or parenteral administration.

Thus, a the compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be formulated into the form of, for example, an aerosol, a powder (for example dry or dispersible), a tablet, a capsule, a syrup, a granule, an aqueous or oily solution or suspension, an (lipid) emulsion, a suppository, an ointment, a cream, drops, or a sterile injectable aqueous or oily solution or suspension.

A suitable pharmaceutical composition of this invention is one suitable for oral administration in unit dosage form, for example a tablet or capsule containing between O.lmg and Ig of active ingredient. In another aspect a pharmaceutical composition of the invention is one suitable for intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.

Buffers, pharmaceutically-acceptable cosolvents such as polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, glycerol or ethanol or complexing agents such as hydroxy-propyl β- cyclodextrin may be used to aid formulation. The above formulations may be obtained by conventional procedures well known in the pharmaceutical art. Tablets may be enteric coated by conventional means, for example to provide a coating of cellulose acetate phthalate.

The invention further relates to combination therapies or compositions wherein a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is administered concurrently (possibly in the same composition) or sequentially with an agent for the treatment of any one of the above disease states.

In particular, for the treatment of the inflammatory diseases (for example rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, asthma or allergic rhinitis) a compound of the invention can be combined with a TNF-α inhibitor (such as an anti-TNF monoclonal antibody (such as Remicade, CDP-

870 and D.sub2.E.sub7.), or a TNF receptor immunoglobulin molecule (such as Enbrel.reg.)), a non-selective COX-I / COX-2 inhibitor (such as piroxicam or diclofenac; a propionic acid such as naproxen, flubiprofen, fenoprofen, ketoprofen or ibuprofen; a fenamate such as

mefenamic acid, indomethacin, sulindac or apazone; a pyrazolone such as phenylbutazone; or a salicylate such as aspirin), a COX-2 inhibitor (such as meloxicam, celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib or etoricoxib) low dose methotrexate, lefunomide; ciclesonide; hydroxychloroquine, d-penicillamine or auranofm, or parenteral or oral gold. The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with:

• a leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitor, a 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitor or a 5- lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) antagonist, such as zileuton, ABT-761, fenleuton, tepoxalin, Abbott-79175, Abbott-85761, anN-(5-substituted)-thiophene-2- alkylsulfonamide, a 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol hydrazones, a methoxytetrahydropyran such as Zeneca ZD-2138, SB-210661, a pyridinyl-substituted 2-cyanonaphthalene compound such as L-739,010; a 2-cyanoquinoline compound such as L-746,530; an indole or quinoline compound such as MK-591, MK-886 or BAY x 1005;

• a receptor antagonist for a leukotriene LTB.sub4., LTC.sub4., LTD.sub4. or LTE.sub4. selected from the group consisting of a phenothiazin-3-one such as L-

651,392; an amidino compound such as CGS-25019c; a benzoxalamine such as ontazolast; a benzenecarboximidamide such as BIIL 284/260; or a compound such as zafirlukast, ablukast, montelukast, pranlukast, verlukast (MK-679), RG- 12525, Ro- 245913, iralukast (CGP 45715A) or BAY x 7195; • a PDE4 inhibitor including an inhibitor of the isoform PDE4D;

• an antihistaminic H.subl. receptor antagonist such as cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine, fexofenadine, astemizole, azelastine or chlorpheniramine;

• a gastroprotective H.sub2. receptor antagonist;

• an α.subl.- and α.sub2.-adrenoceptor agonist vasoconstrictor sympathomimetic agent, such as propylhexedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, naphazoline hydrochloride, oxymetazoline hydrochloride, tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, xylometazoline hydrochloride or ethylnorepinephrine hydrochloride;

• an anticholinergic agent such as ipratropium bromide, tiotropium bromide, oxitropium bromide, pirenzepine or telenzepine; • a β.subl.- to β.sub4.-adrenoceptor agonist (such as β2 adrenoceptor agonist) such as metaproterenol, isoproterenol, isoprenaline, albuterol, salbutamol, formoterol, salmeterol, terbutaline, orciprenaline, bitolterol mesylate or pirbuterol, or a

methylxanthanine including theophylline and aminophylline; sodium cromoglycate; or a muscarinic receptor (Ml, M2, and M3) antagonist;

• an insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-I) mimetic;

• an inhaled glucocorticoid with reduced systemic side effects, such as prednisone, prednisolone, flunisolide, triamcinolone acetonide, beclomethasone dipropionate, budesonide, fluticasone propionate or mometasone furoate;

• an inhibitor of a matrix metalloprotease (MMP), such as a stromelysin, a collagenase, or a gelatinase or aggrecanase; such as collagenase- 1 (MMP-I), collagenase-2 (MMP- 8), collagenase-3 (MMP- 13), stromelysin- 1 (MMP-3), stromelysin-2 (MMP-IO), and stromelysin-3 (MMP- 11 ) or MMP- 12;

• a modulator of chemokine receptor function such as CCRl, CCR2, CCR2A, CCR2B, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CCR9, CCRlO and CCRl 1 (for the C-C family); CXCRl, CXCR2, CXCR3, CXCR4 and CXCR5 (for the C-X-C family) and CX ₃ CRl for the C-X ₃ -C family; • an osteoporosis agent such as raloxifene, droloxifene, lasofoxifene or fosomax;

• an immunosuppressant agent such as FK-506, rapamycin, cyclosporine, azathioprine or methotrexate;

• a compound useful in the treatment of AIDS and/or HIV infection for example: an agent which prevents or inhibits the viral protein gpl20 from engaging host cell CD4 {such as soluble CD4 (recombinant); an anti-CD4 antibody (or modified / recombinant antibody) for example PRO542; an anti-groupl20 antibody (or modified / recombinant antibody); or another agent which interferes with the binding of groupl20 to CD4 for example BMS806}; an agent which prevents binding to a chemokine receptor, other than CCR5, used by the HIV virus {such as a CXCR4 agonist or antagonist or an anti-CXCR4 antibody} ; a compound which interferes in the fusion between the HIV viral envelope and a cell membrane {such as an anti- group 41 antibody; enfuvirtide (T-20) or T-1249}; an inhibitor of DC-SIGN (also known as CD209) {such as an anti-DC-SIGN antibody or an inhibitor of DC-SIGN binding} ; a nucleoside/nucleotide analogue reverse transciptase inhibitor {for example zidovudine (AZT), nevirapine, didanosine (ddl), zalcitabine (ddC), stavudine (d4T), lamivudine (3TC), abacavir, adefovir or tenofovir (for example as free base or as disoproxil fumarate)}; a non-nucleoside reverse transciptase inhibitor {for example nevirapine, delavirdine or efavirenz}; a protease inhibitor {for example ritonavir,

indinavir, saquinavir (for example as free base or as mesylate salt), nelfinavir (for example as free base or as mesylate salt), amprenavir, lopinavir or atazanavir (for example as free base or as sulphate salt)}; a ribonucleotide reductase inhinbitor {for example hydroxyurea}; or an antiretroviral {for example emtricitabine}; or, • an existing therapeutic agent for the treatment of osteoarthritis, for example a non¬ steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (hereinafter NSAID's) such as piroxicam or diclofenac, a propionic acid such as naproxen, flubiprofen, fenoprofen, ketoprofen or ibuprofen, a fenamate such as mefenamic acid, indomethacin, sulindac or apazone, a pyrazolone such as phenylbutazone, a salicylate such as aspirin, a COX-2 inhibitor such as celecoxib, valdecoxib, rofecoxib or etoricoxib, an analgesic or intra-articular therapy such as a corticosteroid or a hyaluronic acid such as hyalgan or synvisc, or a P2X7 receptor antagonist.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with: (i) a tryptase inhibitor; (ii) a platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonist; (iii) an interleukin converting enzyme (ICE) inhibitor; (iv) an IMPDH inhibitor; (v) an adhesion molecule inhibitor including a VLA-4 antagonist; (vi) a cathepsin; (vii) a MAP kinase inhibitor; (viii) a glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor; (ix) a kinin- B.subl. - and B.sub2. -receptor antagonist; (x) an anti-gout agent, e.g., colchicine; (xi) a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, e.g., allopurinol; (xii) an uricosuric agent, e.g., probenecid, sulfinpyrazone or benzbromarone; (xiii) a growth hormone secretagogue; (xiv) a transforming growth factor (TGFβ); (xv) a platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF); (xvi) a fibroblast growth factor, e.g., basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF); (xvii) a granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF); (xviii) a capsaicin cream; (xix) a Tachykinin NK. sub 1. and NK.sub3. receptor antagonist selected from the group consisting of NKP-608C; SB-233412 (talnetant); and D-4418; (xx) an elastase inhibitors selected from the group consisting of UT- 77 and ZD-0892; (xxi) a TNFα converting enzyme inhibitor (TACE); (xxii) an induced nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (iNOS); or (xxiii) a chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on TH2 cells (a CRTH2 antagonist).

The following compounds illustrate compounds of formula (I)

Compound 1 Compound 2

Compound 3

Compound 4 Compound 5

Compound 6

Compound 8 Compound 9

Compound 7

Compound 10

The following Examples illustrate the preparation of compounds of formula (I). In the Examples the following abbreviations are used: THF tetrahydrofuran TFA trifiuoroacetic acid rt room temperature

General Methods

¹ H NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian Unity INOVA 400MHz instrument. The central peaks of DMSO-d6 (δπ 2.50 ppm) were used as internal references. Low resolution mass spectra and accurate mass determination were recorded on a Hewlett-Packard 1100 LC- MS system equipped with APCI ionisation chamber. Unless stated otherwise, starting materials were commercially available. All solvents and commercial reagents were of laboratory grade and were used as received.

The following method was used for LC/MS analysis: Instrument Agilent 1100; Column C ₁₈ Waters Symmetry 2.1 x 30 mm 3.5μm; Flow rate 0.7 ml/min; Mass APCI; UV-absorption was measured at 254nm; Solvent A: water + 0.1% TFA; Solvent B: acetonitrile + 0.1% TFA ; Gradient 5-95%/B 8 min, 95% B 2 min.

EXAMPLE 1 4-Methoxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-N-(5-methyl-3-phenyl-isoxazol-4-yl methylVbenzenesulfonamide (Compound 11)

4-Methoxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride (120μL 0.3M /THF) was mixed with [(5-methyl-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)methyl]amine (lOOμL 0.3M/pyridine) and stirred overnight in ambient temperature before it was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue was purified on HPLC-C ₁₈ yielding 2.3mg (20%) APCI-MS m/z: 401.2 [MH+]. LC rt = 5.8 min. UV 254 nm.

Examples 2 - 37 were synthesised by a method analogous to that described in Example

1 using the corresponding starting materials.

EXAMPLE 2

4'-Fluoro-biphenyl-4-sulfonic acid ( ^' 5-methyl-3-phenyl-isoxazol-4-ylmethylVamide (Compound 12)

APCI-MS m/z: 423.2 [MH+]. LC rt = 6.1 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 3

4-C1.1 -Dimethyl-propyl)-N-r5-methyl-3-phenyl-isoxazol-4-ylmethylVb enzenesulfonamide (Compound 13)

APCI-MS m/z: 399.2 [MH+]. LC rt = 6.7 min. UV 254 ran.

EXAMPLE 4 Naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid (5 -methyl-3 -phenyl-isoxazol-4- ylmethylVamide (Compound 14)

APCI-MS m/z: 379.1 [MH+]. LC rt = 5.6 min. UV 254 ran.

EXAMPLE 5 Biphenyl-4-sulfonic acid C5-methyl-3-phenyl-isoxazol-4-ylmethylVamide (Compound 15)

APCI-MS m/z: 405.2 [MH+]. LC rt = 6.0 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 6

4-n-Butoxy-N-(5-methyl-3-phenyl-isoxazol-4-ylmethyl)-benz enestιlfonamide ( ^" Compound 16)

APCI-MS m/z: 401.2 [MH+]. LC rt = 6.2 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 7

2,4,6-Trimethyl-N-C5-methyl-3-phenyl-isoxazol-4-ylmethyl) -benzenesulfonamide (Compound 17)

APCI-MS m/z: 371.2 [MH+]. LC rt = 5.9 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 8

N-r5-Methyl-3-phenyl-isoxazol-4-ylmethyl)-3-p-tolyloxy-be nzenesulfonamide (Compound 18)

APCI-MS m/z: 435.2 [MH+]. LC rt = 6.4 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 9

N- { [5-f 4-Chlorophenyl>2-thienyl]methyl} -4-f Mfluoromethoxylbenzenesulfonamide (Compound 19)

¹ H NMR (399.99 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.50 (t, J= 6.1 Hz ₅ IH), 7.91 (d, J= 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (dd, J= 8.2, 6.2 Hz, 4H), 7.44 (d, J= 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.28 (d, J= 3.6 Hz, IH), 6.89 (d, J= 3.5 Hz, IH), 4.25 (d, J= 5.6 Hz ₅ 2H) LC rt = 6.9 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 10 N-{r5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-thienyllmethyl}-4-( ^' trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfonaniide (Compound 20)

LC rt = 6 .8 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE Il

2,4,6-Trimethyl-N-r3-( ^' 2-pyridin-2-γlethyl ^' )phenyl]benzenesulfonamide (Compound 21)

APCI-MS m/z: 381.2 [MH+]. LC rt 4.2 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 12 4-Bromo-N-([5-( ^' 4-chlorophenylV2-thienyl]methyl}benzenesulfonamide (Compound 22)

LC rt 6.7 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 13

N-{[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-thienyllmethyl>-4-propylbenze nesulfonamide ( ^" Compound 23)

LC rt 7.1 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 14

4-Chloro-N-{[5-(4-chlorophenylV2-thienyllmethvUbenzenesul fonamide (Compound 24)

LC rt 6.6 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 15 5-Bromo-N- { [5-( 4-chlorophenyl)-2-thienyl1methyl} thiophene-2-sulfonamide (Compound 25)

LC rt 6.7 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 16 2,5-Dichloro-N-[3-(2-pyridm-2-ylethyl)phenyl]thiophene-3-sul fonamide (Compound 26)

APCI-MS m/z: 413.0, 415.0 [MH+]. LC rt 4.1 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 17

N-{r5-( ^' 4-chlorophenyl ^' )-2-thienynmethyl}-3-(trifluoromethyl ^' )benzenesulfonamide (Compound 27)

LC rt 6.7min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 18

4-Bromo-N-{r5-(4-chlorophenylV2-thienyllmethyl>-2-meth ylbenzenesulfonamide (Compound 28)

LC rt 7.0 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 19

N-|[5-(4-ChlorophenylV2-thienyl1methyl|-2,4,6-1ximethylbe nzenesulfonamide (Compound 29)

LC rt 7.1 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 20 N- { [5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-thienyl1methvU -4-nitrobenzenesulfonamide (Compound 30)

LC rt 6.2 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 21 N- ( f 5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-thienyl]methyl) -4-fluorobenzenesulfonamide (Compound 31)

LC rt 6.3 min. UV 254 nm.

EXAMPLE 22 S-Methyl-l-phenyl-N-[3-(2-pyridin-2-ylethyl)phenyl1-lH-pyraz ole-4-sulfonamide (Compound 32)

APCI-MS m/z: 419.2 [MH+]. LC rt 3.8 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 23

5-ri-Methyl-5-(trifluoromethylVlH-pyrazol-3-yl]-N-| ^" 3-C2-r)yridin-2-ylethyl)phenyll- thiophene-2-sulfonamide (Compound 33)

APCI-MS m/z: 493.1, 415.0 [MH+]. LC rt 4.6 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 24 2-Bromo-N-{[5-(4-chlorophenylV2-thienyl]methyl>benzenesul fonamide (Compound 34)

LC rt 6.5 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 25 N-(r5-(4-ChlorophenylV2-thienvnmethyl|-4-(pyridin-2-yloxy ^' )benzenesulfonamide

APCI-MS m/z: 457.1 [MH+]. LC rt 6.4 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 26 N- { [5-( ^" 4-Chlorophenyl)-2-thienyl]methyl) -4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide (Compound 36)

LC rt 6.2 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 27 5-Pyridm-2-yl-N-[3-(2-pyridin-2-ylethyl)phenyl1thiophene-2-s ulfonamide (Compound 37)

APCI-MS m/z 422.2 [MH+]. LC rt 3.8 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 28 2,5-dimethyl-N-[3-(2-pyridm-2-ylethyl ^> )ρhenyl]thiophene-3-sulfonamide (Compound 38)

APCI-MS m/z: 373.1 [MH+]. LC rt 3.9 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 29 B^-Dimethyl-N-rB-^-pyridin-Σ-ylethvDphenyllbenzenesulfonami de (Compound 39)

APCI-MS m/z: 367.1 [MH+]. LC rt 4.0 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 30 N-{[5-(4-ChlorophenylV2-thienyllmethyl|-3-methoxybenzenesulf onamide (Compound 40)

LC rt 6.3min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 31

N--f[5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-thienyl]methyU-4-methoxy-2,3,6- trimethylbenzenesulfonamide (Compound 41)

LC rt 7.0 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 32

N-(r5-(4-ChlorophenylV2-thienyl]methyll-3-(4-methylphenox y)benzenesulfonamide (Compound 42)

LC rt 7.3 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 33 5-Chloro-N-r3-(2-pyridm-2-ylethyl ^' )phenyl1thiophene-2-sιιlfonamide (Compound 43)

APCI-MS m/z 379.0 [MH+]. LC rt 3.9 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 34 l-(4-Chlorophenyl)-N-{r5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-thienyllmethvUme thanesulfonamide

(Compound 44)

LC rt 6.6 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 35 2,5-Dimethyl-N-r3-(2-pyridin-2-yletlivDphenyllfuran-3-sulfon amide (Compound 45)

APCI-MS m/z: 357.1 [MH+]. LC rt 3.7 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 36 l-(Difluoromethyl)-3,5-dimethyl-N-r3-(2-pyridin-2-ylethvπph enyll-lH-pyrazole-4- sulfonamide (Compound 46)

APCI-MS m/z: 407.2[MH+]. LC rt 3.6 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 37 N-{r5-r4-Chlorophenyl)-2-thienvnmethyl)-3-cvanobenzenesulfon amide (Compound 47)

LC rt 6.1 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 38 2,4-Dimethyl-N-[3-(2-pyridin-2-ylethyl)phenyl1benzenesulfona mide (Compound 48)

Step 1: 2,4-Dimethylbenzenesulfonyl chloride

2,4-dimethylbenzenesulfonic acid (lOmmole, 1.86g), DIEA (10 mmole, 1.7mL) and cyanuric chloride (lOmmole, 1.84g) were dissolved in acetone (4OmL) and the reaction mixture was refluxed overnight. After cooling to room temperature the mixture was filtered through a Celite pad. Solvent was removed by evaporation under reduced pressure. The product was used in the next step without any further purification.

Step 2: 2,4-Dimethyl-N-[3-(2-pvridin-2-ylethyl)phenyl]benzenesulfona mide

Was synthesised by a method analogous to that described in Example 1 using the corresponding starting materials. APCI-MS m/z: 367.1[MH+]. LC rt 4.0 min. UV 254 nm

Example 39-40 were synthesised by a method analogous to that described in Example 38 using the corresponding starting materials.

EXAMPLE 39

2,5-Dimethyl-N-f3-(2-pyridm-2-ylethyl)phenyl1benzenesulfo namide (Compound 49)

APCI-MS m/z: 367.1[MH+]. LC rt 4.0 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 40 3,4-Dimethyl-N-[3-( ^" 2-pyridin-2-ylethyl)phenyl]benzenesulfonamide (Compound 50)

APCI-MS m/z: 367.1[MH+]. LC rt 4.0 min. UV 254 nm

EXAMPLE 41 Human Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) Assay

The assay is based on a commercial kit from Panvera/Invitrogen (Part number P2893). The assay technology is fluorescence polarization. The kit utilises recombinant human GR

(Panvera, Part number P2812), a Fluoromone™ labelled tracer (GS Red, Panvera, Part number P2894) and a Stabilizing Peptide 1OX (Panvera, Part number P2815). The GR and Stabilizing Peptide reagents are stored at -70 ⁰ C while the GS Red is stored at -20 ⁰ C. Also included in the kit are IM DTT (Panvera, Part number P2325, stored at -20 ⁰ C) and GR Screening buffer 1OX (Panvera, Part number P2814, stored at -70 ⁰ C initially but once thawed stored at room temperature). Avoid repeated freeze/thaws for all reagents. The GR Screening buffer 1OX comprises 10OmM potassium phosphate, 20OmM sodium molybdate, ImM EDTA and 20% DMSO.

Test compounds (lμL) and controls (lμL) in 100% DMSO were added to black polystyrene 384-well plates (Greiner low volume black flat-bottom, part number 784076). 0% control was 100%DMSO and 100% control was lOμM Dexamethasone. Background solution (8μL; assay buffer 10X, Stabilizing Peptide, DTT and ice cold MQ water) was added to the background wells. GS Red solution (7μL; assay buffer 10X, Stabilizing Peptide, DTT, GS Red and ice cold water) was added to all wells except background wells. GR solution (7μL; assay buffer 10X, Stabilizing Peptide, DTT, GR and ice cold water) was added to all wells. The plate was sealed and incubated in a dark at room temperature for 2hours. The plate was read in an Analyst plate reader (LJL Biosystems/Molecular Devices Corporation) or other similar plate reader capable of recording fluorescence polarization (excitation wavelength 530nm, emission wavelength 59OnM and a dichroic mirror at 561nm). The IC50 values were calculated using XLfit model 205.