OXADIAZOLE COMPOUNDS

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to oxadiazole derivative compounds, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as defined herein, that are useful for treating diseases related to protein misfolding and in particular neurodegenerative diseases or diabetes.

Background of the invention

Several human disorders referred to as amyloidoses entail the accumulation and/or aggregation of misfolded proteins as a pathological characteristic and are therefore also referred to as protein-misfolding diseases. Most notably, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and type 2 diabetes are common diseases which involve aberrant aggregation of amyloid-β (Αβ) and tau, alpha-synuclein and Islet Amyloid Polypeptide Precursor (IAPP), respectively. [Misfolded Proteins in Alzheimer's Disease and Type II Diabetes, DeToma et al, 2012, Chem. Soc. Rev., 608-621]

The process or processes which lead to protein misfolding and aggregation is/are generally believed to be cytotoxic and as such may contribute to degeneration or failure of target cells such as neurons in the case of brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease or beta-cell function in the case of type 2 diabetes .

Although neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease and metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes affect different tissues (respectively brain and pancreas), they have been shown to share similar risk factors [Janson J, Laedtke T, Parisi JE, O'Brien P, Petersen RC, Butler PC. Diabetes. 2004; 53:474-481] . Also the mechanism underlying the protein aggregation itself, despite the fact that it involves different proteins across different indications, has common denominators. [Common Structure of Soluble Amyloid Oligomers Implies Common Mechanism of Pathogenesis; Rakez Kayedl , Elizabeth Head2, Jennifer L. Thompsonl, Theresa M. McIntire3,Saskia C. Miltonl, Carl W. Cotman2, Charles G. Glabel; Science 18 April 2003: Vol. 300 no. 5618 pp. 486-489;]. These observed mechanistic commonalities between protein misfolding disorders indicate that therapeutic interventions aimed to preserve cellular integrity are expected to be efficacious over a variety of disorders which involve protein aggregation. However, the precise mechanism as to the pathways and processes involved in cellular degeneration and protein aggregation is/are still highly elusive. Therefore, in the absence of detailed mechanistic insights as to the molecular mechanism involved, the use of phenotypic assays to identify small molecules which preserve cellular integrity in cellular and animal models of amyloidosis is relevant to find effective treatments for patients suffering amyloidoses such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and diabetes. Importantly, such treatments will alter fundamentally the course of the disease as these preserve cellular integrity of the target cells such as neurons and beta-cells and thus are expected to be disease-modifying. As such these treatments are not merely reducing temporarily disease symptoms and therefore address an important current medical need. To date, beyond diet management, medication for type 2 diabetes is focused on minimizing diabetic complications using oral hypoglycemic agents and at a later stage of the disease, insulin replacement therapy. These medications belong to four main classes:

Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin release by pancreatic β-cells. They are cheap and show little side effect, but they induce weight gain and risk of hypoglycemia and are thought to precipitate failure of insulin-producing β-cells

Biguanides (of which metformin is the reference) decrease insulin resistance and triglyceride levels. They are however inducing gastrointestinal problems and are counter-indicated for people with kidney disease or heart problems.

- Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors reduce glucose absorbance by small intestine. It is however an expensive treatment with inconvenient dosing, which can induce gastrointestinal problems.

Thiazolidinediones reduce insulin resistance by activating PPAR-γ in fat and muscle. They are however expensive and associated with weight gain, increased risk of heart failure, anemia and edema.

- GLP-1 analogues stimulate insulin release by pancreatic β-cells in a glucose-dependent manner, inhibit glucagon release by a-cells and slow down gastric emptying. They are expensive, need to be injected and lead to nausea.

DPP-4 inhibitors increase endogenous GLP-1 levels and exert effects similar to GLP-1 analogues. There are suggestions of an increased risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer associated with the use of these drugs.

SGLT-2 inhibitors increase glucose clearance through the kidney/urine. Of this class, canagliflozin recently entered the market but is associated with side effects such as an increased desire to urinate and also associated with higher risk of vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections.

Regarding neurodegenerative diseases, treatments are focused on delaying the onset, or reduce the existing symptoms. For example, cholinesterase inhibitors and/or Memantine are given to Alzheimer's patients to delay the onset of cognitive symptoms. Levodopa is given to Parkinson's patients to temporarily diminish motor symptoms.

There is therefore a great need for treatments which preserve and/or refunctionalize cells affected in amyloidoses to prevent the development of associated symptoms in patients.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides compounds which decrease cytotoxicity in models of protein-misfolding disorders and were shown to decrease disease symptoms in- vivo.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a compound of formula (I) or (II), or a stereoisomer, enantiomer, racemic, or tautomer thereof is provided,

(I)

(Π)

wherein,

n is an integer selected from 0, 1 , 2 or 3;

R ¹ is selected from the group consisting of

R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, hydrogen, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , amino, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , and cyano; and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl,

Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, or C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ;

R ³ is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, hydrogen, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , and cyano; and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl,

Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, or C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ;

L ¹ is a single bond, or is a group of formula (i);

wherein the left side of the group of formula (i) is attached to R and the right side thereof is attached to the oxadiazole ring; and wherein,

m is an integer selected from 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4;

p is an integer selected from 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4; L ⁴ is a single bond, or is selected from the group consisting of -0-, and -NR ⁸ -;

R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

or R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or unsaturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring;

R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

or R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or unsaturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring;

R ⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and

L ² is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -SO ₂ -,— PO ₄ -, -PO ₃ -, and -(CR ⁹ R ¹⁰ ) _q -; wherein,

q is an integer selected from 1, 2 or 3;

R ⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

R ¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

or R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or unsaturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring;

3 11 12 13

L is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -(CR R ) _Γ -, -0-, and -NR -; wherein, r is an integer selected from 1, 2 or 3;

R ¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

R ¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

or R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or unsaturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring;

R ¹³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and

wherein at least one of L ² , L ³ is not a single bond;

L ⁵ is a single bond or -CO-; each R ¹⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C ₃ _gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, and and wherein said

C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ;

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=O or S(0) ₂ ;

each R ¹⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, and and wherein said

C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ;

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C _h alky 1, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ;

each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, and

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C _h alky 1, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ; each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, and

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C _h alky 1, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl,

C6_i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ; or wherein R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered heterocyclyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said heterocyclyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ; each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, and

wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C -n&ryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ; each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, and

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C _h alky 1, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl,

C6_i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ; each R ²¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylene, C ₂ - ₆ alkynylene, C6-i ₂ arylene, C3_gcycloalkylene, C6-i ₂ aryleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*, heterocyclylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclyleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*, and wherein * represents where R ²¹ is bound to -CO-;

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylene, C ₂ - ₆ alkynylene, C6-i ₂ arylene, C3_gcycloalkylene, C6-i ₂ aryleneCi. ₆ alkylene, heterocyclylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclyleneCi_ ₆ alkylene, or heteroaryleneCi_ ₆ alkylene can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ;

each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci. ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocycly

heteroaryl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , cyano, amino, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C0 ₂ R ¹⁹ , -C(0)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C(0)R ¹⁹ , -S(0)R ¹⁹ , -S(0) ₂ R ¹⁹ , -S0 ₂ NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , nitro, -NR ²⁰ C(O)R ¹⁹ , -R ²¹ -C(0)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -NR ²⁰ S(O) ₂ R ¹⁹ , and NR ²⁰ C(O)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ ; and wherein two Z ¹ together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) _2;

each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

haloCi. ₆ alkyloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci. ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocycly

heteroaryl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , cyano, amino, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C0 ₂ R ¹⁹ , -C(0)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C(0)R ¹⁹ , -S(0)R ¹⁹ , -S(0) ₂ R ¹⁹ , -S0 ₂ NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , nitro, -NR ²⁰ C(O)R ¹⁹ , -R ²¹ -C(0)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -NR ²⁰ S(O) ₂ R ¹⁹ , and -NR ²⁰ C(O)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ ; and wherein two Z ² together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ;

and with the proviso that for a compound of formula (I) when R ² is Ce-naryl; L ³ is a single bond, -(CR ^u R ¹² ) _r -, -0-, or -NR ¹³ -; then R ³ is not hydrogen, Ci_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, or -OR ¹⁵ ;

and with the proviso that for a compound of formula (I) when L ¹ is a single bond, R ² is not hydrogen; and with the proviso that said compound is not

5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl- l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(3-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazo le;

3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l, 2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)piperazin-l- yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

1 -(7-methyl- 1-(3-(4-(3 -(pyridin-3 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5 -yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)propyl)- 1 H-indol-3 - yl)ethanone;

5-(4-((2-methoxypyrimidin-5-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phen yl-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

2- ((4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l -yl)methyl)benzoic acid;

5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

3- phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l, 2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxad iazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo [d] [ 1 ,3 ] dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3 ,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-me thoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2 -fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-me thoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazi n-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperaz in-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperaz in-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(2-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l- yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazo le;

3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 5-(4-((2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][l,4]dioxin-6-yl)methyl)piperazin- l-yl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazo

5-(4-(benzo [d] [ 1 ,3 ] dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -methyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3 -(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-phenethylpiperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo[b] [1 ,4] dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-isobutylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -isopropyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3 - [4-(3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl]propan- 1 -amine;

3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-[4-(2-nin-ophenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l-yl ]-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l -yl]-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

or a solvate, hydrate, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof.

In some embodiments, said compound is not

2[[(2R)-4-(3-cyclopropyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-2-methyl-pipe razin-l-yl]methyl]-7-methoxy- [l,2,4]triazolo[l,5-c]quinazolin-5-amine;

2[[(2R)-4-(3-rwer-butyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-2-methyl-pi perazin-l-yl]methyl]-7-methoxy- [l,2,4]triazolo[l,5-c]quinazolin-5-amine.

According to a second aspect, the present invention also encompasses a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more pharmaceutically excipients and a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to the first aspect of the invention; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of 5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3- phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazo le; 3-(4- bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-(4-(3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)- l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)-l -morpholinoethanone; 3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2- ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 1 -(7-methyl- 1 -(3 -(4-(3 -(pyridin-3 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)propyl)- 1 H-indol-3-yl)ethanone; 5-(4-((2-methoxypyrimidin-5-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 - yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)methyl)b enzoic acid; 5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl-lH-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin-l- yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5- (4-((2-phenylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(3- methoxyphenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-pheny l-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-me thoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4- methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2-fluorophenyl)-5- (4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2- fluorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4- isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3 -(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-phenethylpiperazin- 1 - yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5 -(4-(benzo[b] [l, 4] dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- isobutylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-isopropyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3-[4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4- oxadiazol-5 -yl)piperazin- 1 -yl]propan- 1 -amine, 5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5 -[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l-yl] -3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole, and a solvate, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

According to a third aspect, the present invention also encompasses a compound according to the first aspect of the invention, or a compound selected from the group consisting of 5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2- yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3 -fluorobenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l, 2,4-oxadiazole; 2-(4-(3- (3,5-dichlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)-l- morpholinoethanone; 3-(3,5- dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 1 -(7-methyl- 1 -(3-(4-(3-

(pyridin-3-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l -yl)propyl)-lH-indol-3-yl)ethanone; 5-(4-((2- methoxypyrimidin-5-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3 -phenyl- 1,2,4- oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)methyl)benzoic acid; 5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4- yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d] [l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol e; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4- methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2-fluorophenyl)-5- (4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2- fluorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4- isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3 -(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-phenethylpiperazin- 1 - yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5 -(4-(benzo[b] [l, 4] dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- isobutylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-isopropyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3-[4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4- oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl]propan- 1 -amine; 5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5 -[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l-yl] -3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole, and a solvate, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or a pharmaceutical composition according to the second aspect of the invention, for use as a medicament.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention also encompasses a compound according to the first aspect of the invention, or a compound selected from the group consisting of 5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2- yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3 -fluorobenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-(4-(3- (3,5-dichlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)-l- morpholinoethanone; 3-(3,5- dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 1 -(7-methyl- 1 -(3-(4-(3-

(pyridin-3-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l -yl)propyl)-lH-indol-3-yl)ethanone; 5-(4-((2- methoxypyrimidin-5-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3 -phenyl- 1,2,4- oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)methyl)benzoic acid; 5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl-lH-imidazol-5- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4- yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol e; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole ; 5 -(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4- methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2-fluorophenyl)-5- (4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2- fluorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 5-(4-((2,3- dihydrobenzo[b][l, 4] dioxin-6-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -methyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4- isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3 -(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-phenethylpiperazin- 1 - yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5 -(4-(benzo[b] [l, 4] dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- isobutylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-isopropyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3-[4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4- oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl]propan-l -amine; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-[4-(2-nitrophenyl)sulfonylpiperazin- 1-yl]- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-cyclopropyl-l,2,4-oxadi azole; 5-[4-(4- methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l-yl] -3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole, and a solvate, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or a pharmaceutical composition according to the second aspect of the invention, for use as a medicine for the prevention and/or treatment of metabolic disorders and/or neurodegenerative diseases and/or protein misfolding disorders.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention also encompasses a compound according to the first aspect of the invention, or a compound selected from the group consisting of 5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2- yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3 -fluorobenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l, 2,4-oxadiazole; 2-(4-(3- (3,5-dichlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)-l- morpholinoethanone; 3-(3,5- dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 1 -(7-methyl- 1 -(3-(4-(3-

(pyridin-3-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l -yl)propyl)-lH-indol-3-yl)ethanone; 5-(4-((2- methoxypyrimidin-5-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3 -phenyl- 1,2,4- oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)methyl)benzoic acid; 5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4- yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d] [l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol e; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole ; 5 -(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4- methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2-fluorophenyl)-5- (4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2- fluorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 5-(4-((2,3- dihydrobenzo[b][l, 4] dioxin-6-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -methyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4- isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3 -(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-phenethylpiperazin- 1 - yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5 -(4-(benzo[b] [l, 4] dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin- 1-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- isobutylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-isopropyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3-[4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4- oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl]propan-l -amine; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-[4-(2-nitrophenyl)sulfonylpiperazin- 1 -yl] - 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-cyclopropyl-l,2,4-oxadi azole; 5-[4-(4- methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l-yl] -3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole, and a solvate, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or a pharmaceutical composition according to the second aspect of the invention, for use as a medicine for the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diffuse Lewy body disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Niemann-Pick disease, Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome, Down syndrome, neuroaxonal dystrophy, multiple system atrophy, Huntington's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), cystic fibrosis, Creutzfeld-Jacob's disease, impaired glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, glyceraldehyde-3 -phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hyperinsulinism, impaired insulin production, impaired insulin sensitivity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance syndrome, obesity, lipidoses, cardiac lipidoses, dyslipidemia, fatty liver, lipodistrophy, cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.

The present invention also encompasses method for the preparation of the compounds according to the first aspect of the invention.

The present invention will now be further described. In the following passages, different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous.

The independent and dependent claims set out particular and preferred features of the invention. Features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent or other dependent claims as appropriate.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 represents in Section (A) a graph plotting the non-fasted body weight of db/db mice treated with compound 110 (Cmpd 110) of the invention, as a function of duration of treatment in weeks. Section (B) is a graph plotting the blood glucose levels of fasted db/db mice treated with compound Cmpd 110 of the invention, as a function of duration of treatment in weeks. Section (C) is a graph plotting the plasma insulin levels of db/db mice treated with compound Cmpd 1 10 of the invention, as a function of duration of treatment in weeks.

Detailed description of the invention

Before the present invention is described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular processes, methods, and compounds described, as such processes, methods, and compounds may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

When describing the compounds and processes of the invention, the terms used are to be construed in accordance with the following definitions, unless a context dictates otherwise. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an," and "the" include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compound" means one compound or more than one compound.

The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of as used herein are synonymous with "including", "includes" or "containing", "contains", and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, non-recited members, elements or method steps. The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of also include the term "consisting of.

The term "about" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/-10% or less, preferably +1-5% or less, more preferably +1-1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1 % or less of and from the specified value, insofar such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. It is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically, and preferably, disclosed.

As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a list is described as comprising group A, B, and/or C, the list can comprise A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination, B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all integer numbers and, where appropriate, fractions subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 can include 1, 2, 3, 4 when referring to, for example, a number of elements, and can also include 1.5, 2, 2.75 and 3.80, when referring to, for example, measurements). The recitation of end points also includes the end point values themselves (e.g. from 1.0 to 5.0 includes both 1.0 and 5.0). Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

When describing the present invention, the terms used are to be construed in accordance with the following definitions, unless a context dictates otherwise.

The terms described above and others used in the specification are well understood to those in the art.

Whenever the term "substituted" is used herein, it is meant to indicate that one or more hydrogen atoms on the atom indicated in the expression using "substituted" is replaced with a selection from the indicated group, provided that the indicated atom's normal valence is not exceeded, and that the substitution results in a chemically stable compound, i.e. a compound that is sufficiently robust to survive isolation from a reaction mixture.

Where groups can be substituted, such groups may be substituted with one or more, and preferably one, two or three substituents. Preferred substituents may be selected from but not limited to, for example, the group comprising halo, hydroxyl, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, cyano, amino, nitro, carboxyl, aminocarbonyl, mono- or diCi_ ₆ alkylaminocarbonyl, -S(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl,

and mono or di-Ci_ ₆ alkylaminocarbonylCi_ ₆ alkyl.

The terminology regarding a chemical group "wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said group can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ " as used herein, refers to a group where two or more hydrogen atoms on a carbon atom or heteroatom of said group are taken together to form C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ . As an example, the terminology "an alkyl wherein a carbon atom or heteroatom of said alkyl can oxidized to form a C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ", includes among other examples CH ₃ -C(0)-CH ₂ -, CH ₃ -C(0)-, CH ₃ -C(S)-CH ₂ - and (CH ₃ ) ₂ -CH ₂ -C(0)- CH ₂ -CH ₂ -. For example, the terminology "a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered heterocyclyl wherein a carbon atom or heteroatom of said heterocyclyl can be oxidized to form a C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ", includes among other examples 6-oxo- lH-pyridin-3-yl, 2-oxo-lH-pyridin-4yl, 6-thioxo-lH-pyridin-3-yl and 2-thioxo-lH-pyridin-4yl.

The term "halo" or "halogen" as a group or part of a group is generic for fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo.

The term "amino" refers to the group -NH ₂ .

The term "hydroxyl" or "hydroxy" as used herein refers to the group -OH.

The term "thiol" or "sulfuhydryl" refers to the group -SH.

The term "oxo" as used herein refers to the group =0.

The term "nitro" as used herein refers to the group -NO ₂ .

The term "cyano" as used herein refers to the group -CN.

The term "carboxy" or "carboxyl" or "hydroxycarbonyl" as used herein refers to the group -CO ₂ H. The term "aminocarbonyl" as used herein refers to the group -CO-NH ₂ .

The term "alkyl" by itself or as part of another substituent refers to a hydrocarbyl group of formula C _n H _2n+ i wherein n is a number greater than or equal to 1. Alkyl groups may be linear or branched and may be substituted as indicated herein. Generally, alkyl groups of this invention comprise from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, still more preferably 1 to 2 carbon atoms. When a subscript is used herein following a carbon atom, the subscript refers to the number of carbon atoms that the named group may contain. For example, the term "Ci_ ₆ alkyl", as a group or part of a group, refers to a hydrocarbyl group of formula -C _n H _2n+ i wherein n is a number ranging from 1 to 6. Thus, for example, includes all linear or branched alkyl groups with between 1 and 6 carbon atoms, and thus includes methyl, ethyl, n- propyl, i-propyl, butyl and its isomers (e.g. n-butyl, i-butyl and t-butyl); pentyl and its isomers, hexyl and its isomers. For example, "Ci_ ₅ alkyl" includes all includes all linear or branched alkyl groups with between 1 and 5 carbon atoms, and thus includes methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, butyl and its isomers (e.g. n-butyl, i-butyl and t-butyl); pentyl and its isomers. For example, includes all linear or branched alkyl groups with between 1 and 4 carbon atoms, and thus includes methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i- propyl, butyl and its isomers (e.g. n-butyl, i-butyl and t-butyl). For example "Ci_ ₃ alkyl" includes all linear or branched alkyl groups with between 1 and 3 carbon atoms, and thus includes methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i- propyl. A "substituted refers to a group substituted with one or more substituent(s) (for example 1 to 3 substituent(s), for example 1, 2, or 3 substituent(s)) at any available point of attachment.

When the suffix "ene" is used in conjunction with an alkyl group, i.e. "alkylene", this is intended to mean the alkyl group as defined herein having two single bonds as points of attachment to other groups. As used herein, the term by itself or as part of another substituent, refers to groups that are divalent, i.e., with two single bonds for attachment to two other groups. Alkylene groups may be linear or branched and may be substituted as indicated herein. Non-limiting examples of alkylene groups include methylene (-CH ₂ -), ethylene (-CH ₂ -CH ₂ -), methylmethylene (-CH(CH ₃ )-), 1 -methyl- ethylene (- CH(CH ₃ )-CH ₂ -), n-propylene (-CH ₂ -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -), 2-methylpropylene (-CH ₂ -CH(CH ₃ )-CH ₂ -), 3- methylpropylene (-CH ₂ -CH ₂ -CH(CH ₃ )-), n-butylene (-CH ₂ -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -), 2-methylbutylene (-CH ₂ - CH(CH ₃ )-CH ₂ -CH ₂ -), 4-methylbutylene (-CH ₂ -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -CH(CH ₃ )-), pentylene and its chain isomers, hexylene and its chain isomers.

When the term "alkyl" is used as a suffix following another term, as in "hydroxyalkyl," this is intended to refer to an alkyl group, as defined above, being substituted with one or two (preferably one) substituent(s) selected from the other, specifically-named group, also as defined herein. The term "hydroxyCi_ ₆ alkyl" therefore refers to a -R ^a -OH group wherein R ^a is as defined herein.

The term "hak>Ci_ ₆ alkyl" as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the meaning as defined above wherein one, two, or three hydrogen atoms are each replaced with a halogen as defined herein. Non- limiting examples of such groups include chloromethyl, 1 -bromoethyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 1 , 1 , 1 -trifluoroethyl, trichloromethyl, tribromomethyl, and the like.

The term "trihalomethyl" as a group or part of a group, refers to a Ci alkyl group (methyl) having the meaning as defined above wherein three hydrogen atoms are each replaced with a halogen as defined herein. Non-limiting examples of such trihalomethyl groups include trichloromethyl, tribromomethyl, and the like.

The term as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -OR ^b wherein R ^b is as defined herein above. Non-limiting examples of suitable Ci_ ₆ alkoxy include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, pentyloxy and hexyloxy.

The term as a group or part of a group, refers to a group of formula -0-R ^c wherein R ^c is haloCi_ ₆ alkyl as defined herein. Non-limiting examples of suitable include fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 1 , 1 ,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy, 2-fluoroethoxy, 2- chloroethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trichloroethoxy, trichloromethoxy, 2-bromoethoxy, pentafluoroethyl, 3,3,3-trichloropropoxy, 4,4,4-trichlorobutoxy.

The term "alkenyl" as a group or part of a group, refers to an unsaturated hydrocarbyl group, which may be linear, or branched, comprising one or more carbon-carbon double bonds. When a subscript is used herein following a carbon atom, the subscript refers to the number of carbon atoms that the named group may contain. For example, the term "C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl" refers to an unsaturated hydrocarbyl group, which may be linear, or branched comprising one or more carbon-carbon double bonds and comprising from 2 to 6 carbon atoms. For example, C ₂ _ ₄ alkenyl includes all linear, or branched alkenyl groups having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples of C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl groups are ethenyl, 2-propenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 2-pentenyl and its isomers, 2-hexenyl and its isomers, 2,4-pentadienyl. and the like.

Where alkenyl groups as defined herein are divalent groups having single bonds for attachment to two other groups, they are termed "alkenylene". As used herein, the term "C ₂ - ₆ alkenylene", by itself or as part of another substituent, refers to C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl groups that are divalent, i.e., with two single bonds for attachment to two other groups.

The term "C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -OR ^d wherein R ^d is C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl as defined herein above.

The term "alkynyl" by itself or as part of another substituent, refers to an unsaturated hydrocarbyl group, which may be linear, or branched, comprising one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds. When a subscript is used herein following a carbon atom, the subscript refers to the number of carbon atoms that the named group may contain. For example, the term "C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl" refers to an unsaturated hydrocarbyl group, which may be linear, or branched comprising one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds and comprising from 2 to 6 carbon atoms. For example, C ₂ _ ₄ alkynyl includes all linear, or branched alkynyl groups having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Non limiting examples of C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl groups include ethynyl, 2-propynyl, 2-butynyl, 3-butynyl, 2-pentynyl and its chain isomers, 2-hexynyl and its chain isomers, and the like.

Where alkynyl groups as defined herein are divalent groups having single bonds for attachment to two other groups, they are termed "alkynylene". As used herein, the term "C ₂ - ₆ alkynylene", by itself or as part of another substituent, refers to C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl groups that are divalent, i.e., with two single bonds for attachment to two other groups.

The term "C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyloxy", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -OR ^e wherein R ^e is C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl as defined herein above.

The term "cycloalkyl", as a group or part of a group, refers to a cyclic alkyl group, that is a monovalent, saturated, hydrocarbyl group having 1 or more cyclic structure, and comprising from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably from 3 to 9 carbon atoms, more preferably from 3 to 7 carbon atoms; more preferably from 3 to 6 carbon atoms. Cycloalkyl includes all saturated hydrocarbon groups containing 1 or more rings, including monocyclic or bicyclic groups. The further rings of multi-ring cycloalkyls may be either fused, bridged and/or joined through one or more spiro atoms. When a subscript is used herein following a carbon atom, the subscript refers to the number of carbon atoms that the named group may contain. For example, the term "C ₃ _gcycloalkyl", a cyclic alkyl group comprising from 3 to 8 carbon atoms. For example, the term "C ₃ _ ₆ cycloalkyl", a cyclic alkyl group comprising from 3 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl groups include but are not limited to cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, bicycle[2.2.1]heptan-2yl, (l S,4R)-norbornan-2-yl, (1R,4R)- norbornan-2-yl, (l S,4S)-norbornan-2-yl, (lR,4S)-norbornan-2-yl.

When the suffix "ene" is used in conjunction with a cycloalkyl group, i.e. cycloalkylene, this is intended to mean the cycloalkyl group as defined herein having two single bonds as points of attachment to other groups. Non- limiting examples of "C ₃ _gcycloalkylene" include 1 ,2-cyclopropylene, 1 , 1 -cyclopropylene, 1 , 1 -cyclobutylene, 1 ,2-cyclobutylene, 1,3-cyclopentylene, 1,1-cyclopentylene, and 1,4-cyclohexylene. Where an alkylene or cycloalkylene group is present, connectivity to the molecular structure of which it forms part may be through a common carbon atom or different carbon atom. To illustrate this applying the asterisk nomenclature of this invention, a C ₃ alkylene group may be for example *-0¾0¾0¾-*, *- CH(-CH ₂ CH ₃ )-* or *-CH ₂ CH(-CH ₃ )-*. Likewise a C cycloalkylene group may be

The term "C6-i ₂ cycloalkyloxy", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -OR wherein R ^f is C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl as defined herein above.

The term "C6-i ₂ aryl", as a group or part of a group, refers to a polyunsaturated, aromatic hydrocarbyl group having a single ring (i.e. phenyl) or multiple aromatic rings fused together (e.g. naphthyl), or linked covalently, typically containing 6 to 12 atoms; preferably 6 to 10, wherein at least one ring is aromatic. The aromatic ring may optionally include one to two additional rings (either cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl or heteroaryl) fused thereto. Examples of suitable aryl include C6-ioaryl, more preferably C6- ₈ aryl. Non- limiting examples of C6-i ₂ aryl comprise phenyl, biphenylyl, biphenylenyl, or 1-or 2-naphthanelyl; 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-tetralinyl (also known as "1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphtalene); 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- or 8- azulenyl, 4-, 5-, 6 or 7-indenyl; 4- or 5-indanyl; 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-tetrahydronaphthyl; 1,2,3,4- tetrahydronaphthyl; and 1 ,4-dihydronaphthyl; 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-pyrenyl. A "substituted C6-i ₂ aryl" refers to a C6-i ₂ aryl group having one or more substituent(s) (for example 1, 2 or 3 substituent(s), or 1 to 2 substituent(s)), at any available point of attachment.

As used herein, the term "spiro atom" refers to the atom that connects two cyclic structures in a spiro compound. Non limiting examples of spiro atoms include quaternary carbon atoms. As used herein, the term "spiro compound" refers to a bicyclic compound wherein the two rings are connected through one atom.

When the suffix "ene" is used in conjunction with an aryl group; i.e. arylene, this is intended to mean the aryl group as defined herein having two single bonds as points of attachment to other groups. Suitable "C6-i ₂ arylene" groups include 1 ,4-phenylene, 1 ,2-phenylene, 1,3-phenylene, biphenylylene, naphthylene, indenylene, 1-, 2-, 5- or 6-tetralinylene, and the like. Where a carbon atom in an aryl group is replaced with a heteroatom, the resultant ring is referred to herein as a heteroaryl ring.

The term "C6-i ₂ aryloxy", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -OR ⁸ wherein R ^s is C6_i ₂ aryl as defined herein above.

The term "C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl", as a group or part of a group, means a as defined herein, wherein at least one hydrogen atom is replaced by at least one C6-i ₂ aryl as defined herein. Non-limiting examples of C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl group include benzyl, phenethyl, dibenzylmethyl, methylphenylmethyl, 3-(2- naphthyl)-butyl, and the like.

The term "C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl", as a group or part of a group, means a C6-i ₂ aryl, wherein at least one hydrogen atom is replaced by at least one C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl as defined herein.

The term "C6-i ₂ aryleneCi_ ₆ alkylene", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -R ^h -R ^a - wherein R ^h is C6-i ₂ arylene as defined herein and R ^a is as defined herein.

The term "C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -0-R ^a -R ^s wherein R ^s is C6-i ₂ aryl, and R ^a is as defined herein above.

The terms "heterocyclyl" or "heterocycloakyl" or "heterocyclo", as a group or part of a group, refer to non-aromatic, fully saturated or partially unsaturated cyclic groups (for example, 3 to 7 member monocyclic, 7 to 11 member bicyclic, or comprising a total of 3 to 10 ring atoms) which have at least one heteroatom in at least one carbon atom-containing ring; wherein said ring may be fused to an aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl or heterocyclyl ring. Each ring of the heterocyclyl group containing a heteroatom may have 1, 2, 3 or 4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and/or S, where the N and S heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized and the N heteroatoms may optionally be quaternized, and wherein at least one carbon atom of heterocyclyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0. The heterocyclic group may be attached at any heteroatom or carbon atom of the ring or ring system, where valence allows. The rings of multi-ring heterocycles may be fused, bridged and/or joined through one or more spiro atoms.

Non limiting exemplary heterocyclic groups include aziridinyl, oxiranyl, thiiranyl, piperidinyl, azetidinyl, oxetanyl, pyrrolidinyl, thietanyl, 2-imidazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl imidazolidinyl, isoxazolinyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, piperidinyl, succinimidyl, 3H-indolyl, indolinyl, chromanyl (also known as 3,4-dihydrobenzo[b]pyranyl), isoindolinyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, 1 -pyrrolinyl, 2-pyrrolinyl, 3- pyrrolinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl, piperazinyl, homopiperazinyl, 2-pyrazolinyl, 3-pyrazolinyl, tetrahydro-2H-pyranyl, 2H-pyranyl, 4H-pyranyl, 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyranyl, 3-dioxolanyl, 1 ,4-dioxanyl, 2,5-dioximidazolidinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, 2-oxopyrrolodinyl, indolinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolin-l-yl, tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-yl, tetrahydroisoquinolin-3 -yl, tetrahydroisoquinolin-4-yl, thiomorpholin-4-yl, thiomorpholin-4-ylsulfoxide, thiomorpholin-4-ylsulfone, 1, 3-dioxolanyl, 1 ,4-oxathianyl, 1 ,4-dithianyl, 1,3,5-trioxanyl, lH-pyrrolizinyl, tetrahydro-l,l-dioxothiophenyl, N- formylpiperazinyl, and morpholin-4- yl. The term "aziridinyl" as used herein includes aziridin-l-yl and aziridin-2-yl. The term "oxyranyl" as used herein includes oxyranyl-2-yl. The term "thiiranyl" as used herein includes thiiran-2-yl. The term "azetidinyl" as used herein includes azetidin-l-yl, azetidin-2-yl and azetidin-3-yl. The term "oxetanyl" as used herein includes oxetan-2-yl and oxetan-3-yl. The term "thietanyl" as used herein includes thietan-2- yl and thietan-3-yl. The term "pyrrolidinyl" as used herein includes pyrrolidin-l-yl, pyrrolidin-2-yl and pyrrolidin-3-yl. The term "tetrahydrofuranyl" as used herein includes tetrahydrofuran-2-yl and tetrahydrofuran-3-yl. The term "tetrahydrothiophenyl" as used herein includes tetrahydrothiophen-2-yl and tetrahydrothiophen-3-yl. The term "succinimidyl" as used herein includes succinimid-l-yl and succininmid-3-yl. The term "dihydropyrrolyl" as used herein includes 2,3-dihydropyrrol-l-yl, 2,3- dihydro-lH-pyrrol-2-yl, 2,3-dihydro-lH-pyrrol-3-yl, 2,5-dihydropyrrol-l -yl, 2,5-dihydro-lH-pyrrol-3-yl and 2,5-dihydropyrrol-5-yl. The term "2H-pyrrolyl" as used herein includes 2H-pyrrol-2-yl, 2H-pyrrol-3- yl, 2H-pyrrol-4-yl and 2H-pyrrol-5-yl. The term "3H-pyrrolyl" as used herein includes 3H-pyrrol-2-yl, 3H-pyrrol-3-yl, 3H-pyrrol-4-yl and 3H-pyrrol-5-yl. The term "dihydrofuranyl" as used herein includes 2,3-dihydrofuran-2-yl, 2,3-dihydrofuran-3-yl, 2,3-dihydrofuran-4-yl, 2,3-dihydrofuran-5-yl, 2,5- dihydrofuran-2-yl, 2,5-dihydrofuran-3-yl, 2,5-dihydrofuran-4-yl and 2,5-dihydrofuran-5-yl. The term "dihydrothiophenyl" as used herein includes 2,3-dihydrothiophen-2-yl, 2,3-dihydrothiophen-3-yl, 2,3- dihydrothiophen-4-yl, 2,3-dihydrothiophen-5-yl, 2,5-dihydrothiophen-2-yl, 2,5-dihydrothiophen-3-yl, 2,5-dihydrothiophen-4-yl and 2,5-dihydrothiophen-5-yl. The term "imidazolidinyl" as used herein includes imidazolidin-l-yl, imidazolidin-2-yl and imidazolidin-4-yl. The term "pyrazolidinyl" as used herein includes pyrazolidin-l-yl, pyrazolidin-3-yl and pyrazolidin-4-yl. The term "imidazolinyl" as used herein includes imidazolin-l-yl, imidazolin-2-yl, imidazolin-4-yl and imidazolin-5-yl. The term "pyrazolinyl" as used herein includes l-pyrazolin-3-yl, 1 -pyrazolin-4-yl, 2-pyrazolin-l-yl, 2-pyrazolin-3- yl, 2-pyrazolin-4-yl, 2-pyrazolin-5-yl, 3-pyrazolin-l-yl, 3-pyrazolin-2-yl, 3-pyrazolin-3-yl, 3-pyrazolin-4- yl and 3-pyrazolin-5-yl. The term "dioxolanyl" also known as "1, 3-dioxolanyl" as used herein includes dioxolan-2-yl, dioxolan-4-yl and dioxolan-5-yl. The term "dioxolyl" also known as "1,3-dioxolyl" as used herein includes dioxol-2-yl, dioxol-4-yl and dioxol-5-yl. The term "oxazolidinyl" as used herein includes oxazolidin-2-yl, oxazolidin-3-yl, oxazolidin-4-yl and oxazolidin-5-yl. The term "isoxazolidinyl" as used herein includes isoxazolidin-2-yl, isoxazolidin-3-yl, isoxazolidin-4-yl and isoxazolidin-5-yl. The term "oxazolinyl" as used herein includes 2-oxazolinyl-2-yl, 2-oxazolinyl-4-yl, 2-oxazolinyl-5-yl, 3- oxazolinyl-2-yl, 3-oxazolinyl-4-yl, 3-oxazolinyl-5-yl, 4-oxazolinyl-2-yl, 4-oxazolinyl-3-yl, 4-oxazolinyl-

4- yl and 4-oxazolinyl-5-yl. The term "isoxazolinyl" as used herein includes 2-isoxazolinyl-3-yl, 2- isoxazolinyl-4-yl, 2-isoxazolinyl-5-yl, 3-isoxazolinyl-3-yl, 3-isoxazolinyl-4-yl, 3-isoxazolinyl-5-yl, 4- isoxazolinyl-2-yl, 4-isoxazolinyl-3-yl, 4-isoxazolinyl-4-yl and 4-isoxazolinyl-5-yl. The term "thiazolidinyl" as used herein includes thiazolidin-2-yl, thiazolidin-3-yl, thiazolidin-4-yl and thiazolidin-

5- yl. The term "isothiazolidinyl" as used herein includes isothiazolidin-2-yl, isothiazolidin-3-yl, isothiazolidin-4-yl and isothiazolidin-5-yl. The term "chromanyl" as used herein includes chroman-2-yl, chroman-3-yl, chroman-4-yl, chroman-5-yl, chroman-6-yl, chroman-7-yl and chroman-8-yl. The term "thiazolinyl" as used herein includes 2-thiazolinyl-2-yl, 2-thiazolinyl-4-yl, 2-thiazolinyl-5-yl, 3- thiazolinyl-2-yl, 3-thiazolinyl-4-yl, 3-thiazolinyl-5-yl, 4-thiazolinyl-2-yl, 4-thiazolinyl-3-yl, 4-thiazolinyl- 4-yl and 4-thiazolinyl-5-yl. The term "isothiazolinyl" as used herein includes 2-isothiazolinyl-3-yl, 2- isothiazolinyl-4-yl, 2-isothiazolinyl-5-yl, 3-isothiazolinyl-3-yl, 3-isothiazolinyl-4-yl, 3-isothiazolinyl-5- yl, 4-isothiazolinyl-2-yl, 4-isothiazolinyl-3-yl, 4-isothiazolinyl-4-yl and 4-isothiazolinyl-5-yl. The term "piperidyl" also known as "piperidinyl" as used herein includes piperid-l-yl, piperid-2-yl, piperid-3-yl and piperid-4-yl. The term "dihydropyridinyl" as used herein includes 1,2-dihydropyridin-l-yl, 1,2- dihydropyridin-2-yl, l,2-dihydropyridin-3-yl, 1 ,2-dihydropyridin-4-yl, l,2-dihydropyridin-5-yl, 1,2- dihydropyridin-6-yl, 1,4-dihydropyridin-l-yl, 1 ,4-dihydropyridin-2-yl, l,4-dihydropyridin-3-yl, 1,4- dihydropyridin-4-yl, 2,3-dihydropyridin-2-yl, 2,3-dihydropyridin-3-yl, 2,3-dihydropyridin-4-yl, 2,3- dihydropyridin-5-yl, 2,3-dihydropyridin-6-yl, 2,5-dihydropyridin-2-yl, 2,5-dihydropyridin-3-yl, 2,5- dihydropyridin-4-yl, 2,5-dihydropyridin-5-yl, 2,5-dihydropyridin-6-yl, 3,4-dihydropyridin-2-yl, 3,4- dihydropyridin-3-yl, 3,4-dihydropyridin-4-yl, 3,4-dihydropyridin-5-yl and 3,4-dihydropyridin-6-yl. The term "tetrahydropyridinyl" as used herein includes 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridin-l-yl, 1,2,3,4- tetrahydropyridin-2-yl, l,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridin-3-yl, l,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl, 1,2,3,4- tetrahydropyridin-5-yl, l,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridin-6-yl, 1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridin-l-yl, 1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridin-2-yl, 1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridin-3-yl, l,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl, 1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridin-5-yl, l,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-6-yl, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridin-2-yl, 2,3,4,5- tetrahydropyridin-3-yl, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridin-3-yl, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl, 2,3,4,5- tetrahydropyridin-5-yl and 2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridin-6-yl. The term "tetrahydropyranyl" also known as "oxanyl" or "tetrahydro-2H-pyranyl", as used herein includes tetrahydropyran-2-yl, tetrahydropyran-3-yl and tetrahydropyran-4-yl. The term "2H-pyranyl" as used herein includes 2H-pyran-2-yl, 2H-pyran-3-yl, 2H-pyran-4-yl, 2H-pyran-5-yl and 2H-pyran-6-yl. The term "4H-pyranyl" as used herein includes 4H- pyran-2-yl, 4H-pyran-3-yl and 4H-pyran-4-yl. The term "3,4-dihydro-2H-pyranyl" as used herein includes 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-yl, 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-3-yl, 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl, 3,4-dihydro- 2H-pyran-5-yl and 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-6-yl. The term "3,6-dihydro-2H-pyranyl" as used herein includes 3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-yl, 3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-3-yl, 3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl, 3,6-dihydro- 2H-pyran-5-yl and 3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-6-yl. The term "tetrahydrothiophenyl", as used herein includes tetrahydrothiophen-2-yl, tetrahydrothiophenyl -3-yl and tetrahydrothiophenyl -4-yl. The term "2H- thiopyranyl" as used herein includes 2H-thiopyran-2-yl, 2H-thiopyran-3-yl, 2H-thiopyran-4-yl, 2H- thiopyran-5-yl and 2H-thiopyran-6-yl. The term "4H-thiopyranyl" as used herein includes 4H-thiopyran- 2-yl, 4H-thiopyran-3-yl and 4H-thiopyran-4-yl. The term "3,4-dihydro-2H-thiopyranyl" as used herein includes 3 ,4-dihydro-2H-thiopyran-2-yl, 3 ,4-dihydro-2H-thiopyran-3 -yl, 3 ,4-dihydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl, 3,4-dihydro-2H-thiopyran-5-yl and 3,4-dihydro-2H-thiopyran-6-yl. The term "3,6-dihydro-2H- thiopyranyl" as used herein includes 3,6-dihydro-2H-thiopyran-2-yl, 3,6-dihydro-2H-thiopyran-3-yl, 3,6- dihydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl, 3,6-dihydro-2H-thiopyran-5-yl and 3,6-dihydro-2H-thiopyran-6-yl. The term "piperazinyl" also known as "piperazidinyl" as used herein includes piperazin-l-yl and piperazin-2-yl. The term "morpholinyl" as used herein includes morpholin-2-yl, morpholin-3-yl and morpholin-4-yl. The term "thiomorpholinyl" as used herein includes thiomorpholin-2-yl, thiomorpholin-3-yl and thiomorpholin-4-yl. The term "dioxanyl" as used herein includes l,2-dioxan-3-yl, l,2-dioxan-4-yl, 1,3- dioxan-2-yl, l,3-dioxan-4-yl, l,3-dioxan-5-yl and l,4-dioxan-2-yl. The term "dithianyl" as used herein includes l,2-dithian-3-yl, 1 ,2-dithian-4-yl, l,3-dithian-2-yl, l,3-dithian-4-yl, l,3-dithian-5-yl and 1,4- dithian-2-yl. The term "oxathianyl" as used herein includes oxathian-2-yl and oxathian-3-yl. The term "trioxanyl" as used herein includes l,2,3-trioxan-4-yl, l,2,3-trioxay-5-yl, l,2,4-trioxay-3-yl, 1,2,4- trioxay-5-yl, l,2,4-trioxay-6-yl and l,3,4-trioxay-2-yl. The term "azepanyl" as used herein includes azepan-l-yl, azepan-2-yl, azepan-l-yl, azepan-3-yl and azepan-4-yl. The term "homopiperazinyl" as used herein includes homopiperazin-l-yl, homopiperazin-2-yl, homopiperazin-3-yl and homopiperazin-4-yl. The term "indolinyl" as used herein includes indolin-l-yl, indolin-2-yl, indolin-3-yl, indolin-4-yl, indolin- 5-yl, indolin-6-yl, and indolin-7-yl. The term "quinolizinyl" as used herein includes quinolizidin-l-yl, quinolizidin-2-yl, quinolizidin-3-yl and quinolizidin-4-yl. The term "isoindolinyl" as used herein includes isoindolin-l-yl, isoindolin-2-yl, isoindolin-3-yl, isoindolin-4-yl, isoindolin-5-yl, isoindolin-6-yl, and isoindolin-7-yl. The term "3H-indolyl" as used herein includes 3H-indol-2-yl, 3H-indol-3-yl, 3H-indol-4- yl, 3H-indol-5-yl, 3H-indol-6-yl, and 3H-indol-7-yl. The term "quinolizinyl" as used herein includes quinolizidin-l-yl, quinolizidin-2-yl, quinolizidin-3-yl and quinolizidin-4-yl. The term "quinolizinyl" as used herein includes quinolizidin-l-yl, quinolizidin-2-yl, quinolizidin-3-yl and quinolizidin-4-yl. The term "tetrahydroquinolinyl" as used herein includes tetrahydroquinolin-l-yl, tetrahydroquinolin-2-yl, tetrahydroquinolin-3 -yl, tetrahydroquinolin-4-yl, tetrahydroquinolin-5-yl, tetrahydroquinolin-6-yl, tetrahydroquinolin-7-yl and tetrahydroquinolin-8-yl. The term "tetrahydroisoquinolinyl" as used herein includes tetrahydroisoquinolin-l-yl, tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-yl, tetrahydroisoquinolin-3-yl, tetrahydroisoquinolin-4-yl, tetrahydroisoquinolin-5-yl, tetrahydroisoquinolin-6-yl, tetrahydroisoquinolin- 7-yl and tetrahydroisoquinolin-8-yl. The term "lH-pyrrolizine" as used herein includes lH-pyrrolizin-1- yl, lH-pyrrolizin-2-yl, lH-pyrrolizin-3-yl, lH-pyrrolizin-5-yl, lH-pyrrolizin-6-yl and lH-pyrrolizin-7-yl. The term "3H-pyrrolizine" as used herein includes 3H-pyrrolizin-l-yl, 3H-pyrrolizin-2-yl, 3H-pyrrolizin- 3-yl, 3H-pyrrolizin-5-yl, 3H-pyrrolizin-6-yl and 3H-pyrrolizin-7-yl.

When the suffix "ene" is used in conjunction with a heterocyclyl group, i.e. "heterocyclylene", this is intended to mean the heterocyclyl group as defined herein having two single bonds as points of attachment to other groups.

The term "heterocyclyloxy", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -O-R ¹ wherein R ¹ is heterocyclyl as defined herein above.

The term "heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -0-R ^a -R' wherein R ¹ is heterocyclyl, and R ^a is as defined herein above.

The term "heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl", as a group or part of a group, means a as defined herein, wherein at least one hydrogen atom is replaced by at least one heterocyclyl as defined herein.

The term as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -R ^J -R ^a - wherein R ^J is heterocyclylene as defined herein and R ^a is as defined herein.

The term "heteroaryl" as a group or part of a group, refers but is not limited to 5 to 12 carbon-atom aromatic rings or ring systems containing 1 or 2 rings which can be fused together or linked covalently, typically containing 5 to 6 atoms; at least one of which is aromatic in which one or more carbon atoms in one or more of these rings can be replaced by N, O and/or S atoms where the N and S heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized and the N heteroatoms may optionally be quaternized, and wherein at least one carbon atom of said heteroaryl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0. Such rings may be fused to an aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl or heterocyclyl ring. Non-limiting examples of such heteroaryl, include: pyrrolyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, triazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxatriazolyl, thiatriazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, oxazinyl, dioxinyl, thiazinyl, triazinyl, imidazo[2,l-b][l,3]thiazolyl, thieno[3,2-b]furanyl, thieno[3,2-b]thiophenyl, thieno[2,3-d] [1 ,3]thiazolyl, thieno[2,3-d]imidazolyl, tetrazolo[l ,5-a]pyridinyl, indolyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, isobenzothiophenyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, 1,3-benzoxazolyl, 1 ,2-benzisoxazolyl, 2, 1 -benzisoxazolyl, 1,3-benzothiazolyl, 1 ,2-benzoisothiazolyl, 2, 1 -benzoisothiazolyl, benzotriazolyl, 1,2,3-benzoxadiazolyl, 2,1,3- benzoxadiazolyl, 1,2,3-benzothiadiazolyl, 2,1,3-benzothiadiazolyl, benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one, 2,3- dihydro-benzofuranyl, thienopyridinyl, purinyl, imidazo[l,2-a]pyridinyl, 6-oxo-pyridazin-l(6H)-yl, 2- oxopyridin-l(2H)-yl, 6-oxo-pyridazin-l(6H)-yl, 2-oxopyridin-l(2H)-yl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl; preferably said heteroaryl group is selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one, 2,3-dihydro-benzofuranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrrolyl, isoxazolyl, thiophenyl, imidazolyl, benzimidazolyl, pyrimidinyl, triazolyl and thiazolyl.

The term "pyrrolyl" (also called azolyl) as used herein includes pyrrol- 1-yl, pyrrol-2-yl and pyrrol-3-yl. The term "furanyl" (also called "furyl") as used herein includes furan-2-yl and furan-3-yl (also called furan-2-yl and furan-3-yl). The term "thiophenyl" (also called "thienyl") as used herein includes thiophen-2-yl and thiophen-3-yl (also called thien-2-yl and thien-3-yl). The term "pyrazolyl" (also called lH-pyrazolyl and 1,2-diazolyl) as used herein includes pyrazol-l-yl, pyrazol-3-yl, pyrazol-4-yl and pyrazol-5-yl. The term "imidazolyl" as used herein includes imidazol-l -yl, imidazol-2-yl, imidazol-4-yl and imidazol-5-yl. The term "oxazolyl" (also called 1,3-oxazolyl) as used herein includes oxazol-2-yl, oxazol-4-yl and oxazol-5-yl. The term "isoxazolyl" (also called 1,2-oxazolyl), as used herein includes isoxazol-3-yl, isoxazol-4-yl, and isoxazol-5-yl. The term "thiazolyl" (also called l,3-thiazolyl),as used herein includes thiazol-2-yl, thiazol-4-yl and thiazol-5-yl (also called 2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolyl and 5- thiazolyl). The term "isothiazolyl" (also called 1 , 2-thiazolyl) as used herein includes isothiazol-3-yl, isothiazol-4-yl, and isothiazol-5-yl. The term "triazolyl" as used herein includes lH-triazolyl and 4H- 1 ,2,4-triazolyl, "lH-triazolyl" includes lH-l,2,3-triazol-l-yl, lH-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl, lH-l,2,3-triazol-5-yl, lH-l,2,4-triazol-l -yl, lH-l,2,4-triazol-3-yl and lH-l,2,4-triazol-5-yl. "4H-l,2,4-triazolyl" includes 4H- 1 ,2,4-triazol-4-yl, and 4H-l,2,4-triazol-3-yl. The term "oxadiazolyl" as used herein includes 1,2,3- oxadiazol-4-yl, l,2,3-oxadiazol-5-yl, l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl, l,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl and l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl. The term "thiadiazolyl" as used herein includes l,2,3-thiadiazol-4-yl, 1,2,3- thiadiazol-5-yl, l ,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl, l,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl, l ,2,5-thiadiazol-3-yl (also called furazan-3-yl) and l,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl. The term "tetrazolyl" as used herein includes lH-tetrazol-l -yl, lH-tetrazol-5-yl, 2H-tetrazol-2-yl, and 2H-tetrazol-5-yl. The term "oxatriazolyl" as used herein includes 1,2,3,4-oxatriazol- 5-yl and l,2,3,5-oxatriazol-4-yl. The term "thiatriazolyl" as used herein includes l,2,3,4-thiatriazol-5-yl and l,2,3,5-thiatriazol-4-yl. The term "pyridinyl" (also called "pyridyl") as used herein includes pyridin- 2-yl, pyridin-3-yl and pyridin-4-yl (also called 2-pyridyl, 3 -pyridyl and 4-pyridyl). The term "pyrimidyl" as used herein includes pyrimid-2-yl, pyrimid-4-yl, pyrimid-5-yl and pyrimid-6-yl. The term "pyrazinyl" as used herein includes pyrazin-2-yl and pyrazin-3-yl. The term "pyridazinyl as used herein includes pyridazin-3-yl and pyridazin-4-yl. The term "oxazinyl" (also called " 1 ,4-oxazinyl") as used herein includes l,4-oxazin-4-yl and l,4-oxazin-5-yl. The term "dioxinyl" (also called " 1 ,4-dioxinyl") as used herein includes l,4-dioxin-2-yl and l,4-dioxin-3-yl. The term "thiazinyl" (also called " 1 ,4-thiazinyl") as used herein includes l,4-thiazin-2-yl, l,4-thiazin-3-yl, 1 ,4-thiazin-4-yl, l,4-thiazin-5-yl and 1 ,4-thiazin-6- yl. The term "triazinyl" as used herein includes l,3,5-triazin-2-yl, l,2,4-triazin-3-yl, l,2,4-triazin-5-yl, 1 ,2,4-triazin-6-yl, l,2,3-triazin-4-yl and l,2,3-triazin-5-yl. The term "imidazo[2,l-b][l,3]thiazolyl" as used herein includes imidazo[2,l-b][l,3]thiazoi-2-yl, imidazo[2,l-b][l,3]thiazol-3-yl, imidazo[2,l- b][l,3]thiazol-5-yl and imidazo[2,l-b][l,3]thiazol-6-yl. The term "thieno[3,2-b]furanyl" as used herein includes thieno[3,2-b]furan-2-yl, thieno[3,2-b]furan-3-yl, thieno[3,2-b]furan-4-yl, and thieno[3,2-b]furan- 5-yl. The term "thieno[3,2-b]thiophenyl" as used herein includes thieno[3,2-b]thien-2-yl, thieno[3,2- b]thien-3-yl, thieno[3,2-b]thien-5-yl and thieno[3,2-b]thien-6-yl. The term "thieno[2,3-d][l,3]thiazolyl" as used herein includes thieno[2,3-d][l,3]thiazol-2-yl, thieno[2,3-d] [l,3]thiazol-5-yl and thieno[2,3- d][l,3]thiazol-6-yl. The term "thieno[2,3-d]imidazolyl" as used herein includes thieno[2,3-d]imidazol-2- yl, thieno[2,3-d]imidazol-4-yl and thieno[2,3-d]imidazol-5-yl. The term "tetrazolo[l,5-a]pyridinyl" as used herein includes tetrazolo[l,5-a]pyridine-5-yl, tetrazolo[l,5-a]pyridine-6-yl, tetrazolo[l,5-a]pyridine- 7-yl, and tetrazolo[l,5-a]pyridine-8-yl. The term "indolyl" as used herein includes indol-l-yl, indol-2-yl, indol-3-yl,-indol-4-yl, indol-5-yl, indol-6-yl and indol-7-yl. The term "indolizinyl" as used herein includes indolizin-l-yl, indolizin-2-yl, indolizin-3-yl, indolizin-5-yl, indolizin-6-yl, indolizin-7-yl, and indolizin-8-yl. The term "isoindolyl" as used herein includes isoindol-l-yl, isoindol-2-yl, isoindol-3-yl, isoindol-4-yl, isoindol-5-yl, isoindol-6-yl and isoindol-7-yl. The term "benzofuranyl" (also called benzo[b]furanyl) as used herein includes benzofuran-2-yl, benzofuran-3-yl, benzofuran-4-yl, benzofuran- 5-yl, benzofuran-6-yl and benzofuran-7-yl. The term "isobenzofuranyl" (also called benzo[c]furanyl) as used herein includes isobenzofuran-l-yl, isobenzofuran-3-yl, isobenzofuran-4-yl, isobenzofuran-5-yl, isobenzofuran-6-yl and isobenzofuran-7-yl. The term "benzothiophenyl" (also called benzo[b]thienyl) as used herein includes 2-benzo[b]thiophenyl, 3-benzo[b]thiophenyl, 4-benzo[b]thiophenyl, 5- benzo[b]thiophenyl, 6-benzo[b]thiophenyl and -7-benzo[b]thiophenyl (also called benzothien-2-yl, benzothien-3-yl, benzothien-4-yl, benzothien-5-yl, benzothien-6-yl and benzothien-7-yl). The term "isobenzothiophenyl" (also called benzo[c]thienyl) as used herein includes isobenzothien-l-yl, isobenzothien-3-yl, isobenzothien-4-yl, isobenzothien-5-yl, isobenzothien-6-yl and isobenzothien-7-yl. The term "indazolyl" (also called lH-indazolyl or 2-azaindolyl) as used herein includes lH-indazol-l-yl, lH-indazol-3-yl, lH-indazol-4-yl, lH-indazol-5-yl, lH-indazol-6-yl, lH-indazol-7-yl, 2H-indazol-2-yl, 2H-indazol-3-yl, 2H-indazol-4-yl, 2H-indazol-5-yl, 2H-indazol-6-yl, and 2H-indazol-7-yl. The term "benzimidazolyl" as used herein includes benzimidazol-l-yl, benzimidazol-2-yl, benzimidazol-4-yl, benzimidazol-5-yl, benzimidazol-6-yl and benzimidazol-7-yl. The term "1,3-benzoxazolyl" as used herein includes l,3-benzoxazol-2-yl, l,3-benzoxazol-4-yl, l,3-benzoxazol-5-yl, l,3-benzoxazol-6-yl and l,3-benzoxazol-7-yl. The term "1,2-benzisoxazolyl" as used herein includes l,2-benzisoxazol-3-yl, 1,2- benzisoxazol-4-yl, l,2-benzisoxazol-5-yl, l,2-benzisoxazol-6-yl and l,2-benzisoxazol-7-yl. The term "2, 1 -benzisoxazolyl" as used herein includes 2,l-benzisoxazol-3-yl, 2, 1 -benzisoxazol-4-yl, 2,1- benzisoxazol-5-yl, 2, 1 -benzisoxazol-6-yl and 2,l-benzisoxazol-7-yl. The term "1,3-benzothiazolyl" as used herein includes l,3-benzothiazol-2-yl, l,3-benzothiazol-4-yl, l,3-benzothiazol-5-yl, 1,3- benzothiazol-6-yl and l,3-benzothiazol-7-yl. The term "1,2-benzoisothiazolyl" as used herein includes l,2-benzisothiazol-3-yl, 1 ,2-benzisothiazol-4-yl, l,2-benzisothiazol-5-yl, l,2-benzisothiazol-6-yl and 1,2- benzisothiazol-7-yl. The term "2, 1 -benzoisothiazolyl" as used herein includes 2,l-benzisothiazol-3-yl, 2,l-benzisothiazol-4-yl, 2,l-benzisothiazol-5-yl, 2, 1 -benzisothiazol-6-yl and 2, 1 -benzisothiazol-7-yl. The term "benzotriazolyl" as used herein includes benzotriazol-l-yl, benzotriazol-4-yl, benzotriazol-5-yl, benzotriazol-6-yl and benzotriazol-7-yl. The term "1,2, 3-benzoxadiazolyl" as used herein includes 1,2,3- benzoxadiazol-4-yl, l,2,3-benzoxadiazol-5-yl, l,2,3-benzoxadiazol-6-yl and l,2,3-benzoxadiazol-7-yl. The term "2,1, 3-benzoxadiazolyl" as used herein includes 2,l,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl, 2,1,3-benzoxadiazol- 5-yl, 2,l,3-benzoxadiazol-6-yl and 2,l,3-benzoxadiazol-7-yl. The term "1 ,2, 3-benzothiadiazolyl" as used herein includes l,2,3-benzothiadiazol-4-yl, l,2,3-benzothiadiazol-5-yl, l,2,3-benzothiadiazol-6-yl and l,2,3-benzothiadiazol-7-yl. The term "2,1, 3-benzothiadiazolyl" as used herein includes 2,1,3- benzothiadiazol-4-yl, 2,l,3-benzothiadiazol-5-yl, 2,l,3-benzothiadiazol-6-yl and 2,l,3-benzothiadiazol-7- yl. The term "thienopyridinyl" as used herein includes thieno[2,3-b]pyridinyl, thieno[2,3-c]pyridinyl, thieno[3,2-c]pyridinyl and thieno[3,2-b]pyridinyl. The term "purinyl" as used herein includes purin-2-yl, purin-6-yl, purin-7-yl and purin-8-yl. The term "imidazo[l,2-a]pyridinyl", as used herein includes imidazo[l ,2-a]pyridin-2-yl, imidazo[l ,2-a]pyridin-3-yl, imidazo[l ,2-a]pyridin-4-yl, imidazo[l ,2- a]pyridin-5-yl, imidazo[l,2-a]pyridin-6-yl and imidazo[l,2-a]pyridin-7-yl. The term "1 ,3-benzodioxolyl", as used herein includes l,3-benzodioxol-4-yl, l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl, l,3-benzodioxol-6-yl, and 1,3- benzodioxol-7-yl. The term "quinolinyl" as used herein includes quinolin-2-yl, quinolin-3-yl, quinolin-4- yl, quinolin-5-yl, quinolin-6-yl, quinolin-7-yl and quinolin-8-yl. The term "isoquinolinyl" as used herein includes isoquinolin-l-yl, isoquinolin-3-yl, isoquinolin-4-yl, isoquinolin-5-yl, isoquinolin-6-yl, isoquinolin-7-yl and isoquinolin-8-yl. The term "cinnolinyl" as used herein includes cinnolin-3-yl, cinnolin-4-yl, cinnolin-5-yl, cinnolin-6-yl, cinnolin-7-yl and cinnolin-8-yl. The term "quinazolinyl" as used herein includes quinazolin-2-yl, quinazolin-4-yl, quinazolin-5-yl, quinazolin-6-yl, quinazolin-7-yl and quinazolin-8-yl. The term "quinoxalinyl" as used herein includes quinoxalin-2-yl, quinoxalin-5-yl, and quinoxalin-6-yl.

When the suffix "ene" is used in conjunction with a heteroaryl group, i.e. "heteroarylene", this is intended to mean the heteroaryl group as defined herein having two single bonds as points of attachment to other groups.

The term "heteroaryloxy", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -0-R ^k wherein R ^k is heteroaryl as defined herein above.

The term "heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl", as a group or part of a group, means a as defined herein, wherein at least one hydrogen atom is replaced by at least one heteroaryl as defined herein.

The term "heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -0-R ^a -R ^k wherein R ^k is heteroaryl, and R ^a is as defined herein above.

The term "heteroaryleneCi_ ₆ alkylene", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -R ^m -R ^a - wherein R ^m is heteroarylene as defined herein and R ^a is as defined herein.

The term as a group or part of a group, refers t group having the meaning as defined above wherein at least one hydrogen atom is replaced with at least one cyano group as defined herein. Non- limiting examples of such groups include cyanomethyl, 1 -cyanoethyl, 1- cyanopropyl and the like.

The term as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -0-R ⁿ wherein defined herein above.

The term group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -S-R ^b wherein R ^b is as defined herein above. Non-limiting examples of groups include methylthio (-SCH ₃ ), ethylthio (-SCH ₂ CH ₃ ), n-propylthio, isopropylthio, n-butylthio, isobutylthio, sec- butylthio, tert-butylthio and the like.

The term "C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylthio", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -S-R ^d wherein R ^d is C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl as defined herein above. The term "C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -S-R ^e wherein R ^e is C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl as defined herein above.

The term "C6-i ₂ arylthio", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -S-R ^s wherein R ^s is C6-i ₂ aryl as defined herein above.

The term "C3_i ₂ cycloalkylthio", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -S-R ^f wherein R ^f is C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl as defined herein above.

The term "C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylthio", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -S-R ^a -R ^s wherein R ^a is and R ^s is C6-i ₂ aryl as defined herein above.

The term "heterocyclylthio", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -S-R ¹ wherein R ¹ is heterocyclyl as defined herein above.

The term "heteroarylthio", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -S-R ^k wherein R ^k is heteroaryl as defined herein above.

The term "heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkylthio", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -S-R ^a -R' wherein R ^a is and R ¹ is heterocyclyl as defined herein above.

The term "heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkylthio", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -S-R ^a -R ^k wherein R ^a is and R ^k is heteroaryl as defined herein above.

The term as a group or part of a group, refers to a group having the formula -S-R ⁿ wherein defined herein above.

The term "mono- or di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group of formula -N(R°)(R ^P ) wherein R° and R ^p are each independently selected from hydrogen, or C _h alky 1, wherein at least one of R° or R ^p is Thus, alkylamino include mono-alkyl amino group (e.g. mono-Ci. ₆ alkylamino group such as methylamino and ethylamino), and di-alkylamino group (e.g. di-Ci. ₆ alkylamino group such as dimethylamino and diethylamino). Non-limiting examples of suitable mono- or di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino groups include n-propylamino, isopropylamino, n-butylamino, z ^' -butylamino, sec- butylamino, i-butylamino, pentylamino, n-hexylamino, di-n-propylamino, di-z-propylamino, ethylmethylamino, methyl-n-propylamino, methyl-z-propylamino, n-butylmethylamino, i- butylmethylamino, i-butylmethylamino, ethyl-n-propylamino, ethyl-z-propylamino, n-butylethylamino, i-butylethylamino, i-butylethylamino, di-n-butylamino, di-z-butylamino, methylpentylamino, methylhexylamino, ethylpentylamino, ethylhexylamino, propylpentylamino, propylhexylamino, and the like.

The term "mono- or di-C6-i ₂ arylamino", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group of formula -N(R ^q )(R ^r ) wherein R ^q and R ^r are each independently selected from hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, or wherein at least one of R ^q or R ^r is C6-i ₂ aryl.

The term "mono- or di-C3_gcycloalkylamino", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group of formula -N(R ^s )(R ^t ) wherein R ^s and R* are each independently selected from hydrogen, C3_gcycloalkyl, or wherein at least one of R ^s or R* is C3_gcycloalkyl. The term "aminoCi_ ₆ alkyl", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group of formula -R ^a -NR°R ^P wherein R ^a is Ci_ ₆ alkylene, R° is hydrogen or as defined herein, and R ^p is hydrogen or as defined herein.

The term "mono- or di-heteroarylamino", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group of formula -N(R ^U )(R ^V ) wherein R ^u and R ^v are each independently selected from hydrogen, heteroaryl, or C _h alky 1, wherein at least one of R ^u or R ^v is heteroaryl as defined herein.

The term "mono- or di-heterocyclylamino", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group of formula -N(R ^W )(R ^X ) wherein R ^w and R ^x are each independently selected from hydrogen, heterocyclyl, or wherein at least one of R ^w or R ^x is heterocyclyl as defined herein.

The term "hydroxycarbonylCi_ ₆ alkyl", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group of formula -R ^a -COOH, wherein R ^a is as defined herein.

The term "Ci_ ₆ alkyloxycarbonyl", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group of formula -COO-R ^b , wherein R ^b is as defined herein.

The term "mono- or diCi_ ₆ alkylaminocarbonyl", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group of formula -CONR°R ^p wherein R°R ^P are each independently selected from hydrogen, or wherein at least one of R° or R ^p is Ci_ ₆ alkyl.

The term as a group or part of a group, refers to a group of formula -CO-R ^b , wherein R ^b is C^alkyl as defined herein.

The term "Ci_ ₆ alkylcarbonylamino", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group of formula -NR°-CO-R ^b , wherein R° is selected from hydrogen, or as defined herein.

The term "mono or di-Ci_ ₆ alkylaminocarbonylCi_ ₆ alkyl", as a group or part of a group, refers to a group of formula -R ^a -CONR°R ^p wherein R°R ^P are each independently selected from hydrogen, or wherein at least one of R° or R ^p is as defined herein.

The term "leaving group" as used herein means a chemical group which is susceptible to be displaced by a nucleophile or cleaved off or hydrolyzed in basic or acidic conditions. In a particular embodiment, a leaving group is selected from a halogen atom (e.g., CI, Br, I) or a trihalomethyl group (e.g. CCI ₃ , CI ₃ , CBr ₃ ).

The term "a saturated or unsaturated 3- , 4- , 5- , 6- or 7-membered ring" as used herein encompasses saturated or unsaturated carbon only membered rings, as well as saturated or unsaturated heteroatoms containing rings. The term "a saturated 3- , 4- , 5- , 6- or 7- carbon membered ring" as used herein refers to saturated carbon only membered ring such as C3_ ₇ cycloalkyl and C3_ ₇ cycloalkylene.

Whenever used in the present invention the term "compounds of the invention" or a similar term is meant to include the compounds of general formula (I) or (II) and any subgroup thereof. This term also refers to the compounds as depicted in Table 1 and their derivatives, N-oxides, salts, solvates, hydrates, stereoisomeric forms, racemic mixtures, tautomeric forms, optical isomers, analogues, pro-drugs, esters and metabolites, as well as their quaternized nitrogen analogues. The N-oxide forms of said compounds are meant to comprise compounds wherein one or several nitrogen atoms are oxidized to the so-called N- oxide.

Preferred statements (features) and embodiments of the compounds and processes of this invention are now set forth. Each statements and embodiments of the invention so defined may be combined with any other statement and/or embodiments unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous.

Numbered statements of this invention are:

1. A compound of formula (I) or (II); or a stereoisomer, enantiomer, racemic, or tautomer thereof,

(Π)

wherein,

n is an integer selected from 0, 1, 2 or 3;

R ¹ is selected from the group consisting of

R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, hydrogen, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, amino, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , and cyano; and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl,

Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, or C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ;

R ³ is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, hydrogen, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , and cyano; and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl,

Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, or C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ;

L ¹ is a single bond, or is a group of formula (i);

(i)

wherein the left side of the group of formula (i) is attached to R ² and the right side thereof is attached to the oxadiazole ring; and wherein,

m is an integer selected from 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4;

p is an integer selected from 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4;

L ⁴ is a single bond, or is selected from the group consisting of -0-, and -NR ⁸ -;

R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

or R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or unsaturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring;

R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

or R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or unsaturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring;

R ⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and

L ² is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -SO ₂ -,— PO ₄ -, -PO ₃ -, and -(CR ⁹ R ¹⁰ ) _q -; wherein,

q is an integer selected from 1, 2 or 3;

R ⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

R ¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

or R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or unsaturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring;

3 11 12 13

L is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -(CR R ) _Γ -, -0-, and -NR -; wherein, r is an integer selected from 1, 2 or 3;

R ¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

R ¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and

or R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or unsaturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring;

R ¹³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and

wherein at least one of L ² , L ³ is not a single bond;

L ⁵ is a single bond or -CO-;

each R ¹⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C ₃ _gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, and and wherein said

C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ;

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ;

each R ¹⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, and and wherein said

C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ;

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C _h alky 1, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ;

each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, and

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C _h alky 1, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0)2; each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, and

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C _h alky 1, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ; or wherein R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered heterocyclyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said heterocyclyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ;

each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl,

C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, and

wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ , each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, and

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C _h alky 1, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ; each R ²¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylene, C ₂ - ₆ alkynylene, C6-i ₂ arylene, C3_gcycloalkylene, C6-i ₂ aryleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*, heterocyclylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclyleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*, and wherein * represents where R ²¹ is bound to -CO-;

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylene, C ₂ - ₆ alkynylene, C6-i ₂ arylene, C3_gcycloalkylene, C6-i ₂ aryleneCi. ₆ alkylene, heterocyclylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclyleneCi_ ₆ alkylene, or heteroaryleneCi_ ₆ alkylene can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ;

each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci. ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocycly

heteroaryl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , cyano, amino, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C0 ₂ R ¹⁹ , -C(0)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C(0)R ¹⁹ , -S(0)R ¹⁹ , -S(0) ₂ R ¹⁹ , -S0 ₂ NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , nitro, -NR ²⁰ C(O)R ¹⁹ , -R ²¹ -C(0)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -NR ²⁰ S(O) ₂ R ¹⁹ , and NR ²⁰ C(O)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ ; and wherein two Z ¹ together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) _2;

each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

haloCi. ₆ alkyloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocycly

heteroaryl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , cyano, amino, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C0 ₂ R ¹⁹ ,

-C(0)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C(0)R ¹⁹ , -S(0)R ¹⁹ , -S(0) ₂ R ¹⁹ , -S0 ₂ NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , nitro, -NR ²⁰ C(O)R ¹⁹ , -R ²¹ -C(0)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -NR ²⁰ S(O) ₂ R ¹⁹ , and -NR ²⁰ C(O)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ ; and wherein two Z ² together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ;

and with the proviso that for a compound of formula (I) when R ² is C6_i ₂ aryl; L ³ is a single bond, -(CR ^u R ¹² ) _r -, -0-, or -NR ¹³ -; then R ³ is not hydrogen, Ci_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, or -OR ¹⁵ ;

and with the proviso that for a compound of formula (I) when L ¹ is a single bond, R ² is not hydrogen; and with the proviso that said compound is not

5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(3-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenethyl)piperazin- l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

1 -(7-methyl- 1-(3-(4-(3 -(pyridin-3 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5 -yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)propyl)- 1 H-indol-3 - yl)ethanone;

5-(4-((2-methoxypyrimidin-5-yl)methyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

2-((4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l -yl)methyl)benzoic acid;

5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazin- l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo [d] [ 1 ,3 ] dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo[d] [l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d] [l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo[d] [l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo[d] [l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)pipe razin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)pipe razin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(2-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin -l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole;

3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole;

5-(4-((2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][l,4]dioxin-6-yl)methyl)piperazin- l-yl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo [d] [ 1 ,3 ] dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -methyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-phenethylpiperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadia zole;

5-(4-(benzo[b] [1 ,4] dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-isobutylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -isopropyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3 - [4-(3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl]propan- 1 -amine;

3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-[4-(2-nitrophenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l-yl ]-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l -yl]-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

or a solvate, hydrate, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof.

The compound according to statement 1, having structural formula (IA) or (IIA),

(IA)

(IIA)

wherein L ¹ , L ³ , L ⁵ , n, R ¹ , R ² and R ³ have the same meaning as that defined in statement 1. The compound accordin to statements 1 or 2, having structural formula (IB) or (IIB),

(IIB)

wherein, L ¹ , n, R ¹ , R ² and R ³ have the same meaning as that defined in statements 1 or 2.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 3, wherein R ² is selected from the group consisting of Ce-naryl, hydrogen, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, halo, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, Cs.ncycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, thiol, Ci_ ₆ alkylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C ₃ _gcycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkylthio, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkylthio, amino, mono or di- mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C ₃ _gcycloalkylamino, mono or di- heterocyclylamino, mono or di- heteroarylamino, and cyano; and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, Cs.ncycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy,

C ₂ - ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, Cs.gcycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkylthio, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkylthio, mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- Cs.gcycloalkylamino, mono or di- heterocyclylamino, or mono or di- heteroarylamino, can be unsubstituted or substituted with -one, two, or three Z ^l .

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 4, wherein R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, hydrogen, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, Ce-narylCi.ealkyl, Ce-narylC _L ealkylCe-naryl, halo, hydroxyl, Ci_ ₆ alkyloxy, Ce-naryloxy, Cs.ncycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy,

heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy,

amino, mono or di- mono or di- Ce-narylamino, mono or di- C ₃ _gcycloalkylamino, mono or di- heterocyclylamino, mono or di- heteroarylamino, and cyano; and wherein said C6-naryl, Ci-ealkyl, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, C6-narylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -naryl, Ci. ₆ alkyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, C ₃ .i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-narylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyloxy,

haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, mono or di- mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C ₃ .gcycloalkylamino, mono or di- heterocyclylamino, mono or di- heteroarylamino, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one, two, or three Z ^l .

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 5, wherein R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, hydrogen, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, halo, hydroxyl, Ci_ ₆ alkyloxy, thiol, amino, mono or di- Ci. ₆ alkylamino, mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- Cs.gcycloalkylamino, and cyano; and wherein said Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, mono or di- mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C ₃ .gcycloalkylamino, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one, two, or three Z ^l .

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 6, wherein R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ ar ycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, halo, hydroxyl, Ci_ ₆ alkyloxy, thiol, and cyano; and wherein said C6_i ₂ aryl, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, or can be unsubstituted or substituted with one, two, or three Z ^l .

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 7, wherein R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6- aryl, hydrogen, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, halo, hydroxyl, Ci_ ₆ alkyloxy, and cyano; and wherein said C6_naryl, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, can be unsubstituted or substituted one, two, or three Z ^l .

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 8, having structural formula (IC) or (IIC),

(IIC) wherein, L ³ , n, R ¹ , R ² and R ³ have the same meaning as defined in any one of statements 1 to 8.0. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 8, having structural formula (ID) or (IID),

(IID)

wherein, L , n, R , R , R , R , and R , have the same meaning as defined in any one of statements 1 to 8.

l .The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 8, having structural formula (IE) or (HE),

(HE)

wherein, L 1, L2, L 3, L 5, n, R 1, R2, R 3, and Z 1 have the same meaning as that defined in any one of statements 1 to 8, and wherein, w is an integer selected from 1, 2, or 3.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 8 and 11 , having structural formula (IF) or (IIF),

(IF)

(IIF)

wherein, L ¹ , L ³ , L ⁵ , n, R ¹ , R ³ , and Z ¹ have the same meaning as that defined in any one of statements 1 to 8 and 11, and wherein, w is an integer selected from 1, 2, or 3.

he compound according to any one of statements 1 to 11, having structural formula (IG) or (IIG),

(IIG)

wherein, L ² , L ³ , L ⁵ , n, R ¹ , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ , and Z ¹ have the same meaning as defined in any one of statements 1 to 11, and wherein, w is an integer selected from 1, 2, or 3.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 13, wherein

w is an integer selected from 1, 2, or 3;

R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, thiol, Ci_ ₆ alkylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C ₃ _gcycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthi

heteroarylCi. ₆ alkylthio,

R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,

C ₂ - ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, C3.i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyloxy,

cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, thiol, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C ₃ _gcycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkylthio, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkylthio, and haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy; or R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or unsaturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 14, having structural formula (IH) or (IIH),

(IIH)

wherein, L ³ , L ⁵ , n, R ¹ , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ , and Z ¹ and w have the same meaning as defined in any one of statements 1 to 15, and wherein, w is an integer selected from 1, 2, or 3.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 15, wherein R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl, loalkyloxy, thiol, Ci_ ₆ alkylthio, C6 -i ₂ arylthio, C3_gcycloalkylthi and R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, thiol, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C3_gcycloalkylthio, and

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 16, wherein R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl, and haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy; and R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 17, wherein R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of and R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 18, wherein R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of and halo.

The compound according to any one of statements 11 to 18, wherein w is an integer selected from 1 , or 2.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 20, wherein R ¹ is selected from the group consisting of and halo. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 21 , wherein R ¹ is

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 22, wherein n is an integer selected from 0 or 1.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 23, wherein n is 0.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 24, wherein R ³ is selected from the group consisting of C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, halo, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, thiol, Ci. ₆ alkylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C3_gcycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkylthio, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkylthio, amino, mono or di- mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C3_gcycloalkylamino, mono or di- heterocyclylamino, mono or di- heteroarylamino and cyano; and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy,

C ₂ - ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C3_gcycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkylthio, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkylthio, mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C3_gcycloalkylamino, mono or di- heterocyclylamino, mono or di- heteroarylamino, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one, two, or three Z ² .

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 25, wherein R ³ is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, hy i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, halo, hydroxyl, Ci_ ₆ alkyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy thiol,

amino, mono or di- no or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, and mono or di- C3_gcycloalkylamino; and heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, Ci. ₆ alkyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, mono or di- Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C3_gcycloalkylamino, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one, two, or three Z ² .

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 26, wherein R ³ is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, hydrogen, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, halo, haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, amino, mono or di- and mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino; and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

haloCi. ₆ alkyloxy, amino, mono or di- mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C3_gcycloalkylamino, mono or di- heterocyclylamino, mono or di- heteroarylamino, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one, two, or three Z ² . The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 27, wherein R ³ is selected from the group consisting heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, halo,

haloCi_ ₆ alk and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, o or di- can be unsubstituted or substituted with one, two, or three Z ² .

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 28, wherein m is an integer selected from 0, 1, or 2.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 29, wherein m is an integer selected from 0, or 1.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 30, wherein m is 1.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 31, wherein p is an integer selected from 0, 1, or 2.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 32, wherein p is an integer selected from 0, or 1.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 33, wherein p is 0.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 34, wherein L ⁴ is a single bond, or is selected from the group consisting of -0-, -NH-, and -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)-.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 35, wherein L ⁴ is a single bond, or is selected from the group consisting of -0-, and -NH-.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 36, wherein L ⁴ is a single bond.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 37, wherein R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, cloalkyloxy, thiol, Ci_ ₆ alkylthio, C6-i ₂ ar ylthio, C3_gcycloalkylthio,

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 38, wherein R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,

and haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 39, wherein R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,

and haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 40, wherein R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 41, wherein R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, Cs.ncycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyloxy, cyanoC_ ₆ alkyloxy, thiol, Ci^alkylthio, C ₂ - ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ - ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C3_gcycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkylthio, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkylthio, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkylthio,

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 42, wherein R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, cloalkyloxy, thiol, Ci_ ₆ alkylthio, C6-i ₂ ar ylthio, C3_gcycloalkylthio,

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 43, wherein R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,

and haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 44, wherein R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 45, wherein R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3_ ₇ cycloalkyl or a C ₅ . ₇ cycloalkylene.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 43, wherein R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3_ ₆ cycloalkyl or a C ₅ _ ₆ cycloalkylene.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 47, wherein R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3_ ₆ cycloalkyl.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 48, wherein R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3.5 cycloalkyl.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 49, wherein R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyloxy,

C ₂ - ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C ₃ _gcycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkylthio, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkylthio, and

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 50, wherein R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, cloalkyloxy, thiol, Ci_ ₆ alkylthio, C6-i ₂ ar ylthio, C ₃ _gcycloalkylthio,

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 51, wherein R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,

and haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 52, wherein R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 53, wherein R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy,

C ₂ - ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C3_gcycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkylthio, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkylthio, and

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 54, wherein R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, cloalkyloxy, thiol, Ci_ ₆ alkylthio, C6-i ₂ ar ylthio, C3_gcycloalkylthio,

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 55, wherein R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,

and haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 56, wherein R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 57, wherein R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3_ ₇ cycloalkyl or a C ₅ _ ₇ cycloalkylene.

The compound according to one of statements 1 to 58, wherein R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3_ ₆ cycloalkyl or a C ₅ _ ₆ cycloalkylene.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 59, wherein R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3_ ₆ cycloalkyl.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 60, wherein R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3.5 cycloalkyl.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 61, wherein R ⁸ is hydrogen.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 62, wherein q is 1.

The compound according to any one of statements lto 63, wherein R ⁹ is selected from the group consisting hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyloxy,

C ₂ - ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C ₃ _gcycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkylthio, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkylthio, and

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 64, wherein R ⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, cloalkyloxy, thiol, Ci_ ₆ alkylthio, C6-i ₂ ar ylthio, C ₃ _gcycloalkylthio,

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 65, wherein R ⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,

and haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy. 67. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 66, wherein R ⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,

68. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 67, wherein R ¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyloxy,

C ₂ - ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C ₃ _gcycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkylthio, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkylthio, and

69. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 68, wherein R ¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, cloalkyloxy, thiol, Ci_ ₆ alkylthio, C6-i ₂ ar ylthio, C ₃ _gcycloalkylthio,

70. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 69, wherein R ¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,

and haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy.

71. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 70, wherein R ¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,

72. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 71, wherein R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3_ ₇ cycloalkyl or a C ₅ . ₇ cycloalkylene.

73. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 72, wherein R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3_ ₆ cycloalkyl or a C ₅ _ ₆ cycloalkylene.

74. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 73, wherein R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3_ ₆ cycloalkyl.

75. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 74, wherein R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3.5 cycloalkyl.

76. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 75, wherein L ² is selected from the group consisting of -S0 ₂ -, and -(CR ⁹ R ¹⁰ ) _q -.

77. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 76, wherein L ² is -SO ₂ -.

78. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 77, wherein L ² is -(CR ⁹ R ¹⁰ ) _q -.

79. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 78, wherein L ³ is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -(CR ^u R ¹² ) _r -, -0-, -NH-, and -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)-.

80. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 79, wherein L ³ is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -(CR ^u R ¹² ) _r -, and -0-.

81. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 80, wherein L ³ is a single bond or is -(CR ^u R ¹² ) _r -. 82. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 81, wherein r is 1.

83. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 82, wherein L ³ is a single bond.

84. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 83, wherein R ¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyloxy, C6_i ₂ aryloxy, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyloxy,

C ₂ - ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C ₃ _gcycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkylthio, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkylthio, and

85. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 84, wherein R ¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, cloalkyloxy, thiol, Ci_ ₆ alkylthio, C6-i ₂ ar ylthio, C ₃ _gcycloalkylthio,

86. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 85, wherein R ¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,

and haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy.

87. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 86, wherein R ¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,

88. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 87, wherein R ¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyloxy, C6_i ₂ aryloxy, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyloxy,

C ₂ - ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C ₃ _gcycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkylthio, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkylthio, and

89. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 88, wherein R ¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, cloalkyloxy, thiol, Ci_ ₆ alkylthio, C6-i ₂ ar ylthio, C ₃ _gcycloalkylthio,

90. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 89, wherein R ¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,

and haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy.

91. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 90, wherein R ¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,

92. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 91, wherein R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3_ ₇ cycloalkyl or a C ₅ . ₇ cycloalkylene.

93. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 92, wherein R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3_ ₆ cycloalkyl or a C ₅ _ ₆ cycloalkylene. 94. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 93, wherein R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3_ ₆ cycloalkyl.

95. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 94, wherein R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3.5 cycloalkyl.

96. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 95, wherein R ¹³ is hydrogen.

97. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 96, wherein each R ¹⁵ independently selected from the group consisting of C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C3_gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, and and wherein said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, and can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

or cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or S(0) ₂ .

98. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 97, wherein each R ¹⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C3_gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl, and and wherein said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl, and can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

99. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 98, wherein each R ¹⁵ is independently selected from C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C3_gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and wherein said Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C _h alky 1, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

or cyanoCi. ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0;

100. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 99, wherein each R ¹⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, an and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and an be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or cyanoCi__ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0. 101. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 100, wherein each R ¹⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of C3_gcycloalkyl, C3_gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C _h alky 1, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

102. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 101, wherein each R ¹⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of C3_gcycloalkyl, C3_gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ^l .

103. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 102, wherein R ¹⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyl; and wherein said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or S(0) ₂ .

104. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 103, wherein each R ¹⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

and and wherein said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

105. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 104, wherein each R ¹⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyl; and wherein said C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C _h alky 1, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

or cyanoCi. ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0. 106. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 105, wherein each R ¹⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and an be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

107. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 106, wherein each R ¹⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyl; and wherein said heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

108. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 107, wherein each R ¹⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyl; and wherein said heterocyclyl, and can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² .

109. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 108, wherein each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or S(0) ₂ .

110. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 109, wherein each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

111. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 110, wherein each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

112. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 111, wherein each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 1 12, wherein each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

The compound according any one of statements 1 to 1 13, wherein each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 1 14, wherein each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or S(0) ₂ . The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 1 15, wherein each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 1 16, wherein each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 1 17, wherein each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 1 18, wherein each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 1 19, wherein each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl. 121. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 120, wherein R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5-, or 6-membered heterocyclyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said heterocyclyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or N=0.

122. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 121 , wherein R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5-membered heterocyclyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said heterocyclyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

123. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 122, wherein each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or S(0) ₂ .

124. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 123, wherein each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl,

C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

125. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 124, wherein each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

126. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 125, wherein each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

127. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 126, wherein each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

128. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 127, wherein each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl. 129. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 128, wherein each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or S(0) ₂ .

130. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 129, wherein each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

131. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 130, wherein each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

132. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 131, wherein each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

133. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 132, wherein each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

134. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 133, wherein each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyl.

135. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 134, wherein each R ²¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylene, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylene, C6-i ₂ arylene, C ₃ _gcycloalkylene, C6-i ₂ aryleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*, heterocyclylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclyleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*, and heteroaryleneCi. ₆ alkylene*; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylene, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylene, C6-i ₂ aryenel, C ₃ _gcycloalkylene, C6-i ₂ aryleneCi_ ₆ alkylene, heterocyclylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclyleneCi_ ₆ alkylene, or heteroaryleneCi_ ₆ alkyene can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or S(0) ₂ , wherein * represents where R ²¹ is bound to CO. 136. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 135, wherein R ²¹ is independently selected from the group consisti C6-i ₂ arylene, and C3_gcycloalkylene; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said arylene, C3_gcycloalkylene can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

137. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 136, wherein each R ²¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of and C3_gcycloalkylene; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C3_gcycloalkylene can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

138. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 137, wherein each R ²¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of and C3_gcycloalkylene; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C3_gcycloalkylene can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

139. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 138, wherein each R ²¹ is

140. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 139, wherein each R ²¹ is

141. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 140, wherein each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy,

heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C ₃ _gcycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkylthio, cyano, amino, mono or di- Ci. ₆ alkylamino, mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C ₃ _gcycloalkylamino, mono or di- heterocyclylamino, mono or di- heteroarylamino, -CO ₂ H, -C0 ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C0 ₂ C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, -C0 ₂ C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, -C0 ₂ C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -C0 ₂ C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, -C0 ₂ C ₆ -i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -C0 ₂ heterocyclyl, -C0 ₂ heteroaryl, -C0 ₂ heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -C0 ₂ heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl, -C(0)NH ₂ , -C(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)NHC ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, -C(0)NHC ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, -C(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -C(0)NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -C(0)NH(C ₆ _i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl), -C(0)NH-heterocyclyl, -C(0)NH-heteroaryl, -C(0)NH(heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl), -C(0)NH(heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl), -COH, -C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, -C(0)C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, -C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -C(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -C(0)heterocyclyl, -C(0)heteroaryl, -S(0)OH, -S(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0)C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, -S(0)C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, -S(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -S(0)C ₃ -gcycloalkyl, -S(0)heterocyclyl, -S(0)heteroaryl, -S(0) ₂ OH, -S(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, -S(0) ₂ C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, -S(0) ₂ C ₆ . ₁₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0) ₂ C ₆ . ₁₂ arylC ₁ . ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, -S(0) ₂ heteroaryl, -S(0) ₂ heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ NH ₂ , -SCO^NHC _L salkyl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0) ₂ NH(C ₆ _i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl), -S(0) ₂ NHheterocyclyl, -S(0) ₂ NHheteroaryl, -S(0) ₂ NH(heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl), -S(0) ₂ NH(heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl), nitro, -NHC(0)H, -NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, -NHC(0)C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, -NHC(0)C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NHC(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHC(0)heterocyclyl, -NHC(0)heteroaryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)H, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heterocyclyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heteroaryl, -Ci_ ₆ alkylene-C(0)NH ₂ ,

-Ci_ ₆ alkylene-C(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHC ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, -Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHC ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, -Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -Ci. ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHC ₆ .i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, -Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHheterocyclyl,

-Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHheteroaryl, -Ci. ₆ alkyleneC(0)NH-heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, -Ci_ ₆ alkylene-C(0)NH-heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ H, -NHS(0) ₂ OH, -NHS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, -NHS(0) ₂ heteroaryl, -NHS(0) ₂ heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)S(0) ₂ H,

-N(C ₁ . ₆ alkyl)S(0) ₂ OH, -N(C ₁ . ₆ alkyl)S(0) ₂ C ₁ . ₆ alkyl, -N(C ₁ . ₆ alkyl)S(0) ₂ C ₂ . ₆ alkenyl,

-N(C ₁ . ₆ alkyl)S(0) ₂ C ₂ . ₆ alkynyl, -N(C ₁ . ₆ alkyl)S(0) ₂ C ₆ . ₁₂ aryl, -N(C ₁ . ₆ alkyl)S(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)S(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)S(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)S(0) ₂ heteroaryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)S(0) ₂ heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)S(0) ₂ heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NH ₂ , -NHC(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NHC ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, -NHC(0)NHC ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, -NHC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl,

-NHC(0)NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NH-heterocyclyl,

-NHC(0)NH-heteroaryl, -NHC(0)NHheterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NHheteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NCi_ ₆ alkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)NHC ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)NHC ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl,

-N(C i_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)NHheterocyclyl, -N(C i_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)NHheteroaryl,

-N(Ci. ₆ alkyl)C(0)NHheterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, -N(Ci. ₆ alkyl)C(0)NHheteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or N=0.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 141, wherein each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyloxy, C6_i ₂ aryloxy, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy,

heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C ₃ .gcycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkylthio, cyano, amino, mono or di- Ci. ₆ alkylamino, mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C ₃ .gcycloalkylamino, mono or di- heterocyclylamino, mono or di- heteroarylamino, -C0 ₂ H, -C0 ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C0 ₂ C6-i ₂ aryl,

-C0 ₂ C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -C0 ₂ heterocyclyl, -C0 ₂ heteroaryl, -C(0)NH ₂ , -C(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -C(0)NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -C(0)NH-heterocyclyl, -C(0)NH-heteroaryl, -COH, -C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -C(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -C(0)heterocyclyl, -C(0)heteroaryl, -S(0)OH, -S(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -S(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0)heterocyclyl, -S(0)heteroaryl, -S(0) ₂ OH, -S(0) ₂ Ci. ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ C ₆ .i ₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, -S(0) ₂ heteroaryl, -S(0) ₂ NH ₂ , -S(0) ₂ NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0) ₂ NHheterocyclyl, -S(0) ₂ NHheteroaryl, nitro, -NHC(0)H, -NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)C ₆ _i ₂ aryl,

-NHC(0)C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHC(0)heterocyclyl, -NHC(0)heteroaryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)H, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heterocyclyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heteroaryl, -Ci_ ₆ alkylene-C(0)NH ₂ ,

-Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -Ci_ ₆ alkylene-C(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHheterocyclyl, -Ci_ ₆ alkylene-C(0)NHheteroaryl, -NHS(0) ₂ H, -NHS(0) ₂ OH,

-NHS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, -NHS(0) ₂ heteroaryl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ H, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ OH, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heteroaryl, -NHC(0)NH ₂ , -NHC(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NHC(0)NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NH-heterocyclyl,

-NHC(0)NHheteroaryl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl,

-NC i_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -NC i_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHheterocyclyl, and

-NC i_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHheteroaryl.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 142, wherein each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, C6_i ₂ aryloxy, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy,

C6_i ₂ arylthio, C ₃ . ₈ cycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkylthio, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkylthio, cyano, amino, mono or di- Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C ₃ . ₈ cycloalkylamino, mono or di- heterocyclylamino, mono or di- heteroarylamino, -C0 ₂ H, -C0 ₂ Ci. ₆ alkyl, -C0 ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -C0 ₂ C ₃ . ₈ cycloalkyl, -C0 ₂ heterocyclyl, -C0 ₂ heteroaryl, -C(0)NH ₂ , -C(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -C(0)NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -C(0)NHheterocyclyl, -C(0)NHheteroaryl, -COH, -C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -C(0)C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -C(0)heterocyclyl,

-C(0)heteroaryl, -S(0) ₂ OH, -S(0) ₂ C ₁ . ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ C ₆ . ₁₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ C ₃ . ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, -S(0) ₂ heteroaryl, S(0) ₂ NH ₂ , -S(0) ₂ NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0) ₂ NHheterocyclyl, -S(0) ₂ NHheteroaryl, nitro, -NHC(0)H, -NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, NHC(0)C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHC(0)heterocyclyl, -NHC(0)heteroaryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)H, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl,

-N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heterocyclyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heteroaryl, -Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NH ₂ , -Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -Ci _-6 alkyleneC(0)NH-heterocyclyl, -Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHheteroaryl, -NHS(0) ₂ H, -NHS(0) ₂ OH, -NHS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, -NHS(0) ₂ heteroaryl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ H, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ OH, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₆ -i ₂ aryl,

-NCi. ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, and -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heteroaryl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or N=0.

144. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 143, wherein each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, C6_i ₂ aryloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy,

C6_i ₂ arylthio, C3_ ₈ cycloalkylthio, cyano, amino, mono or di- Ci. ₆ alkylamino, mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C3_ ₈ cycloalkylamino, mono or di- heterocyclylamino, mono or di- heteroarylamino, -C0 ₂ H, -C0 ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C0 ₂ C6-i ₂ aryl, -C0 ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -C0 ₂ heterocyclyl, -C0 ₂ heteroaryl, -C(0)NH ₂ , -C(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -C(0)NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -C(0)NHheterocyclyl, -C(0)NHheteroaryl, -COH, -C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -C(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -C(0)heterocyclyl, -C(0)heteroaryl, -S(0) ₂ OH, -S(0) ₂ Ci. ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ C ₆ .i ₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, -S(0) ₂ heteroaryl, -S(0) ₂ NH ₂ , -S(0) ₂ NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0) ₂ NHheterocyclyl, -S(0) ₂ NHheteroaryl, nitro, -NHC(0)H, -NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NHC(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHC(0)heterocyclyl, -NHC(0)heteroaryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)H, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heterocyclyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heteroaryl, -NHS(0) ₂ H, -NHS(0) ₂ OH, -NHS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, -NHS(0) ₂ heteroaryl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ H, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ OH, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NCi. ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₆ .i ₂ aryl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, and -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heteroaryl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or N=0.

145. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 144, wherein each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, C6_i ₂ aryloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, thiol, cyano, amino, mono or di- mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C3_ ₈ cycloalkylamino, -C0 ₂ H, -C0 ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C0 ₂ C6_i ₂ aryl, -C0 ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -C(0)NH ₂ , -C(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -C(0)NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -COH, -C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -C(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0) ₂ OH, -S(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0) ₂ NH ₂ , -SCO^NHC^alkyl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, nitro, -NHC(0)H, -NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NHC(0)C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)H, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl,

-N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ H, -NHS(0) ₂ OH, -NHS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ H, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ OH, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, and

-NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or N=0.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 145, wherein each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, C6_i ₂ aryloxy,

cyano, amino, mono or di- Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, -C0 ₂ H, -C0 ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C0 ₂ C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -C(0)NH ₂ , -C(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)NHC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -COH, -C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)C ₆ . ₁₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ OH, -S(0) ₂ C ₁ . ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ C ₆ . ₁₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ NH ₂ , -SCO^NHC^alkyl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, nitro, -NHC(0)H, -NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)H, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -NHS(0) ₂ H,-NHS(0) ₂ OH,

-NHS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ H, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ OH,

-NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, and -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C6-i ₂ aryl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or N=0.

The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 146, wherein each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl,

heteroaryl, hydroxyl, cyano, amino, mono or di Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, -C0 ₂ H, -C0 ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)NH ₂ , -C(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -COH, -C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl,

-NHC(0)H, -NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)H, and -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 147, wherein each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

hydroxyl, cyano, amino, mono or di Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, -C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, and -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

149. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 148, wherein each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C6-i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, cyano, amino, and mono or di- Ci_ ₆ alkylamino; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said C6-i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

150. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 149, wherein two Z ¹ together with the atom to which they are attached form a 5-, or 6-membered ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said ring can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

151. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 150, wherein each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyloxy, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy,

heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio, C6-i ₂ arylthio, C3_ ₈ cycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkylthio, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkylthio, cyano, amino, mono or di- Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C3_ ₈ cycloalkylamino, mono or di- heterocyclylamino, mono or di- heteroarylamino, -CO ₂ H, -C0 ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C0 ₂ C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, -C0 ₂ C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, -C0 ₂ C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -C0 ₂ C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -C0 ₂ C ₆ -i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -C0 ₂ heterocyclyl, -C0 ₂ heteroaryl, -C0 ₂ heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -C0 ₂ heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl, -C(0)NH ₂ , -C(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)NHC ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, -C(0)NHC ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, -C(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -C(0)NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -C(0)NH(C ₆ _i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl), -C(0)NH-heterocyclyl, -C(0)NH-heteroaryl, -C(0)NH(heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl), -C(0)NH(heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl), -COH, -C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, -C(0)C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, -C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -C(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -C(0)heterocyclyl, -C(0)heteroaryl, -S(0)OH, -S(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0)C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, -S(0)C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, -S(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -S(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0)heterocyclyl, -S(0)heteroaryl, -S(0) ₂ OH, -S(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, -S(0) ₂ C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, -S(0) ₂ C ₆ . ₁₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0) ₂ C ₆ . ₁₂ arylC ₁ . ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, -S(0) ₂ heteroaryl, -S(0) ₂ heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ NH ₂ , -8(0) ₂ ΝΗα _! ^ 1, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0) ₂ NH(C ₆ _i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl), -S(0) ₂ NHheterocyclyl, -S(0) ₂ NHheteroaryl, -S(0) ₂ NH(heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl), -S(0) ₂ NH(heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl), nitro, -NHC(0)H, -NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, -NHC(0)C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, -NHC(0)C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NHC(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHC(0)heterocyclyl, -NHC(0)heteroaryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)H, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heterocyclyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heteroaryl, -Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NH ₂ ,

-Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -Ci_ ₆ alkylene-C(0)NHC ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, -Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHC ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylene-C(0)NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, Ci. ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHC ₆ .i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHheterocyclyl, Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHheteroaryl, Ci. ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHheterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl,

Ci_ ₆ alkylene-C(0)NHheteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ H, -NHS(0) ₂ OH, -NHS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, -NHS(0) ₂ heteroaryl,

-NHS(0) ₂ heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ H, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ OH, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl,

-NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl,

-NCi. ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₆ .i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heteroaryl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NH ₂ , -NHC(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NHC ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, -NHC(0)NHC ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, -NHC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NHC(0)NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NH-heterocyclyl,

-NHC(0)NH-heteroaryl, -NHC(0)NHheterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NHheteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NCi_ ₆ alkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHC ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHC ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NCi. ₆ alkylC(0)NHheterocyclyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHheteroaryl,

-NCi. ₆ alkylC(0)NHheterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, and -NCi. ₆ alkylC(0)NHheteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or N=0.

152. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 151, wherein each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyloxy, C6_i ₂ aryloxy, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy,

heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyloxy, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylthio, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylthio,

C6-i ₂ arylthio, C ₃ . ₈ cycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkylthio, cyano, amino, mono or di- Ci. ₆ alkylamino, mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C ₃ . ₈ cycloalkylamino, mono or di- heterocyclylamino, mono or di- heteroarylamino, -C0 ₂ H, -C0 ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C0 ₂ C6-i ₂ aryl, -C0 ₂ C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -C0 ₂ heterocyclyl, -C0 ₂ heteroaryl, -C(0)NH ₂ , -C(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl,

-C(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -C(0)NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -C(0)NH-heterocyclyl, -C(0)NHheteroaryl, -COH, -C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -C(0)C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -C(0)heterocyclyl, -C(0)heteroaryl, -S(0)OH, -S(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -S(0)C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0)heterocyclyl, -S(0)heteroaryl, -S(0) ₂ OH, -S(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyL -S(0) ₂ C ₆ .i ₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, -S(0) ₂ heteroaryl, -S(0) ₂ NH ₂ , -S(0) ₂ NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -S(0) ₂ NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -S(0) ₂ NHheterocyclyl, -S(0) ₂ NHheteroaryl, nitro, -NHC(0)H, -NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NHC(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHC(0)heterocyclyl, -NHC(0)heteroaryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)H,

-N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heterocyclyl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heteroaryl, -Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NH ₂ ,

-Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHheterocyclyl, Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHheteroaryl, -NHS(0) ₂ H, -NHS(0) ₂ OH, -NHS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NHS(0) ₂ C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHS(0) ₂ heterocyclyl,

-NHS(0) ₂ heteroaryl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ H, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ OH, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heteroaryl, -NHC(0)NH ₂ , -NHC(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, -NHC(0)NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -NHC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NHC(0)NH-heterocyclyl, -NHC(0)NHheteroaryl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl,

-NC i_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, -NC i_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHheterocyclyl, and

-NCi_ ₆ alkylC(0)NHheteroaryl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or N=0.

153. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 152, wherein each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, C6_i ₂ aryloxy, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy,

C6_i ₂ arylthio, C ₃ . ₈ cycloalkylthio, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylthio, heterocyclylthio, heteroarylthio, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkylthio, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkylthio, cyano, amino, mono or di- Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C ₃ . ₈ cycloalkylamino, mono or di- heterocyclylamino, mono or di- heteroarylamino, C0 ₂ H, C0 ₂ Ci. ₆ alkyl, C0 ₂ C ₆ .i ₂ aryl, C0 ₂ C ₃ . ₈ cycloalkyl, C0 ₂ heterocyclyl, C0 ₂ heteroaryl, C(0)NH ₂ , C(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, C(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, C(0)NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, C(0)NHheterocyclyl,

C(0)NHheteroaryl, COH, C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C(0)C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, C(0)C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, C(0)heterocyclyl, C(0)heteroaryl, S(0) ₂ OH, S(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, S(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, S(0) ₂ C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, S(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, S(0) ₂ heteroaryl, S(0) ₂ NH ₂ , S(0) ₂ NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, S(0) ₂ NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, S(0) ₂ NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, S(0) ₂ NHheterocyclyl, S(0) ₂ NHheteroaryl, nitro, NHC(0)H, NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, NHC(0)C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, NHC(0)C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, NHC(0)heterocyclyl, NHC(0)heteroaryl, -N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)H,

N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl,

N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heterocyclyl, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heteroaryl, Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NH ₂ , Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NH-heterocyclyl, Ci_ ₆ alkyleneC(0)NHheteroaryl, NHS(0) ₂ H, NHS(0) ₂ OH, NHS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, NHS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, NHS(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, NHS(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, NHS(0) ₂ heteroaryl, -NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ H, NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ OH, NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, NCi. ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₆ .i ₂ aryl, NCi. ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, and NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heteroaryl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or N=0.

154. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 153, wherein each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, C6_i ₂ aryloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy,

C6_i ₂ arylthio, C3_ ₈ cycloalkylthio, cyano, amino, mono or di- Ci. ₆ alkylamino, mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C3_ ₈ cycloalkylamino, mono or di- heterocyclylamino, mono or di- heteroarylamino, C0 ₂ H, C0 ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C0 ₂ C6_i ₂ aryl, C0 ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, C0 ₂ heterocyclyl, C0 ₂ heteroaryl, C(0)NH ₂ , C(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, C(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, C(0)NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, C(0)NH-heterocyclyl, C(0)NHheteroaryl, COH, C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, C(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, C(0)heterocyclyl, C(0)heteroaryl, S(0) ₂ OH, S(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, S(0) ₂ C ₆ .i ₂ aryl, S(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, S(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, S(0) ₂ heteroaryl, S(0) ₂ NH ₂ , S(0) ₂ NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, S(0) ₂ NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, S(0) ₂ NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, S(0) ₂ NHheterocyclyl, S(0) ₂ NHheteroaryl, nitro, NHC(0)H, NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, NHC(0)C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, NHC(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, NHC(0)heterocyclyl, NHC(0)heteroaryl, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)H, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heterocyclyl, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)heteroaryl, NHS(0) ₂ H, NHS(0) ₂ OH, NHS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, NHS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, NHS(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, NHS(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, NHS(0) ₂ heteroaryl, NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ H, NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ OH, NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, NCi. ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heterocyclyl, and NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ heteroaryl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, or N=0.

155. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 154, wherein each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, C6_i ₂ aryloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, thiol, cyano, amino, mono or di- mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, mono or di- C3_ ₈ cycloalkylamino, C0 ₂ H, C0 ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C0 ₂ C6-i ₂ aryl, C0 ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, C(0)NH ₂ , C(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, C(0)NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, C(0)NHC ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, COH, C(0)C ₁ . ₆ alkyl, C(0)C ₆ . ₁₂ aryl, C(0)C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, S(0) ₂ OH, S(0) ₂ C ₁ . ₆ alkyl, S(0) ₂ C ₆ . ₁₂ aryl, S(0) ₂ C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, S(0) ₂ NH ₂ , S(0) ₂ NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, S(0) ₂ NHC ₆ _i ₂ aryl, S(0) ₂ NHC ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, nitro, NHC(0)H, NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, NHC(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, NHC(0)C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)H, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, NHS(0) ₂ H, NHS(0) ₂ OH, NHS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, NHS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, NHS(0) ₂ C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ H, NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ OH, NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl, and

NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom said ring, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

156. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 155, wherein each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, C6_i ₂ aryloxy,

cyano, amino, mono or di- mono or di- C6-i ₂ arylamino, C0 ₂ H, C0 ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C0 ₂ C ₆ _ ₁₂ aryl, C(0)NH ₂ ,C(0)NHC ₁ . ₆ alkyl, C(0)NHC ₆ . ₁₂ aryl, COH, C^C^alkyl, C(0)C ₆ _ ₁₂ aryl, S(0) ₂ OH, S(0) ₂ C ₁ . ₆ alkyl, S(0) ₂ C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, S(0) ₂ NH ₂ , S(0) ₂ NHC ₁ . ₆ alkyl, S(0) ₂ NHC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, nitro, NHC(0)H, NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, NHC(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)H, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, N(C ₁ . ₆ alkyl)C(0)C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, NHS(0) ₂ H, NHS(0) ₂ OH, NHSCO^C^alkyl, NHS(0) ₂ C ₆ -i ₂ aryl, NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ H, NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ OH, NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, and NCi_ ₆ alkylS(0) ₂ C ₆ _i ₂ aryl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said ring, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

157. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 156, wherein each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, cyano, amino, mono or di- Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, C0 ₂ H, C0 ₂ Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C(0)NH ₂ , C(0)NHCi_ ₆ alkyl, COH, C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, NHC(0)H, NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)H, and N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said ring, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

158. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 157, wherein each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

hydroxyl, cyano, amino, mono or

C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, NHC(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl, N(Ci_ ₆ alkyl)C(0)Ci_ ₆ alkyl. 159. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 158, wherein two Z together with the atom to which they are attached form a 5-, or 6-membered ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said ring can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

160. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 159, wherein L ⁵ is a single bond.

161. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 160, wherein L ⁵ is -CO-.

162. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 161, having structural formula (IIJ),

wherein, L ¹ , n, R ¹ , R ² , and R ³ have the same meaning as defined in any one of statements 1 to 159. 163. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 162, having structural formula (IIK),

(IIK)

wherein, L ¹ , n, R ¹ , R ³ , and Z ¹ have the same meaning as defined in any one of statements 1 to 160, and wherein, w is an integer selected from 1, 2, or 3.

164. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 163, having structural formula (IJ) or (IIL),

(IIL)

wherein, L , L , L , n, R , R , and R have the same meaning as defined in any one of statements 1 to 163.

165. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 164, wherein L ² is a single bond, and L ³ is selected from the group consisting of -CH ₂ -, -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -, and -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -CH _: 2"· 166. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 165, wherein L ² is a single bond, and L ³ is -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -.

167. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 166, wherein L ³ is a single bond, and L ² is selected from the group consisting of -CH ₂ -, -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -, and -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -.

168. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 167, wherein L ³ is a single bond, and L ² is -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -.

169. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 168, selected from the group consisting of 5- (4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(4-Methylbenzyl)piperazin- 1 - yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadi azole; 5-(4-(2-(2-Methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 4-(2-(4-(3-Phenyl-

1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)ethyl)morpholine; 5-(4-Isopentylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-(Benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-to lyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (4-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole ; 5-(4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(p-tolyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(p-tolyl)- 1,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-((4-(Oxazol-5-yl)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-t olyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

((4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p -tolyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(p-Tolyl)-5- (4-((4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((4- Fluorophenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((4- Isopropylphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l,2,4-o xadiazole; 3-(p-Tolyl)-5-(4-((4- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 1 -(4-((4-(3 -(p-Tolyl)- 1,2,4- oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)sulfonyl)phenyl)pyrrolidin-2-o ne; 5-(4-((4- Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 5-(4-(4- Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4- phenethylpiperazin-l -yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(3- methoxyphenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2- methylbenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyridin-4- yl)ethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(3 - chlorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyridin-4- yl)ethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-

(3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)m ethyl)benzonitrile; 5-(4-(2- Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(4- methylbenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(3 - fluorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)pipe razin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 4-(2-(4-(3 -(3 -Fluorophenyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 - yl)ethyl)morpholine; 3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-isopentylpiperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(2- Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; l-[2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)- ethyl]-4-[3-(3,4-difluoro-phenyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-pip erazine; l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl)-4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-(4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 1 -(3-Benzyl-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-(4-difluoromethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-Benzo[l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl-4-(3-benzyl-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)- piperazine; l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-(2-methyl-benzyl)-piper azine; l-(3-Benzyl-

[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-[2-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-pip erazine; 5-((4-(3-Benzyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol- 5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)sulfonyl)benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one; 5-(4-((4- Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l -phenylpropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; l-(4-Ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-4- [3 -( 1 -phenyl-propyl)- [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl] -piperazine; 1 -(4-Difluoromethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-4- [3 -( 1 -phenyl-propyl)- [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl] -piperazine; 5-(4-

(Benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phen ylpropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(2- Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylpropyl)-l,2,4-oxadia zole; 5-(4-(3- Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(l -phenylpropyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 1 -(4-Methoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-((S)-l-phenyl-propyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol -5-yl]-piperazine; l-(4-Methoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-4- [3 -((R)- 1 -phenyl-propyl)- [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl] -piperazine; 1 - [3 -(4-Chloro- benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl) -piperazine; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazi ne; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl) -piperazine; l -Benzo[l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl-4-[3-(4-chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piper azine; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-pipera zine; 5-((4-(3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)sulfonyl)benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)- one; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2-methyl-benzyl)-piperazine; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl]-4-[2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-piperazine; l -[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(6- methoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-ethyl]-piperazine; 3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-(2-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; l-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-4-[3-(4-chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol- 5-yl]-piperazine; 1-

[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methyl-b enzyl)-piperazine; 4- {4-[3-(4-Chloro- benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazin-l-yl}-butyronitrile ; l -[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2-ethoxy-ethyl)-piperazine; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- 4-propyl-piperazine; 3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-isopentylpiperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; l-[3-(4- Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4,4,4-trifluoro-but yl)-piperazine; 3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-

((tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 4-(2-(4-(3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)- l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)ethyl)morpholine; 3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-isopropylpiperazin- 1-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 1 - [3 -(3 -Chloro-benzyl)- [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5 -yl] -4-(4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-difluorom ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2-methyl-be nzyl)- piperazine; l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(3-methox y-phenyl)-ethyl]- piperazine; 5- {4-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine-l- sulfonyl} -3H- benzooxazol-2-one; 4-(3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-N,N-dimethylpipe razine-l- sulfonamide; 4-(3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-N,N-diethylpiper azine-l -sulfonamide; 4- ((4-(3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl) sulfonyl)morpholine; 3-(3- Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-(pyrrolidin- 1 -ylsulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(Azepan- 1 - ylsulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazo le; 3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-((4- methoxypiperidin- 1 -yl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 1 - [3 -(3 -Fluoro-benzyl)-

[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-pipe razine; l-(4-Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-4- [3-(3-fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; N-(4- {4-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine-l-sulfonyl} -phenyl)-acetamide; l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)- [1 ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-trifluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine; 1 -[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-

[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(3-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfon yl)-piperazine; l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(3-methyl-benzyl)-piperazine; l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl]-4-[2-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-piperazine; l-(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(3-fluoro- benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(3-fluoro- benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4- isopropoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 3-(4-((4-(3-(3-Fluorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin-l-yl)sulfonyl)phenoxy)propanenitrile; l -(2,3-Dihydro-benzofuran-5-sulfonyl)-4-[3-(3- fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; 3-(3-Fluorobenzyl)-5-(4-((4- isopropoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; l-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-4-[3-(3,4- difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl]-4-[2-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-piperazine; l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4- (4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4- ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-[2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-4-[3-(3,4-difluoro- benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(6- methoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-ethyl]-piperazine; l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2- methyl-benzyl)-piperazine; l- {3-[l-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}- 4-(4- methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- {3-[l-(4-fluoro-phenyl)- cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-piperazine; 3-(l-(4-Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(4-((4- (trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxad iazole; 3-(l-(4-

Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(4-(2-methylbenzyl)piperazin- l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(l-(4- Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(4-(3-methoxyphenethyl)piperazin -l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; l- {3-[l-(4- Fluoro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-4-(4-meth ylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(1 -(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-((2,2-Difluorobenzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin -l-yl)-3-(l-(4- fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; l- {3-[l-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-l -methyl-ethyl]- [1 ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 1 -(4-Difluoromethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-4- {3-[l -(4-fluoro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -piperazine; 1 -(4- Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- {3-[l-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-l-methyl-ethyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-y l}- piperazine; 1 - {3-[l -(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methylsulfanyl- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 3-(2-(4-Fluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)-5-(4-(2-methylbenzyl)piper azin-l- yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2-(4-Fluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)-5-(4-(3-methoxyphenethyl)p iperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(Benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2-(4 - fluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl- cyclopropyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; l-(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl- cyclopropyl)- [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl] -piperazine; 1 -(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- [3 -( 1 - phenyl-cyclopropyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; 5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l- phenylcyclopropyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(Benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(l- phenylcyclopropyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l- phenylcyclopropyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; l-(4-Methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl- cyclopropyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l- phenylcyclopropyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((2,2-Difluorobenzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin - l-yl)-3-(l -phenylcyclopropyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l - phenylcyclopropyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(4-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l- phenylcyclopropyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(2-(2-Methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l- phenylcyclopropyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 4-(2-(4-(3-(l-Phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)ethyl)morpholine; 5-(4-Isopentylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -( 1 -phenylcyclopropyl)- 1,2,4- oxadiazole; l - {3-[l-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}- 4-(4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l- {3-[l-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}- 4-(4- ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 1 - {3 - [ 1 -(3 -Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl] - [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5- yl}-4-(4-difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l- {3-[l-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]- [1 ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 1 - {3-[l -(4-Chloro-phenyl)- cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 1 - {3-[l -(4-Chloro- phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 1 - {3-[l-(4- Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-4-(4-difl uoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine; 1 - {3-[l -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methylsulfanyl- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l- {3-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl }-4-(4- methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 1 - {3 - [(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methyl] - [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-

5-yl}-4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l- {3-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methyl]- [1 ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 1 - {3-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)- difluoro-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-4-(4-methylsulfanyl- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l- {3- [Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-4 -(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine; 1 - {3-[Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l- {3-[Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl }-4-(4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 5-(4-(Benzo[d] [l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l- yl)-3-(difluoro(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(Difluoro(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)-5-(4- (3-methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; l- {3-[Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]- [1 ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 1 - {3-[l -(3-Chloro-phenyl)- 1 -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 1 - {3-[l -(3- Chloro-phenyl)-l-methyl-ethyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 1 - {3-[l-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-l-methyl-ethyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-y l}-4-(4-difluoromethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l- {3-[l-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-l-methyl-ethyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-y l} -4- (4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-[3-(Difluoro-phenyl-methyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl]-4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-[3-(Difluoro-phenyl-methyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl]-4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3- (difluoro-phenyl-methyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-((4- methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-((4- (difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole; 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4- ((4-(methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadia zole; 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-((4- ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,2,2- trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,2,2- trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((4-Ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,2,2- trifluoroethyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 - (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((4-(Methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 - (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(2-methyl-pyridin-4- ylmethyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-((2- methylpyridin-4-yl)methyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3- (3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((4-(Methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3- (3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-

3- (3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3- trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(2-(2-Methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3, 3- trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropy l)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropy l)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3-(3,3,3-Trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)pipera zin-l-yl)methyl)benzonitrile; 5-(4- Isopentylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 4-(2-(4-(3-(3,3,3- Trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazo 1-5 -yl)piperazin-l-yl)ethyl)morpho line; 4-(4-(3-(3,3,3- Trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)butanen itrile; 5-(4-((6-Methylpyridin-2- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-ox adiazole; l-[2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-

4- [3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperaz ine; 3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan- 2-yl)-5-(4-(2-chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-

5- (4-(4-methylbenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4- (4-chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(2- (2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol e; 4-(2-(4-(3-((l S,4R)- bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l- yl)ethyl)morpholine; 3-((l S,4R)- bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-isopentylpiperazin-l-yl)-l,2 ,4-oxadiazole; 3-(Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan- 2-yl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3 -(Bicyclo[2.2.1 ]heptan-2- yl)-5-(4-((4-(methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2 ,4-oxadiazole; 3-(Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan- 2-yl)-5-(4-((4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l- yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-Cyclopropyl-5- (4-((4-ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol e; 3-Cyclopropyl-5-(4-((4- methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((4- Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2-(2-methylpyridin -4-yl)propan-2-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-methyl-l-pheny l-ethyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- piperazine; l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-methyl-l-phenyl-ethyl) -[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- piperazine; (5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadi azol-3-yl)methanol; 3- (Methoxymethyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l- yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-((4- Chlorophenoxy)methyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)pipera zin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3 -((3- Chlorophenoxy)methyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)pipera zin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- ((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(phenoxymethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3- ((Cyclopropylmethoxy)methyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl )piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-((pyridin- 3-yloxy)methyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 4- ((5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)methoxy)benzonitrile; 3- ((4-Fluorophenoxy)methyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)pi perazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- ((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-propyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-Butyl-5-(4-((4- methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(Tert-butyl)-5-(4-((4- methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-Cyclohexyl-5-(4-((4- methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-Isopropyl-5-(4-((4- methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2-Methoxyethyl)-5-(4-((4- methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(l-(4-Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(7- ((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(7-((4- Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)-3-(2, 2,2-trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(7-((4-(Methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]non an-2-yl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(7-((4-Ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-y l)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(7-((4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3. 5]nonan-2-yl)-3- (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; (3-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)(7-((4- methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)methan one; 3-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-5-(7-((4- methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)-l,2,4 -oxadiazole; 3-(2-Methoxyethyl)-5- (7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; and a solvate, hydrate, pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

170. A pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more pharmaceutically excipients and a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to any one of statements 1 to 169; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of 5-(4-((3- methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3 - fluorobenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4- fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-(4-(3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin-l-yl)-l-morpholinoethanone; 3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2- ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 1 -(7-methyl- 1 -(3 -(4-(3 -(pyridin-3 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin-l-yl)propyl)-lH-indol-3-yl)ethanone; 5-(4-((2-methoxypyrimidin-5- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)methyl)benzoic acid; 5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ole; 5-(4- benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazo le; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol e; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3- phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4- methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2- fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 3-(4- bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-

(4-phenethylpiperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[b] [l,4]dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-isobutylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-isopropyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3- [4-(3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yljpropan- 1 -amine; 5 -(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin- 1 - yl)-3 -eye lopropyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l-yl]-3-phenyl-l,2,4 - oxadiazole, and a solvate, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

A compound according to any one of statements 1 to 169 or a compound selected from the group consisting of 5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3- fluorobenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4- fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-(4-(3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin-l-yl)-l-morpholinoethanone; 3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2- ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 1 -(7-methyl- 1 -(3 -(4-(3 -(pyridin-3 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin-l-yl)propyl)-lH-indol-3-yl)ethanone; 5-(4-((2-methoxypyrimidin-5- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)methyl)benzoic acid; 5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-l ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ole; 5-(4- benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazo le; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol e; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3- phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4- methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2- fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 3-(4- bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5- (4-phenethylpiperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[b] [l,4]dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-isobutylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-isopropyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3-

[4-(3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl]propan- 1 -amine; 5 -(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin- 1 - yl)-3 -eye lopropyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l-yl]-3-phenyl-l,2,4 - oxadiazole, and a solvate, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or a pharmaceutical composition according to statement 170, for use as a medicament.

172. A compound according to any one of statements 1 to 169, or a compound selected from the group consisting of 5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3- fluorobenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4- fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-(4-(3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin-l-yl)-l-morpholinoethanone; 3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2- ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 1 -(7-methyl- 1 -(3 -(4-(3 -(pyridin-3 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin-l-yl)propyl)-lH-indol-3-yl)ethanone; 5-(4-((2-methoxypyrimidin-5- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)methyl)benzoic acid; 5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ole; 5-(4- benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazo le; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol e; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4- methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2- fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((2,3- dihydrobenzo[b][l, 4] dioxin-6-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -methyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5- (4-(4-isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4- phenethylpiperazin-l -yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[b] [l,4]dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-isobutylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-isopropyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3- [4-(3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl]propan- 1 -amine; 3 -(4-bromophenyl)-5- [^l-^- nitrophenyrjsulfonylpiperazin-l -yl]- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin-l-yl)-3- cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5- [4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin- 1 -yl] -3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole, and a solvate, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or a pharmaceutical composition according to statement 170, for use as a medicine for the prevention and/or treatment of metabolic disorders and/or neurodegenerative diseases and/or protein misfolding disorders.

173. A compound according to any one of statements 1 to 169, or a compound selected from the group consisting of 5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3- fluorobenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4- fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-(4-(3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin-l-yl)-l-morpholinoethanone; 3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2- ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 1 -(7-methyl- 1 -(3 -(4-(3 -(pyridin-3 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin-l-yl)propyl)-lH-indol-3-yl)ethanone; 5-(4-((2-methoxypyrimidin-5- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)methyl)benzoic acid; 5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ole; 5-(4- benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazo le; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol e; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4- methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2- fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((2,3- dihydrobenzo[b][l, 4] dioxin-6-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -methyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5- (4-(4-isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4- phenethylpiperazin-l -yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[b] [l,4]dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-isobutylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-isopropyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3- [4-(3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl]propan- 1 -amine; 3 -(4-bromophenyl)-5- [4-(2- nitrophenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l -yl]- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin-l-yl)-3- cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5- [4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin- 1 -yl] -3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole, and a solvate, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or a pharmaceutical composition according to statement 170, for use as a medicine for the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diffuse Lewy body disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Niemann-Pick disease, Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome, Down syndrome, neuroaxonal dystrophy, multiple system atrophy, Huntington's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), cystic fibrosis, Creutzfeld-Jacob's disease, impaired glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, glyceraldehyde- 3 -phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hyperinsulinism, impaired insulin production, impaired insulin sensitivity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance syndrome, obesity, lipidoses, cardiac lipidoses, dyslipidemia, fatty liver, lipodistrophy, cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.

174. A compound according to any one of statements 1 to 169, or a compound selected from the group consisting of 5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3- fluorobenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4- fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-(4-(3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin-l-yl)-l-morpholinoethanone; 3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2- ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 1 -(7-methyl- 1 -(3 -(4-(3 -(pyridin-3 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin-l-yl)propyl)-lH-indol-3-yl)ethanone; 5-(4-((2-methoxypyrimidin-5- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)methyl)benzoic acid; 5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-l ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ole; 5-(4- benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazo le; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol e; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4- methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2- fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((2,3- dihydrobenzo[b][l, 4] dioxin-6-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -methyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5- (4-(4-isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4- phenethylpiperazin-l -yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[b] [l,4]dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-isobutylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-isopropyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3- [4-(3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl]propan- 1 -amine; 3 -(4-bromophenyl)-5- [4-(2- nitrophenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l -yl]- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin-l-yl)-3- cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5- [4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin- 1 -yl] -3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole, and a solvate, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or a pharmaceutical composition according to statement 170, for use as a medicine for the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease and/or Alzheimer's disease.

175. A compound according to any one of statements 1 to 169, having one of formula (IA), (IIA), (IB), (IIB), (IC), (IIC), (ID), (IID), (IF), (IIF), (IH), (IIH), (IIJ), (IIK), for use as a medicine for the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes mellitus, and/or Parkinson's disease.

176. A compound according to any one of statements 1 to 169, having one of formula (I), (II), (IE), (HE), (IG), (IIG), wherein L is a single bond or is -(CR ⁹ R ¹⁰ ) _q -; (U) or (IIL); for use as a medicine for the prevention and/or treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

177. A compound according to any one of statements 1 to 169, or a pharmaceutical composition according to statement 170, for use as a medicine for the prevention and/or treatment of -diabetes mellitus type 1, diabetes mellitus type 2, Parkinson's disease and/or Alzheimer's disease. 178. A compound according to any one of statements 1 to 169, or a pharmaceutical composition according to statement 170, or a compound selected from the group consisting of 5-(4-((3- methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3 - fluorobenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4- fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-(4-(3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin-l-yl)-l-morpholinoethanone; 3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2- ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 1 -(7-methyl- 1 -(3 -(4-(3 -(pyridin-3 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin-l-yl)propyl)-lH-indol-3-yl)ethanone; 5-(4-((2-methoxypyrimidin-5- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)methyl)benzoic acid; 5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin-

1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ole; 5-(4- benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazo le; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol e; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4- methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2- fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-

1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((2,3- dihydrobenzo[b][l, 4] dioxin-6-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -methyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5- (4-(4-isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4- phenethylpiperazin-l -yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[b] [l,4]dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-

1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-isobutylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-isopropyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3- [4-(3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yljpropan- 1 -amine; 3 -(4-bromophenyl)-5- [4-(2- nitrophenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l -yl]- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin-l-yl)-3- cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5- [4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin- 1 -yl] -3 -phenyl- 1,2,4- oxadiazole, and a solvate, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; for use as a medicine for the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2, Parkinson's disease and/or Alzheimer's disease. 179. A method of prevention and/or treatment of metabolic disorders, and/or neurodegenerative diseases, and/or protein misfolding disorders, comprising administering an effective amount of a compound according to any one of statements 1 to 169, or a pharmaceutical composition according to statement 170; or a compound selected from the group consisting of 5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-

1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l, 2,4-oxadiazole; 2- (4-(3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l- yl)-l-morpholinoethanone; 3-(3,5- dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2 ,4-oxadiazole; l -(7-methyl-l -(3-(4-(3- (pyridin-3-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l -yl)propyl)-lH-indol-3-yl)ethanone; 5-(4-((2- methoxypyrimidin-5-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4- oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)methyl)benzoic acid; 5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4- yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-me thoxyphenyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3- (3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin -l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2- fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((2,3- dihydrobenzo[b][l, 4] dioxin-6-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -methyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5- (4-(4-isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4- phenethylpiperazin-l -yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[b] [l,4]dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-isobutylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-isopropyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3- [4-(3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yljpropan- 1 -amine; 3 -(4-bromophenyl)-5- [4-(2- nitrophenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l -yl]- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin-l-yl)-3- cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5- [4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin- 1 -yl] -3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole, and a solvate, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a subject in need thereof. 180. A method of prevention and/or treatment of diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diffuse Lewy body disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Niemann-Pick disease, Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome, Down syndrome, neuroaxonal dystrophy, multiple system atrophy, Huntington's disease, firontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), cystic fibrosis, Creutzfeld-Jacob's disease, impaired glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, glyceraldehyde-3 -phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hyperinsulinism, impaired insulin production, impaired insulin sensitivity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance syndrome, obesity, lipidoses, cardiac lipidoses, dyslipidemia, fatty liver, lipodistrophy, cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, comprising administering an effective amount of a compound according to any one of statements 1 to 169, or a pharmaceutical composition according to statement 170; or a compound selected from the group consisting of 5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3- fluorobenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4- fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-(4-(3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin-l-yl)-l-morpholinoethanone; 3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2- ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 1 -(7-methyl- 1 -(3 -(4-(3 -(pyridin-3 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin-l-yl)propyl)-lH-indol-3-yl)ethanone; 5-(4-((2-methoxypyrimidin-5- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5- yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)methyl)benzoic acid; 5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ole; 5-(4- benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazo le; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol e; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5- ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl-

1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4- methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2- fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((2,3- dihydrobenzo[b][l, 4] dioxin-6-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -methyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5- (4-(4-isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4- phenethylpiperazin-l -yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[b] [l,4]dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-isobutylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-isopropyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3- [4-(3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl]propan- 1 -amine; 3 -(4-bromophenyl)-5- [4-(2- nitrophenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l -yl]- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin-l-yl)-3- cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5- [4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin- 1 -yl] -3 -phenyl- 1,2,4- oxadiazole, and a solvate, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; to a subject in need thereof.

181. A method of prevention and/or treatment of diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease and/or Alzheimer's disease, comprising administering an effective amount of a compound according to any one of statements 1 to 169, or a pharmaceutical composition according to statement 170; or a compound selected from the group consisting of 5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazo le; 3-(4- bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-(4-(3-(3,5- dichlorophenyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -morpholinoethanone; 3 -(3,5- dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; l -(7-methyl-l -(3-(4-(3- (pyridin-3-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l -yl)propyl)-lH-indol-3-yl)ethanone; 5-(4-((2- methoxypyrimidin-5-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4- oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)methyl)benzoic acid; 5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4- yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-me thoxyphenyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3- (3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin -l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2- fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((2,3- dihydrobenzo[b][l, 4] dioxin-6-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -methyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5- (4-(4-isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4- phenethylpiperazin-l -yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[b] [l,4]dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-isobutylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-isopropyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3- [4-(3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl]propan- 1 -amine; 3 -(4-bromophenyl)-5- [4-(2- nitrophenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l -yl]- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin-l-yl)-3- cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5- [4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin- 1 -yl] -3 -phenyl- 1,2,4- oxadiazole, and a solvate, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a subject in need thereof.

182. A method of prevention and/or treatment of diabetes mellitus type 1, diabetes mellitus type 2, Parkinson's disease and/or Alzheimer's disease, comprising administering an effective amount of a compound according to any one of statements 1 to 169, or a pharmaceutical composition according to statement 170; or a compound selected from the group consisting of 5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l, 2,4-oxadiazole; 2- (4-(3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l- yl)-l-morpholinoethanone; 3-(3,5- dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; l -(7-methyl-l -(3-(4-(3- (pyridin-3-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l -yl)propyl)-lH-indol-3-yl)ethanone; 5-(4-((2- methoxypyrimidin-5-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4- oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)methyl)benzoic acid; 5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4- yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-me thoxyphenyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3- (3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin -l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2- fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((2,3- dihydrobenzo[b][l, 4] dioxin-6-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -methyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5- (4-(4-isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4- phenethylpiperazin-l -yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[b] [l,4]dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-isobutylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-isopropyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3- [4-(3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl]propan- 1 -amine; 3 -(4-bromophenyl)-5- [4-(2- nitrophenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l -yl]- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin-l-yl)-3- cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5- [4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin- 1 -yl] -3 -phenyl- 1,2,4- oxadiazole, and a solvate, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a subject in need thereof.

183. A method of prevention and/or treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2, Parkinson's disease and/or Alzheimer's disease, comprising administering an effective amount of a compound according to any one of statements 1 to 169, or a pharmaceutical composition according to statement 170; or a compound selected from the group consisting of 5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(3-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazo le; 3-(4- bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-(4-(3-(3,5- dichlorophenyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -morpholinoethanone; 3 -(3,5- dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; l -(7-methyl-l -(3-(4-(3- (pyridin-3-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l -yl)propyl)-lH-indol-3-yl)ethanone; 5-(4-((2- methoxypyrimidin-5-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 2-((4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4- oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)methyl)benzoic acid; 5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5- yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4- yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-

(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-me thoxyphenyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3- (3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin -l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2,3- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(2- fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin- l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((2,3- dihydrobenzo[b][l, 4] dioxin-6-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -methyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4- (benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5- (4-(4-isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4- phenethylpiperazin-l -yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo[b][l,4]dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-isobutylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-isopropyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3- [4-(3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl]propan- 1 -amine; 3 -(4-bromophenyl)-5- [4-(2- nitrophenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l -yl]- 1,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin-l-yl)-3- cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole; 5- [4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin- 1 -yl] -3 -phenyl- 1,2,4- oxadiazole, and a solvate, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a subject in need thereof.

184. A method of prevention and/or treatment of diabetes mellitus, and/or Parkinson's disease, comprising administering an effective amount of a compound according to any one of statements 1 to 169, having one of formula (IA), (IIA), (IB), (IIB), (IC), (TIC), (ID), (IID), (IF), (TIF), (IH), (IIH), or a solvate, hydrate, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof to a subject in need thereof.

185. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 168, wherein the group heteroaryl is selected from a group comprising 5 to 12 carbon-atom aromatic rings or ring systems containing 1 or 2 rings which can be fused together or linked covalently, typically containing 5 to 6 atoms; at least one of which is aromatic in which one or more carbon atoms in one or more of these rings can be replaced by N, O and/or S atoms where the N and S heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized and the N heteroatoms may optionally be quaternized, wherein said rings may be fused to an aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl or heterocyclyl ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said heteroaryl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

186. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 168, and 185, wherein the group heteroaryl is selected from the group comprising pyrrolyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, triazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxatriazolyl, thiatriazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, oxazinyl, dioxinyl, thiazinyl, triazinyl, imidazo[2,l-b][l,3]thiazolyl, thieno[3,2-b]furanyl, thieno[3,2-b]thiophenyl, thieno[2,3- d][ 1,3] thiazolyl, thieno[2,3-d]imidazolyl, tetrazolo[l,5-a]pyridinyl, indolyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, isobenzothiophenyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, 1,3-benzoxazolyl, 1 ,2-benzisoxazolyl, 2, 1 -benzisoxazolyl, 1,3-benzothiazolyl, 1 ,2-benzoisothiazolyl, 2, 1 -benzoisothiazolyl, benzotriazolyl, 1,2,3-benzoxadiazolyl, 2,1,3-benzoxadiazolyl, 1,2,3- benzothiadiazolyl, 2,1,3-benzothiadiazolyl, benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one, 2,3-dihydro-benzofuranyl, thienopyridinyl, purinyl, imidazo[l,2-a]pyridinyl, 6-oxo-pyridazin-l(6H)-yl, 2-oxopyridin-l(2H)-yl, 6-oxo-pyridazin-l(6H)-yl, 2-oxopyridin-l(2H)-yl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said heteroaryl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

187. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 168, 185-186, wherein the group heteroaryl is selected from the group comprising pyrrolyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, triazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxatriazolyl, thiatriazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, oxazinyl, dioxinyl, thiazinyl, triazinyl, indolyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, isobenzothiophenyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, 1,3-benzoxazolyl, 1 ,2-benzisoxazolyl, 2,1- benzisoxazolyl, 1,3-benzothiazolyl, 1 ,2-benzoisothiazolyl, 2, 1 -benzoisothiazolyl, benzotriazolyl, 1 ,2,3-benzoxadiazolyl, 2, 1 ,3-benzoxadiazolyl, 1 ,2,3-benzothiadiazolyl, 2, 1 ,3-benzothiadiazolyl, benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one, 2,3-dihydro-benzofuranyl, purinyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said heteroaryl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

188. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 168, 185 to 187, wherein said heteroaryl group is selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)- one, 2,3-dihydro-benzofuranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrrolyl, isoxazolyl, thiophenyl imidazolyl, benzimidazolyl, pyrimidinyl, triazolyl and thiazolyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of said heteroaryl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

189. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 168, and 185 to 188, wherein the group heterocyclyl is selected from the group comprising non-aromatic, fully saturated or partially unsaturated cyclic groups which have at least one heteroatom in at least one carbon atom-containing ring; preferably the group heterocyclyl is selected comprising non-aromatic, fully saturated or partially unsaturated cyclic groups which have at least one heteroatom in at least one carbon atom- containing ring, wherein each ring of the heterocyclyl group containing a heteroatom may have 1, 2, 3 or 4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and/or S, where the N and S heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized and the N heteroatoms may optionally be quaternized; and wherein at least one carbon atom of heterocyclyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

190. The compound according to any one of statements 1 to 168, and 185 to 189, wherein the group heterocyclyl is selected from the group comprising aziridinyl, oxiranyl, thiiranyl, piperidinyl, azetidinyl, oxetanyl, pyrrolidinyl, thietanyl, 2-imidazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl imidazolidinyl, chromanyl, isoxazolinyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, piperidinyl, succinimidyl, 3H-indolyl, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, 1 -pyrrolinyl, 2-pyrrolinyl, 3-pyrrolinyl, 4H- quinolizinyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl, piperazinyl, homopiperazinyl, 2-pyrazolinyl, 3-pyrazolinyl, tetrahydro-2H-pyranyl, 2H-pyranyl, 4H-pyranyl, 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyranyl, 3-dioxolanyl, 1,4- dioxanyl, 2,5-dioximidazolidinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, 2-oxopyrrolodinyl, indolinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolin-l-yl, tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-yl, tetrahydroisoquinolin-3-yl, tetrahydroisoquinolin-4-yl, thiomorpholin-4- yl, thiomorpholin-4-ylsulfoxide, thiomorpholin-4-ylsulfone, 1, 3-dioxolanyl, 1,4-oxathianyl, 1,4- dithianyl, 1,3,5-trioxanyl, lH-pyrrolizinyl, tetrahydro-l,l-dioxothiophenyl, N- formylpiperazinyl, and morpholin-4-yl; and wherein at least one carbon atom of heterocyclyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0.

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula (I), or (II), and any subgroup thereof such as (IA), (IIA), (IB), (IIB), (IC), (IIC), (ID), (IID), (IE), (HE), (IF), (IFF), (IG), (IIG), (IH), (IIH), (IJ), (IIJ), (IIK), (IIL) wherein, n is an integer selected from 0, 1 , 2 or 3; preferably n is 0, 1 or 2; more preferably n is 0 or 1 ; more preferably n is 0;

R ¹ is selected from the group consisting of preferably R ¹ is selected from the group consisting of preferably R ¹ is preferably n is 0 and there is no R ¹ ;

R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, hydrogen, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ ,

haloCi. ₆ alkyloxy, amino, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , and cyano; and wherein said Ce-naryl, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, or C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -naryl can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; preferably R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl,

Ci_ ₆ alkyl, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ (preferably wherein R ¹⁵ is C6-i ₂ aryl, heteroaryl, or Cs.ncycloalkyl), and cyano; and wherein said Ce-naryl, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-narylCi_ ₆ alkyl, or C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkylC ₆ -naryl can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; preferably R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6-naryl,

Ci_ ₆ alkyl, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ (preferably wherein R ¹⁵ is Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C6_ aryl, heteroaryl, or Cs.ncycloalkyl), and cyano; and wherein said C6-naryl, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; preferably R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6-naryl, Ci_ ₆ alkyl, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, halo, hydroxyl, C6-naryloxy,

C3_ncycloalkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, and cyano; and wherein said group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ;

R ³ is selected from the group consisting of C6-naryl, hydrogen, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-narylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkylC ₆ -naryl, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , and cyano; and wherein said C6-naryl,

Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-narylCi. ₆ alkyl, or C6-narylCi. ₆ alkylC ₆ -naryl can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ; preferably R ³ is selected from the group consisting of C6-naryl, hydrogen, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C ₆ -i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , Ci_ ₆ alkyloxy, haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , and cyano; and wherein said C6-naryl, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

C6-narylCi_ ₆ alkyl, or C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkylC ₆ -naryl can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ; preferably R ³ is selected from the group consisting of C6-naryl, hydrog

Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-narylCi_ ₆ alkyl, halo, hydroxyl, and cyano; and wherein said group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ;

L ¹ is a single bond, or is a group of formula (i); preferably L ¹ is a single bond or is selected from the group comprising C3_ ₆ cycloalkylene, or wherein each group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, or Ci-ealkyl;

(i)

wherein the left side of the group of formula (i) is attached to R ² and the right side thereof is attached to the oxadiazole ring; and wherein,

m is an integer selected from 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; preferably m is 0, 1, 2 or 3, preferably m is 0, 1 or 2, preferably m is 0 or 1 , preferably m is 1 ;

p is an integer selected from 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; preferably p is 0, 1, 2 or 3, preferably p is 0, 1 or 2, preferably p is 0 or 1, preferably p is 0;

L ⁴ is a single bond, or is selected from the group consisting of -0-, and -NR ⁸ -; preferably L ⁴ is a single bond, or is -0-;

R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and preferably R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, preferably R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen halo, and hydroxyl; preferably R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, nd halo;

R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and preferably R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, preferably R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen halo, and hydroxyl; preferably R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, nd halo;

or R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or unsaturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring; preferably R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7- carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, or 5- carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or 3-, or 4-carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3 -carbon membered ring;

R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and preferably R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, preferably R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen halo, and hydroxyl; preferably R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, nd halo;

R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and preferably R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, preferably R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen halo, and hydroxyl; preferably R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, nd halo;

or R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or unsaturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring; preferably R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7- carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, or 5- carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or 3-, or 4-carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3 -carbon membered ring;

R ⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and preferably R ⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and preferably R ⁸ is hydrogen;

L ² is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -SO ₂ -,— PO ₄ -, -PO ₃ -, and -(CR ⁹ R ¹⁰ ) _q -; wherein, q is an integer selected from 1, 2 or 3; preferably L ² is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -SO ₂ -, and -(CR ⁹ R ¹⁰ ) _q -; wherein, q is an integer selected from 1, 2 or 3; preferably L ² is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -SO ₂ -, and -(CR ⁹ R ¹⁰ ) _q -; wherein, q is an integer selected from 1 or 2; preferably L ² is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -SO ₂ -, -CH ₂ -, and -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -;

R ⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and preferably R ⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, , and hydroxyl; preferably R ⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, preferably R ⁹ is hydrogen;

R ¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and preferably R ¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, o, hydroxyl; preferably R ¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, preferably R ¹⁰ is hydrogen;

or R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or unsaturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring; preferably R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7- carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated

3-, 4-, or 5- carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or 3-, or 4-carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3 -carbon membered ring;

3 1 1 12 13

L is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -(CR R ) _Γ -, -0-, and -NR -; wherein, r is an integer selected from 1, 2 or 3; preferably, L ³ is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -0-, and -(CR ^u R ¹² ) _r -; wherein r is an integer selected from 1, or 2; preferably L ³ is a single bond or is -(CR ^u R ¹² ) _r -; wherein, r is an integer selected from 1 or 2; preferably L ³ is a single bond or is selected from-CH ₂ -, or-CH ₂ -CH ₂ -;

R ¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and preferably R ¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and hydroxyl; preferably R ¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydroge preferably R ¹¹ is hydrogen;

R ¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and preferably R ¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and hydroxyl; preferably R ¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydroge preferably R ¹² is hydrogen;

or R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or unsaturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring; preferably R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7- carbon membered ring; preferably R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, or 5- carbon membered ring; preferably R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or 3-, or 4-carbon membered ring; preferably R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3 -carbon membered ring;

R ¹³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and preferably R ¹³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and preferably R ²³ is hydrogen;

wherein at least one of L ² , L ³ is not a single bond;

L ⁵ is a single bond or -CO-;

each R ¹⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, and and wherein said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, and can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; preferably each R ¹⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C ₃ _gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyl; and wherein said C ₃ _gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; preferably each R ¹⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, C3.gcycloalkyl, C ₃ _gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein said C3.gcycloalkylCi. ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ;

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C -n&ry C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ;

each R ¹⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl,

C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, and wherein said

C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ; preferably wherein each R ¹⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, 6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl; and wherein sa C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ; preferably wherein each R ¹⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl; and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ;

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C _h alky 1, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,

heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ;

each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, and preferably each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, preferably each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C _h alky 1, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl,

C6_i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ; each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, and preferably each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, preferably each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C _h alky 1, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl,

C6_i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ; or wherein R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered heterocyclyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said heterocyclyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ; or preferably wherein

R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5-, or 6-membered heterocyclyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said heterocyclyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0; or preferably wherein R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5-membered heterocyclyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said heterocyclyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0;

each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl,

C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, and preferably each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, and preferably each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,

wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl,

C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ; each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, and preferably each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, and preferably each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C _h alky 1, C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynyl,

C6_i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ; each R ²¹ is independently selected from C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylene, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylene, C6-i ₂ arylene, C3_gcycloalkylene, C6-i ₂ aryleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*, heterocyclylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclyleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*, and heteroaryleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*; wherein * represents where R ²¹ is bound to -CO-;

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylene, C ₂ - ₆ alkynylene, C6-i ₂ arylene, C3_gcycloalkylene, C6-i ₂ aryleneCi. ₆ alkylene, heterocyclylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclyleneCi_ ₆ alkylene, or heteroaryleneCi_ ₆ alkylene can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ;

each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

haloCi. ₆ alkyloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci. ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocycly

heteroaryl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , cyano, amino, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C0 ₂ R ¹⁹ , -C(0)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C(0)R ¹⁹ , -S(0)R ¹⁹ , -S(0) ₂ R ¹⁹ , -S0 ₂ NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , nitro, -NR ²⁰ C(O)R ¹⁹ , -R ²¹ -C(0)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -NR ²⁰ S(O) ₂ R ¹⁹ , and NR ²⁰ C(O)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ ; and wherein two Z ¹ together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) _2; preferably each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl,

C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci. ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , cyano, amino, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ ; and wherein two Z ¹ together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC i_ ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or

preferably each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen, haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci. ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , cyano, amino, and -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ ; and wherein two Z ¹ together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, or 6-membered ring _; preferably each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, and cyano; each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, Cs.ncycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocycly

heteroaryl, heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , cyano, amino, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C0 ₂ R ¹⁹ , -C(0)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C(0)R ¹⁹ , -S(0)R ¹⁹ , -S(0) ₂ R ¹⁹ , -S0 ₂ NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , nitro, -NR ²⁰ C(O)R ¹⁹ , -R ²¹ -C(0)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -NR ²⁰ S(O) ₂ R ¹⁹ , and -NR ²⁰ C(O)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ ; and wherein two Z ² together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0, C=S, N=0, N=S, S=0 or S(0) ₂ ; preferably each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂

heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -

-NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C0 ₂ R ¹⁹ , -C(0)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C(0)R ¹⁹ , and Ci_ ₆ alkylcarbonyl; and wherein two Z ² together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, or 6-membered ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0; preferably each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , cyano, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, amino, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C0 ₂ R ¹⁹ , -C(0)R ¹⁹ , and Ci_ ₆ alkylcarbonyl; and wherein two

Z ² together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, or 6-membered ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6_i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0; preferably each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , amino, and Ci_ ₆ alkylcarbonyl.

In an embodiment, for a compound of formula (I) when R ² is C6_i ₂ aryl; L ³ is a single bond, -(CR ^u R ¹² ) _r -, -0-, or -NR ¹³ -; then R ³ is not hydrogen, Ci_ ₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, or -OR ¹⁵ .

In an embodiment, for a compound of formula (I) when L ¹ is a single bond, R ² is not hydrogen.

In an embodiment, said compound is not

5-(4-((3-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(3-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-fluorophenethyl)piperazin- l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)piperazin -l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 1 -(7-methyl- 1-(3-(4-(3 -(pyridin-3 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5 -yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)propyl)- 1 H-indol-3 - yl)ethanone;

5-(4-((2-methoxypyrimidin-5-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phen yl-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

2- ((4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l -yl)methyl)benzoic acid;

5-(4-((2-ethyl-4-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

3- phenyl-5-(4-((2-phenylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l, 2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxad iazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo [d] [ 1 ,3 ] dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3 ,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(4 -methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2 -fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3 -methoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2 ,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazi n-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperaz in-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperaz in-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(2-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin -l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(2-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazo le;

3-phenyl-5-(4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole;

5-(4-((2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][l,4]dioxin-6-yl)methyl)piperazin- l-yl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(benzo [d] [ 1 ,3 ] dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -methyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(4-isopropoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-phenethylpiperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadia zole;

5-(4-(benzo[b] [1 ,4] dioxin-6-ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-isobutylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -isopropyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

N,N,2,2-tetramethyl-3-[4-(3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)p iperazin-l-yl]propan-l -amine;

3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-[4-(2-ninophenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l-yl] -l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-benzylsulfonylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonylpiperazin-l -yl]-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole or a solvate, hydrate, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof.

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula (I), or (II), and any subgroup thereof such as (IA), (IIA), (IB), (IIB), (IC), (IIC), (ID), (IID), (IE), (HE), (IF), (IIF), (IG), (IIG), (IH), (IIH), (IJ), (IIJ), (IIK), (IIL) wherein,

n is 0, 1 or 2, more preferably n is 0 or 1, more preferably n is 0;

R ¹ is selected from the group consisting of preferably R ¹ is preferably n is 0 and there is no R ¹ ;

R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , (preferably wherein R ¹⁵ is Ci_ 6alkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, heteroaryl, or C ₃ .i ₂ cycloalkyl), and cyano; and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ .i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, or C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; preferably R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , (preferably wherein R ¹⁵ is C6-i ₂ aryl, heteroaryl, or C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl), and cyano; and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; preferably R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, halo, hydroxyl, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, and cyano; and wherein said group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ;

R ³ is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, hydrogen, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ ,

-NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , and cyano; and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, or C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ; preferably R ³ is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂

C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, halo, hydroxyl,

haloCi. ₆ alkyloxy, mono or di and cyano; and wherein said group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ;

L ¹ is a single bond, or is a group of formula (i); preferably L ¹ is a single bond or is a group of formula (i) or is selected from the group comprising C3_ ₆ cycloalkylene, or wherein each group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, or

(i) wherein the left side of the group of formula (i) is attached to R ² and the right side thereof is attached to the oxadiazole ring; and wherein,

m is 0, 1, 2 or 3; preferably m is 0, 1 or 2; preferably m is 0 or 1 ; preferably m is 1 ;

p is 0, 1, 2 or 3; preferably p is 0, 1 or 2; preferably p is 0 or 1 ; preferably p is 0;

L ⁴ is a single bond, or is -0-;

R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, and haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy; preferably R ⁴ is selected from the gr oup consisting of hydrog halo, hydroxyl; preferably R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and halo;

R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, and haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy; preferably R ⁵ is selected from the grou p consisting of hydrogen, , and hydroxyl; preferably R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and halo;

or R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7- carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, or 5- carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or 3-, or 4-carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁴ and

R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3 -carbon membered ring;

R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, and haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy; preferably R ⁶ is selected from the grou p consisting of hydrogen, , and hydroxyl; preferably R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and halo;

R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, and haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy; preferably R ⁷ is selected from the grou p consisting of hydrogen, , and hydroxyl; preferably R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and halo;

or R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7- carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, or 5- carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or 3-, or 4-carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3 -carbon membered ring;

R ⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and preferably R ⁸ is hydrogen;

L ² is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -SO ₂ -, and -(CR ⁹ R ¹⁰ ) _q -; wherein, q is an integer selected from 1, 2 or 3; preferably L ² is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -SO ₂ -, and -(CR ⁹ R ¹⁰ ) _q -; wherein, q is an integer selected from 1 or 2; preferably L ² is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -SO ₂ -, -CH ₂ -, and -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -;

R ⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, and hydroxyl; preferably R ⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and preferably R ⁹ is hydrogen;

R ¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, and hydroxyl; preferably R ¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and preferably R ¹⁰ is hydrogen; or R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7- carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, or 5- carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or 3-, or 4-carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated

3 -carbon membered ring;

L ³ is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -0-, and -(CR ^u R ¹² ) _r -; wherein, r is an integer selected from 1, or 2; preferably L ³ is a single bond or is -(CR ^u R ¹² ) _r -; wherein, r is an integer selected from 1 or 2; preferably L ³ is a single bond; or is selected from-CH ₂ -, or -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -;

R ¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, and hydroxyl; preferably R ¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and preferably R ¹¹ is hydrogen;

R ¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, and hydroxyl; preferably R ¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and preferably R ¹² is hydrogen;

or R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7- carbon membered ring; preferably R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, or 5- carbon membered ring; preferably R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or 3-, or 4-carbon membered ring; preferably R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3 -carbon membered ring;

R ¹³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and preferably R ²³ is hydrogen;

wherein at least one of L ² , L ³ is not a single bond;

L ⁵ is a single bond or -CO-;

each R ¹⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C ₃ _gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and and wherein said C ₃ _gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; preferably each R ¹⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C ₃ _gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein said ycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ;

and wherein at least one carbon atom or hete C ₂ _ ₆ alkenyl, C3_gcycloalkyl,

C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0;

each R ¹⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ; preferably wherein each R ¹⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein said

C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ;

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C .n&ryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0;

each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3.gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl; preferably each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and Ci_ ₆ alkyl;

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, can be oxidized to form at least one C=0;

each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl; preferably each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and Ci_ ₆ alkyl;

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, can be oxidized to form at least one C=0;

or wherein R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5-, or 6-membered heterocyclyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said heterocyclyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0; or preferably wherein R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5-membered heterocyclyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said heterocyclyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0;

each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl; preferably each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and Ci _-6 alkyl;

wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C _h alky 1, C6-i ₂ ryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ rylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylCi_ ₆ alkyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0;

each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ ryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ rylCi. ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylCi. ₆ alkyl; preferably each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ ryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ ryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and Ci_ ₆ alkyl;

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C _h alky 1, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, can be oxidized to form at least one C=0;

each R ²¹ is independently selected from C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylene, C ₂ _ ₆ alkynylene, C6-i ₂ arylene, C3_gcycloalkylene, C6-i ₂ aryleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*, heterocyclylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclyleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*, and heteroaryleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*; wherein * represents where R ²¹ is bound to -CO-;

and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylene,

C ₂ - ₆ alkynylene, C6-i ₂ arylene, C3_gcycloalkylene, C6-i ₂ aryleneCi. ₆ alkylene, heterocyclylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclyleneCi_ ₆ alkylene, or heteroaryleneCi. ₆ alkylene can be oxidized to form at least one C=0;

each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci. ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl

heteroaryl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , cyano, amino, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , and wherein two Z ¹ together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0 _; preferably each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , cyano, amino, and -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ ; and wherein two Z ¹ together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, or 6-membered ring; preferably each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen, haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, and cyano; each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

Ci_ ₆ alkyloxy, Ci. ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylCi. ₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , cyano, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, amino, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C0 ₂ R ¹⁹ , -C(0)NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C(0)R ¹⁹ , and Ci_ ₆ alkylcarbonyl; and wherein two Z ² together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, or 6-membered ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, C3_gcycloalkyl, C -n&ryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0; preferably each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen, C3.i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , cyano, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, amino, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C0 ₂ R ¹⁹ , -C(0)R ¹⁹ , and Ci_ ₆ alkylcarbonyl; and wherein two Z ² together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, or 6-membered ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0; preferably each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

Ci_ ₆ alkyloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , Ci_ ₆ alkylthio, cyano,

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula (I), or (II), and any subgroup thereof such as (IA), (IIA), (IB), (IIB), (IC), (IIC), (ID), (IID), (IE), (HE), (IF), (IFF), (IG), (IIG), (IH), (IIH), (IJ), (IIJ), (IIK), (IIL) wherein,

n is 0 or 1, more preferably n is 0;

R ¹ is Ci_ ₆ alkyl; preferably n is 0 and there is no R ¹ ;

R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, halo, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , (preferably wherein R ¹⁵ is C6-i ₂ aryl, heteroaryl, or C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl), haloCi_ ₆ alkyl, and cyano; and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; preferably R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, halo, hydroxyl, C6-i ₂ aryloxy, C ₃ _i ₂ cycloalkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, haloCi. ₆ alkyloxy, and cyano; and wherein said group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ;

R ³ is selected from the group consisting of C6-i C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-i ₂ arylCi_ ₆ alkyl, halo, hydroxyl, mono or di Ci. ₆ alkylamino, and cyano; and wherein said group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ;

L ¹ is a single bond or is a group of formula (i) or is selected from the group comprising C3.

₆ cycloalkylene, or wherein each group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, or Ci^alkyl;

(i)

wherein the left side of the group of formula (i) is attached to R ² and the right side thereof is attached to the oxadiazole ring; and wherein,

m is 0, 1 or 2, preferably m is 0 or 1 , preferably m is 1 ;

p is 0, 1 or 2, preferably p is 0 or 1, preferably p is 0;

L ⁴ is a single bond, or is -0-;

R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydroge halo, and hydroxyl; preferably R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, d halo;

R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydroge halo, and hydroxyl; preferably R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, d halo;

or R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, or 5- carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or 3-, or 4-carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁴ and R ⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3 -carbon membered ring;

R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydroge halo, and hydroxyl; preferably R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, d halo;

R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydroge halo, and hydroxyl; preferably R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, d halo;

or R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, or 5- carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or 3-, or 4-carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁶ and R ⁷ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3 -carbon membered ring;

R ⁸ is hydrogen;

is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -SO ₂ -, and -(CR ⁹ R ¹⁰ ) _q -; wherein q is an integer selected from 1 or 2; preferably L ² is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -SO ₂ -, -CH ₂ -, and -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -;

R ⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and referably R ⁹ is hydrogen;

R ¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an preferably R ¹⁰ is hydrogen;

or R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, or 5- carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or 3-, or 4-carbon membered ring; preferably R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3 -carbon membered ring;

L ³ is a single bond or is -(CR ^u R ¹² ) _r -; wherein r is an integer selected from 1 or 2; preferably L ³ is a single bond, or is selected from-CH ₂ -, or -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -;

R ¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and preferably R ¹¹ is hydrogen;

R ¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and preferably R ¹² is hydrogen;

or R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3-, 4-, or 5- carbon membered ring; preferably R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or 3-, or 4-carbon membered ring; preferably R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3 -carbon membered ring;

R ¹³ is hydrogen;

wherein at least one of L ² , L ³ is not a single bond;

L ⁵ is a single bond or -CO-;

each R ¹⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C ₃ _gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein said C ₃ _gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl,

C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; each R ¹⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ;

each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl,

C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and

each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydr C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and

or R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5-membered heterocyclyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said heterocyclyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0;

each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and Ci^alkyl; each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,

each R ²¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylene,

C ₂ - ₆ alkynylene, C6-i ₂ arylene, C3_gcycloalkylene, C6-naryleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*, heterocyclylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclyleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*, and wherein * represents where R ²¹ is bound to -CO-;

each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, C3_ncycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl,

-OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , cyano, amino, and -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ ; and wherein two Z ¹ together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, or 6-membered ring _; preferably each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen, Cs.ncycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci. ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, and cyano;

each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

Ci_ ₆ alkyloxy, Cs.ncycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci. ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , Ci_ ₆ alkylthio, cyano, cyanoCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, amino, -NR ¹⁷ R ¹⁸ , -C0 ₂ R ¹⁹ , -C(0)R ¹⁹ , and Ci_ ₆ alkylcarbonyl; and wherein two Z ² together with the atom to which they are attached can form a 5-, or 6-membered ring; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said ring, C3_gcycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, or can be oxidized to form at least one C=0; preferably each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen, Cs.ncycloalkyl, Ce-naryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ , amino, and C i_ ₆ alkylcarbonyl.

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula (I) or (II), and any subgroup thereof such as (IA), (IIA), (IB), (IIB), (IC), (IIC), (ID), (IID), (IE), (HE), (IF), (IFF), (IG), (IIG), (IH), (IIH), (IJ), (IIJ), (IIK), (IIL) wherein,

n is 0;

R ² is selected from the group consisting of C6-naryl, Cs.ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, halo, hydroxyl, C6-naryloxy, C3_ncycloalkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, heteroaryloxy, haloCi. ₆ alkyloxy, and cyano; and wherein said group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ;

R ³ is selected from the group consisting of C6_ C3_ncycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, C6-narylCi_ ₆ alkyl, halo, hydroxyl, mono or di Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, and cyano; and wherein said group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ; L ¹ is a single bond or is selected from the group comprising C3_ ₆ cycloalkylene, or Ci_ 6alkyleneoxy, wherein each group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, or

L ² is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of -SO ₂ -, and -(CR ⁹ R ¹⁰ ) _q -; wherein q is an integer selected from 1 or 2; preferably L ² is a single bond or is selected from the group consisting of

-SO ₂ -, -CH ₂ -, and -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -;

L ³ is a single bond or is -(CR ^u R ¹² ) _r -; wherein r is an integer selected from 1 or 2; preferably L ³ is a single bond, or is selected from-CH ₂ -, or -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -;

R ¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and preferably R ¹¹ is hydrogen;

R ¹² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and preferably R ¹² is hydrogen;

or R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated or 3-, or 4-carbon membered ring; preferably R ¹¹ and R ¹² together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a saturated 3 -carbon membered ring;

wherein at least one of L ² , L ³ is not a single bond;

L ⁵ is a single bond or -CO-;

each R ¹⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of C6_i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, C ₃ _gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein said C ₃ _gcycloalkylCi_ ₆ alkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, C ₃ _gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ¹ ; each R ¹⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6_i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl; and wherein said C6-i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl, can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more Z ² ;

each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6_i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and

each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl,

C3_gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and

or R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5-membered heterocyclyl; and wherein at least one carbon atom or heteroatom of said heterocyclyl can be oxidized to form at least one C=0;

R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6_i ₂ aryl, C3_gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ¹⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and Ci^alkyl; R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C6-i ₂ aryl,

C3_gcycloalkyl, and heteroaryl; preferably each R ²⁰ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and

each R ²¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of C ₂ _ ₆ alkenylene, C ₂ - ₆ alkynylene, C6-i ₂ arylene, C3_gcycloalkylene, C6-i ₂ aryleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*, heterocyclylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclyleneCi_ ₆ alkylene*, and wherein * represents where R ²¹ is bound to -CO-;

each Z ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

haloCi_ ₆ alkyloxy, C3_i ₂ cycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, Ci_ ₆ alkylC ₆ -i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, and cyano;

each Z ² is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydrogen,

Ci_ ₆ alkyloxy, Cs.ncycloalkyl, C6-i ₂ aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, -OR ¹⁵ , -SR ¹⁶ ,

In some embodiments, said compound is not

2[[(2R)-4-(3-cyclopropyl-l ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-2-methyl-piperazin-l -yl]methyl]-7-methoxy- [l ,2,4]triazolo[l ,5-c]quinazolin-5-amine;

2[[(2R)-4-(3-rwer-butyl-l ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-2-methyl-piperazin-l -yl]methyl]-7-methoxy- [l ,2,4]triazolo[l ,5-c]quinazolin-5-amine.

The present invention also encompasses a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more pharmaceutically excipients and a therapeutically effective amount of a compound formula (I) or (II), and any subgroup thereof such as (IA), (IIA), (IB), (IIB), (IC), (IIC), (ID), (IID), (IE), (HE), (IF), (IFF), (IG), (IIG), (IH), (IIH), (IJ), (US), (IIK), (IIL).

The present invention includes all possible stereoisomers compounds of formula (I) or (II) and any subgroup thereof and includes not only racemic compounds but the individual enantiomers as well. When a compound is desired as a single enantiomer, such may be obtained by stereospecific synthesis, by resolution of the final product or any convenient intermediate, or by chiral chromatographic methods as each are known in the art. Resolution of the final product, an intermediate, or a starting material may be effected by any suitable method known in the art. See, for example, Stereochemistry of Organic Compounds by E. L. Eliel, S. H. Wilen, and L. N. Mander (Wiley- Interscience, 1994), incorporated by reference with regard to stereochemistry.

The compounds of the invention may be in the form of pharmaceutically acceptable salts, as generally described below. Some preferred, but non-limiting examples of suitable pharmaceutically acceptable organic and/or inorganic acids are as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid and citric acid, as well as other pharmaceutically acceptable acids known per se (for which reference is made to the prior art referred to below). When the compounds of the invention contain an acidic group as well as a basic group the compounds of the invention may also form internal salts, and such compounds are within the scope of the invention. When the compounds of the invention contain a hydrogen- donating heteroatom (e.g. NH), the invention also covers salts and/or isomers formed by transfer of said hydrogen atom to a basic group or atom within the molecule.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of formula (I) or (II) and any subgroup thereof include the acid addition and base salts thereof. Suitable acid addition salts are formed from acids which form non-toxic salts. Examples include the acetate, adipate, aspartate, benzoate, besylate, bicarbonate/carbonate, bisulfate/sulfate, borate, camsylate, citrate, cyclamate, edisylate, esylate, formate, fumarate, gluceptate, gluconate, glucuronate, hexafluorophosphate, hibenzate, hydrochloride/chloride, hydrobromide/bromide, hydroiodide/iodide, isethionate, lactate, malate, maleate, malonate, mesylate, methylsulphate, naphthylate, 2-napsylate, nicotinate, nitrate, orotate, oxalate, palmitate, pamoate, phosphate/hydrogen phosphate/dihydrogen phosphate, pyroglutamate, saccharate, stearate, succinate, tannate, tartrate, tosylate, trifluoroacetate and xinofoate salts. Suitable base salts are formed from bases which form non-toxic salts. Examples include the aluminium, arginine, benzathine, calcium, choline, diethylamine, diolamine, glycine, lysine, magnesium, meglumine, olamine, potassium, sodium, tromethamine and zinc salts. Hemisalts of acids and bases may also be formed, for example, hemisulphate and hemicalcium salts. For a review on suitable salts, see Handbook of Pharmaceutical Salts: Properties, Selection, and Use by Stahl and Wermuth (Wiley- VCH, 2002), incorporated herein by reference.

The compounds of the invention may exist in a continuum of solid states ranging from fully amorphous to fully crystalline. The term 'amorphous' refers to a state in which the material lacks long range order at the molecular level and, depending upon temperature, may exhibit the physical properties of a solid or a liquid. Typically such materials do not give distinctive X-ray diffraction patterns and, while exhibiting the properties of a solid, are more formally described as a liquid. Upon heating, a change from solid to liquid properties occurs which is characterized by a change of state, typically second order ('glass transition'). The term 'crystalline' refers to a solid phase in which the material has a regular ordered internal structure at the molecular level and gives a distinctive X-ray diffraction pattern with defined peaks. Such materials when heated sufficiently will also exhibit the properties of a liquid, but the change from solid to liquid is characterized by a phase change, typically first order ('melting point').

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of formula (I) or (II) may be prepared by one or more of these methods:

(i) by reacting the compound of formula (I) or (II) with the desired acid;

(ii) by reacting the compound of formula (I) or (II) with the desired base;

(iii) by removing an acid- or base-labile protecting group from a suitable precursor of the compound of formula (I) or (II) or by ring-opening a suitable cyclic precursor, for example, a lactone or lactam, using the desired acid; or (iv) by converting one salt of the compound of formula (I) or (II) to another by reaction with an appropriate acid or by means of a suitable ion exchange column.

All these reactions are typically carried out in solution. The salt, may precipitate from solution and be collected by filtration or may be recovered by evaporation of the solvent. The degree of ionization in the salt may vary from completely ionized to almost non-ionized.

The compounds of the invention may also exist in unsolvated and solvated forms. The term 'solvate' is used herein to describe a molecular complex comprising the compound of the invention and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable solvent molecules, for example, ethanol. The term 'hydrate' is employed when said solvent is water.

A currently accepted classification system for organic hydrates is one that defines isolated site, channel, or metal-ion coordinated hydrates - see Polymorphism in Pharmaceutical Solids by K. R. Morris (Ed. H. G. Britain, Marcel Dekker, 1995), incorporated herein by reference. Isolated site hydrates are ones in which the water molecules are isolated from direct contact with each other by intervening organic molecules. In channel hydrates, the water molecules lie in lattice channels where they are next to other water molecules. In metal-ion coordinated hydrates, the water molecules are bonded to the metal ion.

When the solvent or water is tightly bound, the complex will have a well-defined stoichiometry independent of humidity. When, however, the solvent or water is weakly bound, as in channel solvates and hygroscopic compounds, the water/solvent content will be dependent on humidity and drying conditions. In such cases, non-stoichiometry will be the norm.

Also included within the scope of the invention are multi-component complexes (other than salts and solvates) wherein the drug and at least one other component are present in stoichiometric or non- stoichiometric amounts. Complexes of this type include clathrates (drug- host inclusion complexes) and co-crystals. The latter are typically defined as crystalline complexes of neutral molecular constituents which are bound together through non-covalent interactions, but could also be a complex of a neutral molecule with a salt. Co-crystals may be prepared by melt crystallization, by recrystallization from solvents, or by physically grinding the components together - see Chem Commun, 17, 1889-1896, by O. Almarsson and M. J. Zaworotko (2004), incorporated herein by reference. For a general review of multi- component complexes, see J Pharm Sci, 64 (8), 1269-1288, by Haleblian (August 1975), incorporated herein by reference.

The compounds of the invention may also exist in a mesomorphic state (mesophase or liquid crystal) when subjected to suitable conditions. The mesomorphic state is intermediate between the true crystalline state and the true liquid state (either melt or solution). Mesomorphism arising as the result of a change in temperature is described as 'thermotropic' and that resulting from the addition of a second component, such as water or another solvent, is described as 'lyotropic'. Compounds that have the potential to form lyotropic mesophases are described as 'amphiphilic' and consist of molecules which possess an ionic (such as -COO Na ⁺ , -COO ^" K ⁺ , or -S0 ₃ ^~ Na ⁺ ) or non-ionic (such as -N ^" N ⁺ (CH ₃ ) ₃ ) polar head group. For more information, see Crystals and the Polarizing Microscope by N. H. Hartshorne and A. Stuart, 4 ^th Edition (Edward Arnold, 1970), incorporated herein by reference.

All references to compounds of formula (I) or (II) or any subgroups thereof include references to salts, solvates, multi- component complexes and liquid crystals thereof and to solvates, multi-component complexes and liquid crystals of salts thereof.

The compounds of the invention include compounds of formula (I) or (II) or any subgroups thereof as hereinbefore defined, including all polymorphs and crystal habits thereof, prodrugs and isomers thereof (including optical, geometric and tautomeric isomers) as hereinafter defined and isotopically- labeled compounds of formula (I) or (II).

In addition, although generally, with respect to the salts of the compounds of the invention, pharmaceutically acceptable salts are preferred, it should be noted that the invention in its broadest sense also included non-pharmaceutically acceptable salts, which may for example be used in the isolation and/or purification of the compounds of the invention. For example, salts formed with optically active acids or bases may be used to form diastereoisomeric salts that can facilitate the separation of optically active isomers of the compounds of formula (I) or (II) above.

The invention also generally covers all pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs or "pre-drugs" of the compounds of formula (I) or (II) or any subgroups thereof for which general reference is made to the prior art cited hereinbelow.

The term "pro-drug" as used herein means the pharmacologically acceptable derivatives such as esters, amides and phosphates, such that the resulting in vivo biotransformation product of the derivative is the active drug. The reference by Goodman and Gilman (The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 8th Ed, McGraw-Hill, Int. Ed. 1992, "Biotransformation of Drugs", p 13-15) describing pro-drugs generally is hereby incorporated. Pro-drugs of the compounds of the invention can be prepared by modifying functional groups present in said component in such a way that the modifications are cleaved, either in routine manipulation or in vivo, to the parent component. Typical examples of pro-drugs are described for instance in WO 99/33795, WO 99/33815, WO 99/33793 and WO 99/33792 all incorporated herein by reference. Pro-drugs are characterized by increased bio-availability and are readily metabolized into the active inhibitors in vivo. The term "pre-drug", as used herein, means any compound that will be modified to form a drug species, wherein the modification may take place either inside or outside of the body, and either before or after the pre-drug reaches the area of the body where administration of the drug is indicated.

Where a compound of formula (I) or (II) or any subgroup thereof contains an alkenyl or alkenylene group, geometric cis/trans (or Z/E) isomers are possible. Where structural isomers are interconvertible via a low energy barrier, tautomeric isomerism ('tautomerism') can occur. This can take the form of proton tautomerism in compounds of formula (I) containing, for example, an imino, keto, or oxime group, or so- called valence tautomerism in compounds which contain an aromatic moiety. It follows that a single compound may exhibit more than one type of isomerism. Included within the scope of the present invention are all stereoisomers, diastereomers, geometric isomers and tautomeric forms of the compounds of formula (I) or (II) or any subgroups thereof , including compounds exhibiting more than one type of isomerism, and mixtures of one or more thereof. Also included are acid addition or base salts wherein the counterion is optically active, for example, (/-lactate or /-lysine, or racemic, for example, dl- tartrate or i//-arginine.

Cis/trans isomers may be separated by conventional techniques well known to those skilled in the art, for example, chromatography and fractional crystallization.

Conventional techniques for the preparation/isolation of individual enantiomers include chiral synthesis from a suitable optically pure precursor or resolution of the racemate (or the racemate of a salt or derivative) using, for example, chiral high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

The compounds of formula (I) or (II) or any subgroups thereof may be prepared as described in the experimental section below using methods and chemistries with which those skilled in the art shall be familiar.

Generally, the compounds of the invention are prepared from the intermediates described hereinafter which may be reacted with complementary reactive molecules so as to form the desired compound.

The present invention also encompasses a compound selected from the group comprising:

5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(4-Methylbenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(2-(2-Methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

4- (2-(4-(3 -Phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazo 1-5 -yl)piperazin-l-yl)ethyl)morpho line;

5- (4-Isopentylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -phenyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(Benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-to lyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(4-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(p-tolyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-((4-(Oxazol-5-yl)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-((4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(p-tolyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(p-Tolyl)-5-(4-((4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piper azin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-((4-Fluorophenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-((4-Isopropylphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -(p-tolyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(p-Tolyl)-5-(4-((4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)sulfonyl)pipera zin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

l-(4-((4-(3-(p-Tolyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl )sulfonyl)phenyl)pyrrolidin-2-one;

5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(4-chlorophenyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-phenethylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(3-methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole;

3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)pipe razin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(3 -chlorophenyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)pipe razin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

2- ((4-(3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl) methyl)benzonitrile;

5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3- (3-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(4-methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole;

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(3 -fluorophenyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

3- (3-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)pipera zin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

4- (2-(4-(3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-y l)ethyl)morpholine;

3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-isopentylpiperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5- (4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

l-[2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-4-[3-(3,4-difluoro-phenyl)- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine;

l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-(4-methoxy-benzenesu lfonyl)-piperazine;

l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesul fonyl)-piperazine;

l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-(4-difluoromethoxy-b enzenesulfonyl)-piperazine;

l-Benzo[l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl-4-(3-benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazo l-5-yl)-piperazine;

l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-(2-methyl-benzyl)-pi perazine;

l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-[2-(3-methoxy-phenyl )-ethyl]-piperazine;

5-((4-(3-Benzyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l -yl)sulfonyl)benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one;

5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phen ylpropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

l-(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl-propyl)-[l,2, 4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine;

1 -(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- [3 -( 1 -phenyl-propyl)- [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl] -piperazine;

5-(4-(Benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l -phenylpropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l -phenylpropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylpropyl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole;

l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-((S)-l-phenyl-propyl)- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-((R)-l -phenyl-propyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methoxy-b enzenesulfonyl)-piperazine;

l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-ethoxy -benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine;

l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-difluo romethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-Benzo[l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl-4-[3-(4-chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine;

l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(3-met hoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-piperazine;

5-((4-(3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-y l)sulfonyl)benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2-methyl-be nzyl)-piperazine;

l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(4-chl oro-phenyl)-ethyl]-piperazine; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(6-methox y-pyridin-3-yl)-ethyl]-piperazine; 3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-(2-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole;

l-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-4-[3-(4-chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiaz ol-5-yl]-piperazine;

l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methyl -benzyl)-piperazine;

4- {4-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazin-l-y l} -butyronitrile;

l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2-ethoxy -ethyl)-piperazine;

l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-propyl-pi perazine;

3- (4-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-isopentylpiperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ole;

l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4,4,4-tr ifluoro-butyl)-piperazine;

3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-((tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)methyl )piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

4- (2-(4-(3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-y l)ethyl)morpholine;

3- (4-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-isopropylpiperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ole;

l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methox y-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine;

l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-ethoxy -benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine;

l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-difluo romethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2-methyl-be nzyl)-piperazine;

l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(3-met hoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-piperazine;

5- {4-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine-l- sulfonyl} -3H-benzooxazol-2-one;

4- (3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-N,N-dimethylpipera zine-l -sulfonamide;

4-(3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-N,N-diethylpi perazine-l -sulfonamide;

4- ((4-(3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl) sulfonyl)morpholine;

3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-(pyrrolidin-l-ylsulfonyl)piperazi n-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5- (4-(Azepan- 1 -ylsulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(3-chlorobenzyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxypiperidin-l-yl)sulfony l)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methoxy-b enzenesulfonyl)-piperazine;

l-(4-Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(3-fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2, 4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine;

N-(4- {4- [3 - (3 -Fluoro-benzyl)- [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl] -piperazine- 1 -sulfonyl} -phenyl)-acetamide; l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-trifluoro methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(3-trifluoro methyl-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(3-methyl-be nzyl)-piperazine;

l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(3-met hoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-piperazine;

l-(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(3-fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2, 4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine;

l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(3-fluoro-benz yl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-isopropox y-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 3-(4-((4-(3-(3-Fluorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- l-yl)sulfonyl)phenoxy)propanenitrile; l-(2,3-Dihydro-benzofuran-5-sulfonyl)-4-[3-(3-fluoro-benzyl) -[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine;

3-(3-Fluorobenzyl)-5-(4-((4-isopropoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)pip erazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

l-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-4-[3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxa diazol-5-yl]-piperazine; l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(3-me thoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-piperazine;

1 - [3 -(3 ,4-Difluoro-benzyl)- [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl] -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine;

l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-et hoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine;

l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-di fluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; l-[2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-4-[3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-[l, 2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine;

l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(6 -methoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-ethyl]-piperazine; l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2-methy l-benzyl)-piperazine;

1 - {3-[l -(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

1 -(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- {3-[l -(4-fluoro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -piperazine; 3-(l-(4-Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(4-((4-(trifluoromethoxy )phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole;

3-(l-(4-Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(4-(2-methylbenzyl)piper azin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(l-(4-Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(4-(3-methoxyphenethy l)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

1 - {3-[l -(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(1 -(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-((2,2-Difluorobenzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin -l-yl)-3-(l-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-

1,2,4-oxadiazole;

1 - {3-[l -(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- {3-[l -(4-fluoro-phenyl)-l-methyl-ethyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl} -piperazine;

1 -(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- {3-[l -(4-fluoro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} - piperazine;

1 - {3-[l -(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

3-(2-(4-Fluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)-5-(4-(2-methylbenzyl)piper azin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(2-(4-Fluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)-5-(4-(3-methoxyphenethy l)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(Benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2 -(4-fluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole;

l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl-cyclopropyl) -[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine;

l-(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl-cyclopropyl)- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine;

1 -(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- [3 -( 1 -phenyl-cyclopropyl)- [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl] -piperazine; 5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l -phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(Benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-ph enylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylcyclopro pyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

l-(4-Methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl-cyclo propyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(1 -phenylcyclopropyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-((2,2-Difluorobenzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin -l-yl)-3-(l-phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole;

5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(l-phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(4-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l -phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(2-(2-Methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(1 -phenylcyclopropyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

4- (2-(4-(3-(l-Phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazi n-l-yl)ethyl)morpholine;

5- (4-Isopentylpiperazin-l -yl)-3-(l -phenylcyclopropyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

1 - {3 - [ 1 -(3 -Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl] - [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

1 - {3 - [ 1 -(3 -Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl] - [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 1 - {3-[l -(3-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

1 - {3-[l -(3-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

1 - {3-[l -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

l- {3-[l-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}- 4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine; 1 - {3-[l -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

1 - {3-[l -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

l- {3-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl } -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

l- {3-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl } -4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

l- {3-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl } -4-(4-difluoromethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine;

l- {3-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl } -4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

l- {3-[Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl } -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

l- {3-[Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl } -4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

l- {3-[Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl } -4-(4-difluoromethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine;

5-(4-(Benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(difl uoro(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 3-(Difluoro(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)-5-(4-(3-m

l- {3-[Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-[l,2,4^

piperazine;

1 - {3-[l -(3-Chloro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

1 - {3-[l -(3-Chloro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

1 - {3-[l -(3-Chloro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-difluoromethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine;

1 - {3-[l -(3-Chloro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine;

l-[3-(Difluoro-phenyl-methyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4 -methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine;

l-[3-(Difluoro-phenyl-methyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4 -methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine;

1- (4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(difluoro-phenyl-me thyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)pipera zin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-((4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfo nyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-((4-(methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)p iperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3- (Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-((4-ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin -l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluo roethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluor oethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,2,2-tri fluoroethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-((4-Ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,2,2-trif luoroethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-((4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-((4-(Methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- [3 -(2-methyl-pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-[l, 2,4] oxadiazo 1-5 -yl] -piperazine;

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -((2-methylpyridin-4-yl)methyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-tri fluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-((4-(Methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3, 3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-((4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropr opyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(2-(2-Methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3, 3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropy l)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

2- ((4-(3-(3,3,3-Trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazi n-l-yl)methyl)benzonitrile

5-(4-Isopentylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole;

4- (2-(4-(3-(3,3,3-Trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)pipera zin-l-yl)ethyl)morpholine;

4- (4-(3-(3,3,3-Trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin -l-yl)butanenitrile;

5- (4-((6-Methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-tr ifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; l-[2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-4-[3-(4 rifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine;

3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(2-chlorobenzyl)pipera zin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(4-methylbenzyl)pipera zin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3- ((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2 ]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(4-chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2 ]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin -yl) oxadiazole;

4- (2-(4-(3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2 ]heptan-2-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)ethyl)mo^h oline; 3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-isopentylpiperazin-l-y l)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(Bicyclo[2.2 ]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 3-(Bicyclo[2.2 ]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-((4-(methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin -l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadi 3-(Bicyclo[2.2 ]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-((4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)pipe razin-l -yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole;

3-Cyclopropyl-5-(4-((4-ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl) -l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-Cyclopropyl-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(2-(2-methylpyridin-4-yl)propan-2-yl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole;

l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-methyl-l-ph enyl-ethyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- piperazine;

l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-methyl-l-phenyl-eth yl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine; (5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadi azol-3-yl)methanol;

3-(Methoxymethyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-((4-Chlorophenoxy)methyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfon yl)piperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3- ((3-Chlorophenoxy)methyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)pi perazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5- (4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(phenoxymeth yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-((Cyclopropylmethoxy)methyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sul fonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole; 5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-((pyridin- 3-yloxy)methyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

4- ((5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-3 -yl)methoxy)benzonitrile; 3-((4-Fluorophenoxy)methyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl) piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

5- (4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-propyl-l,2,4 -oxadiazole;

3-Butyl-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(Tert-butyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-y l)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-Cyclohexyl-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l- yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-Isopropyl-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-y l)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(2-Methoxyethyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)pipera zin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(l-(4-Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(7-((4-methoxyphenyl) sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(7-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2- yl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole; 5-(7-((4-(Methylthio)phenyl)sulfo^

oxadiazole;

5-(7-((4-Ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-y l)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole;

5-(7-((4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro [3.5]nonan-2-yl)-3-(2,2,2 rifluoroethyl)-

1 ,2,4-oxadiazole;

(3-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)(7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diaza spiro[3.5]nonan-2- yl)methanone;

3-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-5-(7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diaz aspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole;

3-(2-Methoxyethyl)-5-(7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-d iazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole; and a solvate, hydrate, pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The present invention also encompasses processes for the preparation of compounds formula (I) or (II) and any subgroup thereof. In the reactions described, it can be necessary to protect reactive functional groups, for example hydroxy, amino, or carboxy groups, where these are desired in the final product, to avoid their unwanted participation in the reactions. Conventional protecting groups can be used in accordance with standard practice, for example, see T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts in "Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry", John Wiley and Sons, 1999. Protected forms of the inventive compounds are included within the scope of the present invention. It will also be clear to the skilled person that compounds of the invention in which one or more functional groups have been protected with suitable functional groups can find use as intermediates in the production and/or synthesis of the compounds of the invention, and as such form a further aspect of the invention.

The compounds formula (I) or (II), the subgroups thereof and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be prepared as described hereunder.

In the general schemes described below, all substituents are defined as in the general formula (I), (II), (IA), (IIA), (IB), (IIB), (IC), (IIC), (ID), (IID), (IE), (HE), (IF), (IFF), (IG), (IIG), (IH), (IIH), (U), (US), (IIK), (IIL) or any subgroups thereof, unless otherwise mentioned or indicated.

The present compounds of formula (I) or (II) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be prepared by methods known in the art, for example, by processes described below, which process comprises coupling a compound of formula XII or XIII:

XII XIII

with a derivative of formula III: wherein LG is a leaving group; or by coupling a compound of formula XIV or XVI:

XIV XVI

wherein LG is a leaving group, with a derivative of formula VI:

VI

to give a compound of formula (I) or (II) or if desired, converting the compounds obtained into pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts.

The preparation of compounds of formula (I) or (II) of the present invention may be carried out in sequential or convergent synthetic routes. In some embodiments, syntheses of the compounds of the invention are shown in the following General Schemes 1 and 2. The skills required for carrying out the reaction and purification of the resulting products are known to those skilled in the art. The substituents and indices used in the following description of the processes have the significance given herein before unless indicated to the contrary.

In more detail, the compounds of formula (I) or (II) can be manufactured by the methods given below, by the methods given in the examples or by analogous methods. Appropriate reaction conditions for the individual reaction steps are known to a person skilled in the art. The reaction sequence is not limited to the one displayed in General Schemes 1 and 2, however, depending on the starting materials and their respective reactivity the sequence of reaction steps can be freely altered. Starting materials are either commercially available or can be prepared by methods analogous to the methods given below, by methods described in references cited in the description or in the examples, or by methods known in the art.

The invention includes all stereoisomeric forms, including individual diastereoisomers and enantiomers of the compound of formula (I) or (II) as well as racemic and non-racemic mixtures thereof.

General scheme 1

wherein LG is a leaving group such as CCL or halogen. Compounds of formula XII and XIII can be prepared as described in General Scheme 1. The nitrile moiety of intermediate IV is converted into the N-hydroxy amidine intermediate V upon addition of hydroxyl amine. The oxadiazole derivative VI may be formed by reaction with for instance trichloroacetic anhydride in the presence of trichloroacetic acid, whereupon LG is CCI ₃ . A nucleophilic aromatic substitution of VI with an excess of piperazine at high temperature affords intermediate XII. Alternatively, coupling of VI with commercially available protected piperazine XX (for instance, tert- butyl-piperazine-l-carboxylate), affords VII which after cleavage of the protecting group gives intermediate XII.

Alternatively, the hydroxy-amidine V can be converted into an oxadiazolone intermediate VIII in a one- step sequence (e.g. with carbonyldiimidazole (CDI)) or in a two steps sequence by reacting it first with ethyl chloroformate followed by thermal cyclisation. Coupling of VIII with commercially available protected piperazine XX (for instance, tert-butyl-piperazine-l -carboxylate) affords VII which after cleavage of the protecting group (e.g. with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)) gives intermediate XII.

Coupling of VIII with a commercially available protected 2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonane XXI (for instance tert-butyl 2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylate) affords IX which after cleavage of the protecting group (e.g. with TFA) gives intermediate XIII.

Compounds of formula XII or XIII can then undergo nucleophilic substitution with compounds of formula III, where the leaving group is typically a halogen to yield compound of formula (I) and (II) respectively.

General Scheme 2

Another possibility to prepare compounds of formula (I) or (II) is described in General Scheme 2. Commercially available protected piperazine XX and 2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonane XXII, can be reacted with intermediates of formula III to give protected intermediates of formula X and XI respectively. Deprotection, under standard conditions known to the skilled in the art, leads to derivatives of formula XIV and XV. Nucleophilic aromatic substitution with derivative VI leads to the formation of desired compounds (I) and (II). The present invention encompasses compounds according to the invention, as well as the compounds obtained by the methods of the invention. The present invention also encompasses pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of the present invention. The present invention also encompasses pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of the invention and at least one carrier, excipient or diluent acceptable for pharmaceutical purposes.

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to the use of at least one compound of formula (I) or (II), or any subgroups thereof, in (the preparation of a composition for) the prevention and/or treatment of metabolic disorders and/or neurodegenerative diseases, and/or protein misfolding disorders.

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of prevention and/or of treatment of metabolic disorders and/or neurodegenerative diseases, and/or protein misfolding disorders, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) or (II), or any subgroups thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising said at least one compound of formula (I) or (II) or any subgroups thereof.

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to the use of at least one compound of formula (I) or (II), or any subgroups thereof, in (the preparation of a composition for) the prevention and/or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and/or protein misfolding disorders, preferably neurodegenerative disorders and/or protein misfolding disorders related to amyloidosis; more preferably neurodegenerative disorders and/or protein misfolding disorders related to synucleinopathies comprising Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diffuse Lewy body disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Niemann-Pick disease, Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome, Down syndrome, neuroaxonal dystrophy, multiple system atrophy, Huntington's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), multiple system atrophy, cystic fibrosis, Creutzfeld-Jacob's disease; yet more preferably for the prevention and/or treatment of Parkinson's disease and/or Alzheimer's disease.

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to the use of at least one compound of formula (I) or (II), or any subgroups thereof, in (the preparation of a composition for) the prevention and/or treatment of metabolic disorders, preferably metabolic disorders related to amyloidosis, yet more preferably Metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, glyceraldehyde-3 -phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hyperinsulinism, impaired insulin production, impaired insulin sensitivity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance syndrome, obesity, lipidoses, cardiac lipidoses, dyslipidemia, fatty liver, lipodistrophy, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension; yet more preferably diabetes mellitus such as diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2, more preferably diabetes mellitus type 2.

The term "subject" as used herein refers to a mammal. The subject will preferably be a human, but may also be a domestic livestock, laboratory or pet animals.

In some embodiments, at least one compound of formula (I) or (II) is used (for the preparation of a medicament) for preventing and/or treating a disease selected from the group comprising diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diffuse Lewy body disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Niemann-Pick disease, Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome, Down syndrome, neuroaxonal dystrophy, multiple system atrophy, Huntington's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), multiple system atrophy, cystic fibrosis, Creutzfeld-Jacob's disease, impaired glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, glyceraldehyde-3 -phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hyperinsulinism, impaired insulin production, impaired insulin sensitivity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance syndrome, obesity, lipidoses, cardiac lipidoses, dyslipidemia, fatty liver, lipodistrophy, cardiovascular diseases and hypertension and/or for preventing, treating and/or alleviating complications and/or symptoms associated therewith.

As used herein, the term "effective amount" means that amount of a drug or pharmaceutical agent that will elicit the biological or medical response of a tissue, system, animal, or human that is being sought, for instance, by a researcher or clinician.

The term "therapeutically effective amount" means any amount which, as compared to a corresponding subject who has not received such amount, results in improved treatment, healing, prevention, or amelioration of a disease, disorder, or side effect, or a decrease in the rate of advancement of a disease or disorder. The term also includes within its scope amounts effective to enhance normal physiological function.

For use in therapy, therapeutically effective amounts of a compound of formula (I) or (II), as well as stereoisomers, tautomers, racemics, salts, hydrates or solvates thereof, may be administered as the raw chemical. Additionally, the active ingredient may be presented as a pharmaceutical composition.

Accordingly, the invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions that include effective amounts of compounds of formula (I) or (II), or stereoisomers, tautomers, racemics, salts, hydrates or solvates thereof, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents, or excipients. The compounds of formula (I) or (II) or stereoisomers, tautomers, racemics, salts, hydrates or solvates thereof, are as herein described.

The compounds according to the invention may be administered as the sole active ingredient or together, i.e. in a fixed or free combination, with other therapeutic agents used in clinical practice for the treatment of those diseases listed above.

The compounds according to the invention and the other pharmaceutical active agent(s) may be administered together or separately and, when administered separately, administration may occur simultaneously or sequentially, in any order. The amounts of the compounds according to the invention and the other pharmaceutically active agent (s) and the relative timings of administration will be selected in order to achieve the desired combined therapeutic effect. The administration in combination of a compound of formula (I) or (II) or a stereoisomer, tautomer, racemic, salt, hydrate or solvate thereof, with other treatment agents may be in combination by administration concomitantly in: (1) a unitary pharmaceutical composition including both compounds; or (2) separate pharmaceutical compositions each including one of the compounds. Alternatively, the combination may be administered separately in a sequential manner wherein one treatment agent is administered first and the other second or vice versa. Such sequential administration may be close in time or remote in time.

For pharmaceutical use, the compounds of the invention may be used as a free acid or base, and/or in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid-addition and/or base-addition salt (e.g. obtained with non- toxic organic or inorganic acid or base), in the form of a hydrate, solvate and/or complex, and/or in the form or a pro-drug or pre-drug, such as an ester. As used herein and unless otherwise stated, the term "solvate" includes any combination which may be formed by a compound of this invention with a suitable inorganic solvent (e.g. hydrates) or organic solvent, such as but not limited to alcohols, ketones, esters and the like. Such salts, hydrates, solvates, etc. and the preparation thereof will be clear to the skilled person; reference is for instance made to the salts, hydrates, solvates, etc. described in US-A- 6,372,778, US-A-6,369,086, US-A-6,369,087 and US-A-6,372,733.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds according to the invention, i.e. in the form of water-, oil-soluble, or dispersible products, include the conventional non-toxic salts or the quaternary ammonium salts which are formed, e.g., from inorganic or organic acids or bases. Examples of such acid addition salts include acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalene-sulfonate, nicotinate, oxalate, palmoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3- phenylpropionate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, succinate, tartrate, thiocyanate, tosylate, and undecanoate. Base salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts such as sodium and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium and magnesium salts, salts with organic bases such as dicyclohexylamine salts, N-methyl-D-glucamine, and salts with amino acids such as arginine, lysine, and so forth. In addition, the basic nitrogen-containing groups may be quaternized with such agents as lower alkyl halides, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chloride, bromides and iodides; dialkyl sulfates like dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl; and diamyl sulfates, long chain halides such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl and stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides, aralkyl halides like benzyl and phenethyl-bromides and others. Other pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the sulfate salt ethanolate and sulfate salts.

Generally, for pharmaceutical use, the compounds of the inventions may be formulated as a pharmaceutical preparation comprising at least one compound of the invention and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient and/or adjuvant, and optionally one or more further pharmaceutically active compounds.

By means of non- limiting examples, such a formulation may be in a form suitable for oral administration, for parenteral administration (such as by intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion), for topical administration (including ocular), for administration by inhalation, by a skin patch, by an implant, by a suppository, etc. Such suitable administration forms - which may be solid, semi-solid or liquid, depending on the manner of administration - as well as methods and carriers, diluents and excipients for use in the preparation thereof, will be clear to the skilled person; reference is again made to for instance US-A-6,372,778, US-A-6,369,086, US-A-6,369,087 and US-A-6,372,733, as well as to the standard handbooks, such as the latest edition of Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Some preferred, but non-limiting examples of such preparations include tablets, pills, powders, lozenges, sachets, cachets, elixirs, suspensions, emulsions, solutions, syrups, aerosols, ointments, cremes, lotions, soft and hard gelatin capsules, suppositories, drops, sterile injectable solutions and sterile packaged powders (which are usually reconstituted prior to use) for administration as a bolus and/or for continuous administration, which may be formulated with carriers, excipients, and diluents that are suitable per se for such formulations, such as lactose, dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, starches, gum acacia, calcium phosphate, alginates, tragacanth, gelatin, calcium silicate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, cellulose, (sterile) water, methylcellulose, methyl- and propylhydroxybenzoates, talc, magnesium stearate, edible oils, vegetable oils and mineral oils or suitable mixtures thereof. The formulations can optionally contain other pharmaceutically active substances (which may or may not lead to a synergistic effect with the compounds of the invention) and other substances that are commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations, such as lubricating agents, wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, dispersing agents, desintegrants, bulking agents, fillers, preserving agents, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, flow regulators, release agents, etc.. The compositions may also be formulated so as to provide rapid, sustained or delayed release of the active compound(s) contained therein, for example using liposomes or hydrophilic polymeric matrices based on natural gels or synthetic polymers. In order to enhance the solubility and/or the stability of the compounds of a pharmaceutical composition according to the invention, it can be advantageous to employ α-, β- or γ- cyclodextrins or their derivatives. In addition, co-solvents such as alcohols may improve the solubility and/or the stability of the compounds. In the preparation of aqueous compositions, addition of salts of the compounds of the invention can be more suitable due to their increased water solubility.

Appropriate cyclodextrins are α-, β- or γ-cyclodextrins (CDs) or ethers and mixed ethers thereof wherein one or more of the hydroxyl groups of the anhydroglucose units of the cyclodextrin are substituted with alkyl, particularly methyl, ethyl or isopropyl, e.g. randomly methylated β-CD; hydroxyalkyl, particularly hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl or hydroxybutyl; carboxyalkyl, particularly carboxymethyl or carboxyethyl; alkylcarbonyl, particularly acetyl; alkoxycarbonylalkyl or carboxyalkoxyalkyl, particularly carboxymethoxypropyl or carboxyethoxypropyl; alkylcarbonyloxyalkyl, particularly 2-acetyloxypropyl. Especially noteworthy as complexants and/or solubilizers are β-CD, randomly methylated β-CD, 2,6- dimethyl- β-CD, 2-hydroxyethyl^-CD, 2-hydroxyethyl-y-CD, 2-hydroxypropyl-y-CD and (2- carboxymethoxy)propyl- β-CD, and in particular 2-hydroxypropyl- β-CD (2-HP- β-CD). The term mixed ether denotes cyclodextrin derivatives wherein at least two cyclodextrin hydroxyl groups are etherified with different groups such as, for example, hydroxypropyl and hydroxyethyl. An interesting way of formulating the compounds in combination with a cyclodextrin or a derivative thereof has been described in EP-A-721,331. Although the formulations described therein are with antifungal active ingredients, they are equally interesting for formulating the compounds. Said formulations may also be rendered more palatable by adding pharmaceutically acceptable sweeteners and/or flavors. In particular, the present invention encompasses a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a compound according to the invention with a pharmaceutically acceptable cyclodextrin. The present invention also encompasses cyclodextrin complexes consisting of a compound according to the invention and a cyclodextrin.

Particular reference is made to the compositions, formulations (and carriers, excipients, diluents, etc. for use therein), routes of administration etc., which are known per se such as those described in US-A- 4,997,834 and EP-A-0 370 498.

More in particular, the compositions may be formulated in a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a therapeutically effective amount of particles consisting of a solid dispersion of the compounds of the invention and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable water-soluble polymers.

The term "a solid dispersion" defines a system in a solid state (as opposed to a liquid or gaseous state) comprising at least two components, wherein one component is dispersed more or less evenly throughout the other component or components. When said dispersion of the components is such that the system is chemically and physically uniform or homogenous throughout or consists of one phase as defined in thermodynamics, such a solid dispersion is referred to as "a solid solution". Solid solutions are preferred physical systems because the components therein are usually readily bioavailable to the organisms to which they are administered. The term "a solid dispersion" also comprises dispersions that are less homogenous throughout than solid solutions. Such dispersions are not chemically and physically uniform throughout or comprise more than one phase.

The water-soluble polymer is conveniently a polymer that has an apparent viscosity of 1 to 100 mPa.s when dissolved in a 2% aqueous solution at 20°C solution. Preferred water-soluble polymers are hydroxypropyl methylcelluloses or HPMC. HPMC having a methoxy degree of substitution from about 0.8 to about 2.5 and a hydroxypropyl molar substitution from about 0.05 to about 3.0 are generally water soluble. Methoxy degree of substitution refers to the average number of methyl ether groups present per anhydroglucose unit of the cellulose molecule. Hydroxy-propyl molar substitution refers to the average number of moles of propylene oxide which have reacted with each anhydroglucose unit of the cellulose molecule.

It may further be convenient to formulate the compounds in the form of nanoparticles which have a surface modifier adsorbed on the surface thereof in an amount sufficient to maintain an effective average particle size of less than 1000 nm. Suitable surface modifiers can preferably be selected from known organic and inorganic pharmaceutical excipients. Such excipients include various polymers, low molecular weight oligomers, natural products, and surfactants. Preferred surface modifiers include nonionic and anionic surfactants.

Yet another interesting way of formulating the compounds according to the invention involves a pharmaceutical composition whereby the compounds are incorporated in hydrophilic polymers and applying this mixture as a coat film over many small beads, thus yielding a composition with good bioavailability which can conveniently be manufactured and which is suitable for preparing pharmaceutical dosage forms for oral administration. Said beads comprise (a) a central, rounded, or spherical core, (b) a coating film of a hydrophilic polymer and an antiretroviral agent and (c) a seal-coating polymer layer. Materials suitable for use as cores in the beads are manifold, provided that said materials are pharmaceutically acceptable and have appropriate dimensions and firmness. Examples of such materials are polymers, inorganic substances, organic substances, and saccharides, and derivatives thereof.

The preparations may be prepared in a manner known per se, which usually involves mixing the at least one compound according to the invention with the one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, and, if desired, in combination with other pharmaceutical active compounds, when necessary under aseptic conditions. Reference is again made to US-A-6,372,778, US-A-6,369,086, US-A-6,369,087 and US-A- 6,372,733 and the further prior art mentioned above, as well as to the standard handbooks, such as the latest edition of Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The pharmaceutical preparations of the invention are preferably in a unit dosage form, and may be suitably packaged, for example in a box, blister, vial, bottle, sachet, ampoule or in any other suitable single-dose or multi-dose holder or container (which may be properly labeled); optionally with one or more leaflets containing product information and/or instructions for use. Generally, such unit dosages will contain between 1 and 1000 mg, and usually between 5 and 500 mg, of the at least one compound of the invention, e.g. about 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300 or 400 mg per unit dosage.

The compounds can be administered by a variety of routes including the oral, ocular, rectal, transdermal, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular or intranasal routes, depending mainly on the specific preparation used and the condition to be treated or prevented, and with oral and intravenous administration usually being preferred. The at least one compound of the invention will generally be administered in an "effective amount", by which is meant any amount of a compound of the formula (I) or (II) above that, upon suitable administration, is sufficient to achieve the desired therapeutic or prophylactic effect in the subject to which it is administered. Usually, depending on the condition to be prevented or treated and the route of administration, such an effective amount will usually be between 0.01 to 1000 mg per kilogram, more often between 0.1 and 500 mg, such as between 1 and 250 mg, for example about 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 150, 200 or 250 mg, per kilogram body weight day of the patient per day, which may be administered as a single daily dose, divided over one or more daily doses, or essentially continuously, e.g. using a drip infusion. The amount(s) to be administered, the route of administration and the further treatment regimen may be determined by the treating clinician, depending on factors such as the age, gender and general condition of the patient and the nature and severity of the disease/symptoms to be treated. Reference is again made to US-A-6,372,778,US-A-6,369,086, US-A- 6,369,087 and US-A-6,372,733 and the further prior art mentioned above, as well as to the standard handbooks, such as the latest edition of Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. In accordance with the method of the present invention, said pharmaceutical composition can be administered separately at different times during the course of therapy or concurrently in divided or single combination forms. The present invention is therefore to be understood as embracing all such regimes of simultaneous or alternating treatment and the term "administering" is to be interpreted accordingly.

For an oral administration form, the compositions of the present invention can be mixed with suitable additives, such as excipients, stabilizers or inert diluents, and brought by means of the customary methods into the suitable administration forms, such as tablets, coated tablets, hard capsules, aqueous, alcoholic, or oily solutions. Examples of suitable inert carriers are gum arabic, magnesia, magnesium carbonate, potassium phosphate, lactose, glucose, or starch, in particular, corn starch. In this case, the preparation can be carried out both as dry and as moist granules. Suitable oily excipients or solvents are vegetable or animal oils, such as sunflower oil or cod liver oil. Suitable solvents for aqueous or alcoholic solutions are water, ethanol, sugar solutions, or mixtures thereof. Polyethylene glycols and polypropylene glycols are also useful as further auxiliaries for other administration forms. As immediate release tablets, these compositions may contain microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, starch, magnesium stearate and lactose and/or other excipients, binders, extenders, disintegrants, diluents and lubricants known in the art.

When administered by nasal aerosol or inhalation, these compositions may be prepared according to techniques well-known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation and may be prepared as solutions in saline, employing benzyl alcohol or other suitable preservatives, absorption promoters to enhance bioavailability, fluorocarbons, and/or other solubilizing or dispersing agents known in the art. Suitable pharmaceutical formulations for administration in the form of aerosols or sprays are, for example, solutions, suspensions or emulsions of the compounds of the invention or their physiologically tolerable salts in a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent, such as ethanol or water, or a mixture of such solvents. If required, the formulation can also additionally contain other pharmaceutical auxiliaries such as surfactants, emulsifiers and stabilizers as well as a propellant.

For subcutaneous or intravenous administration, the compound according to the invention, if desired with the substances customary therefore such as solubilizers, emulsifiers or further auxiliaries are brought into solution, suspension, or emulsion. The compounds of the invention can also be lyophilized and the lyophilizates obtained used, for example, for the production of injection or infusion preparations. Suitable solvents are, for example, water, physiological saline solution or alcohols, e.g. ethanol, propanol, glycerol, in addition also sugar solutions such as glucose or mannitol solutions, or alternatively mixtures of the various solvents mentioned. The injectable solutions or suspensions may be formulated according to known art, using suitable non-toxic, parenterally-acceptable diluents or solvents, such as mannitol, 1,3- butanediol, water, Ringer's solution or isotonic sodium chloride solution, or suitable dispersing or wetting and suspending agents, such as sterile, bland, fixed oils, including synthetic mono- or diglycerides, and fatty acids, including oleic acid. When rectally administered in the form of suppositories, these formulations may be prepared by mixing the compounds according to the invention with a suitable non-irritating excipient, such as cocoa butter, synthetic glyceride esters or polyethylene glycols, which are solid at ordinary temperatures, but liquefy and/or dissolve in the rectal cavity to release the drug.

The compositions are of value in the veterinary field, which for the purposes herein not only includes the prevention and/or treatment of diseases in animals, but also - for economically important animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, chicken, fish, etc. - enhancing the growth and/or weight of the animal and/or the amount and/or the quality of the meat or other products obtained from the animal. Thus, in a further aspect, the invention relates to a (pharmaceutical) composition for veterinary use that contains at least one compound of the invention and at least one suitable carrier (i.e. a carrier suitable for veterinary use). The invention also relates to the use of a compound of the invention in the preparation of such a composition.

The following examples are provided for the purpose of illustrating the present invention and by no means should be interpreted to limit the scope of the present invention.

Examples

The synthesis of the compounds of table 1 is described in this experimental part.

Table 1:

1 - 1 -

54

57

60 74

77

- -fluoro

86

-

87

-

88

-

-

-fluoro-

- 92

-

[3 -(3 -

95

1 -yl)- 96 \

3-(l-(4-Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(4-(3-

Cmpdl09 methoxyphenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4- 109

oxadiazole

1 - {3 -[ 1 -(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-

CmpdllO [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-4-(4-methylsulfanyl- 110

benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-( 1 -

Cmpdlll 111

(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-((2,2-Difluorobenzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-

Cmpdll2 yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-(4- 112

fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole

1 - {3 -[ 1 -(4-Fluoro-phenyl)- 1 -methyl-ethyl]-

Cmpdll3 [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-4-(4-methoxy- 113

benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-{3-

Cmpdll4 [ 1 -(4-fluoro-phenyl)- 1 -methyl-ethyl]- 114

[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-piperazine

1 -(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- {3- [ 1 -(4-

Cmpdll5 fluoro-phenyl)-l-methyl-ethyl]- 115

[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-piperazine

1 - {3 -[ 1 -(4-Fluoro-phenyl)- 1 -methyl-ethyl]-

Cmpdll6 [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-4-(4-methylsulfanyl- 116

benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

3-(2-(4-Fluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)-5-(4-(2-

Cmpdll7 117

methylbenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole

3-(2-(4-Fluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)-5-(4-(3-

Cmpdll8 methoxyphenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4- 118

oxadiazole

5-(4-(Benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-

Cmpdll9 ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(2-(4- 119

fluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole

1 -(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- [3-( 1 -

Cmpdl20 phenyl-cyclopropyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- 120

piperazine l-(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl-

Cmpdl21 121

cyclopropyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine

l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-

Cmpdl22 (l-phenyl-cyclopropyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- 122

piperazine

5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(l -

Cmpdl23 123

phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(Benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-

Cmpdl24 ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l- 124

phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-

Cmpdl25 125

(l-phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

1 -(4-Methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)-4- [3 -( 1 -

Cmpdl26 phenyl-cyclopropyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- 126

piperazine

⁰

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-

Cmpdl27 127

phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-((2,2-Difluorobenzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-

Cmpdl28 yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l- 128

phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole -(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(l -

Cmpdl29 1 5

129 phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(4-Methylbenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(l -

Cmpdl30 130

phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

\

5-(4-(2-(2-Methoxypyridin-4-

Cmpdl31 yl)ethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l- 131

phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

v_- 35

1 - {3 - [(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methy 1]-

Cmpdl43 [l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-4-(4-ethoxy- 143

^N — ' ° benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3 - [(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methy lJ-

Cmpdl44 f l ^^Joxadiazol-S-yll^-^-difluoromethoxy- 144

benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3 - [(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methy lJ-

Cmpdl45 f l^^Joxadiazol-S-yll^-^-methylsulfanyl- 145

benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3 - [Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl] -

Cmpdl46 [l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-4-(4-methoxy- 146

benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3 - [Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl] -

Cmpdl47 [l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-4-(4-ethoxy- 147

benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3 - [Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl] -

Cmpdl48 [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl}-4-(4-difluoromethoxy- 148

benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

5-(4-(Benzo[d] [ 1 ,3]dioxol-5-

Cmpdl49 ylmethyl)piperazin- 1 -y l)-3 -(difluoro(4- 149

fliiorophenyl)methyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole

3-(Difluoro(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)-5-(4-(3-

Cmpdl50 methoxyphenethyl)piperazin- 1-yl)- 1 ,2,4- 150

oxadiazole

1 - {3 - [Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl] -

Cmpdl51 [ 1,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl }-4-(4-methy lsulfanyl- 151

benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - (3 - [ 1 -(3-Chloro-pheny 1)- 1 -methyl-ethyl] -

Cmpdl52 [l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-4-(4-methoxy- 152

benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - (3 - [ 1 -(3-Chloro-pheny 1)- 1 -methyl-ethyl] -

Cmpdl53 [l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-4-(4-ethoxy- 153

benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - (3 - [ 1 -(3-Chloro-pheny 1)- 1 -methyl-ethyl] - [ 1 ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-

Cmpdl54 154

difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazirie

1 - (3 - [ 1 -(3-Chloro-pheny 1)- 1 -methyl-ethyl] -

Cmpdl55 [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-4-(4-methylsulfanyl- 155

benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine l-[3-(Difluoro-phenyl-methyl)-

Cmpdl56 [ 1 ,2 ,4] oxadiazol-5-yl] -4-(4-methoxy- 156

benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine 157

158 1 ,2,4- 159 1 - 160

161 1 ,2,4- 162 l- l- 167 4-(2-(4-(3-(3,3,3-Trifluoropropyl)-l ,2,4-

Cmpdl80

oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)ethyl)moφholine

4-(4-(3-(3,3,3-Trifluoropropyl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazol

Cmpdl81

5-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl)butanenitrile

5-(4-((6-Methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin-

Cmpdl82

1 -yl)-3-(3 ,3 ,3-trifluoropropyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole

l-[2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-4-[3-(4-

Cmpdl83 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[ l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- piperazine

/ ^N V 3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(2-

Cmpdl84

chlorobenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole

(7

3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(4-

Cmpdl85

methylbenzyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole

3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(4-

Cmpdl86 chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole

3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(2-

Cmpdl87 (2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole

4-(2-(4-(3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-

Cmpdl88 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- 1 - yl)ethyl)moφholine

3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-

Cmpdl89

isopentylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole

3-(Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-((4-

Cmpdl90 methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4- oxadiazole 1 -yl)- 191

1 - 192

1 ,2,4- 193 1,2,4- 194

195

oxadiazol-5- 196 1 -

197

1 -

1,2,4- 199

1,2,4- 200

1,2,4- 201

1,2,4- 203 ] 40

1 -

1,2,4- 206 1 - 1,2,4- 208 1,2,4- 209 1,2,4- 210 1,2,4- 211 1,2,4- 212

214

215

216

Abbreviations:

BOP = (Benzotnazol- l-yloxy)tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate; CH ₂ CI ₂ = dichloromethane;

DMAP = dimethylaminopyridine;

DMF = dimethylformamide;

EDC = l-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride;

EE/H = Ethyl acetate/ Heptane;

EtOH = ethanol;

EtOAc = ethyl acetate;

Et ₃ N = triethylamine;

h = hour;

HPLC = high performance liquid chromatography;

HOBt = 1 -hydroxy-benzotriazol hydrate;

iPr ₂ NEt = Ethyl-diisopropyl-amine;

MeOH = methanol;

o/n = overnight;

RT = room temperature;

THF = tetrahydrofuran;

TFA = trifluoroacetic acid.

Process for preparation of intermediates of formula IV

Intermediate IV-16; 2-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-2-methyl-propionitrile

To a stirred solution of (4-fluoro-phenyl)-acetonitrile (8.0 g, 59.2 mmol) in DMF (80 mL) at 0°C was added sodium hydride (5.68 g, 50% in oil, 118 mmol). After 40 minutes, methyl iodide (11.1 mL, 178 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at RT overnight. The reaction mixture was poured on an aqueous saturated solution of NH ₄ C1 and the product extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phases were dried on Na ₂ S0 ₄ , and a column chromatography (silica gel, EtOAc/Heptane=l/9) gave the title product 4.2 g (43 %) as a light yellow oil.

Intermediate IV-22; 2-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-2-meth l-propionitrile

To a stirred solution of (3-chloro-phenyl)-acetonitrile (6.0 g, 39.6 mmol) in DMF (150 mL) at 0°C was added sodium hydride (3.45 g, 50% in oil, 79.2 mmol). After 40 minutes, methyl iodide (11.1 mL, 178 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at RT overnight. The reaction mixture was poured on an aqueous saturated solution of NH ₄ C1 and the product extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phases were dried on Na ₂ S0 ₄ , and a column chromatography (silica gel, EtOAc/Heptane=l/9) gave the title product 6.42 g (90 %>) as a colorless oil.

Intermediate IV-31 ; 2-Methyl-2-(2-methylp ridin-4-yl)propanenitrile

In a 100 mL three-necked flask, 2-(2-methylpyridin-4-yl)acetonitrile (950 mg, 7.19 mmol) was combined with DMF (30 ml) to give an orange solution. The solution was then cooled to 0°C and sodium hydride (690 mg, 14.4 mmol) was added (in 3 portions). The reaction mixture was then stirred for 30 minutes and methyl iodide (3.06 g, 1.35 ml, 21.6 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was left stirring for 1 h. The reaction mixture was then quenched with sat. ammonium chloride solution and the DMF was evaporated. The crude residue was then poured into sat. ammonium chloride solution and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers were dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was then purified by column chromatography (silica, EE/H 1 : 1) to yield 846 mg (5.28 mmol, 73.5 %>) of 2-methyl-2-(2- methylpyridin-4-yl)propanenitrile. ES-MS m/e: 161.2 (M+H+).

Intermediate IV-32; 2-Methyl-2-phenyl-propionitrile

To a stirred solution of phenyl-acetonitrile (10 g, 85.4 mmol) in DMF (500 mL) at 0°C was added sodium hydride (8.18 g, 50% in oil, 187.8 mmol). After 40 minutes, methyl iodide (18.7 mL, 299 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at RT overnight. The reaction mixture was poured on an aqueous saturated solution of NH ₄ C1 and the product extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phases were dried on Na ₂ S0 ₄ , and a column chromatography (silica gel, EtOAc/Heptane=l/9) gave the title product 6.12 g (49 %) as a colorless oil.

Process for preparation of intermediates of formula V

Intermediate V-2; N'-hydroxy-4-methylbenzimidamide

In a 500 ml round bottom flask, hydroxylamine hydrochloride (6.4 g, 92.1 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (7.74 g, 92.1 mmol) were combined with ethanol (100ml) and water (20ml). The suspension was stirred for 15 min. 4-Methylbenzonitrile (9.81 g, 83.7 mmol) was added and the mixture was heated for 5 h at reflux. The reaction was cooled to room temperature. Ethanol was removed by evaporation. The solid residue was suspended in water (100ml), filtered off and washed with water (3x30ml) and heptane (3x40ml). The filter cake was dried in vacuo to yield, N'-hydroxy-4-methylbenzimidamide (10.8 g, 71.9 mmol, 85.9 % yield) as light blue solid. Melting point: 146.8-147.PC (Lit: 147°C)

Intermediate V-7; N-Hydroxy-2-phenyl-acetamidine

To a solution of the commercially available phenyl-acetonitrile (1.0 g, 8.54 mmol) in ethanol (15 mL) and water (5.0 mL) were added Na ₂ C0 ₃ (1.81 g, 17.1 mmol) and hydroxylamine hydrochloride (1.19 g, 17.1 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to 80 °C for 4 hours, poured into 50 mL water and extracted with EtOAc (150 mL). The organic phase was dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and concentrated under vacuo. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography (CE CVMeOH 95/5) to afford 1.16 g (90 %) of the title compound as a white solid. ES-MS m/e: 151.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

The following acetamidines were prepared according to the same procedure from the commercially available or previously described phenyl-acetonitrile derivatives as shown in Table 2:

Table 2

Intermediate V-24; 2-cyclopropyl-N'-hydrox acetimidamide

In a 250 mL round-bottomed flask, cyclopropylacetonitnle (5 g, 61.6 mmol), sodium carbonate (13.1 g, 123 mmol) and hydroxylamine hydrochloride (8.57 g, 123 mmol) were combined with ethanol (120 ml) and water (40.0 ml). The reaction mixture was heated to 80°C and stirred overnight. The ethanol was evaporated. Then, the thick white mixture was poured into EtOAc and extracted with water. The organic phase dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and evaporated to give 7.04 g of crude 2-cyclopropyl-N'-hydroxyacetimidamide which was used in the next step without further purification. The following acetamidines were prepared according to the same procedure from the commercially available phenyl-acetonitrile derivatives as shown in Table 3 :

Table 3

Process for preparation intermediates of formula VI

Intermediate VI-7; 3-Benzyl-5-trichloromethyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazole

To N-hydroxy-2-phenyl-acetamidine (1.14 g, 7.59 mmol) were added trichloroacetic anhydride (2.91 mL, 15.9 mmol) and trichloroacetic acid (4.96 g). The reaction mixture was heated to 115 °C for 20 minutes, cooled down to RT, diluted with EtOAc (100 mL), washed several times with water, and then with an aqueous solution of NaHC0 ₃ . The organic phase was dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ , concentrated under vacuo and the resulting crude material was purified by chromatography (silica gel, EtO Ac/Heptane: 1/6) to give 1.66 g (79 %) as a light yellow oil.

The following 5-trichloromethyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazole intermediates were prepared according to the same procedure from the commercially available or previously described amidine derivatives as shown in Table 4:

Table 4

Intermediate VI-24; 3-(Cyclopropylmeth l)-5-(trichloromethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

A suspension of 2-cyclopropyl-N-hydroxy-acetamidine V-24 (625 mg, 5.48 mmol), trichloroacetic acid (3.58 g, 21.9 mmol) and trichloroacetic anhydride (3.55 g, 2.1 ml, 11.5 mmol) under argon atmosphere was heated to 110°C for 40 minutes. The resulting brown solution was diluted with water (200ml) and neutralized with a saturated solution of NaHC0 ₃ and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and evaporated to give 1.36g of a dark brown oil which was used in the next step without further purification.

The fo _ii A _d mnellowing 5-trichloromethyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazole intermediates were prepared according to the same procedure _{ii dt} eraevv from the commercially available or previously described amidine derivatives as shown in Table 5:

Table 5

_Sl cae i _i R _{t t} eaconme

A _il na _ss y

Process for preparation intermediates of formula VIII

Intermediate VIII-1; 3-Phenyl-4H-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

_Stt rcreuu

To a solution of N-hydroxy-benzamidine (5.0 g, 36.7 mmol) in acetonitrile (150 mL) was added 1,1 '- carbonyldiimidazole (6.55 g, 40.5 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for five hours, cooled down to RT, concentrated under vacuo and purified by column chromatography (EtO Ac/Heptane 4/1) to give 3.8 g (64%) of the title product as a white solid.

The following oxadiazol-5-one intermediates were prepared according to the same procedure from the commercially available or previously described amidine derivatives as shown in Table 6: _{i Idtt} nermeae

Table 6

ES-MS m/e: 3-p-Tolyl-4H-

15

V-2 5g 56.6% 175.0 (M- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- VIII-2 h

H ⁺ ) one

4-chloro-N- ES-MS m/e: N-°. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)- hydroxy- 5g 5h 46% 195.0 (M- 4H-[ 1,2,4] oxadiazol- VIII-3 benzamidine H+) 5-one

3-chloro-N- ES-MS m/e: 3 -(3 -Chloro-phenyl)- hydroxy- 4g 6h 32% 195.1 (M- 4H-[ 1,2,4] oxadiazol- VIII-4 benzamidine H+) 5-one 3-fluoro-N- ES-MS m/e: 3-(3-Fluoro-phenyl)- hydroxy- 4g 5h 38% 179.0 (M- 4H-[ 1,2,4] oxadiazol- VIII-5 benzamidine H+) 5-one

3-(3,4-Difluoro-

3,4-difluoro-N- ES-MS m/e:

phenyl)-4H- hydroxy- 5g 5h 25% 197.1 (M- VIII-6

[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- benzamidine H+)

one

3-(4-

N-hydroxy-4- ES-MS m/e: N-O. Trifluoromethyl-

VIII- trifluoromethyl ig 5h 54% 229.2 (M- phenyl)-4H- 28

-benzamidine H+) [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- one

Intermediate VIII-15; 3-[l-(4-Fluoro-phen l)-cyclopropyl]-4H-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one

l-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-N-hydroxy-cyclopropanecarboxamidine (1.66 g, 8.55 mmol) and Et ₃ N (1.79 mL, 12.8 mmol) were combined with 0¾(¾ (16 mL) to give a colorless solution. Ethyl chloroformate (0.83 mL, 8.72 mmol) was added dropwise and stirred for one hour. The reaction was poured on CH2CI2 (100 mL) and washed with water. The organic layer was dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ , concentrated under vacuo. The crude residue was dissolved in toluene (30 mL) and heated to 125°C overnight. Concentration under vacuo and column flash chromatography afforded 1.4 g (74 %) of the title product as a white solid.

Process for preparation intermediates of formula VII

Intermediate VII-1; 4-(3-Phenyl-[l 2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-piperazine-l-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

To a solution of 3-phenyl-4H-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one VIII-1 (3.60 g, 22.2 mmol) in DMF (125 mL) was added iPr ₂ NEt (19.4 mL, 111 mmol), piperazine-l-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (8.27 g, 44.4 mmol) and BOP (10.8 g, 24.4 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 24 hours. The volatiles were removed under vacuo, and the residue taken up in EtOAC and washed with a saturated aqueous solution of NaHC0 ₃ . The organic phase was dried over Na ₂ SO i, concentrated under vacuo, and a column chromatography (EtOAc/ Heptane 1/4) gave 2.1 g (28%) of the title product as a white powder.

The following oxadiazol-5-one intermediates were prepared according to the same procedure from the commercially available or previously described oxazol-5-one derivatives as shown in Table 7:

Table 7

Process for preparation intermediates of formula XII

Intermediate XII-2; l-(3-p-Tolyl-[l,2 4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-piperazine

3-p-Tolyl-4H-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one VIII-2 (3.35 g, 19.0 mmol) was suspended in POCl ₃ (6.2 mL, 66.6 mmol) and pyridine (0.769 mL, 9.51 mmol) was added dropwise. Upon heating to reflux, the reaction mixture turned into a brown solution. After 22 hours, it was cooled to RT and carefully poured onto ice, and the product extracted with EtOAc (2 times 50 mL). The organic phase was dried on Na ₂ S04, concentrated under vacuo, and a column chromatography (EtOAc / Heptane: 1 :9 to 3:7) gave 2.77 g (75%) of 5-chloro-3-p-tolyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazole as a light yellow oil.

To a solution of 5-chloro-3-p-tolyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazole (0.95 g, 4.88 mmol) in EtOH (10 mL), was added iPr ₂ NEt (2.56 mL, 14.6 mmol) and piperazine (0.681 g, 7.91 mmol). The resulting mixture was heated to reflux for 30 minutes, cooled to RT, concentrated under vacuo. A column chromatography (EtOAc/ heptane 3/7 to EtOAc/ MeOH 9/1) gave 360 mg (30%) of the title product as a light yellow viscous oil. ES-MS m/e: 245.4 (M-H ⁺ ).

Intermediate XII-3; l-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine

To a solution of 4-[3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine-l-c arboxylic acid tert-butyl ester VII-3 (0.85 g, 2.33 mmol) in CH ₂ C1 ₂ (18 mL) was added TFA (4 mL). After stirring 2 hours at RT, the reaction mixture was diluted with CH ₂ C1 ₂ (100 mL) and a saturated aqueous solution of NaHC0 ₃ was added until pH =8. The organic phase was dried over Na ₂ SO i, concentrated under vacuo, and a column chromatography (CH ₂ C1 ₂ / MeOH 9/1) gave 0.56 g (90%) of the title product as a white solid. ES-MS m/e: 265.1 (M-H ⁺ ).

The following intermediates of formula XII were prepared according to the same procedure from intermediates VII previously described as shown in Table 8:

Table 8

Intermediate XII-7; l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-piperazine

To a solution of 3-benzyl-5-trichloromethyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazole VI-7 (1.46 g, 5.26 mmol) in EtOH (20 mL) was added piperazine (2.72 g, 31.6 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to 85°C for 4 hours, cooled down to RT, and all volatiles evaporated. The crude residue was purified on column chromatography (CH ₂ C1 ₂ / MeOH: 9/1) to give 0.79 g (62 %) of the title product as a light yellow oil. ES-MS m/e: 245.2(M+H ⁺ ).

The following intermediates of formula XII were prepared according to the same procedure from intermediates VI previously described as shown in Table 9:

Ta le 9

Intermediate XII-33; Ethyl 5-(piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole-3-carboxylate

In a 100 mL round-bottomed flask, ethyl 5-(trichloromethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole-3-carboxylate VI-33 (2.2 g, 7.63 mmol) and piperazine (3.94 g, 45.8 mmol) were combined with DMF (20 ml) to give a solution. The reaction mixture was heated to 60 °C and stirred for 30 min. The reaction mixture was poured into 300 mL EtOAc and extracted with water and brine (1 x 100 mL). The organic layers were dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Filtration on S1O ₂ pad gave 200 mg (11%>) of title product.

The following intermediates of formula XII were prepared according to the same procedure from intermediates VI previously described as shown in Table 10:

Table 10

Intermediate XIIa-31; 3-(2-(2-Methyl ridin-4-yl)propan-2-yl)-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

To a 10 mL microwave vial was added 3-(2-(2-methylpyridin-4-yl)propan-2-yl)-5-(trichloromethyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole VI-31 (110 mg, 343 μιηοΐ) and piperazine (296 mg, 3.43 mmol) in DMF. The vial was capped and heated in the microwave to 130°C for 10 min. The solvent was then evaporated and the residue poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers were dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was then purified by column chromatography (silica, CH ₂ CI ₂ / MeOH 95:5-8:2) to yield 3-(2-(2-methylpyridin-4-yl)propan-2-yl)-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole (35 mg, 122 μιηοΐ, 35.5 % yield). ES-MS m/e: 288 (M+H+).

Process for preparation intermediates of formula XIII

Intermediate XIII-11; 3-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-5-(2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)-l,2,4-o xadiazole bis(2,2,2-trifluoroacetate)

In a 50 mL pear-shaped flask, tert-butyl 2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylate (300 mg, 1.33 mmol) and 3-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-(trichloromethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole VI-11 (470 mg, 1.59 mmol) were combined with DMF (8.84 ml) to give a light yellow solution. The reaction mixture was stirred for 18 h. iPr ₂ NEt (171 mg, 232 μΐ, 1.33 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was poured into 150 mL EtOAc and extracted with sat NaHC0 ₃ (1 x 50 mL). The organic layers were dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 50g, 0-100% EtOAc in heptane) to give 83 mg (16%) of tert-butyl 2-(3-(4-fluorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-2,7- diazaspiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylate.

This compound was dissolved in CH ₂ CI ₂ (0.33 mL) and TFA (111 L, 1.44 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The crude reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo, to give 104.6 g 3- (4-fluorobenzyl)-5-(2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole XIII-11, TFA salt (97% yield). ES- MS m/e: 303.3 (M+H+).

Intermediate XIII-25; 5-(2,7-Diazaspiro 3.5 nonan-2-yl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

In a 5 ml screw cap reactor, 5-(trichloromethyl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol e VI-25 (150 mg,0.557mmol), tert-butyl 2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonane-2-carboxylate (189 mg, 0.835mmol) and iPr ₂ NEt (1.67mmol, 216 mg, Eq:3) were combined with DMF. The reaction mixture was heated to 50°C and stirred for 75 min. The crude material was purified by preparative HPLC to give 163 mg of Boc-protected material which was then stirred in CH ₂ CI ₂ / TFA (4/1 ratio) at RT for 20 minutes. The solvent was evaporated under high vacuum to give title compound, which was used in the next step without further purification.

Intermediate XIII-39; 3-(2-Methoxyethyl)-5-(2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)-l,2,4-o xadiazole

3-(2-Methoxyethyl)-5-(2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)-l,2,4-o xadiazole was prepared following the same method as Intermediate XIII-25, starting from intermediate VI-39.

Process for preparation compounds of formula I General procedure A

To a stirred solution of a piperazine intermediate XII (0.1 mmol) in 0¾(¾ (1 ml) at RT were added ethyl-diisopropyl-amine (0.2 mmol) and a sulfonyl chloride of formula ArSC^Cl (1.1 mmol). Stirring was continued until completion of the reaction. The reaction mixture was then concentrated under vacuo and purification by flash chromatography on S1O ₂ or preparative HPLC afforded final compounds formula (I).

General procedure B

To a stirred solution of a piperazine intermediate XII (0.13 μιηοΐ, 1 eq) in DMF (1 ml) at RT were added a derivative of formula III (0.195 μιηοΐ, 1.5 eq), ethyl-diisopropyl-amine (0.26 μιηοΐ, 2.0 eq). The reaction mixture was heated to 50°C until completion of the reaction. The reaction mixture was then concentrated under vacuo and purification by flash chromatography on S1O ₂ or preparative HPLC afforded final compounds of formula (I).

General procedure C

To a stirred solution of a piperazine intermediate XII (0.08 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) at RT were added ethyl-diisopropyl-amine (10 eq) and a sulfonyl chloride of formula ArSC^Cl (1.1 mmol). Stirring was continued until completion of the reaction. The reaction mixture was then concentrated under vacuo and purification by flash chromatography on S1O ₂ or preparative HPLC afforded final compounds of formula (I).

Example 1; 5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazo le

5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-1 and l-(bromomethyl)-2-chlorobenzene overnight.

Example 2; 5-(4-(4-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazo le

5-(4-(4-methylbenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-1 and 1 -(bromomethyl)-4-methylbenzene overnight. ES-MS m/e: 335.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 3; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadi azole

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3 -phenyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-1 and 1 -(2-bromoethyl)-4-chlorobenzene overnight. ES-MS m/e: 369.2 (M+H ⁺ )

Example 4; 5-(4-(2-(2-Methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-pheny l-l,2,4-oxadiazole

15-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-p henyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-1 and 4-(2-bromoethyl)-2- methoxypyridine. ES-MS m/e: 366.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 5; 4-{2-[4-(3-Phenyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-piperazin-l-yl]-eth yl}-morpholine 4- {2-[4-(3-Phenyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-piperazin-l -yl]-ethyl}-morpholine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-1 and 4-(2-chloroethyl)morpholine hydrochloride. ES-MS m/e: 344.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 6; 5-(4-Isopentylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-Isopentylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-1 and l-bromo-3-methylbutane. ES-MS m/e: 301.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 7; 5-(4-(Benzo[d] [l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole

To a solution of 5-chloro-3-p-tolyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazole (as described in the synthesis of intermediate XII-2) (0.95 g, 4.88 mmol) (19.5 mg, 100 μιηοΐ) in N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (1 mL) was added iPr ₂ NEt (25.8 mg, 19.1 μΐ , 200 μιηοΐ) and l-(benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazine (33mg, 150 μιηοΐ). The reaction mixture was stirred at 175°C for 20 minutes. After cooling down, the reaction mixture was directly purified by preparative HPLC to give 29.8mg (78.7%) of the title product as light brown solid. ES-MS m/e: 379.4 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 8; 5-(4-(4-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole

5-(4-(4-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared by coupling 5-chloro-3- p-tolyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole (as described in the synthesis of intermediate XII-2) with l-(4- chlorobenzyl)piperazine as described in Example 7. ES-MS m/e: 397.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 9; 5-(4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l,2,4-o xadiazole

5- (4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l,2,4-oxa diazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-2 and 3-methoxy-l-(2-bromoethyl)benzene. ES-MS m/e: 379.4 (M+H+).

Example 10; 5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole

5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-2 and 2-methylbenzyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 349.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 11; 5-(4-((4-(Oxazol-5-yl)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-t olyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-((4-(Oxazol-5-yl)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 46% yield according to general procedure C by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-2 with 4-(oxazol-5- yl)benzene-l-sulfonyl chloride overnight. ES-MS m/e: 452.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 12; 5-(4-((4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3- (p-tolyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-((4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(p-tolyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 53%) yield according to general procedure C by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-2 with 4- (difluoromethoxy)benzene-l-sulfonyl chloride overnight. ES-MS m/e: 451.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 13; 3-(p-Tolyl)-5-(4-((4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piper azin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole 3-(p-Tolyl)-5-(4-((4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piper azin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 42% yield according to general procedure C by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-2 with 4- (trifluoromethoxy)benzene-l-sulfonyl chloride overnight. ES-MS m/e: 469.2 (M+H+).

Example 14; 5-(4-((4-Fluorophenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-((4-Fluorophenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 59% yield according to general procedure C by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-2 with 4-fluorobenzene-l- sulfonyl chloride overnight. ES-MS m/e: 403.3 (M+H+).

Example 15; 5-(4-((4-Isopropylphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-((4-Isopropylphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 56% yield according to general procedure C by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-2 with 4-isopropylbenzene-l- sulfonyl chloride overnight. ES-MS m/e: 427.3 (M+H+). Example 16; 3-(p-Tolyl)-5-(4-((4- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole

3-(p-Tolyl)-5-(4-((4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)sulfonyl)pipera zin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 57%) yield according to general procedure C by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-2 with 4- (trifluoromethyl)benzene-l-sulfonyl chloride overnight. ES-MS m/e: 453.2 (M+H+).

Example 17; l-(4-((4-(3-(p-Tolyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)su lfonyl)phenyl)pyrrolidin-2- one

l-(4-((4-(3-(p-Tolyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl )sulfonyl)phenyl)pyrrolidin-2-one was prepared in 30%) yield according to general procedure C by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-2 with 4-(2- oxopyrrolidin-l-yl)benzene-l-sulfonyl chloride overnight. ES-MS m/e: 468.3 (M+H+).

Example 18; 5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 62% yield according to general procedure C by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-2 with 4-methoxybenzene-l- sulfonyl chloride overnight. ES-MS m/e: 415.2 (M+H+).

Example 19; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole5-(4-(4-

Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole was prepared to according general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-3 with l-(2-bromoethyl)-4-chlorobenzene. ES-MS m/e: 403.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 20; 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-phenethylpiperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole

3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-phenethylpiperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-ox adiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-3 with (2-bromo-ethyl)-benzene. ES-MS m/e: 369.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 21; 3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(3-methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole 3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(3-methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-3 with l -(2-bromo-ethyl)-3-methoxy- benzene. ES-MS m/e: 399.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 22; 3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole

3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-3 with 2-methylbenzyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 369.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 23; 3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)pipe razin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)p iperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-3 with 4-(2-bromoethyl)-2- methoxypyridine. ES-MS m/e: 400.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 24; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-4 with l-(2-bromoethyl)-4-chlorobenzene. ES-MS m/e: 403.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 25; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)pipe razin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)pipe razin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-4 with 4-(2-bromoethyl)-2- methoxypyridine. ES-MS m/e: 400.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 26; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole

3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-4 with 2-methylbenzyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 369.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 27; 5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-4 with l-(bromomethyl)-2-chlorobenzene. ES-MS m/e: 389.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 28; 2-{4-[3-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazin-l -ylmethyl}-benzonitrile

2- {4-[3-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazin-l -ylmethyl} -benzonitrile was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-4 with 2- (bromomethyl)benzonitrile. ES-MS m/e: 380.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 29; 5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole 5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-5 with l-(bromomethyl)-2-chlorobenzene. ES-MS m/e: 373.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 30; 3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(4-methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole

3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(4-methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-5 with l-(bromomethyl)-4-methylbenzene.

Example 31; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-5 with l-(2-bromoethyl)-4-chlorobenzene. ES-MS m/e: 387.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 32; 3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)pipe razin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3- (3-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)pipera zin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-5 with 4-(2-bromoethyl)-2- methoxypyridine. ES-MS m/e: 384.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 33; 4-(2-(4-(3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l -yl)ethyl)morpholine

4- (2-(4-(3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-y l)ethyl)morpholine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-5 and 4-(2- chloroethyl)morpholine hydrochloride.

Example 34; 3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-isopentylpiperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole

3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-isopentylpiperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-5 and l-bromo-3-methylbutane. ES-MS m/e: 319.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 35; 5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-6 and l-(bromomethyl)-2-chlorobenzene. ES-MS m/e: 391.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 36; l-[2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-4-[3-(3,4-difluoro-phenyl)-[l, 2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- piperazine

l-[2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-4-[3-(3,4-difluoro-phenyl)- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-6 and 1 -(2-bromoethyl)-4- chlorobenzene. ES-MS m/e: 405.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 37; l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfo nyl)-piperazine l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfo nyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-7 and 4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 415.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 38; l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfon yl)-piperazine

l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesul fonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-7 and 4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 429.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 39; l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-(4-difluoromethoxy-benz enesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 -(3-Benzyl-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-(4-difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-p iperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-7 and 4-difluoromethoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 451.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 40; l-Benzo[l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl-4-(3-benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5 -yl)-piperazine

l-Benzo[l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl-4-(3-benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazo l-5-yl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-7 and 5-chloromethyl-benzo[l,3]dioxole. ES-MS m/e: 379.4 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 41; l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-(2-methyl-benzyl)-piper azine

l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-(2-methyl-benzyl)-pi perazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-7 and 2-methylbenzyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 350.4 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 42; l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-[2-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-e thyl]-piperazine

l-(3-Benzyl-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-4-[2-(3-methoxy-phenyl )-ethyl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-7 and l-(2-bromo-ethyl)-3-methoxy- benzene. ES-MS m/e: 379.4 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 43; 5-((4-(3-benzyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)sulfonyl )benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one 5-((4-(3-benzyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)sulfonyl )benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting for 2h at 40°C piperazine intermediate XII-7 and 2-oxo-2,3- dihydro-l,3-benzoxazole-5-sulfonyl chloride. 38% yield.

Example 44; 5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylp ropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phen ylpropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-8 and 4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 443.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 45; l-(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl-propyl)-[l,2,4]o xadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine l-(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl-propyl)-[l,2,4]o xadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-8 and 4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 457.4 (M+H ⁺ ). Example 46; l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl-propyl) -[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- piperazine

1 -(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l -phenyl-propyl)- [1 ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-8 and 4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 479.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 47; 5-(4-(Benzo[d] [l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylpropyl)-l, 2,4- oxadiazole

5-(4-(Benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-ph enylpropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 57% yield according to general procedure B by reacting for 20 h at 75°C piperazine intermediate XII-8 and 5-(chloromethyl)benzo[d] [1 ,3]dioxole.

Example 48; 5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylpropyl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l -phenylpropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 29% yield according to general procedure B by reacting for 20 h at 75°C piperazine intermediate XII-8 and 2- methylbenzyl chloride.

Example 49; 5-(4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylpropyl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylpropyl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 44% yield according to general procedure B by reacting for 20 h at 75°C piperazine intermediate XII-8 and 1- (2-bromoethyl)-3-methoxybenzene.

Examples 50 and 51; l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-((S)-l-phenyl-propyl)-[l, 2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl]-piperazine and l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-((R)-l-phenyl-propyl)-[l, 2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl]-piperazine

The two optically pure enantiomers were obtained after resolution of the racemic mixture (prepared herein above, Example 44) by preparative chiral HPLC. Column: Chiralpak AD; Solvent 40% Ethanol/ Heptane. ES-MS m/e: 443.3 (M+H ⁺ ) and ES-MS m/e: 443.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 52; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methoxy-b enzenesulfonyl)- piperazine

l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methox y-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 449.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 53; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-ethoxy-be nzenesulfonyl)-piperazine l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-ethoxy-be nzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 463.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 54; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-difluorom ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-difluorom ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 485.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 55; l-Benzo[l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl-4-[3-(4-chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine l-Benzo[l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl-4-[3-(4-chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 5-chloromethyl- benzo[l,3]dioxole. ES-MS m/e: 413.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 56; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(3-methox y-phenyl)-ethyl]- piperazine

l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(3-met hoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and l-(2-bromo-ethyl)-3- methoxy-benzene. ES-MS m/e: 413.4 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 57; 5-((4-(3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-y l)sulfonyl)benzo[d]oxazol- 2(3H)-one

5-((4-(3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- l-yl)sulfonyl)benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one was prepared in 10% yield according to general procedure A by reacting for 2h at 40°C piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-l,3-benzoxazole-5-sulfonyl chloride.

Example 58; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2-methyl-be nzyl)-piperazine

l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2-methyl -benzyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 2-methylbenzyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 383.4 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 59; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(4-chloro -phenyl)-ethyl]-piperazine l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(4-chloro -phenyl)-ethyl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 1 -(2-bromoethyl)-4- chlorobenzene. ES-MS m/e: 417.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 60; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(6-methox y-pyridin-3-yl)-ethyl]- piperazine

l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(6-met hoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-ethyl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 5-(2- bromoethyl)-2-methoxypyridine. ES-MS m/e: 414.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 61; 3-(4-chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-(2-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole

3-(4-chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-(2-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and l-(bromomethyl)-2-fluorobenzene.

Example 62; l-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-4-[3-(4-chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol- 5-yl]-piperazine l-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-4-[3-(4-chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol- 5-yl]-piperazine was prepared in 24% yield according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 1 -(bromomethyl)-2- chlorobenzene. ES-MS m/e: 403.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 63; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methyl-be nzyl)-piperazine

l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methyl -benzyl)-piperazine was prepared in 25% yield according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 1 -(bromomethyl)-4- methylbenzene. ES-MS m/e: 383.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 64; 4-{4-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazin-l -yl}-butyronitrile

4- {4-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazin-l-y l} -butyronitrile was prepared in 14%> yield according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 4-bromobutanenitrile. ES-MS m/e: 346.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 65; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2-ethoxy-et hyl)-piperazine

l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2-ethoxy -ethyl)-piperazine was prepared in 15%> yield according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and l-bromo-2-ethoxyethane. ES-MS m/e: 351.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 66; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-propyl-piper azine

l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-propyl-pi perazine was prepared in 10%> yield according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 1 -bromopropane. ES-MS m/e: 321.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 67; 3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-isopentylpiperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole

3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-isopentylpiperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole was prepared in 44% yield according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and l-bromo-3-methylbutane.

Example 68; l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4,4,4-trifl uoro-butyl)-piperazine l-[3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4,4,4-trifl uoro-butyl)-piperazine was prepared in 10% yield according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 4-bromo- 1,1,1 - trifluorobutane. ES-MS m/e: 389.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 69; 3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-((tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)methyl)pi perazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3- (4-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-((tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)methyl)pipe razin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 25% yield according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 4-

(bromomethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran.

Example 70; 4-(2-(4-(3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l -yl)ethyl)morpholine

4- (2-(4-(3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-y l)ethyl)morpholine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 4-(2- chloroethyl)morpholine hydrochloride. Example 71; 3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-isopropylpiperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole

3-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-isopropylpiperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadi azole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting overnight at 80°C piperazine intermediate XII-9 and 2-bromopropane. ES-MS m/e: 321.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 72; l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methoxy-b enzenesulfonyl)- piperazine

l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methox y-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-10 and 4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 449.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 73; l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-ethoxy-be nzenesulfonyl)-piperazine l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-ethoxy-be nzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-10 and 4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 463.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 74; l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-difluorom ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine

l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-difluo romethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-10 and 4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 485.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 75; l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2-methyl-be nzyl)-piperazine

l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2-methyl -benzyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-10 and 2-methylbenzyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 383.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 76; l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(3-methox y-phenyl)-ethyl]- piperazine

l-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(3-met hoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-10 and l-(2-bromo-ethyl)-3- methoxy-benzene. ES-MS m/e: 413.4 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 77; 5-{4-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine- l-sulfonyl}-3H- benzooxazol-2-one

5- {4-[3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine-l- sulfonyl} -3H-benzooxazol-2-one was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-10 and 2-oxo-2,3- dihydro-l,3-benzoxazole-5-sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 476.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 78; 4-(3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-N,N-dimethylpipe razine-l-sulfonamide 4-(3-(3-chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-N,N-dimethylpipe razine-l-sulfonamide was prepared in 40% yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-10 and dimethylsulfamoyl chloride.

Example 79; 4-(3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-N,N-diethylpiper azine-l-sulfonamide

4-(3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-N,N-diethylpi perazine-l-sulfonamide was prepared in 17% yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-10 and diethylsulfamoyl chloride.

Example 80; 4-((4-(3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-y l)sulfonyl)morpholine

4- ((4-(3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl) sulfonyl)morpholine was prepared in 30% yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-10 and morpholine-4- sulfonyl chloride.

Example 81; 3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-(pyrrolidin-l-ylsulfonyl)piperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-(pyrrolidin-l-ylsulfonyl)piperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 27% yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-10 and pyrrolidine- 1- sulfonyl chloride.

Example 82; 5-(4-(Azepan-l-ylsulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-chlorobenzyl) -l,2,4-oxadiazole

5- (4-(Azepan-l-ylsulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3-chlorobenzyl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 9% yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-10 and azepane-1 -sulfonyl chloride.

Example 83; 3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxypiperidin-l-yl)sulfonyl)p iperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxypiperidin-l-yl)sulfonyl)p iperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-10 and 4- methoxypiperidine-1 -sulfonyl chloride.

Example 84; l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methoxy-b enzenesulfonyl)- piperazine

l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-methox y-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-12 and 4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 433.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 85; l-(4-Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(3-fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]o xadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine l-(4-Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-4- [3 -(3 -fluoro-benzyl)-[l, 2,4] oxadiazo 1-5 -yl] -piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-12 and 4-fluoro- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 421.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 86; N-(4-{4-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazi ne-l-sulfonyl}-phenyl)- acetamide N-(4- {4- [3 - (3 -Fluoro-benzyl)- [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl] -piperazine- 1 -sulfonyl} -phenyl)-acetamide was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-12 and 4- acetylamino-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 460.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 87; l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-trifluoro methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine

l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-triflu oromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-12 and 4- trifluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 487.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 88; l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(3-trifluoro methyl-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine

l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(3-triflu oromethyl-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-12 and 3- trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonyl. ES-MS m/e: 471.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 89; l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(3-methyl-be nzyl)-piperazine

To a solution of l-[3-(3-fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine XII-12 (20 mg, 76.3 μιηοΐ) in DMF (1 mL) was added sodium hydride (4.03 mg, 83.9 μιηοΐ). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 minutes, then l-(bromomethyl)-3-methylbenzene (21.1 mg, 1 14 μιηοΐ) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 50°C overnight. After cooling down, the reaction mixture was quenched with 200μ1 water. The reaction mixture was filtrated over Decalite. The crude material was purified by preparative HPLC to give 5.8 mg (20.7%) of the title product. ES-MS m/e: 367.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 90; l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(3-methox y-phenyl)-ethyl]- piperazine

l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(3-met hoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-12 and l-(2-bromoethyl)-3- methoxybenzene. ES-MS m/e: 397.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 91; l-(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(3-fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]o xadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine l-(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(3-fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]o xadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-12 and 4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 447.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 92; l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(3-fluoro-benzyl) -[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- piperazine

l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(3-fluoro-benz yl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-12 and 4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 469.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 93; l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-isopropox y-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine l-[3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-isopropox y-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-12 and 4-isopropoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 461.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 94; 3-(4-((4-(3-(3-Fluorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin- l- yl)sulfonyl)phenoxy)propanenitrile

3- (4-((4-(3-(3-Fluorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l- yl)sulfonyl)phenoxy)propanenitrile was prepared in 28% yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-12 and

4- (2-cyanoethoxy)benzene-l -sulfonyl chloride.

Example 95; l-(2,3-Dihydro-benzofuran-5-sulfonyl)-4-[3-(3-fluoro-benzyl) -[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- piperazine

l-(2,3-Dihydro-benzofuran-5-sulfonyl)-4-[3-(3-fluoro-benz yl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-12 and 2,3-dihydro- benzofuran-5-sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 445.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 96; 3-(3-Fluorobenzyl)-5-(4-((4-isopropoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)pipera zin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3-(3-Fluorobenzyl)-5-(4-((4-isopropoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)pipera zin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 29% yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-12 and 4- isopropoxybenzene- 1 -sulfonyl chloride.

Example 97; l-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-4-[3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadia zol-5-yl]-piperazine

a) 3 -(3 ,4-Difluoro-benzyiy 4H- [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-one

To a solution of 2-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-N'-(hydroxy)acetamidine V-13 (1.1 g, 5.49 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 mL), was added dropwise a solution of ethyl chloroformate (538 μΐ, 5.6 mmol) and triethylamine (1.15 mL, 8.24 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, it was extracted with water and dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and concentrated under vacuo. The obtained white solid was then dissolved in toluene (10 mL). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 20 hours. The volatiles were removed under vacuo and a column chromatography (EtOAc/ Heptane 1/1) gave the title product. ES-MS m/e: 211.1 (M-H ⁺ ).

b) l-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-4-[3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-[L2,41oxadiaz ol-5-yll-piperazine

To a solution of 3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-4H-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one (50 mg, 236 μιηοΐ) in DMF (1 mL) was added iPr ₂ NEt (60.9 mg, 82.3 μΐ , 471 μιηοΐ), (lH-benzo[d][l,2,3]triazol-l- yloxy)tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate(V) (115 mg, 259 μιηοΐ) and l-(4- chlorobenzyl)piperazine (99.2 mg, 471 μιηοΐ). The reaction mixture was stirred at 70°C for 2 days. The volatiles were removed under vacuo, and the residue taken up in EtOAC and washed with a saturated aqueous solution of NaHC0 ₃ , followed by a HC1 0.1N solution. The organic phase was dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ , concentrated under vacuo, and a column chromatography (EtOAc/ Heptane 1/2) gave the title product. ES-MS m/e: 405.3 (M+H ⁺ ). Example 98; l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(3-me thoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]- piperazine

l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(3 -methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-13 and l-(2- bromoethyl)-3-methoxybenzene. ES-MS m/e: 415.4 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 99; l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-metho xy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine

l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-me thoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-13 and 4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 451.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 100; l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-ethox y-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine

1 -[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-13 and 4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 465.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 101; l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-diflu oromethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-di fluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-13 and 4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 487.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 102; l-[2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-4-[3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-[l, 2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- piperazine

l-[2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-4-[3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-13 and 1 -(2-bromoethyl)-4- chlorobenzene. ES-MS m/e: 419.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 103; l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(6-me thoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-ethyl]- piperazine

l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-[2-(6 -methoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-ethyl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-13 and 4-(2- bromoethyl)-2-methoxypyridine. ES-MS m/e: 416.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 104; l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2-methy l-benzyl)-piperazine l-[3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(2-methy l-benzyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-13 and 2-methylbenzyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 385.2 (M+H ⁺ ). Example 105; l-{3-[l-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl }-4-(4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3-[l -(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-15 and 4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 459.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 106; l-(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-{3-[l-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-cyclo propyl]-

[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-piperazine

l-(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- {3-[l-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-15 and 4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 473.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 107; 3-(l-(4-Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(4-((4-(trifluoromethoxy )phenyl)sulfonyl) piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

3-(l-(4-Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(4-((4-(trifluoromethoxy )phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-15 and 4-(trifluoromethoxy)benzene- 1 -sulfonyl chloride.

Example 108; 3-(l-(4-Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(4-(2-methylbenzyl)piper azin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3-(l-(4-Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(4-(2-methylbenzyl)piper azin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-15 and 1 -(chloromethyl)-2- methylbenzene.

Example 109; 3-(l-(4-Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(4-(3-methoxyphenethyl)p iperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3-(l-(4-Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(4-(3-methoxyphenethyl)p iperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-15 and l-(2- bromoethyl)-3-methoxybenzene.

Example 110; l-{3-[l-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl }-4-(4-methylsulfanyl- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3-[l -(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-15 and 4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 475.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 111; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-(4-fluorophenyl )cyclopropyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(1 -(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according general to procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-15 and l-(2- bromoethyl)-4-chlorobenzene. Example 112; 5-(4-((2,2-Difluorobenzo[d] [l,3]dioxol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-(4- fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-((2,2-Difluorobenzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin -l-yl)-3-(l-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl^ 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII- 15 and 5-(bromomethyl)-2,2-difluorobenzo[d][l,3]dioxole.

Example 113; l-{3-[l-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-l-methyl-ethyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5 -yl}-4-(4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3-[l -(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-16 and 4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 461.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 114; l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-{3-[l-(4-fluoro-phen yl)-l-methyl-ethyl]- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-piperazine

l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- {3-[l -(4-fluoro-phenyl)-l-methyl-ethyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl} -piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-16 and 4-difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 497.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 115; l-(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-{3-[l-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-l-met hyl-ethyl]-

[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl}-piperazine

1 -(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- {3-[l -(4-fluoro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} - piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-16 and 4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 475.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 116; l-{3-[l-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-l-methyl-ethyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5 -yl}-4-(4-methylsulfanyl- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3-[l -(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-16 and 4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 477.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 117; 3-(2-(4-Fluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)-5-(4-(2-methylbenzyl)piper azin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3-(2-(4-Fluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)-5-(4-(2-methylbenzyl)piper azin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-16 and 2-methylbenzyl chloride.

Example 118; 3-(2-(4-Fluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)-5-(4-(3-methoxyphenethyl)p iperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3-(2-(4-Fluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)-5-(4-(3-methoxyphenethyl)p iperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-16 and l-(2- bromoethyl)-3-methoxybenzene. Example 119; 5-(4-(Benzo[d] [l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2-(4-fluorophenyl) propan-2- yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(Benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2-(4 -fluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-16 and 5-(bromomethyl)benzo[d][l,3]dioxole.

Example 120; l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl-cyclopropyl)-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- piperazine

l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl-cyclopropyl) -[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-17 and 4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 441.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 121; l-(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl-cyclopropyl)-[l, 2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- piperazine

1 -(4-Ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- [3 -( 1 -phenyl-cyclopropyl)- [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl] -piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-17 and 4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 455.4 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 122; l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl-cyclopr opyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol- 5-yl]-piperazine

1 -(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4- [3 -( 1 -phenyl-cyclopropyl)- [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl] -piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-17 and 4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 477.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 123; 5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylcyclopropyl) -l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l -phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-17 and 2-methylbenzyl chloride.

Example 124; 5-(4-(Benzo[d] [l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylcyclopropy l)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

5-(4-(Benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-ph enylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-17 and 5- (bromomethyl)benzo[d] [1 ,3]dioxole.

Example 125; 5-(4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylcyclopro pyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole 5-(4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylcyclopro pyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-17 and l-(2-bromoethyl)-3- methoxybenzene.

Example 126; l-(4-Methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-phenyl-cyclopro pyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl]-piperazine 1 -(4-Methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l -phenyl-cyclopropyl)-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-17 and 4- methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 457.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 127; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylcycloprop yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(1 -phenylcyclopropyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-17 and 1 -(2-bromoethyl)-4- chlorobenzene.

Example 128; 5-(4-((2,2-Difluorobenzo[d] [l,3]dioxol-5-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l- phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-((2,2-Difluorobenzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-yl)methyl)pipera zin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-17 and 5-(bromomethyl)-2,2-difluorobenzo[d] [l,3]dioxole.

Example 129; 5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylcyclopropyl) -l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(l-phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-17 and 1 -(bromomethyl)-2- chlorobenzene.

Example 130; 5-(4-(4-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylcyclopropyl) -l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(4-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l -phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-17 and 1 -(bromomethyl)-4- methylbenzene.

Example 131; 5-(4-(2-(2-Methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-ph enylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

5-(4-(2-(2-Methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(1 -phenylcyclopropyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-17 and 4-(2- bromoethyl)-2-methoxypyridine.

Example 132; 4-(2-(4-(3-(l-Phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)pipera zin-l- yl)ethyl)morpholine

4- (2-(4-(3-(l-Phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazi n-l-yl)ethyl)morpholine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-17 and 4-(2- chloroethyl)morpholine hydrochloride.

Example 133; 5-(4-Isopentylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

5- (4-Isopentylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(l-phenylcyclopropyl)-l,2,4-ox adiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-17 and l-bromo-3-methylbutane.

Example 134; l-{3-[l-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl }-4-(4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine 1 - {3 - [ 1 -(3 -Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl] - [ 1 ,2,4] oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-18 and 4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 475.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 135; l-{3-[l-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl }-4-(4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3-[l -(3-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-18 and 4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 489.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 136; l-{3-[l-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl }-4-(4-difluoromethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3-[l -(3-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-18 and 4-difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 511.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 137; l-{3-[l-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl }-4-(4-methylsulfanyl- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3-[l -(3-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-18 and 4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 491.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 138; l-{3-[l-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl }-4-(4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3-[l -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-19 and 4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 475.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 139; l-{3-[l-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl }-4-(4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3-[l -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-19 and 4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 489.3(M+H ⁺ ).

Example 140; l-{3-[l-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl }-4-(4-difluoromethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3-[l -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-19 and 4-difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 511.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 141; l-{3-[l-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl }-4-(4-methylsulfanyl- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine 1 - {3-[l -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-19 and 4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 491.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 142; l-{3-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl}-4-(4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

l- {3-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl } -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-20 and 4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 485.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 143; l-{3-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl}-4-(4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

l- {3-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl } -4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-20 and 4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 499.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 144; l-{3-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl}-4-(4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

l- {3-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl } -4-(4-difluoromethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-20 and 4-difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 521.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 145; l-{3-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl}-4-(4-methylsulfanyl- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

l- {3-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-difluoro-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl } -4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-20 and 4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 501.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 146; l-{3-[Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl}-4-(4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

l- {3-[Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl } -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-21 and 4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 469.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 147; l-{3-[Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl}-4-(4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

l- {3-[Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl } -4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-21 and 4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 483.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 148; l-{3-[Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl}-4-(4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine l- {3-[Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl } -4-(4-difluoromethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-21 and 4-difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 505.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 149; 5-(4-(Benzo[d] [l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(difluoro(4- fluorophenyl)methyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(Benzo[d][l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(difl uoro(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-21 and 5-(bromomethyl)benzo[d] [1 ,3]dioxole.

Example 150; 3-(Difluoro(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)-5-(4-(3-methoxyphenethyl) piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3- (difluoro(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)-5-(4-(3-methoxyphenethyl)pi perazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-21 and l-(2-bromo- ethyl)-3 -methoxy-benzene.

Example 151; l-{3-[Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5- yl}-4-(4-methylsulfanyl- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

l- {3-[Difluoro-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl } -4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-21 and

4- methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 485.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 152; l-{3-[l-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-l-methyl-ethyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5 -yl}-4-(4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3-[l -(3-Chloro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-22 and 4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 477.0(M+H ⁺ ).

Example 153; l-{3-[l-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-l-methyl-ethyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5 -yl}-4-(4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3-[l -(3-Chloro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-22 and 4-ethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 491.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 154; l-{3-[l-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-l-methyl-ethyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5 -yl}-4-(4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

1 - {3-[l -(3-Chloro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-difluoromethoxy- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-22 and 4-difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 513.0 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 155; l-{3-[l-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-l-methyl-ethyl]-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5 -yl}-4-(4-methylsulfanyl- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine 1 - {3-[l -(3-Chloro-phenyl)-l -methyl- ethyl]-[l ,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl} -4-(4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-22 and 4-methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 493.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 156; l-[3-(Difluoro-phenyl-methyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-me thoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- piperazine

l-[3-(Difluoro-phenyl-methyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4 -methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-23 and 4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 450.9 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 157; l-[3-(Difluoro-phenyl-methyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4-me thylsulfanyl- benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine

l-[3-(Difluoro-phenyl-methyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-(4 -methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl)-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-23 and 4- methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 467.5 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 158; l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(difluoro-phenyl- methyl)- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine

l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(difluoro-phen yl-methyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-23 and 4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 487.2 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 159; 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)pipera zin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)pipera zin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 21% yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-24 and 4- methoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride.

Examplel60; 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-((4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfo nyl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole

3- (Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-((4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfony l)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 38% yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-24 and

4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride.

Example 161; 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-((4-(methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)p iperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3- (Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-((4-(methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)pip erazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 48%> yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-24 and

4- methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride.

Example 162; 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-((4-ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperaz in-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole 3- (Cyclopropylmethyl)-5-(4-((4-ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin -l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 12% yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-24 and 4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride.

Example 163; 5-(4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroe thyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole 5-(4-(3-Methoxyphenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroe thyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-25 and l-(2-bromo-ethyl)-3- methoxy-benzene.

Example 164; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroet hyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-25 and 1 -(2-bromoethyl)-4- chlorobenzene.

Example 165; 5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,2,2-tri fluoroethyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 27%o yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-25 and 4- methoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride.

Example 166; 5-(4-((4-Ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,2,2-trif luoroethyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

5-(4-((4-Ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 16%) yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-25 and 4-ethoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride.

Example 167; 5-(4-((4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3- (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-((4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 12%> yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-25 and

4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride.

Example 168; 5-(4-((4-(Methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2,2, 2-trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

5- (4-((4-(Methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 30%> yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-25 and

4- methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride.

Example 169; l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(2-methyl-pyridin-4-ylmet hyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-

5- yl]-piperazine l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(2-methyl-pyridin-4-ylmet hyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-pip was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-26 and 4- methoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 430.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 170; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-((2-methylpyridin- 4-yl)methyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -((2-methylpyridin-4-yl)methyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-26 and 1 -(2-bromoethyl)-4- chlorobenzene.

Example 171; 5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-tri fluoropropyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-tri fluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-27 and 4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride.

Example 172; 5-(4-((4-(Methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3, 3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

5-(4-((4-(Methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3, 3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-27 and 4- methylsulfanyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride.

Example 173; 5-(4-((4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3- (3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-((4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XIIa-27 and 4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride.

Example 174; 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropr opyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole 5-(4-(4-Chlorophenethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3 -(3 ,3 ,3 -trifluoropropyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-27 and 1 -(2-bromoethyl)-4- chlorobenzene.

Example 175; 5-(4-(2-(2-Methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3, 3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

5-(4-(2-(2-Methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3 ,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-27 and 4-(2- bromoethyl)-2-methoxypyridine.

Example 176; 5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropy l)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(2-Methylbenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropy l)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-27 and 2-methylbenzyl chloride. Example 177; 5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropy l)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)piperazin-l -yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-27 and 1 -(bromomethyl)-2- chlorobenzene.

Example 178; 2-((4-(3-(3,3,3-Trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)pipera zin-l- yl)methyl)benzonitrile

2- ((4-(3-(3,3,3-Trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazi n-l-yl)methyl)benzonitrile was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-27 and 2- (bromomethyl)benzonitrile.

Example 179; 5-(4-Isopentylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole

5-(4-Isopentylpiperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-27 and l-bromo-3-methylbutane.

Example 180; 4-(2-(4-(3-(3,3,3-Trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)pipe razin-l- yl)ethyl)morpholine

4-(2-(4-(3-(3,3,3-Trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)p iperazin-l-yl)ethyl)morpholine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-27 and 4-(2- chloroethyl)morpholine hydrochloride.

Example 181; 4-(4-(3-(3,3,3-Trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperaz in-l-yl)butanenitrile

4- (4-(3-(3,3,3-Trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin -l-yl)butanenitrile was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-27 and 4-bromobutanenitrile.

Example 182; 5-(4-((6-Methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3- trifluoropropyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

5- (4-((6-Methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(3,3,3-tr ifluoropropyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-27 and 2- (chloromethyl)-6-methylpyridine.

Example 183; l-[2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl )-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- piperazine

l-[2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phe nyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-28 and l-(2- bromoethyl)-4-chlorobenzene. ES-MS m/e: 437.1 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 184; 3-((lS,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(2-chlorobenzyl)p iperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3- ((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(2-chlorobenzyl)pipera zin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-29 and 1- (bromomethyl)-2-chlorobenzene. Example 185; 3-((lS,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(4-methylbenzyl)p iperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(4-methylbenzyl)pipera zin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-29 and 1- (bromomethyl)-4-methylbenzene.

Example 186; 3-((lS,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(4-chlorophenethy l)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(4-chlorophenethyl)pip erazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-29 and l-(2- bromoethyl)-4-chlorobenzene.

Example 187; 3-((lS,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyri din-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole

3- ((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2 ]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-(2-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)ethyl)piperazin -l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XIIa-29 and 4-(2-bromoethyl)-2-methoxypyridine.

Example 188; 4-(2-(4-(3-((lS,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ol-5-yl)piperazin-l- yl)ethyl)morpholine

4- (2-(4-(3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2 ]heptan-2-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yl)ethyl)morp holine was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-29 and 4-(2- chloroethyl)morpholine hydrochloride.

Example 189; 3-((lS,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-isopentylpiperazi n-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-isopentylpiperazin-l-y l)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure B by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-29 and l-bromo-3- methylbutane.

Example 190; 3-((lS,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl )sulfonyl)piperazin-l- yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulf onyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure C by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-29 and 4- methoxybenzene- 1 -sulfonyl chloride.

Example 191; 3-((lS,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-((4-(methylthio)p henyl)sulfonyl) piperazin- 1 -yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole

3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-((4-(methylthio)phenyl )sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure C by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-29 and 4-(methylthio)benzene-l -sulfonyl chloride. Example 192; 3-((lS,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-((4-(difluorometh oxy)phenyl)sulfonyl) piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

3-((l S,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-((4-(difluorom

oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure C by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-29 and 4-(difluoromethoxy)benzene- 1 -sulfonyl chloride.

Example 193; 3-Cyclopropyl-5-(4-((4-ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl) -l,2,4-oxadiazole

3-Cyclopropyl-5-(4-((4-ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl) -l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 49% yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-30 and 4-ethoxybenzene- 1 -sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 379 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 194; 3-Cyclopropyl-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl )-l,2,4-oxadiazole

3- Cyclopropyl-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 51%> yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-30 and 4- methoxybenzene-1 -sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 365 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 195; 5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2-(2-meth ylpyridin-4-yl)propan- 2-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(2-(2-meth ylpyridin-4-yl)propan-2-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole was prepared in 5%> yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-31 and 4-methoxybenzene-l -sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 458 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 196; l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-methyl-l-pheny l-ethyl)- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine

l-(4-Difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-methyl-l-ph enyl-ethyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-32 and

4- difluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 479.4 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 197; l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-methyl-l-phenyl-ethyl) -[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]- piperazine

l-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-[3-(l-methyl-l-phenyl-eth yl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperazine was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-32 and 4-methoxy- benzenesulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 443.3 (M+H ⁺ ).

Example 198; (5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadi azol-3-yl)methanol In a 50 mL pear-shaped flask, ethyl 5-(piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole-3-carboxylate IIa-33 (200 mg, 884 μιηοΐ), iPr ₂ NEt (137 mg, 185 μΐ, 1.06 mmol) and 4-methoxybenzene-l -sulfonyl chloride (192 mg, 928 μιηοΐ) were combined with CH ₂ CI ₂ (10 ml) to give a colorless solution. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2h at RT. The reaction mixture was poured into 50 mL CH ₂ CI ₂ and extracted with water (1 x 25 mL). The organic layers were dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified by chromatography (silica gel, factor 50, EtOAc/ Heptane = 1/1 (rf=0.2)) to give 78 mg of ethyl

5- (4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazo le-3-carboxylate. ES-MS m/e: 397.2 (M+H+).

This carboxylate was combined with THF (4 ml) to give a colorless solution. The solution was cooled down to 0°C under inert conditions. Lithium aluminum hydride (7.18 mg, 189 μιηοΐ) was added portion- wise over 30min. Reaction was quenched with water and the reaction mixture was poured into 25 mL EtOAc and extracted with water (1 x 15 mL). The organic layers were dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was triturated in diethyl ether (2x) and the mother liquors were removed to give 40 mg (60%) of title compounds as a white powder. ES-MS m/e: 355.2 (M+H+).

Example 199; 3-(Methoxymethyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

In a 5 mL round-bottomed flask, (5-(4-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ol-3- yl)methanol (Example 198, 35 mg, 98.8 μιηοΐ) was combined with DMF (2 ml) to give a colorless solution. It was cooled down to 0°C under inert conditions. Sodium hydride (4.98 mg, 104 μιηοΐ) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 3min; then, iodomethane (15.4 mg, 6.79 μΐ, 109 μιηοΐ) was added. After 30min, the reaction mixture was poured into 20 mL CH ₂ CI ₂ and extracted with water (1 x 15 mL). The organic layers were dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was taken in diethyl ether/ heptane (5/1) and sonicated. The mother liquors were removed and the remaining white solid was dried under high vacuum to give 28 mg (77%) of title compound as a white powder. ES-MS m/e: 369.2 (M+H+).

Example 200; 3-((4-Chlorophenoxy)methyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl) piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

In a 5 mL screw cap reactor, triphenylphosphine on resin (57.0 mg, 217 μιηοΐ) was combined with THF (0.5 mL) to give a yellow suspension. A solution of 4-chlorophenol (19 mg, 148 μιηοΐ) and di-tert-butyl azodicarboxylate (36.4 mg, 158 μιηοΐ, Eq: 1.6) in THF (0.5 mL) was added. After 3min, a clear solution of (5-(4-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ol-3-yl)methanol (Example 198, 35 mg, 98.8 μιηοΐ) in THF (2 mL) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature over the night. The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under vacuum. The crude material was then taken in DMF and purified by Prep. HPLC to give title compound.

Example 201; 3-((3-Chlorophenoxy)methyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl) piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3-((3-Chlorophenoxy)methyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl) piperazin-l -yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared as described for example 200 replacing 4-chlorophenol by 3-chlorophenol.

Example 202; 5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-(phenoxyme thyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)-3-(phenoxymethyl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared as described for example 200 replacing 4-chlorophenol by phenol.

Example 203; 3-((Cyclopropylmethoxy)methyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfon yl)piperazin-l-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole (5-(4-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiaz ol-3-yl)methanol (Example 198, 20 mg, 56 μιηοΐ) was dissolved in acetone (1.5 mL) and lithium chloride was added (9.5 mg, 226 μιηοΐ). The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight to give 3-(chloromethyl)-5-(4-((4- methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazole.

In a 5 mL round-bottomed flask, cyclopropylmethanol (4.04 mg, 56.1 μιηοΐ) and sodium hydride (2.94 mg, 61.2 μιηοΐ) were combined with DMF (1 ml) to give a suspension. After 2min, a solution of 3- (chloromethyl)-5-(4-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl) -l,2,4-oxadiazole (19 mg, 51.0 μιηοΐ) in 0.5mL DMF was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 60 min. The reaction was quenched with water. The reaction mixture was poured into 15 mL EtOAc and extracted with sat NH ₄ C1 (1 x 15 mL). The organic layers were dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified by chromatography (silica gel, factor 70, EtOAc/ Heptane = 1/2) to give (8 mg, 36%) of title compound as a white solid. ES-MS m/e: 409.3 (M+H+).

Example 204; 5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-((pyridin- 3-yloxy)methyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-((pyrid in-3-yloxy)methyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared as described for example 200 replacing 4-chlorophenol by pyridin-3-ol.

Example 205; 4-((5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-ox adiazol-3- yl)methoxy)benzonitrile

4- ((5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-3 -yl)methoxy)benzonitrile was prepared as described for example 200 replacing 4-chlorophenol by 4-hydroxybenzonitrile.

Example 206; 3-((4-Fluorophenoxy)methyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl) piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole

3-((4-Fluorophenoxy)methyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl) piperazin-l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared as described for example 200 replacing 4-chlorophenol by 4-fluorophenol.

Example 207; 5-(4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-propyl-l,2 ,4-oxadiazole

5- (4-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-3-propyl-l,2,4 -oxadiazole was prepared in 68% yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-34 and 4-methoxybenzene-l- sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 367.2 (M+H+).

Example 208; 3-Butyl-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l,2, 4-oxadiazole

3-Butyl-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)-l ,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 77%> yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-35 and 4-methoxybenzene-l- sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 381.3 (M+H+).

Example 209; 3-(Tert-butyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-y l)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

3-(Tert-butyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-y l)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 74%> yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-36 and 4- methoxybenzene-l-sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 381.3 (M+H+). Example 210; 3-Cyclohexyl-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl) -l,2,4-oxadiazole

3-Cyclohexyl-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl) -l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 52% yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-37 and 4- methoxybenzene-l-sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 407.3 (M+H+).

Example 211; 3-Isopropyl-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole

3-Isopropyl-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl)- l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 43%> yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-38 and 4- methoxybenzene-l-sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 367.2 (M+H+).

Example 212; 3-(2-Methoxyethyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin -l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole 3-(2-Methoxyethyl)-5-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin -l-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 27%o yield according to general procedure A by reacting piperazine intermediate XII-39 and 4- methoxybenzene-l-sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 383.2 (M+H+).

Example 213; 3-(l-(4-Fluorophenyl)cyclopropyl)-5-(7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sul fonyl)-2,7- diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

In a 50 mL pear-shaped flask, tert-butyl 2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonane-2-carboxylate (2.5 g, 11.0 mmol), 4- methoxybenzene-l-sulfonyl chloride (2.28 g, 11.0 mmol) and iPr ₂ NEt (2.14 g, 2.84 ml, 16.6 mmol) were combined with CH ₂ C1 ₂ (73.6 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h. The reaction mixture was then poured into CH ₂ CI ₂ and extracted with water. The organic layers were dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 120 g, 10%> to 50% EtOAc in heptane) to give 2.965 g(68%) of tert-butyl 7-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2,7- diazaspiro[3.5]nonane-2-carboxylate. ES-MS m/e: 397.3 (M+H+).

In a 250 mL pear-shaped flask, tert-butyl 7-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonane-2- carboxylate (2.965 g, 7.48 mmol) was combined with CH ₂ C1 ₂ (18 ml). TFA (8.53 g, 5.73 ml, 74.8 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 90 min. The crude reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo.

Diethyl ether was added and evaporated to give 7-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonane 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate as a white solid. ES-MS m/e: 297.4 (M+H+).

In a 5 mL round-bottomed flask, intermediate VIII-15 (40 mg, 182 μιηοΐ), 7-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)- 2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonane 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (149 mg, 363 μιηοΐ) and iPr ₂ NEt (168 mg, 228 μΐ, 1.3 mmol) were combined with DMF (1.38 ml) to give a colorless solution. After 5min stirring at RT, BOP (159 mg, 358 μιηοΐ) was added. The reaction mixture was heated to 50°C and stirred for 2 h. The reaction mixture was poured into 50 mL EtOAc and extracted with sat NaHCOs (1 x 15 mL). The organic layers were washed with sat NH ₄ C1 (1 x 10 mL). The organic layers were dried over Na ₂ SC>4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified by prep. HPLC to give 9.4 mg (10%>) of title compound as a white powder. ES-MS m/e: 499.1 (M+H+).

Example 214; 5-(7-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2- yl)-3-(2,2,2- trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(7-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2- yl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4- oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting intermediate XIII-25 and 4- methoxybenzene-l-sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 447.2 (M+H+).

Example 215; 5-(7-((4-(Methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]non an-2-yl)-3-(2,2,2- trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(7-((4-(Methylthio)phenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]non an-2-yl)-3-(2,2,2 rifluoroethyl)-l,2,^ oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting intermediate XIII-25 and 4- (methylthio)benzene-l -sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 463.2 (M+H+).

Example 216; 5-(7-((4-Ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-y l)-3-(2,2,2- trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(7-((4-Ethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-y l)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting intermediate XIII-25 and 4-ethoxybenzene-l - sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 461.3 (M+H+).

Example 217; 5-(7-((4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3. 5]nonan-2-yl)-3-(2,2,2- trifluoroethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole

5-(7-((4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3. 5]nonan-2-yl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting intermediate XIII-25 and 4- (difluoromethoxy)benzene-l-sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 483.2(M+H+).

Example 218; (3-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)(7-((4-methoxypheny l)sulfonyl)-2,7- diazaspiro [3.5] nonan-2-yl)methanone

In a 25 mL pear-shaped flask, 7-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonane TFA (as prepared in example 213, 300 mg, 731 μιηοΐ) and iPr ₂ NEt (283 mg, 383 μΐ, 2.19 mmol) were combined with EtOH (4 ml) to give a white suspension. 3-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-(trichloromethyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole (VI-11, 216 mg, 731 μιηοΐ) was added. The reaction mixture was heated to 70°C and stirred for 6 h.

On heating the cloudy suspension changed to a clear solution and then to an orange solution. A further 0.5 eq (80 mg) oxadiazole was added and the reaction was stirred at RT overnight. A further 0.5 eq (80 mg) oxadiazole was added and the reaction was stirred at RT for 3 h and then at 70° for 1.5 h. The reaction mixture was poured into EtOAc and extracted with water. The organic layers were dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and concentrated in vacuo to give 710 mg of dark brown semisolid. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 20 g, 15% to 70% EtOAc in heptane to give 81 mg (22%>) of (3-(4- fluorobenzyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)(7-(4-methoxyphenylsulfon yl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2- yl)methanone. ES-MS m/e: 501.2 (M+H+).

Example 219; 3-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-5-(7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diaz aspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole

3-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-5-(7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diaz aspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in 21% yield according to general procedure A by reacting intermediate XIII-11 and 4- methoxybenzene-l-sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 473.2 (M+H+).

Example 220; 3-(2-Methoxyethyl)-5-(7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-diaz aspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole

3-(2-Methoxyethyl)-5-(7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-2,7-d iazaspiro[3.5]nonan-2-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared according to general procedure A by reacting intermediate XIII-39 and 4-methoxybenzene- 1-sulfonyl chloride. ES-MS m/e: 383.0 (M+H+).

Example 221; Use of a rat insulinoma cell line exposed to extracellular stressors as a model for beta cell stress/apoptosis

The INS- IE cell line, a rat insulinoma cell line, has been characterized extensively. INS- IE cells respond to glucose by secreting insulin and, unlike most other immortalized β-cell lines, they do this in a consistent manner over time. The cells are sensitive to hyperglycemia-, free fatty acid (FFA)-, and cytokine-induced stress. Prolonged stress ultimately leads to induction of apoptotic pathways and, if stress is not counter-acted, to apoptosis. Caspase-3 and -7 play a central role downstream where various apoptotic pathways merge. As such, activation (i.e. cleavage) of these caspases forms a relevant primary read-out to evaluate protective activity of compounds against stress-induced apoptosis.

To evaluate the efficacy of different compounds to prevent induction of apoptosis, an in vitro screen was developed in which INS- IE cells were exposed to a cytokine mix (IFN-γ, 5 ng/ml; IL-Ι β, 20 pg/ml; TNF- a, 0,25 ng/ml). The degree of induction of apoptosis was evaluated using a substrate for cleaved caspase- 3 and -7, i.e. a pro luminescent caspase-3/7 DEVD amino luciferin substrate with a thermostable luciferase (Caspase-Glo® 3/7 assay; Promega, cat. G8092).

Experimental procedure: On day 0, INS- IE cells were plated in a white-walled 96-well microplate (Greiner, cat. 655098) at 20,000 cells per well in 100 μΐ complete medium (RPMI containing 11 mM glucose supplemented with 5% FCS, 100 IU/ml penicillin, 100 μg/ml streptomycin, 10 mM HEPES, 1 mM Sodium Pyruvate and 50 μΜ 2-Mercapto-ethanol). On day 2, 100 μΐ medium containing cytokines and compound dissolved in DMSO was added to the cells. Wells without cytokines containing DMSO and wells with cytokines and DMSO were included to evaluate the degree of caspase 3/7 activation by the cytokine mix. After 24 hours exposure to cytokines and/or compound, Caspase-Glo® 3/7 reagent was added to the cells and caspase activity was determined by measuring luminescence.

To evaluate compound efficacy, the "toxicity window" was calculated by subtracting caspase activity of wells without stressor from activity of wells with stressor but without compound. The amount of caspase activity in the latter wells was normalized to 1 and used as reference. Subsequently, caspase activity in the wells with stressor and varying concentrations of compound was calculated relative to the wells without compound. Plotting caspase activity vs the loglO of the concentration of compound permitted calculation of the EC ₅ o values for the compounds which typically lied between 0,0001 and 10 μΜ. Compounds with an EC ₅₀ < 10μΜ were considered active. The EC ₅ o values of compounds of the invention on the stress induced beta cells apoptosis model are shown in Tablel 1 as "CYT EC ₅₀ ".

Table 11 :

Example 222; Use of a-synuclein expressing cells as a model for neuronal degeneration

Construction of an q-synuclein over-expressing cell line

A a-synuclein expression plasmid was constructed by subcloning the Ncol/Xhol fragment from 212T- SY (WT) (Griffioen et al., Biochem Biophys Acta (2006) 1762(3) :312-318) containing the cDNA of human wild type α-synuclein correspondingly into a standard mammalian expression vector pcDNA3.1 resulting in plasmid pcDNA3.1-SYNwt. Plasmids pcDNA3.1 and pcDNA3.1-SY wt were transfected into human neuroblastoma cells (BE-M17; ATCC No. CRL-2267™) using lipofectamine reagent and subsequently, independent clonal cell lines with the plasmids stably integrated into the genome were selected by antibiotic resistance selection (Geneticin (G418)), resulting in cell lines M17.pcDNA3 and M17 3SYN. Overexpression of α-synuclein in the M17 3SYN cell line was confirmed by Western blot analysis.

Use of α-synuclein expressing cells as a model for neuronal degeneration

Due to the high levels of α-synuclein, M17 3SYN cells were sensitive to paraquat, a well-known risk factor Parkinson's disease and of synuclein-dependent neuronal degeneration. Cytotoxicity of cells was measured by quantification of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. In dead cells, LDH leaked out of the cells into the medium due to a loss of plasma-membrane integrity.

Experimental procedure: Three days preceding the experiment, primary pre-cultures of M17.pcDNA3 (as possible control) and M17 3SYN cells were prepared, starting from a stock culture, at a density of 20.000-40.000 cells/cm2 in culture medium (Opti-MEM® Reduced Serum Medium with Phenol Red (Invitrogen, Cat. 31985-047) supplemented with 10% FCS, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 1 x NEAA, 500 μg/ml G418 and 0,5 x antibiotic/antimycotic (ABAM)). 3 days later these primary pre-cultures were used as a starting point to make secondary pre-cultures at a density of 50.000-100.000 cells/cm ² . At the day of the experiment these secondary precultures were diluted to -0,5.106 cells/ml in detection medium (Opti- MEM® Reduced-Serum Medium without Phenol Red (Invitrogen, Cat. 11085-021) supplemented with 10% FCS, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 1 x NEAA, 500 μg/ml G418 and 0,5 x ABAM) and 60 μΕ of this suspension was dispensed per well into a 96-well microtiter plate. After 3 hours of incubation at 37°C/5%> CO ₂ an equal volume of detection medium containing a final concentration of 6 mM Paraquat was added and subsequently incubated for 2 days at 37°C/5%> CO ₂ . Then LDH activity was determined using the Promega Cytotox 96 Non-Radioactive cytotoxicity assay (Promega, Cat. G1780), according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cytotoxicity was defined as the ratio of LDH relative to the total LDH in the cells and supernatant.

Use of the neuroblastoma q-synucleinopathy model to screen compounds

The assay described above using the M17 3SYN cell line allowed screening compounds for their ability to decrease cytotoxicity in PQ-challenged cells. Compounds of the invention were tested for their ability to decrease toxicity at different concentrations, ranging from low non-effective concentrations to high effective concentrations. Afterwards, a dose-dependent inhibition curve was used to calculate the EC ₅ o. A compound was considered to be active in this test when it inhibited toxicity by more than 20%> relative to untreated M17 3SYN cells at a concentration of 10 μΜ or lower.

The EC ₅₀ values of toxicity inhibition of the compounds of the invention using the M17 3SYN cells are shown in Table 12 as "SYN EC ₅₀ ".

Table 12:

Compound SYN EC ₅₀ (μΜ) Compound SYN EC ₅₀ (μΜ)

Cmpd016 0.009 Cmpdl42 0.024

Cmpd037 0.003 Cmpdl43 0.025

Cmpd038 0.013 Cmpdl44 0.145

Cmpd039 0.011 Cmpdl45 0.015

Cmpd044 0.015 Cmpdl46 0.008

Cmpd045 0.018 Cmpdl47 0.022

Cmpd046 0.059 Cmpdl48 0.034

Cmpd050 0.068 Cmpdl51 0.013

Cmpd051 0.046 Cmpdl52 0.001

Cmpd052 0.024 Cmpdl53 0.005

Cmpd053 0.031 Cmpdl54 0.007

Cmpd054 0.019 Cmpdl55 0.002

Cmpd072 0.003 Cmpdl56 0.005

Cmpd073 0.033 Cmpdl57 0.004

Cmpd074 0.010 Cmpdl58 0.031

Cmpd077 0.139 Cmpdl59 0.095

Cmpd084 0.005 Cmpdl60 0.148

Cmpd085 0.250 Cmpdl61 0.023

Cmpd086 0.522 Cmpdl62 0.224

Cmpd087 0.497 Cmpdl65 0.032 Cmpd088 1.838 Cmpdl66 0.368

Cmpd091 0.057 Cmpdl67 10.000

Cmpd092 0.047 Cmpdl68 0.198

Cmpd093 0.326 Cmpdl69 0.034

Cmpd095 0.089 Cmpdl71 0.248

Cmpd096 0.289 Cmpdl72 0.166

Cmpd099 0.016 Cmpdl73 0.438

CmpdlOO 0.130 Cmpdl90 0.215

CmpdlOl 0.050 Cmpdl91 0.109

Cmpdl05 0.009 Cmpdl92 0.164

Cmpdl06 0.065 Cmpdl95 0.070

Cmpdl lO 0.030 Cmpdl96 0.008

Cmpdl l3 0.008 Cmpdl97 0.002

Cmpdl l4 0.017 Cmpd200 0.022

Cmpdl l5 0.054 Cmpd201 0.011

Cmpdl l6 0.007 Cmpd202 0.011

Cmpdl20 0.004 Cmpd203 0.008

Cmpdl21 0.010 Cmpd204 0.065

Cmpdl22 0.009 Cmpd206 0.022

Cmpdl26 0.007 Cmpd207 0.406

Cmpdl34 0.002 Cmpd208 0.098

Cmpdl35 0.028 Cmpd209 0.296

Cmpdl36 0.008 Cmpd210 0.327

Cmpdl37 0.007 Cmpd213 0.360

Cmpdl38 0.039 Cmpd214 0.164

Cmpdl39 0.356 Cmpd215 0.274

Cmpdl40 0.044

Cmpdl41 0.012

Example 223; Use of TAU expressing cells as a model for neuronal degeneration

Construction of a TAU gene over-expressing cell line

A TAU expression plasmid was constructed by sub-cloning the cDNA encoding for human TAU-P301L protein, wherein proline at position 301 was substituted by a leucine residue, into mammalian expression vector pcDNA3.1 resulting in the plasmid pcDNA3.1-TAUP301L. Plasmid pcDNA3.1-TAU P301L was transfected into human neuroblastoma cells (BE-M17; ATCC No. CRL-2267™) using lipofectamine reagent and subsequently, independent clonal cell lines with the plasmids stably integrated into the genome were selected by antibiotic resistance selection (Geneticin (G418)), resulting in cell line M17 3TAUP301L. Expression of the TAUP301L gene in the M17 3TAUP301L cells was confirmed by Western blot analysis.

Use of TAU expressing cells as a model of neuronal degeneration

M17_3TAU(P301L) cells were treated chronically with retinoic acid (RA) in low serum conditions to induce Alzheimer's disease-like intracellular signaling deregulation leading to increased TAU levels and subsequent cell death. Cytotoxicity of cells was measured by quantification of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. In dead cells LDH leaked out of the cells into the medium due to a loss of plasma- membrane integrity. Experimental procedure: 3 days preceding the experiment, a pre-culture of M17_3TAU(P301L) cells was prepared, starting from a stock culture, at a density of 50.000-100.000 cells/cm ² in culture medium (Optimem Reduced Serum with phenol red (Invitrogen, Cat. 31985-047)) supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 1 x non-essential amino acids (NEAA), 500 μg/ml G418 and 0,5 x (ABAM). At the day of the experiment these precultures were diluted to ~0,1.10 ⁶ cells/ml in detection medium (Optimem Reduced Serum without phenol red (Gibco, Cat. l 1058-021) supplemented with 1% fetal calf serum (FCS), 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 1 x non-essential amino acids (NEAA), 500 μg/ml G418 and 0,5 x ABAM) and 60 L of this suspension was dispensed per well into a 96-well microtiter plate. After 3 hours of incubation at 37°C/5% CO ₂ an equal volume of detection medium (without FCS) containing 3.75 μΜ RA was added and subsequently incubated for 7 days at 37°C/5% CO ₂ . Then LDH activity was determined using the Promega Cytotox 96 Non-Radioactive cytotoxicity assay (Cat. G1780), according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cytotoxicity was defined as the ratio of LDH relative the total LDH in the cells and supernatant.

Use of the neuroblastoma tauopathy model to screen compounds

The assay described above using the M17_3TAU(P301L) cell line allowed to screen compounds for their ability to decrease cytotoxicity in RA-challenged cells. Compounds of the invention were tested for their ability to decrease toxicity at different concentrations, ranging from low non-effective concentrations to high potent concentrations. Afterwards, the dose-dependent inhibition curve was used to calculate their EC ₅₀ . A compound was considered to be active in this test when it inhibited toxicity by more than 20% relative to untreated M17_3TAU(P301L) cells at a concentration of 10 μΜ or lower.

The EC ₅₀ values of toxicity inhibition of the compounds of the invention using the M17_3TAU(P301L) cells are shown in Table 13 as "TAU EC ₅₀ ".

Table 13:

Compound TAU EC ₅₀ (μΜ) Compound TAU EC ₅₀ (μΜ)

CmpdOOl 0.027 Cmpd068 0.151

Cmpd002 0.008 Cmpd069 0.161

Cmpd003 0.012 Cmpd071 0.133

Cmpd004 0.036 Cmpd075 0.238

Cmpd005 0.041 Cmpd076 0.006

Cmpd006 0.008 Cmpd089 0.485

Cmpd007 0.352 Cmpd090 0.037

Cmpd008 0.182 Cmpd097 0.486

Cmpd009 0.039 Cmpd098 0.003

CmpdOlO 0.306 Cmpdl02 0.017

Cmpd019 0.112 Cmpdl03 0.010

Cmpd020 0.010 Cmpdl04 0.037

Cmpd021 0.005 Cmpdl08 0.758

Cmpd022 0.035 Cmpdl09 0.487

Cmpd023 0.018 Cmpdl l l 0.237

Cmpd024 0.119 Cmpdl l 8 0.105

Cmpd025 0.014 Cmpdl23 0.849

Cmpd026 0.088 Cmpdl25 0.103

Cmpd027 0.074 Cmpdl27 0.059 Compound TAU EC ₅₀ (μΜ)

Cmpdl28 0.617

Cmpdl30 0.185

Cmpdl31 0.135

Cmpdl33 0.030

Cmpdl49 0.849

Cmpdl50 0.199

Cmpdl63 0.418

Cmpdl64 0.306

Cmpdl70 0.640

Cmpdl74 0.024

Cmpdl75 0.105

Cmpdl76 0.169

Cmpdl77 0.172

Cmpdl79 0.046

Cmpdl 80 0.222

Cmpdl 81 0.584

Cmpdl 82 0.282

Cmpdl 83 0.057

Cmpdl 84 0.135

Cmpdl 85 0.071

Cmpdl 86 0.017

Cmpdl 87 0.047

Cmpdl 88 0.004

Cmpdl 89 0.003

Example 224 - In vivo evaluation of compounds

For in vivo evaluation of compound efficacy, male BKS.Cg-+Leprdb/Leprdb/01aHsd mice (db/db mice - Harlan) were used. The db/db phenotype results from a mutation in the leptin receptor gene, leading to a splice variant (Chen, Charlat et al. 1996; Lee, Proenca et al. 1996). The development of type 2 diabetes in db/db mice is associated with reduced insulin levels due to progressive β-cell failure following an initial period of hypersecretion of insulin. Since these mice develop type 2 diabetes in a manner related to pathology development in humans, and the model is accepted as in vivo model for evaluation of novel anti-diabetic treatments by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA, US), it is a highly relevant model for testing candidate drugs for efficacy.

Compounds were administered intraperitoneal (IP) or oral (PO) at a dose of maximally 50 mg/kg. Mice were subjected to metabolic analysis weekly or bi-weekly. These tests included but were not limited to determination of fasting (5 hrs) and non-fasting blood glucose levels, plasma insulin levels, % glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc) levels, glucose tolerance test and insulin sensitivity test.

Treatment with cmpdllO at 15 mg/kg IP increased weight gain (Figure 1A). Fasted blood glucose levels were significantly lower in animals treated with cmpdllO (Figure IB). Plasma insulin levels remained significantly higher after 6 weeks of treatment in animals treated with cmpdllO vs vehicle-treated animals (Figure 1C). Time indications are weeks of treatment. *p<0.05; **p<0.01 ; n=5-8. p values are compound vs vehicle.