"A process for preparing ivabradine"

***

Summary of the Invention

The present invention refers to a process for preparing ivabradine, in particular a process for preparing an ivabradine salt.

Technical Field

Ivabradine or 3-[3-({[(7S)-3,4-dimethoxybicyclo[4.2.0]octa-l,3,5-trien-7- yl]methyl}(methyl)amino) propyl]-7,8-dimethoxy-l,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-3- benzazepi -2-one has the following formula

and is used in cardiology against heart failure, hypertension, angina and for the postinfarction treatment.

Ivabradine has been described for the first time in patent EP 0 534 859 in the name of Adir/Servier. In such a document, ivabradine hydrochloride was prepared by hydrogenation of the 3-[3-[[[(7S)-3,4-dimethoxybicyclo[4.2.0]octa-l,3,5-trien-7- yl]methyl]methylamino]propyl]-l,3-dihydro-7,8-dimethoxy-2H-3 -benzazepin-2-one compound (hereinafter also dehydro-ivabradine) and further reaction of basic ivabradine with hydrochloric acid.

This process has the disadvantage of starting from a dehydro-ivabradine that has to be purified before the hydrogenation reaction otherwise the result thereof, in terms of yield and purity of the final compound, is not acceptable.

WO201 1/138265 describes a process for preparing ivabradine wherein a salified dehydro-ivabradine is prepared, which is desalified and then reduced with gaseous hydrogen in an acid environment to give an ivabradine salt. As can be seen from the examples, in particular from example 16 of WO2011/138265, the dehydro- ivabradine oxalate is desalified with aqueous potassium carbonate and the obtained compound is then purified by distillation and treatment with methanol, then it is reduced in an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution.

WO2008/146308 describes a process for preparing ivabradine hydrochloride starting from not-salified dehydro-ivabradine. The described process provides for many extraction steps that are needed to remove impurities from the product but, at the same time, they inevitably reduce the yields (that in fact are never reported). In example 3, that provides the best purity, further steps of salification of ivabradine with an organic acid, purification of said organic salt, hydrolysis and salification with hydrochloric acid, are also introduced. It is clear that all these additional steps are directed to the removal of impurities from ivabradine but inevitably reduce the yields.

There is the need of providing new methods for preparing ivabradine with a high purity level and good yields that allow to avoid the excessive purification of the initial dehydro-ivabradine, that simplify the synthesis by limiting the reaction steps, thus avoiding the drawbacks of the prior art.

Objects of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative process to synthesize ivabradine, in particular an ivabradine salt, even more in particular ivabradine hydrochloride.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a process to synthesize ivabradine, in particular ivabradine hydrochloride, that is industrially convenent and that provides the desired compound having excellent yields and a suitable purity.

Description of the Invention

Now it has been unexpectedly found that, by salifying dehydro-ivabradine with hydrochloric acid, a compound with high purity level is obtained that simplifies the subsequent hydrogenation reaction and allows to obtain the corresponding ivabradine hydrochloride in a very pure form and with excellent yields.

Dehydro-ivabradine hydrochloride salt has not been selected randomly. In fact several inorganic and organic salts have been tested, but no one of the tested salts has provided the excellent results provided by the hydrochloride salt, in terms of yields, purity and ease of operation.

Furthermore, the use of dehydro-ivabradine hydrochloride allows to directly obtain, after the last reaction, the molecule in the current commercial form thereof, without therefore the need of carrying out further unblocking, salification and purification steps.

Therefore, according to one of its aspects, the present invention has the object of a process fo

HC1

comprising hydrogenating 3-[3-[[[(7S)-3,4-dimethoxybicyclo[4.2.0]octa-l,3,5-trien- 7-yl]methyl]methylamino]propyl]-l,3-dihydro-7,8-dimethoxy-2H -3-benzazepin-2- one hydrochloride (dehydro-ivabradine hydrochloride) in a suitable solvent.

If desired, the ivabradine salt obtained with the process of the invention, can be converted into ivabradine by hydrolysis, according to conventional techniques.

The initial dehydro-ivabradine salt is the hydrochloride but, if desired or needed, also the hydrobromide salt can be used to get the ivabradine hydrobromide that, if desired or needed, can be easily converted into basic ivabradine, or into ivabradine hydrochloride, according to methods well known to a person skilled of the art.

The hydrogenation of the present invention can be carried out with any reducing reagent known to a person skilled of the art.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the hydrogenation of the invention is carried out with gaseous hydrogen.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the hydrogenation is carried out with gaseous hydrogen in a solvent or in a solvent mixture, e.g. in a solvent selected among alcohols or mixtures thereof, advantageously lower C1-C4 alcohols, such as for example methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, preferably methanol.

When the hydrogenation of the invention is carried out with gaseous hydrogen, it is preferably done in presence of a catalyst such as for example Pd/C, or other catalysts usually employed in reductions with gaseous hydrogen. The hydrogenation reaction with gaseous hydrogen, a solvent and a catalyst like those described above, is generally carried out at a temperature between room temperature and 60°C, conveniently around 20-40°C, e.g. 30-35°C. It is in fact convenient to keep the reaction temperature low so as to avoid the formation of byproducts.

The reaction mixture has not acidic pH and the reaction occurs easily and is completed in few hours, for example in 10-20 hours depending on the amount of reagents and the reaction temperature. The person skilled of the art can clearly follow the evolution thereof with common methods, e.g. by means of thin film chromatography (TLC) or HPLC.

Advantageously, the reaction occurs in a hydrogen atmosphere, upon inertization in order to remove all the oxygen present. According to a preferred embodiment, the reaction is carried out at 4-5 bars.

At the end of the reaction, the catalyst is removed, e.g. by filtration and the solvent is evaporated.

The ivabradine hydrochloride is directly obtained with excellent yields and high purity, usually greater than 99.5%. However, if desired, it is possible to further purify the compound by grinding it with a suitable solvent, e.g. acetonitrile, acetone, ethyl acetate, or by crystallizing it e.g. from acetonitrile, acetone or isopropanol.

Dehydro-ivabradine hydrochloride can be prepared from dehydro-ivabradine by reacting with hydrochloric acid, according to methods known in the art.

The use of 3-[3-[[[(7S)-3,4-dimethoxybicyclo[4.2.0]octa-l,3,5-trien-7- yl]methyl]methylamino]propyl]-l,3-dihydro-7,8-dimethoxy-2H-3 -benzazepin-2-one hydrochloride (dehydro-ivabradine hydrochloride) for preparing ivabradine represents another aspect of the present invention.

Details of the reactions of the process of the invention are provided in the experimental section of the present description. Comparative examples are also provided wherein other dehydro-ivabradine salts are reduced, in particular oxalate and tartrate, however obtaining inadequate results.

In particular, for the oxalate salt it has been observed that before the hydrogenation reaction a further purification is needed to obtain an at least acceptable purity, with a resulting yield loss; moreover, it has been observed that even with the use of a purified starting oxalic salt, during hydrogenation of such a salt there is a greater formation of byproducts as a consequence of the high temperatures at which the reaction is carried out.

As regards the tartrate salt, said salt is obtained with high yields but also in this case in a low purity form; moreover said salt is not easily recrystallizable and for the crystallization 40-50 volumes of solvent are required, being this condition clearly not acceptable from an industrial point of view.

Experimental Section

Example 1

Preparation of dehydro-ivabradine

Reagents Grams Moles Equiv.

3 -(3 -chloropropyl)-7, 8 -dimethoxy- 1 , 3 -dihydro- 364 g 1.23 1 2H-3-benzazepin-2-one Mw = 295.76 g/mol

(lS)-4,5-Dimethoxy-l.-[(methylamino)methyl] 280 g (254.9 g 1.23 1 benzocyclobutane Mw = 207.27 g/mol theoretical)

Potassium Carbonate Mw = 138.2 g/mol 170 g 1.23 1

Potassium Iodide Mw - 166.0 g/mol 3 L4 g 0.189 0.15

Methylisobutylketone (MIBK) (of which 1000 3600 ml

ml for the amine)

Water 1000 ml - -

Water 500 ml - · -

Water 1500 ml - -

HC1 33% w/w 120 g 1.1 Reagents Grams Moles Equiv.

Methylisobutylketone (MIBK) 5 x 300 ml (tot

1.5 1)

Methylisobutylketone (MIBK) 800 ml - -

NaOH 30% w/w 143 g 1.1 -

Water 500 ml - -

In a 6 1 multiple neck flask under nitrogen atmosphere 364 g of 3-chloropropyl-4,5- dimethoxybenzazepinone, 170 g of potassium carbonate, 31.4 g of potassium iodide and 2600 ml of MIBK are sequentially loaded. The unblocked amine dissolved in the remaining MIBK (1000 ml) is added and the reaction is heated to 85-90°C. The reaction is left under stirring while heating for 48 hours, controlling it by TLC and HPLC. Next the mixture is cooled to 60-70°C and the organic phase is washed 2 times with 1000 ml and 500 ml of water. The organic phase is acidified with 33% w/w HCI keeping the temperature around 40°C. The organic phase is removed and the aqueous phase containing the product is washed with 1.5 1 of MIBK (5 x 300 ml) keeping the temperature around 40°C. 800 ml of MIBK are added, and the mixture is basified with 143 g of 30% NaOH. The aqueous phase is eliminated, the organic phase is washed with H ₂ 0, MIBK is dried and concentrated until dryness obtaining 537 g of oil.

Crude yield: 93%

(LC-MS : MH ⁺ = 467)

Example 2

(III) (Π) Reagents Grams Moles Equiv.

Dehydro-ivabradine Mw = 466.57 537 g 1.15 1

Acetonitrile 1Q00 ml - -

Acetonitrile 2800 ml - -

Na ₂ S0 ₄ a.n. - -

4.5% HC1 solution in acetonitrile 1160 g 1.43 1.25

Acetonitrile a.n. - -

Dehydro-ivabradine (III) is mixed with 1000 ml of acetonitrile and evaporated until dryness. It is taken up with 2800 ml of acetonitrile and the solution dried with Na ₂ S0 ₄ . 1160 g of an acetonitrile solution containing 4.5% w/w HC1 are added dropwise and, while keeping the temperature not above 20-25°C, the primer is added halfway of the dropwise addition. The mixture is cooled and the salt is left to cold crystallize at 0-5°C for about 24 hours. By washing with a little of cold acetonitrile, 430 g of the title compound is obtained.

Yield: 74 %

(LC-MS : Mtf ^" = 467, MNa ⁺ = 489)

H'NMR (DMSO-d6): 1.90 (2H); 2.72 (3 H); 2.75-2.90 (1H); 2.90-3.05 (2H); 3.05- 3.25 (2H); 3.38 (2H); 3.52 (2H); 3.62 (2H); 3.70 (9H); 3.75 (3H); 6.45 (2H); 6.75 (1H); 6.83 (1H); 6.89 (1 H); 6.93 (1 H); 10.6 (1H).

Example 3

Pre aration of ivabradine hydrochloride

(II) (I)

Reagents Grams Moles Equivalents

Dehydro-ivabradine HC1 Mw = 503.03 50 g 0.099 - Reagents Grams Moles Equivalents

Pd/C 5% (50% wet) 5 g - -

50 g of dehydro-ivabradine hydrochloride (II) are dissolved in 500 ml of methanol and loaded into the autoclave previously inertized with nitrogen. 5 g of catalyst are added and hydrogen is loaded at a pressure of 4-5 bars. The reaction is left at 30- 35°C for about 18 hours. The disappearance of the starting material is checked with TLC or HPLC. The solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure until dryness, the residue is taken up with 150 ml of acetonitrile and the solvent is again removed under reduced pressure. The residue is taken up with 1250 ml of acetonitrile to carry out the crystallization of the desired compound with a HPLC purity greater than 99.5%.

Yield 80%.

Example 4

Crystallization of ivabradine hydrochloride.

40 g of ivabradine hydrochloride (I) are dissolved in 1000 ml of acetonitrile. The wet product is washed over a panel with 200 ml of acetone. The product is ground in acetone at room temperature for about 1 hour. It is filtered, further washed with 400 ml of acetone and dried at 60°C for about 24 hours to give the title compound with a HPLC purity greater than 99.9%.

(LC-MS : MH ⁺ = 469)

H'NMR (D ₂ 0): 2.05 (2H); 2.62 (1H); 2.85 (3H); 2.95 (2H); 3.05 (2H); 3.1-3.2 (2H); 3.35 (lH); 3.5-4.00 (7 H); 3.55 (3H); 3.72 (3H);3.76 (3H); 3.88 (3H); 6.58 (1H); 6.65 (2H); 6.73 (1H).

C ¹³ NMR: 23.1, 31.5, 34.9, 37.0, 40.5, 40.9, 44.0, 47.1, 51.8, 55.4, 56.0, 59.4, 106.9, 107.8, 1 13.5, 113.6, 123.1, 127.8, 134.9, 146.4, 147.3, 148.6, 149.7, 176.4.

Comparative Example A

A' - Preparation of dehydro-ivabradine oxalate

In a reactor 168 g of oxalic acid dihydrate are dissolved in 6760 ml of methanol, the mixture is heated to 45-50°C until complete dissolution. A solution of 620 g of dehydro-ivabradine (III) in 1240 ml of methanol is added and it is left at a temperature (45-50°C) for about 1 hour. A primer of dehydro-ivabradine oxalate is added and the mixture is left to recover at room temperature. Next it is cooled to 0- 5°C for 1 hour and the product is filtered. The white solid is washed on a panel with 500 ml of methanol and recrystallized by dissolving it in 13 volumes of methanol. 465 g of dehydro-ivabradine oxalic salt are obtained.

Yield: 63 %

(LC-MS : MH ⁺ = 467)

A" - Hydrogenation of dehydro-ivabradine oxalate

Reagents Grams Moles Equiv.

Dehydro-ivabradine oxalic salt 10 g 0.018 1

Mw = 556.60

Methanol 200 ml - -

Pd/C 5% (50% wet) 0.8 g

Methanol 20 ml -

Isopropanol 100 ml -

Isopropanol 10 ml

10 g of dehydro-ivabradine oxalic salt, 200 ml of methanol and 0.8 g of catalyst are loaded in an autoclave previously inertized with nitrogen. Hydrogen is loaded up to a pressure of 5 bars and the reaction mixture is heated to 55-60°C. The reaction evolution is checked by means of HPLC or TLC.

After about 7 hours the reaction is completed. The autoclave is unloaded, the catalyst is filtered on a celite panel and the panel is washed with 20 ml of methanol. The filtrate is evaporated under reduced pressure and 100 ml of isopropanol are added while heating the mixture to 40-45 °C for about 1 hour. It is left to recover at 20°C and the obtained solid is filtered. 7.7 g of ivabradine oxalic salt are obtained.

HPLC purity: 98.5 %

Yield: 77%

(LC-MS : MH ⁺ = 469)

Comparative Example B

' - Preparation of dehydro-ivabradine L-tartrate

Reagents Grams Moles Equiv.

Dehydro-ivabradine Mw = 466.57 24 g 0.05 1

MIBK 960 ml - -

L-tartaric acid Mw = 150.09 8.2 g 0.05 1

Acetone 164 ml

MIBK 80 ml - -

Acetone 40 ml

24 g of dehydro-ivabradine dissolved in 960 ml of MIBK are charged in a flask. A solution of 8.2 g of L-tartaric acid in 164 ml of acetone is added dropwise and left under stirring for about 1 hour. The precipitate is filtered and washed with a solvent mixture made of 80 ml of MIBK and 40 ml of methanol. 26 g dry are obtained.

Yield: 84 %

(LC-MS : MH ⁺ = 467)

" - Hydrogenation of dehydro-ivabradine L-tartrate

Reagents Grams Moles Equiv. dehydro-ivabradine L-tartrate 17 g 0.027

Mw = 616.66

Methanol 225 ml

Pd/C 5% (50% wet) 1 -7 g Reagents Grams Moles Equiv.

Methanol 30 ml

Ethyl acetate 30 ml

Ethyl acetate 10 ml

17 g of dehydro-ivabradine L-tartaric salt, 255 ml of methanol and 1.7 g of catalyst are loaded in an autoclave previously inertized with nitrogen. Hydrogen is loaded up to a pressure of 5 bars and the reaction mixture is heated to 35-40°C. The reaction evolution is checked by means of HPLC or TLC.

After about 22 hours the reaction is completed. The autoclave is unloaded, the catalyst is filtered on a celite panel and the panel is washed with 30 ml of methanol. The filtrate is evaporated under reduced pressure and the solid is taken up with 30 ml of ethyl acetate. The mixture is heated to 30-35°C, after 1 hour it is recovered at room temperature and the solid is filtered. The product is washed on a filter with 10 ml of ethyl acetate and the product id dried. 12 g of ivabradine L-tartaric salt are obtained.

Yield: 72 %

HPLC purity: 98.9 %

(LC-MS : MH ⁺ = 469)

As can be noted, with respect to the results obtained with the hydrochloride salt, the reactions reported in the comparative examples provided, in addition to a lower yield, also a lower purity of the compounds (as measured by HPLC). A person with ordinary skill in the art knows well that, in pharmaceutical field, very high values of purity are requested and therefore even one percentage point of purity (as measured by HPLC) is considered extremely important for such compounds, which could not otherwise be used as such but should undergo repeated purifications until they achieve the purity requested by pharmaceutical standards, resulting in an increase of working loads and industrial production costs.