The present invention relates to compounds that are useful as an active ingredient of a medicament for preventive and/or therapeutic treatment of diseases caused by abnormal activation of CXCR3 chemokines.

Chemokines are a large family of small soluble proteins of about 8 to 10 kDa in size. One of the major roles of chemokines is to direct the migration of immune cells. The mechanism by which the movement of cells is guided is the chemical attraction of the cells expressing the relevant chemokine receptor on their surface toward the concentration gradient of the corresponding chemokine.

Some chemokines are homeostatic in function as they regulate the trafficking of cells in a day to day manner. Such homeostatic chemokines, for example direct the homing of lymphocytes to the lymph nodes or they have effect on development by promoting or inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels - thus exerting angiogenic or angiostatic effects.

Other chemokines are expressed in response to inflammation or injury. These inflammatory chemokines regulate the recruitment of specific leukocyte populations into the inflamed tissue that in turn they can elicit the release of specific regulatory and enzymatic factors from the activated immune cells. The expression of these inflammatory chemokines is typically induced by interleukin-1 (IL-1) or interferon-γ (IFN-γ) from various types of cells.

Chemokines exert their function via binding to specific chemokine receptors that are expressed on the cell surface. The chemokine receptors are about 340-360 amino acids long, and they belong to the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) super family. To date, approximately 50 chemokines have been identified. Many of them can bind to the same receptor and particular chemokines can also bind to several chemokine receptors. Presently we know altogether 20 different chemokine receptors for these 50 known chemokines [Groom, J.R. and Luster, A.D. 2011. Immunology and Cell Biology, 1-9]. More recently different splice variants have also been described for some chemokine receptors that may have different expression patterns and different physiological or pathophysiological roles.

CXCR3 is an inflammatory chemokine receptor which is predominantly expressed on activated immune cells such as the CD4 (Thl helper) and CD 8 (CTL cytotoxic or Tc) T lymphocytes. CXCR3 is absent on naive T lymphocytes, but its cell surface expression is rapidly induced following T cell activation by dendritic cells. CXCR3 is also expressed on innate lymphocytes such as natural killer cells (NK) and NKT cells, on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) [Groom, J.R. and Luster, A.D. 201 1. Immunology and Cell Biology, 1-9], on inflammatory neutrophils and macrophages.

CXCR3 is selectively activated by three interferon-inducible chemokines, CXCL9 (also termed as Mig), CXCL10 (IP- 10) and CXCL1 1 (I-TAC). Activation of CXCR3 by these endogenous agonists elicits intracellular Ca mobilization via phospholipases C (PLC) and, in addition, activation of both mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP-kinase) and PI3 -kinase [Liu, M; Guo, S; Hibbert, J.M; Jain, V; Sinh, N Wilson, N.O; and Stiles, J.K. 201 1. Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews, 22: 121-130.]. These intracellular events finally result in stimulation of lymphocyte migration and proliferation. CXCR3 plays a key role in selective recruitment of activated immune cells to the site of inflammation. Once recruited, cytotoxic T cells (CTL), through the release of perforin and granzyme B, induce apoptosis, thereby contributing to local tissue damage and subsequent remodelling. At the site of inflammation the recruited Thl and CTL cells release IFN-gamma that stimulates epithelial cells and macrophages to further release of CXCR3 agonists that leads to a persistent inflammatory activation.

Strong Thl and CTL responses are beneficial during acute infection, but these responses must be counterbalanced to prevent unwanted tissue destruction and chronic immunopathological changes [Groom, J.R. and Luster, A.D. 201 1. Experimental Cell Research 317: 620-631]. In this respect CXCR3 antagonists are suggested to have significant therapeutic relevance.

More recent studies demonstrated that CXCR3 is also expressed on human CD25+ FOXP3+ regulatory CD4+ T cells (Treg) and the level of CXCR3 increases on Treg cells following activation [Vandercappellen, J et al, 2011. Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews 22: 1- 18.]. This observation suggests that CXCR3 may participate in mediation of trafficking of Treg cells. Treg cells migrate to the peripheral sites of inflammation, where they exert suppressive activity on CD4+ Thl and CD8+ CTL cells [Hoerning, A et al 201 1. Eur J Immunol, online manuscript, accepted: April 26, 2011. DOI: 10.1002/eji.201041095], Thus Treg cells are important for suppressing the immune responses, maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune responses. For the time being little is known about the expression pattern of CXCR3 on Treg subsets or the association of CXCR3 with Treg immunoregulatory functions. However, this finding may explain some reported variable functional effects of CXCR3 blockade in different animal models [Hoerning, A et al 201 1. Eur J Immunol, online manuscript, accepted: April 26, 2011. DOI: 10.1002/eji.201041095] or the variable effects of CXCR3 blockade in different types of allograft rejection.

As of today, there are three splice variants for CXCR3 described in humans: CXCR3-A, CXCR3-B [Romagnani, P; Lasagni, L; Annunziato, F; Serio, M. and Romagnani, S. 2004. TRENDS in Immunology, 25: 201-209.] and CXCR3-alt. CXCR3-A is the most abundant variant, it couples to Gi/o type of G-proteins and it mediates chemotaxis and cell proliferation.

The splice variant CXCR3-B is thought to be expressed on endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells and mediates angiostatic effects [Strieter, R.M; Burdick, M.D; Gomperts, B.N; Belperio, A.; Keane, M.P. 2011. Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews 16:593-609.]. CXCR3-B can bind not only the three well known CXCR3 agonists, CXCL9 (Mig), CXCL10 (IP- 10) and CXCL1 1 (I-TAC) but also a forth one, CXCL4 (PF-4), which is a selective, CXCR3- B specific chemokine agonist. Activation of CXCR3-B is supposed to mediate the activation of the Gs, the stimulatory type of G-proteins that in turn causes an intracellular cAMP rise, which finally results in angiostatic effects and inhibition of cell proliferation. More recent studies, however, showed that the alternative CXCR3-B splice variant does not exist in mice [Campanella, G.S.V; Colvin, R.A; and Luster, A.D. 2010. PLoS ONE 5(9): el2700. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012700] and, in addition to it, the same authors in their experiments with human endothelial cells also demonstrated that CXCL10 can inhibit endothelial cell proliferation independently of CXCR3 receptors. As of today, there are some controversial observations on the putative roles of the different alternative CXCR3 splice variants and thus further studies are still needed in order to clarify and understand their physiological and pathophysiological roles.

On the other hand, it is widely accepted that T lymphocytes play crucial regulatory function in the immune system [Wijtmans, M; Verzijl, D; Leurs, R; de Esch, I.J.P; and Smit, M.J. 2008. ChemMedChem. 3:861-872.] and [Muller, M; Carter, M.J; Hofert, J; and Campbell, I.L. 2010. Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology, 36:368-387.]. Their special roles are also indicated by the fact that 15 chemokine receptors out of the 20 known ones, are expressed among the different subpopulations of T lymphocytes [Pease and Williams, Br. J. Pharmacol. 2006. 147, S212]. T cells are implicated in many inflammatory diseases.

Clinical evidences showed significant overexpression of CXCR3 receptor and/or its endogenous agonists (CXCLI O, CXCL1 1) in multiple autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, such as e.g.

(i) in peripheral airways of COPD patients [Donnelly, L.E. and Barnes , P.J. Trends in Pharmacol Sci 27(10): 564-553.],

(/ ) in skin biopsies from patients with moderate to severe psoriasis [Chen, S-C; Groot, M.; Kinsley, D; Laverty, M; McClanahan, T; Arreaza, M; Gustafson, E.L; Teunissen, M.B.M; Rie, M.A; Jay, S.F; and Kraan, M. 2010. Arch. Dermatol. Rev. 302: 1 13-123],

(in) in lymph nodes and islets of type 1 diabetic patients [Uno, S; Imagawa, A; Saisho, K; Okita, K; Iwahashi, H; Hanafusai, T; and Shimomura, I. 2010. Endocrine Journal. 57(1 1): 991-996.]

(iv) in acute allograft rejection (lung, heart, kidney and skin grafts) [Wenczel, J. Lucas, S; Zahn, S; Mikus, S; Metze, D; Stadter, S, et al, 2008. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 58:437-442.]

(v) in colon biopsies of patients with ulcerative colitis [Singh, U.P. Singh, R; Singh, S; Karls, R.K; Quinn, F.D; Taub, D.D; and Lillard Jr J.W. 2008. BMC Immunology 9:25]

and (ν/ ^' ) in thymus from myasthenia gravis patients [Pease, J.E and Horuk, R. 2009. Expert Opin

Ther Patents, 19 (2): 199-221].

In animals, CXCR3-KO mice display blocked T cell migration into bronchoalveolar space following noxious stimuli such as cigarette smoke (murine model of COPD). CXCLlO-gene deficient or CXCR3-KO mice showed prolonged allograft survival in murine models of transplant rejection (cardiac and pancreatic island allografts).

Blocking the activation of CXCR3 by antagonists represents a possible approach for the treatment of diseases such as COPD [Hansel, T.T. and Barnes, P.J. 2009. Lancet, 374:744-755], psoriasis [Krueger, J.G. and Bowcock, A. 2005. Ann. Rheum. Dis. 64: Suppl.IL: ii30-ii36.], graft/transplant rejection [Hancock, W.W; Lu, B; Gao, W; Cziszmadia, V; Faia, K; King, J.A;

Smileey, S.T; Ling, M; Gearad, N.P; and Gerard, C. 2000. J Exp Med 192: 1515-1519.], ophthalmological diseases [Sorensen, T.L; Roed, H; Sellebjerg, F. 2004. Br. J. Opthalmol. 88:1 146-1148.], celiac disease [Lammers, K.M; Khandelwal, S; Chaudhry, F; Kryszak, D; Puppa,

E.L; Casolaro; V; and Fasano, A. 2010. Immunology, 132:432-440.], inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [Nishimura, M; Kuboi, Y; Muramato, K; Kawano, T; and Imai, T. 2009. Autoimmunity: Ann N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1 173:350-356.], type 1 diabetes [Shimida, A; Oikawa, Y; Yamada, Y; Okubo, Y; and Narumi, S. 2009. Review of Diabetic Studies, 6(2): 81-84], myasthenia gravis (MG) [Pease, J.E and Horuk, R. 2009. Expert Opin Ther Patents, 19 (2): 199- 221], multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neuroinflammatory diseases [Miiller, M; Carter, M.J; Hofert, J; and Campbell, I.L. 2010. Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology, 36:368-387.], lupus [Lacotte, S; Brun, S; Muller, S; and Dumortier, H. 2009. Autoimmunity: Ann N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1173:310-317.], rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [Brightling, C; Ammit, A.J; Kaur, D; Black, J.L; Wardlaw, A.J; Hughes, J.M; and Bradding, P. 2005. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 171 : 1 103- 1 108.], lichen planus [Meller, S; Gillier, M; and Homey, B. 2009. J. Investigative Dermatology. 129: 315-319.].

Targeting CXCR3 appears a more straightforward way to treat the condition as this abrogates the effects of all three endogenous CXCR3 chemokines at the same time.

Assorted patent applications and granted patents disclose inhibitors of chemokines or CXCR3 receptor, such as WO2003087063, WO200604924, WO2009094168 and WO2009105435 but the known compounds are structurally very different from the compounds according to the present invention.

We aimed to prepare new CXCR3 receptor antagonist compounds, which have strong antagonistic effect and are selective to the CXCR3 receptor. We also aimed that the stability, bioavailability, metabolism, therapeutic index, toxicity and solubility of the new compounds allow their development into a drug substance. A further aim was that the compounds, due to their favourable enteric absorption, can be administered orally.

Thus, the inventors of the present invention have identified compounds represented by the following formula 1 possessing inhibitory activity against CXCR3 receptors.

The present invention thus provides a compound of formula 1

1 -wherein

R represents hydrogen, C _1-4 alkyl, C ₃ . ₈ cycloalkyl, C| _-4 halogenalkyl or halogenphenyl group;

R' represents H, or

R and R' represent together with the carbon atom attached a C ₄ aliphatic ring;

R ¹ represents a group selected from the group consisting of

-wherein

A represents a direct bond or CH ₂ , CH(CH ₃ ), C(CH ₃ ) ₂ or C(CH ₂ ) ₂ group;

R ₂ represents CI, Me or CF ₃ ;

R ₃ represents H, CI or F;

R4 represents H or C 1.4 alkyl group;

R5 represents heteroaryl group selected from the group consisting of

X represents O, S or CH ₂ group;

Y represents hydrogen, halogen, C _1-4 alkyl Ci _-4 alkoxy or Ci _-4 hydroxyalkyl group;

Z represents a C aliphatic hydrocarbon bridge optionally containing one double bond, and/or one or more heteroatom selected from O, S, NH and N(CH ₃ ) or represents a C _2-4 aliphatic hydrocarbon bridge optionally containing N fused with a C _3-6 cycloalkyl ring optionally containing one or more double bond or with a phenyl ring or represents a C aliphatic hydrocarbon bridge substituted with a spiro C _3-6 cycloalkyl ring optionally containing one or more double bond; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for the preparation of a compound of formula 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, stereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer, comprising the steps of reductive amination of a benzaldehyde of formula

-wherein X, Y and Z have the meaning as defined above- with a primary amine of formula 5

R ¹ NH ₂

5

-wherein R ¹ has the meaning as defined above- reacting the obtained secondary amine of formula 2

2

-wherein X, Y, Z and R ¹ have the meaning as defined above- with an aldehyde or cycloalkylketone of formula 3

- wherein R and R' have the meaning as defined above - and optionally hydrolyzing the obtained ester of formula 1. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition containing at least one compound of formula 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, stereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

According to a further aspect the present invention is directed to the compounds of formula 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, stereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer for use in the preventive and/or therapeutic treatment of a CXCR3 receptor mediated disease or disorder, especially of a disease or disorder selected from the group consisting of COPD, psoriasis, graft/transplant rejection, ophthalmological disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), type 1 diabetes, myasthenia gravis (MG), multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neuroinflammatory diseases, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lichen planus.

In addition the present invention is directed to a method of treating a CXCR3 receptor mediated disease or disorder, especially of a disease or disorder selected from the group consisting of COPD, psoriasis, graft/transplant rejection, ophthalmological disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), type 1 diabetes, myasthenia gravis (MG), multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neuroinflammatory diseases, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lichen planus comprising administering an effective amount of a compound of formula 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer to a patient in need thereof. As used above and throughout the description of the invention, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, are to be understood to have the following meanings:

The Ci-4 alkyl group represents a straight or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, for example, methyl group, ethyl group, n-propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, isobutyl group, sec-butyl group, tert-butyl group, and the like.

The Ci-4 alkoxy group represents an above identified alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and attached through an oxygen atom, for example, methoxy group, ethoxy group, propoxy group, isopropoxy group, butoxy group, isobutoxy group, sec-butoxy group, tert-butoxy group, and the like.

The C hydroxyalkyl group represents an above indentified alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and bearing one or more hydroxy group, for example, hydroxymethyl group, 1- hydroxy-ethyl group, 2- hydroxy-ethyl group, 1-, 2- or 3- hydroxy- n-propyl group, 1- or 2- hydroxy-isopropyl group, and the like

The C _3- 8 cycloalkyl group represents a cyclic alkyl group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms in the ring, for example cyclopropyl group, cyclobutyl group, cyclopentyl group, cyclohexyl group, cycloheptyl group or cyclooctyl group.

The halogen atom represents a fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom.

The CM halogenalkyl group represents an above identified alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and bearing one or more halogen atom, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom, particularly fluorine or chlorine atom, for example chloromethyl group, fluoromethyl group, 1- or 2-chloro- or -fluoro-ethyl group, 1 -, 2- or 3-chIoro- or -fluoro-proyl group, 1- or 2-dichloro- or -difluoro-ethyl group, 1-, 2- or 3-dichloro- or -difluoro-propyl group, 1 -trichloro- or -trifluoro-ethyl group or 1 -trichloro- or -trifluoro-propyl group and the like.

The halogenphenyl group represents a phenyl moiety bearing on the ring one or more halogen atom, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom, particularly fluorine or chlorine atom in any position, for example o-, m- or p-chloro-phenyl group, o-, m- or p-fluoro-pehnyl group, 2,3-, 2,4- or 2,5-dichloro- or -difluoro-phenyl group, 2,3,4-, 2,4,5- or 3,4,5-trichloro- or - trifluoro-phenyl group, 2-chloro-3-, -4- or -5-fluoro-phenyl group or 2-fluoro-3-, -4- or -5-chloro- phenyl group and the like.

The C ₄ aliphatic ring represents a cyclobutyl ring.

The C(CH ₂ )2 group means 1,1-cyclopropanediyl group

The CM aliphatic hydrocarbon bridge optionally containing one double bond and/or one or more heteroatom selected from O, S, NH and N(CH ₃ ) means an alkandiyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and optionally containing one double bond and/or one or more heteroatom selected from O, S, NH and N(CH ₃ ), for example -C¾-CH ₂ -, -CH ₂ -0-, -CH ₂ -S-, -CH ₂ -NH-, -CH ₂ - N(CH ₃ )-, -CH ₂ -C¾-CH ₂ -, -CH=CH-N(CH ₃ )-, -N=CH-N(CH ₃ )-, and the like.

The C _2-4 aliphatic hydrocarbon bridge optionally containing N fused with a C _3-6 cycloalkyl ring optionally containing one or more double bond or with a phenyl ring means an alkandiyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms which optionally contains N as heteroatom, and which is fused with a cycloalkyl ring having 3 to 6 carbon atoms and optionally containing one or more double bond or with a phenyl ring for example -CH(CH ₂ )CH-,

The Ci-4 aliphatic hydrocarbon bridge substituted with a spiro C3-6 cycloalkyl ring optionally containing one or more double bond means an alkandiyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and substituted with a spiro cycloalkyl ring having 3 to 6 carbon atoms and optionally

containing one or more double bond, means for example

By salts of the compounds of the formula 1 we mean salts formed with inorganic and organic acids. Preferred salts are those given with pharmaceutically acceptable acids as for instance hydrochloric acid, and the like. The salts formed during purification or isolation are also subject of the invention.

The compounds represented by the aforementioned formula 1 may have one or more asymmetric carbon atoms. Thus, they can exist in the form of optical isomers, enantiomers or diastereoisomers. These optical isomers, enantiomers and diastereoisomers as well as their mixtures, including the racemates, are also subject of the invention.

An embodiment of the invention includes the compound of formula 1

Wherein

R represents hydrogen, C alkyl, C3 _-8 - cycloalkyl, C halogenalkyl or

halogenphenyl group;

R' represents hydrogen or

R and R' represent together with the carbon atom attached a C ₄ aliphatic ring;

R ¹ represents a group selected from the group consisting of

-wherein

A represents a direct bond or CH ₂ , CH(CH ₃ ), C(CH ₃ ) ₂ or C(CH ₂ ) ₂ group;

R ₂ represents CI, Me or CF ₃ ;

R ₃ represents hydrogen, CI or F;

R4 represents hydrogen or Ci_4 alkyl group;

R5 represents heteroaryl group selected from the group consisting of

X represents O, S or CH ₂ group;

Ύ represents halogen, C _{1 -4} alkyl or C ₁ .4 alkoxygroup;

Z represents (CH ₂ ) ₂ , CH ₂ N(CH) ₃ or CH=CH-N(CH ₃ ) group;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a compound of formula 1, wherein R ⁴ represents hydrogen, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a compound of formula 1, wherein R ¹ represents a group selected from the group consisting of

wherein A represents C¾ group;

R ₂ represents CI, Me or CF ₃ ;

R ₃ represents hydrogen, CI, or F;

R4 represents hydrogen;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a compound of formula 1, wherein R represents a group selected from the group consisting of

wherein R ₂ represents CI;

R ₃ represents hydrogen, CI, or F;

R represents hydrogen;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a compound of formula 1, wherein X represents an O atom- or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a compound of formula 1, wherein Y represents halogen, CH ₃ , C ₂ H ₅ or OCH ₃ group or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer. Another embodiment of the invention includes a compound of formula 1, wherein Y represents CI, F, CH ₃ , C2H5 or OCH ₃ group or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a compound of formula 1, wherein Z represents (CH ₂ ) ₂ CH ₂ N(CH ₃ ), CH=N(CH ₃ ) group or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer.Another embodiment of the invention includes a compound of formula 1, wherein Z represents (CH ₂ ) ₂ group or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a compound of formula 1, wherein

R represents hydrogen, C alkyl group, C _3-6 cycloalkyl or fluorophenyl group;

R' represents hydrogen;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer.

An other embodiment of the invention includes a compound of formula 1, wherein

R represents hydrogen, C _1-4 alkyl, C _3-6 cycloalkyl or fluorophenyl group;

R' represents hydrogen;

R ¹ represents a group selected from the group consisting of

wherein A represents CH ₂ group;

R ₂ represents CI, Me or CF ₃ ;

R ₃ represents hydrogen, CI, or F;

R ₄ represents hydrogen;

X represents O, S or C¾ group;

Y halogen, CH ₃ , C ₂ H ₅ or OCH ₃ group;

Z represents (CH ₂ ) ₂ , CH ₂ N(CH) ₃ or CH=CH-N(CH ₃ ) group; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer.

Particularly compounds of the present invention represented by formula 1 include compounds selected from the group consisting of:

1. 3 -(2,3 -Dihydro-benzofuran-5 -yl)-3 -( {4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy]-3 - methoxy-benzyl} -isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

I .1 3-(2,3-Dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolid in-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-ethoxy- benzyl}-isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid ethyl ester naphthalene- 1,5-disulfonic acid salt 2. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-eth oxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl}- isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

3. 3 -(Cyclopentylmethyl- {4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methoxy-benzyl } - amino)-3-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

4. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(isobutyl- { 3 -methoxy-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H- pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

5. f5!)-3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(isobutyl-{3-methoxy-4-[2-(3-meth yl-2,6-dioxo-3,6-dihydro- 2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

6. ^ -3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(isobutyl-{3-methoxy-4-[2-(3-methyl-2 ,6-dioxo-3,6-dihydro- 2H -pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

7. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclobutyl-{3-methyl-4-[2-(3-methyl-2 ,6-dioxo-3,6-dihydro-2H- pyrimidin-1 -yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

8. 1 -[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-( {4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3-methyl-benzyl} - propyl-amino)-methyl] -cyclopropanecarboxylic acid

9. 5 -3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-et hoxy]-3-methyl-benzyl}- propyl-amino)-propionic acid

10. i? 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-eth oxy]-3-methyl-benzyl}- propyl-amino)-propionic acid

I I . ₍ ¾^-3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl- {4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l- yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

12. ? -3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2, 5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l - yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl} -amino)-propionic acid; hydrochloride 13. (S) -3 -(Cyclopropylmethy 1- {4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -fluoro-benzyl } - amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

14. (7?^-3-(Cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)- ethoxy]-3-fluoro-benzyl}- amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

15. (S)-3-({3 -Chloro-4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl} -cyclopropyl-ethyl- amino)-3-(4-chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

16. (^-3-({3-Chloro-4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-ben zyl}-cyclopropyl-ethyl- amino)-3 -(4-chloro-3 -fluoro-phenyl)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

17. 5 -3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2, 5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)- ethoxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

18. ^?j-3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2- (2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l- yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

19. (S)-3 -(4-ChIoro-3 -fluoro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclopropylmethyl- {4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 - yl)-ethoxy]-3-fluoro-benzyI}-amino)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

20. (7?)-3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2 -(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l- yl)-ethoxy] -3 -fluoro-benzyl }-amino)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

21. (S)-3 -(4-Chloro-3 -fluoro-phenyl)-3 -( { 4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -fluoro- benzyl }-isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

22. ^? -3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin -l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-fluoro- benzyl} -isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

23. (S)-3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclopropylmethyl - {4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] - 3 -methyl -benzyl }-amino)-propionic acid

24. (S)-3 -(4-Chloro-3 -fluoro-phenyl)-3 -( { 4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methyl- benzyl} -isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

25. ^ -3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin -l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methyl- benzyl}-isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

26. (S ⁾ -3-(Cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl )-ethoxy]-3-methyl-benzyl}- amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

27. (¾)-3-(Cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)-ethoxy]-3-methyl-benzyl}- amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid 28. f ^" S 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-py rrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]- 3 -ethyl-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

29. ^?j-3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-diox o-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]- 3 -ethyl-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

30. (S)-3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclohexylmethyl- { 3 -methyl-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,5-dioxo- imidazolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

31. ^ -3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclohexylmethyl-{3-methyl-4-[2-(3-m ethyl-2,5-dioxo- imidazolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

32. fS -3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{3-methyl -4-[2-(3-methyl-2,5- dioxo-imidazolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

33. (7? 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{3-niethyl -4-[2-(3-methyl-2,5- dioxo-imidazolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

34. (S) -3 -(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclohexylmethyl- {3 -methyl-4- [2-(3-methyl-2,5 - dioxo-imidazolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

35. ( ? 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclohexylmethyl-{3-methyl-4 -[2-(3-methyl-2,5- dioxo-imidazolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

36. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-py rrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3- methoxy-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

37. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-eth oxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl}- propyl-amino)-propionic acid

38. 3-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy -benzyl}-amino)-3-(4- chloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

39. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-py rrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3- methoxy-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

40. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclohexylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyr rolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3- methoxy-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

41. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy- benzyl } -propyl-amino)-propionic acid

42. 3 -(4-Chloro-3 -fluoro-phenyl)-3 -( { 4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methoxy- benzyl }-isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid 43. 3-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy -benzyl}-amino)-3-(4- chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-propionic acid

44. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclohexylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5- dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)- ethoxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

45. 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl} - amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

46. 3 -(3 ,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3 -( {4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methoxy- benzyl } -propyl-amino)-propionic acid

47. 3 -(3 ,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3 -( {4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methoxy- benzyl} -isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

48. 3 -(Butyl- {4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methoxy-benzyl } -amino)-3 -(3 ,4- dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

49. 3-(Cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethox y]-3-methoxy-benzyl}- amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

50. 3-(Cyclohexylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy ]-3-methoxy-benzyl}- amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

51. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-py rrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3- fluoro-benzyl} -amino)-propionic acid

52. ? -3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-et hoxy]-3-fluoro-benzyl}- propyl-amino)-propionic acid

53. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -( {4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy]-3 -fluoro-benzyl } - isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

54. 3-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-fluoro- benzyl}-amino)-3-(4-chloro- phenyl)-propionic acid

55. (R)-3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclobutylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo -pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]- 3 -fluoro-benzyl }-amino)-propionic acid

56. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl- {4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy]-3- fluoro-benzyl} -amino)-propionic acid

57. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclohexylmethyl- {4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 - fluoro-benzyl} -amino)-propionic acid 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-fluoro- benzyl}-propyl-amino)-propionic acid

3-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-fluoro- benzyl}-amino)-3-(4-chloro- 3-fluoro-phenyl)-propionic acid

3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl- {4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)- ethoxy] -3 -fluoro-benzyl} -amino)-propionic acid

3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclohexylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5- dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)- ethoxy]-3-fluoro-benzyl} -amino)-propionic acid

3-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-] -yl)-ethoxy]-3-fluoro-benzyl}- propyl-amino)-propionic acid

3 -(3 ,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3 -( {4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy]-3 -fluoro-benzyl } - isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

3 -(Butyl- (4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -fluoro-benzyl } -amino)-3 -(3 ,4- dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

3 -(Cyclopentylmethyl- {4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -fluoro-benzyl } - amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

3-(Cyclohexylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy ]-3-fluoro-benzyl}-amino) 3 -(3 ,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -( { 4-[2-(2, 5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methyl -benzyl } - ethyl-amino)-propionic acid

3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclobutyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidi n-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methyl- benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-eth oxy]-3-methyl-benzyl}- isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

3 -(Butyl- { 4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3-methyl-benzyl } -amino)-3 -(4- chloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

(^ 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclobutylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyr rolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]- 3 -methyl -benzyl }-amino)-propionic acid

3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-py rrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3- methyl-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid 73. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclohexylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyr rolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3- methyl -benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

74. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)- ethoxy] -3 -methyl-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

75. 3 -(4-Chloro-3 -fluoro-phenyl)-3 -( {4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy]-3 -methyl- benzyl } -propyl-amino)-propionic acid

76. 3-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methyl- benzyl}-amino)-3-(4- chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-propionic acid

77. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)- ethoxy] -3 -methyl-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

78. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclohexylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5- dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)- ethoxy] -3 -methyl-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

79. 3-(3 ,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3 -( {4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methyl-benzyl } - propyl-amino)-propionic acid

80. 3-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl) -ethoxy]-3-methyl-benzyl}- isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

81. 3-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methyl- benzyl}-amino)-3-(3,4- dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

82. 3 -(Cyclopentylmethyl- {4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methyl-benzyl } - amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

83. 3-(Cyclohexylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy ]-3-methyl-benzyl}- amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

84. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclopropylmethyl- {4- [2-(2, 5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 - ethyl -benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

85. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)-ethoxy]-3-ethyl-benzyl}- propyl-amino)-propionic acid

86. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -( { 4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy]-3 -ethyl -benzyl } - isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

87. 3-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)-ethoxy]-3-ethyl-benzyl}-amino)-3-(4-chloro- phenyl)-propionic acid 88. (S)-3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclobutylmethyl- {4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] - 3 -ethyl-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

89. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclohexylmethyl- { 4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 - ethyl-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

90. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)- ethoxy] -3 -ethyl-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

91. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- l -yl)-ethoxy]-3-ethyl- benzyl } -propyl-amino)-propionic acid

92. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-ethyl- benzyl }-isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

93. 3-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-ethyl-b enzyl}-amino)-3-(4-chloro- 3-fluoro-phenyl)-propionic acid

94. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)- ethoxy] -3 -ethyl-benzyl }-amino)-propionic acid

95. 3 -(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclohexylmethyl- {4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)- ethoxy]-3-ethyl-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

96. 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethox y]-3-ethyl-benzyl}-amino)- 3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

97. 3-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl) -ethoxy]-3-ethyl-benzyl}- propyl-amino)-propionic acid

98. 3-(3 ,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3 -( {4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -ethyl-benzyl } - isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

99. 3 -(Butyl- {4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -ethyl-benzyl } -amino)-3 -(3 ,4- dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

100. 3-(Cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethox y]-3-ethyl-benzyl}-amino)- 3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

101. 3 -(Cyclohexylmethyl- {4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -ethyl-benzyl } -amino)- 3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

102. 3 -( { 3 -Chloro-4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -cyclopropylmethyl- amino)-3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-propionic acid; hydrochloride 103. 3 -( { 3 -Chloro-4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -propyl-amino)-3 -(4- chloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

104. (S 3-({3-Chloro-4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -cyclobutylmethyl - amino)-3 -(4-chloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

105. 3 -( { 3 -Chloro-4-[2-(2, 5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl } -propyl-amino)-3 -(4- chloro-3 -fluoro-phenyl)-propionic acid

106. 3 -( { 3 -Chloro-4- [2-(2, 5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -cyclopropy lmethyl- amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

107. 3-({3-Chloro-4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl }-propyl-amino)-3-(3,4- dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

108. (S) -(Cyclopropylmethyl- { 4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methoxy-benzyl } - amino)-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-acetic acid

109. f _l S)-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl}- propyl-amino)-acetic acid

110. (R)-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy- benzyl}-isobutyl-amino)-acetic acid

111. (R)-(Cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-eth oxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl}- amino)-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-acetic acid

112. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(ethyl-{3-methyl-4-[2-(3-methyl-2,6-di oxo-3,6-dihydro-2H- pyrimidin-l-yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl }-amino)-propionic acid

113. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -( { 3-methy 1-4 - [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl }-propyl-amino)-propionic acid

114. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclopropylmethyl- { 3 -methyl-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6- dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

115. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(ethyl-{3-methoxy-4-[2-(3-methyl-2,6-d ioxo-3,6-dihydro-2H- pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

116. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{3-methoxy-4-[2-(3- methyl-2,6-dioxo-3,6- dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

117. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({3-methoxy-4-[2-(3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- l-yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-propyl-amino)-propionic acid 1 18. 3-(Butyl-{3-methoxy-4-[2-(3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-3,6-dihydro-2H- pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy]- benzyl } -amino)-3 -(4-chloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

1 19. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclobutyl-{3-methoxy-4-[2-(3-methyl- 2,6-dioxo-3,6-dihydro- 2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

120. 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl-{3-methoxy-4-[2-(3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-3,6 -dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- l -yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)- propionic acid

121. 3-(2,3-Dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-3-(isobutyl-{3-methoxy-4-[2- (3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-3,6- dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

122. 3 -(Butyl- {3 -methoxy-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] - benzyl}-amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

123. 3 -(2,3 -Dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-3 -( { 3 -methoxy-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro- 2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -propyl-amino)-propionic acid

124. 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl-{3-methoxy-4-[2-(3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-3,6 -dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- l-yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propion ic acid

125. 3-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3-({3-methoxy-4-[2-(3-methyl-2,6-dio xo-3,6-dihydro-2H- pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -propyl-amino)-propionic acid

126. 3 -(3 ,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3 -(ethyl- { 3 -methoxy-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H- pyrimidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

127. 3-(Cyclopentylmethyl-{3-methoxy-4-[2-(3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-3,6 -dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl} -amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

128. 3 -(Cyclohexylmethyl- { 3 -methoxy-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl} -amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

129. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 - [ { 3-methyl-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl } -(3 ,3 ,3 -trifluoro-propyl)-amino] -propionic acid

130. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 - [ { 3 -methoxy-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- l-yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propyl)-amino]-propio nic acid

131. 3 -(Cyclopropy lmethyl- { 3 -methyl-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- 1 - yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-3 -(2,3 -dihydro-benzofuran-5 -yl)-propionic acid

132. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[3-(2,5-dioxo-py rrolidin-l-yl)-propyl]-3- methoxy-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid 133. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -( {4- [3 -(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-propyl] -3 -methoxy -benzyl } - propyl-amino)-propionic acid

134. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -( {4- [3 -(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-propyl] -3 -methoxy-benzyl } - isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

135. 3 -(Butyl- {4- [3-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-propyl]-3-methoxy-benzyl } -amino)-3 -(4- chloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

136. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[3-(2,5-dioxo-py rrolidin-l-yl)-propyl]-3- methoxy-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

137. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -( { 4-[3 -(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-propyl] -3 -methyl-benzyl } - isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

138. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclobutyl- {4- [3 -(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-propyl] -3 -methoxy- benzyl }-amino)-propionic acid

139. 3-(Cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[3-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-propy l]-3-methoxy-benzyl}- amino)-3 -(2,3 -dihydro-benzofuran-5 -yl)-propionic acid

140. 3-(Butyl-{4-[3-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-propyl]-3-methoxy -benzyl}-amino)-3-(2,3- dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

141. 3-(2,3-Dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-3-({4-[3-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolid in-l-yl)-propyl]-3- methoxy-benzyl}-isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

142. 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[3-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-propy l]-3-methyl-benzyl}- amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

143. 3-(Cyclohexylmethyl-{4-[3-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-propyl ]-3-methyl-benzyl}- amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

144. 3-(2,3-Dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolid in-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methyl- benzyl}-isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

145. 3-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methyl- benzyl}-amino)-3-(2,3- dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

146. 3-(Cyclopentylmethyl- {4-[2 -(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methoxy-benzyl } - amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

147. 3-(Cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethox y]-3-methyl-benzyl}- amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid 148. 3-(Cyclohexylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy ]-3-methoxy-benzyl}- amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

149. 3-(Cyclohexylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy ]-3-methyl-benzyl}- amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

150. 3-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy -benzyl}-amino)-3-(2,4- dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

151. 3-(2,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl) -ethoxy]-3-methoxy- benzyl } -isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

152. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -( { 3 -methoxy-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -methyl-amino)-2-methy 1-propionic acid

153. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -(ethyl- { 3 -methoxy-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H- pyrimidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-amino)-2-methyl-propionic acid

154. 3-(2,3-Dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-3-(ethyl-{3-methyl-4-[2-(3-m ethyl-2,6-dioxo-3,6- dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

155. 3-(2,3-Dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-3-({3-methyl-4-[2-(3-methyl- 2,6-dioxo-3,6-dihydro-2H- pyrimidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-propyl-amino)-propionic acid

156. 3 -(Cyclopropylmethyl- { 3 -methoxy-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-3 -(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

157. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 - [ { 4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methyl-benzyl } - (3,3,3-trifluoro-propyl)-amino]-propionic acid

158. 3-(2,3-Dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-3-(isobutyl-{3-methyl-4-[2-( 3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-3,6- dihydro-2H-pyrimidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

159. 3 -(2,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3 -( { 3 -methoxy-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H- pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -propyl-amino)-propionic acid

160. 3-(Cyclopentylmethyl-{3-methyl-4-[2-(3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-3,6- dihydro-2H-pyrimidin-l- yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-p ropionic acid

161. 3 -(Butyl- { 3 -methyl-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yI)-ethoxy]- benzyl}-amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

162. 3 -(2,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3 -( {4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methyl-benzyl } - isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid 163. 3 -(Cyclopropylmethyl- { 4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methyl -benzyl } - amino)-3 -(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

164. 3-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methyl- benzyl}-amino)-3-(2,4- dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

165. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -[ {4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3-methoxy-benzyl } -(4- fluoro-benzyl)-amino]-propionic acid; hydrochloride

166. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-[{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)-ethoxy]-3-methyl-benzyl}-(4- fluoro-benzyl)-amino] -propionic acid; hydrochloride

167. 3-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3-[{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl) -ethoxy]-3-methyl-benzyl}- (3,3,3-trifluoro-propyl)-amino]-propionic acid

168. l-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy -benzyl}-amino)-5-chloro- indan-2-carboxylic acid

169. 5-Chloro-l-(cyclohexylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-y l)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy- benzyl}-amino)-indan-2-carboxylic acid

170. 5-Chloro-l -({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)-ethoxy] -3-methoxy-benzyl} -isobutyl- amino)-indan-2-carboxylic acid

171. 5 -Chloro- 1 -(cyclopentylmethyl- {4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methoxy- benzyl} -amino)-indan-2-carboxylic acid

172. 5-Chloro- 1 -( {4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3-methyl -benzyl } -propyl-amino)- indan-2-carboxylic acid

173. l-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)-ethoxy]-3-methyl-benzyl}-amino)-5-chloro- indan-2-carboxylic acid

174. 5-Chloro-l-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-meth yl-benzyl}-isobutyl- amino)-indan-2-carboxylic acid

175. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-eth oxy]-3-methyl-benzyl}- ethyl-amino)-2-methyl-propionic acid

176. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-eth oxy]-3-methyl-benzyl}- ethyl-amino)-2-methyl-propionic acid

177. 3 -(Butyl- {4- [3 -(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-propyl] -3 -methyl-benzyl } -amino)-3 -(2,3 - dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid 178. 3-({4-[2-(2,5-Dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methyl-benzyl }-propyl-amino)-3-p-tolyl- propionic acid

179. 3 -(Cyclopentylmethyl- {4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3-methoxy-benzyl } - amino)-3-p-tolyl-propionic acid

180. 3 -(Cyclopentylmethyl- { 4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methoxy-benzyl } - amino)-3 -(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-propionic acid

181. 3 -(Cyclohexylmethyl- { 4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methoxy-benzyl } - amino)-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-propionic acid

182. (4-Chloro-phenyl)-( {4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3-methoxy-benzyl } -ethyl- amino)-acetic acid

183. (4-Chloro-phenyl)-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy] -3-methoxy-benzyl}-propyl- amino)-acetic acid

184. Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy-be nzyl}-amino)-(4-chloro- phenyl)-acetic acid

185. (4-Chloro-phenyl)-(cyclopentylmethyl- { 4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 - methoxy-benzyl } -amino)-acetic acid

186. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-eth oxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl}- propyl-amino)-2-methyl-propionic acid

187. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclopropylmethyl- {4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 - methoxy-benzyl }-amino)-2-methyl-propionic acid

188. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-py rrolidin-l-yl)- ethyl sulfanyl] -3 -methoxy-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

189. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)- ethylsulfanyl]-3-methoxy-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

190. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)- ethylsulfanyl] -3 -methoxy-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

191. 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl- {4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethylsulfanyl]-3-methoxy- benzyl } -amino)-3 -(3 ,4-dichloro-pheny l)-propionic acid

192. 3 -(3 ,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3 -( { 4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethylsulfanyl] -3 -methoxy- benzyl }-propyl-amino)-propionic acid 193. 3-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl) -ethylsulfanyl]-3-methoxy- benzyl }-isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

194. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({ 4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methyl-benzyl } - propyl-amino)-2-methyl-propionic acid

195. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-( { 4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -fluoro-benzyl } - propyl-amino)-2-methyl-propionic acid

196. l-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-etho xy]-3-ethyl-benzyl}-propyl- amino)-rnethyl]-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid

197. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl}- ethyl-amino)-2,2-dimethyl-propionic acid

198. (S)-3 -(Cyclohexylmethyl- { 3 -methoxy-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin- 1 -yl)- ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-3 -(3 ,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

199. fS 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{3-rnethyl-4-[2-(3- methyl-2,5-dioxo- imidazolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

200. (S) -3 -(Cyclopentylmethyl- { 3 -methyl-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,5 -dioxo-imidazolidin- 1 -yl)- ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-3 -(3 ,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

201. ^ 3-({3-Chloro-4-[2-(3-methyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-l-yl)-eth oxy]-benzyl}- cyclopentylmethyl-amino)-3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

202. ^ 3-({3-Chloro-4-[2-(3-methyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-l-yl)-eth oxy]-benzyl}- cyclohexylmethyl-amino)-3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

203. 3 -(5-Chloro-thiophen-2-yl)-3 -({4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methyl- benzyl }-propyl-amino)-propionic acid

204. 3-(2,5-Dimethyl-thiophen-3-yl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidi n-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy- benzyl}-propyl-amino)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer.

A particular group of the compounds of the present invention represented by formula 1 include compounds selected from the group consisting of:

1. 3-(2,3-Dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolid in-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3- methoxy-benzyl} -isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-eth oxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl}- isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

(S 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(isobutyl-{3-methoxy-4-[2-(3-methyl-2, 6-dioxo-3,6-dihydro- 2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-prop ionic acid

(S) -3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -( { 4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methyl-benzyl } - propyl-amino)-propionic acid

(S)-3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l- yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl} -amino)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

f'Sj-3-(Cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-y l)-ethoxy]-3-fluoro-benzyl}- amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

(S) -3 -( { 3 -Chloro-4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -cyclopropyl-ethyl- amino)-3 -(4-chloro-3 -fluoro-phenyl)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

(S)-3 -(4-Chloro-3 -fluoro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclopentylmethyl- { 4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1-yl)- ethoxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

fS)-3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l- yl)-ethoxy]-3-fluoro-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

fS -3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-p yrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]- 3 -methyl-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

f ^' S)-3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-py rrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methyl- benzyl}-isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

S)-3-(Cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-et hoxy]-3-methyl-benzyl}- amino)-3-(3 ,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

(7? -3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-p yrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]- 3 -ethyl-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo -pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3- methoxy-benzyl) -amino)-propionic acid

3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -( { 4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methoxy-benzyl } - propyl-amino)-propionic acid

3-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-meth oxy-benzyl}-amino)-3-(4- chloro-phenyl)-propionic acid 17. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclohexylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyr rolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3- methoxy-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

18. 3 -(Butyl- {4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methoxy-benzyl } -amino)-3 -(4- chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-propionic acid

19. 3 -(4-Chloro-3 -fluoro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclohexylmethyl- { 4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)- ethoxy] -3 -methoxy-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

20. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-py rrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3- fluoro-benzyl} -amino)-propionic acid

21. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methyl -benzyl }- isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

22. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclopentylmethyl- {4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -y l)-ethoxy]-3 - methyl-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

23. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)- ethoxy] -3 -methyl-benzyl }-amino)-propionic acid

24. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methyl- benzyl} -propyl-amino)-propionic acid

25. 3 -(Butyl- {4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methyl-benzyl } -amino)-3 -(4- chloro-3 -fluoro-phenyl)-propionic acid

26. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-py rrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3- ethyl -benzyl} -amino)-propionic acid

27. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-eth oxy]-3-ethyl-benzyl}- isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

28. 3-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-ethyl-b enzyl}-amino)-3-(4-chloro- phenyl)-propionic acid

29. 3 -(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3 -(cyclohexylmethyl- { 4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 - ethyl-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

30. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)- ethoxy]-3-ethyl-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

31. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-ethyl- benzyl} -propyl-amino)-propionic acid 32. 3 -(Cyclopropylmethyl- { 3 -methoxy-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- l -yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propioni c acid

33. 3 -(Cyclopentylmethyl- { 3 -methoxy-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin-

1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl} -amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzoruran-5-yl)-propionic acid

34. 3 -(Cyclopropylmethyl- { 3 -methyl-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- 1 - yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-p ropionic acid

35. 3 -(Cyclopentylmethyl- {4- [3 -(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-propyl] -3 -methoxy-benzy 1 } - amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

36. 3-(Butyl-{4-[3-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-propyl]-3-methoxy -benzyl}-amino)-3-(2,3- dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

37. 3-(2,3-Dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-3-({4-[3-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolid in-l-yl)-propyl]-3- methoxy-benzyl } -isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

38. 3-(Butyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methyl- benzyl}-amino)-3-(2,3- dihydro-benzofiiran-5-yl)-propionic acid

39. 3 -(Cyclopentylmethyl- { 4- [2 -(2, 5-dioxo-pyrrol idin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methoxy-benzy 1 } - amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

40. 3-(Cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethox y]-3-methyl-benzyl}- amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

41. 3 -(Cyclohexylmethyl- { 4- [2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrroli din- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -methoxy-benzyl } - amino)-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid

42. 3 -(2,3 -Dihydro-benzofuran-5 -yl)-3 -(ethyl- { 3 -methyl-4- [2-(3 -methyl-2,6-dioxo-3 ,6- dihydro-2H-pyrimidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

43. 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopentylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-py rrolidin-l-yl)- ethylsulfanyl] -3 -methoxy-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

44. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5 -dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)- ethylsulfanyl] -3 -methoxy-benzyl } -amino)-propionic acid

45. 3-(Cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethyl sulfanyl]-3-methoxy- benzyl } -amino)-3 -(3 ,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer.

-wherein

A represents a direct bond or, CH ₂ , CH(CH ₃ ), C(CH ₃ ) ₂ or C(CH ₂ ) ₂ group;

R ₂ represents CI, Me or CF _3;

R ₃ represents H, CI, or F;

R ₄ represents Me or Et group;

R ₅ represents heteroaryl group selected from the roup existing of

X represents O, S or CH ₂ group;

Y represents halogen, Ci_ ₄ alkyl, or C _{) -4} alkoxy group;

Z represents (CH ₂ ) ₂ , CH ₂ N(CH) ₃ or CH=CH-N(CH ₃ ) group;

or a salt thereof. The intermediates of general formula 2 listed in Table 1 are prepared.

2.18.

3-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-3- {4- [2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)- ethoxy] -3 -methyl - benzylamino} -propionic acid ethyl ester

0

2.19.

3-{3-Chloro-4-[2-(2,5-dioxo- pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] - benzylamino } -3-(4-chloro- phenyl)-propionic acid ethyl ester

0

2.20.

3-{3-Chloro-4-[2-(2,5-dioxo- pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] - benzylamino } -3 -(4-chloro-3 - fluoro-phenyl)-propionic acid ethyl ester

o

2.21.

3-{3-Chloro-4-[2-(2,5-dioxo- pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] - benzylamino} -3-(3,4-dichloro- phenyl)-propionic acid ethyl ester

0

2.22.

3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-{4-[2- (2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)- ethoxy] -3 -ethyl-benzylamino } - propionic acid ethyl ester

0

2.23.

3 -(4-Chloro-3 -fluoro-phenyl)- 3-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl)-ethoxy] -3 -ethyl- benzylamino} -propionic acid ethyl ester

0 General procedures:

Starting materials and solvents used in the synthesis are obtained from chemical vendors such as ABCR, Aldrich, Acros, Apollo, Fluka, Netchem, Lancaster and others.

The crude product is purified by column chromatography or flash chromatography.

In first step the appropriate benzaldehydes (4 = 4a and 4b) are synthesized in different way depending on the side chain of dioxoamide derivatives. The synthesis of compound formula 4a, wherein X represents oxygen or sulphur atom is done by alkylation of 4-hydroxy- or 4- mercapto-benzaldehydes 6 with dibromoethane and dioxoamide (route via 6a, 7a) or bromo- ethyldioxoamide derivatives (route via 7) in the presence of a base, preferably K ₂ C0 ₃ , TEA or sodium hydride using acetonitrile, DMF or MEK as solvent as described on Scheme J.

Scheme 1

4 Compounds of formula 4b, wherein X represents -CH ₂ - is synthesized by two methods (Scheme 2):

1. ) Appropriate aldehyde (6.1) is converted to a triflate (6.1a) then a triple-bound containing intermediate (4c), which is produced in a Sonogashira reaction (Sonogashira, K. et al. Tetrahedron Lett. 1975, 16 (50), 4461), is hydrogenated to saturated aldehyde (4b).

2. ) Triflate (6.1a) is protected with ethyleneglycol (6.1b) and coupled in a Suzuki reaction (Suzuki, A. Tetrahedron Lett. 1979, 20 (36), 3437) then the formed vinyl intermediate (4d) is hydrogenated to saturated aldehyde (4b).

Scheme 2

In second step synthesized benzaldehydes (4) are reacted with β-aminoacid esters or free acids (5) in mild reductive amination conditions (sodium triacetoxy borohydride in THF or 2- picoline borane complex in EtOH). The resulted secondary amines (2) are reacted with different aldehydes (3, R'=H) or cyclic ketones (3, R' and R' = aliphatic ring) in reductive amination step again, the formed esters (1, R ⁴ = Me, Et) are hydrolyzed in acidic circumstances. The crude I (R ⁴ = H) is purified by chromatography, crystallization or via salt formation (Scheme 3).

The pure enantiomers of 1 are synthesized via chiral separation from racemic 1 or using chiral β-aminoacid esters or acids (5) as starting materials.

2.) 2N HCI, / Dioxane

Starting materials of formula 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are commercially available or can be prepared by known methods.

As mentioned above the compounds of formula 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, stereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer can be used as active ingredient of a medicament in the preventive and/or therapeutic treatment of a CXCR3 receptor mediated disease or disorder, especially of a disease or disorder selected from the group consisting of COPD, psoriasis, graft/transplant rejection, ophthalmological disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), type 1 diabetes, myasthenia gravis (MG), multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neuroinflammatory diseases, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lichen planus.

As the active ingredient of the medicament of the present invention, a substance may be used which is selected from the group consisting of the compound represented by the aforementioned formula 1 and pharmacologically acceptable salts, or stereoisomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer. The substance, per se, may be administered as the medicament of the present invention, however, it is desirable to administer the medicament in a form of a pharmaceutical composition which comprises the aforementioned substance as an active ingredient and one or more pharmaceutical additives. As the active ingredient of the medicament of the present invention, two or more of the aforementioned substances may be used in combination. The type of pharmaceutical composition is not particularly limited, and the composition may be provided as any formulation for oral or parenteral administration. For example, the pharmaceutical composition may be formulated, for example, in the form of pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration such as granules, fine granules, powders, hard capsules, soft capsules, syrups, emulsions, suspensions, solutions and the like, or in the form of pharmaceutical compositions for parenteral administrations such as injections for intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous administration, drip infusions, transdermal preparations, transmucosal preparations, nasal drops, inhalants, suppositories and the like. Injections or drip infusions may be prepared as powdery preparations such as in the form of lyophilized preparations, and may be used by dissolving just before use in an appropriate aqueous medium such as physiological saline.

Types of pharmaceutical additives used for the manufacture of the pharmaceutical composition, content ratios of the pharmaceutical additives relative to the active ingredient, and methods for preparing the pharmaceutical composition may be appropriately chosen by those skilled in the art. Inorganic or organic substances, or solid or liquid substances may be used as pharmaceutical additives. Generally, the pharmaceutical additives may be incorporated in a ratio ranging from 1 % by weight to 90% by weight based on the weight of an active ingredient.

The dose and frequency of administration of the medicament of the present invention are not particularly limited, and they may be appropriately chosen depending on conditions such as a purpose of preventive and/or therapeutic treatment, a type of a disease, the body weight or age of a patient, severity of a disease and the like. Generally, a daily dose for oral administration to an adult may be 0.01 to 1 ,000 mg (the weight of an active ingredient), and the dose may be administered once a day or several times a day as divided portions, or once in several days. When the medicament is used as an injection, administrations may preferably be performed continuously or intermittently in a daily dose of 0.001 to 100 mg (the weight of an active ingredient) to an adult.

The present invention will be explained more specifically with reference to the following examples, however, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples. Unless otherwise stated, the following abbreviations have the stated meanings in the examples below:

abs. = absolute

AcOH = Acetic acid

[(C ₆ H ₅ ) ₃ P] ₂ PdCl ₂ = Bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) dichloride

cc. HC1 = concentrated hydrogen chloride solution

Cul = copperl iodide

DCM = dichloromethane

Diazald = N-methyl-N-nitroso-/?-toluenesulfonamide

DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide

equiv. = equivalent

Et = ethyl

EtOH = ethanol

Et ₂ 0 = diethyl ether

EtOAc = ethyl acetate

HCCOH = formic acid

HPLC = high performance liquid chromatography

Ipam = isopropyl amine

K ₂ C0 ₃ = potassium carbonate

K ₃ P0 ₄ = potassium phosphate

KBr = potassium bromide

KOH = potassium hydroxide

LC/MS = liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry

MEK = methyl-ethyl ketone

Me = methyl

MeOH = methanol

NaHC0 ₃ = sodium bicarbonate

Na ₂ S0 ₄ = sodium sulfate

NaBH(OAc) ₃ = sodium triacetoxy borohydride

nM = nanomole NaOH = sodium hydroxide

NMR = nuclear magnetic spectroscopy

Pd(OAc) ₂ = palladium(II) acetate

r.t. = room temperature

TBAB = tetrabutylammonium bromide

TEA = triethylamine

THF = tetrahydrofurane

TsOH =/?-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate Analytical LC/MS is performed using Waters Alliance 2695 + 2996 PDA at 220 nm.

A system) MS: Waters LCT Premier XE; Column: Atlantis dC18 (3 μιη) 2.1 50mm; flow 0.7 ml/min of acetonitrile/water/0.05% TFA gradient in ESI+ mode

B system) MS: Micromass ZQ; Column: Purospher-STAR RP18e (3 μηι) 4.6x55mm; flow 1.6 ml/min of water/acetonitril/20mM NH ₄ OH gradient or Xterra MS-C18 (3.5 μΜ) 2.1x50mm; flow: 1.0 ml/min of water/acetonitril/20mM NH ₄ OH gradient in ESI+ mode.

Preparative chiral PLC is performed using Berger Prep SFC at 210 nm;

C system) Column: Chiralpack IC 250 x 21 mm (5 μιη) Flow: 50 ml/min; CO2/[Methanol/+0.5%Ipam] 70% / 30% (other circumstances are detailed in examples).

For structural confirmation NMR spectra are measured for all compounds as well. The NMR spectra are recorded on a Bruker Advance II 400 MHz spectrometer at ambient temperature in DMSO-dis solution. The chemical shifts are referred to tetramethylsilane (δ, ppm). In some cases not only Ή but ¹³ C, ed-HSQC, zqs-TOCSY and HMBC spectra are also recorded.

Precursor preparations

Intermediate 4.1 4-[2-(2,5-Dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy-benzaldeh yde

6.1 7.1 4.1 A method: 6.85 g (45 mmol) of vanilline (6.1) and 10.2 g (49.5 mmol) l-(2-bromo-ethyl)- pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (7.1) is heated with 8.28 g (60 mmol) K ₂ C0 ₃ in 200 ml of acetonitrile under reflux for 15 h. Precipitated KBr is filtered off, the filtrate is evaporated, the residue is dissolved in 200 ml of dichloromethane, washed with water and 2N NaOH solution, dried with Na ₂ S0 ₄ and evaporated. The remaining oil is triturated with n-hexane to result the desired 4.1 in white crystals. Yield: 6.88 g (55%). (M+H) ⁺ = 278, R _t (A) = 1.90 min, purity 97.6%.

1H-NMR: 2.64 (s, 4H), 3.77 (t, 2H), 2.75 (s, 3H), 4.21 (t, 3H), 7.17 (d,lH), 7.40 (d, 1H), 7.5

B method: 1 1.66 g (45 mmol) of 4-(2-bromo-ethoxy)-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde (6.2) and 4.46 g (45 mmol) pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (7.2) is heated with 8.28 g (60 mmol) K ₂ C0 ₃ in 200 ml of acetonitrile for 8 h. After same isolation procedure as in A method 4.1 is given with same purity.

Following the procedure as outlined for intermediate 4.1, the intermediates of general formula 4a listed in Table 2 are prepared.

TABLE 2

Intermediate 4.12 4-[3-(2,5-Dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)-propyl]-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde

A method:

Step 1: 6.85 g (45 mmol) vanilline (6.1, Y = OMe) is cooled in a 100 ml of a mixture of DCM-pyridine 4: 1, then 9.1 ml (54 mmol) of trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride in 10 ml DCM is dropped in. The mixture is stirred at r.t. for 2 hours, after evaporated and the residue is triturated with 3 x 10 ml of EtOAc, the collected organic layer is dried and evaporated. The crude material (6.1a) is used for next step without further purification.

Step 2: The formed crude trifluoro-methanesulfonic acid 4-formyl-2-methoxy-phenyl ester (6.1a), 2.52 ml (45 mmol) of ethylene glycol and 0.77 g (4.5 mmol) TsOH are refluxed in 180 ml of benzene. After evaporation the residue is purified by column chromatography. The desired intermediate is 1 1 g (80%) of trifluoro-methanesulfonic acid 4-[l ,3]dioxolan-2-yl-2- methoxy-phenyl ester (6.1b), as a yellow oil. (M+H) ⁺ = 329, R _t (A) = 3.44 min, purity 93.4%.

Step 3: A mixture of 1.76 g (5 mmol) triflate (6.1b), 2.1 g (15 mmol) of 1-allyl- pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (8.2; Bull. Chem. Soc. Japan, 1984, 57(10), 3021), 0.067 g (0.3 mmol) of Pd(OAc) ₂ , 0.373 g (5 mmol) KC1, 3.22 g (10 mmol) TBAB and 2.12 g (10 mmol) K ₃ P0 ₄ is heated in 10 ml DMF under nitrogen at 120°C for 8 h. The mixture is diluted with water, extracted with 3x50 ml of EtOAc, the collected organic phase is evaporated and purified by column chromatography (EtOAc - «-hexane 1 :1). The desired intermediate (4d) is 1.8 g of 1- [(E)-3-(4-[l,3]dioxolan-2-yl-2-methoxy-phenyl)-allyl]-pyrrol idine-2,5-dione, as an oil. (M+H) ⁺ = 318, R _t (A) = 2.58 min, R _t (B) = 4.15 min, purity 71%.

Step 4: Using 3.02 g (9.2 mmol) of triflate (6.1a) a crude protected allyl derivative (4d) is formed (as described in step2 and 3), which is hydrogenated by H-Cube equipment in full-H ₂ mode in EtOAc. After evaporation the residue is dissolved in 50 ml of dioxane and stirred with 10 ml of cc. HC1 at r.t. for 0.5 h. The mixture is evaporated, the residue is diluted with water, extracted with ethylacetate, dried and removed the solvent. The crude material is purified by flash chromatography. The desired product (Intermediate 4.12) is 1.65 g (65.3%). (M+H) ⁺ = 276, R _t = 2.57 min (A), purity: 97.7%.

Ή-NMR: 1.75 (qv, 2H), 2.59-2.62 (m, 6H), 3.38 (t, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 7.40 (d, 2H), 7.47 (dd, 1H), 9.94 (s, 1H). B method:

Step 1: A mixture of 4.26 g (15 mmol) triflate (6.1a), 2.47 g (18 mmol) of l-prop-2-ynyl- pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (8.1), 0.067 g (0.3 mmol) of [(C ₆ H ₅ ) ₃ P] ₂ PdCl ₂ , 0.143 g (0.75 mmol) Cul, 0.32 g (0.75 mmol) of l ,4-bis(diphenyl-phosphino)butane and 7 ml (50.5 mmol) of TEA is heated in 40 ml DMF under nitrogen at 100°C for 3 h. The inorganic salts are removed and DMF is evaporated. The residue is treated with water, extracted 3x50 ml of EtOAc, the collected organic phase is evaporated and purified by flash chromatography (toluene - MeOH 9: 1). The intermediate 4c is 1.9 g (44%) of 4-[3-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-prop-l-ynyl]-3-methoxy- benzaldehyde, as a dark yellow solid. (M+H) ⁺ = 272, R _t = 2.15 min (A), purity: 98.9%. 1H-NMR: 2.71 (s, 4H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 4.44 (s, 2H), 7.47-7.50 (m, 2H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 9.98 (s, 1H).

Step 2: Hydrogenation of 4-[3-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-prop-l -ynyl]-3-methoxy- benzaldehyde (4c) in same circumstances as described in ,4 method is resulted Intermediate 4.12 in one step. The yield and purity is same as in A method.

Following procedures outlined for intermediate 4.12 the intermediate 4.13 is prepared. Intermediate 4.13 4-[3-(2,5-Dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-propyl]-3-methyl-benzaldehy de

(M+H) ⁺ = 260, R, = 2.60 min (A), purity: 96.0%. Example 1: 3-(2,3-Dihydro-benzofuran-5-yI)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolid in-l-yl)-ethoxy]- 3-methoxy-benzyl}-isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

Step 1: 246 mg (0.089 mmol) of 3-amino-3-(2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-yl)-propionic acid ethyl ester (5.1) and 250 mg (1.06 mmol ) of 4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l -yl)-ethoxy]-3- methoxy-benzaldehyde (4.1) is dissolved in 12 ml of THF, then 60 μΐ (64 mg, 1.06 mmol) of glacial acetic acid and 751 mg (3.54 mmol) of triacetoxy borohydride is added in at room temperature. After 8 hour stirring the mixture is treated with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phase is dried and purified by flash chromatography. Yield is 309 mg (70%) of 2.1 with 91.3% purity.

Step 2: 400 mg (0.081 mmol) of 2.1 is dissolved in 14 ml of THF and 0.44 ml (349 mg, 4.83 mmol) of 2-methyl-propionaldehyde (3.1) 70 μΐ (73 mg, 1.21 mmol) of glacial acetic acid and 854 mg (4.03 mmol) of sodium triacetoxy borohydride are added in. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 4 hours, treated with water, extracted with ethyl acetate and the combined organic phases are dried, evaporated and purified by flash chromatography. Yield is 347 mg (78%) of 1.1 ester. (M+H) ⁺ = 553, R _t = 2.66 min (A), purity: 95.6%.

Salt formation: 101 mg (0.183 mmol) of 1.1 and 66 mg (0.183 mmol) of 1 ,5- naphthalenedisulfonic acid tetrahydrate is dissolved in 2 ml of EtOH, then evaporated, the residue is treated with Et ₂ 0 and the formed white solid is filtrated, and washed with Et ₂ 0. Yield is 158 mg (48%) 1.1 with 1 moles 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonic acid. (M+H) ⁺ = 553, R _t = 2.66 min (A), purity: 95.4%.

Step 3: 227 mg of ester 1.1 is dissolved in 15 ml of dioxane, 5 ml of 2N HC1 solution is added, and the mixture is stirred at 80°C for 8 hours. After cooling the mixture is treated with 2N NaOH solution until pH=7 and extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic phase is dried, evaporated and purified by flash chromatography.

Yield is 1 16 mg (54%) of desired product 1. Molecular Formula = C ₂ 9H36N ₂ 0 ₇ ; (M+H) ⁺ = 525, R _t = 2.36 min (A), purity 98.2%.

1H-NMR: 0.76 (dd, 6H), 1.77 (m, 1H), 2.0 (m,2H), 2.58 (m, 1H), 2.61 (s, 4H), 2.94-3.00 (m, 2H), 3.17 (t, 2H), 3.67-3.71 (m, 6H), 4.03 (t, 2H), 4.17 (t, 1H), 4.51 (t, 2H), 6.73 (t, 2H), 6.83 (d, 1H), 6.98 (d, 2H), 7.15 (s, 1H), 12.3 (Is, 1H).

Example 2: 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-eth oxy]-3-methoxy- benzyl}-isobutyl-amino)-propionic acid

Following procedures outlined in Example J step 1 is accomplished with 3-Amino-3-(4- chloro-phenyl)-propionic acid ethyl ester (5.2) and Intermediate 4.1 then using 2-methyl- propionaldehyde (3.1) in step 2 after acidic hydrolysis and purification the title compound is isolated as a white foam. Molecular Formula = C ₂₇ H ₃₃ C1N ₂ 0 ₆ ; (M+H) ⁺ = 517; R _t = 2.53 min (A), purity 98.8 %.

Example 3: 3-(CyclopentylmethyI-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethox y]-3-methoxy- benzyl}-amino)-3-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid

Step 1: 794 mg (3.03 mmol) of the 3-Amino-3-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid ethyl ester (5.3) and 700 mg (2.52 mmol) of Intermediate 4.1 is dissolved in 30 ml of THF, then 170 μΐ (182 mg, 3.03 mmol) of glacial acetic acid and 2.14 g (10.10 mmol) of triacetoxy borohydride is added in at room temperature. After 24 hour stirring the mixture is treated with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phase is dried and purified with column chromatography. Yield is 466 mg (35%) of 2.2 with 92.3% purity.

Step 2: 235 mg (0.45 mmol) of 2.2 is dissolved in 10 ml of THF and 0.14 ml (1.35 mmol) of cyclopentane carboxaldehyde (3.2), 40 μΐ (40 mg, 0.67 mmol) of glacial acetic acid and 381 mg (1.80 mmol) of sodium triacetoxy borohydride is added in. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 48 hours, treated with water, extracted with ethyl acetate and the combined organic phases are dried and evaporated. Yield is 376 mg (99%) of 1.2 ester (purity: 91.1%).

Step 3: This ester 1.2 is dissolved in 5 ml of dioxane, 3 ml of 2N HC1 solution is added, and the mixture is stirred at 80°C for 12 hours. After cooling the mixture is treated with 2N NaOH solution until pH=7 and extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic phase is dried, evaporated and purified with chromatography.

Yield is 116 mg (35%) of desired product. Molecular Formula = C ₂₉ H ₃₄ C1 ₂ N ₂ 0 ₆ ; (M+H) ⁺ = 577, R _t = 2.80 min (A), purity 98.4%.

Example 4: 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(isobutyl-{3-methoxy-4-[2-(3-methyl-2, 6-dioxo-3,6- dihydro-2H-pyrimidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

Following procedures outlined in Example 2 using Intermediate 4.9 after acidic hydrolysis and purification the title compound is isolated as a white foam. Molecular Formula = C2 ₈ H ₃₄ C1N ₃ 0 ₆ ; (M+H) ⁺ = 544; R _t = 2.64 min (A), purity 94.7 %.

Example 5 : S -3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(isobutyl- {3-methoxy-4- [2-(3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-3,6- dihydro-2H-pyrimidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

Chiral 360 mg of Example 4 is separated by preparative chiral column chromatography. The first eluted enantiomer has (^-configuration ([ ] _D ²⁰ = +0,046; c = 0,2, EtOH) yield is 132 mg (73%). Molecular Formula = C ₂₈ H ₃₄ C1N ₃ 0 ₆ ; (M+H) ⁺ = 544; R _t = 9.30 min (C), purity: 99.6%

Example 6: (R -3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(isobutyl-{3-methoxy-4-[2-(3-methyl-2 ,6-dioxo-3,6- dihydro-2H-pyrimidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

360 mg of Example 4 is separated by preparative chiral column chromatography. The second eluted enantiomer has (/^-configuration ([α]ο = -0,033; c = 0,2, EtOH) yield is 133 mg (74%). Molecular Formula - C ₂₈ H ₃₄ C1N ₃ 0 ₆ ; (M+H) ⁺ = 544; R _t = 10.6 min (C), purity: 99.6%

Example 7: 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(cyclobutyl-{3-methyl-4-[2-(3-methyl-2 ,6-dioxo-3,6- dihydro-2H-pyrimidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid

Following procedures outlined in Example 2 step 1 is accomplished with 3-Amino-3-(4- chloro-phenyl)-propionic acid ethyl ester (5.2) and Intermediate 4.10. secondary amine derivative 2.7 is formed.

Step 2: 310 mg (0.62 mmol) of 2.7 is dissolved in 10 ml of EtOH then 52 mg (0.74 mmol) of cyclobutanone (3.3), 54 μΐ (56 mg, 0.93 mmol) of glacial acetic acid and 80 mg (0.74 mmol) of picoline borane complex is added in. The mixture is stirred at 85°C for 72 hours, diluted with water, extracted with ethyl acetate and the combined organic phases are dried, evaporated and purified by flash chromatography. Yield is 130 mg (38%) of 1.7 ester. (M+H) ⁺ = 554, R, = 2.93 min (A), purity: 85.3%.

Step 3: 120 mg (0,22 mmol) of ester 1.7 is dissolved in 2 ml of dioxane, 2 ml of 2N HC1 solution is added, and the mixture is stirred at 80°C for 3 hours. After cooling the mixture is treated with 2NNaOH solution until pH=7 and extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic phase is dried, evaporated and purified by flash chromatography. Yield is 50 mg (44%) of desired product. Molecular Formula = C ₂₈ H ₃₂ C1N ₃ 0 ₅ ; (M+H) ⁺ = 526, R _t = 2.61 min (A), purity 98.1%. Example 8: l-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-etho xy]-3-methyl- benzyl}-propyl-amino)-methyl]-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid

Synthesis of Intermediate 5.4:

Step 1: 9.87 g (46.4 mmol) of 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-oxo-propionic acid methyl ester (5.4c), 17.44 g (92.8 mmol) of 1,2-dibromoethane and 16 g (1 15.8 mmol ) of K ₂ C0 ₃ is heated in 500 ml of DMF at 90°C for 2 hours. The mixture is stirred at room temperature at overnight, diluted with water and extracted with DCM. After the evaporation the crude material is purified by flash chromatography. Yield is 2.90 g (26%) of Intermediate 5.4b; ( +H) ⁺ = 239; R _t = 3.21 min (A), purity: 95.8%.

Step 2: 2.26 g (9.47 mmol) of Intermediate 5.4b and 25.5 g (331.5 mmol) of ammonium acetate is refluxed in 100 ml of 2-propanol under inert atmosphere. Then 2.1 g (33.4 mmol) of sodium cyano borohydride is added and refluxed further 3 hours. The solvents is removed, the residue is acidified with 350 ml of IN HCl solution, then washed with EtOAc, the acidic phase is adjusted with 5N NaOH solution to pH = 8, then extracted with EtOAc, dried and evaporated. The crude Intermediate 5.4a is suitable for further step. Yield is 0.77 g (34%) yellow oil. (M+H) ⁺ = 240; R _t = 2.00 min (A), purity: 97.7%.

Step 3; 0.72 g (3 mmol) of Intermediate 5.4a and 16 ml (0.64 g, 16 mmol) of IN NaOH solution is stirred at 50°C for 3 hours. After acidification with IN HCl solution the desired

Intermediate 5.4 is separated as a white solid. Yield is 0.59 g (87%). (M+H) ⁺ = 226; R _t = 1.81 min (A), purity: 99.5%.

Intermediate 5.4c Intermediate 5.4b Intermediate 5.4a Intermediate 5.4

"One pot" Synthesis of Example 8: 290 mg (1.29 mmol) Intermediate 5.4 is dissolved in 25 ml of EtOH, 340 mg (1.30 mmol) of Intermediate 4.2, 0.11 ml (1 16 mg, 1.93 mmol) of glacial acetic acid and 139 mg (1.30 mmol) of 2-picolin boran complex added in. The mixture is stirred at 70°C for 3.5 hours, then 0.65 ml (523 mg, 9 mmol) of propionaldehyde (3.4) and 352 mg (3.30 mmol) of 2-picolin boran complex is added and the mixture is stirred at 70°C for 24 hours. After cooling the mixture is treated with 2NNaOH solution until pH=7 and extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic phase is dried, evaporated and purified by flash chromatography. Yield is 420 mg (64%) of desired product (Example 8).

Molecular Formula = C ₂₈ H ₃₃ C1N ₂ 0 ₅ ; (M+H) ⁺ = 513, R _t = 2.65 min (A), purity 97.9%. Example 9: S 3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yI)-eth oxy]-3- methyl-benzyl}-propyI-amino)-propionic acid

Following procedures outlined in Example 1 using ^' S)-3-Amino-3-(4-chloro-phenyl)- propionic acid ethyl ester (5.5) and Intermediate 4.2 in the first reductive amination step and propionaldehyde (3.4) in the second step, after acidic hydrolysis and purification the title compound is isolated as a white foam. Molecular Formula = C ₂₆ H ₃ jClN ₂ 0 ₅ ; (M+H) ⁺ = 487; R _t = 2.48 min (A), purity 98.6 %. ([ ] _D ²⁰ = +0,041 ; c = 0,2, EtOH) Example 10: R -3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-({4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-et hoxy]-3- methyl-benzyl}-propyl-amino)-propionic acid Chiral

Following procedures outlined in Example 10 using (¾)-3-Amino-3-(4-chloro-phenyl)- propionic acid ester (5.6) title compound is isolated as a white foam. Molecular Formula = C ₂₆ H ₃ iClN ₂ 0 ₅ ; (M+H) ⁺ = 487; R _t = 2.48 min (A), purity 96.3 %. ([a] _D ²⁰ = - 0,040; c = 0,2, EtOH) Example 11: fS -3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2, 5-dioxo- pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy -3-methoxy-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

Following procedures outlined in Example 1 using ( ^' S)-3-Amino-3-(4-chloro-3-fluoro- phenyl)-propionic acid ethyl ester (5.7) and Intermediate 4.1 in the first reductive amination step and cyclopropanecarbaldehyde (3.5) in the second step, after acidic hydrolysis and purification the title compound is isolated as a hydrochloride. Molecular Formula = C ₂₇ H ₃₀ ClFN ₂ O ₆ x HC1. (M+H) ⁺ = 533; R _t = 4.26 min (B), purity 100.0 %. ([a] _D ²⁰ = +0,080; c = 0,2, EtOH)

Example 12: R -3-(4-Chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2, 5-dioxo- pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-3-methoxy-benzyl}-amino)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

Following procedures outlined in Example 11 using ( ? _/ )-3-Amino-3-(4-chloro-3-fluoro- phenyl)-propionic acid ethyl ester (5.8) title compound is isolated as a white foam. Molecular Formula = C ₂₇ H ₃ oClFN ₂ 0 ₆ x HC1. (M+H) ⁺ = 533; R _t = 2.39 min (A), purity 99.3 %. ([ ] _D ²⁰ = - 0,083; c = 0,2, EtOH) Example 13: CS -3-(Cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrroIidin-l-yl)-etho xy]-3-fluoro- benzyl}-amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

Following procedures outlined in Example 1 using (¾)-3-Amino-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)- propionic acid ethyl ester (5.9) and Intermediate 4.5 in the first reductive amination step and cyclopropanecarbaldehyde (3.5) in the second step, after acidic hydrolysis and purification the title compound is isolated as a hydrochloride. Molecular Formula = C ₂ H ₂₇ C1 ₂ FN ₂ 0 ₅ x HC1. (M+H) ⁺ = 537; R _t = 4.85 min (B), purity 100.0 %. ([a] _D ²⁰ = +0,069; c = 0,2, EtOH)

Example 14: R -3-(Cyclopropylmethyl-{4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-etho xy]-3-fluoro- benzyl}-amino)-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-propionic acid; hydrochloride

Following procedures outlined in Example 13 using S -3-Amino-3-(3,4-dichloro- phenyl)-propionic acid ethyl ester (5.10) title compound is isolated as a white foam. Molecular Formula = C ₂₆ H ₂₇ C1 ₂ FN ₂ 0 ₅ x HC1. (M+H) ⁺ = 537; R _t = 2.60 min (A), purity 78.5 %. ([a] _D ²⁰ = - 0,041 ; c = 0,2, EtOH) Example 15: CS _> -3-({3-Chloro-4-[2-(2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)-ethoxy]-benzy l}- cyclopropylmethyl-amino)-3-(4-chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-propio nic acid; hydrochloride

Following procedures outlined in Example 11 using (¾)-3-Amino-3-(4-chloro-3-fluoro- phenyl)-propionic acid ethyl ester (5.7) and Intermediate 4.4 in the first reductive amination step and cyclopropanecarbaldehyde (3.5) in the second step, title compound is isolated as a hydrochloride. Molecular Formula = C ₂₆ H ₂₇ C1 ₂ FN ₂ 0 ₅ x HC1. (M+H) ⁺ = 537; R _t = 4.76 min (B), purity 99.5 %. ([ ] _D ²⁰ = +0,086; c = 0,2, EtOH)

Example 16: ^^-({S-Chloro^-J ^^-dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-ylJ-ethox l-benz l}- cyclopropylmethyl-amino)-3-(4-chloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-propio nic acid; hydrochloride

Following procedures outlined in Example 15 using (¾)-3-Amino-3-(4-chloro-3-fluoro- phenyl)-propionic acid ethyl ester (5.8) title compound is isolated as a white foam. Molecular Formula = C ₂₆ H ₂₇ C1 ₂ FN ₂ 0 ₅ x HC1. (M+H) ⁺ = 537; R _t = 2.55 min (A), purity 99.0 %. ([a] _D ²⁰ = - 0,073; c = 0,2, EtOH)

Following the procedures as outlined in Example 1-16 using different amines (5), benzaldehydes (4) and oxo derivatives (3) the compounds listed in Table 3 are prepared. TABLE 3

Biological methods

Compounds according to the invention as described are useful to block the interaction of CXCR3-A and CXCL10 in a radiolabeled binding assay.

Competition radioligand binding assays are performed to determine the in vitro potency of the newly synthesized, unlabelled test compounds to displace the specific binding of the radiolabeled endogenous chemokine, 125I-CXCL10, from the human CXCR3-A receptor. IC ₅₀ values are determined for the test compounds and used to explore the structure-activity relationships (SAR). The established SAR is used to feed back the molecular design and to suggest some suitable modifications for groups and structural elements by which the affinity of test compounds for the human CXCR3 receptor would be improved.

Cell line and membrane preparation

CHO cells stably expressing human recombinant CXCR3-A receptors are generated in Sanofi-Aventis (LIT Frankfurt) by transfection of Flp-In-CHO host cells with a plasmid construct of pCDA5-FRT-TO_IRES-Gai4qi4_DEST. This cell line is registered in Sanofi-Aventis cell line bank. Cells are grown in Ham's F12 (PAA) medium supplemented with 10% FCS (PAA, Cat No. El 5-898) and 0.6 % Hygromycin (PAA) in T175 flasks at 37°C in a humidified incubator under 5% CO2, 95% air. Cells are harvested from the culture flasks by a short treatment (8-10 minutes) with Versene (Gibco, Cat No. 15040). Cell suspension is diluted with PBS and cells are collected with centrifugation at 230 g for 10 minutes at 10°C with a Juan centrifuge. Pellets containing approximately 1 x 10 ⁸ cells are resuspended in 15 ml of 20 mM HEPES pH=7.4, 10 mM EDTA buffer supplemented with complete protease inhibitor (Roche, Cat No. 1 1 697 498 001). This suspension is homogenized with a teflon/glass homogenizer (Sartorius potter S) with 3 10 sec pulses in ice cold water bath, and then centrifuged at 300 x g for 10 min at 4°C with a Sigma centrifuge. The supernatant is carefully collected and centrifuged at 100,000 x g for 60 min at 4°C with a Beckman Avanti J30 centrifuge. The resulting pellet is washed once with 15 ml of fresh preparation buffer. The final membrane pellet is resuspended in storage buffer (20 mM HEPES pH=7.4, 0.1 mM EDTA, 250 mM sucrose supplemented with complete protease inhibitor) in a volume ratio of approximately 1 x 10 ⁸ cells / 1 ml, which gave a protein concentration of 2 to 4 mg/ml. Protein concentration is determined with Bio-Rad protein assay (Cat No 500-0006). Membrane aliquots were stored at -80°C. No degradation is observed until a storage period of approximately 5 months.

125I-CXCL10 radioligand binding study

The composition of the binding assay buffer is determined in a course of detailed optimization procedure. This resulted in a binding assay buffer constituted by the following components: 25 mM Hepes (pH=7.4), 5 mM MgCl ₂ , 1 mM CaCl ₂ , 100 mM NaCl, supplemented with 0.1% of protease free BSA (as a final concentration). Competition binding assay is performed using 125I-CXCL10 (PerkinElmer, NEX348, specific activity 2200 Ci/mmol) radioligand in a final concentration of 50-70 pM. The nonspecific binding is defined by 150 pM of hr-CXCLlO (R&D Systems, Cat No 266-IP). The total assay volume is equal to 150 μΐ and contained 1% of DMSO (final concentration). Binding reaction is initiated by adding of membranes (10-20 μg proteins, approximately 5 x 10 ⁵ cell equivalents) to the reaction mixture. After 60 minutes of incubation at 25°C the reaction is terminated by rapid filtration over GF/B glass fibre filters that are pre-soaked with 0.5% poliethylenimine (Fluka Analytical, P3143) for 1 hour, using a Skatron cell harvester device. Filters then are washed with 8 ml of ice-cold wash buffer (modified binding buffer in which BSA is omitted and the concentration of NaCl is adjusted to 500 niM concentration). The radioactivity retained on the filters is measured by a Wizard 1470 Automatic Gamma counter.

Test compounds are dissolved prior to the binding assay at a concentration of 10 mM in DMSO. Stock solutions are stored at -20°C for not longer than 3 months. On the day of binding

7 0 assay serial dilutions of test compounds ranging from 10 mM up to 3 x 10 ^" M (or 3 x 10 ^" M) are generated by 8 (or 12) consecutive steps using DMSO as solvent. Before adding these solutions of test compound to the binding reaction mixture, an intermediate dilution procedure is applied, in which 30 μΐ of each solution sample is transferred into a dilution tube containing 970 μΐ of binding assay buffer. Then 50 μΐ of these second dilution series is added to the test tubes and a concentration range of test compounds between 1 x 10 ^"5 M and 3 x 10 ^"9 M (or 3 x 10 ^"11 M) was generated.

The IC ₅₀ values and Hill slopes for competition binding data are obtained using nonlinear four-parametric curve fitting method. The exemplified compounds of the present invention have activities in the above binding assay of less than 20 micromolar, more particularly less than 1 micromolar, and further particularly less than 200 nanomolar IC50. Compounds listed in Table 4 are measured.

TABLE 4

Example # IC50 (nM) Example # IC50 (nM)

1.1 686 27 86

1 41 28 66

2 34 29 31

3 120 30 55

4 94 31 416

5 23 32 69

6 108 33 86

7 95 34 83

8 677 35 75

9 11 36 20

10 130 37 20

11 19 38 45

12 69 39 71

13 97 40 40

14 374 41 107

15 40 42 70

16 130 43 23

17 54 44 43

18 454 45 66

19 58 46 1 18

20 282 47 143

21 66 48 61

22 531 49 61

23 42 50 98

24 32 51 133

25 59 52 990

26 39 53 125 Example # IC50 (nM) Example # IC50 (nM)

54 306 83 302

55 294 84 45

56 52 85 58

57 212 86 12

58 183 87 31

59 109 88 70

60 243 89 51

61 334 90 50

62 503 91 56

63 303 92 66

64 456 93 79

65 186 94 71

66 435 95 144

67 424 96 78

68 1 18 97 81

69 74 98 130

70 61 99 120

71 54 100 464

72 71 101 292

73 81 102 83

74 34 103 170

75 25 104 145

76 54 105 211

77 61 106 223

78 72 107 570

79 116 108 200

80 81 109 495

81 100 110 786

82 119 111 420 Example # Example # IC50 (nM)

170 345 188 31

171 389 189 40

172 1350 190 62

173 603 191 20

174 800 192 55

175 266 193 72

176 5520 194 272

177 255 195 342

178 183 196 630

179 91 197 295

180 198 198 187

181 507 199 175

182 3900 200 234

183 256 201 886

184 336 202 810

185 467 203 105

186 73 204 197

187 71

Cyclic AMP Accumulation Assay

An in vitro functional assay measuring the changes in the intracellular cyclic adenosine 3 ',5 '-monophosphate (cyclic AMP, or also called as cAMP) level following either stimulation or activation of CXCR3-A receptor is used to demonstrate the antagonistic functionality of the selected compounds.

Cyclic AMP is one of the most important intracellular second messenger molecules whose level is regulated principally by the G-protein coupled adenylyl cyclase effector enzyme located in the inner surface of the cellular plasma membrane. Receptor dependent, G-protein mediated changes in the cyclic AMP concentration elicit then complex regulatory processes within the cell such as activation of multiple protein kinases and phospholipases, generation of inositol triphosphate and transient rise in the intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+) concentration, ion channel gating, effects on different gene transcriptions.

Upon agonist stimulation, CXCR3-A receptor activates the pertussis toxin (PTX) sensitive G- proteins of the Gi class that mediates a reduction in the intracellular cAMP levels, an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and actin polymerization, that finally lead to cytoskeletal rearrangement and directed cell migration (chemotaxis).[Sauty A et al, 2001. J. Immunol. 167: 7084-7093.]

Cyclic AMP accumulation assay is performed with a homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) cAMP femto 2 kit from CisBio International. The measurement is basically carried out by following the manufacturer's instructions.

Since CXCR3-A receptor is coupled to Gi-protein, thus an agonist activation of the receptor will lead to a decrease in the intracellular cAMP level [Crosignani S. et al, 2010. Bioorg. Med. Chem Letters, 20:3614-3617]. Therefore, the cells have to be preactivated by forskolin, a direct activator of the cell adenylyl cyclase enzyme, in order to reach a sufficient cellular basal cAMP level. The agonist induced decrease in cAMP level will be measured by an increase of the Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer signal, as the signal is inversely proportional to the concentration of cAMP in the cell.

For the assay, the adherent hr-CXCR3-Flp-In-CHO- IRES-Gai4qi4 cells (the same cell line as used for binding assay) are washed with Ca2+-Mg2+ free PBS and harvested by a short treatment with Acutase (Sigma, A6964). At a time point of 2 min after adding Acutase (3 ml/ T175 flask) 7 ml of culture medium is added to the detached cells. Cell suspension is collected and centrifuged at 1,700 rpm for 10 min. (Sigma 2-S table centrifuge). The resulting cell pellet is resuspended in PBS with Ca2+/Mg2+ (Invitrogen 14080-048) and subjecting to a second centrifugation step as above. The final cell pellet is resuspended in assay buffer (PBS with Ca2+/Mg2+, supplemented with fatty acid free BSA (Sigma A6003) at a final concentration of 1 mg/ml and with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor Rolipram (Calbiochem 557330) at a final concentration of 10 μΜ. Cells are transferred to a 96-well microplate (Costar 3694, Half Area flat bottom, non-treated, black polystyrene plate) at a density of 16,000 cells/well.

The cells are incubated in the presence of different concentrations of antagonist compounds (within the range of 10μΜ and 0.1 nM) for 10 min at room temperature (R.T.) under continuous shaking the microplate in a plate shaker (Heidolph Titramax 100, at 600 rpm). The final concentration of DMSO in reaction mixture is 0.1 %. Then CXCLIO at a final concentration of 20 nM is added and the cells are further incubated for 10 min at R.T., as above. After that forskolin (Sigma F-6886) at 1 μΜ final concentration is added and an additional incubation period (30 min, R.T., shaking) followed. The final reaction volume is 40 μΐ. The reaction is stopped by adding the lysis buffer containing the HTRF reagents.

Plates are then incubated for 60 min at R.T. under shaking, and time-resolved FRET signals are measured after excitation at 337 nm. Both the emission signal from the europium cryptate- labelled anti-cAMP antibody (620 nm) and the FRET signal resulting from the labelled cAMP-d2 (665 nm) are recorded using a RubyStar instrument (BMG Labtechnologies).

The results are calculated as a fluorescence ratio (Em.665 nm/Em.620 nm) x 10000 and are analysed by calculating the Delta F value which corresponded to the following formula:

Delta F = (Standard or Sample Ratio - Negative Control Ratio)/ (Negative Control Ratio) x 100. The negative control corresponded to the background signal obtained with the cryptate conjugate alone. Formulation Examples

(1) Tablets

The ingredients below are mixed by an ordinary method and compressed by using a conventional apparatus.

(2) Soft capsules

The ingredients below are mixed by an ordinary method and filled in soft capsules.

(1) Parenteral preparations

The ingredients below are mixed by an ordinary method to prepare injections contained in a 1 ml ampoule.

The compounds of the present invention have CXCR3 inhibitory activity and are useful as an active ingredient of a medicament for preventive and/or therapeutic treatment of a disease caused by abnormal activation of CXCR3 such as COPD, psoriasis, graft/transplant rejection, ophthalmological disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), type 1 diabetes, myasthenia gravis (MG), multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neuroinflammatory diseases, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or lichen planus.