"Compounds Useful for Treating Allergic and Inflammatory Diseases"

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and their use in treating allergic and inflammatory diseases and for inhibiting the production of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF).

Background of the Invention

Bronchial asthma is a complex, multifactorial disease characterized by reversible narrowing of the airway and hyperreactivity of the respiratory tract to external stimuli. Identification of novel therapeutic agents for asthma is made difficult by the fact that multiple mediators are responsible for the development of the disease. Thus, it seems unlikely that eliminating the effects of a single mediator will have a substantial effect on all three components of chronic asthma. An alternative to the "mediator approach" is to regulate the activity of the cells responsible for the pathophysiology of the disease. One such way is by elevating levels of cAMP (adenosine cyclic 3',5'- monophosphate). Cyclic AMP has been shown to be a second messenger mediating the biologic responses to a wide range of hormones, neurotransmitters and drugs; [Krebs Endocrinology Proceedings of the 4th International Congress Excerpta Medica, 17-29, 1973]. When the appropriate agonist binds to specific cell surface receptors, adenylate cyclase is activated, which converts Mg ⁺ 2-ATP to cAMP at an accelerated rate.

Cyclic AMP modulates the activity of most, if not all, of the cells that contribute to the pathophysiology of extrinsic (allergic) asthma. As such, an elevation of cAMP would produce beneficial effects including: 1) airway smooth muscle relaxation, 2) inhibition of mast cell mediator release, 3) suppression of neutrophil degranulation, 4) inhibition of basophil degranulation, and 5) inhibition of monocyte and macrophage activation. Hence, compounds that activate adenylate cyclase or inhibit phosphodiesterase should be effective in suppressing the inappropriate activation of airway smooth muscle and a wide variety of inflammatory cells. The principal cellular mechanism for the inactivation of cAMP is hydrolysis of the 3'-phosphodiester bond by one or more of a family of isozymes referred to as cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs).

It has now been shown that a distinct cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) isozyme, PDE IV, is responsible for cAMP breakdown in airway smooth muscle and inflammatory cells. [Torphy, "Phosphodiesterase Isozymes: Potential Targets for Novel Anti- asthmatic Agents" in New Drugs for Asthma, Barnes, ed. IBC Technical Services Ltd., 1989]. Research indicates that inhibition of this enzyme not only produces airway smooth muscle relaxation, but also suppresses degranulation of mast cells, basophils and neutrophils along with inhibiting the activation of monocytes and neutrophils. Moreover, the beneficial effects of PDE IV inhibitors are markedly potentiated when adenylate cyclase activity of target cells is elevated by appropriate hormones or autocoids, as would be the case in vivo.

Thus PDE IN inhibitors would be effective in the asthmatic lung, where levels of prostaglandin E2 and prostacyclin (activators of adenylate cyclase) are elevated. Such compounds would offer a unique approach toward the pharmacotherapy of bronchial asthma and possess significant therapeutic advantages over agents currently on the market. The compounds of this invention also inhibit the production of Tumor Necrosis

Factor (TNF), a serum glycoprotein. Excessive or unregulated TNF production has been implicated in mediating or exacerbating a number of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis and other arthritic conditions; sepsis, septic shock, endotoxic shock, gram negative sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, adult respiratory distress syndrome, cerebral malaria, chronic pulmonary inflammatory disease, silicosis, pulmonary sarcoidosis, bone resorption diseases, reperfusion injury, graft vs. host reaction, allograft rejections, fever and myalgias due to infection, such as influenza, cachexia secondary to infection or malignancy, cachexia secondary to human acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), AIDS, ARC (AIDS related complex), keloid formation, scar tissue formation, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or pyresis, in addition to a number of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diabetes and systemic lupus erythematosis.

AIDS results from the infection of T lymphocytes with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). At least three types or strains of HIV have been identified, i.e., HIV-1, HIN-2 and HIV-3. As a consequence of HIV infection, T-cell-mediated immunity is impaired and infected individuals manifest severe opportunistic infections and/or unusual neoplasms. HIV entry into the T lymphocyte requires T lymphocyte activation. Viruses such as HIV-1 or HIN-2 infect T lymphocytes after T cell activation and such virus protein expression and/or replication is mediated or maintained by such T cell activation. Once an activated T lymphocyte is infected with HIN, the T lymphocyte must continue to be maintained in an activated state to permit HIV gene expression and/or HIV replication.

Cytokines, specifically TΝF, are implicated in activated T-cell-mediated HIV protein expression and/or virus replication by playing a role in maintaining T lymphocyte activation. Therefore, interference with cytokine activity such as by inhibition of cytokine production, notably TΝF, in an HIV-infected individual aids in limiting the maintenance of T cell activation, thereby reducing the progression of HIV infectivity to previously uninfected cells which results in a slowing or elimination of the progression of immune dysfunction caused by HIV infection. Monocytes, macrophages, and related cells, such as kupffer and glial cells, have also been implicated in maintenance of the HIV infection. These cells, like T cells, are targets for viral replication and the level of viral replication is dependent upon the activation state of the cells. [See Rosenberg et al., The Immunopathogenesis of HTV Infection, Advances in Immunology, Vol.57, 1989]. Monokines, such as TΝF, have been shown to activate HIV replication in monocytes and or macrophages [See Poli et al., Proc. Νatl. Acad.

Sci., 87:782-784, 1990], therefore, inhibition of monokine production or activity aids in limiting HIV progression as stated above for T cells.

TNF has also been implicated in various roles with other viral infections, such as the cytomegalovirus (CMV), influenza virus, adenovirus, and the herpes virus for similar reasons as those noted.

TNF is also associated with yeast and fungal infections. Specifically Candida albicans has been shown to induce TNF production in vitro in human monocytes and natural killer cells. [See Riipi et al., Infection and Immunity, 58(9):2750-54, 1990; and Jafari et al., Journal of Infectious Diseases, 164:389-95, 1991. See also Wasan et al., Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 35,(10):2046-48, 1991; and Luke et al., Journal of Infectious Diseases, 162:211-214,1990].

The ability to control the adverse effects of TNF is furthered by the use of the compounds which inhibit TNF in mammals who are in need of such use. There remains a need for compounds which are useful in treating TNF-mediated disease states which are exacerbated or caused by the excessive and/or unregulated production of TNF.

Summary of the Invention This invention relates to the novel compounds of the Formula (I), as shown below, useful in the mediation or inhibition of the enzymatic activity (or catalytic activity) of phosphodiesterase IV (PDE IV). The novel compounds of the Formula (I) also have Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) inhibitory activity.

This invention also relates to the pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the Formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

The invention also relates to a method of mediation or inhibition of the enzymatic activity (or catalytic activity) of PDE IV in mammals, including humans, which comprises administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of the Formula (I), as shown below.

The invention further provides a method for the treatment of allergic and inflammatory disease which comprises administering to a mammal, including humans, in need thereof, an effective amount of a compound of the Formula (I).

The invention also provides a method for the treatment of asthma which comprises administering to a mammal, including humans, in need thereof, an effective amount of a compound of the Formula (I).

This invention also relates to a method of inhibiting TNF production in a mammal, including humans, which method comprises administering to a mammal in need of such treatment, an effective TNF inhibiting amount of a compound of the Formula (I). This method may be used for the prophylactic treatment or prevention of certain TNF mediated disease states amenable thereto.

This invention also relates to a method of treating a human afflicted with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which comprises administering to such human an effective TNF inhibiting amount of a compound of the Formula (I).

The compounds of the Formula (I) are also useful in the treatment of additional viral infections, where such viruses are sensitive to upregulation by TNF or will elicit TNF production in vivo.

The compounds of the Formula (I) are also useful in the treatment of yeast and fungal infections, where such yeast and fungi are sensitive to upregulation by TNF or will elicit TNF production in vivo. The compounds of this invention are represented by Formula (I):

wherein:

Rl is -(CR4R5)nC(O)O(CR4R5)mR6. -(CR4R5)nC O)NR4(CR4R5)mR6, - CR4R5) _n O(CR4R5) _m R6- or -(CR4R5) _r R6 wherein the alkyl moieties may be optionally substituted with one or more halogens; m is 0 to 2; n is 1 to 4; r is 1 to 6; R4 and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen or a Ci-2 alkyl;

R6 is hydrogen, methyl, hydroxyl, aryl, halo substituted aryl, aryloxyCi-3 alkyl, halo substituted aryloxyCl-3 alkyl, indanyl, indenyl, C7-H polycycloalkyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, furanyl, tetrahydropyranyl, pyranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, thienyl- tetrahydrothiopyranyl, thiopyranyl, C3-6 cycloalkyl, or a C4-6 cycloalkyl containing one or two unsaturated bonds, wherein the cycloalkyl and heterocyclic moieties may be optionally substituted by 1 to 3 methyl groups or one ethyl group; provided that: a) when R is hydroxyl, then m is 2; or b) when Rβ is hydroxyl, then r is 2 to 6; or c) when R6 is 2-tetrahydropyranyl, 2-tetrahydrothiopyranyl, 2-tetrahydrofuranyl, or

2-tetrahydrothienyl, then m is 1 or 2; or d) when R6 is 2-tetrahydropyranyl, 2-tetrahydrothiopyranyl, 2-tetrahydrofuranyl, or 2-tetrahydrothienyl, then r is 1 to 6; e) when n is 1 and m is 0, then Rβ is other than H in -(CR4R5) _n O(CR4R5)m ^R 6- X is YR2, halogen, nitro, NR4R5, or formyl amine;

Y is O or S(O) _m ^* ; m' is 0, 1, or 2;

X2 is O or NR8; X3 is hydrogen or X; X4 is

(a) (b)

X5 is H, R9, OR8, CN, C(O)R8, C(O)ORs, C(O)NRsR8, or NR8R8;

R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of -CH3 and -CH2CH3 optionally substituted by 1 or more halogens; s is 0 to 4; R3 is hydrogen, halogen, C1-4 alkyl, CH2NHC(O)C(O)NH2, halo-substituted C1-4 alkyl, -CH=CR8'R8' _> cyclopropyl optionally substituted by R8', CN, OR8, CH2OR8, NRgRio, CH2NR8R10, C(Z')H, C(O)OR8, C(O)NR8Rl0, or C≡CRg ¹ ;

Z' is O, NR9, NOR8, NCN, C(-CN 2, CRδCN, CR8NO2, CR8C(O)OR8, CR8C(O)NR8R8, C(-CN)NO2, C(-CN)C(O)OR9, or C(-CN)C(O)NRδR8 ; Z is C(Y')Rl4. C(O)ORl4, C(Y')NRioRl4, C(NRio)NRioRl4, CN, C(NOR8)Rl4,

C(O)NR8NR8C(O)R8, C(O)NR8NRioRl4, C(NORi4)R8, C(NR8)NRioRl4, C(NRi4)NR8R8, C(NCN)NRιoRl4, C(NCN)SR9, (2-, 4- or 5-imidazolyl), (3-, 4- or 5-pyrazolyl), (4- or 5-triazolyl[ 1,2,3]), (3- or 5-triazolyl[l,2,4]), (5-tetrazolyl), (2-, 4- or 5-oxazolyl), (3-, 4- or 5-isoxazolyl), (3- or 5-oxadiazolyl[ 1,2,4]), (2-oxadiazolyl[l,3,4j), (2-thiadiazolyl[l,3,4]), (2-, 4-, or 5-thiazolyl), (2-, 4-, or 5-oxazolidinyl), (2-, 4-, or

5-thiazolidinyl), or (2-, 4-, or 5-imidazolidinyl); wherein all of the heterocylic ring systems may be optionally substituted one or more times by R14; the dotted line in formula (a) represents a single or double bond; Y' is O or S; R7 is -(CR4R5)qRl2 or Cμg alkyl wherein the R12 or C g alkyl group is optionally substituted one or more times by Cl-2 alkyl optionally substituted by one to three fluorines, -F, -Br, -Cl, -NO ₂ , -NR10R11, -C(O)Rg, -C(O)OR8, -OR8, -CN, -C(O)NRι ₀ Rll, -OC(O)NRιoRll, -OC(O)R8, -NRlθC(O)NRιθRl l, -NRioC(O)Rn, -NRιoC(O)OR9, -NRioC(O)Ri3, -C(NRιo)NRιθRl l, -C(NCN)NRιoRll, -C(NCN)SR9, -NRιoC(NCN)SR9 , -NRi()C(NCN)NRioRl 1, -NRιoS(O)2R9, -S(O) _m 'R9,

-NRioC(O)C(O)NRiθRll, -NRlθC(O)C(O)Rιθ, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, pyrazolyi, triazolyl, or tetrazolyl; q is 0, 1, or 2;

Rl2 is C3-7 cycloalkyl, (2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl), pyrimidyl, pyrazolyi, (1- or 2- imidazolyl), thiazolyl, triazolyl, pyrrolyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, furanyl, (2- or 3-thienyl), (4- or 5-thiazolyl), quinolinyl, naphthyl, or phenyl; Rg is independently selected from hydrogen or R9;

R ' is R8 or fluorine;

R9 is Cι_ alkyl optionally substituted by one to three fluorines;

RlO -s OR8 orRιι;

Rll is hydrogen, or C1-.4 alkyl optionally substituted by one to three fluorines; or when Rio and Rn are as NR10 11 they may together with the nitrogen form a 5 to 7 membered ring optionally containing at least one additional heteroatom selected from O/N/or S;

Rl3 is oxazolidinyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyi, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, imidazolyl, imidazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, or thiadiazolyl, and each of these heterocyclic rings is connected through a carbon atom and each may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or two Cμ2 lkyl groups;

Rl4 is hydrogen or R7; or when Rio and R14 are as NR10 1 they may together with the nitrogen form a 5 to 7 membered ring optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms selected from O, N, or S; provided that: f) when R12 is N-pyrazolyl, N-imidazolyl, N-triazolyl, N-pyrrolyl, N-piperazinyl, N- piperidinyl, or N-morpholinyl, then q is not 1; or g) when X2R1 is OCF2H or OCF3, X is F, OCF2H or OCF3, X3 is H, s is zero, X5 is H, Z is C(O)ORχ4 and R14 is C1-.7 unsubstituted alkyl, then R3 is other than H; or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Detailed Description of the Invention This invention relates to the novel compounds of Formula (I), and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. This invention also relates to a method of mediating or inhibiting the enzymatic activity (or catalytic activity) of PDE IV in a mammal in need thereof and to inhibiting the production of TNF in a mammal in need thereof, which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of the Formula (I).

Phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors are useful in the treatment of a variety of allergic and inflammatory diseases including: asthma, chronic bronchitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, eosinophilic granuloma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, reperfusion injury of the myocardium and brain, chronic glomerulonephritis, endotoxic shock and adult respiratory distress syndrome. In addition, PDE IV inhibitors are useful in the treatment of diabetes insipidus, [Kidney Int., 37:362, 1990; Kidney Int., 35:494, 1989] and central nervous system disorders such as depression and multi-infarct dementia.

The compounds of the Formula (I) are also useful in the treatment of viral infections, where such viruses are sensitive to upregulation by TNF or will elicit TNF production in vivo. The viruses contemplated for treatment herein are those that produce TNF as a result of

infection, or those which are sensitive to inhibition, such as by decreased replication, directly or indirectly, by the TNF inhibitors of the Formula (1). Such viruses include, but are not limited to HIV-1, HIV-2 and HIV-3, cytomegalovirus (CMV), influenza, adenovirus and the Herpes group of viruses, such as, but not limited to, Herpes zoster and Herpes simplex. This invention more specifically relates to a method of treating a mammal, afflicted with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which comprises administering to such mammal an effective TNF inhibiting amount of a compound of the Formula (I).

The compounds of the Formula (I) may also be used in association with the veterinary treatment of animals, other than in humans, in need of inhibition of TNF production. TNF mediated diseases for treatment, therapeutically or prophylactically, in animals include disease states such as those noted above, but in particular viral infections. Examples of such viruses include, but are not limited to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or other retroviral infection such as equine infectious anemia virus, caprine arthritis virus, visna virus, maedi virus and other lentiviruses. The compounds of the Formula (I) are also useful in the treatment of yeast and fungal infections, where such yeast and fungi are sensitive to upregulation by TNF or will elicit TNF production in vivo. A preferred disease state for treatment is fungal meningitis. Additionally, the compounds of the Formula (I) may be administered in conjunction with other drugs of choice for systemic yeast and fungal infections. Drugs of choice for fungal infections, include but are not limited to the class of compounds called the polymixins, such as Polymycin B, the class of compounds called the imidazoles, such as clotrimazole, econazole, miconazole, and ketoconazole; the class of compounds called the triazoles, such as fluconazole, and itranazole, and the class of compound called the Amphotericins, in particular Amphotericin B and liposomal Amphotericin B. The co-administration of the anti-fungal agent with a compound of the Formula (I) may be in any preferred composition for that compound such as is well known to those skilled in the art, for instance the various Amphotericin B formulations. Co-administration of an anti-fungal agent with a compound of the Formula (I) may mean simultaneous administration or in practice, separate administration of the agents to the mammal but in a consecutive manner. In particular, the compounds of the Formula (I) may be co-administered with a formulation of Amphotericin B, notably for systemic fungal infections. The preferred organism for treatment is the Candida organism. The compounds of the Formula (I) may be co-administered in a similar manner with anti-viral or anti-bacterial agents.

The compounds of the Formula (I) may also be used for inhibiting and/or reducing the toxicity of an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial or anti-viral agent by administering an effective amount of a compound of the Formula (I) to a mammal in need of such treatment. Preferably, a compound of the Formula (I) is administered for inhibiting or reducing the toxicity of the Amphotericin class of compounds, in particular Amphotericin B.

When Ri for the compounds of the Formula (I) is an alkyl substituted by 1 or more halogens, the halogens are preferably fluorine and chlorine, more preferably a Ci-4 alkyl substituted by 1 or more fluorines. The preferred halo-substituted alkyl chain length is one or two carbons, and most preferred are the moieties -CF3, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF2CHF2, -CH2CF3, and -CH2CHF2. Preferred R substitutents for the compounds of the Formula (I) are CH2-cyclopropyl, CH2-C5-6 cycloalkyl, C4-6 cycloalkyl, C7-H polycycloalkyl, (3- or 4-cyclopentenyl), phenyl, tetrahydrofuran-3-yl, benzyl or Ci-2 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 or more fluorines, -(CH2)i-3C(O)O(CH2)0-2CH3, -(CH2)l-3θ(CH2)θ-2CH3, and -(CH2)2-4OH. When the Ri term contains the moiety (CR4R5), the R4 and R5 terms are independently hydrogen or alkyl. This allows for branching of the individual methylene units as (CR4R5) _n or CR4R5) _m ; each repeating methylene unit is independent of the other, e.g., (CR4R5) _n wherein n is 2 can be -CH2CH(-CH3)-, for instance. The individual hydrogen atoms of the repeating methylene unit or the branching hydrocarbon can optionally be substituted by fluorine independent of each other to yield, for instance, the preferred Ri substitutions, as noted above.

When Ri is a C7-H polycycloalkyl, examples are bicyclo[2.2. l]-heptyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl, tricyclo[5.2.1.θ2-*6]decyl, etc. additional examples of which are described in Saccamano et al., WO 87/06576, published 5 November 1987, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Zis preferably C(O)R8, C(O)OR8, C(O)NRsR8, C NR8)NR8R8. CN, C(NOR8)R8, C(O)NRgNR8C(O)R8, C(NR8)NR8R8, C(NCN)NRgR8. C(NCN)SR9, (1-, 4- or 5- [R8}-2-imidazolyl), (1-, 4- or5-[R8}-3-ρyrazolyl), (1-, 2- or 5-{R8}-4-triazolyl[l,2,3]), (1-, 2-, 4- or5-{R8}-3-triazolyl[l,2.4]), (l- or2-{R8)-5-tetrazolyl), (4- or5-[R8)-2-oxazolyl), (3- or 4-{R8)-5-isoxazolyl), (3-{R8}-5-oxadiazolyl[l,2,4]), (5-{R8}-3-oxadiazolyl[l,2,4]), (5-{R8}-2-oxadiazolyl[l,3,4]), (5-{R8}-2-thiadiazolyl[l,3,4]), (4- or 5-{R8}-2-thiazolyl), .(4- or5-{R8}-2-oxazolidinyI), (4- or 5-{R8)-2-thiazolidinyl),(l-, 4- or

5-{R8}-2-imidazolidinyl); most preferred are those compounds wherein the R8 group of Z is R ₄ . X5 is preferably hydrogen, Ci-2 alkyl optionally substituted by one to three fluorines,

OR ₈ , CN, C(O)Rg, C(O)OR ₈ , C(O)NR ₈ R8, or NRgRδ-

Preferred X groups for Formula (I) are those wherein X is YR2 and Y is oxygen. The preferred X2 group for Formula (I) is that wherein X2 is oxygen. The preferred X3 group for Formula (I) is that wherein X3 is hydrogen. Preferred R2 groups, where applicable, are Ci-2 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 or more halogens. The halogen atoms are preferably fluorine and chlorine, more preferably fluorine. More preferred R2 groups are those wherein R2 is methyl, or the fluoro-substituted alkyls, specifically a Ci-2 alkyl, such as a -CF3, -CHF2, or -CH2CHF2 moiety. Most preferred are the -CHF2 and -CH3 moieties.

Preferred R3 moieties are C(O)NH2, C≡CRδ, CN, C(Z')H, CH2OH, CH2F, CF2H, and CF3. More preferred are C≡CH and CN. Z' is preferably O or NOR8.

Preferred R7 moieties include optionally substituted -(CH2)l-2(cyclopropyl), -(CH2)0-2(cyclobutyl), -(CH2)0-2(cyclopentyl), -(CH2)0-2(cyclohexyl), -(CH2)0-2(2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl), -(CH2)l-2(2-imidazolyl), -(CH2)2(4-morpholinyl), -(CH2)2(4-piperazinyl), -(CH2)l-2(2-thienyl), -(CH2)l-2(4-thiazolyl), and -(CH2)0-2phenyl;

Preferred rings when Rio and Rl 1 in the moiety -NRio l 1 together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 5 to 7 membered ring optionally containing at least one additional heteroatom selected from O/N/ or S include, but are not limited to 1- imidazolyl, 2-(R8)-l -imidazolyl, 1 -pyrazolyi, 3-(R8)-l -pyrazolyi, 1 -triazolyl, 2-triazolyl, 5-(R8)-l -triazolyl, 5-(R8)-2-triazolyl, 5-(R8)-l-tetrazolyl, 5-(R8)-2-tetrazolyl, 1-tetrazolyl, 2-tetrazloyl, morpholinyl, piperazinyl, 4-(Rs)-l -piperazinyl, or pyrrolyl ring.

Preferred rings when Rio and R14 in the moiety -NR10R14 together with the nitrogen to which they are attached may form a 5 to 7 membered ring optionally containing at least one additional heteroatom selected from O, N, or S include, but are not limited to 1- imidazolyl, 1 -pyrazolyi, 1 -triazolyl, 2-triazolyl, 1-tetrazolyl, 2-tetrazolyl, morpholinyl, piperazinyl, and pyrrolyl. The respective rings may be additionally substituted, where applicable, on an available nitrogen or carbon by the moiety R7 as described herein for Formula (I). Illustrations of such carbon substitutions includes, but are not limited to, 2-(R7)-l -imidazolyl, 4-(R7)-l-imidazolyl, 5-(R7)-l-imidazolyl, 3-(R7)-l -pyrazolyi, 4-(R7)-l-pyrazolyl, 5-(R7)-l -pyrazolyi, 4-(R7)-2-triazolyl, 5-(R7)-2-triazolyl, 4-(R7)-l-triazolyl, 5-(R7)-l -triazolyl, 5-(R7)-l-tetrazolyl, and 5-(R7)-2-tetrazolyl. Applicable nitrogen substitution by R7 includes, but is not limited to, l-(R7)-2-tetrazolyl, 2-(R7)-l-tetrazolyl, 4-(R7)-l -piperazinyl. Where applicable, the ring may be substituted one or more times by R7.

Preferred groups for NR10R14 which contain a heterocyclic ring are 5-(R].4)-l- tetrazolyl, 2-(Ri4)-l-imidazolyl, 5-(Rl4)-2-tetrazolyl, or4-(Ri4)-l-piperazinyl.

Preferred rings for R13 include (2-, 4- or 5-imidazolyl), (3-, 4- or 5-pyrazolyl), (4- or 5-triazolyl[ 1,2,3]), (3- or 5-triazolyl[l,2,4]), (5-tetrazolyl), (2-, 4- or 5-oxazolyl), (3-, 4- or 5- isoxazolyl), (3- or 5-oxadiazolyl[ 1,2,4]), (2-oxadiazolyl[ 1,3,4]), (2-thiadiazolyl[l,3,4]), (2-, 4-, or 5-thiazolyl), (2-, 4-, or 5-oxazolidinyl), (2-, 4-, or 5-thiazolidinyl), or (2-, 4-, or 5-imidazolidinyl).

When the R7 group is optionally substituted by a heterocyclic ring such as imidazolyl, pyrazolyi, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, or thiazolyl, the heterocyclic ring itself may be optionally substituted by R8 either on an available nitrogen or carbon atom, such as l-(R8)-2-imidazolyl, l-(R8)-4-imidazolyl, l-(Rg)-5-imidazolyl, l-(R8)-3-pyrazolyl, l-(R8)-4-pyrazolyl, l-(R8)-5-pyrazolyl, l-(R8)-4-triazolyl, or l-(R8)-5-triazolyl. Where applicable, the ring may be substituted one or more times by R$.

Preferred are those compounds of the Formula (I) wherein R is -CH2-cyclopropyl, -CH2-C5-6 cycloalkyl, -C4-6 cycloalkyl, tetrahydrofuran-3-yl, (3- or 4-cyclopentenyl), benzyl or -Cι_2 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 or more fluorines, and -(CH2)2-4 OH; R2 is methyl or fluoro-substituted alkyl, R3 is CN or OCRs; and X is YR2- Most preferred are those compounds wherein Ri is -CH2-cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, methyl or CF2H; R3 is CN or C≡CH; X is YR2; Y is oxygen; X2 is oxygen; X3 is hydrogen; and R2 is CF2H or methyl.

A preferred subgenus of the compounds of the Formula (I) is the compounds of the Formula (la)

wherein:

Rl is CH2-cyclopropyl, CH2-C5-6 cycloalkyl, C4-6 cycloalkyl, C7-H polycycloalkyl, (3- or 4-cyclopentenyl), phenyl, tetrahydrofuran-3-yl, benzyl or Cχ-2 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 or more fluorines, -(CH2)l-3C(O)O(CH2)0-2CH3, -(CH2)1-3O(CH2)0-2CH3, and -(CH2)2-4OH;

X is YR2, halogen, nitro, NR4R5, or formyl amine;

X4 is

(a) (b)

X ₅ is H, R9, OR8, CN, C(O)R8, C(O)OR8, C(O)NRsR8, or NRgRg; Y is O orS(O) _m '; ^' m' is 0, 1, or 2;

R2 is -CH3 or -CH2CH3 optionally substituted by 1 or more halogens; R3 is hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, CH2NHC(O)C(O)NH2, halo-substituted C1-4 alkyl, CN,

CH2ORg, C(Z')H, C(O)OR8, C(O)NR8Rl0, or C≡CRs;

Z' is O orNORδ;

Z is C(O)Rl4, C(O)ORl4, C(O)NRιoRl4, C(NRiθ)NRιoRl4, CN, C(NOR8)Ri4, C(O)NR8NR8C(O)Rg, C(O)NRsNRιoRl4, C(NORi4)R8, C(NR ₈ )NRιoRl4, C(NRi4)NR8R8, C(NCN)NRiθRl4, C(NCN)SR9, (1-, 4- or 5-{Ri4}-2-imidazolyl), (1-, 4- or5-{Ri4}-3-pyrazolyl), (1-, 2- or5-[Rl4}-4-triazolyl[l,2,3]), (1-, 2-, 4- or 5-{Ri4}-3-triazolyl[l,2,4]), (1- or 2-[Ri4}-5-tetrazolyl), (4- or 5-[Ri4)-2-oxazolyl), (3- or 4-{Ri4]-5-isoxazoIyl), (3-{Rl4}-5-oxadiazolyl[l,2,4]), (5-{Ri4}-3-oxadiazolyl[l,2,4]), (5-{Ri4}-2-oxadiazolyl[l,3,4]), (5-[Ri4}-2-thiadiazoIyl[l,3,4]), (4- or 5-{Ri4}-2-thiazolyl),

(4- or 5-{Ri4}-2-oxazolidinyl), (4- or 5-{Ri4)-2-thiazolidinyl),(l-, 4- or 5- { R 14 } -2-imidazolidinyl);

R7 is -(CR4R5)qRi2 or Cι_6 alkyl wherein the R12 or Cι_6 alkyl group is optionally substituted one or more times by Ci-2 alkyl optionally substituted by one to three fluorines, -F, -Br, -Cl, -NO ₂ , -NR ₁₀ Rι i, -C(O)R8, -C(O)OR8, -OR8, -CN, -C(O)NRiθRll,

-OC(O)NRιoRl l, -OC(O)R8, -NRιoC(O)NRιoRl l, -NRιoC(O)Rn, -NRιoC(O)OR9, -NRιoC(O)Ri3, -C(NRιo)NRιoRl l, -C(NCN)NRιoRll, -C(NCN)SR9, -NRιoC(NCN)SR9 , -NRι ₀ C(NCN)NRι ₀ Rll. -NRιoS(O)2R9, -S(O) _m 'R9, -NRιoC(O)C(O)NRιoRll, -NRιoC(O)C(O)Rio, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, pyrazolyi, triazolyl, or tetrazolyl; q is 0, l, or 2;

Rl2 is C3-C7 cycloalkyl, (2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl), (1- or 2-imidazolyl), piperazinyl, morpholinyl, (2- or 3-thienyl), (4- or 5-thiazolyl), or phenyl; the dotted line formula (a) represents a single or double bond; R is independently selected from hydrogen or R9;

R9 is Cj- alkyl optionally substituted by one to three fluorines;

R O is ORδ or Rn;

R\ 1 is hydrogen or C1-.4 alkyl optionally substituted by one to three fluorines; or when Rio and Ri 1 are as NR10R11 they may together with the nitrogen form a 5 to 7 membered ring optionally containing at least one additional heteroatom selected from O/N/or S;

Rl3 is oxazolidinyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyi, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, imidazolyl, imidazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, or thiadiazolyl, and each of these heterocyclic rings is connected through a carbon atom and each may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or two Cμ2 alkyl groups;

R 4 is hydrogen or R7; or when Rio and R14 are as NR10R14 they may together with the nitrogen form a 5 to 7 membered ring optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms selected from O/N/or S; provided that: a) when R12 is N-imidazolyl, N-triazolyl, N-pyrrolyl, N-piperazinyl, or N- morpholinyl, then q is not 1; or b) when Ri is CF2H or CF3, X is F, OCF2H, or OCF3, X5 is H, Z is C(O)ORi4 and Rl4 is Ci-7 unsubstituted alkyl, then R3 is other than H; or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Exemplified compounds of Formula (I) are: methyl 4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohex- 1 -ene- 1 - carboxylate;

4-cyano-4- (3-cyclopenty loxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohex- 1 -ene- 1 -carboxylic acid;

methyl cw-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane- l- carboxylate]; methyl trαrt5 ^* -[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohex ane-l- carboxylate]; methyl cis- [4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyanocyclohexane-l-carbo xylate]; methyl trα«5-[4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyanocyclohexane -l-carboxylate]; cw-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane- l-carboxylic acid]; c -.-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane- 1 -carboxylate] , trw(hydroxymethyl)ammonium methane salt; ^' ^^-^-(S^-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyϋ^-cyanocyclohexane-l-carbo xylic acid]; trα«5-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyIoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohe xane-l-carboxylic acid]; cz5-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohe xane-l-carboxylic acid]; trα/zs-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyI)cyc lohexane-l- carboxylic acid]; methyl ci -[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexan e- 1 - carboxylate]; methyl trαn5-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cycl ohexane-l- carboxylate]; methyl cz^-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4- difluoromethoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l-carboxylate]; methyl rrα/i5'-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-difluoromethoxyp henyl)- cyclohexane- 1-carboxylate] ; c. ^' :^-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-difluoromethoxyp henyl)cyclohexane-l- carboxylic acid]; trαn^-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-difluoromethoxyphe nyl)cyclohexane-l- carboxylic acid]; cι-f-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexa ne-l-carboxamide]; ci ^* -f-[4-cyano-4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)cyclohexan e-l-carboxamide]; trans- [4-cyano-4-(3 ,4-bisdϊfluoromethoxyphenyl)cycIohexane- 1 -carboxamide] ; ci->-[4-cyano-4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)cyclohexane -l-carbohydrazide]; c/-j-[4-cyano-4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l- (2- acetylcarbohydrazide)] ; cw-{4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyano-l-(3-methyl[l,2 ,4]oxadiazoI-5- yl)cyclohexane); α ^' -y-[4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyano-l-(2-meth yl[l,3,4]oxadiazol-5- yl)cyclohexane};

cw-{4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyano-l-(2-methyl[l,3 ,4]thiadiazol-5- yl)cyclohexane); c -[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-l-hydroxy -l- tris(methylthio)methylcyclohexane]; methyl cw-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 -hydroxy- cyclohexane- 1 -carboxylate] ; cw-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 -hydroxycyclohexane- 1 - carboxylic acid]; ci5-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 -hydroxycyclohexane- 1 - carboxamide]; methyl c«-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 -methoxy- cyclohexane- 1 -carboxylate] ; cz ^' j-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 -methoxycyclohexane- 1 - carboxylic acid]; cz ^' 5-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-l- methoxycyclohexane-l- carboxamide]; trα/i -[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-l-hydroxy -cyclohexane- 1 -carboxaldehyde] ; methyl trans-[ 4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-l- hydroxycyclohexane- 1 -carboxylate] ; trfl/ty-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-l- hydroxycyclohexane- 1 -carboxylic acid]; methyl tr ι^-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-l- methoxycyclohexane- 1 -carboxylate]; trflω-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 -methoxycyclohexane-

1 -carboxylic acid]; trfl«5-[4-cyano-4-(3-cycloρropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-l -methoxycyclohexane- 1 -carboxamide]; cz5-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane -l-carboxamic acid];

N-methyl-czs-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl )cyclohexane-l- carboxamic acid]; cz ^' -[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l- N-(2- cyanoethyl)carboxamide] ; cis-[ 1 -(2-cyanoethyl)-5- { 4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4- methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl } tetrazole] ; and cz ^' .ϊ-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 -(tetrazol-5-yl)cyclohexane] .

Some compounds of Formula (I) may exist in both racemic and optically active forms; some may also exist in distinct diastereomeric forms possessing distinct physical and

biological properties. All of these compounds are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Therefore another aspect of the present invention is the administration of either a racemate, a single enantiomeric form, a single diastereomeric form, or mixtures thereof- The terms cis and trans denote stereochemistry at the C-l position of the cyclohexane ring relative to the R3 group at the C-4 position.

The teπns"Cι_3 ^al kyl"- "CM alkyl", "Cι_6 alkyl" or "alkyl" include both straight or branched chain radicals of 1 to 10, unless the chain length is limited thereto, including, but not limited to methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, terr-butyl, and the like. "Alkenyl" includes both straight or branched chain radicals of 1 to 6 carbon lengths, unless the chain length is limited thereto, including but not limited to vinyl, 1-propenyl, 2- propenyl, 2-propynyl, or 3-methyl-2-propenyl. "Cycloalkyl" or "cycloalkyl alkyl" includes groups of 3-7 carbon atoms, such as cyclopropyl, cyclopropylmethyl, cyclopentyl, or cyclohexy "Aryl" or "aralkyl", unless specified otherwise, means an aromatic ring or ring system of 6-10 carbon atoms, such as phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, or naphthyl. Preferably the aryl is monocyclic, i.e, phenyl. The alkyl chain includes both straight or branched chain radicals of 1 to 4 carbon atoms. "Heteroaryl" as used herein, is meant an aromatic ring system containing one or more heteroatoms, such as imidazolyl, triazolyl, oxazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazolyi, pyrrolyl, furanyl, or thienyl. "Halo" as used herein is meant all halogens, i.e., chloro, fluoro, bromo, or iodo.

The phrase "inhibiting the production of IL-1" or "inhibiting the production of TNF" means: a) a decrease of excessive in vivo IL-1 or TNF levels, respectively, in a human to normal levels or below normal levels by inhibition of the in vivo release of EL-1 by all cells, including but not limited to monocytes or macrophages; b) a down regulation, at the translational or transcriptional level, of excessive in vivo IL-1 or TNF levels, respectively, in a human to normal levels or below normal levels; or c) a down regulation, by inhibition of the direct synthesis of IL-1 or TNF levels as a postranslational event- "TNF mediated disease or disease states" means any and all disease states in which

TNF plays a role, either by production of TNF itself, or by TNF causing another cytokine to be released, such as but not limited to IL-1 or IL-6. A disease state in which IL-1, for instance is a major component, and whose production or action, is exacerbated or secreted in response to TNF, would therefore be considered a disease state mediated by TNF. As TNF-β (also known as lymphotoxin) has close structural homology with TNF-α (also known as cachectin), and since each induces similar biologic responses and binds to the same cellular receptor, both TNF-α and TNF-β are inhibited by the compounds of the present invention and thus are herein referred to collectively as "TNF" unless specifically delineated otherwise. Preferably TNF-α is inhibited.

"Cytokine" means any secreted polypeptide that affects the functions of cells, and is a molecule which modulates interactions between cells in immune, inflammatory, or hematopoietic responses. A cytokine includes, but is not limited to, monokines and lymphokines regardless of which cells produce them. For instance, a monokine is generally referred to as being produced and secreted by a mononuclear cell, such as a macrophage and/or monocyte, but many other cells produce monokines, such as natural killer cells, fibroblasts, basophils, neutrophils, endothelial cells, brain astrocytes, bone marrow stromal cells, epidermal keratinocytes, and B-lymphocytes. Lymphokines are generally referred to as being produced by lymphocyte cells. Examples of cytokines for the present invention include, but are not limited to, Interleukin-1 (IL-1), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-beta (TNF-β).

The cytokine inhibited by the present invention for use in the treatment of a HIV- infected human must be a cytokine which is implicated in (a) the initiation and/or maintenance of T cell activation and/or activated T cell-mediated HIV gene expression and/or replication, and/or (b) any cytokine-mediated disease associated problem such as cachexia or muscle degeneration. Preferrably this cytokine is TNF-α.

All of the compounds of Formula (I) are useful in the method of inhibiting the production of TNF, preferably by macrophages, monocytes or macrophages and monocytes, in a mammal, including humans, in need thereof. All of the compounds of Formula (I) are useful in the method of inhibiting or mediating the enzymatic or catalytic activity of PDE IV and in treatment of disease states mediated thereby.

METHODS OF PREPARATION: Preparing compounds of the Formula (I) can be carried out by one of skill in the art according to the procedures outlined in the Examples, infra. The preparation of any remaining compounds of the Formula (I) not described therein may be prepared by the analogous processes disclosed herein which comprise: a) for compounds of the Formula (I) wherein R3 is H, CN, OR9, Ci-4 alkyl or Ci-4 halosubstituted alkyl, wherein X or X3 is other than Br, I, NO2, amino, formyl amine or S(O)m' when m' is 1 or 2, wherein Z is CHO and the double bond is present, reacting a compound of the Formula (2)

wherein Ri represents Ri as defined in relation to Formula (I) or a group convertable to Ri and X and X3 represent X and X3 as defined in relation to Formula (I) or a group convertable to X or X3 and R3 represents R3 as defined in relation to Formula (I) or a group convertable to R3, with nitromethane in a suitable non-reacting solvent in the presence of a base (catalyst)

to provide compounds of the Formula (I) wherein R3 is H, CN, OR9 ₅ C1-.4 alkyl or C1-.4 halosubstituted alkyl, wherein X and X3 are other than Br, I, NO2, amino, for yl amine or S(O)m' when m' is 1 or 2, wherein Z is CH2NO2 and the double bond is present; treatment of such compounds with a base, such as sodium methoxide, in the presence of, e.g., buffered titanium trichloride, provides compounds of the Formula (I) wherein R3 is H, CN, OR9, C1-4 alkyl or Ci-4 halosubstituted alkyl, wherein X or X3 are other than Br, I, NO2, amino, formyl amine or S(O)m' when m' is 1 or 2 and wherein Z is CHO and the double bond is present. Double bond reduction of such compounds of the Formula (I) provides the corresponding saturated ring Formula (I) compounds; oxidation of the aldehyde function of either these saturated or unsaturated compounds of the Formula (I) provides the corresponding Formula (I) carboxylates (Z = COOH), which may be converted by standard procedures with proper manipulation of any chemically sensitive functional groups to the corresponding ester, amide, nitrile, oxazolidinone, etc., Z groups of the Formula (I).

Alternatively, reaction of a compound of the Formula (2) with, e.g., tosylmethyl isocyanide and potassium t-butoxide (followed by hydrolysis) or lithium methoxyphenylthiotrimethylsilylmethane (followed by hydrolysis) provides compounds of the Formula (I) wherein R3 is H, CN, OR9 , Cχ-4 alkyl or C1-.4 halosubstituted alkyl, wherein X and X3 are other than Br, I, NO2- amino, formyl amine or S(O)m' when m' is 1 or 2, wherein Z is CO2R15, the double bond is present, and R15 is H or simple alkyl; these then may be converted by standard procedures with proper manipulation (protection/deprotection) of any chemically sensitive functional groups to the corresponding ester, amide, nitrile, oxazolidinone, etc., Z groups of the Formula (I).

Alternatively, reaction of a compound of the Formula (2) with, e.g., triflic anhydride in the presence of an appropriate tertiary amine base, or with an alkyl lithium at a reduced temperature followed by treatment with N-phenyl trifluorosulfonimide, provides the corresponding enol triflate, which is then reacted with carbon monoxide in the presence of an alcohol or amine and an appropriate palladium catalyst to provide compounds of the Formula (I) wherein R3 is H, CN, OR9 , C1.4 alkyl or Ci-4 halosubstituted alkyl, wherein X and X3 are other than Br, I, NO2- amino, formyl amine or S(O)m' when m' is 1 or 2, wherein Z is CO2R15 or CONR10R14, the double bond is present, and R 5 is H or simple alkyl; these then may be converted by standard procedures with proper manipulation (protection/deprotection) of any chemically sensitive functional groups to the corresponding ester, amide, nitrile, oxazolidinone, etc., Z groups of the Formula (I).

Alternatively, reaction of a compound of the Formula (2) with, e.g., lithium tris(methylthio)methane at reduced temperature, followed by mercury salt hydrolysis and alcohol treatment provides compounds of the Formula (I) wherein R3 is H, CN, OR9 , Ci-4 alkyl or C1.4 halosubstituted alkyl, wherein X and X3 are other than Br, I, NO2, amino, formyl amine or S(O)m' when m' is 1 or 2, wherein Z is CO2 15 and X5 is OH, the double bond is absent, and R15 is H or simple alkyl. Such compounds may also be obtained by

reaction of a compound of the Formula (2) with trimethylsulfoxonium iodide or trimethylsulfonium iodide and an appropriate base, such as sodium hydride, to provide the exoepoxide followed by treatment with aqueous potassium hydroxide in, e.g., dimethylsulfoxide and oxidation of the resulting primary alcohol to the carboxyl provides compounds of the Formula (I) wherein R3 is H, CN, OR9 , Cl-4 alkyl or C 1-4 halosubstituted alkyl, wherein X and X3 are other than Br, I, NO2, amino, formyl amine or S(O)m' when m' is 1 or 2, wherein Z is CO2R15 and X5 is OH, the double bond is absent, and R15 is H or simple alkyl; the R5 hydroxyl may be alkylated and these compounds then may be converted by standard procedures with proper manipulation (protection/deprotection) of any chemically sensitive functional groups to the corresponding ester, amide, nitrile, oxazolidinone, etc., Z groups of the Formula (I).

Alternatively, reaction of a compound of the Formula (2) with, e.g., 2-lithio-2- (trimethylsilyl)-l,3-dithiane followed by acidic hydrolysis with a mercury salt, such as mercury (II) chloride, or reaction of a compound of the Formula (2) with, e.g., sodio-[diethyl r-butoxy(cyano)methyl phosphonate] followed by treatment with acetic anhydride and a zinc halide and then followed by treatment with an alkoxide provides compounds of the Formula (I) wherein R3 is H, CN, OR9 , Cl-4 alkyl or Cl-4 halosubstituted alkyl, wherein X and X3 are other than Br, I, NO2, amino, formyl amine or S(O)m' when m' is 1 or 2, wherein Z is CO2R15. the double bond is not present, and R15 is H or simple alkyl and R5 is H; these then may be converted by standard procedures with proper manipulation

(protection/deprotection) of any chemically sensitive functional groups to the corresponding ester, amide, nitrile, oxazolidinone, etc., Z groups of the Formula (I).

Preparation of such compounds of the Formula (I) wherein R3 is C(=Z')H proceed in an analogous fashion from the compound of the Formula (2) wherein =Z' is an aldehyde protecting group, such as a dimethylacetal or a dioxolane, followed by aldehyde deprotection and subsequent manipulation by standard procedures known to those of skill in the art to the remaining compounds of the Formula (I) wherein Z' is other than O or R3 is other than H, CN, OR9 , Cl-4 alkyl or Cl-4 halosubstituted alkyl.

With proper manipulation (protection/deprotection) of any chemically sensitive functional groups: a) Compounds of the Formula (I) wherein X or X3 are formyl amine may be formed at the last step, by formylating a compound wherein X or X3 is NH2, obtained by removal of a protecting group from the amine functionality; such protective groups are well known to those skilled in the art, See Greene, T. and Wuts, P.G.M., Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, 2nd Ed., John Wiley and Sons, New York (1991). c) Compounds of the Formula (I) wherein X or X3 are Br or I may be prepared from a similarly deprotected amine by diazotization of the amine and diazonium displacement. d) Compounds of the Formula (I) wherein X or X3 are NO2 may be prepared from a similarly deprotected amine by oxidation of the amine to the nitro group.

e) Compounds of the Formula (I) wherein Y is S(O)m' when m' is 1 or 2 may be prepared from the compounds of the Formula (I) wherein Y is S by oxidation of the SR2 moiety under conditions well known those skilled in the art

Compounds of the Formula (2) may be prepared in turn by the processes described in co-pending application U.S. Serial Number 07/862,083 filed 2 April 1992 and the corresponding continuation-in-part application filed on even date herewith.

It will be recognized that compounds of the Formula (I) may exist in two distinct diastereomeric forms possessing distinct physical and biological properties; such isomers may be separated by standard chromatographic methods. The following examples and methods are provided to illustrate how the make and use the invention. These materials are not intended to limit the invention in any manner; please refer to the claims appended hereto for determining what has been reserved to the inventors hereunder.

SYNTHETIC EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 1 Methyl 4-cyano-4-f3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl ^' )cyclohex-l-ene-l-carboxylate 4-Cyano-4-(3-cycIopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyI)-l-cvclohexenyl trifluoromethylsulfonate To a solution of diisopropylamine [1.95 milliliters (hereinafter mL), 13.9 millimoles (hereinafter mmol)] in tetrafiydrofuran (12 mL) at 0° C under an argon atmosphere was added n-butyllithium (5.8 mL of 2.5M solution, 14.15 mmol), the resulting solution was stirred for 25 minutes (hereinafter min) and then was cooled to -78°C. To this was added a solution of 4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyI)cyclohexan-l-one [2 grams (hereinafter g), 6.64 mmol] in tetrahydrofuran (9 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred at -78° C for 2 hours (hereinafter h), at which time N-phenyl- trifluoromethylsulfonimide (4.98 g, 13.9 mmol) was added. The mixture was allowed to warm slowly to room temperature and after 5h, the mixture was poured into water and extracted with methylene chloride. The organic extract was dried (potassium carbonate) and concentrated under reduced pressure- The residue was purified by flash chromatography, eluting with 4:1 hexanes/ethyl acetate, to afford an oil (1.09 g, 37%).

Methyl 4-cyano-4-G-cvclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cvcIohex-l-ene-l- carboxylate To a solution of 4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-l - cyclohexenyl trifluoromethylsulfonate (1.0 g, 2.24 mmol) in 1:1 methanol/N,N- dimethylformamide (8 mL) were added triethylamine (0.66 mL, 4.72 mmol) and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0-13 g, 0.11 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature in the dark under a carbon monoxide atmosphere for 3h. The mixture was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate, the organic extract was washed three times with water, once with brine, was dried (potassium carbonate) and was evaporated.

Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 3:1 hexanes/ethyl acetate, provided an off-white solid (0.64 g, 80%): m.p. 128-1290 C.

Analysis Calc. for C21H25NO4 /8 H2O: C 70.52, H 7.12, N 3.92; found: C 70.45, H 6.93, N 3.87.

EXAMPLE 2 4-Cvano-4-(3-cvclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cvclohex- 1 -ene-1 -carboxylic acid To a solution of methyl 4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohex-l- ene-1 -carboxylate (0.07 g, 0.18 mmol) in methanol (0.5 mL, containing just enough tetrahydrofuran to solubilize the ester) under an argon atmosphere was added a solution of potassium hydroxide (0.03 g, 0.55 mmol) in water (0.4 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4h, then poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The aqueous phase was acidified with 3N hydrochloric acid and extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The organic phase from the acid extraction was dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated under reduced pressure to provide a viscous oil, which solidified upon standing. The solid was recrystallized from hexanes/methylene chloride (0.05 g, 82%): m.p. 161- 163 ⁰ C.

Analysis Calc. for C20H23NO4- 1/2H2O: C 68.55, H 6.90, N 4.00; found: C 68.65, H 6.55, N 3.82. EXAMPLE 3

Methyl cis- and trans- f4-cvano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l- carboxylate] Procedure 3 A:

To a solution of methyl 4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohex-l- ene- 1 -carboxylate (0.26 g, 0.73 mmol) in methanol (12 mL) was added 10% palladium on activated carbon (0.15 g) and the resulting mixture was hydrogenated at 50 psi for 5h. The mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and water, the extract was dried (potassium carbonate) and evaporated to a solid which was primarily the cisssier (0.14 g, 54%): m.p. 94-95°C.

Analysis Calc. for C2lH27NO4'l/8 H2O: C 70.32, H 7.38, N 3.90; found: C 70.33, H 7.59, N 3.81.

Procedure 3B: 2-r4-Cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl ^" )cyclohexylidene1-1.3-dithiane To a solution of 2-trimethylsilyl-l,3-dithiane (9.25 mL, 48.7 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (80 mL) at 0° C under an argon atmosphere was added rapidly n-butyllithium (2.5M. in hexanes, 19.2 mL, 48 mmol). After 10 min, the mixture was cooled to -78°C and a solution of 4- cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-l-one (7.53 g, 23 mmol) in

tetrahydrofuran (40 mL) was added. After 10 min, aqueous sodium chloride was added, the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was diluted with water. This mixture was combined with the product of three substantially similar reactions conducted on ketone (3.04, 6.01 and 6.1 g, 48.3 mmol total), the combined mixture was extracted three times with methylene chloride, the extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 10% ethyl acetate/hexanes, provided a white solid (26 g, 87%): m.p. 115-116°C.

Methyl cz ^' -r4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopeπtyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cvclohexane-l - carboxylatel Perchloric acid (70%, 13.8 mL, 160 mmol) and mercuric chloride (34.1 g, 126 mmol) were added to a solution of 2-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4- methoxyphenyl)cyclohexylidene]-l,3-dithiane (13 g, 31.3 mmol) in methanol (0.5 L) under an argon atmosphere and the mixture was heated at reflux for 2h and then was allowed to stir at room temperature for 42h. The mixture was diluted with methylene chloride, was filtered through Celite and the filtrate was combined with that of a similar reaction conducted concurrently on the same scale. The mixture was neutralized with aqueous sodium bicarbonate, was extracted three times with methylene chloride, the organic extract was washed three times with aqueous sodium sulfite, was dried (magnesium sulfate) and was evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 15% ethyl acetate/hexanes, provided the czs-ester as a white solid (12.4 g, 56%): m.p. 119-120°C, along with an additional quantity of slightly impure product (2.6 g, 12%).

Methyl trαn -r4-cvano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl')cvclohexane-l - carboxylateT The trα/w-ester was also isolated from this mixture as a solid (1.04 g, 5%): m.p. 50-51° C. Analysis Calc. for C21H27NO4-3/4 H2O: C 67.99, H 7.74, N 3.78; found: C 67.98, H 7.35, N 3.65.

EXAMPLE 4 Methyl cis- and traw-r4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cvanocvclohexane-l- carboxylate] Procedure 4A:

2-r4-f3.4-Bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyanocvclohexyIiden e]-2-tert-butyloxy acetonitrile Sodium hydride (80% dispersion, 0.35 g, 11.7 mmol) was washed three times with pentane, was suspended in tetrahydrofuran (15 mL) at room temperature under an argon atmosphere and diethyl tert-butyl(cyano)methylphosphonate (2.66 g, 10.7 mmol) was added. After 0.5h, a solution of 4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyanocyclohexan-l-one (1.77 g, 5.34 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (5 mL) was added and the mixture was heated at reflux for 0.5h. The mixture was cooled, aqueous sodium chloride and water were added, the mixture was extracted three times with ether, the extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) and

evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 20% ethyl acetate/hexanes, provided the title compound as a white solid (1.18 g, 52%).

Methyl cis- and -rαw.y-r4-(3.4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl')-4-cyanocyclohexan e-l- carboxylatel A mixture of 2-[4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyanocyclohexylidene]- 2- rert-butyloxy acetonitrile (0.25 g, 0.59 mmol) and zinc chloride (0.1 g, 0.7 mmol) in acetic anhydride (1.5 mL) under an argon atmosphere was heated at reflux for 10 min, was cooled, was diluted with water and was extracted three times with ether. The organic extract was washed with water, dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated. A solution of this acetate in methanol (6 mL) was treated with a solution of sodium methoxide (25% in methanol, 0.17 mL, 0.71 mmol) and the mixture was stirred under an argon atmosphere for 2h. The mixture was acidified with hydrochloric acid (IN), water was added and the mixture was extracted three times with methylene chloride. The organic extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography and eluting with 20% ethyl acetate/hexanes provided the trans-isomcτ as a colorless oil (0.07 g, 30%). Analysis Calc. for C17H17F4NO4: C 54.40, H 4.57, N 3.73; found: C 54.57, H 4.51, N 3.58. The ->-isomer was also isolated as a yellow oil (0.1 g, 47%). Procedure 4B:

Methyl c. ^' s-r4-(3.4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyanocyclohexane - 1 -carboxylate] A solution of cz-?-[4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyanocyclohexane-l -carboxylic acid (EXAMPLE 10, 0.07 g, 0.19 mmol) and trimethylsilyl chloride (0.12 mL, 0.95 mmol) in methanol (5 mL) was stirred at room temperature under an argon atmosphere for 24h. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography, eluting with 15% ethyl acetate/hexanes, provided a colorless oil (0.05 g, 63%). Analysis Calc. for C17H17F4NO4: C 54.40, H 4.57, N 3.73; found: C 54.45, H 4.49, N 3.42.

EXAMPLE 5 cz ^' _l s ^, -[4-Cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohex ane-l -carboxylic acidl and cis- r4-(3.4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyI)-4-cyanocyclohexane-l -carboxylic acid! To a solution of methyl cw-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4- methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l -carboxylate] (0.12 g, 0.34 mmol) in methanol (0.9 mL, containing just enough tetrahydrofuran to solubilize the ester) under an argon atmosphere was added a solution of potassium hydroxide (0.06 g, 0.9 mmol) in water (0.7 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5h, then poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The aqueous phase was acidified with 10% hydrochloric acid and extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The organic phase from the acid extraction was dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated under reduced pressure to provide a solid. The solid was purified by flash chromatography, eluting with 4% methanol/chloroform, to provide a white solid (0.05 g, 44%): m.p. 157 ⁰ Q

Analysis Calc. for C20H25NO4-1/8H2O: C 68.75, H 7.40, N 4.01; found: C 68.74, H 7.08, N 3.84.

In a similar manner there was prepared: cw-[4-(3,4-Bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyanocyclohexane-l-ca rboxylic acid] as a solid: m.p. 143-144°C.

Analysis Calc. for C16H15F4NO4: C 53.19, H 4.18, N 3.88; found: C 53.57, H 3.91, N 3.59.

EXAMPLE 6 cz ^' -r4-Cvano-4- 3-cvclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyI ^' )cvclohexane- 1 -carboxylate! . tm(hvdroxymethvnaπιmoniuτn methane salt

To a solution of cw-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane- l- carboxylic acid] (0.17 g, 0.5 mmol) in methanol (2 mL) was added an aqueous solution of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (1.0M, 0.5 mL). After 10 min, the solvent was evaporated, toluene and methanol were added and the liquids were removed in vacuo. Trituration with ether provided a white solid (0.18 g, 79%): m.p. 191-194°C.

Analysis Calc. for C24H36N2O7-2.5H2O: C 56.57, H 8.11, N 5.50; found: C 56.44, H 7.75, N 5.62.

EXAMPLE 7 trαn '-r4-Cvano-4-(3-cvclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl')cyclohexane- l-carboxylic acidl

To a solution of methyl trαns-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4- methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l-carboxylate] (0.68 g, 1.9 mmol) in methanol (8 mL, containing just enough tetrahydrofuran to solubilize the ester) under an argon atmosphere was added water (4 mL) and potassium hydroxide (0.32 g, 5.7 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24h, was acidified with 10% hydrochloric acid and was extracted three times with 10% methanol/methylene chloride. The organic extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 4% methanol/methylene chloride, provided a white semi-solid (0.52 g, 80%), which was triturated with ether to yield a white solid (0.43 g): m.p. 157- 158°C.

Analysis Calc. for C20H25NO4: C 69.95, H 7.34, N 4.08; found: C 69.69, H 7.30, N 4.07.

EXAMPLE 8 cis- and trflns-r4-Cyano-4-(3-cycIopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyDcyclo hexane-l- carboxylic acidl

8A. 2-r4-Cyano-4-(3-cvcIopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cvclohexylidi ne1-2-tgrt- butyloxy acetonitrile This compound, prepared substantially as described above for 2-[4- (3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyanocyclo-hexylidene]-2-te rt-butyloxy acetonitrile in Procedure A of EXAMPLE 4, was isolated as a white solid: m.p. 109-110°C.

8B. Methyl cis- and -ra« ₁ y-[4-cyano-4-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl ^' )cyclohexane- 1-carboxylatel These compounds, prepared substantially as described above for methyl cis- and trαn-y-[4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyanocyclohexane - 1 -carboxylate] in Procedure A of EXAMPLE 4, were isolated as solids [cw-isomer (0.35 g, 33%): m.p. 105- 106°C; trαns-isomer (0.52g, 49%): m.p. 103-104 ^O C].

8C. Methyl cz ^' 5'-r4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4- methoxyphenyPcyclohexane- 1 -carboxyatel A suspension of methyl czs-[4-cyano-4-(3- hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l -carboxylate] (0.35 g, 1.20 mmol), powdered potassium carbonate (0.5 g, 3.6 mmol) and bromomethyl cyclopropane (0.35 mL, 3.6 mmol) in dry dimethylformamide (15 mL) under an argon atmosphere was heated at 85°C for 4h. The mixture was cooled, was diluted with water and was extracted three times with ether. The organic extract was washed four times with water, once with brine, was dried (potassium carbonate) and was evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 20% ethyl acetate/hexanes, provided an oil (0.34 g, 82%). 8D. cz ^' 5'-[4-Cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cy clohexane-l- carboxylic acidl The title compound, prepared substantially as described above for cis-[4- cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l-carb oxylic acid] in EXAMPLE 7, was isolated as a solid: m.p. 165-167°C . Analysis Calc. for Ci9H23NO4'l/5 H2O: C 68.53, H 7.08, N 4.21; found: C 68.70, H 7.07, N 4.16.

8E. Methyl traκ,y-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4- methoxyphenyPcyclohexane- 1 -carboxyatel The title compound, prepared substantially as described above for methyl cz ^' .j-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4- methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l-carboxyate] in EXAMPLE 8C was isolated as a solid: m.p. 127.5-128 ⁰ C .

Analysis Calc. for C20H25NO4-3/8 H2O: C 68.60, H 7.41, N 4.00; found: C 68.50, H 7.28, N 3.88.

8F. trafls-r4-Cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cycl ohexane-l- carboxylic acid] The title compound, prepared substantially as described above for cis-[4- cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane- 1-carboxylic acid] in EXAMPLE 7, was isolated as a solid: m.p. 148°C . Analysis Calc. for C19H23NO4: C 69.28, H 7.04, N 4.25; found: C 68.97, H 7.03, N 4.25.

EXAMPLE 9 cis- and trQn-y-r4-Cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-difluoromethoxyphe nyl ^' )cyclohexane-l- carboxylic acidl 9A. 2-r4-Cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4- difluoromethoxyphenvDcyclohexylidenel- 1.3-dithiane This compound, prepared substantially as described above for 2-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-

methoxyphenyl)cyclohexylidene]-l,3-dithianein Procedure B of EXAMPLE 3, was isolated as a solid: m.p. 84-85°C .

9B. Methyl cis- and zrgnj?-r4-cyano-4-(3-cvclopropylmethoxy-4-difluoromethoxy- phenvDcvclohexane-l-carboxylatel These compounds, prepared substantially as described above for methyl cis- and trαj-js ^* -[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4- methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l-carboxylate] in Procedure B of EXAMPLE 3, were isolated as oils.

9C. cz ^" .r-r4-Cvano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4- difluoromethoxyphenyPcyclohexane- 1 -carboxylic acidl This compound, prepared substantially as described above for cw-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4- methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l-carboxylic acid] in EXAMPLE 7, was isolated as a solid: m.p. 134-135°C . _.

Analysis Calc. for C19H21F2NO4: C 62.46, H 5.79, N 3.83; found: C 62.15, H 5.83, N 3.88. 9D. tr-7/7 -r4-Cy--no-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-difluoπ->methoxyphe nyl')- cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acidl The title compound, prepared substantially as described above for cz -[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyI)cyclohexane-l- carboxyIic acid] in EXAMPLE 7, was isolated as a solid: m.p. 128-129°C.

EXAMPLE 10 cz -r4-Cvano-4-(3-cvclopentvIoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cvclohexane-l- carboxamide1

To a solution of methyl c/s-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4- methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l-carboxylate] (0.22 g, 0.62 mmol) and formamide (0.08 mL, 2.08 mmOl) at 100°C in dimethylformamide (2 mL) under an argon atmosphere was added portionwise over 20 min sodium methoxide (25% solution in methanol, 0.1 mL, 0.43 mmol). After an additional 1.25h at 100°C, the mixture was cooled, was poured into isopropanol, was filtered and the filtrate evaporated. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, the organic phase was washed three times with water, was dried (magnesium sulfate) and was concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 3% methanol/methylene chloride, provided a white foam (0.06 g, 28%). Analysis Calc. for C2θH26 2θ3-3/8H2θ: C 68.79, H 7.72, N 8.02; found: C 68.86, H 7.49, N7.93.

EXAMPLE 11 cis- f 4-(3.4-BisdifluoromethoxyphenvP-4-cyano- 1 -(3-methylf 1 ,2,41oxadiazol-5- yPcvclohexane) cz ^" y-and trQ/t -r4-(3.4-Bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyanocvclohexane-l- carboxamide] These compounds, prepared substantially as described above for czs-^-cyano- 4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l-carboxamid e] in EXAMPLE 14, were isolated as a solid (cis isomer: m.p. 109-110°C ) and as an oil (trans isomer).

cz -f4-(3.4-BisdifluoromethoxyphenvP-4-cvano-l-(3-methviπ.2.41 oxadiazol-5- vPcvclohexane) A solution of cw-[4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyanocyclohexane- 1 -carboxamide] (0.06 g, 0.17 mmol) in N,N-dimethylacetamide dimethyl acetal (0.5 mL) was heated at 110°C under an argon atmosphere for lh, was cooled and the solvent was evaporated. Dioxane (0.35 mL), acetic acid (0.35 mL), hydroxylamine hydrochloride (0.02 g, 0.29 mmol) and 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.09 mL, 0.26 mmol) were added and the mixture was heated at 95°C under an argon atmosphere for 2.5h. The mixture was cooled, water was added, the mixture was extracted three times with methylene chloride, the organic extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) and was evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 4% methanol methylene chloride, provided a solid (0.03 g, 37%). This product was combined with that (0.04 g) from a similar reaction sequence and was triturated with hexane to yield a tan solid: m.p. 83-84°C.

Analysis Calc. for C18H17F4N3O3: C 54.14, H 4.29, N 10.52; found: C 54.11, H 4.35, N 10.13.

EXAMPLE 12 cz->'-f4-(3.4-Bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cvano-l-(2-meth yl[1.3.41oxadiazol-5- yPcyclohexane) cz ^' j-r4-(3.4-Bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cvanocvclohexane -l-carbohydrazide] A solution of methyl cw-[4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyanocyclohexane- 1- carboxylate] ( 0.2 g, 0.53 mmol) and hydrazine hydrate (0.28 mL, 9.0 mmol) in ethanol (2.5 mL) was heated at reflux for 6h and then stirred at room temperature for 16h. Water was added, the mixture was extracted three times with methylene chloride, the extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 4% methanol/methylene chloride, provided a solid (0.12 g, 58%): m.p. 80-81°C. α ^' -[4-(3.4-BisdifluoromethoxyphenvP-4-cvanocyclohexane-l-(2-ac etyl-carbo- hydrazide).! A solution of methyl cw-[4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4- cyanocyclohexane-1-carbohydrazide] ( 0.11 g, 0.29 mmol), triethylamine (0.09 mL, 0.65 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.05 mL, 0.54 mmol) in ethanol (7.5 mL) was heated at reflux for lh, was cooled and the solvent was evaporated. Water was added, the mixture was extracted three times with methylene chloride, the extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated to provide a white solid (0.11 g, 85%): m.p. 144-145°C. cz ^' ?-f4-(3.4-BisdifluoromethoxyphenvP-4-cvano-l-(3-methvi π.3.41oxadiazol-5- yPcyclohexane 1 A solution of cz -[4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyanocyclohexane- l-(2-acetyl-carbohydrazide)] (0.1 g, 0.24 mmol) and phosphorpus oxychloride (0.25 mL, 2.68 mmol) in toluene (3 mL) was heated at reflux under an argon atmosphere for 1.5h. The mixture was cooled, water was added, the mixture was extracted three times with 5% methanol/methylene chloride, the organic extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) and was

evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 1:2 hexanes/ethyl acetate, provided an oil.

Analysis Calc. for C18H17F4N3O3-I.O H2O: C 51.80, H 4.59, N 10.07; found: C 52.00, H 4.25, N 9.76.

EXAMPLE 13 cz ^' -f4-(3.4-BisdifluoromethoxyphenvP-4-cvano-l-(2-methyl[1.3.41 thiadiazol-5- yPcvclohexanel A solution of cw-[4-(3,4-bisdifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-cyanocyclohexane-l-(2 - acetyl-carbohydrazide)] (0.1 g, 0.24 mmol) and Lawesson's Reagent (0.13 g, 0.32 mmol) in toluene (3 mL) was heated at reflux under an argon atmosphere for 0.5h. The mixture was cooled, saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate was added, the mixture was extracted three times with methylene chloride, the organic extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) and was evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 1:1 hexanes/ethyl acetate, provided a solid: m.p. 66-67°C.

Analysis Calc. for C18H17F4N3O2 S: C 52.04, H 4.13, N 10.12; found: C 51.67, H 4.06, N 9.92.

EXAMPLE 14 αs-r4-Cyano-4-(3-cvclopropyImethoxy-4-methoxyphenvD- 1 -h vdroxy- 1 - tris(methylthio)methylcvclohexane] n-Butyllithium (1.9M in hexanes, 0.4 mL, 0.76 mmol) was added dropwise over 5 min to a solution of tris(methylthio)methane (0.11 mL, 0.83 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (3 mL) at -78°C under an argon atmosphere. After 15 min, a solution of 4-cyano-4-(3- cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane (0.2 g, 0.67 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (3 mL) was added dropwise over 10 min. After 0.5h, aqueous ammonium chloride was added and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature. The mixture was extracted three times with methylene chloride, the organic extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 25% ethyl acetate/hexanes, provided a white solid (0.25 g, 84%): m.p. 123-124°C.

Analysis Calc. for C22H31NO3S3: C 58.24, H 6.89, N 3.09; found: C 58.57, H 6.81, N 2.92.

EXAMPLE 15 Methyl cz ^" -r4-cvano-4-(3-cvclopropyImethoxy-4-methoxyphenyP-l-hydroxyc vclohexane-l- carboxylate]

Mercuric chloride (0.23 g, 0.85 mmol) and mercuric oxide (0.08 g, 0.37 mmol) were added to a solution of cz [4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-l-hydroxy- l-tris(methylthio)methylcyclohexane] (0.1 g, 0.22 mmol) in 12:1 methanol/water (2 mL) under an argon atmosphere and the mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 4h.

The mixture was filtered through Celite, the filtrate was diluted with water and was extracted three times with methylene chloride, the organic extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) and was evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 35% ethyl acetate/hexanes, provided a sticky solid (0.67 g), which was triturated with ether/hexane to provide a solid (0.47 g, 59%): m.p. 102-103°C.

Analysis Calc. for C20H25NO5-1/2 H2O: C 65.20, H 7.11, N 3.80; found: C 65.31, H 6.83, N 3.54.

EXAMPLE 16 c/.?-f4-Cvano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenvP-l-hvdr oxycvclohexane-l- carboxylic acidl The title compound, prepared substantially as described above for -[4-cyano-4-(3- cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l -carboxylic acid] in EXAMPLE 5, was isolated as a solid: m.p. 168-169°C . Analysis Calc. for C19H23NO5-1/4 H2O: C 65.22, H 6.77, N 4.00; found: C 64.94, H 6.62, N 3.80.

EXAMPLE 17 c. ^' ->-r4-Cvano-4-(3-cvclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenvP -l -hydroxycyclohexane- 1- carboxamide]

A solution of czs-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxy-phenyl)-l- hydroxycyclohexane-1 -carboxylic acid] (0.15 g, 0.42 mmol) and a trace of sodium cyanide in methanol (1.5 mL) contained in a pressure vessel was cooled to -78 and anhydrous ammonia (2 mL) was condensed into the tube. The tube was sealed, was allowed to come to room temperature and the reaction was stirred for 2 days. The ammonia was allowed to evaporate and the reaction was partitioned between water and methylene chloride. The organic extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) and the solvent was evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 3% methanol/chloroform, provided a solid (0.054 g, 38%): m.p. 144-145 ⁰ C. Analysis Calc. for C19H24N2O4 /4 H2O: C 65.41, H 7.08, N 8.03; found: C 65.16, H 6.96, N 7.86.

EXAMPLE 18 Methyl cis-] 4-cyano-4-(3-cvclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenvP- 1 -methoxycyclohexane- 1 - carboxylate]

Silver (I) oxide (0.62 g, 2.7 mmol) was added to a solution of methyl cz ^' j---[4-cyano-4- (3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 -hydroxycyclohexane- 1 -carboxylate] (0.62 g, 1.7 mmol) and iodo ethane (5 mL) in acetonitrile (5 mL) under an argon atmosphere and the mixture was heated at reflux in the dark for 18h. The mixture was cooled, was filtered

through Celϊte and the filtrate was evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 20% ethyl acetate/hexanes, provided a solid (0.55 g, 86%): m.p. 75-76°C.

Analysis Calc. for C21H27NO5: C 67.54, H 7.29, N 3.75; found: C 67.46, H 7.30, N 3.80.

EXAMPLE 19 cz ^' ->-[4-Cvano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyP -l-methoxycvclohexane-l- carboxylic acidl The title compound, prepared substantially as described above for cz ^' .y-[4-cyano-4-(3- cyclopenty!oxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l -carboxylic acid] in EXAMPLE 5, was isolated as a solid: m.p. 110-112°C .

Analysis Calc. for C20H25NO5: C 66.84, H 7.01, N 3.90; found: C 66.64, H 7.29, N 3.95.

EXAMPLE 20 cis- r4-Cvano-4-( ^" 3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenvP- 1 -methoxycyclohexane-1 - carboxamidel

A solution of cw-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-l- methoxycyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid] (0.13 g, 0.36 mmol) and N-methylmorpholine (0.05 mL, 0.45 mmol) in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (2.5 mL) at room temperature under an argon atmosphere was treated with isobutyl chloroformate (0.05 mL, 0.39 mmol). After 10 min, concentrated ammonium hydroxide (6 drops) was added and the mixture was stirred for an additional 0.5h. Water was added, the mixture was extracted three times with 5% methanol/methylene chloride, the organic extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) and the solvent was evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 3% methanol/chloroform, provided a solid (0.13 g, 100%): m.p. 165-166°C. Analysis Calc. for C20H26N2O4-3/8 H2O: C 65.78, H 7.35, N 7.67; found: C 65.65, H 7.23, N 7.47.

EXAMPLE 21 Methyl rrQns-r4-cvano-4-(3-cvclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenvP- 1 -hvdroxycvclohexane- 1-carboxylatel trQ«-?-r4-Cvano-4-(3-cvclopropyImethoxy-4-methoxyphen vP- 1 -cvclohexane- 1.1- diylloxiranel To a mixture of 80% sodium hydride in mineral oil (0.33 g, 11 mmol) and trimethylsulfoxonium iodide (1.69 g, 7.67 mmol) at room temperature under an argon atmosphere was added dropwise dimethylsulfoxide (12 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min. A solution of 4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)

-cyclohexanone (2.00 g, 6.68 mmol) in dimethylsulfoxide (5 mL) was added and stirring was continued for 30 min. The reaction mixture was quenched with saturated ammonium chloride, was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water, was dried (magnesium sulfate) and

the solvent was removed in vacuo . The residue was purified by flash chromatography, eluting with 1:3 ethyl acetate/hexanes, to provide a colorless oil (1.42 g, 68%). Analysis Calc. for C19H23NO3Η2O; C 68.86, H 7.30, N 4.23; found: C 69.22, H 7.11, N 4.17. Starting material was also recovered (0.6 g, 30%). trαw5 ^, -r4-Cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyP-l-hv droxymethyl-l- cvclohexanoll A mixture of trαns-4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)- cyclohexane-1-methyleneoxide (1.31 g, 4.18 mmol) and potassium hydroxide (0.14 g, 2.5 mmol) in 85:15 dimethylsulfoxide/water (140 mL) under an argon atmosphere was heated at 100-110°C for lh, was cooled, was diluted with water and was extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The organic extract was washed five times with water, was dried (magnesium sulfate) and was evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 3.5:96.5 methanol/dichloromethane, provided the trα/w-isomer as a sticky white solid: m.p. 38-42°C (0.96 g, 69%). Analysis Calc. for C19H25NO4: C 68.86, H 7.60, N 4.23; found: C 68.96, H 7.62, N 4.03. trαn,*?-[4-Cvano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyP-l -hydroxy¬ cyclohexane- 1 -carboxaldehydel To a solution of oxalyl chloride (0.28 mL, 3.21 mmol) in dichloromethane (3.5 mL) at -78°C under an argon atmosphere was added dropwise a solution of dimethylsulfoxide (0.46 mL, 6.48 mmol) in dichloromethane (3.5 mL) such that the internal temperature did not exceed -60°C. A solution of trα/z,s-4-cyano-4-(3- cyclopropylmethoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-l-hydτoxymethyl-l-cyclo hexanol (0.89 g, 2.68 mmol) in dichloromethane (7 mL) was added dropwise and stirring was continued for 30 min. Triethylamine (1.80 mL, 12.9 mmol ) was added over 10 min, then 5 min later, the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over lh. The reaction mixture was quenched with water and was extracted with three portions of dichloromethane. The combined organic layers were washed with 1% hydrochloric acid, 5% sodium carbonate and water, dried (magnesium sulfate) and the solvent was removed in vacuo to provide crude aldehyde (0.85 g, 97 %).

Methyl trflns-r4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyP- 1 -hydroxy¬ cyclohexane- 1 -carboxylate] To a solution of trans-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4- methoxyphenyl)-l -hydroxycyclohexane- 1-carboxaldehyde (0.79 g, 2.4 mmOl) in methanol (25 mL) at 0°C under an argon atmosphere was rapidly added a solution of potassium hydroxide (0.36 g, 6.43 mmol) in methanol (5 mL), followed by a solution of iodine (0.80 g, 3.15 mmol) in methanol (5 mL). After 15 min the reaction was acidified with IN hydrochloric acid and extracted with three portions of dichloromethane. The combined organic layers were washed with aqueous sodium bisulfite until color was discharged, then with water, dried (magnesium sulfate), and the solvent was removed in vacuo.. Purification by flash chromatography, eluted with 35:65 ethyl acetate/hexanes , provided a white solid (0.82 g, 94 %): m.p.l48-149 ⁰ C.

Analysis Calc. for C20H25NO5 /4 H2O: C 66.01, H 7.06, N 3.84; found: C 65.86, H 6.92, N 3.85.

EXAMPLE 22 tra«,y-r4-Cvano-4-n-cvclopropyImethoxy-4-methoxvphenvP- 1 -hvdroxvcvclohexane- 1 - carhoxvlic acidl The title compound, prepared substantially as described above for cz ^' $-[4-cyano-4-(3- cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l -carboxylic acid] in EXAMPLE 5, was isolated as a solid: m.p. 147-148°C. Analysis Calc. for C19H23NO5: C 66.07, H 6.71, N 4.06; found: C 66.02, H 6.71, N 4.04.

EXAMPLE 23 Methyl traκ.?-r4-cvano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenylVl-m ethoxycyclohexane-

1-carboxylatel The title compound, prepared substantially as described above for methyl cz [4- cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-l-methoxycycl ohexane-l-carboxylate] in EXAMPLE 18, was isolated as a solid: m.p. 84-85°C. Analysis Calc. for C21H27NO5: C 67.54, H 7.29, N 3.75; found: C 67.34, H 7.25, N 3.77.

EXAMPLE 24 traft-r-r4-Cvano-4-G-cvclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenylV 1 -methoxycyclohexane- 1 - carboxylic acidl The title compound, prepared substantially as described above for cz -[4-cyano-4-(3- cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l -carboxylic acid] in EXAMPLE 5, was isolated as a solid: m.p. 158-159°C.

Analysis Calc. for C20H25NO5T/4 H2O: C 66.01, H 7.06, N 3.85; found: C 65.98, H 6.91,

N 3.75.

EXAMPLE 25 traws-r4-Cvano-4-(3-cvclopropylmethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl ^' )- 1 -methoxycyclohexane- 1- carboxamidel The title compound, prepared substantially as described above for cz ^" s-[4-cyano-4-(3- cyclopentyIoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-l-methoxycyclohexane-l-carbo xamide] in EXAMPLE 20, was isolated as a solid: m.p. 168-169°C. Analysis Calc. for C20H26N2O - 1/8 H2O: C 66.60, H 7.34, N 7.70; found: C 66.60, H 7.30, N 7.74.

EXAMPLE 26 cz ^' 5'-r4-Cyano-4-f 3-cvclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenvPcvclohexane- 1 -carboxamic acidl The title compound, prepared substantially as described above for cw-[4-cyano-4-(3- cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-l-methoxycyclohexane-l -carboxamide] in EXAMPLE 20 but using hydroxylamine instead of ammonia, was isolated as a solid: m.p. 100-102°C. Analysis Calc. for C20H26N2O4: C 67.02, H 7.31, N 7.82; found: C 66.75, H 7.58, N 7.42.

EXAMPLE 27 N-Methyl-cz ^' 5'-r4-cvano-4-(3-cvclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cycloh exane-l-carboxamic acidl

The title compound, prepared substantially as described above for cis- [4-cyano-4- (3- cycloρentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-l-methoxycyclohexane-l -carboxamide] in EXAMPLE 20 but using N-methylhydroxylamine instead of ammonia, was isolated as a solid: m.p. 75- 76°C. Analysis Calc. for C2lH28N2θ4'l/4 H2O: C 66.91, H 7.62, N 7.43; found: C 66.95, H 7.54, N 7.35.

EXAMPLE 28 cz r4-Cvano-4-(3-cvclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-l-N -(2- cvanoethyPcarboxamidel

To a solution of cz ^' j-[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohe xane-l- carboxylic acid] (0.55 g, 1.6 mmol), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (0.24 g, 1.76 mmol) and 3- aminopropionitrile (0.11 g, 1.6 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 mL) at 0°C under an argon atmosphere was added l-(3-diethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (0.34 g, 1.76 mmol) and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature. After 6h, the mixture was diluted with dichloromethane, was washed twice with 10% aqueous potassium carbonate, twice with 10 % hydrochloric acid and was dried (magnesium sulfate). The solvent was evaporated and the residue was crystallized from hexanes/ethyl acetate to provide a solid (0.54 g, 85%): m.p. 146-147°C. Analysis Calc. for C23H29N3O3: C 69.85, H 7.39, N 10.62; found: C 69.49 H 7.41, N 10.46.

EXAMPLE 29 cz ^' .y-ri-(2-CvanoethvP-5-f4-cyano-4-(3-cvclopentyloxy-4- methoxyphenvi .cvclohexyl ) tetrazolel To a solution of ^' 5 ^, -[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohex ane- 1-

N-(2-cyanoethyl)carboxamide] (0.15 g, 0.37 mmol), triphenylphosphine (0.19 g, 0.73 mmol) and trimethylsilylazide (0.097 mL, 0.73 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (2 mL) at room temperature under an argon atmosphere was added dropwise diethyl azodicarboxylate (0.12 mL, 0.73 mmol) and the mixture was stirred in the dark for 24h. Ceric ammonium nitrate

(0.81 g, 1.48 mmol) in water (10 mL) was added at 0°C, the mixture was extracted three times with dichloromethane, the extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) and the solvent was evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 2:1 ethyl acetate/hexanes, followed by recrystallization from hexanes/ethyl acetate, provided a white solid (0.03 g, 19%): m.p. 149-150°C.

Analysis Calc. for C23H28N6O2: C 65.69, H 6.71, N 19.99; found: C 65.45 H 6.72, N 19.91.

EXAMPLE 30 czVr4-Cvano-4-(3-cvclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyP-l-r5-tetrazo IvPcvclohexane] A mixture of α ^' -.-[l-(2-cyanoethyl)-5- {4-Cyano-4-(3-cycIopentyloxy-4- methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl}tetrazole] (0.098 g, 0.23 mmol) and sodium hydroxide (0.018 g, 0.46 mmol) in 10:1 tetrahydrofuran water (5 mL) at room temperature under an argon atmosphere was stirred overnight. The mixture was acidified with 3N hydrochloric acid, was extracted three times with ethyl acetate, the extract was dried (magnesium sulfate) and the - solvent was evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography, eluting with 80:20:2 chloroform/methanol/water, followed by trituration with hexanes/ethyl acetate, provided a white solid (0.038 g, 45%): m.p. 190-191°C.

Analysis Calc. for C20H25N5O2-1/2 H2O: C 63.81, H 6.96, N 18.60; found: C 64.07 H 6.79, N 18.54.

METHODS OF TREATMENT In order to use a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the treatment of humans and other mammals, it is normally formulated in accordance with standard pharmaceutical practice as a pharmaceutical composition. The compounds of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof can be used in the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylatic or therapeutic treatment of any disease state in a human or other mammal which is mediated by inhibition of PDE IV, such as but not limited to asthma, allergic, or inflammatory diseases. The compounds of Formula (I) are administered in an amount sufficient to treat such a disease in a human or other mammal. The method of treatment and monitoring for an HIV-infected human manifesting immune dysfunction or cytokine-mediated disease associated problems is taught in Hanna, WO 90/15534, December 27, 1990. In general, an initial treatment regimen can be copied from that known to be effective in interfering with TNF activity for other TNF mediated disease states by the compounds of Formula (I). Treated individuals will be regularly checked for T cell numbers and T4/T8 ratios and/or measures of viremia such as levels of reverse transcriptase or viral proteins, and/or for progression of monokine-mediated disease associated problems such as cachexia or muscle degeneration. If no effect is seen following the normal treatment regimen, then the amount of the monokine activity interfering agent administered is increased, e.g., by fifty percent per week.

The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention will comprise an effective, non-toxic amount of a compound of Formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. The compounds of Formula (I) are administered in conventional dosage forms prepared by combining a compound of Formula (I) in an amount sufficient to produce TNF production inhibiting activity, respectively, with standard pharmaceutical carriers according to conventional procedures. These procedures may involvb mixing, granulating, and compressing or dissolving the ingredients as appropriate to the desired preparation.

Thus, if a solid carrier is used, the preparation can be tableted, placed in a hard gelatin capsule in powder or pellet form, or in the form of a troche or lozenge. The amount of solid carrier will vary widely but preferably will be from about 25 mg to about 1 gram. When a liquid carrier is used, the preparation will be in the form of a syrup, emulsion, soft gelatin capsule, sterile injectable liquid such as an ampule or nonaqueous liquid suspension. Where the composition is in the form of a capsule, any routine encapsulation is suitable, for example using the aforementioned carriers in a hard gelatin capsule shell. Where the composition is in the form of a soft gelatin shell capsule any pharmaceutical carrier routinely used for preparing dispersions or suspensions may be considered, for example aqueous gums, celluloses, silicates, or oils and are incorporated in a soft gelatin capsule shell. A syrup formulation will generally consist of a suspension or solution of the compound or salt in a liquid carrier for example, ethanol, glycerine, or water with a flavoring or coloring agent. The daily dosage regimen for oral administration is suitably about .001 mg/kg to lOOmg/kg, preferably 0.01 mg/Kg to 40 mg/Kg, of a compound of Foimula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof calculated as the free base. The active ingredient may be administered from 1 to 6 times a day, sufficient to exhibit activity.

While it is possible for an active ingredient to be administered neat, it is preferable to present it as a pharmaceutical formulation. The active ingredient may comprise, for topical administration, from 0.001% to 10% w/w, e.g., from 1% to 2% by weight of formulation, although it may comprise as much as 10% w/w but preferably not in excess of 5% w/w and more preferably from 0.1% to 1% w/w of Formulation.

Formulations of the present invention comprise an active ingredient together with one or more acceptable carrier(s) thereof and optionally any other therapeutic ingredient(s). The carrier(s) must be 'acceptable' in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of Formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

It will be recognized by one of skill in the art that the form and character of the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent is dictated by the amount of active ingredient with which it is to be combined, the route of administration, and other well-known variables. No toxic effects are expected when these compounds are administered in accordance with the present invention.

UTILITY EXAMPLES EXAMPLE A Inhibitory effect of compounds of the Formula (I) on in vitro TNF production by human monocytes

The inhibitory effect of compounds of the Formula (I) on in vitro TNF production by human monocytes may be determined by the protocol as described in Badger et al., EPO published Application 0411 754 A2, February 6, 1991, and in Hanna, WO 90/15534, December 27, 1990.

EXAMPLE B Two models of endotoxic shock have been utilized to determine in vivo TNF activity for the compounds of the Formula (I). The protocol used in these models is described in Badger et al., EPO published Application 0411 754 A2, February 6, 1991, and in Hanna, WO 90/15534, December 27, 1990.

The exemplified compounds herein demonstrated a positive in vivo response in reducing serum levels of TNF induced by the injection of endotoxin.

EXAMPLE C Isolation of PDE Isozymes

The phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity and selectivity of the compounds of the Formula (T) can be determined using a battery of five distinct PDE isozymes. The tissues used as sources of the different isozymes are as follows: 1) PDE lb, porcine aorta; 2) PDE Ic, guinea-pig heart; 3) PDE IE, guinea-pig heart; 4) PDE IN, human monocyte; and 5) PDE V (also called "la"), canine tracheaolis. PDEs la, lb, Ic and III are partially purified using standard chromatographic techniques [Torphy and Cieslinski, Mol. Pharmacol., 37:206-214, 1990]. PDE IV is purified to kinetic homogeneity by the sequential use of anion-exchange followed by heparin-Sepharose chromatography [Torphy etal., J. Biol. Chem., 267:1798- 1804, 1992]. Phosphodiesterase activity is assayed as described in the protocol of Torphy and

Cieslinski, Mol. Pharmacol., 37:206-214, 1990. Positive ICso's in the nanomolar to μM range for compounds of the workings examples described herein for Formula (I) have been demonstrated.

EXAMPLE D

The ability of selected PDE IV inhibitors to increase cAMP accumulation in intact tissues is assessed using U-937 cells, a human monocyte cell line that has been shown to contain a large amount of PDE IV. To assess the activity of PDE IN inhibition in intact cells, nondifferentiated U-937 cells (approximately 10*5 cells/reaction tube) were incubated with

various concentrations (0.01-1000 μM) of PDE inhibitors for one minute and lμM prostaglandin E2 for an additional four minutes. Five minutes after initiating the reaction, cells were lysed by the addition of 17.5% perchloric acid, the pH was neutralized by the addition of 1M potassium carbonate and cAMP content was assessed by RIA. A general protocol for this assay is described in Brooker et al., Radioimmunassay of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP., Adv. Cyclic Nucleotide Res., 10:1-33, 1979. The compounds of the working examples as described herein for Formula (I) have demonstrated a positive EC50S in the μM range in the above assay.