FUSED IMIDAZOLES AS MIDH1 INHIBITORS

The present invention relates to compounds inhibiting the mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (mlDH1 R132H), to methods of preparing said compounds, to intermediate compounds useful for preparing said compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions and combinations comprising said compounds and to the use of said compounds for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease, in particular of neoplasms, as a sole agent or in combination with other active ingredients.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to chemical compounds that inhibit mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (mlDH1 R132H), to methods of preparing said compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions and combinations comprising said compounds, to the use of said compounds for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease, as well as to intermediate compounds useful in the preparation of said compounds. Isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDH) are key enzymes in cellular metabolism, converting isocitrate to alpha-ketoglutarate and belong to 2 subgroups, defined by the utilization of different electron receptors. Two of them, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 use NADP(+) as electron receptor. IDH1 is located in the cytoplasm and peroxisomes and IDH2 in the mitochondria as an integral part of the TCA cycle, e.g in the following reaction:

Isocitrate + NADP' - alpha-ketoglutarate + C0 ₂ + NADPH + H ' Both enzymes act as homodimers.

In a variety of tumour entities, including glioma, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chondrosarcoma, cholangiocarcinoma, melanoma, prostate cancer, angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and others, IDH1 or IDH2 are mutated at a distinct amino acid position (Balss J. Acta Neuropathol. 2008 Dec;1 16(6):597-602, Mardis ER, N Engl J Med. 2009 Sep 10;361 (1 1 ): 1058-66, Amary MF, J Pathol. 201 1 Jul:224(3):334-43, Borger DR, Oncologist. 2012:17(1 ):72-9, Shibata T, Am J Pathol. 201 1 Mar; 178(3): 1395-402. Ghiam AF. Oncogene. 2012 Aug 16;31 (33):3826, Cairns RA, Blood. 2012 Feb 23; 1 19(8): 1901 -3). This mutation is always heterozygous and mutual exclusive. Most of these point mutations have been found at key positions in the catalytic domain of the enzyme (responsible for 2-oxoglutarate coordination), e.g. IDH1 R100, IDH1 R132, IDH1 G97 and IDH2R140, IDH2R172 (Dang L, Nature, 2009 Dec 10;462(7274):739-44). In glioma, more than 70% of all non-primary glioblastoma are IDH1 mutated and in 92.7% of the IDH1 mutated tumours the arginine was replaced by a histidine (IDH1 R132H) (Hartmann C, Acta Neuropathol. 2009 Oct;1 18(4):469-74). The replacement of the wildtype amino acid at those catalytic residues leads to a neomorphic activity of the enzyme, converting alpha-ketoglutarate to R-2- hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). 2-HG is metabolic waste, but also an oncometabolite and it is believed to contribute to tumour genesis (Dang L, Nature, 2009 Dec 10;462(7274):739- 44). 2-HG is only produced in very low levels in normal cells, but cells harboring the IDH mutations produce high levels of 2-HG. High amounts of 2-HG have also been found in tumours with the IDH mutation. IDH mutations have also been described in patients with other disorders with high 2-HG levels, e.g. in a rare neurometabolic disorder characterized by supraphysiological levels of 2-HG (2-HG aciduria) (Kranendijk M, Science. 2010 Oct 15;330(6002):336).

Hence, the inhibition of IDH mutations and its neomorphic activity is a potential therapeutic treatment option for tumours and other IDH mutation related disorders.

WO02/092575A1 relates to benzimidazoie compounds as inhibitors of membrane fusion associated events, such as transfusion.

WO03/007945A1 and WO02/04425A2 relates inter alia to benzimidazoie compounds as inhibitors of RNA dependent RNA polymerases.

WO2009/059214A1 relates to Αβ-binding benzimidazoie derivatives.

WO2008/153701 A1 relates to benzimidazoie compounds as inhibitors of KSP kinesin activity.

WO2005/121132A1 relates to fused heterocyclic compounds having anti-HCV effect.

EP0385850A2 discloses benzimidazoie and azabenzimidazole derivatives for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and duodenal ulcers. WO00/32578 A1 discloses benzimidazole compounds as vitronectin receptor antagonists.

WO2004/085425A1 discloses inter alia benzimidazole compounds having VEGFR/KDR inhibitory activity.

EP1810677A1 discloses benzimidazole compounds as GPR40 receptor function regulators.

EP1069124A1 discloses 2-benzimidazolylamine compounds as ORL1 -receptor agonists.

WO2010/034796A1 discloses benzimidazole compounds as inhibitors of enzymes belonging to the membrane-assiciated proteins in the eicosanoid and gluthathione metabolism family.

WO2009/1 16074A2 discloses substituted benzimidazoles as cannabinoid modulators.

WO03/074515A1 discloses benzimidazole derivatives as TIE-2 and/or VEGFR-2 inhibitors.

WO2005/044793A2 discloses inter alia benzimidazole compounds as CRF receptor antagonists.

WO2006/099379A2 discloses benzazole derivatives as beta-secretase inhibitors.

WO2010/100249A1 discloses inter alia benzimidazole compounds as inhibitors of the microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1.

WO2010/151441A1 discloses benzamide derivatives which influence the viability of SKOV3 and A2780 cells.

However, the state of the art described above does not describe the specific substituted annulated imidazole compounds of general formula (I) of the present invention as defined herein, or a stereoisomer, an N-oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, or a mixture of same, as described and defined herein, and as hereinafter referred to as "compounds of the present invention", or their pharmacological activity.

It has now been found, and this constitutes the basis of the present invention, that said compounds of the present invention have surprising and advantageous properties.

In particular, said compounds of the present invention have been found to effectively inhibit mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (mlDHi R132H) and may therefore be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of diseases of uncontrolled cell growth, proliferation and/or survival, inappropriate cellular immune responses, or inappropriate cellular inflammatory responses or diseases which are accompanied with uncontrolled cell growth, proliferation and/or survival, inappropriate cellular immune responses, or inappropriate cellular inflammatory responses, for example, haematological tumours, solid tumours, and/or metastases thereof, e.g. Ieukemias and myelodysplastic syndrome, malignant lymphomas including angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphomas, head and neck tumours including brain tumours and brain metastases (e.g. anaplastic astrocytoma, diffuse astrocytoma, glioblastoma, oligodendroglioma, secondary glioblastoma multiforme), tumours of the thorax including non-small cell and small cell lung tumours, gastrointestinal tumours including cholangiocarcinoma, endocrine tumours, mammary and other gynaecological tumours, urological tumours including renal, bladder and prostate tumours, skin tumours, and sarcomas including chondrosarcomas, and/or metastases thereof.

DESCRIPTION of the INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention covers compounds of general formula (I) :

(I)

in which represents a halogen atom or a group selected from:

Ci-Ce-alkyl, Cs-Ce-cycloalkyl, C-Ce-alkoxy, Cs-Ce-cycloalkyloxy, Ci-Ce-haloalkyl, C-Ce-haloalkoxy, cyano, (Ci-C ₆ -alkyl)-S-, (CrC ₆ -alkyl)-S(=0)-,

(Ci-C ₆ -haloalkyl)-S-,

and -N(R ¹⁴ )R ¹⁵ ; represents a hydrogen atom; represents a hydrogen atom; represents a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom; represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ⁵ ; represents a group selected from:

R ¹⁶ (R ⁵ )NC(=0)-(C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl)- and R ⁶ (R ¹⁵ )NC(=0)-(Ci-C ₆ -alkoxy)-; represents a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom or a group selected from:

Ci-Ce-alkyl, Ci-Ce-aikoxy, Cr-Ce-cycloalkyl, Cs-Ce-cycloalkyloxy, Ci-Ce-haloalkyl, Ci-Ce-haloalkoxy and cyano; represents a hydrogen atom; represents a hydroxymethyl group,

and

R ⁹ , R'° and R represent independently of one another a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,

and R ¹² represents a hydrogen atom;

represents a methyl group,

and

R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ and R ¹¹ represent independently of one another a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,

and R ¹² represents a hydroxy group; represents a hydrogen atom; R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or a group selected from:

Ci-Ce-alkyl and Cs-Ce-cycloalkyl;

_R 15 and R ¹

are independently of each other selected from:

hydrogen and Ci-Ce-alkyl; or R ¹⁵ and R ¹⁶

together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 4- to 6- membered heterocycloalkyl; or a stereoisomer, an N -oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, or a mixture of same.

As used herein, the term "one or more", e.g. in the definition of the substituents of the compounds of the general formulae of the present invention, means "one, two, three, four or five, particularly one, two, three or four, even more particularly one, two or three, even more particularly one or two".

The term "substituted" means that one or more hydrogens on the designated atom or group are replaced with a selection from the indicated group, provided that the designated atom's normal valency under the existing circumstances is not exceeded. Combinations of substituents and/or variables are permissible.

A hyphen at the beginning or at the end of a constituent marks the point of attachment to the rest of the molecule.

The term "comprising" when used in the specification includes "consisting of.

If it is referred to "as mentioned herein" within the description it is referred to any of the disclosures made within the specification in any of the preceding pages. The terms as mentioned in the present text have preferably the following meanings:

The term "halogen atom" means a fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom, preferably a fluorine, chlorine or bromine atom.

The term "C -Ce-alkyl" means a linear or branched, saturated, monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 . 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms, e.g. a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, fert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, 2-methylbutyl, 1 -methylbutyl, 1 -ethylpropyl, 1 ,2-dimethylpropyl, neo-pentyl, 1 , 1 -dimethylpropyl, hexyl, 1 -methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1 -ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl,

1 .1 - dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl,

1 .2- dimethylbutyl or 1 ,3-dimethylbutyl group, or an isomer thereof. Particularly, said group has 1 . 2 or 3 carbon atoms ("Ci-Cs-alkyl ^" ), e.g. a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl or isopropyl group.

The term "C -Ce-haloalkyl" means a linear or branched, saturated, monovalent hydrocarbon group in which the term "Ci-Ce-alkyl" is as defined supra, and in which one or more of the hydrogen atoms are replaced, identically or differently, with a halogen atom. Particularly, said halogen atom is fluorine. Said Ci-Ce-haloalkyl group is, for example, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, pentafluoroethyl, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl or 1 ,3-difluoropropan-2-yl. Particularly, said group has 1 , 2 or 3 carbon atoms ("C -Cs-haloalkyl"), e.g. a fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, pentafluoroethyl, 3,3.3-trifluoropropyl or 1 ,3-difluoropropan-2-yl group.

The term "Ci-Ce-alkoxy" means a linear or branched, saturated, monovalent group of formula (Ci-Ce-alkyl)-O-, in which the term "Ci-Ce-alkyl" is as defined supra, e.g. a methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy, isobutoxy, fert-butoxy, pentyloxy, isopentyloxy or n-hexyloxy group, or an isomer thereof. Particularly, said group has 1 , 2 or 3 carbon atoms ("Ci-C:,-alkoxy ^" ). Said Ci-Cr,-alkoxy group is, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy or isopropoxy. The term "Ci-Ce-haloalkoxy ^" means a linear or branched, saturated, monovalent Ci-Ce-alkoxy group, as defined supra, in which one or more of the hydrogen atoms is replaced, identically or differently, with a halogen atom. Particularly, said halogen atom is fluorine. Said Ci-Ce-haloalkoxy group is, for example, fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy or pentafluoroethoxy. Particularly, said group has 1, 2 or 3 carbon atoms ("Ci-Cs-haloalkoxy"). Said C-Cs-haloalkoxy group is, for example, fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy or pentafluoroethoxy.

The term "Cs-Ce-cycloalkyr means a saturated, monovalent, monocyclic hydrocarbon ring which contains 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms fCs-Ce-cycloalkyr). Said Cs-Ce-cycloalkyl group is for example, a monocyclic hydrocarbon ring, e.g. a cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or a cyclohexyl group.

The term "Cs-Ce-cycloalkoxy" means a saturated, monovalent, monocyclic group of formula (C:-Ce-cycloalkyl)-0-. which contains 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms CCs-Ce-cycloalkyloxy"), in which the term "Cs-Ce-cycloalkyl" is defined supra, e.g. a cyclopropyloxy, cyclobutyloxy, cyclopentyloxy or a cyclohexyloxy group.

The term "Ca-Ce-alkenyl" means a linear or branched, monovalent hydrocarbon group, which contains one double bond, and which has 2, 3, 4. 5 or 6 carbon atoms. Said alkenyl group is, for example, an ethenyl (or "vinyl"), prop-2-en-1-yl (or "ally!"), prop-1-en-1-yl. but-3-enyl, but-2-enyl, but-1-enyl, pent-4-enyl, pent-3-enyl, pent-2-enyl, pent-1-enyl, hex-5-enyl, hex-4-enyl, hex-3-enyl, hex-2-enyl, hex-1-enyl, prop-1-en-2-yl (or "isopropenyl"), 2-methylprop-2-enyl, 1 -methylprop-2-enyl, 2-methylprop-1-enyl,

1- methylprop-1-enyl, 3-methylbut-3-enyl, 2-methylbut-3-enyl, 1-methylbut-3-enyl, 3-methylbut-2-enyl, 2-methylbut-2-enyl, 1-methylbut-2-enyl, 3-methylbut-1-enyl,

2- methylbut-1-enyl, 1-methylbut-1-enyl, 1 ,1-dimethylprop-2-enyl, 1-ethylprop-1-enyl,

1- propylvinyl, 1-isopropylvinyl, 4-methylpent-4-enyl, 3-methylpent-4-enyl, 2-methylpent-4-enyl, 1 -methyl pent-4-enyl, 4-methylpent-3-enyl, 3-methylpent-3-enyl,

2- methylpent-3-enyl, 1 -methylpent-3-enyl, 4-methylpent-2-enyl, 3-methylpent-2-enyl, 2-methylpent-2-enyl, 1 -methylpent-2-enyl, 4-methylpent-1 -enyl, 3-methylpent-1 -enyl, 2-methylpent-1 -enyl, 1-methylpent-1-enyl, 3-ethylbut-3-enyl, 2-ethylbut-3-enyl, 1-ethylbut-3-enyl, 3-ethylbut-2-enyl, 2-ethylbut-2-enyl, 1-ethylbut-2-enyl, 3-ethylbut-1-enyl, 2-ethylbut-1 -enyl, 1 -ethylbut-1 -enyl, 2-propylprop-2-enyl, 1 -propylprop-2-enyl, 2-isopropylprop-2-enyl, 1 -isopropylprop-2-enyl,

2-propylprop-1 -enyl, 1 -propylprop-1 -enyl, 2-isopropylprop-1-enyl,

1 -isopropylprop-1 -enyl, 3,3-dimethylprop-1-enyl or 1 -(1 ,1-dimethylethyl)ethenyl,

The term "4- to 6-membered heterocycloalkyl" means a monocyclic, saturated heterocycle with 4 to 6 ring atoms in total, which contains one ring nitrogen atom and optionally one further ring heteroatom from the series N, O or S.

Said heterocycloalkyl group, without being limited thereto, can be a 4-membered ring, such as azetidinyl, or a 5-membered ring, such as pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, 1 ,2-oxazolidinyl, 1 ,3-oxazolidinyl or 1 ,3-thiazolidinyl; or a 6-membered ring, such as piperidinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, piperazinyl, or 1 ,2-oxazinanyl.

The term "d-d", as used throughout this text, e.g. in the context of the definition of "Ci-Ce-alkyl", "Ci-Ce-haloalkyf, d-d-alkoxy" or "d-d-haloalkoxy" means an a Iky I group having a finite number of carbon atoms of 1 to 6, i.e. 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms.

Further, as used herein, the term "d-d", as used throughout this text, e.g. in the context of the definition of "d-d-cycloalkyl", means a cycloalkyi group having a finite number of carbon atoms of 3 to 8, i.e. 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms.

When a range of values is listed, it is intended to encompass each value and sub-range within the range.

For example, "d-d" is intended to encompass d, d, d„ d, d, d, d-d, d-d, d- d, d-d, d-d, d-d, d-d, d-d, d-d, d-d, d-d, d-d, d-Ce, d-d, and d- d.

For example, "d-d" is intended to encompass d, d. d. d, d. d-d, d-d, d-d, d-d, C2-C5, C2-C4, d-d, C3-C5, C3-C4 and d-d.

For example, "C1-C3" is intended to encompass d, d, d, C1-C3, C1-C2 and C2-C3. For example, "d-d" is intended to encompass d, d and d-d.

For example, "d-d" is intended to encompass d, d, d, d, d-d, d-d, d-d, The compounds of general formula (I) may exist as isotopic variants. The invention therefore includes one or more isotopic variant(s) of the compounds of general formula (I), particularly deuterium-containing compounds of general formula (I).

The term "Isotopic variant" of a compound or a reagent is defined as a compound exhibiting an unnatural proportion of one or more of the isotopes that constitute such a compound.

The term "Isotopic variant of the compound of general formula (I)" is defined as a compound of general formula (I) exhibiting an unnatural proportion of one or more of the isotopes that constitute such a compound.

The expression "unnatural proportion" is to be understood as meaning a proportion of such isotope which is higher than its natural abundance. The natural abundances of isotopes to be applied in this context are described in "Isotopic Compositions of the Elements 1997", Pure Appl. Chem., 70(1 ), 217-235, 1998.

Examples of such isotopes include stable and radioactive isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine, such as ² H (deuterium), ³ H (tritium), "C, ¹³ C, ¹⁴ C, ¹⁵ N, 'Ό, ¹⁸ 0, ³² P, ³³ P, ³³ S, ³⁴ S, ³⁵ S, ³⁶ S, ¹⁸ F, ³⁶ CI, ⁸² Br, ¹²³ l, ¹²⁴ l, ¹²⁵ l, ¹²⁹ l and ¹³¹ l, respectively.

With respect to the treatment and/or prophylaxis of the disorders specified herein the isotopic variant(s) of the compounds of general formula (I) preferably contain deuterium ("deuterium-containing compounds of general formula (I) ^* ). Isotopic variants of the compounds of general formula (I) in which one or more radioactive isotopes, such as ³ H or ¹⁴ C, are incorporated are useful e.g. in drug and/or substrate tissue distribution studies. These isotopes are particularly preferred for the ease of their incorporation and detectability. Positron emitting isotopes such as ¹⁸ F or ¹¹ C may be incorporated into a compound of general formula (I). These isotopic variants of the compounds of general formula (I) are useful for in vivo imaging applications. Deuterium-containing and ¹³ C- containing compounds of general formula (I) can be used in mass spectrometry analyses (H. J. Leis et al., Curr. Org. Chem., 1998, 2, 131 ) in the context of preclinical or clinical studies.

Isotopic variants of the compounds of general formula (I) can generally be prepared by methods known to a person skilled in the art, such as those described in the schemes and/or examples herein, by substituting a reagent for an isotopic variant of said reagent, preferably for a deuterium-containing reagent. Depending on the desired sites of deuteration, in some cases deuterium from D2O can be incorporated either directly into the compounds or into reagents that are useful for synthesizing such compounds (Esaki et al., Tetrahedron, 2006, 62, 10954: Esaki et al., Chem. Eur. J., 2007, 13, 4052). Deuterium gas is also a useful reagent for incorporating deuterium into molecules. Catalytic deuteration of olefinic bonds (H. J. Leis et al., Curr. Org. Chem., 1998, 2, 131 ; J. R. Morandi et al., J. Org. Chem., 1969, 34 (6), 1889) and acetylenic bonds (N. H. Khan, J. Am. Chem. Soc, 1952, 74 (12), 3018; S. Chandrasekhar et al., Tetrahedron, 201 1 , 52, 3865) is a rapid route for incorporation of deuterium. Metal catalysts (i.e. Pd, Pt, and Rh) in the presence of deuterium gas can be used to directly exchange deuterium for hydrogen in functional groups containing hydrocarbons (J. G. Atkinson et al., US Patent 3966781 ). A variety of deuterated reagents and synthetic building blocks are commercially available from companies such as for example C/D/N Isotopes, Quebec, Canada; Cambridge Isotope Laboratories Inc., Andover, MA, USA; and CombiPhos Catalysts, Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA. Further information on the state of the art with respect to deuterium-hydrogen exchange is given for example in Hanzlik et al., J. Org. Chem. 55, 3992-3997, 1990; R. P. Hanzlik et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 160, 844, 1989; P. J. Reider et al., J. Org. Chem. 52, 3326-3334, 1987; M. Jarman et al., Carcinogenesis 16(4), 683-688, 1993; J. Atzrodt et al., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2007, 46, 7744; K. Matoishi et al., J. Chem. Soc, Chem. Commun. 2000, 1519-1520; K. Kassahun et al., WO2012/1 12363.

The term "deuterium-containing compound of general formula (I)" is defined as a compound of general formula (I), in which one or more hydrogen atom(s) is/are replaced by one or more deuterium atom(s) and in which the abundance of deuterium at each deuterated position of the compound of general formula (I) is higher than the natural abundance of deuterium, which is about 0.015%. Particularly, in a deuterium- containing compound of general formula (I) the abundance of deuterium at each deuterated position of the compound of general formula (I) is higher than 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or 80%, preferably higher than 90%, 95%, 96% or 97%, even more preferably higher than 98% or 99% at said position(s). It is understood that the abundance of deuterium at each deuterated position is independent of the abundance of deuterium at other deuterated position(s).

The selective incorporation of one or more deuterium atom(s) into a compound of general formula (I) may alter the physicochemical properties (such as for example acidity [A. Streitwieser et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc, 1963, 85, 2759; C. L. Perrin, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc, 2007, 129, 4490], basicity [C. L. Perrin, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc, 2003, 125, 15008; C. L. Perrin in Advances in Physical Organic Chemistry, 44, 144; C. L. Perrin et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc, 2005, 127, 9641], lipophilicity [B. Testa et al,, Int. J, Pharm., 1984, 19(3), 271]) and/or the metabolic profile of the molecule and may result in changes in the ratio of parent compound to metabolites or in the amounts of metabolites formed. Such changes may result in certain therapeutic advantages and hence may be preferred in some circumstances. Reduced rates of metabolism and metabolic switching, where the ratio of metabolites is changed, have been reported (D. J. Kushner et al., Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol., 1999, 77, 79; A. E. Mutlib et al., Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol., 2000, 169, 102). These changes in the exposure to parent drug and metabolites can have important consequences with respect to the pharmacodynamics, tolerability and efficacy of a deuterium-containing compound of general formula (I). In some cases deuterium substitution reduces or eliminates the formation of an undesired or toxic metabolite and enhances the formation of a desired metabolite (e.g. Nevirapine: A. M. Sharma et al., Chem. Res.Toxicol., 2013, 26, 410; Uetrecht et al., Chemical Research in Toxicology, 2008, 21 , 9, 1862; Efavirenz: A. E. Mutlib et al., Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol., 2000, 169, 102). In other cases the major effect of deuteration is to reduce the rate of systemic clearance. As a result, the biological half-life of the compound is increased. The potential clinical benefits would include the ability to maintain similar systemic exposure with decreased peak levels and increased trough levels. This could result in lower side effects and enhanced efficacy, depending on the particular compound's pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic relationship. Indiplon (A. J. Morales et al., Abstract 285, The 15 ^th North American Meeting of the International Society of Xenobiotics, San Diego, CA, October 12-16, 2008), ML-337 (C. J. Wenthur et al., J. Med. Chem., 2013, 56, 5208), and Odanacatib (K. Kassahun et al., WO2012/1 12363) are examples for this deuterium effect. Still other cases have been reported in which reduced rates of metabolism result in an increase in exposure of the drug without changing the rate of systemic clearance (e.g. Rofecoxib: F. Schneider et al., Arzneim. Forsch. Drug. Res., 2006, 56, 295; Telaprevir: F. Maltais et al., J. Med. Chem., 2009, 52, 7993). Deuterated drugs showing this effect may have reduced dosing requirements (e.g. lower number of doses or lower dosage to achieve the desired effect) and/or may produce lower metabolite loads.

A compound of general formula (I) may have multiple potential sites of attack for metabolism. To optimize the above-described effects on physicochemical properties and metabolic profile, deuterium-containing compounds of general formula (I) having a certain pattern of one or more deuterium-hydrogen exchange(s) can be selected. Particularly, the deuterium atom(s) of deuterium- containing compound(s) of general formula (I) is/are attached to a carbon atom and/or is/are located at those positions of the compound of general formula (I), which are sites of attack for metabolizing enzymes such as e.g. cytochrome P450.

In another embodiment the present invention concerns a deuterium-containing compound of general formula (I) having 1 , 2, 3 or 4 deuterium atoms, particularly with 1 , 2 or 3 deuterium atoms.

Where the plural form of the word compounds, salts, polymorphs, hydrates, solvates and the like, is used herein, this is taken to mean also a single compound, salt, polymorph, isomer, hydrate, solvate or the like. By "stable compound' or "stable structure" is meant a compound that is sufficiently robust to survive isolation to a useful degree of purity from a reaction mixture, and formulation into an efficacious therapeutic agent.

The compounds of this invention optionally contain one or more asymmetric centre, depending upon the location and nature of the various substituents desired. Asymmetric carbon atoms can be present in the (R) or (S) configuration, which can result in racemic mixtures in the case of a single asymmetric centre, and in diastereomeric mixtures in the case of multiple asymmetric centres. In certain instances, asymmetry may also be present due to restricted rotation about a given bond, for example, the central bond adjoining two substituted aromatic rings of the specified compounds.

The compounds of the present invention optionally contain sulfur atoms which are asymmetric, such as an asymmetric sulfoxide, of structure: , for example,

in which * indicates atoms to which the rest of the molecule can be bound.

Substituents on a ring may also be present in either cis or trans form. It is intended that all such configurations (including enantiomers and diastereomers), are included within the scope of the present invention. Preferred compounds are those which produce the more desirable biological activity. Separated, pure or partially purified isomers and stereoisomers or racemic or diastereomeric mixtures of the compounds of this invention are also included within the scope of the present invention. The purification and the separation of such materials can be accomplished by standard techniques known in the art.

The optical isomers can be obtained by resolution of the racemic mixtures according to conventional processes, for example, by the formation of diastereoisomeric salts using an optically active acid or base or formation of covalent diastereomers. Examples of appropriate acids are tartaric, diacetyltartaric, ditoluoyltartaric and camphorsulfonic acid. Mixtures of diastereoisomers can be separated into their individual diastereomers on the basis of their physical and/or chemical differences by methods known in the art, for example, by chromatography or fractional crystallisation. The optically active bases or acids are then liberated from the separated diastereomeric salts. A different process for separation of optical isomers involves the use of chiral chromatography (e.g., chiral HPLC columns), with or without conventional derivatisation, optimally chosen to maximise the separation of the enantiomers. Suitable chiral HPLC columns are manufactured by Daicel, e.g. , Chiracel OD and Chiracel OJ among many others, all routinely selectable. Enzymatic separations, with or without derivatisation, are also useful. The optically active compounds of this invention can likewise be obtained by chiral syntheses utilizing optically active starting materials.

In order to limit different types of isomers from each other reference is made to lUPAC Rules Section E (Pure Appl Chem 45, 1 1 -30, 1976). The present invention includes all possible stereoisomers of the compounds of the present invention as single stereoisomers, or as any mixture of said stereoisomers, e.g. R- or S- isomers, or E- or Z-isomers, in any ratio. Isolation of a single stereoisomer, e.g. a single enantiomer or a single diastereomer, of a compound of the present invention is achieved by any suitable state of the art method, such as chromatography, especially chiral chromatography, for example.

Further, the compounds of the present invention can exist as N -oxides, which are defined in that at least one nitrogen of the compounds of the present invention is oxidised. The present invention includes all such possible N -oxides. The present invention also relates to useful forms of the compounds as disclosed herein, such as metabolites, hydrates, solvates, prodrugs, salts, in particular pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and co-precipitates.

The compounds of the present invention can exist as a hydrate, or as a solvate, wherein the compounds of the present invention contain polar solvents, in particular water, methanol or ethanol for example as structural element of the crystal lattice of the compounds. The amount of polar solvents, in particular water, may exist in a stoichiometric or non-stoichiometric ratio. In the case of stoichiometric solvates, e.g. a hydrate, hemi-, (semi-), mono-, sesqui-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta- etc. solvates or hydrates, respectively, are possible. The present invention includes all such hydrates or solvates.

Further, the compounds of the present invention can exist in free form, e.g. as a free base, or as a free acid, or as a zwitterion, or can exist in the form of a salt. Said salt may be any salt, either an organic or inorganic addition salt, particularly any pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic addition salt, customarily used in pharmacy. The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" refers to a relatively non-toxic, inorganic or organic acid addition salt of a compound of the present invention. For example, see S. M. Berge, et al. "Pharmaceutical Salts," J. Pharm. Sci. 1977, 66, 1-19.

A suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compounds of the present invention may be, for example, an acid-addition salt of a compound of the present invention bearing a nitrogen atom, in a chain or in a ring, for example, which is sufficiently basic, such as an acid-addition salt with an inorganic acid, such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, sulfuric, bisulfuric, phosphoric, or nitric acid, for example, or with an organic acid, such as formic, acetic, acetoacetic, pyruvic, trifluoroacetic, propionic, butyric, hexanoic, heptanoic, undecanoic, lauric, benzoic, salicylic, 2-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)- benzoic, camphoric, cinnamic, cyclopentanepropionic, digluconic, 3-hydroxy-2- naphthoic, nicotinic, pamoic, pectinic, persulfuric, 3-phenylpropionic, picric, pivalic, 2- hydroxyethanesulfonate, itaconic, sulfamic, trifluoromethanesulfonic, dodecylsulfuric, ethansulfonic, benzenesulfonic, para-toluenesulfonic, methansulfonic, 2- naphthalenesulfonic, naphthalinedisulfonic, camphorsulfonic acid, citric, tartaric, stearic, lactic, oxalic, malonic, succinic, malic, adipic, alginic, maleic, fumaric, D-gluconic, mandelic. ascorbic, glucoheptanoic. glycerophosphoric. aspartic, sulfosalicylic, hemisulfuric, or thiocyanic acid, for example.

Further, another suitably pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of the present invention which is sufficiently acidic, is an alkali metal salt, for example a sodium or potassium salt, an alkaline earth metal salt, for example a calcium or magnesium salt, an ammonium salt or a salt with an organic base which affords a physiologically acceptable cation, for example a salt with N-methyl-glucamine, dimethyl-glucamine, ethyl-glucamine, lysine, dicyclohexylamine, 1 ,6-hexadiamine, ethanolamine, glucosamine, sarcosine, serinol, tris-hydroxy-methyl-aminomethane, aminopropandiol, sovak-base, 1-amino-2,3,4-butantriol. Additionally, basic nitrogen containing groups may be quaternised with such agents as lower alkyi halides such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chlorides, bromides and iodides ; dialkyl sulfates like dimethyl, diethyl, and dibutyl sulfate ; and diamyl sulfates, long chain halides such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl and strearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides, aralkyl halides like benzyl and phenethyl bromides and others.

Those skilled in the art will further recognise that acid addition salts of the claimed compounds may be prepared by reaction of the compounds with the appropriate inorganic or organic acid via any of a number of known methods. Alternatively, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of acidic compounds of the invention are prepared by reacting the compounds of the invention with the appropriate base via a variety of known methods.

The present invention includes all possible salts of the compounds of the present invention as single salts, or as any mixture of said salts, in any ratio.

In the present text, in particular in the Experimental Section, for the synthesis of intermediates and of examples of the present invention, when a compound is mentioned as a salt form with the corresponding base or acid, the exact stoichiometric composition of said salt form, as obtained by the respective preparation and/or purification process, is, in most cases, unknown.

Unless specified otherwise, suffixes to chemical names or structural formulae such as "hydrochloride", "trifluoroacetate", "sodium salt", or "x HQ", "x CF ₃ COOH", "x Na'", for example, are to be understood as not a stoichiometric specification, but solely as a salt form. This applies analogously to cases in which synthesis intermediates or example compounds or salts thereof have been obtained, by the preparation and/or purification processes described, as solvates, such as hydrates with (if defined) unknown stoichiometric composition.

As used herein, the term "in vivo hydrolysable ester ^" is understood as meaning an in vivo hydrolysable ester of a compound of the present invention containing a carboxy or hydroxy group, for example, a pharmaceutically acceptable ester which is hydrolysed in the human or animal body to produce the parent acid or alcohol. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable esters for carboxy include for example alkyl, cycloalkyl and optionally substituted phenylalkyl, in particular benzyl esters, Ci-Ce alkoxymethyl esters, e.g. methoxymethyl, C -Ce alkanoyloxymethyl esters, e.g. pivaloyloxymethyl, phthalidyl esters, Cs-Ce cycloa I koxy-ca rbonyloxy-Ci -Ce alkyl esters, e.g. 1 - cyclohexylcarbonyloxyethyl ; 1 ,3-dioxolen-2-onylmethyl esters, e.g. 5-methyl-1 ,3- dioxolen-2-onylmethyl ; and Ci-Ce-alkoxycarbonyloxyethyl esters, e.g. 1 - methoxycarbonyloxyethyl, and may be formed at any carboxy group in the compounds of this invention.

An in vivo hydrolysable ester of a compound of the present invention containing a hydroxy group includes inorganic esters such as phosphate esters and [alpha]- acyloxyalkyl ethers and related compounds which as a result of the in vivo hydrolysis of the ester breakdown to give the parent hydroxy group. Examples of [alphaj-acyloxyalkyl ethers include acetoxymethoxy and 2,2-dimethylpropionyloxymethoxy. A selection of in vivo hydrolysable ester forming groups for hydroxy include alkanoyl, benzoyl, phenylacetyl and substituted benzoyl and phenylacetyl, alkoxycarbonyl (to give alkyl carbonate esters), dialkylcarbamoyl and N-(dialkylaminoethyl)-N-alkylcarbamoyl (to give carbamates), dialkylaminoacetyl and carboxyacetyl. The present invention covers all such esters. Furthermore, the present invention includes all possible crystalline forms, or polymorphs, of the compounds of the present invention, either as single polymorph, or as a mixture of more than one polymorph, in any ratio.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which : represents a halogen atom or a group selected from:

Ci-Ce-alkyl, Cs-Ce-cycloalkyl, Ci-Ce-alkoxy, Cr,-Ce-cycloalkyloxy, Ci-Ce-haloalkyI, d-Ce-haloalkoxy; represents a hydrogen atom; represents a hydrogen atom; represents a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom; represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ⁵ ; represents a group selected from:

represents a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom; represents a hydrogen atom; represents a hydroxymethyl group,

and

R ⁹ , R ⁰ and R ¹¹ represent independently of one another a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,

and R ¹² represents a hydrogen atom;

represents a methyl group,

and

R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ and R ¹¹ represent independently of one another a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,

and R ¹² represents a hydroxy group; represents a hydrogen atom; R ¹⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or a group selected from:

Ci-Ce-alkyl and Cs-Ce-cycloalkyl; or a stereoisomer, an N -oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, or a mixture of same.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

R ¹ represents a Ci-Cr,-haloalkoxy group: R ² represents a hydrogen atom: R ³ represents a hydrogen atom; R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom; X represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ⁵ ;

R ⁵ represents a group selected from:

R ⁶ represents a hydrogen atom;

R ⁷ represents a hydrogen atom;

R ⁸ represents a hydroxymethyl group,

and

R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ and R ¹ represent independently of one another a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,

and R ¹² represents a hydrogen atom; or R ⁸ represents a methyl group,

and

R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ and R" represent independently of one another a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,

and R ¹² represents a hydroxy group; R ¹³ represents a hydrogen atom; R ¹⁴ represents a hydrogen atom; or a stereoisomer, an N -oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, or a mixture of same.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

R ¹ represents a trifluoromethoxy group;

R ² represents a hydrogen atom;

R ³ represents a hydrogen atom;

R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom;

X represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ⁵ ;

R ⁵ represents a group selected from:

-C(=0)OR ¹⁴ and R ¹⁴ OC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -; represents a hydrogen atom; represents a hydrogen atom; represents a hydroxymethyl group,

and R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ and R ¹¹ represent independently of one another a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,

and R ¹² represents a hydrogen atom; or

R ⁸ represents a methyl group,

and

R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ and R ¹¹ represent independently of one another a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,

and R ¹² represents a hydroxy group; R ¹³ represents a hydrogen atom; R ¹⁴ represents a hydrogen atom; or a stereoisomer, an N -oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, or a mixture of same.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of gene

in which : R represents a trifluoromethoxy group;

R ² represents a hydrogen atom;

R ³ represents a hydrogen atom;

R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom;

X represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ⁵ ;

R ⁵ represents a group selected from:

-C(=0)OR ¹⁴ and R ⁴ OC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -;

R ⁶ represents a hydrogen atom; R ⁷ represents a hydrogen atom; R ¹³ represents a hydrogen atom; R ¹⁴ represents a hydrogen atom; or an N-oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, or a mixture of same.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-a) or (l-b), supra, in which :

R ¹ represents a trifluoromethoxy group;

R ² represents a hydrogen atom;

R ³ represents a hydrogen atom;

R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom;

X represents a group CR ⁵ ; R ⁵ represents a group selected from:

-C(=0)OR ¹⁴ and R ¹⁴ OC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -; represents a hydrogen atom;

R ⁷ represents a hydrogen atom; represents a hydrogen atom; represents a hydrogen atom; or an N-oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, or a mixture of same.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-c) :

(l-c)

in which

R ¹ represents a trifluoromethoxy group;

R ² represents a hydrogen atom; represents a hydrogen atom; R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom;

X represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ⁵ ;

R ⁵ represents a group selected from:

-C(=0)OR ¹⁴ and R ¹⁴ OC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -;

R ⁶ represents a hydrogen atom; R ⁷ represents a hydrogen atom; R ¹³ represents a hydrogen atom; R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom; or an N-oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, or a mixture of same.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (S-c), supra, in which :

R ¹ represents a trifluoromethoxy group;

R ² represents a hydrogen atom;

R ³ represents a hydrogen atom;

R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom;

X represents a group CR ⁵ ;

R ⁵ represents a R ¹⁴ OC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ - group;

R ⁶ represents a hydrogen atom;

R ⁷ represents a hydrogen atom; R ¹³ represents a hydrogen atom; R ¹⁴ represents a hydrogen atom; or an N-oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, or a mixture of same.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-d) :

in which :

R ¹ represents a trifluoromethoxy group;

R ² represents a hydrogen atom;

R ³ represents a hydrogen atom;

R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom;

X represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ⁵ ;

R ⁵ represents a group selected from:

-C(=0)OR and R ¹⁴ OC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -; R ⁶ represents a hydrogen atom; R ⁷ represents a hydrogen atom; R ³ represents a hydrogen atom; R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom; or an N-oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, or a mixture of same.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-d), supra, in which : in which :

R ¹ represents a trifluoromethoxy group; R ² represents a hydrogen atom; R ³ represents a hydrogen atom; R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom; X represents a group CR ⁵ ;

R ⁵ represents a group selected from:

-C(=0)OR ¹⁴ and R ¹⁴ OC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -;

R ⁶ represents a hydrogen atom; R ⁷ represents a hydrogen atom; R ¹³ represents a hydrogen atom; R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom; or an N-oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, or a mixture of same.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-e) :

represents a trifluoromethoxy group; represents a hydrogen atom; represents a hydrogen atom; represents a hydrogen atom; represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ^! represents a group selected from:

-C(=0)OR ¹⁴ and R ¹⁴ OC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -; represents a hydrogen atom; represents a hydrogen atom; R ¹³ represents a hydrogen atom; R ¹⁴ represents a hydrogen atom; or an N-oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, or a mixture of same.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-e), supra, in which :

R ¹ represents a trifluoromethoxy group;

R ² represents a hydrogen atom;

R ³ represents a hydrogen atom;

R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom;

X represents a nitrogen atom;

R ⁶ represents a hydrogen atom;

R ⁷ represents a hydrogen atom;

R ¹³ represents a hydrogen atom; or an N-oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, or a mixture of same.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

R ¹ represents a halogen atom or a group selected from: Ci-Ce-alkyl, Cs-Ce-cycloalkyl, Ci-Ce-alkoxy, CrrCe-cycloalkyloxy, Ci-Ce-haloalkyl, Ci-Ce-haloalkoxy, cyano,

(Ci-Ce-alkyl)-S-, (C,-C ₆ -haloalkyl)-S-, (Ci-C ₆ -haloalkyl)-S(=0)-, and

-N(R ⁴ )R ¹⁵ . In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

R ¹ represents a halogen atom or a group selected from: C -Ce-alkyl, Cs-Ce-cycloalkyl, Ci-Ce-alkoxy, Cs-Ce-cycloalkyloxy, Ci-Ce-haloalkyl and Ci-Ce-haloalkoxy.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which : R ¹ represents a Ci-Cs-haloalkoxy group. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which : R represents a trifluoromethoxy group.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which : R ² , R ³ , R ⁷ and R ¹³ each represent a hydrogen atom.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which : R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which : R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

X represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OR ¹⁴ ,

R ¹⁶ (R ¹⁵ )NC(=0)-(C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl)- and R ¹⁶ (R ⁵ )NC(=0)-(CrC ₆ -alkoxy)-. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

X represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OR ¹⁴ and In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which : X represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ⁵ . wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OR ¹⁴ and

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

X represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OR ¹⁴ and R ¹⁴ OC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

X represents a group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OR ¹⁴ ,

-C(=0)N(R ¹⁵ )R ¹⁶ , R ⁶ (R ⁵ )NC(=0)-(Ci-C ₆ -alkyl)-, R ⁶ (R ¹⁵ )NC(=0)-(C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl)- and

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

X represents group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OR ¹⁴ and R ¹⁴ OC(=0)-(CrC ₆ -alkyl)-.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

X represents a group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OR ¹⁴

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

X represents a group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OR ¹⁴ and R ¹⁴ OC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

X represents a group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OH and HOC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which : X represents a nitrogen atom.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

R ⁶ represents a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom or a group selected from:

Ci-Ce-alkyl, C -Ce-alkoxy, Cs-Ce-cycloalkyl, Cs-Ce-cycloalkyloxy, d-Ce-haloalkyl,

Ci-Ce-haloalkoxy and cyano. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which : R ⁶ represents a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which : R ⁶ represents a hydrogen atom.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

R ⁸ represents a hydroxymethyl group, and R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ and R ¹¹ represent independently of one another a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R ² represents a hydrogen atom; or

R ⁸ represents a methyl group, and R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ and R ¹¹ represent independently of one another a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R ¹² represents a hydroxy group.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

R ⁸ represents a hydroxymethyl group, and R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ and R ¹¹ represent independently of one another a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R ¹² represents a hydrogen atom.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

R ⁸ represents a methyl group, and R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ and R ¹¹ represent independently of one another a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R ¹² represents a hydroxy group.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which : R ¹⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or a group selected from: Ci-Ce-alkyl and Cs-Ce- cycloalkyl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which : R ¹⁴ represents a hydrogen atom.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

R ¹⁵ and R ¹⁶ are independently of each other selected from: hydrogen and Ci-Ce-alkyl: or

R ¹⁵ and R ¹⁶ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 4- to 6- membered heterocycloalkyl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

R ¹⁵ and R ¹⁶ are independently of each other selected from: hydrogen and O-Ce-alkyl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), supra, in which :

R ⁵ and R ¹⁶ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 4- to 6- membered heterocycloalkyl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formulae (l-a) or (l-b) :

in which R . R ² . R ³ . R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formulae (l-a) or (l-b), supra, in which : R ¹ represents a trifiuoromethoxy group.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-a) or (l-b), supra, in which :

R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ and R ¹³ each represents a hydrogen atom.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-a) or (l-b), supra, in which :

X represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OH and HOC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formulae (l-a) or (l-b), supra, in which :

X represents a group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OH and HOC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-c) :

(l-c) in which R\ R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ¹³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-c), supra, in which :

R ¹ represents a trifluoromethoxy group.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-c), supra, in which :

R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ and R ¹³ each represents a hydrogen atom. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-c), supra, in which :

X represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OH and HOC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-c), supra, in which :

X represents a group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OH and HOC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-c), supra, in which :

X represents a group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a HOC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -group.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-d) :

(l-d) in which R , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ¹³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-d), supra, in which : R ¹ represents a trifluoromethoxy group.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-d), supra, in which :

R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ and R ¹³ each represents a hydrogen atom.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-d), supra, in which :

X represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OH and HOC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-d), supra, in which :

X represents a group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OH and

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-e) : in which R , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ¹³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-e), supra, in which :

R ¹ represents a trifluoromethoxy group. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-e), supra, in which :

R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ and R ³ each represents a hydrogen atom.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-e), supra, in which :

X represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR ⁵ , wherein R ⁵ represents a group selected from: -C(=0)OH and HOC(=0)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of general formula (l-e), supra, in which : X represents a nitrogen atom.

It is to be understood that the present invention relates also to any combination of the preferred embodiments described above. More particularly still, the present invention covers compounds of general formulae (I), (l-a). (l-b), (l-c), (l-d) and (l-e) which are disclosed in the Example section of this text, infra.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention covers methods of preparing compounds of the present invention, said methods comprising the steps as described in the Experimental Section herein. In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention covers intermediate compounds which are useful for the preparation of the compounds of general formulae (I), (l-a), (l-b), (l-c), (l-d) and (l-e) supra.

More particularly still, the present invention covers the intermediate compounds which are disclosed in the Example section of this text, infra.

In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention covers the use of the intermediate compounds of general formula (II) :

(II) in which R\ R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁹ , R'°, R" , R ³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra,

for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) as defined supra. In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention covers the use of the intermediate compounds of general formula (ll-a) :

(ll-a) in which R\ R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ¹³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (l-a) or (l-b), supra,

for the preparation of a compound of general formula (l-a) or (l-b) as defined supra. In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention covers the use of the intermediate compounds of general formula (ll-a) :

(ll-a) in which R , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ¹³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (l-c). supra, for the preparation of a compound of general formula (l-c) as defined supra.

In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention covers the use of the intermediate compounds of general formula (ll-a) :

(ll-a) in which R , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ¹³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (l-d), supra,

for the preparation of a compound of general formula (l-d) as defined supra.

In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention covers the use of the intermediate compounds of general formula (ll-e) :

in which R ¹ , R ² . R ³ . R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (l-e), supra,

for the preparation of a compound of general formula (l-e) as defined supra.

In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention covers the use of the intermediate compounds of general formula (ll-f) :

(ll-f) in which R\ R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ and R ¹³ are as defined compounds of general formula (I), supra,

for the preparation of a compound of general formula (l-f) as defined infra.

In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention covers the use of the intermediate compounds of general formula (ll-g) :

(ii-g) in which R ¹ , R ² . R ³ . R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ and R ¹³ are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra,

for the preparation of a compound of general formula (l-g) as defined infra.

In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention relates to compounds of general formulae (I). (I-a), (l-b), (l-c), (l-d) or (l-e), as decribed supra, or a stereoisomer, an N -oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, particularly a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a mixture of same, for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease.

In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of general formulae (I), (I-a), (l-b), (l-c), (l-d) or (l-e), as decribed supra, or a stereoisomer, an -oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, particularly a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a mixture of same, and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.

Particularly, the pharmaceutical combination comprises:

- one or more first active ingredients selected from a compound of general formula (I). (I-a), (l-b), (l-c), (l-d) or (l-e), as decribed supra, and

one or more second active ingredients selected from chemotherapeutic anticancer agents (see below). In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention relates to use of a compound of general formula (I), (I-a), (l-b), (l-c), (l-d) or (l-e), as described supra, or a stereoisomer, an N-oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, particularly a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a mixture of same, for the prophylaxis or treatment of a disease.

In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention relates to use of a compound of general formula (I), (l-a), (l-b), (l-c), (l-d) or (l-e), as described supra, or a stereoisomer, an N -oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, particularly a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a mixture of same, for the preparation of a medicament for the prophylaxis or treatment of a disease. The disease as mentioned before is in particular a disease of uncontrolled cell growth, proliferation and/or survival, an inappropriate cellular immune response, or an inappropriate cellular inflammatory response, particularly in which the disease of uncontrolled cell growth, proliferation and/or survival, inappropriate cellular immune response, or inappropriate cellular inflammatory response is a haematological tumour, a solid tumour and/or metastases thereof, e.g. leukemias and myelodysplastic syndrome, malignant lymphomas, head and neck tumours including brain tumours and brain metastases, tumours of the thorax including non-small cell and small cell lung tumours, gastrointestinal tumours, endocrine tumours, mammary and other gynaecological tumours, urological tumours including renal, bladder and prostate tumours, skin tumours, and sarcomas, and/or metastases thereof.

EXPERIMENTAL SECTION The following table 1 lists the abbreviations used in this paragraph and in the Examples section as far as they are not explained within the text body.

NMR peak forms are stated as they appear in the spectra, possible higher order effects have not been considered.

The ¹ H-NMR data of selected examples are listed in the form of ¹ H-NMR peaklists. For each signal peak the δ value in ppm is given, followed by the signal intensity, reported in round brackets. The δ value-signal intensity pairs from different peaks are separated by commas. Therefore, a peaklist is described by the general form: δι (intensityi), 62 (intensity ₂ ). ... , δ, (intensity), ... , δ _η (intensity,,).

The intensity of a sharp signal correlates with the height (in cm) of the signal in a printed NMR spectrum. When compared with other signals, this data can be correlated to the real ratios of the signal intensities. In the case of broad signals, more than one peak, or the center of the signal along with their relative intensity, compared to the most intense signal displayed in the spectrum, are shown. A ¹ H-NMR peaklist is similar to a classical ¹ H-NMR readout, and thus usually contains all the peaks listed in a classical NMR interpretation. Moreover, similar to classical H-NMR printouts, peaklists can show solvent signals, signals derived from stereoisomers of target compounds (also the subject of the invention), and/or peaks of impurities. The peaks of stereoisomers, and/or peaks of impurities are typically displayed with a lower intensity compared to the peaks of the target compounds (e.g., with a purity of >90%). Such stereoisomers and/or impurities may be typical for the particular manufacturing process, and therefore their peaks may help to identify the reproduction of our manufacturing process on the basis of "by-product fingerprints". An expert who calculates the peaks of the target compounds by known methods (MestReC, ACD simulation, or by use of empirically evaluated expectation values), can isolate the peaks of target compounds as required, optionally using additional intensity filters. Such an operation would be similar to peak- picking in classical ¹ H-NMR interpretation. A detailed description of the reporting of NMR data in the form of peaklists can be found in the publication "Citation of NMR Peaklist Data within Patent Applications" (cf. Research Disclosure Database Number 605005, 2014, 01 Aug 2014, or http://www.researchdisclosure.com/searching- disclosures). In the peak picking routine, as described in the Research Disclosure Database Number 605005, the parameter "MinimumHeight" can be adjusted between 1 % and 4%. Depending on the chemical structure and/or depending on the concentration of the measured compound it may be reasonable to set the parameter "MinimumHeight" <1 %.

Chemical names were generated using the ICS naming tool of ACD labs. In some cases generally accepted names of commercially available reagents were used in place of ICS naming tool generated names.

Table 1 : Abbreviations

Abbreviation Meaning

DMF N,N-dimethylformamide

d doublet

dd doublet of doublets

DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide

EDC /V-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-W-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride

ESI electrospray ionization

EtOH ethanol

h hour(s)

HCI hydrochloric acid

HCOOH formic acid

HPLC, LC high performance liquid chromatography

m multiplet

rric centered multiplet

min minute(s)

MS mass spectroscopy

MeOH methanol

NMP N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone

NMR nuclear magnetic resonance

quint quintet

Rt retention time

rt room temperature

s singlet

sept septet

t triplet

THF tetrahydrofuran

UPLC ultra performance liquid chromatography

Other abbreviations have their meanings customary per se to the skilled person. The various aspects of the invention described in this application are illustrated by the following examples which are not meant to limit the invention in any way.

Syntheses of Compounds (Overview)

The following schemes and general procedures illustrate general synthetic routes to the compounds of general formula (I) of the invention and are not intended to be limiting. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the order of transformations as exemplified in Schemes 1 and 2 can be modified in various ways. The order of transformations exemplified in Schemes 1 and 2 is therefore not intended to be limiting. In addition, interconversion of substituents, for example of residues ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁵ and R ⁶ can be achieved before and/or after the exemplified transformations. These modifications can be such as the introduction of protecting groups, cleavage of protecting groups, reduction or oxidation of functional groups, halogenation, metallation, substitution or other reactions known to the person skilled in the art. These transformations include those which introduce a functionality which allows for further interconversion of substituents. Appropriate protecting groups and their introduction and cleavage are well-known to the person skilled in the art (see for example T. W. Greene and P.G.M. Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3rd edition, Wiley 1999).

cheme 1 :

in which R\ R ² , R ³ . R ⁴ , R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ⁹ , R'°, R ¹¹ , R ¹² and R ³ are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra.

Nitroanilines of general formula 3 can be obtained from nitroarenes of general formula 1 by nucleophilic substitution with amines of general formula 2 in a suitable solvent such as for example tetrahydrofuran or acetonitrile and in the presence of a suitable base such as for example potassium carbonate or triethylamine at temperatures between room temperature and the boiling point of the solvent, typically at 50-90 °C. Instead of using amines of general formula 2 their corresponding ammonium salts can be used as well. Nitroarenes of general formula 1 and amines of general formula 2 or their corresponding ammonium salts are either commercially available, known compounds or may be formed from known compounds by known methods by a person skilled in the art.

Diamines of general formula 4 in turn may be obtained from nitroanilines of general formula 3 by reduction. For reduction, all processes that are known to the person skilled in the art may be applied. Nitroanilines of general formula 3 may be hydrogenated under an atmosphere of hydrogen at pressures between 1 bar and 100 bar in a suitable solvent such as for example ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, methanol or ethanol or mixtures thereof and in the presence of a metal catalyst such as for example palladium on charcoal at temperatures between 0 °C and the boiling point of the solvent, typically at room temperature. The addition of a suitable acid such as for example hydrochloric acid or acetic acid may be necessary. Alternatively, nitroanilines of general formula 3 may be reduced with iron/ammonium chloride or tin(ll) chloride in a suitable solvent such as for example water, methanol or ethanol or mixtures thereof at temperatures between room temperature and the boiling point of the solvent, typically at 70 °C. Compounds of general formula (ll-f) can be obtained from the reaction of suitably functionalized diamines of general formula 4 with thioisocyanates of general formula 5. The reaction is carried out in a suitable solvent such as for example tetrahydrofuran and in the presence of a carbodiimide such as for example Ν,Ν'-diisopropylcarbodiimide or EDC at temperatures between 0 "C and the boiling point of the solvent, typically at 70 °C.

Thioisocyanates of general formula 5 are either commercially available, known compounds or may be formed from known compounds by known methods by a person skilled in the art.

Compounds of general formula (l-f) can be obtained from the compounds of general formula (ll-f) by microbiological reactions, employing microorganisms, such as Diplodia natalensis (ATCC 9055), Rhizopus arrhizus (ATCC 1 1 145), Curvularia lunata (DSM 32051 ) or Pellicularia filamentosa (ATCC 4968), as described in the general part. cheme 2:

in which R\ R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁶ , R ⁹ , R'°, R , R ¹² and R ¹³ are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra.

Aminopopyridines of general formula 8 can be obtained from nitropyridines of general formula 7 by nucleophilic substitution with amines of general formula 2 in a suitable solvent such as for example propanol and in the presence of a suitable base such as for example W-ethyl-N-isopropylpropan-2-amine at temperatures between room temperature and the boiling point of the solvent. Preferably the reaction is carried out in a microwave oven at 150 °C. Instead of using amines of general formula 2 their corresponding ammonium salts can be used as well. Nitropyridines of general formula 7 and amines of general formula 2 or their corresponding ammonium salts are either commercially available, known compounds or may be formed from known compounds by known methods by a person skilled in the art.

Diamines of general formula 9 in turn may be obtained from compounds of general formula 8 by reduction. The compounds of general formula 8 may be hydrogenated under an atmosphere of hydrogen at pressures between 1 bar and 100 bar in a suitable solvent such as for example ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, methanol or ethanol or mixtures thereof and in the presence of a metal catalyst such as for example palladium on charcoal at temperatures between 0 °C and the boiling point of the solvent, typically at room temperature. The addition of a suitable acid such as for example hydrochloric acid or acetic acid may be necessary.

Compounds of general formula (ll-g) can be obtained from the reaction of suitably functionalized diamines of general formula 9 with thioisocyanates of general formula 5. The reaction is carried out in a suitable solvent such as for example tetrahydrofuran and in the presence of a carbodiimide such as for example diisopropylcarbodiimide or EDC at temperatures between 0 °C and the boiling point of the solvent, typically at 70 °C.

Thioisocyanates of general formula 5 are either commercially available, known compounds or may be formed from known compounds by known methods by a person skilled in the art.

Compounds of general formula (l-g) can be obtained from the compounds of general formula (ll-g) by microbiological reactions, employing microorganisms, such as Diplodia natalensis (ATCC 9055), Rhizopus arrhizus (ATCC 1 1 145), Curvularia lunata (DSM 32051 ) or Pellicularia filamentosa (ATCC 4968), as described in the general part.

In accordance with one embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method of preparing a compound of general formula (I) as defined supra, said method comprising the step of hydroxylation of an intermediate compound of general formula (II) :

in which R ¹ , R ² . R ³ . R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ , R ¹³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra,

thereby giving a compound of general formula (I) :

in which R\ R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ^{1 1} , R ¹² , R ¹³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra.

In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of a compound of general formula (I) from a compound of general formula (II) :

in which R ¹ , R ² . R ³ . R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ , R ¹³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra, by means of a microbiological reaction.

In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a process for the production of a compound of general formula (I) from a compound of general formula (II) :

in which R\ R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ , R ³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra, by means of a microbiological reaction, wherein said microbiological reaction is carried out by means of a hydroxylation with a microorganism of the species Diplodia natalensis (ATCC 9055), Rhizopus arrhizus (ATCC 1 1 145). Curvularia lunata (DSM 32051 ) or Pellicularia filamentosa (ATCC 4968). In accordance with one embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method of preparing a compound of general formula (I) as defined supra, said method comprising the step of a microbiological hydroxylation of an intermediate compound of general formula (II) :

in which R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ^e , R ⁷ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ , R ¹³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra, with a microorganism of the species Diplodia natalensis (ATCC 9055), Rhizopus arrhizus (ATCC 1 1 145), Curvularia lunata (DSM 32051 ) or Pellicularia filamentosa (ATCC 4968), thereby giving a compound of general formula (I) :

in which R\ R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ^{1 1} , R ² , R ¹³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra. In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method of preparing a compound of general formula (l-f) as defined supra, said method comprising the step of a microbiological hydroxylation of an intermediate compound of general formula (ll-f) :

(ll-f) in which R\ R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ and R ¹³ are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra, with a microorganism of the species Diplodia natalensis (ATCC 9055), Rhizopus arrhizus (ATCC 1 1 145), Curvularia lunata (DSM 32051 ) or Pellicularia filamentosa (ATCC 4968), thereby giving a compound of general formula (l-f) in which R\ R ² . R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ , R ¹² and R ¹³ are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra.

In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method of preparing a compound of general formula (l-g) as defined supra, said method comprising the step of a microbiological hydroxylation of an intermediate of general formula (ll-g) :

(ii-g) in which R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ^e , R ⁷ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ and R ¹³ are as defined for the compounds of general formula (I), supra. with a microorganism of the species Diplodia natalensis (ATCC 9055). Rhizopus arr izus (ATCC 1 1 145), Curvularia lunata (DSM 32051 ) or Pellicularia filamentosa (ATCC 4968), thereby giving a compoun

(i-g) in which R\ R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ^{1 1} , R ¹² and R ¹³ are as defined compounds of general formula (I), supra.

In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method of preparing a compound of general formula (l-a) or (l-b) as defined supra, said method comprising the step a of microbiological hydroxylation of an intermediate compound of general formula (ll-a) :

(ll-a) in which R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ¹³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formulae (l-a) or (l-b), supra, with a microorganism of the species Diplodia natalensis (ATCC 9055) or Curvularia lunata (DSM 32051 ), thereby giving a compound of general formula (l-a) or (l-b):

in which R\ R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ^e , R ⁷ , R ¹³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formulae (l-a) or (l-b), supra. In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method of preparing a compound of general formula (l-c) as defined supra, said method comprising the step of a microbiological hydroxylation of an intermediate compound of general formula (ll-a) :

(ll-a) in which R\ R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (l-c). supra, with a microorganism of the species Curvularia lunata (DSM 32051 ), thereby giving a compound of general formula (l-c):

in which in which R . R ² . R ³ . R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (l-c), supra.

In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method of preparing a compound of general formula (l-d) as defined supra, said method comprising the step of a microbiological hydroxylation of an intermediate compound of general formula (ll-a) :

in which R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ^e . R ⁷ , R ¹³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (l-d), supra. with a microorganism of the species Curvularia lunata (DSM 32051 ) or Rhizopus arrhizus (ATCC 1 1 145),

thereby giving a compound of general formula (I-d):

in which in which R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (l-d), supra.

In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method of preparing a compound of general formula (l-e) as defined supra, said method comprising the step of a microbiological hydroxylation of an intermediate compound of general formula (ll-e) :

(ll-e) in which R ¹ , R ² . R ³ . R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (l-e), supra, with a microorganism of the species Pellicularia filamentosa (ATCC 4968), thereby giving a compound of general formula (l-e):

in which in which R , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ³ and X are as defined for the compounds of general formula (l-e), supra.

General part All reagents, for which the synthesis is not described in the experimental part, are either commercially available, or are known compounds or may be formed from known compounds by known methods by a person skilled in the art.

The compounds and intermediates produced according to the methods of the invention may require purification. Purification of organic compounds is well known to the person skilled in the art and there may be several ways of purifying the same compound. In some cases, no purification may be necessary. In some cases, the compounds may be purified by crystallization. In some cases, impurities may be stirred out using a suitable solvent. In some cases, the compounds may be purified by chromatography, particularly flash column chromatography, using for example prepacked silica gel cartridges, e.g. Biotage SNAP cartidges KP-Sil ^® or KP-NH ^® in combination with a Biotage autopurifier system (SP4 ^® or I solera Four ^® ) and eluents such as gradients of hexane/ethyl acetate or DCM/methanol. In some cases, the compounds may be purified by preparative HPLC using for example a Waters autopurifier equipped with a diode array detector and/or online electrospray ionization mass spectrometer in combination with a suitable prepacked reverse phase column and eluents such as gradients of water and acetonitrile which may contain additives such as trifluoroacetic acid, formic acid or aqueous ammonia.

In some cases, purification methods as described above can provide those compounds of the present invention which possess a sufficiently basic or acidic functionality in the form of a salt, such as, in the case of a compound of the present invention which is sufficiently basic, a trifluoroacetate or formate salt for example, or, in the case of a compound of the present invention which is sufficiently acidic, an ammonium salt for example. A salt of this type can either be transformed into its free base or free acid form, respectively, by various methods known to the persion skilled in the art, or be used as salts in subsequent biological assays. It is to be understood that the specific form (e.g. salt, free base etc.) of a compound of the present invention as isolated and as described herein is not necessarily the only form in which said compound can be applied to a biological assay in order to quantify the specific biological activity. UPLC- S Standard Procedures

Analytical UPLC-MS was performed as described below. The masses (m/z) are reported from the positive mode electrospray ionisation unless the negative mode is indicated (ES-). In most of the cases method A is used. If not, it is indicated. UPLC-MS Method A

Instrument: Waters Acquity UPLC-MS SQD 3001 ; Column: Acquity UPLC BEH C18 1.7 50x2.1 mm; Eluent A: water + 0.1 % formic acid , Eluent B: acetonitrile; Gradient: 0-1 .6 min 1 -99% B, 1.6-2.0 min 99% B; Flow rate 0.8 mL/min; Temperature: 60 °C; Injection: 2 pL; DAD scan: 210-400 nm.

UPLC-MS Method B

Instrument: Waters Acquity UPLC-MS SQD 3001 ; Column: Acquity UPLC BEH C18 1.7 50x2.1 mm; Eluent A: water + 0.2% ammonia, Eluent B: acetonitrile; Gradient: 0-1.6 min 1 -99% B, 1.6-2.0 min 99% B; Flow rate 0.8 mL/min; Temperature: 60 °C; Injection: 2 [it; DAD scan: 210-400 nm; ELSD. UPLC-MS Method C

Instrument: Waters Acquity UPLC-MS ZQ4000; Column: Acquity UPLC BEH C18 1.7 50x2.1 mm: Eluent A: water + 0.05% formic acid , Eluent B: acetonitrile + 0.05% formic acid; Gradient: 0-1 .6 min 1-99% B, 1.6-2.0 min 99% B; Flow rate 0.8 mL/min; Temperature: 60 °C; Injection: 2 pL; DAD scan: 210-400 nm.

UPLC-MS Method D

Instrument: Waters Acquity UPLC-MS ZQ4000; Column: Acquity UPLC BEH C18 1.7 50x2.1 mm; Eluent A: water + 0.2% ammonia, Eluent B: acetonitrile; Gradient: 0-1.6 min 1 -99% B, 1.6-2.0 min 99% B; Flow rate 0.8 mL/min; Temperature: 60 °C; Injection: 2 pL; DAD scan: 210-400 nm; ELSD.

UPLC-MS Method E

Instrument: Waters Acquity UPLC-MS ZQ2000; Column: Acquity UPLC BEH C18 1.7 50x2.1 mm; Eluent A: water + 0.1 % formic acid , Eluent B: acetonitrile; Gradient: 0- 1 .6 min 1-99% B, 1.6-2.0 min 99% B; Flow rate 0.8 mL/min; Temperature: 60 °C; Injection: 1 pL; DAD scan: 210-400 nm; ELSD.

UPLC-MS Method F

Instrument: Waters Acquity UPLC-MS ZQ2000; Column: Acquity UPLC BEH C18 1.7 50x2.1 mm; Eluent A: water + 0.2% ammonia , Eluent B: acetonitrile; Gradient: 0- 1 .6 min 1-99% B, 1.6-2.0 min 99% B; Flow rate 0.8 mL min; Temperature: 60 °C; Injection: 1 pL; DAD scan: 210-400 nm; ELSD. UPLC-MS Method G

Instrument: Waters Acquity UPLC-MS; Column: XBridge BEH C18 2.5 pm 2.1x50mm; Eluent A: 10 mM ammonium bicarbonate pH 10, Eluent B: acetonitrile; Gradient: 2-98% B in 0.80 min, hold at 98% B to 1.30 min; Flow rate 0.8 mL/min; Detection: Waters Acquity Autosampler (UPLC LG 500 nm).

UPLC-MS Method H

Instrument: Waters Acquity UPLC-MS; Column: XBridge BEH C18 2.5 pm 2.1x50mm; Eluent A: 10 mM ammonium bicarbonate pH 10, Eluent B: acetonitrile: Gradient: 2-98% B in 4.00 min, hold at 98% B to 4.70 min; Flow rate 0.8 mL/min; Detection: Waters Acquity Autosampler (UPLC LG 500 nm). UPLC- S Method K

Instrument: Agilent UHPLC 1290 MS; Column: Phenomenex Kinetex C18 1 .7 pm 2.1 x50mm; Eluent A: water + 0.1 % trifluoroacetic acid, Eluent B: acetonitrile; Gradient: 0-4.5 min 5-50% B, 4.5-5.0 min 95% B; Flow rate 1 .0 mL/min; Temperature: 50 °C; Injection: 2 μΙ_; Detection: DAD @ 220/254 nm.

LC-MS Standard Procedures

Analytical LC-MS was performed as described below. The masses (m/z) are reported from the positive mode electrospray ionisation unless the negative mode is indicated

(ES-).

LC-MS Method A

Instrument: Water Alliance 2695 HPLC Pump; Column: XBridge C18 2.5 pm 2.1 x20mm; Eluent A: 10 rriM ammonium bicarbonate pH 10, Eluent B: acetonitrile; Gradient: 0% B to 0.18 min, 0-95% B to 2.00 min, hold at 95% B to 2.60 min; Flow rate 1 mL min; Detection: Waters 996 PDA 215-350nm; Run Time: 3.10 min.

LC-MS Method B

Instrument: Waters Acquity; Column: Acquity BEH C18 1 .7 pm 50x2.1 mm; Eluent A: water + 0.1 % formic acid, Eluent B: methanol; Gradient: 0-1 .6 min 1 -99% B, 1 .6-2.0 min 99% B; Flow rate 0.8 mL/min; Temperature: 60 °C; Injection: 2 pL; DAD scan: 210-400 nm; ELSD; MS ESI-Pos. The compounds of general formula (II) may be chiral and may be separated into their diastereomers and/or enantiomers by chiral HPLC.

INTERMEDIATES

Intermediate 1-1

(±) methyl 3-amino-4-{[(trans)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]amino}benzoate and (±) methyl 3-amino-4-{[(cis)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]amino}benzoate

Step 1 : methyl 3-nitro-4-[(3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl)amino]benzoate

22.7 g (114 mmol) Methyl-4-fluoro-3-nitrobenzoate (commercially available) and 16.1 g

(1 14 mmol) (±) 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanamine (mixture of stereoisomers, commercially available) were given in 460 mL tetrahydrofuran. After addition of 17.3 g (125 mmol) potassium carbonate the reaction mixture was heated at 50 °C for 45 hours. The solids were filtered off via a glass fibre filter, washed with ethyl acetate and discarded. The filtrate was diluted with water (200 mL) and ethyl acetate (450 mL). After vigorous stirring for 15 min the organic phase was separated. The aqueous phase was washed with ethyl acetate (250 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (150 mL) and brine (150 mL). After drying (sodium sulfate) the solvent was evaporated yielding 35.9 g (93%) of an orangeyellow solid (mixture of stereoisomers) which was used without further purification in the next step. UPLC- S: R, = 1.67 min; m/z = 321 (ES+. M+1 ).

Step 2: methyl 3-amino-4-{[(trans)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]amino}benzoate and methyl 3-amino-4-{[(cis)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]amino}benzoate

15 g (47 mmol) Methyl 3-nitro-4-[(3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl)amino]benzoate from step 1 were dissolved in ethyl acetate (706 mL). After addition of 0.98 g (9.2 mmol) palladium on carbon the reaction mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen for seven hours at room temperature. The catalyst was filtered off via a glass fibre filter and washed with ethyl acetate. After evaporation of the solvent the residue was purified by column chromatography (Biotage, eluents: hexane/ ethyl acetate) yielding 0.6 g (4.2%) of the trans diastereomer (as racemate) and 9.99 g (70%) of the cis diastereomer (as racemate).

Trans: H-NMR (400MHz, DMSO-d ₆ ): δ [ppm] = 0.81 - 0.97 (m, 10H), 1.21 - 1.33 (m, 2H). 1 .38 (d, 1 H), 1.62 (d. 1 H), 1.72 (d, 1 H), 1.99 - 2.13 (m, 1 H), 3.68 - 3.78 (br.. 4H), 4.74 (br., 3H), 6.42 (d, 1 H), 7.14 - 7.24 (m, 2H).

Cis: ¹ H-NMR (400MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.68 - 1.06 (m, 12H), 1.35 (d, 1 H), 1.62 - 1 .79 (m, 2H), 1.91 - 2.03 (m, 1 H), 3.42 - 3.57 (m, 1 H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 4.72 (s, 2H), 4.82 (d, 1 H), 6.45 (d, 1 H), 7.1 1 - 7.22 (m, 2H). Intermediate 1-2

(±) 4-bromo-A/ ¹ -[(cis)-3,3,5-trimethylcyciohexyi]benzene-1 ,2-diamine

Step 1 : 4-bromo-2-nitro-/V-(3.3.5-trimethylcyclohexyl)aniline

17.0 g (77.3 mmol) 4-Bromo-1 -f luoro-2-nitrobenzene (commercially available) were given in 308 mL tetrahydrofuran. After addition of 1 1.8 g (85.0 mmol) potassium carbonate the reaction mixture was stirred for 10 min at room temperature. 10.9 g (77.3 mmol) (±) 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexanamine (mixture of stereoisomers, commercially available) were added and the reaction mixture was heated at 50 °C overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and water and the phases separated. The aqueous phase was reextracted twice with ethyl acetate and the combined organic extracts were dried (sodium sulfate). The solvent was evaporated yielding 28.3 g (97%) of the desired product as a mixture of stereoisomers.

UPLC-MS: Rt = 1 .78 min; m/z = 341 (ES+, M+1 ).

¹ H-NMR (400MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.72 - 1 .03 (m. 1 1 H), 1 .13 (t, 1 H), 1 .29 - 1 .39 (m, 1 H), 1 .59 -1 .89 (m, 2H), 1 .91 - 2.05 (m, 1 H), 3.70 - 3.90 (m, 1 H), 7.12 (d, 1 H), 7.64 (dd, 1 H), 7.82 (d, 1 H), 8.15 (d. 1 H). Step 2: (±) 4-bromo-/V ¹ -[(cis)-3.3.5-trimethylcyclohexyl]benzene-1 ,2-diamine

28.3 g (82.9 mmol) 4-Bromo-2-nitro-/V-(3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl)aniline, the crude product of step 1 , were dissolved in methanol (366 ml_). After addition of 66.8 g (290 mmol) tin(ll)chloride dihydrate the reaction mixture was stirred for 12 hours at 70 °C. The reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness and the residue was diluted with ethyl acetate. After washing with water and brine the organic phase was dried and the solvent was removed. Purification of the residue by column chromatography (eluents: hexane/ ethyl acetate) yielded 27 g (99%) of the title compound.

UPLC-MS: R _t = 1 .54 min; m/z = 31 1 (ES+, M+1 ).

Ή-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.72 - 1 .02 (m, 1 1 H), 1 .09 - 1 .21 (m, 1 H), 1 .29 - 1 ,39 (m, 1 H), 1 .54 -1 .75 (m, 2H), 1 .85 - 2.02 (m, 1 H), 3.40 - 3.60 (m, 1 H), 6.74 - 6.92 (m, 2H), 6.99 (d, 1 H).

Intermediate 1 -3

2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(1 R,5R)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]-1 H- benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

Step 1 : (±) methyl 2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(cis)-3.3.5-trimethylcyclo- hexyl]-1 H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate

4.00 g (13.8 mmol) (±) Methyl 3-amino-4-{[(cis)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]amino}benzo- ate (intermediate 1 -1 ) were dissolved in 274 mL tetrahydrofuran. 3.02 g (13.8 mmol) 1 - lsothiocyanato-4-(trifluoromethoxy)benzene and 3.48 (27.6 mmol) Ν,Ν'- diisopropylcarbodiimide were added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 70 °C for 64 hours. The solvent was removed and the residue diluted with dichloromethane (250 mL). The organic phase was washed with water and brine (100 mL each). After drying over sodium sulfate the solvent was removed and the residue was purified by column chromatography (Biotage. eluents: hexane/ ethyl acetate) yielding 6 g (92%) of the desired product.

UPLC-MS: t =1 .57 min; m/z = 476.2 (ES+, M+1 ).

Ή-NMR (300MHz. DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.90 - 1 .20 (m, 10H), 1 .41 (t, 2H), 1 .70 - 1 .95 (m, 3H), 1 .95 - 2.1 1 (m, 1 H). 3.83 (s, 3H), 4.69 (t, 1 H), 7.34 (d, 2H), 7.67 (s. 2H). 7.87 (d, 2H), 7.93 (s, 1 H). 9.20 (s, 1 H).

Step 2: methyl 2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(1 ,5R)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclo- hexyl]-1 H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate

The racemic compound (±) methyl 2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(cis)-3,3,5- trimethylcyclohexyl]-1 /-/-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (5.9 g) from step 1 was separated via chiral HPLC (system: Agilent Prep 1200, 2xPrep Pump, DLA, MWD, Prep FC; column: Chiralpak IA, 5μΜ 250x30 mm; injection: 6 g in 18 x 1 .6 mL dichloromethane; solvent: hexane, 2-propanol, diethylamine (70:30:0.1 ); flow: 40 mL/ min; detection: UV

254 nm) into its enantiomers yielding 2.81 g of the title compound (retention time range: 9.1 -14.1 min) along with 2.77 g of the (1 S,5S)-enantiomer (retention time range: 5.9-

9.1 min).

¹ H-NMR (400MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.90 - 1 .18 (m, 10H), 1 .41 (t, 2H), 1 .70 - 1 .98 (m, 3H), 1 .99 - 2.1 1 (m, 1 H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 4.69 (t, 1 H), 7.34 (d, 2H), 7.68 (s, 2H), 7.85 (d, 2H), 7.93 (s, 1 H), 9.18 (s, 1 H).

Step 3: 2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(1 R,5R)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]-1 H- benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

0.81 g (1 .69 mmol) Methyl 2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(1 R,5R)-3,3,5- trimethylcyc!ohexyl]-1 H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate from step 2 were disolved in 7.2 mL dioxane. After addition of 0.081 g (3.4 mmol) lithium hydroxide and 2.4 mL water the reaction mixture was stirred at 70 °C for two hours. The solvent was removed and the reaction mixture diluted with water (10 mL). After adjusting the pH of the mixture to pH 4 by addition of 1M hydrochloric acid the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with water and subsequently dried overnight yielding 0.74 g (90%) of the desired compound.

UPLC- S: t = 1.36 min; m/z = 462.2 (ES+, +1 ).

¹ H-N R (300MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.90 - 1.25 (m, 10H), 1.39 (d, 1H), 1.54 (d, 1H), 1.66 - 1.87 (m, 1H), 1.93 (br. s., 2H), 2.07 (t, 1H), 4.80 (br. s., 1H), 7.43 (d, 2H), 7.70-7.85 (m.4H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 10.15 (br. s., 1H), 12.77 (br. s., 1H). Intermediate 1-4

3-(2-{[4-(trifIuoromethoxy)phen l]amino}-1 -[(1 R,5R)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]-1 H- benzimidazol-5-yl)propanoic acid

Step 1: (±) 5-bromo-/V-[4-(trifiuoromethoxy)phenyl]-1-[(cis)-3,3,5-trime thylcyclohexyl]- 1 H-benzimidazol-2-amine

In analogy to step 1 of intermediate 1-3: (±) 4-Bromo-/V ¹ -[(cis)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclo- hexyl]benzene-1 ,2-diamine (intermediate 1-2; 5.0 g, 16 mmol) was reacted with 1- isothiocyanato-4-(trifluoromethoxy)benzene (CAS No. [64285-95-6]; 1.0 eq., 3.5 g, 16 mmol) and Λ/,Λ-diisopropylcarbodiimide (2.0 eq., 4.1 g, 5.0 mL, 32 mmol) in THF (320 mL) at 70 °C for 2 h to give after purification by flash chromatography (SiCV hexane/ ethyl acetate) the title compound (1.4 g, 17%) as racemic cis diastereomer. ¹ H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.91 - 1.21 (m, 10H), 1.32 - 1.50 (m, 2H), 1.65- 2.09, m, 4H), 4.58 -4.73 (m, 1H), 7.08 - 7.18 (m, 1H), 7.27 - 7.38 (m, 2H), 7.46 - 7.58 (m, 2H), 7.75 - 7.86 (m, 2H), 9.12 (s, 1H).

UPLC-MS: R _t = 1.69 min; m/z = 496.1 (ES+, M+1). Step 2: (±) methyl (2E)-3-(2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(cis)-3,3.5-trimethyl- cyclohexyl]-1 /-/-benzimidazol-5-yl)acrylate

(±) 5-Bromo-N-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-1 -[(cis)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]-1 H-benz- imidazol-2-amine (548 mg, 1 .10 mmol) from step 1 , methyl acrylate (190 mg, 2.21 mmol), tri-2-tolylphosphine (57 mg, 0.19 mmol) and palladium(ll) acetate (25 mg, 0.1 1 mmol) were dissolved in acetonitrile (8 ml_). After addition of triethylamine (0.18 mL, 1 .26 mmol) the reaction mixture was heated in the microwave oven at 1 10 °C for 60 min. The reaction mixture was given on a flash column and was washed with ethyl acetate (250 mL) to remove the catalyst and the salts. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness and the residue was purified by column chromatography to yield the title compound (329 mg, 56%).

¹ H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.90 - 1 .23 (m, 10H), 1 .31 - 1 .48 (m, 2H), 1 .68 - 2.12 (m, 4H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 4.57 - 4.77 (m, 1 H), 6.55 (d, 1 H), 7.28 - 7.43 (m, 3H), 7.59 (d, 1 H), 7.70 - 7.81 (m, 2H), 7.85 (d, 2H), 9.14 (s, 1 H).

UPLC-MS: R _t = 1 .57 min; m/z = 502 (ES+, M+1 ).

Step 3: (±) methyl 3-(2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(cis)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclo- hexyl]-1 /-/-benzimidazol-5-yl)propanoate

(±) Methyl (2E)-3-(2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(cis)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclo- hexyl]-1 /-/-benzimidazol-5-yl)acrylate (1 .01 g, 2.01 mmol) from step 2 was dissolved in ethanol (44 mL). Palladium on carbon (43 mg, 0.4 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen at room temperature for 12 hours. The catalyst was filtered off via a glass fibre filter, the solvent was evaporated and the residue purified by column chromatography to give the desired compound (0.63 g, 56%).

¹ H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.88 - 1 .13 (m, 10H), 1 .38 (d, 2H), 1 .70 - 1 .92 (m, 3H), 1 .95 - 2.09 (m, 1 H), 2.63 (t, 2H), 2.88 (t, 2H), 3.57 (s, 3H), 4.61 (br. s., 1 H), 6.87 (d, 1 H), 7.21 (s, 1 H), 7.30 (d, 2H), 7.42 (d, 1 H), 7.78 (d, 2H), 8.98 (s, 1 H).

UPLC-MS: R _t = 1 .31 min; m/z = 504.2 (ES+, M+1 ).

Step 4: methyl 3-(2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(1 R,5R)-3,3,5-trimethyl- cyclohexyl]-1 H-benzimidazol-5-yl)propanoate

The racemic compound (±) methyl 3-(2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(cis)- 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]-1 /-/-benzimidazol-5-yl)propanoate (627 mg) from step 3 was separated via chiral HPLC (system: Agilent Prep 1200, 2xPrep Pump, DLA, MWD, Prep FC; column: Chiralpak IA, 5μΜ 250x20 mm; injection: 627 mg in 8 x 0.7 mL dichloromethane/ methanol; solvent: hexane. 2-propanol. diethylamine (70:30:0.1 ); flow: 40 mL/ min; detection: UV 254 nm) into its enantiomers yielding 200 mg of the title compound (retention time range: 12.7-14.8 min) along with 214 mg of the (1 S.5S)- enantiomer. The title compound was further characterized by analytical chiral HPLC (System: Waters: Alliance 2695, DAD 996, ESA: Corona; Column: Chiralpak IA 3pm 100x4.6 mm; Solvent hexane / 2-propanol / diethylamine 70:30:0.1 (v/v/v); Flow: 1 .0 mL/min; Temperature: 25 °C; Solution: 1 .0 mg/mL EtOH/MeOH (1 : 1 ); Injection: 5.0 μΙ; Detection: DAD 254 nm): R> = 5.74 min.

¹ H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.90 - 1 .13 (m, 10H), 1 .38 (d, 2H), 1 .65 - 1 .91 (m, 3H), 2.02 (t, 1 H), 2.63 (t, 2H), 2.87 (t, 2H), 3.57 (s, 3H), 4.61 (br. s., 1 H), 6.82 - 6.91 (m, 1 H), 7.22 (s, 1 H), 7.30 (d, 2H), 7.42 (d, 1 H), 7.78 (d, 2H), 8.99 (s, 1 H).

Step 5: 3-(2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(1 R,5R)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]- 1 H-benzimidazol-5-yl)propanoic acid

200 mg (0.4 mmol) Methyl 3-(2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(1 R,5R)-3,3,5- trimethylcyclohexyl]-1 /-/-benzimidazol-5-yl)propanoate from step 4 were dissolved in 1 .7 mL dioxane. 19 mg (0.79 mmol) Lithium hydroxide and 0.6 mL water were added and the reaction was stirred at 70 °C for two and a half hours. The reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness and the residue suspended in water. After acidification of the mixture with aqueous hydrochloric acid (1 M) until a pH of 4 the resulting precipitate was filtered off, washed with water and dried yielding 168 mg (82%) of the title compound. ¹ H-NMR (400MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.89 - 1 .18 (m, 10H), 1 .32 - 1 .52 (m, 2H), 1 .66 - 1.92 (m, 3H), 2.04 (t, 1 H), 2.44 - 2.60 (m, 2H, partially obscured by the signals of the solvent), 2.86 (t, 2H), 4.66 (t, 1 H), 6.95 (d, 1 H), 7.22 (s, 1 H), 7.35 (d, 2H), 7.50 (d, 1 H), 7.73 (d, 2H), 9.40 (br. s., 1 H), 12.06 (br. s., 1 H).

Another batch of 3-(2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(1 R,5R)-3,3,5-trimethyl- cyclohexyl]-1 H-benzimidazol-5-yl)propanoic acid was additionally characterized by specific optical rotation: [a] _D ²⁰ = -18.5° +/- 0.09° (C = 1 .0000 g/ 100 mL, methanol). Intermediate 1 -5

1 -{3,3,5,5-tetramethylcyclohexyl)-W-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phen yl]-1 H-imidazo- [4,5-c]pyridin-2-amine

Step 1 : 3-nitro-A/-(3,3,5,5-tetramethylcyclohexyl)pyridin-4-amine

In a microwave vial a mixture of 4-chloro-3-nitropyridine (CAS No. [13091 -23-1 ]; 100 mg, 0.631 mmol) in n-propanol (1.2 mL) was treated with 3,3,5,5-tetramethylcyclo- hexanamine hydrochloride (commercially available; 1 .20 eq., 145 mg, 0.757 mmol) and W-ethyl-/V-isopropylpropan-2-amine (Hunig's base; 3.5 eq., 286 mg, 0.38 mL) and heated in a microwave at 150 °C for 70 min. The reaction mixture was cooled to rt, concentrated in vacuo and the residue purified by column chromatography (S1O2- hexane/ ethyl acetate) to give the desired compound (149 mg, 85%).

UPLC-MS (Method B): R _t = 1 .48 min; m/z = 278 (ES+, M+1 ).

Step 2: ^-(S.S^^-tetramethylcyclohexy pyridine-S^-diamine

To a solution of 3-nitro-N-(3,3,5,5-tetramethylcyclohexyl)pyridin-4-amine (149 mg, 0.537 mmol) from step 1 in ethanol (7 mL) was added palladium on carbon (1 1 mg; 10%) and the reaction mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen at room temperature overnight. The catalyst was filtered off via Celite ^® and the solvent was evaporated to give the desired compound (131 mg, 99%) which was not further purified. UPLC-MS (Method B): R _t = 1 .26 min; m/z = 248 (ES+, M+1 ).

Step 3: 1 -(3,3,5,5-tetramethylcyclohexyl)-/V-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phe nyl]-1 H-imida- zo[4.5-c]pyridin-2-amine

In analogy to step 1 of intermediate 1 -3: ^-(S.S.S^-tetramethylcyclohexy pyridine-S^- diamine (131 mg, 0.530 mmol) from step 2 was reacted with 1 -isothiocyanato-4- (trifluoromethoxy)benzene (CAS No. [64285-95-6]; 1 .05 eq., 121 mg, 0.554 mmol) and N,/V-diisopropylcarbodiimide (2.09 eq., 140 mg, 172 μί, 1 .1 1 mmol) in THF (3 mL) at 70 °C for 17 h to give after purification by preparative HPLC the title compound (59 mg, 25%).

¹ H-NMR (400MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.98 (s, 6H), 1.15 (s, 6H), 1.26 - 1.29 (m, 1 H), 1 .34 - 1.38 (m. 1 H), 1.58 - 1 .61 (m, 2H), 2.01 (t, 2H), 4.65 - 4.73 (m, 1 H), 7.34 - 7.36 (m, 2H), 7.63 (d, 1 H), 7.75 - 7.79 (m, 2H), 8.14 (d, 1 H), 8.62 (s, 1 H), 9.19 (s, 1 H).

UPLC-MS (Method B): R _t = 1.50 min; m/z = 433 (ES+, M+1 ).

EXAMPLES

Example 2-1

1 -[(1 R,5R)-3-(hydroxymethyl)-3,5-dimethylcyclohexyl]-2-{[4-{trifl uoromethoxy)- phenyl]amino}-1 H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

Biotransformation:

A 100-mL Erienmeyer flask containing sterile growth medium (20 mL) was inoculated with a DMSO cryo culture (0.2 mL) of Diplodia natalensis (ATCC 9055). The growth medium consisting of D-(+)-glucose monohydrate (30 g L ^"1 ), corn steep liquor (10 g L ^"1 ), sodium nitrate (2 g L ^~1 ), monopotassium phosphate (1 g L ^~1 ), dipotassium phosphate (2 g L ¹ ), potassium chloride (0.5 g L ^~1 ), magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (0.5 g L ^~1 ), and iron(ll) sulfate heptahydrate (20 mg L ^~1 ), was adjusted to pH 6 with sodium hydroxide solution (16% in water) and sterilized at 121 °C for 20 minutes. After inoculation, the growth flask was shaken on a rotation shaker (165 rpm) at 27 °C for 65 hours. Two 500- mL Erienmeyer flasks containing the same sterile growth medium (100 mL per flask, prepared under the same conditions) were inoculated with the preculture (10 mL per flask). Then, the flasks were shaken on a rotation shaker (rpm 165) at 27 °C for 65 hours. Three 2-L Erlenmeyer flasks containing sterile growth medium (1 L per flask). were modulated with the preculture (50 mL per flask) of the 500-mL Erlenmeyer flasks. The growth medium consisting of D-(+)-glucose monohydrate (30 g L ), ammonium chloride (10 g L ¹ ), sodium nitrate (2 g L ¹ ), monopotassium phosphate (1 g L ^~1 ), dipotassium phosphate (2 g L ¹ ), potassium chloride (0.5 g L ¹ ), magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (0.5 g L ^"1 ), and iron(ll) sulfate heptahydrate (20 mg L ¹ water) was sterilized at 121 °C for 20 minutes. After inoculation, the growth flasks were shaken on a rotation shaker (165 rpm) at 27 "C for 4 hours. The substrate 2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1- [(1 ,5R)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]-1 H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (intermediate 1- 3; 75 mg, 0.163 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (7.5 mL). To each flask was added one third of the dissolved compound. The fermentation was continued for 232 hours.

The culture broth of the three flasks was combined and methyl isobutyl ketone (1.5 L) was added. The mixture was stirred for 18 hours with 40 rpm and then, the phases were separated. The organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated affording an oily residue. Methanol (90 mL) and water (10 mL) were added to dissolve the residue. The aqueous methanol phase was extracted three times with n-hexane (50 mL). The hexane phases were discarded and the aqueous methanol phase was concentrated to dryness on a rotavap. The residue was purified on silica gel (dichloromethane/methanol gradient) and by HPLC (XBridge C18 5μητι, 100x30mm; eluent A: water + 0.1 %vol. formic acid (99%), eluent B: acetonitrile; gradient: 0.00- 0.50 min 30% B (25->70 mL/min), 0.51-5.50 min 30-100% B (70 mL/min) at room temperature) affording 5.3 mg (6.8%) of the title compound. H-NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d ₆ ): δ [ppm] = -0.006 (1.43), 0.006 (1.19), 0.792 (1.55), 0.802 (1.55), 0.812 (0.89), 0.824 (1.67), 0.836 (0.89), 0.856 (0.59), 0.864 (0.59), 0.919 (1.31 ), 0.926 (0.54), 0.930 (1.43), 0.970 (1.07), 0.983 (7.91 ), 0.989 (2.86), 0.994 (8.15), 1 .009 (16.00), 1 .021 (0.95), 1.032 (0.48), 1.059 (0.54), 1.095 (0.48), 1.1 1 1 (3.45), 1.132 (0.95), 1.153 (1.84), 1.174 (1.19), 1.226 (1.31 ), 1 .234 (2.38), 1.236 (2.38), 1.251 (0.77), 1.260 (1.25), 1.282 (1.43), 1.285 (1.49), 1.288 (1.43), 1 .299 (1.01 ), 1.304 (1.13), 1.305 (1.13), 1.327 (2.02), 1.337 (0.77), 1 .352 (1.67), 1.357 (1.01 ), 1.369 (1 .01 ), 1.374 (1.07), 1.378 (0.95), 1.428 (0.48), 1.743 (1.84), 1.744 (1.78), 1 .750 (0.54), 1.770 (1.43), 1.790 (1.61 ), 1 .810 (0.65), 1.888 (1.37), 1.889 (1.43), 1.908 (2.38), 1.916 (1.13), 1.923 (0.83), 1.928 (0.77), 1.934 (0.77), 1.986 (0.54), 2.1 13 (1.01 ), 2.135 (1.90), 2.156 (0.95), 2.382 (2.68), 2.385 (3.69), 2.388 (2.62), 2.400 (0.48), 2.412 (0.83), 2.424 (0.54), 2.455 (0.59), 2.464 (0.95), 2.467 (1.13), 2.519 (7.61 ), 2.522 (6.13), 2.529 (0.83), 2.540 (1.07), 2.606 (1.07), 2.613 (3.51 ), 2.616 (2.44), 2.620 (1.07), 3.1 14 (0.42), 3.124 (0.59), 3.132 (2.50), 3.137 (2.74), 3.138 (2.62), 3.141 (2.68), 3.146 (2.56), 3.155 (0.54), 3.286 (0.77), 4.568 (1.55), 4.578 (3.39), 4.587 (1.55), 4.706 (0.59), 4.713 (0.48), 4.720 (0.71 ), 4.727 (1.13), 4.734 (0.71 ), 4.741 (0.48), 4.748 (0.59), 6.508 (0.65), 7.332 (4.22), 7.347 (4.58), 7.581 (2.56), 7.595 (3.33), 7.646 (0.48), 7.672 (2.62), 7.675 (2.86), 7.687 (2.14), 7.690 (1.90), 7.828 (0.95), 7.833 (7.49), 7.848 (6.78), 7.855 (0.71 ), 7.921 (4.70), 7.924 (4.28), 7.929 (0.83), 8.309 (1.96), 9.167 (2.97).

UPLC-MS: _t = 1.05 min; m/z = 478 (ESI+, M+1 ).

Example 2-2

1 -[(1 R,4R,5S)-4-hydroxy-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]-2-{[4-{trifluo romethoxy)- phenyl]amino}-1 H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

Biotransformation:

A 100-mL Erienmeyer flask containing sterile growth medium (20 mL) was inoculated with a DMSO cryo culture (0.2 mL) of Rhizopus arrhizus (ATCC 1 1 145). The aqueous growth medium consisting of corn steep liquor (10 g L ^~1 ) and soybean flour (12.5 g L ^~1 ) was adjusted to pH 6.2 with sodium hydroxide solution (16% in water) and sterilized at 121 °C for 20 minutes. After inoculation, the growth flask was shaken on a rotation shaker (165 rpm) at 27 °C for 65 hours. Three 500-mL Erienmeyer flasks containing the same sterile growth medium (100 mL per flask, prepared under analogous conditions) were inoculated with the preculture (2 mL per flask). Then, the flasks were shaken on a rotation shaker (rpm 165) at 27 °C for 65 hours.

Six 2-L Erienmeyer flasks containing sterile growth medium (1 L per flask). were inoclulated with the preculture (50 mL per flask) of the 500-mL Erienmeyer flasks. The growth medium consisting of D-(+)-glucose monohydrate (30 g L ^" ). ammonium chloride (10 g L ¹ ), sodium nitrate (2 g L ^" ), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (1 g L ), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (2 g L ^~1 ), potassium chloride (0.5 g L ^~1 ), magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (0.5 g L ¹ ), and iron(ll) sulfate heptahydrate (20 mg L ¹ water) was sterilized at 121 °C for 20 minutes. After inoculation, the growth flasks were shaken on a rotation shaker (165 rpm) at 27 °C for 4 hours. The compound 2-{[4-(trifluoro- methoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(1 R,5 )-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]-1 H-benzimidazole-5- carboxylic acid (intermediate 1-3; 150 mg, 0.325 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (30 mL). To each flask was added one sixth of the dissolved compound. The fermentation was continued for 186 hours.

The culture broth of three flasks was combined and methyl isobutyl ketone (1.5 L) was added, respectively. The mixture of the first three flasks was stirred for 18 hours with 40 rpm and then, the phases were separated. The organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated affording an oily residue of 2.1 g. The mixture of the second batch was kept at 4 °C overnight. Then, the mixture was stirred for 18 hours with 40 rpm. The organic phase was worked up analogously yielding 1.7 g of an oily residue.

The two residues were combined. Methanol (190 mL) and water (10 mL) were added to dissolve the residue. The aqueous methanol phase was extracted three times with n- hexane (100 mL). The hexane phases were discarded and the aqueous methanol phase was concentrated to dryness on a rotavap. The residue was purified on silica gel (dichloromethane/methanol gradient) and by HPLC (Phenomenex Kinetex C18 δμιτι, 100x30mm; eluent A: water + 0.1 %vol. trifluoroacetic acid (99%), eluent B: acetonitrile; gradient: 0.00-0.50 min 32% B (25->70 mL/min), 0.51-5.50 min 32-44% B (70 mL/min) at room temperature) affording 8.8 mg (2.8%) of the title compound. H-NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.000 (2.30), 0.985 (16.00), 0.991 (12.86), 1.016 (7.34), 1.027 (7.39), 1.237 (0.86), 1.556 (0.71 ), 1 .557 (0.71 ), 1.577 (0.66), 1.578 (0.65), 1.772 (0.63), 1.777 (0.62), 1.781 (0.72), 1 .791 (0.71 ), 1.798 (0.52), 1.802 (0.46), 1.908 (1.28), 1.921 (0.90), 1.922 (0.89), 1.954 (0.66), 1 .974 (1.41 ), 1.995 (1.15), 2.228 (0.82), 2.250 (1.52), 2.270 (0.78), 2.385 (0.45), 2.540 (1.45), 2.613 (0.47), 3.010 (1.91 ), 3.027 (1.84), 3.391 (0.65), 3.510 (1.84), 3.574 (2.46), 3.746 (0.75), 4.691 (0.53), 4.698 (0.45), 4.705 (0.69), 4.712 (0.98), 4.719 (0.65), 4.726 (0.45), 4.733 (0.53), 6.997 (0.50), 7.082 (0.53), 7.167 (0.51 ), 7.404 (1.79), 7.419 (1.65), 7.730 (1.03), 7.744 (1.58), 7.767 (2.09), 7.783 (1.98), 7.900 (2.35).

UPLC- S (Method K): R _t = 2.85 min; m/z = 478 (ESI+, M+1 ).

Example 2-3

3-{1 -[(1 ,5R)-5-{hydroxymethyl)-3,3-dimethylcyclohexyl]-2-{[4-(triflu oromethoxy)- phenyl]amino}-1 H-benzimidazof-5-yf)propanoic acid

Biotransformation:

A 100-mL Erienmeyer flask containing sterile growth medium (20 mL) was inoculated with a DMSO cryo culture (0.2 mL) of Curvularia lunata (deposited at Leibniz-lnstitut DSMZ-Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, Inhoffenstr. 7B, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany, accession number DSM 32051 ). The growth medium consisting of D-(+)-glucose monohydrate (30 g L ^~1 ), corn steep liquor (10 g L ^"1 ), sodium nitrate (2 g L ^~1 ), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (1 g L ^~1 ), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (2 g L ^~1 ), potassium chloride (0.5 g L ^~1 ), magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (0.5 g L ^~1 ), and iron(ll) sulfate heptahydrate (20 mg L ^~1 ), was adjusted to pH 6 with sodium hydroxide solution (16% in water) and sterilized at 121 °C for 20 minutes. After inoculation, the growth flask was shaken on a rotation shaker (165 rpm) at 27 °C for 48 hours. A 500-mL Erienmeyer flask containing the same sterile growth medium (100 mL, prepared under analogous conditions) was inoculated with the preculture (5 mL). Then, the flask was shaken on a rotation shaker (rpm 165) at 27 °C for 96 hours. A 2-L Erienmeyer flask containing the same sterile growth medium (1000 mL, prepared under analogous conditions) was inoculated with the preculture (50 mL). Then, the flask was shaken on a rotation shaker (rpm 165) at 27 °C for 72 hours. A 10-L fermenter was filled with D-(+)-glucose monohydrate (30 g L ), ammonium chloride (10 g L ^~1 ), sodium nitrate (2 g L ^"1 ), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (1 g L ^~1 ), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (2 g L ¹ ), potassium chloride (0.5 g L ¹ ), magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (0.5 g L ^~1 ), and iron(ll) sulfate heptahydrate (20 mg L ¹ water). The concentration was calculated for 10 L final volume in the fermenter. Silicon oil (0.5 mL) and Synperonic (0.5 mL) were added, and the mixture was sterilized at 121 °C for 40 minutes. The preculture of the 2-L Erlenmeyer flask was added to the fermenter under sterile conditions. The fermenter was operated under gauge pressure (0.7 bar), aerated with air (3 L min ¹ ) and stirred (300 rpm) at 27 °C. After 8 hours, 3-(2-{[4- (trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 -[(1 R,5R)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]-1 H-benzimidazol- 5-yl)propanoic acid (intermediate 1-4; 250 mg, 0.51 mmol) dissolved in DMF (25 mL) was added and the fermentation was continued for 1 14 hours.

The culture broth was extracted with methyl isobutyl ketone (15 L) for 24 hours. The phases were separated and the organic phase was concentrated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in methanol (150 mL) and water (15 mL). This solution was extracted twice with n-hexane (100 mL). The hexane phases were discarded and the methanol/water layer was concentrated to dryness. The residue was purified on silica gel (dichloromethane/methanol gradient) and by HPLC (Phenomenex Kinetex C18 5pm, 100x30mm; eluent A: water + 0.1 %vol. trifluoroacetic acid acid (99%), eluent B: acetonitrile; gradient: 0.00-0.50 min 14% B (25->70 mL/min), 0.51-5.50 min 28-44% B (70 mL/min) at room temperature) affording the title compound (3.0 mg, 1.2%) along with examples 2-4 and 2-5.

¹ H-NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.000 (0.75), 0.840 (0.53), 0.843 (0.63), 0.855 (0.96), 0.865 (0.67), 0.932 (2.53), 0.940 (1.87), 0.950 (1.70), 0.972 (1.40), 0.983 (1 .76), 0.992 (3.18), 1.002 (14.48), 1.024 (1.71 ), 1.042 (16.00), 1.057 (4.12), 1.059 (3.49), 1.088 (1.91 ), 1.109 (1.25), 1.1 1 1 (1.23), 1.148 (1.02), 1 .160 (1.83), 1.172 (0.99), 1.193 (5.53), 1.204 (5.78), 1.229 (3.47), 1.234 (4.51 ), 1.236 (4.51 ), 1.259 (2.42), 1.298 (1.48), 1.314 (0.51 ), 1.352 (2.24), 1.417 (1.93), 1.436 (1.72), 1 .439 (1.80), 1.479 (0.81 ), 1.515 (0.84), 1.737 (0.66), 1.756 (1.77), 1.776 (2.08), 1 .790 (0.85), 1.797 (1 .00), 1.893 (1.33), 1.897 (1.38), 1.908 (1.75), 1.922 (0.96), 1.940 (0.67), 1 .976 (1.21 ), 1.996 (1.13), 2.050 (1.08), 2.072 (1.90), 2.093 (1.05), 2.384 (0.63), 2.387 (0.54), 2.481 (1 .74), 2.529 (5.48), 2.541 (7.73), 2.554 (4.50), 2.612 (0.67), 2.824 (0.46), 2.866 (2.96), 2.879 (5.1 1 ), 2.891 (2.85), 2.893 (2.68), 2.913 (0.48), 2.925 (0.48), 2.933 (0.43), 3.091 (0.67), 3.096 (0.81 ), 3.1 17 (0.85), 3.120 (0.80), 3.141 (0.69), 3.287 (1.97), 3.298 (2.59), 3.304 (3.37), 3.315 (3.82), 3.339 (4.55), 3.341 (4.56), 3.349 (5.13), 3.357 (4.72), 3.367 (4.38), 3.391 (3.00), 3.411 (2.68), 3.420 (2.28), 3.430 (2.24), 3.447 (1.54), 3.463 (1.07), 3.473 (1.07), 3.481 (1.13), 3.509 (4.08), 3.939 (0.89), 4.049 (0.47), 4.055 (0.57), 4.060 (0.75), 4.066 (0.76), 4.071 (0.62), 4.077 (0.51), 4.543 (0.61), 4.641 (0.74), 4.661 (1.30), 4.686 (0.86), 6.988 (0.61 ), 7.001 (0.79), 7.239 (3.91 ), 7.342 (0.78), 7.357 (1.20), 7.389 (2.28), 7.390 (2.29), 7.404 (1.72), 7.537 (0.55), 7.574 (0.55), 7.589 (0.43), 7.644 (0.49), 7.670 (0.55), 7.705 (1.05), 7.706 (1.13), 7.736 (2.12), 7.825 (0.56), 7.840 (0.43).

UPLC-MS (Method K): R _t = 3.36 min; m/z = 506 (ESI+, M+1).

Example 2-4

3-(1-[(1R,5R)-3-{hydroxymethyl)-3,5-dimethylcyclohexyl]-2-{[ 4-(trifluoromethoxy)- phenyl]amino}-1 H-benzimidazol-5-yl)propanoic acid

The title compound (18.0 mg, 7.0%) was obtained from the biotransformation and purification described in example 2-3. H- MR (600 MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.000 (6.33), 0.003 (4.42), 0.857 (0.36), 0.865 (0.48), 0.978 (7.52), 0.988 (9.07), 0.997 (16.00), 1.009 (2.39), 1.020 (0.72), 1.042 (1.19), 1.052 (1.19), 1.115 (1.43), 1.118 (1.07), 1.136 (1.07), 1.155 (2.03), 1.177 (1.31), 1.230 (1.19), 1.236 (1.67), 1.238 (1.67), 1.261 (0.72), 1.278 (2.03), 1.279 (2.03), 1.299 (1.55), 1.353 (0.60), 1.471 (0.84), 1.492 (0.84), 1.721 (0.48), 1.740 (1.55), 1.760 (1.67), 1.780 (0.84), 1.886 (1.07), 1.910 (1.79), 1.914 (1.67), 1.923 (1.55), 1.926 (1.55), 1.945 (1.07), 1.947 (1.07), 2.126 (1.07), 2.147 (2.03), 2.168 (1.07), 2.386 (1.07), 2.390 (1.67), 2.393 (1.55), 2.435 (0.48), 2.479 (1.19), 2.482 (1.55), 2.485 (1.67), 2.527 (9.19), 2.534 (5.97), 2.546 (6.93), 2.558 (3.94), 2.561 (3.22), 2.614 (1.19), 2.618 (1.67), 2.621 (1.55), 2.881 (2.51), 2.894 (4.54), 2.906 (2.39), 2.909 (2.03), 3.135 (1.07), 3.153 (5.25), 3.157 (6.33), 3.175 (1.43), 3.177 (1.31), 3.513 (2.15), 4.671 (0.84), 4.673 (0.84), 4.693 (1.43), 4.714 (0.84), 7.077 (0.84), 7.243 (4.18), 7.428 (2.03), 7.442 (2.15), 7.572 (0.96), 7.676 (2.63), 7.690 (2.63), 8.294 (1.55), 8.297 (0.96).

UPLC-MS (Method K): R _t = 3.12 min; m/z = 506 (ESI+, M+1).

Example 2-5

3-(1 -[(1 R,4R,5S)-4-hydroxy-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl]-2-{[4-(trifluo romethoxy)- phenyl]amino}-1 H-benzimidazol-5-yl)propanoic acid

The title compound (26.9 mg, 10.4%) was obtained from the biotransformation and purification described in example 2-3. H-NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 0.001 (12.96), 0.971 (16.00), 0.993 (13.85), 1.009 (9.06), 1.020 (8.89), 1.039 (0.86), 1.042 (0.78), 1.052 (0.61), 1.113 (2.45), 1.230 (0.89), 1.237 (1.23), 1.583 (0.61 ), 1.606 (0.67), 1.738 (0.67), 1.745 (0.89), 1.755 (1.03), 1.764 (1.03), 1.775 (0.70), 1.782 (0.50), 1.893 (0.61), 1.908 (1.98), 1.919 (1.20), 1.932 (1.23), 1.952 (1.81), 1.972 (1.42), 2.220 (0.98), 2.242 (1.81), 2.263 (0.95), 2.383 (1.25), 2.386 (1.70), 2.390 (1.45), 2.543 (7.64), 2.555 (4.18), 2.611 (1.34), 2.615 (1.76), 2.618 (1.48), 2.879 (2.34), 2.891 (4.26), 2.904 (2.20), 2.905 (1.98), 2.998 (1.70), 3.016 (1.70), 3.486 (0.53), 3.513 (0.89), 4.565 (0.50), 4.641 (0.61), 4.643 (0.64), 4.656 (0.86), 4.663 (1.20), 4.684 (0.67), 4.685 (0.64), 7.063 (0.61), 7.233 (3.82), 7.433 (1.64), 7.671 (2.26), 7.684 (2.12), 8.301 (2.65).

UPLC-MS (Method K): R _t = 3.31 min; m/z = 506 (ESI+, M+1). Example 2-6

[(1 S,5R)-1 ,3,3-trimethyl-5-(2-{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}-1 H-imidazo- [4,5-c]pyridin-1 -yl)cyclohexyl]methanol

Biotransformation:

Two 100-mL Erienmeyer flasks containing sterile growth medium (20 ml_) were inoculated each with a slant culture (slant agar: potato dextrose broth agar from Becton, Dickinson and Company) of Pellicularia filamentosa (ATCC 4968). The growth medium consisting of D-(+)-glucose monohydrate (50 g L ') and corn steep liquor (20 g L ), was adjusted to pH 6-6.5 with sodium hydroxide solution (16% in water) and sterilized at 121 "C for 20 minutes. After inoculation, the growth flasks were shaken on a rotation shaker ( 165 rpm) at room temperature for 72 hours. Two 2-L Erienmeyer flasks containing the same sterile growth medium (500 mL, prepared under analogous conditions) were inoculated each with the preculture (20 mL). Then, the flasks were shaken on a rotation shaker (rpm 165) at 27 °C for 48 hours. A 10-L fermenter was filled with D-(+)-glucose monohydrate (30 g L ^~1 ), ammonium chloride (10 g L ^"1 ), sodium nitrate (2 g L ^~1 ), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (2 g L ^~1 ), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (1 g L ^~1 ), potassium chloride (0.5 g L ^~1 ), magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (0.5 g L ^~1 ), and iron(ll) sulfate heptahydrate (20 mg L ^~1 water). The concentration was calculated for 8 L final volume in the fermenter. The pH was adjusted to 6.6. Silicon oil (0.4 mL) and Synperonic (0.4 mL) were added, and the mixture was sterilized at 121 °C for 40 minutes. The preculture of the two 2-L Erienmeyer flasks was added to the fermenter under sterile conditions. The fermenter was operated under gauge pressure (0.7 bar), aerated with air (5 L min ¹ ) and stirred (350 rpm) at 27 °C. After 8 hours, 1 -(3,3,5.5-tetramethylcyclohexyl )-A/-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-1 /-/- imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-amine (intermediate 1 -5; 160 mg, 0.37 mmoi) dissolved in DMF (20 ml_) was added and the fermentation was continued for 93 hours. The first time the culture broth was extracted with methyl isobutyl ketone (15 L) for 15.5 hours. The second time the culture broth was extracted with methyl isobutyl ketone (10 L) for 19 hours. Each time the phases were separated and the organic phases were concentrated, Afterwards the concentrated extracts were combined and concentrated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in methanol. The insoluble residue was filtered off. The filtrate was concentrated again. The crude product was purified on silica gel (dichloromethane/ etbanol gradient) and by HPLC (XBridge C18 5μηη, 100x30mm; eluent A: water + 0.1 % vol. formic acid acid (99%), eluent B: methanol; gradient: 0.00- 8.00 min 34-68% B (70 mL/min) at room temperature) affording 2.1 mg (1 .2%) of the title compound.

¹ H-NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-de): δ [ppm] = 1 .00 (s, 3H), 1 .08 - 1 .14 (m, 4H), 1 .17 (s, 3H), 1 .42 (d, 1 H), 1 .45 - 1 .50 (m, 1 H), 1 .58 - 1 .62 (m, 1 H), 1 .98 (t, 1 H), 2.08 (t, 1 H), 3.04 - 3.1 1 (m, 2H), 4.67 (t, 1 H), 4.70 - 4.77 (m, 1 H), 7.34 - 7.37 (m, 2H), 7.56 (d, 1 H), 7.77 - 7.80 (m, 2H), 8.14 (d, 1 H), 8.62 (s, 1 H), 9.24 (s, 1 H).

LC-MS (Method B): R _t = 1 .23 min; m/z = 449 (ESI+, M+1 ).

Further, the compounds of formula (I) of the present invention can be converted to any salt as described herein, by any method which is known to the person skilled in the art. Similarly, any salt of a compound of formula (I) of the present invention can be converted into the free compound, by any method which is known to the person skilled in the art. Pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds of the invention

This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more compounds of the present invention. These compositions can be utilised to achieve the desired pharmacological effect by administration to a patient in need thereof. A patient, for the purpose of this invention, is a mammal, including a human, in need of treatment for the particular condition or disease. Therefore, the present invention includes pharmaceutical compositions that are comprised of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound, or salt thereof, of the present invention. A pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is preferably a carrier that is relatively non-toxic and innocuous to a patient at concentrations consistent with effective activity of the active ingredient so that any side effects ascribable to the carrier do not vitiate the beneficial effects of the active ingredient. A pharmaceutically effective amount of compound is preferably that amount which produces a result or exerts an influence on the particular condition being treated. The compounds of the present invention can be administered with pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers well known in the art using any effective conventional dosage unit forms, including immediate, slow and timed release preparations, orally, parenterally, topically, nasally, ophthalmically, optically, sublingually, rectally, vaginally, and the like.

For oral administration, the compounds can be formulated into solid or liquid preparations such as capsules, pills, tablets, troches, lozenges, melts, powders, solutions, suspensions, or emulsions, and may be prepared according to methods known to the art for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions. The solid unit dosage forms can be a capsule that can be of the ordinary hard- or soft-shelled gelatine type containing, for example, surfactants, lubricants, and inert fillers such as lactose, sucrose, calcium phosphate, and corn starch.

In another embodiment, the compounds of this invention may be tableted with conventional tablet bases such as lactose, sucrose and cornstarch in combination with binders such as acacia, corn starch or gelatine, disintegrating agents intended to assist the break-up and dissolution of the tablet following administration such as potato starch, alginic acid, corn starch, and guar gum, gum tragacanth, acacia, lubricants intended to improve the flow of tablet granulation and to prevent the adhesion of tablet material to the surfaces of the tablet dies and punches, for example talc, stearic acid, or magnesium, calcium or zinc stearate, dyes, colouring agents, and flavouring agents such as peppermint, oil of wintergreen, or cherry flavouring, intended to enhance the aesthetic qualities of the tablets and make them more acceptable to the patient. Suitable excipients for use in oral liquid dosage forms include dicalcium phosphate and diluents such as water and alcohols, for example, ethanol, benzyl alcohol, and polyethylene alcohols, either with or without the addition of a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant, suspending agent or emulsifying agent. Various other materials may be present as coatings or to otherwise modify the physical form of the dosage unit. For instance tablets, pills or capsules may be coated with shellac, sugar or both. Dispersible powders and granules are suitable for the preparation of an aqueous suspension. They provide the active ingredient in admixture with a dispersing or wetting agent, a suspending agent and one or more preservatives. Suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents are exemplified by those already mentioned above. Additional excipients, for example those sweetening, flavouring and colouring agents described above, may also be present.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may also be in the form of oil-in- water emulsions. The oily phase may be a vegetable oil such as liquid paraffin or a mixture of vegetable oils. Suitable emulsifying agents may be (1 ) naturally occurring gums such as gum acacia and gum tragacanth, (2) naturally occurring phosphatides such as soy bean and lecithin, (3) esters or partial esters derived form fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example, sorbitan monooleate, (4) condensation products of said partial esters with ethylene oxide, for example, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The emulsions may also contain sweetening and flavouring agents.

Oily suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredient in a vegetable oil such as, for example, arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil, or in a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin. The oily suspensions may contain a thickening agent such as, for example, beeswax, hard paraffin, or cetyl alcohol. The suspensions may also contain one or more preservatives, for example, ethyl or n-propyl p-hydroxybenzoate ; one or more colouring agents ; one or more flavouring agents ; and one or more sweetening agents such as sucrose or saccharin.

Syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweetening agents such as, for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol or sucrose. Such formulations may also contain a demulcent, and preservative, such as methyl and propyl parabens and flavouring and colouring agents.

The compounds of this invention may also be administered parenterally, that is, subcutaneously, intravenously, intraocularly, intrasynovially, intramuscularly, or interperitoneally, as injectable dosages of the compound in preferably a physiologically acceptable diluent with a pharmaceutical carrier which can be a sterile liquid or mixture of liquids such as water, saline, aqueous dextrose and related sugar solutions, an alcohol such as ethanol, isopropanol, or hexadecyl alcohol, glycols such as propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol, glycerol ketals such as 2.2-dimethyl-1 , 1 -dioxolane-4- methanol, ethers such as poly(ethylene glycol) 400, an oil, a fatty acid, a fatty acid ester or, a fatty acid glyceride, or an acetylated fatty acid glyceride, with or without the addition of a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant such as a soap or a detergent, suspending agent such as pectin, carbomers, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. or carboxymethylcellulose. or emulsifying agent and other pharmaceutical adjuvants.

Illustrative of oils which can be used in the parenteral formulations of this invention are those of petroleum, animal, vegetable, or synthetic origin, for example, peanut oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, olive oil, petrolatum and mineral oil. Suitable fatty acids include oleic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid and myristic acid. Suitable fatty acid esters are, for example, ethyl oleate and isopropyl myristate. Suitable soaps include fatty acid alkali metal, ammonium, and triethanolamine salts and suitable detergents include cationic detergents, for example dimethyl dialkyl ammonium halides, a Iky I pyridinium halides, and alkylamine acetates ; anionic detergents, for example, alkyl, aryl, and olefin sulfonates, alkyl, olefin, ether, and monoglyceride sulfates, and sulfosuccinates ; non-ionic detergents, for example, fatty amine oxides, fatty acid alkanolamides, and poly(oxyethylene-oxypropylene)s or ethylene oxide or propylene oxide copolymers ; and amphoteric detergents, for example, alkyl-beta- aminopropionates, and 2-alkylimidazoline quarternary ammonium salts, as well as mixtures.

The parenteral compositions of this invention will typically contain from about 0.5% to about 25% by weight of the active ingredient in solution. Preservatives and buffers may also be used advantageously. In order to minimise or eliminate irritation at the site of injection, such compositions may contain a non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophile- lipophile balance (HLB) preferably of from about 12 to about 17. The quantity of surfactant in such formulation preferably ranges from about 5% to about 15% by weight. The surfactant can be a single component having the above HLB or can be a mixture of two or more components having the desired HLB.

Illustrative of surfactants used in parenteral formulations are the class of polyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, for example, sorbitan monooleate and the high molecular weight adducts of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base, formed by the condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of sterile injectable aqueous suspensions. Such suspensions may be formulated according to known methods using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents such as, for example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia ; dispersing or wetting agents which may be a naturally occurring phosphatide such as lecithin, a condensation product of an alkylene oxide with a fatty acid, for example, polyoxyethylene stearate, a condensation product of ethylene oxide with a long chain aliphatic alcohol, for example, heptadeca-ethyleneoxycetanol. a condensation product of ethylene oxide with a partial ester derived form a fatty acid and a hexitol such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate, or a condensation product of an ethylene oxide with a partial ester derived from a fatty acid and a hexitol anhydride, for example polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate.

The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent. Diluents and solvents that may be employed are, for example, water, Ringer's solution, isotonic sodium chloride solutions and isotonic glucose solutions. In addition, sterile fixed oils are conventionally employed as solvents or suspending media. For this purpose, any bland, fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid can be used in the preparation of injectables.

A composition of the invention may also be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration of the drug. These compositions can be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitable non-irritation excipient which is solid at ordinary temperatures but liquid at the rectal temperature and will therefore melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such materials are, for example, cocoa butter and polyethylene glycol.

Another formulation employed in the methods of the present invention employs transdermal delivery devices ("patches"). Such transdermal patches may be used to provide continuous or discontinuous infusion of the compounds of the present invention in controlled amounts. The construction and use of transdermal patches for the delivery of pharmaceutical agents is well known in the art (see, e.g., US Patent No. 5,023,252, issued June 1 1 , 1991 , incorporated herein by reference). Such patches may be constructed for continuous, pulsatile, or on demand delivery of pharmaceutical agents. Controlled release formulations for parenteral administration include liposomal, polymeric microsphere and polymeric gel formulations that are known in the art.

It may be desirable or necessary to introduce the pharmaceutical composition to the patient via a mechanical delivery device. The construction and use of mechanical delivery devices for the delivery of pharmaceutical agents is well known in the art. Direct techniques for, for example, administering a drug directly to the brain usually involve placement of a drug delivery catheter into the patient's ventricular system to bypass the blood-brain barrier. One such implantable delivery system, used for the transport of agents to specific anatomical regions of the body, is described in US Patent No. 5,01 1 ,472, issued April 30, 1991.

The compositions of the invention can also contain other conventional pharmaceutically acceptable compounding ingredients, generally referred to as carriers or diluents, as necessary or desired. Conventional procedures for preparing such compositions in appropriate dosage forms can be utilized.

Such ingredients and procedures include those described in the following references, each of which is incorporated herein by reference: Powell, M.F. ef al., "Compendium of Excipients for Parenteral Formulations" PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology 1998, 52(5), 238-31 1 ; Strickley, R.G "Parenteral Formulations of Small Molecule Therapeutics Marketed in the United States (1999)-Part-1 " PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology 1999, 53(6), 324-349 ; and Nema, S. ef al. , "Excipients and Their Use in Injectable Products" PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology 1997, 51 (4), 166-171 .

Commonly used pharmaceutical ingredients that can be used as appropriate to formulate the composition for its intended route of administration include:

acidifying agents (examples include but are not limited to acetic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid) ;

alkalinizing agents (examples include but are not limited to ammonia solution, ammonium carbonate, diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, potassium hydroxide, sodium borate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine, trolamine) ; adsorbents (examples include but are not limited to powdered cellulose and activated charcoal) ;

aerosol propellants (examples include but are not limited to carbon dioxide, CCI2F2.

air displacement agents (examples include but are not limited to nitrogen and argon) ; antifungal preservatives (examples include but are not limited to benzoic acid, butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium benzoate) ;

antimicrobial preservatives (examples include but are not limited to benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, benzyl alcohol, cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorobutanol, phenol, phenylethyl alcohol, phenylmercuric nitrate and thimerosal) ;

antioxidants (examples include but are not limited to ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, hypophosphorus acid, monothioglycerol, propyl gallate, sodium ascorbate, sodium bisulfite, sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, sodium metabisulfite) ;

binding materials (examples include but are not limited to block polymers, natural and synthetic rubber, polyacrylates, polyurethanes, silicones, polysiloxanes and styrene- butadiene copolymers) ; buffering agents (examples include but are not limited to potassium metaphosphate, dipotassium phosphate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate anhydrous and sodium citrate dihydrate)

carrying agents (examples include but are not limited to acacia syrup, aromatic syrup, aromatic elixir, cherry syrup, cocoa syrup, orange syrup, syrup, corn oil, mineral oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, bacteriostatic sodium chloride injection and bacteriostatic water for injection)

chelating agents (examples include but are not limited to edetate disodium and edetic acid)

colourants (examples include but are not limited to FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Red No. 20, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 2, D&C Green No. 5, D&C Orange No. 5, D&C Red No. 8, caramel and ferric oxide red) ;

clarifying agents (examples include but are not limited to bentonite) ;

emulsifying agents (examples include but are not limited to acacia, cetomacrogol, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl monostearate, lecithin, sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene 50 monostearate) ;

encapsulating agents (examples include but are not limited to gelatin and cellulose acetate phthalate)

flavourants (examples include but are not limited to anise oil, cinnamon oil, cocoa, menthol, orange oil, peppermint oil and vanillin) ;

humectants (examples include but are not limited to glycerol, propylene glycol and sorbitol) ;

levigating agents (examples include but are not limited to mineral oil and glycerin) ; oils (examples include but are not limited to arachis oil, mineral oil, olive oil, peanut oil, sesame oil and vegetable oil) ;

ointment bases (examples include but are not limited to lanolin, hydrophilic ointment, polyethylene glycol ointment, petrolatum, hydrophilic petrolatum, white ointment, yellow ointment, and rose water ointment) ;

penetration enhancers (transdermal delivery) (examples include but are not limited to monohydroxy or polyhydroxy alcohols, mono-or polyvalent alcohols, saturated or unsaturated fatty alcohols, saturated or unsaturated fatty esters, saturated or unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, essential oils, phosphatidyl derivatives, cephalin, terpenes, amides, ethers, ketones and ureas)

plasticizers (examples include but are not limited to diethyl phthalate and glycerol) ; solvents (examples include but are not limited to ethanol, corn oil, cottonseed oil, glycerol, isopropanol, mineral oil, oleic acid, peanut oil, purified water, water for injection, sterile water for injection and sterile water for irrigation) ;

stiffening agents (examples include but are not limited to cetyl alcohol, cetyl esters wax, microcrystalline wax, paraffin, stearyl alcohol, white wax and yellow wax) ;

suppository bases (examples include but are not limited to cocoa butter and polyethylene glycols (mixtures)) ;

surfactants (examples include but are not limited to benzalkonium chloride, nonoxynol 10, oxtoxynol 9, polysorbate 80, sodium lauryl sulfate and sorbitan mono-palmitate) ; suspending agents (examples include but are not limited to agar, bentonite, carbomers, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, kaolin, methylcellulose, tragacanth and veegum) ;

sweetening agents (examples include but are not limited to aspartame, dextrose, glycerol, mannitol, propylene glycol, saccharin sodium, sorbitol and sucrose) ;

tablet anti-adherents (examples include but are not limited to magnesium stearate and talc) ;

tablet binders (examples include but are not limited to acacia, alginic acid, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, compressible sugar, ethylcellulose, gelatin, liquid glucose, methylcellulose, non-crosslinked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and pregelatinized starch) ;

tablet and capsule diluents (examples include but are not limited to dibasic calcium phosphate, kaolin, lactose, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose, precipitated calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium phosphate, sorbitol and starch) ;

tablet coating agents (examples include but are not limited to liquid glucose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate and shellac) ;

tablet direct compression excipients (examples include but are not limited to dibasic calcium phosphate) ;

tablet disinteg rants (examples include but are not limited to alginic acid, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, microcrystalline cellulose, polacrillin potassium, cross- linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium alginate, sodium starch glycollate and starch) ; tablet glidants (examples include but are not limited to colloidal silica, corn starch and talc) ; tablet lubricants (examples include but are not limited to calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, mineral oil, stearic acid and zinc stearate) ;

tablet/capsule opaquants (examples include but are not limited to titanium dioxide) ; tablet polishing agents (examples include but are not limited to carnuba wax and white wax) ;

thickening agents (examples include but are not limited to beeswax, cetyl alcohol and paraffin) ;

tonicity agents (examples include but are not limited to dextrose and sodium chloride) ;

viscosity increasing agents (examples include but are not limited to alginic acid, bentonite, carbomers, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, methylcellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, sodium alginate and tragacanth) ; and

wetting agents (examples include but are not limited to heptadecaethylene oxycetanol, lecithins, sorbitol monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate, and polyoxyethylene stearate).

Pharmaceutical compositions according to the present invention can be illustrated as follows:

Sterile IV Solution: A 5 mg/mL solution of the desired compound of this invention can be made using sterile, injectable water, and the pH is adjusted if necessary. The solution is diluted for administration to 1 - 2 mg/mL with sterile 5% dextrose and is administered as an IV infusion over about 60 min.

Lvophilised powder for IV administration: A sterile preparation can be prepared with (i) 100 - 1000 mg of the desired compound of this invention as a lyophilised powder, (ii) 32- 327 mg/mL sodium citrate, and (iii) 300 - 3000 mg Dextran 40. The formulation is reconstituted with sterile, injectable saline or dextrose 5% to a concentration of 10 to 20 mg/mL, which is further diluted with saline or dextrose 5% to 0.2 - 0.4 mg/mL, and is administered either IV bolus or by IV infusion over 15 - 60 min.

Intramuscular suspension: The following solution or suspension can be prepared, for intramuscular injection: 50 mg/mL of the desired, water-insoluble compound of this invention

5 mg/mL sodium carboxymethylcellulose

4 mg/mL TWEEN 80 9 mg/mL sodium chloride

9 mg/mL benzyl alcohol

Hard Shell Capsules: A large number of unit capsules are prepared by filling standard two-piece hard galantine capsules each with 100 mg of powdered active ingredient, 150 mg of lactose, 50 mg of cellulose and 6 mg of magnesium stearate.

Soft Gelatin Capsules: A mixture of active ingredient in a digestible oil such as soybean oil, cottonseed oil or olive oil is prepared and injected by means of a positive displacement pump into molten gelatin to form soft gelatin capsules containing 100 mg of the active ingredient. The capsules are washed and dried. The active ingredient can be dissolved in a mixture of polyethylene glycol, glycerin and sorbitol to prepare a water miscible medicine mix.

Tablets: A large number of tablets are prepared by conventional procedures so that the dosage unit is 100 mg of active ingredient, 0.2 mg. of colloidal silicon dioxide, 5 mg of magnesium stearate, 275 mg of microcrystalline cellulose, 1 1 mg of starch, and 98.8 mg of lactose. Appropriate aqueous and non-aqueous coatings may be applied to increase palatability, improve elegance and stability or delay absorption.

Immediate Release Tablets/Capsules: These are solid oral dosage forms made by conventional and novel processes. These units are taken orally without water for immediate dissolution and delivery of the medication. The active ingredient is mixed in a liquid containing ingredient such as sugar, gelatin, pectin and sweeteners. These liquids are solidified into solid tablets or caplets by freeze drying and solid state extraction techniques. The drug compounds may be compressed with viscoelastic and thermoelastic sugars and polymers or effervescent components to produce porous matrices intended for immediate release, without the need of water.

Combination therapies

The term "combination" in the present invention is used as known to persons skilled in the art and may be present as a fixed combination, a non-fixed combination or kit-of- parts.

A "fixed combination" in the present invention is used as known to persons skilled in the art and is defined as a combination wherein the said first active ingredient and the said second active ingredient are present together in one unit dosage or in a single entity. One example of a "fixed combination" is a pharmaceutical composition wherein the said first active ingredient and the said second active ingredient are present in admixture for simultaneous administration, such as in a formulation. Another example of a "fixed combination" is a pharmaceutical combination wherein the said first active ingredient and the said second active ingredient are present in one unit without being in admixture.

A non-fixed combination or "kit-of-parts" in the present invention is used as known to persons skilled in the art and is defined as a combination wherein the said first active ingredient and the said second active ingredient are present in more than one unit. One example of a non-fixed combination or kit-of-parts is a combination wherein the said first active ingredient and the said second active ingredient are present separately. The components of the non-fixed combination or kit-of-parts may be administered separately, sequentially, simultaneously, concurrently or chronologically staggered.

The compounds of this invention can be administered as the sole pharmaceutical agent or in combination with one or more other pharmaceutical agents where the combination causes no unacceptable adverse effects. The present invention relates also to such combinations. For example, the compounds of this invention can be combined with known chemotherapeutic agents or anti-cancer agents, e.g. anti-hyper-proliferative or other indication agents, and the like, as well as with admixtures and combinations thereof. Other indication agents include, but are not limited to, anti-angiogenic agents, mitotic inhibitors, alkylating agents, anti-metabolites, DNA-intercalating antibiotics, growth factor inhibitors, cell cycle inhibitors, enzyme inhibitors, toposisomerase inhibitors, biological response modifiers, or anti-hormones.

Examples of chemotherapeutic agents and anti-cancer agents include:

1311-chTNT, abarelix, abiraterone, aclarubicin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine, afatinib, aflibercept, aldesleukin, alemtuzumab, Alendronic acid, alitretinoin, altretamine, amifostine, aminoglutethimide, Hexyl aminolevulinate,amrubicin, amsacrine, anastrozole, ancestim, anethole dithiolethione, angiotensin II, antithrombin III, aprepitant, arcitumomab, arglabin, arsenic trioxide, asparaginase, axitinib, azacitidine, basiliximab, belotecan, bendamustine, belinostat, bevacizumab, bexarotene, bicalutamide, bisantrene, bleomycin, bortezomib, buserelin, bosutinib, brentuximab vedotin, busulfan, cabazitaxel, cabozantinib, calcium folinate, calcium levofolinate, capecitabine, capromab, carboplatin, carfilzomib, carmofur, carmustine, catumaxomab, celecoxib. celmoleukin. ceritinib. cetuximab. chlorambucil, chlormadinone, chlormethine, cidofovir, cinacalcet, cisplatin, cladribine, clodronic acid, clofarabine, copanlisib , crisantaspase, cyclophosphamide, cyproterone, cytarabine, dacarbazine, dactinomycin, darbepoetin alfa, dabrafenib, dasatinib, daunorubicin, decitabine, degarelix, denileukin diftitox, denosumab, depreotide, deslorelin, dexrazoxane, dibrospidium chloride, dianhydrogalactitol, diclofenac, docetaxel, dolasetron, doxifluridine, doxorubicin, doxorubicin + estrone, dronabinol, eculizumab, edrecolomab, elliptinium acetate, eltrombopag, endostatin, enocitabine, enzalutamide, epirubicin, epitiostanol, epoetin alfa, epoetin beta, epoetin zeta, eptaplatin, eribulin, erlotinib, esomeprazole, estradiol, estramustine, etoposide, everolimus, exemestane, fadrozole, fentanyl, filgrastim, fluoxymesterone, floxuridine, fludarabine, fluorouracil, flutamide, folinic acid, formestane, fosaprepitant, fotemustine, fulvestrant, gadobutrol, gadoteridol, gadoteric acid meglumine, gadoversetamide, gadoxetic acid, gallium nitrate, ganirelix, gefitinib, gemcitabine, gemtuzumab, Glucarpidase, glutoxim, GM-CSF, goserelin, granisetron, granulocyte colony stimulating factor, histamine dihydrochloride, histrelin, hydroxycarbamide, 1-125 seeds, lansoprazole, ibandronic acid, ibritumomab tiuxetan, ibrutinib, idarubicin, ifosfamide, imatinib, imiquimod, improsulfan, indisetron, incadronic acid, ingenol mebutate, interferon alfa, interferon beta, interferon gamma, iobitridol, iobenguane (1231), iomeprol, ipilimumab, irinotecan, Itraconazole, ixabepilone, lanreotide, lapatinib, lasocholine, lenalidomide, lenograstim, lentinan, letrozole, leuprorelin, levamisole, levonorgestrel, levothyroxine sodium, lisuride, lobaplatin, lomustine, lonidamine, masoprocol, medroxyprogesterone, megestrol, melarsoprol, melphalan, mepitiostane, mercaptopurine, mesna, methadone, methotrexate, methoxsalen, methylaminolevulinate, methylprednisolone, methyltestosterone, metirosine, mifamurtide, miltefosine, miriplatin, mitobronitol, mitoguazone, mitolactol, mitomycin, mitotane, mitoxantrone, mogamulizumab, molgramostim, mopidamol, morphine hydrochloride, morphine sulfate, nabilone, nabiximols, nafarelin, naloxone + pentazocine, naltrexone, nartograstim, nedaplatin, nelarabine, neridronic acid, nivolumabpentetreotide, nilotinib, nilutamide, nimorazole, nimotuzumab, nimustine, nitracrine, nivolumab, obinutuzumab, octreotide, ofatumumab, omacetaxine mepesuccinate, omeprazole, ondansetron, oprelvekin, orgotein, orilotimod, oxaliplatin, oxycodone, oxymetholone, ozogamicine, p53 gene therapy, paclitaxel, palifermin, palladium-103 seed, palonosetron, pamidronic acid, panitumumab, pantoprazole, pazopanib, pegaspargase, PEG-epoetin beta (methoxy PEG-epoetin beta), pembrolizumab, pegfilgrastim, peginterferon alfa-2b, pemetrexed, pentazocine, pentostatin, peplomycin, Perflubutane, perfosfamide, Pertuzumab, picibanil, pilocarpine, pira rubicin. pixantrone. plerixafor. plicamycin. poliglusam. polyestradiol phosphate, polyvinylpyrrolidone + sodium hyaluronate, polysaccharide-K, pomalidomide, ponatinib, porfimer sodium, pralatrexate, prednimustine, prednisone, procarbazine, procodazole, propranolol, quinagolide, rabeprazole, racotumomab. radium-223 chloride, radotinib, raloxifene, raltitrexed, ramosetron, ramucirumab, ranimustine, rasburicase, razoxane, refametinib, regorafenib, risedronic acid, rhenium-186 etidronate, rituximab, romidepsin, romiplostim, romurtide, roniciclib, samarium (153Sm) lexidronam, sargramostim, satumomab, secretin, sipuleucel-T, sizofiran, sobuzoxane, sodium glycididazole, sorafenib, stanozolol, streptozocin, sunitinib, talaporfin, tamibarotene, tamoxifen, tapentadol, tasonermin, teceleukin, technetium (99mTc) nofetumomab merpentan, 99mTc-HYNIC-[Tyr3]-octreotide, tegafur, tegafur + gimeracil + oteracil, temoporfin, temozolomide, temsirolimus, teniposide, testosterone, tetrofosmin, thalidomide, thiotepa, thymalfasin, thyrotropin alfa, tioguanine, tocilizumab, topotecan, toremifene, tositumomab, trabectedin, tramadol, trastuzumab, trastuzumab emtansine, treosulfan, tretinoin, trifluridine + tipiracil, trilostane, triptorelin, trametinib, trofosfamide, thrombopoietin, tryptophan, ubenimex, valatinib, valrubicin, vandetanib, vapreotide, vemurafenib, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, vinflunine, vinorelbine, vismodegib, vorinostat, vorozole, yttrium-90 glass microspheres, zinostatin, zinostatin stimalamer, zoledronic acid, zorubicin.

The compounds of the invention may also be administered in combination with protein therapeutics. Such protein therapeutics suitable for the treatment of cancer or other angiogenic disorders and for use with the compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to, an interferon (e.g., interferon .alpha., .beta., or .gamma.) supraagonistic monoclonal antibodies, Tuebingen, TRP-1 protein vaccine, Colostrinin, anti-FAP antibody, YH-16, gemtuzumab, infliximab, cetuximab, trastuzumab, denileukin diftitox, rituximab, thymosin alpha 1 , bevacizumab, mecasermin, mecasermin rinfabate, oprelvekin, natalizumab, rhSVIBL, MFE-CP1 + ZD-2767-P, ABT-828, ErbB2-specific immunotoxin, SGN-35, MT-103, rinfabate, AS- 1402, B43-genistein, L-19 based radioimmunotherapeutics, AC-9301 , NY-ESO-1 vaccine, IMC-1 C1 1 , CT-322, rhCCI O, r(m)CRP, MORAb-009, aviscumine, MDX-1307, Her-2 vaccine, APC-8024, NGR-hTNF, rhH1.3, IGN-31 1 , Endostatin, volociximab, PRO-1762, lexatumumab, SGN-40, pertuzumab, E D-273063, L19-IL-2 fusion protein, PRX-321 , CNTO-328, MDX-214, tigapotide, CAT-3888, labetuzumab, alpha-particle-emitting radioisotope-llinked lintuzumab, E -1421 , HyperAcute vaccine, tucotuzumab celmoleukin, galiximab, HPV- 16-E7, Javelin - prostate cancer, Javelin - melanoma, NY-ESO-1 vaccine, EGF vaccine, CYT-004-MelQbG10. WT1 peptide, oregovomab, ofatumumab, zalutumumab, cintredekin besudotox, WX-G250, Albuferon, af!ibercept, denosumab, vaccine, CTP-37, efungumab, or 131 l-chTNT-1/B. Monoclonal antibodies useful as the protein therapeutic include, but are not limited to, muromonab-CD3, abciximab, edrecolomab, daclizumab, gentuzumab, alemtuzumab, ibritumomab, cetuximab, bevicizumab, efalizumab, adalimumab, omalizumab, muromomab-CD3, rituximab, daclizumab, trastuzumab, palivizumab, basiliximab, and infliximab.

A compound of general formula (I) as defined herein can optionally be administered in combination with one or more of the following: ARRY-162, ARRY-300, ARRY-704, AS- 703026, AZD-5363, AZD-8055, BEZ-235, BGT-226, BKM-120, BYL-719, CAL-101 , CC- 223, CH-5132799, deforolimus, E-6201 , enzastaurin , GDC-0032, GDC-0068, GDC- 0623, GDC-0941 , GDC-0973, GDC-0980, GSK-21 10183, GSK-2126458, GSK- 2141795, MK-2206, novolimus, OSI-027, perifosine, PF-04691502, PF-05212384, PX- 866, rapamycin, RG-7167, RO-4987655, RO-5126766, selumetinib, TAK-733, trametinib, triciribine, UCN-01 , WX-554, XL- 147, XL-765, zotarolimus, ZSTK-474.

Generally, the use of cytotoxic and/or cytostatic agents in combination with a compound or composition of the present invention will serve to:

(1 ) yield better efficacy in reducing the growth of a tumour or even eliminate the tumour as compared to administration of either agent alone,

(2) provide for the administration of lesser amounts of the administered chemo- therapeutic agents,

(3) provide for a chemotherapeutic treatment that is well tolerated in the patient with fewer deleterious pharmacological complications than observed with single agent chemotherapies and certain other combined therapies,

(4) provide for treating a broader spectrum of different cancer types in mammals, especially humans,

(5) provide for a higher response rate among treated patients,

(6) provide for a longer survival time among treated patients compared to standard chemotherapy treatments,

(7) provide a longer time for tumour progression, and/or

(8) yield efficacy and tolerability results at least as good as those of the agents used alone, compared to known instances where other cancer agent combinations produce antagonistic effects.

Methods of Sensitizing Ceils to Radiation In a distinct embodiment of the present invention, a compound of the present invention may be used to sensitize a cell to radiation. That is, treatment of a cell with a compound of the present invention prior to radiation treatment of the cell renders the cell more susceptible to DNA damage and cell death than the cell would be in the absence of any treatment with a compound of the invention. In one aspect, the cell is treated with at least one compound of the invention.

Thus, the present invention also provides a method of killing a cell, wherein a cell is administered one or more compounds of the invention in combination with conventional radiation therapy.

The present invention also provides a method of rendering a cell more susceptible to cell death, wherein the cell is treated with one or more compounds of the invention prior to the treatment of the cell to cause or induce cell death. In one aspect, after the cell is treated with one or more compounds of the invention , the cell is treated with at least one compound, or at least one method, or a combination thereof, in order to cause DNA damage for the purpose of inhibiting the function of the normal cell or killing the cell.

In one embodiment, a cell is killed by treating the cell with at least one DNA damaging agent. That is, after treating a cell with one or more compounds of the invention to sensitize the cell to cell death, the cell is treated with at least one DNA damaging agent to kill the cell. DNA damaging agents useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, chemotherapeutic agents (e.g. , cisplatinum), ionizing radiation (X-rays, ultraviolet radiation), carcinogenic agents, and mutagenic agents.

In another embodiment, a cell is killed by treating the cell with at least one method to cause or induce DNA damage. Such methods include, but are not limited to, activation of a cell signalling pathway that results in DNA damage when the pathway is activated, inhibiting of a cell signalling pathway that results in DNA damage when the pathway is inhibited, and inducing a biochemical change in a cell, wherein the change results in DNA damage. By way of a non-limiting example, a DNA repair pathway in a cell can be inhibited, thereby preventing the repair of DNA damage and resulting in an abnormal accumulation of DNA damage in a cell.

In one aspect of the invention, a compound of the invention is administered to a cell prior to the radiation or other induction of DNA damage in the cell. In another aspect of the invention, a compound of the invention is administered to a cell concomitantly with the radiation or other induction of DNA damage in the cell. I n yet another aspect of the invention, a compound of the invention is administered to a cell immediately after radiation or other induction of DNA damage in the cell has begun.

In another aspect, the cell is in vitro. In another embodiment, the cell is in vivo.

As mentioned supra, the compounds of the present invention have surprisingly been found to effectively inhibit the spindle assembly checkpoint and may therefore be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of diseases of uncontrolled cell growth, proliferation and/or survival, inappropriate cellular immune responses, or inappropriate cellular inflammatory responses, or diseases which are accompanied with uncontrolled cell growth, proliferation and/or survival, inappropriate cellular immune responses, or inappropriate cellular inflammatory responses, particularly in which the uncontrolled cell growth, proliferation and/or survival, inappropriate cellular immune responses, or inappropriate cellular inflammatory responses are affected by inhibition of the spindle assembly checkpoint, such as, for example, haematological tumours, solid tumours, and/or metastases thereof, e.g. leukemias and myelodysplastic syndrome, malignant lymphomas, head and neck tumours including brain tumours and brain metastases, tumours of the thorax including non-small cell and small cell lung tumours, gastrointestinal tumours, endocrine tumours, mammary and other gynaecological tumours, urological tumours including renal, bladder and prostate tumours, skin tumours, and sarcomas, and/or metastases thereof.

In accordance with another aspect therefore, the present invention covers a compound of general formula (I), or a stereoisomer, an N -oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, particularly a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a mixture of same, as described and defined herein, for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease, as mentioned supra.

Another particular aspect of the present invention is therefore the use of a compound of general formula (I), described supra, or a stereoisomer, an N -oxide, a hydrate, a solvate, or a salt thereof, particularly a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a mixture of same, for the prophylaxis or treatment of a disease. Another particular aspect of the present invention is therefore the use of a compound of general formula (I) described supra for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease.

The diseases referred to in the two preceding paragraphs are diseases of uncontrolled cell growth, proliferation and/or survival, inappropriate cellular immune responses, or inappropriate cellular inflammatory responses, or diseases which are accompanied with uncontrolled cell growth, proliferation and/or survival, inappropriate cellular immune responses, or inappropriate cellular inflammatory responses, such as, for example, haematological tumours, solid tumours, and/or metastases thereof, e.g. leukemias and myelodysplastic syndrome, malignant lymphomas, head and neck tumours including brain tumours and brain metastases, tumours of the thorax including non-small cell and small cell lung tumours, gastrointestinal tumours, endocrine tumours, mammary and other gynaecological tumours, urological tumours including renal, bladder and prostate tumours, skin tumours, and sarcomas, and/or metastases thereof.

The term "inappropriate" within the context of the present invention, in particular in the context of "inappropriate cellular immune responses, or inappropriate cellular inflammatory responses", as used herein, is to be understood as meaning a response which is less than, or greater than normal, and which is associated with, responsible for, or results in, the pathology of said diseases.

Preferably, the use is in the treatment or prophylaxis of diseases, wherein the diseases are haemotological tumours, solid tumours and/or metastases thereof.

Method of treating hyper-proliferative disorders

The present invention relates to a method for using the compounds of the present invention and compositions thereof, to treat mammalian hyper-proliferative disorders. Compounds can be utilized to inhibit, block, reduce, decrease, etc., cell proliferation and/or cell division, and/or produce apoptosis. This method comprises administering to a mammal in need thereof, including a human, an amount of a compound of this invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, isomer, polymorph, metabolite, hydrate, solvate or ester thereof ; etc. which is effective to treat the disorder. Hyperproliferative disorders include but are not limited, e.g., psoriasis, keloids, and other hyperplasias affecting the skin, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), solid tumours, such as cancers of the breast, respiratory tract, brain, reproductive organs, digestive tract, urinary tract, eye, liver, skin, head and neck, thyroid, parathyroid and their distant metastases. Those disorders also include lymphomas, sarcomas, and leukemias.

Examples of breast cancer include, but are not limited to invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ, and lobular carcinoma in situ. Examples of cancers of the respiratory tract include, but are not limited to small-cell and non-small-cell lung carcinoma, as well as bronchial adenoma and pleuropulmonary blastoma.

Examples of brain cancers include, but are not limited to brain stem and hypophtalmic glioma, cerebellar and cerebral astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, diffuse astrocytoma, glioblastoma, oligodendroglioma, secondary glioblastoma multiforme as well as neuroectodermal and pineal tumour.

Tumours of the male reproductive organs include, but are not limited to prostate and testicular cancer. Tumours of the female reproductive organs include, but are not limited to endometrial, cervical, ovarian, vaginal, and vulvar cancer, as well as sarcoma of the uterus.

Tumours of the digestive tract include, but are not limited to anal, colon, colorectal, oesophageal, gallbladder, gastric, pancreatic, rectal, small-intestine, and salivary gland cancers.

Tumours of the urinary tract include, but are not limited to bladder, penile, kidney, renal pelvis, ureter, urethral and human papillary renal cancers.

Eye cancers include, but are not limited to intraocular melanoma and retinoblastoma. Examples of liver cancers include, but are not limited to hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cell carcinomas with or without fibrolamellar variant), cholangiocarcinoma (intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma), and mixed hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma.

Skin cancers include, but are not limited to squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, malignant melanoma, erkel cell skin cancer, and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Head-and-neck cancers include, but are not limited to laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal cancer, lip and oral cavity cancer and squamous cell. Lymphomas include, but are not limited to AIDS-related lymphoma, non-Hodg kin's lymphoma, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and lymphoma of the central nervous system.

Sarcomas include, but are not limited to sarcoma of the soft tissue, osteosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, lymphosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma.

Leukemias include, but are not limited to acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and hairy cell leukemia. These disorders have been well characterized in humans, but also exist with a similar etiology in other mammals, and can be treated by administering pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention.

The term "treating" or "treatment" as stated throughout this document is used conventionally, e.g., the management or care of a subject for the purpose of combating, alleviating, reducing, relieving, improving the condition of, etc., of a disease or disorder, such as a carcinoma.

Methods of treating angiogenic disorders

The present invention also provides methods of treating disorders and diseases associated with excessive and/or abnormal angiogenesis.

Inappropriate and ectopic expression of angiogenesis can be deleterious to an organism. A number of pathological conditions are associated with the growth of extraneous blood vessels. These include, e.g., diabetic retinopathy, ischemic retinal- vein occlusion, and retinopathy of prematurity [Aiello et al. New Engl. J. Med. 1994, 331 , 1480 ; Peer et al. Lab. Invest. 1995, 72, 638], age-related macular degeneration [AMD ; see, Lopez et al. Invest. Opththalmol. Vis. Sci. 1996, 37, 855], neovascular glaucoma, psoriasis, retrolental fibroplasias, angiofibroma, inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), restenosis, in-stent restenosis, vascular graft restenosis, etc. In addition, the increased blood supply associated with cancerous and neoplastic tissue, encourages growth, leading to rapid tumour enlargement and metastasis. Moreover, the growth of new blood and lymph vessels in a tumour provides an escape route for renegade cells, encouraging metastasis and the consequence spread of the cancer. Thus, compounds of the present invention can be utilized to treat and/or prevent any of the aforementioned angiogenesis disorders, e.g., by inhibiting and/or reducing blood vessel formation ; by inhibiting, blocking, reducing, decreasing, etc. endothelial cell proliferation or other types involved in angiogenesis, as well as causing cell death or apoptosis of such cell types.

Dose and administration Based upon standard laboratory techniques known to evaluate compounds useful for the treatment of hyper-proliferative disorders and angiogenic disorders, by standard toxicity tests and by standard pharmacological assays for the determination of treatment of the conditions identified above in mammals, and by comparison of these results with the results of known medicaments that are used to treat these conditions, the effective dosage of the compounds of this invention can readily be determined for treatment of each desired indication. The amount of the active ingredient to be administered in the treatment of one of these conditions can vary widely according to such considerations as the particular compound and dosage unit employed, the mode of administration, the period of treatment, the age and sex of the patient treated, and the nature and extent of the condition treated.

The total amount of the active ingredient to be administered will generally range from about 0.001 mg/kg to about 200 mg/kg body weight per day, and preferably from about 0.01 mg/kg to about 20 mg/kg body weight per day. Clinically useful dosing schedules will range from one to three times a day dosing to once every four weeks dosing. In addition, "drug holidays" in which a patient is not dosed with a drug for a certain period of time, may be beneficial to the overall balance between pharmacological effect and tolerability. A unit dosage may contain from about 0.5 mg to about 1500 mg of active ingredient, and can be administered one or more times per day or less than once a day. The average daily dosage for administration by injection, including intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and parenteral injections, and use of infusion techniques will preferably be from 0.01 to 200 mg/kg of total body weight. The average daily rectal dosage regimen will preferably be from 0.01 to 200 mg/kg of total body weight. The average daily vaginal dosage regimen will preferably be from 0.01 to 200 mg/kg of total body weight. The average daily topical dosage regimen will preferably be from 0.1 to 200 mg administered between one to four times daily. The transdermal concentration will preferably be that required to maintain a daily dose of from 0.01 to 200 mg/kg. The average daily inhalation dosage regimen will preferably be from 0.01 to 100 mg/kg of total body weight.

Of course the specific initial and continuing dosage regimen for each patient will vary according to the nature and severity of the condition as determined by the attending diagnostician, the activity of the specific compound employed, the age and general condition of the patient, time of administration, route of administration, rate of excretion of the drug, drug combinations, and the like. The desired mode of treatment and number of doses of a compound of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester or composition thereof can be ascertained by those skilled in the art using conventional treatment tests.

Preferably, the diseases of said method are haematological tumours, solid tumour and/or metastases thereof.

The compounds of the present invention can be used in particular in therapy and prevention, i.e. prophylaxis, of tumour growth and metastases, especially in solid tumours of all indications and stages with or without pre-treatment of the tumour growth.

Methods of testing for a particular pharmacological or pharmaceutical property are well known to persons skilled in the art.

The example testing experiments described herein serve to illustrate the present invention and the invention is not limited to the examples given.

Biological assays: Examples were tested in selected biological assays one or more times. When tested more than once, data are reported as either average values or as median values, wherein the average value, also referred to as the arithmetic mean value, represents the sum of the values obtained divided by the number of times tested, and the median value represents the middle number of the group of values when ranked in ascending or descending order. If the number of values in the data set is odd, the median is the middle value. If the number of values in the data set is even, the median is the arithmetic mean of the two middle values.

Examples were synthesized one or more times. When synthesized more than once, data from biological assays represent average values or median values calculated utilizing data sets obtained from testing of one or more synthetic batch.

Mutant IDH1 R132H biochemical assay mlDH1 catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of alpha-ketoglutarate (o-KG) to (2R)-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). NADPH consumption was measured by luminescent readout.

The biochemical reactions were performed at 32 °C in 384-well plates using a reaction volume of 41 μΙ_ and the following assay buffer conditions: 50 mM Tris pH 7.5, 100 mM NaCI, 20 mM MgC , 0.05% BSA, 0.01 % Brij, 1 μΜ NADPH, and 250 μΜ α-KG. The IDH1 R132H enzyme was used in a final concentration of 1.5 nM. Test compounds were used in a concentration range between 0.002 and 10 μΜ. The final DMSO concentration was 2.4%.

The reaction was incubated for 30 minutes, then 40 μΙ_ of detection mix (0.75 μg/ml Luciferase, 0.02 U/ml Oxidoreductase, 4 μg/mL FMN, 2 μ L/ml decanal/ethanol, 50 mM Tris pH 7.5, 0.5% Glycerin, 0.01 % Tween-20, 0.05% BSA) was added. Luminescence was measured on a luminescent reader (10 seconds measuring time, 1 second integration period, 30% sensitivity). The decrease in luminescence is proportional to mlDH1 activity. ICso values are determined by interpolation from plots of relative luminescence versus inhibitor concentration.

Table 2:

ICso values of selected examples in mutant IDH1 R132H biochemical assay

Mutant IDH1 cellular assay

Levels of (2R)-2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG) were measured in medium of a cell line with overexpression of mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase (mIDH) protein. mIDH catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of alpha-ketoglutarate to 2-HG. Cells (LN229 R132H, Mohrenz et al., Apoptosis (2013) 18:1416-1425) were grown in DMEM containing 10% FCS. They were harvested by trypsin and seeded into 96-well plates. Cells were incubated overnight at 37 °C in 5% CO2. The next day test compounds were added to each cell well. The final concentration of DMSO was 0.1 % and DMSO controls were included. The plates were then placed in an incubator for 24 hours.

2-HG was measured according to Balss et al. (Acta Neuropathol (2012) 124: 883-891 ). Briefly, perchloric acid was added to each well and the plates were centrifuged. Aliquots are removed and incubated with hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase (HGDH), diaphorase, NAD+, and resazurin. The conversion of resazurin to resorufin was detected by fluorescence spectroscopy at Ex 540 nm Em 600 nm. The increase in fluorescence is proportional to 2-HG production. IC50 values are determined by interpolation from plots of relative fluorescence vs inhibitor concentration.

Table 3:

IC50 values of selected examples in mutant IDH1 cellular assay