NOVEL CYCLIC BENZIMID AZOLE DERIVATIVES USEFUL ANTI-DIABETIC AGENTS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Diabetes Is characterized by elevated levels of plasma glucose (hyperglycemia) in the fasting state or after administration of glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test. In type 1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), patients produce little or no insulin, the hormone which regulates glucose utilization. In Type 2 diabetes, or noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), insulin is still produced by islet cells in the pancreas, but patients have a resistance to the effects of insulin in stimulating glucose and lipid metabolism in the main insulin-sensitive tissues, including muscle, liver and adipose tissues. These patients often have normal levels of insulin, and may have hyperinsulineraia (elevated plasma insulin levels),, as they compensate for the reduced effectiveness of insulin by secreting increased amounts of insulin (Polonsky, Int. J. Obes. Relat. Metab. Disord. 24 Suppl 2:S29-31, 2000). Insulin resistance is not primarily caused by a diminished number of insulin receptors but rather by a post-insulin receptor binding defect that is not yet completely understood. This lack of responsiveness to insulin results in insufficient insulin-mediated activation of uptake, oxidation and storage of glucose in muscle, and inadequate insulin-mediated repression of lipolysis in adipose tissue and of glucose production and secretion in the liver. Eventually, a patient may be become diabetic due to the inability to properly compensate for insulin resistance. In humans, the beta cells within the pancreatic islets initially compensate for insulin resistance by increasing insulin output. The onset of Type 2 diabetes due to insufficient increases (or actual declines) in beta cell mass is apparently due to increased beta cell apoptosis relative to non-diabetic insulin resistant individuals (Butler et al, Diabetes 52: 102-110, 2003). Persistent or uncontrolled hyperglycemia is associated with increased and premature morbidity and mortality. Often abnormal glucose homeostasis is associated both directly and indirectly with obesity, hypertension, and alterations of the lipid, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein metabolism, as well as other metabolic and hemodynamic disease. Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus have a significantly increased risk of macro vascular and microvascular complications, including atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Therefore, effective therapeutic control of glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, obesity, and hypertension are critically important in the clinical management and treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Patients who have insulin resistance often exhibit several symptoms that together are referred to as Syndrome X or Metabolic Syndrome. Patients with Metabolic Syndrome have an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

There are several available treatments for Type 2 diabetes, each of which has its own

limitations and potential risks. Physical exercise and a reduction in dietary intake of calories often dramatically improve the diabetic condition and are the usual recommended first-line treatment of Type 2 diabetes and of pre-diabetic conditions associated with insulin resistance. Compliance with this treatment is generally very poor because of well-entrenched sedentary lifestyles and excess food consumption, especially of foods containing high amounts of fat and carbohydrates. Pharmacologic treatments for diabetes have largely focused on three areas of pathophysiology: (1) hepatic glucose production (biguanides, such as phenformin and metformin), (2) insulin resistance (PPAR agonists, such as rosiglitazone, troglitazone, engliazone, balaglitazone, MCC-555, netoglitazone, T-131, LY-300512, LY-818 and pioglitazone), (3) insulin secretion (sulfonylureas, such as tolbutamide, glipizide and glimipiride); (4) incretm hormone rmmetics (GLP-I derivatives and analogs, such as exenatide and liraglitide); and (5) inhibitors of incretin hormone degradation (DPP-4 inhibitors, such as sitagliptin).

Many of the current treatments for diabetes have unwanted side effects. Phenformin and metformin can induce lactic acidosis, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea. Metformin has a lower risk of side effects than phenformin and is widely prescribed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. The currently marketed PPAR gamma agonists are modestly effective in reducing plasma glucose and hemoglobinAIC, and do not greatly improve lipid metabolism or the lipid profile. Sulfonylureas and related insulin secretagogues can cause insulin secretion even if the glucose level is low, resulting in hypoglycemia, which can be fatal in severe cases. The administration of insulin secretagogues must therefore be carefully controlled. There remains a need for treatments for diabetes that work by novel mechanisms of action and that exhibit fewer side effects.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been identified as a regulator of carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism that helps maintain energy balance in response to environmental and nutritional stress. There is evidence that activation of AMPK results in a number of beneficial effects on lipid and glucose metabolism by reducing glucogenesis and de novo lipogenesis (fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis), and by increasing fatty acid oxidation and skeletal muscle glucose uptake. Inhibition of ACC, by phosphorylation by AMPK, leads to a decrease in fatty acid synthesis and to an increase in fatty acid oxidation, while inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, by phosphorylation by AMPK, leads to a decrease in cholesterol synthesis (Carling, D. etal, FEBS Letters 223:217 (1987)).

In the liver, AMPK activation results in a decrease in fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, inhibiting hepatic glucose production and increasing fatty acid oxidation. It has been shown that AMP-activated protein kinase regulates triacylglycerol synthesis and fatty acid oxidation in liver and muscle via glycerol-3 -phosphate acyltransferase (Muoio, D. M. etal.,. Biochem. J. 338:783 (1999)). Another substrace of AMPK, hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α ₅ has been shown to be involved in type-1 maturity onset diabetes (Leclerc, I. etal., Diabetes 50:1515 (2001)).

Additional processes believed to be regulated through AMPK activation include the stimulation of glucose transport in skeletal muscle and the regulation of key genes in fatty acid and glucose metabolism in the liver (Hardie, D. G. and Hawley, S. A., Bioessays 23: 1112 (2001), Kemp, B. E. etal., Biochem. Soc. Transactions 31:162 (2003), Musi, N. and Goodyear, L. J.. Current Drug Targets-Immune, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders 2:119 (2002); Lochhead, P. A. et.al., Diabetes 49:896 (2000); and Zhou, G. et.al., J. of Clin. Invest. 108: 1167 (2001).

In vivo studies have demonstrated the following beneficial effects of both acute and chronic administration of AICAR, an AMPK activator, in rodent models of obesity and type 2 diabetes: 1) an improvement in glucose homeostasis in insulin-resistant diabetic (ob/ob) mice; 2) a decrease in blood glucose concentrations in ob/ob and db/db mice and a blood glucose reduction of 35% following 8 weeks of administration; and 3) a reduction in metabolic disturbances and a reduction of blood pressure in rats displaying characteristics of insulin resistance syndrome (Bergeron, R. etal., Diabetes 50:1076 (2001); Song, S. M. et.al., Diabetologia 45:56 (2002); Halseth, A. E. etal., Biochem. and Biophys. Res. Comm. 294:798 (2002); and Buhl, E. S. et.al., Diabetes 51: 2199 (2002)). A further study of 7 week AICAR administration in obese Zucker (fa/fa) rats lead to a reduction in plasma triglycerides and free fatty acids; an increase in HDL cholesterol; and a normalization of glucose metabolism as assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test (Minokoshi, Y. et.al., Nature 415: 339 (2002)). Expression of dominant negative AMPK in skeletal muscle of transgenic mice has demonstrated that the AICAR effect on stimulation of glucose transport is dependent on AMPK activation (Mu, J. etal., Molecular Cell 7: 1085 (2001)).

Recent data also suggest that AMPK activation is involved in the glucose and lipid- lowering effects of the anti-diabetic drug metformin. It has been shown that the diabetes drag metformin can activate AMPK in vivo at high concentrations (Zhou, G. et.al., J. of Clin. Invest. 108: 1167 (2001); Musi, N. et.al. Diabetes 51 : 2074 (2002)).

Based on these studies, it is expected that the in vivo activation of AMPK in the liver may result in the reduction of hepatic glucose output, an improvement in overall glucose homeostasis, a decrease in fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, and an increase in fatty acid oxidation. Stimulation of AMPK in skeletal muscle is expected to result in an increase in glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation with resulting improvement of glucose homeostasis, and an improvement in insulin action. Finally, the resulting increase in energy expenditure should lead to a decrease in body weight. The lowering of blood pressure has also been reported to be a consequence of AMPK activation.

Increased fatty acid synthesis is a characteristic of many tumor cells, therefore decreasing the synthesis of fatty acids via AMPK activation may also be useful as a cancer therapy.

Activation of AMPK may also be useful to treat ischemic events in the brain (Blazquez, C. et.al., J. Neurochem. 73: 1674 (1999)); to prevent damage from reactive oxygen species (Zhou, M.

et.al, Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol Metab. 279: E622 (2000)); and to improve local circulatory systems (Chen, Z.-P., et.al. AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase. FEBS Letters 443: 285 (1999)).

Compounds that activate AMPK are expected to be useful to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cancer, and metabolic syndrome, as well as cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, by improving glucose and lipid metabolism and by reducing body weight. There is a need for potent AMPK activators that have pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties suitable for use as human pharmaceuticals.

Benzimidazole compounds are disclosed in WO 93/07124; WO 95/29897; WO 98/39342; WO 98/39343; WO 00/14095; WO 00/03997; WO 01/53272; WO 01/53291; WO 02/092575; WO 02/40019; WO 03/018061; WO 05/002520; WO 05/018672; WO 06/094209; US 6,312,662; US 6,489,476; US 2005/0148643; DE 3 316 095; JP 6 298 731; EP 0 126 030; EP 0 128 862; EP 0 129 506; and EP 0 120 403. AMPK activators are disclosed in WO 08/006432; WO 05/051298; WO 05/020892; US 2007/015665; US 2007/032529; US 2006/287356; and US 2005/038068.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is concerned with novel benzimidazole derivatives of structural Formula I:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds of structural formula I, and embodiments thereof, are activators of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and are useful in the treatment, prevention and suppression of diseases, disorders and conditions mediated by activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, lipid disorders, obesity , hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome and atherosclerosis.

The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention also relates to methods for the treatment, control or prevention of disorders, diseases, and conditions responsive to activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in a subject in need

thereof by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention. The present invention also relates to the use of compounds of the present invention for manufacture of a medicament useful in treating diseases, disorders and conditions responsive to the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. The present invention is also concerned with treatment of these diseases, disorders and conditions by administering the compounds of the present invention in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of another agent known to be useful to treat the disease, disorder and condition. The invention is further concerned with processes for preparing the compounds of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is concerned with novel compounds of structural Formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: X is selected from: (1) -CH ₂ -,

(2) -CHF-,

(3) -CF ₂ -,

(4) -S-,

(5) -O-, (6) -0-CH ₂ -,

(7) -NH-,

(8) -C(O)-,

(9) -NHC(O)-,

(10) -C(O)NH-, (11) -NHSO2-,

(12) -SO ₂ NH-, and

(13) -CO ₂ - wherein each CH ₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: hydroxy, halogen, NH ₂ , C _1-6 alkyl, CO ₂ H ₅ CO ₂ Cμ6alkyl, C0C _1-6 alkyl, phenyl and - CH ₂ ρhenyl, and wherein each NH is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 substituent selected from: C _1-6 alkyl, CO ₂ H, CO ₂ Ci -όalkyl, COC _1-6 alkyl, phenyl and -CH ₂ phenyl;

Y is selected from:

(1) Cs-iocycloalkyl,

(2) C3- 1 ocycloalkenyl,

(3) Q2- 1 Ocycloheteroalkyl,

(4) C2-1 Ocycloheteroalkenyl,

(5) aryl, and

(6) heteroaryl, wherein cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstitutec I or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from Rb;

Z is selected from:

(1) ~(CH2)mP(OXOH)2,

(2) ^CH ₂ )mP(O)H(OH),

(3) ~(CH2)mP(O)(C _1-6 alkyl)2,

(4) -(CH2) _m P(O)(OCμ ₆ alkyI)2,

(5) ~(CH2)mP(O)(OH)(C _1-6 alkyl),

(6) -(CH2)mP(OXOHXOC _1-6 alkyl),

(7) ~<CH2)mP(0XC _1-6 alkyiχ0C _1-6 alkyl),

(8) ^CH ₂ )mP(O)(OH)(O-(CH2)0-4-aryl),

(9) -(CH ₂ ) _I nP(O)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ CO ₂ H) ₂ ,

(10) ^CH ₂ )mP(O)(NRgC(Rh)2CO2C _1-6 alkyl)2,

(11) H;CH2) _m P(O)(OH)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ Cθ2H)2 _ϊ

(12) -(CH2)mP(0X0HχNRgC(Rh)2C02C _1-6 alkyl),

(13) -(CH2)mP(O)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl)(O-Ri),

(14) -(CH2)mP(O)(OC(Rh) ₂ OC(O)C I -6alkyl) _2f

(15) -(CH2)mP(O)(OH)(OC(Rh) ₂ OC(O)C _1-6 alkyl),

(16) -(CH2)mP{O)(OH)(-O-(CH ₂ )l.4-S(O)C _1-6 alkyl),

(17) -(CH2)mP(O)(-O-(CH2)μ4-S(O)Cμ ₆ alkyl) _2!

(18) -(CH2)mP(OXOH)(-O-(CH2)M-SC(O)C _1-6 aIkyl),

(19) -(CH2)mP(OX-O-(CH2)M-SC(O)C _1- 6alkyl)2,

(20) -(CH2)mP(OX-O-(CH2)M-O),

(21) -(CH2)w-P(O)(R ^v -Rn)Ro,

(22) -(CH2)w-P(O)(Rk-Rn)Rm-Rn and

(23)

provided that when Rv is -O- or when Rk and Rm are both -O-, then Rn attached to -O- is independently selected from: -H, -C _1-6 alkyl, -C(Rq)2-OC(O)RS ₅ and -C(Rq)2-O-C(O)ORs, provided that when Rv is -NH- or when Rk and R^ are both -NH-, then Rn attached to -NH- is independently selected from -H and -C(Ru)2C(O)ORs, provided that when Rk is -O- and Rm is - NH-, then R ⁿ attached to -O- is independently selected from -H, -Cl _-6 ^a &yl _> aryl unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents selected from R ^w , and heteroaryl unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents selected from R ^w , and Rn attached to -NH- is independently selected from -H and -C(R ^U )2COOR ^S , wherein R ^u and Ru together with the carbon they are attached to may form a C3~7cycloalkyl ring, and wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from C _1- ^alkyl, -OH and -NH ₂ , wherein each NH is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 substituent selected from R ^c , wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from R ^c ; each Rl and R2 is independently selected from:

(1) hydrogen,

(2) halogen,

(3) -CN,

(4) -CF ₃ , (5) -C _1-6 alkyl,

(6) -C _2-6 alkenyl,

(7) -C _2-6 alkynyl,

(8) ™(CH2)pC3_10cycloalkyl,

(9) ~(CH2)pC3.7cycIoalkyl-aryl, (10) ™(CH2)pC _3-7 cycloalkyl-heteroaryl,

(11) -(CH2) _p C4- locycloalkenyl,

(12) ~(CH2)pC4-7cycloalkenyl-aryl,

(13) -(CH2)pC4-7cycloalkenyl-heteroaryl,

(14) -(CH2)pC2- 1 ocycloheteroalkyl, (15) -(CH2)pC2-10cycloheteroalkenyl,

(16) -(CH ₂ ) _p aryl,

(17) biphenyl,

(18) -<CH2)pheteroaryl,

(19) -C2-6alkenyl-alkyl,

(20) -C2-6alkenyl-aryl,

(21) -C2-6alkenyl-heteroatyl,

(22) -C2-6alkenyl-C _3-7 cycloalkyl, (23) -C2-6alkenyl-C _3-7 cycIoalkenyl,

(24) -C2-6alkenyl-C2-7cycloheteroalkyl,

(25) -C2-6alkenyl-C2-7cycloheteroalkenyl,

(26) -C _2-6 alkynyl-(CH2)l -3-O-aryl,

(27) -C2-6aϊkynyl-alkyl, (28) -C2-6alkynyl-aryl,

(29) -C2-6alkynyl-heteroaryl,

(30) -C2-6alkynyl-C _3-7 cycloalkyl,

(31) -C2-6alkynyl-C _3-7 cycloalkenyl,

(32) -C2-6alkynyl-C2-7cycloheteroalkyl, (33) -C2-6alkynyl-C2-7cycloheteroalkenyl, and

(34) -C(O)NH-(CH2)0-3phenyl, wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: halogen, CF3, -OH, -NH2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, -NHC _1-6 alkyl, and -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from: halogen, CF3, -OH, -NH2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, -NHCi _-6 alkyl, and -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, and wherein each cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, phenyl, aryl and heleroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from R ^a , provided that at least one of and only one of Rl and R^ is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, halogen, -CN, -CF3 _? -C _1-6 alkyl, -C2-6alkenyl and-C2-6alkynyl, and provided that if Rl or R2 is hydrogen, then at least one of R3 and R4 is not hydrogen; R3 and R4 are each independently selected from:

(1) hydrogen,

(2) halogen,

(3) -Ci_ ₆ alkyl, (4) -C2-6alkenyl,

(5) -C2-6alkynyl

(6) -C3_iocycloalkyl,

(7) -C3_iocycloalkenyl,

(8) aryl, (9) heteroaryl,

(10) -CN, (U) -CF ₃ ,

(12) -OH ₅

(13) -OC _1-6 alkyl,

(14) -NH ₂ ,

(15) -NHC _1-6 alkyl,

(16) -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2,

(17) -SC _1-6 alkyl,

(18) -SOC _1-6 alkyl,

(19) -SO2C _1-6 alkyl,

(20) -NHSO2C _1-6 alkyl,

(21) -NHC(O)C _1-6 alkyl,

(22) -Sθ2NHC _1-6 alkyl, and

(23) -C(O)NHC _1-6 alkyl;

R5 is selected from:

O) hydrogen,

(2) -C _1-6 alkyl,

(3) -CH ₂ CO ₂ H, and

(4) -CH2CO2C _1-6 alkyl; each R ^a is independently selected from the group consisting of:

(1) halogen,

(2) oxo,

(3) -(CH ₂ ) _r OH,

₍₄₎ -(CH ₂ ) _r N(RJ) ₂ ,

(5) -(CH ₂ )mNO ₂ ,

(6) -(CH ₂ ) _r CN,

(7) -C _1-6 alkyl,

(8) -(CH ₂ ) _r CF ₃ ,

(9) -(CH ₂ ) _r 0CF3,

(10) -OCH2θC _1-6 alkyl,

(H) -OCH ₂ -aryl,

(12) -(CH ₂ MX=N-OH)N(RJ) ₂ ,

(13) -(CH ₂ ) _r 0C _1-6 alkyl _f

(14) -(CH ₂ ) _r O-aryl,

(15) -OCH2phenyl,

(16) -(CH2) _r SC _1-6 alkyl,

(17) -(CH2) _r S(O)C _1-6 alkyl,

(18) -(CH2) _r S(O)2C _1-6 alkyl,

(19) -(CH2)mNHS(O)2C _1-6 alkyl.

(20) -(CH2) _m S(O)2N(C _1-6 alkyI)2,

(21) -(CH ₂ )AO)R ^f ,

(22) ~(CH ₂ ) _r C(O)N(RJ)2,

(23) ~(CH ₂ ) _r N(RJ)C(O)R ^f

(24) -(CH ₂ ) _m N(RJ)C(O)N(RJ) ₂ ,

(25) -(CH ₂ ) _r CO ₂ H,

(26) -(CH ₂ ) _r OC(O)H,

(28) -(CH ₂ ) _r OC(O)R ^f

(29) -(CH ₂ ) _r C _3-7 cycloalkyl,

(30) -(CH ₂ ) _r C _3-7 cycloalkenyl,

(31) -(CH ₂ ) _r C _2-6 cycloheteroalkyl,

(32) -(CH ₂ ) _r C _2-6 cycloheteroalkenyl,

(33) -(CH2) _r aryl, and

(34) »(CH2) _r heteroaryl, wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: oxo, -

OH, -CN, -NH ₂ , -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyϊ)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OCj _.-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH ₂ F, -

CHF ₂ , -CF ₃ , -CO2H, -CO2C _1- .6a.kyl, -C _3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl, CH ₂ phenyl, heteroaryl and

CH2heteroaryl, and wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, phenyl, aryl and heteroaryl are υnsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2,

NH(C _1-6 aIkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl) ₂ , -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH ₂ F ₅ -CHF ₂ , -CF3, -

CO2H, -CO ₂ C _1-6 alkyl, -C _3-7 cycloaJkyl, phenyl, CH ₂ phenyl, heteroaryl and CH ₂ heteroaryl; each Rb is independently selected from:

(1) hydrogen,

(2) -C _1-6 alkyl,

(3) ■~C3-6cycloalkyl,

(4) -C 3.gcycloalkenyl,

(5) -C2-6 ^c y ^c l°h ^eteroa lkylj

(6) aryl,

(7) heteroaryl,

(8) halogen,

(9) -OH,

(10) -NO ₂ ,

(11) -NH ₂ ,

(12) -NH(C _1-6 alkyl),

(13) -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2,

(14) -OC _1-6 alkyl,

(15) -(CH ₂ )qCO ₂ H,

(16) -(CH2)qCO2C _1-6 alkyl,

(17) -CF ₃ ,

(18) -CN, (19) -SO2C _1-6 alkyl, and wherein each CH ₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 halogens, and wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 halogens; each R ^c is independently selected from:

(1) halogen,

(2) oxo,

(3) -(CH ₂ ) _r OH, (5) ~(CH ₂ ) _r CN,

(6) -C _1-6 alkyl,

(7) -CF ₃ ,

(8) -C _1-6 alkyl-OH ₅

(9) -OCH ₂ OC _1- 6alkyl, (10) -(CH2) _r OC _1-6 alkyl,

(11) -OCH ₂ aryl,

(12) -(CH ₂ ) _r SC _1-6 alkyl, (15) -(CH ₂ ) _r CO ₂ H,

(17) -(CH2) _r C _3-7 cycloalkyl,

(18) -(CH ₂ ) _r C _2-6 cycloheteroalkyl,

(19) -(CH ₂ ) _r aryl, and (20) -(CH ₂ ) _r heteroaryl, wherein each CH ₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: oxo, - OH, -CN ₉ -N(Rh) ₂ , -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1- όalkyi, halogen, -CH ₂ F, -CHF ₂ , -CF ₃ , -CO ₂ H, -CO ₂ C _1- galkyl, -C ₃ -7cycloalkyl and heteroaryl, and wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 ₅ 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -N(Rh) ₂ , -C _1-6 alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyI, halogen, -CH ₂ F, -CHF ₂ , -CF _{3 s} -CO ₂ H ₅ -CO ₂ C _1- galkyl, -C _3- 7cycloalkyl and heteroaryl; each Re, Rg and Rh is independently selected from:

(1) hydrogen, and

(2) C _1-6 alkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: -OH, oxo, halogen, C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), and -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2; each RJ is independently selected from:

(1) hydrogen,

(2) Ci_ ₆ alkyl,

(3) C3-6cycloalkyl,

(4) -C(O)Ri, and (5) -SC^RJ, wherein alkyl and cycloalkyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: -OH, oxo, halogen, C _1-6 alky!, -OC _1-6 alkyl, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), and -N(C _1-

6alkyl)2; each R ^f and Ri is independently selected from: (1) C _1-6 alkyl,

(2) C4-7cycloalkyl,

(3) C4-7cycloalkenyl,

(4) Cs.ycycloheteroalkyl,

(5) C _3-7 cycloheteroalkenyl, (6) aryl, and

(7) heteroaryl., wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, - NH2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO ₂ H, -CO ₂ C _1-6 alkyl, -C3- 7cycloalkyl, and heteroaryl;

Rk _; Rm and RV are each independently selected from

(1) -O-, and

(2) -NHs each R ⁿ is independently selected from: (1) hydrogen,

(2) -C _1-6 alkyi.

(3) aryl,

(4) -C(Rq) ₂ -OC(O)RS,

(5) -C(Rq) ₂ -O-C(O)ORS, and wherein alkyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w , and wherein R ^u and Ru together with the carbon they are attached to may form a C _3-7 cycIoalkyl

ring; each R° is independently selected from: the group consisting of

(1) hydrogen,

(2) -C _1-6 alkyl, (3) -CF ₃ ,

(4) -CHF ₂ ,

(5) -CH2F, and

(6) -CH2OH, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w ; each RP is independently selected from:

(1) aryl, and

(2) heteroaryl, wherein aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from RW; each Bα is independently selected from:

(1) hydrogen, and

(2) -C _1-6 alkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w ; each R ^s is independently selected from: -C _1-6 alkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w ; each R ^u is independently selected from:

(1) hydrogen, and

(2) -C _1-6 alkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w ; each R ^w is independently selected from:

(1) halogen,

(2) CN,

(3) -C _1-6 alkyl,

(4) -O-C _1-6 alkyl, (5) -O-CF3,

(6) -NH(C _1-6 aikyl),

(7) -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2,

(8) -S-C _1-6 alkyl,

(9) -CO ₂ C _1-6 alkyl, (10) -CONH(C i-ealkyl),

(11) -CON(C _1-6 alkyl)2, and

(12) phenyl,

wherein alkyl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from halogen and -C _1-6 alkyl; n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; m is O, 1, 2, 3 or 4; p is 0, 1, 2, or 3; q is O, 1, 2, 3 or 4; r is 0, 1 or 2; and w is O, 1, 2, 3 or 4.

In one embodiment of the present invention, X is selected from: -CH2-, -CHF-, -CF2-, - S-, -O-, -O-CH2-, -NH-, -C(O)-, -NHC(O)-, -C(O)NH-, -NHSO2-, -SO2NH-, and -CO2- wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: hydroxy, halogen, NH2, C _1-6 alkyl, CO2H, Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, COC _1-6 alkyl, phenyl and - CH2phenyl, and wherein each NH is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 substituent selected from: C _1-6 alkyl, CO2H, Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, COC _1-6 alkyl, phenyl and -CH2phenyl. In one embodiment of the present invention, X is selected from: -CH2-, -CHF-, -CF2-, -S-, -O-, -O- CH2-, -NH-, -C(O)-, -NHC(O)-, -C(O)NH-, -NHSO2-, -SO2NH-, and -CO2-.

In another class of this embodiment, X is selected from: -CH2-, -CF2-, -O-, and -C(O)-, wherein CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: hydroxy, halogen, NH2, C _1-6 alkyl, CO2H, Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, COC _1-6 alkyl, phenyl and -CH2phenyl. In another class of this embodiment, X is selected from: -CH2-, -CF2-, -O-, and -C(O)-.

In another class of this embodiment, X is selected from: -CF2-, -O- , and -C(O)-.

In another class of this embodiment, X is selected from: -CH2-, wherein CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: hydroxy, halogen, NH2, C _1- 6alkyl, CO2H, CO2C _1-6 aJkyl, C0C _1-6 alkyl, phenyl and -CH2phenyl. In another class of this embodiment, X is -CF2-- In another class of this embodiment, X is -0-. In another class of this embodiment, X is -C(O)-.

In another embodiment of the present invention, X is selected from: -CH2-, wherein CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: hydroxy, halogen, NH2, C _1-6 alkyl, CO2H, Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, C0C _1-6 alkyl, phenyl and -CH2phenyI. In another embodiment of the present invention, X is:-CHF. In another embodiment of the present invention, X is -CF2-. In another embodiment of the present invention, X is -S-. In another embodiment of the present invention, X is -O- . In another embodiment of the present invention, X is — O-CH2-, wherein CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: hydroxy, halogen, NH2, Ci^alkyl, CO2H, Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, C0C _1-6 alkyl, phenyl and - CH2phenyl. In another embodiment of the present invention, X is -NH-, wherein NH is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: C _1-6 alkyl, CO2H, CO2C1- 6alkyl, C0C _1-6 ^a lkyl, phenyl and -CH2ph.en.yl. In another embodiment of the present invention,

X is -C(O)-. In another embodiment of the present invention, X is -NHC(O)-, wherein NH is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: C _1-6 alkyl, CO2H, CO2C1- galkyl, COC _1- ^alkyl, phenyl and -CH2phenyl. In another embodiment of the present invention,

X is -C(O)NH-, wherein NH is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: C _1-6 alkyl, CO2H, Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, COC _1-6 alkyl, phenyl and -CH2phenyl. In another embodiment of the present invention, X is -NHSO2-, wherein NH is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: C _1-6 alkyl, CO2H, Cθ2Ci_όalkyl, -COC _1- ^alkyl, phenyl and -CH2phenyl. hi another embodiment of the present invention, X is -SO2NH-, wherein NH is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: C _1-6 alkyl, CO2H, CO2C1- 6 ^a ϊkyl _> -COC _1-6 alkyl, phenyl and -CH2phenyl. In another embodiment of the present invention, X is -CO2-.

In another embodiment of the present invention, Y is selected from: Cs-iocycloalkyl, C3. lOcycloalkenyl, C2-10 ^c y ^c l° ^nete roalkyl _? C2-lθcycloheteroalkenyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, wherein cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from Rb. In a class of this embodiment, Y is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from Rb. In another class of this embodiment, Y is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from Rb.

In a class of this embodiment, Y is selected from: aryl, and heteroaryl, wherein aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from Rb. In a subclass of this class, Y is selected from: aryl, and heteroaryl, wherein aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from Rb, In another subclass of this class, Y is selected from: aryl, and heteroaryl, wherein aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from Rb. In a subclass of this class, Y is selected from: phenyl, and pyridine, wherein Y is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from Rb. In a subclass of this subclass, Y is selected from: phenyl, and pyridine, wherein Y is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from Rb. In another subclass of this subclass, Y is selected from: phenyl, and pyridine, wherein Y is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from Rb. In another subclass of this subclass, Y is selected from: phenyl., and pyridine.

In another class of this embodiment, Y is aryl, wherein aryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from Rb. In a subclass of this class, Y is phenyl, wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from Rb. In another subclass of this class, Y is phenyl, wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from Rb. In another subclass of this class, Y is phenyl, wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from Rb. In another subclass of this class, Y is phenyl, wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 substituent selected from

Rb.

In another class of this embodiment, Y is heteroaryl, wherein heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from Rb. In a subclass of this class, Y is pyridine, whereinY is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from Rb. In another subclass of this class, Y is pyridine, whereinY is unsubstituted or substituted with I ₅ 2 or 3 substituents selected from Rb. In another subclass of this class, Y is pyridine, whereinY is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from Rb.

In another embodiment of the present invention, Y is -C3_iøcycloalkyl, wherein cycloalkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from Rb. In a class of this embodiment, Y is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from Rb, hi another class of this embodiment, Y is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from Rb. In another embodiment of the present invention, Y is -C 3- lOcycloalkenyl, wherein cycloalkenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from Rb. In a class of this embodiment, Y is unsubstituted or substituted with I ₅ 2 or 3 substituents selected from Rb. In another class of this embodiment, Y is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from Rb. In another embodiment of the present invention, Y is -C2~10 ^c y ^c l°heteroalkyl, wherein cycloheteroalkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from Rb. In a class of this embodiment, Y is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from Rb. In another class of this embodiment, Y is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from Rb. In another embodiment of the present invention, Y is -C2-10 ^c yck>heteroalkenyl, wherein cycloheteroalkenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from Rb. In a class of this embodiment, Y is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from Rb. In another class of this embodiment, Y is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from Rb. In another embodiment of this invention, Y is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 substituent selected from Rb. hi another embodiment of the present invention, Z is selected from: -(CH2)mP(O)(OH)2,

-(CH2)mP(0)H(0H), -<CH2)mP(0χC _1- 6alkyl)2, -(CH2)mP(0X0C _1- 6alkyl)2 - (CH2)mP(O)(OH)(Ci^alkyl), ~<CH2)mP(OXOH)(OC _1- 6alkyI), -(CH2) _m P(O)(C _{1- 6} aϊkyiχ0Cμ6aϊkyl), -(CH2)mP(O)(OH)(O-(CH ₂ )0-4-aryl), -(CH ₂ ) _m P(O)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ _

CO ₂ H) ₂ , -(CH2)mP(O)(NRgC(Rh)2C02C _1- 6aIkyl)2, -{CH2) _m P(O)(0H)(NRgC(Rh)2Cθ2H)2, -(CH ₂ ) _m P(O)(OH)(NRgC(Rh)2Cθ2C _1- 6alkyl) _J -(CH2)mP(O)(NRgC(Rh)2Cθ2Cμ6alkyl)(O- Ri), -(CH2)mP(0)(0C(Rh) ₂ 0C(0)Cμ6alkyl)2 _? -(CH2)mP(0X0H)(0C(Rh)20C(0)C _1- 6alkyl), -{CH2) _m P(O)(0H)(-0-(CH2)μ4-S(0)Cμ6alkyl)^(CH ₂ )mP(0)(-0-(CH2)l-4-S(0)C _{1- 6} alkyl)2, -(CH ₂ ) _m P(O)(OHχ-O-(CH2) 1-4-SC(O)C _1-6 alkyl), ^CH2) _m P(O)(-O-(CH ₂ )l-4" SC(O)C _1-6 alkyl)2, -(CH ₂ )mP(O)(-O-(CH ₂ ) 1-4-0), -(CH ₂ ) _W -P(O)(RV-Rn)Ro, -(CH ₂ )w~ P(O)(Rk-Rn)Rm-Rn ₅ and

provided that when R ^v is -O- or when Rk and R ^m are both -O-, then Rn attached to -O- is independently selected from -H, -C _1-6 alkyl, -C(Rq)2-OC(O)Rs, and -C(Rq)2~O-C(O)ORs, provided that when R ^v is -NH- or when Rk and Rm are both -NH-, then Rn attached to -NH- is independently selected from -H and -C(RU)2C(O)ORs, provided that when Rk is -O- and Rm is - NH-, then R ⁿ attached to -O- is independently selected from -H, -C _1-6 alkyl, aryl unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents selected from R ^w , and heteroaryl unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from R ^w , and Rn attached to -NH- is independently selected from -H and -C(Ru)2COORs, wherein Ru and Ru together with the carbon they are attached to may form a C _3-7 cycloalkyl ring, and wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from C _1-6 alkyl, -OH and -NH2, wherein each NH is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 substituent selected from R ^c , wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from R ^c . In another embodiment of the present invention, Z is selected from: -(CH2)mP(O)(OH)2,

-CCH ₂ ) _H1 P(O)H(OH), -(CH2)mP(O)(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -<CH2) _m P(O)(OC _1-6 alkyl)2 - (CH2)mP(O)(OH)(C _1-6 alkyl) ₅ ^CH2)mP(O)(OH)(OC _1-6 alkyl) _f -(CH2)mP(O)(C _1- 6alkyI)(OC _1-6 alkyl) _s -(CH2) _m P(O)(OH)(O-(CH ₂ )0-4-aryl), - (CH ₂ )mP(O)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ Cθ2H)2, ^CH2)mP(O)(NRgC(Rh)2CO ₂ Cμ6alkyl)2, - (CH2) _m P(O)(OH)(NRgC(Rh)2Cθ2H)2 _! -<CH2)mP(O)(OH)(NRgC(Rh)2CO2Ci^alkyI), - (CH2)mP(O)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ Cθ2Cμ6alkyl)(O-Ri), -(CH2)mP(O)(OC(Rh) ₂ OC(O)Cμ6alkyl)2, - (CH2)mP(0X0H)(0C(Rh)20C(0)Cμ6alkyl), ^(CH2)mP(0)(0H)(-0-(CH2)l-4-S(0)C _1-

₆ alkyl), -(CH2) _m P(0X-0-(CH ₂ )μ4-S(0)Cl.6alkyl)2 _! ^CH ₂ ) _m P(O)(-O-(CH2) 1-4-0), - (CH2)w-P(0)(R ^v Rn)R0, -(CH2) _W -P(O)(RkRn)RmRn _an d

provided that when Rv is -O- or when Rk and Rm are both -0-, then Rn attached to -O- is independently selected from -H, -C _1-6 alkyl, -C(Rq)2-0C(0)Rs, and -C(Rq)2-O-C(O)ORs, provided that when Rv is -NH- or when Rk and Rm are both -NH-, then Rn attached to -NH- is independently selected from -H and -C(Ru)2C(O)ORs, provided that when Rk is -O- and Rm is - NH-, then Rn attached to -O- is independently selected from -H, -C _1-6 alkyl, aryl unsubstituted or

substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from R ^w , and heteroaryl unsubstituled or substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituenls selected from R ^w , and R ⁿ attached to -NH- is independently selected from -H and -C(RU) ₂ COORS, and wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from Cj-galkyl, -OH and -NH2, wherein each NH is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 substituent selected from R ^c , wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from R ^c . In a class of this embodiment, Z is selected from: - P(O)(OH) ₂ , -P(O)H(OH), -P(O)(C _1-6 alkyI)2, -P(O)(OC i_ ₆ alkyl) ₂ -P(O)(OH)(C i_ ₆ alkyl), - P(0)(0H)(0C _1-6 alkyl), -P(O)(C _1-6 alkyl)(OC _1-6 alkyl), ~~P(0)(OH)(0-(CH ₂ )θ-4-aryl), - P(O)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ CO ₂ H) ₂ , -P(O)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ CO ₂ C i -6alkyl) _2j -

P(O)(OH)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ CO ₂ H) ₂ , -P(O)(OH)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ CO ₂ C _1-6 alkyl), - P(O)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ CO ₂ C i ^alkyl)(O-Ri), -P(O)(OC(Rh) ₂ OC(O)C i _-6 alkyl)2, - P(O)(OH)(OC(Rh)2OC(O)C _1- 6alkyl), -P(O)(OH)(-O-(CH2)M-S(O)C _1- 6alkyl), -P(OX-O- (CH2)l-4-S(O)Ci^alkyl)2, -P(OXOH)(-O-(CH2)l-4-SC(O)C _1-6 alkyl), -P(OX-O-(CH2)l^- SC(O)C i -6alkyl)2, -P(O)(-O-(CH ₂ ) i _4-0), -P(O)(RvRn)Ro, -P(O)(RkRn)RmRn, and

provided that when R ^v is -O- or when Rk and Rm are both -0-, then Rn attached to -O- is independently selected from -H, -C _1-6 alkyl, -C(Rq) ₂ -OC(O)RS ₅ and -C(Rq) ₂ -O-C(O)ORS, provided that when Rv is -NH- or when Rk and Rm are both -NH-, then Rn attached to -NH- is independently selected from -H and -C(RW) ₂ C(O)ORS ₅ provided that when Rk is -O- and Rm is - NH-, then Rn attached to -O- is independently selected from -H, -C _1-6 alkyl, aryl unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from R ^w , and heteroaryl unsubstituted or substituted with I ₅ 2 or 3 substituents selected from R ^w , and Rn attached to -NH- is independently selected from -H and ~C(R ^u ) ₂ C00R ^s , and wherein each CH ₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 subslituents selected from C _1- <$alkyl, -OH and -NH ₂ , wherein each NH is unsubslituted or substituted with 1 substituent selected from R ^c , wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from R ^c .

In another embodiment of the present invention, Z is selected from: -P(O)(OH) ₂ , - P(O)H(OH) ₃ -P(O)(Ci_ ₆ alkyl) ₂ , -P(O)(OC μ ₆ alkyl) ₂ -P(O)(OH)(C μ ₆ alkyl), -P(O)(OH)(OC _{1- 6} alkyϊ), -P(O)(C _1-6 alkyl)(OC _1-6 alkyl), -P(0)(OH)(0-(CH ₂ )θ-4-aryl), - P(O)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ CO ₂ H) ₂ , -P(O)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ CO ₂ C _1-6 alkyl)2, - P(O)(OH)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ CO ₂ H) ₂ , -P(O)(OH)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ CO ₂ C i-galkyl), - P(O)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ CO ₂ Ci -6alkyl)(0-Ri), -P(O)(OC(Rh) ₂ OC(O)C i -6alkyl) ₂ , -

P(0)(0HX0C(Rh)20C(0)C _1-6 aU£yl), -P(0χ0H)(-0-(CH2)l-4-S(0)C _1- 6alkyl), -P(OX-O- (CH2)l-4-S(O)C _1-6 alkyl)2, -P(OX-O-(CH2) 1-4-0), and

In another embodiment of the present invention, Z is selected from: -(CH2)mP(O)(OH) ₂ , -<CH2)mP(O)(OH)(C _1-6 alkyl) _; and ~(CH2)mP(O)(Cμ6alkyiχθCμ6alkyl), - (CH2) _m P(O)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ Cθ2Ci -6alkyl)2, and

wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from C _1- galkyl, -OH and -NH2, and wherein each alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from R ^c . In a class of this embodiment, Z is selected from: -P(O)(OH) ₂ , - P(O)(OH)(C _1-6 alkyl), and -P(O)(C _1-6 alkyl)(OC _1-6 alkyl), -P(O)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ CO ₂ C _1-6 alkyl) _2s and

In another class of this embodiment, Z is selected from: -P(O)(OH) ₂ , ~P(O)(OH)(CH3), -P(O)(CH3)(OCH2CH3), -P(O)(NHCH2CO2C _1-6 alkyl)2, and

In another class of this embodiment, Z is selected from: -P(0)(0H)2, -P(0)(0H)(CH3), -P(O)(CH3)(OCH2CH3) _; and

In another embodiment of the present invention, Z is selected from: -(CH ₂ )mP(O)(OH) ₂ ,

-(CH ₂ ) _m P(O)H(OH), -(CH2)mP(OXC _1- 6alkyl)2, "(CH ₂ ) _m P(O)(OC _1-6 alkyl) ₂ , - (CH2)mP(OXOH)(C _1- 6alkyl) _> -(CH2)mP(OXOH)(OC _1- 6a-kyl), -(CH2)mP(OXC _1-

6alkyl)(OCμ ₆ alkyl), -(CH ₂ ) _m P(O)(OH)(O-(CH2)0-4-aryl), - (CH2) _m P(O)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ Cθ2H)2, -(CH2) _m P(O)(NRgC(Rh)2CO ₂ Cμ6alkyl)2, - (CH2)mP(O)(OH)(NRgC(Rh) ₂ Cθ2H)2, -(CH2)mP(O)(OH)(NRgC(Rh)2Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl) _s -

(CH ₂ )mP(O)(NRgC(Rh)2Cθ2C _1- 6alkyI)(O-Ri), -(CH2)mP(O)(OC(Rh)2θC(O)C _1-6 alkyl)2, - (CH2)mP(O)(OH)(OC(Rh)2OC(O)C _1- 6alkyl), -(CH2)mP(O)(OH)(-O-(CH2)l-4-S(O)C _1- ealkyl), -<CH2) _m P(O)(-0-(CH2)l-4-S(O)C _1-6 alkyl)2, and -(CH2)mP(O)(-O-(CH ₂ ) 1-4-0), wherein each CH2 is unsubslituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from C _1- 6alkyl, -OH and -NH2, wherein each NH is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 substituent selected from R ^c , and wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from RC.

In another embodiment of the present invention, Z is selected from; -(CH2)mP(O)(OH)2, -(CH2) _m P(O)(OH)(C _1-6 alkyl), and -(CH2)mP(O)(C _1-6 alkyl)(OC _1-6 alkyl) _J wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from C _1-6 alkyl, -OH and -NH2, and wherein each alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from Rc. In a class of this embodiment, Z is selected from: -(CH2)mP(O)(OH)2, -

(CH2) _m P(O)(OH)(Ci -ealkyl), and-(CH2)mP(O)(C _1-6 alkyl)(OC _1-6 alkyl). In another class of this embodiment, Z is selected from: -P(O)(OH)2, -P(O)(OH)(C _1-6 alkyl), and -P(O)(C _1- 6alkyl)(OC _1-6 alkyl), wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from Rc. In another class of this embodiment, Z is selected from: -P(0)(0H)2, - P(O)(OH)(C _1-6 alkyl), and -P(O)(C μaalky I)(OC _1-6 alkyl). In yet another class of this embodiment, Z is selected from: -P(O)(OH) ₂ , -P(O)(OH)(CH3), and -P(O)(CHs)(OCH ₂ CHs). In another embodiment of the present invention, Z is -(CH ₂ ) _B iP(O)(OH) ₂ , wherein CH ₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from C _1-6 alkyl, -OH and -NH ₂ . In another embodiment of the present invention, Z is -(CH ₂ )mP(O)(OH) ₂ . In yet another embodiment of the present invention, Z is -P(O)(OH) ₂ .

In another embodiment of the present invention, each Rl and R^ is independently selected from: hydrogen, halogen, -CN, -CF3, -C _1-6 alkyl, -C _2-6 aIkenyl, -C _2-6 alkynyl _; - (CH ₂ )pC3-10cycloalkyl, -(CH ₂ )pC _3-7 cycloalkyl-aryl, -<CH ₂ )pC _3-7 cycloalkyl-heteroaryl, - (CH ₂ )pC4_iocycloalkenyl, -(CH2)pC4-7cycloalkenyl-aryl, -(CH ₂ )pC4_7cycloalkenyl- heteroaryl, -(CH ₂ )pC ₂ -10cycloheteroalkyl, -(CH ₂ )pC ₂ -10cycloheteroalkenyl, -(CH2)paryl, biphenyl, -{CH2)pheteroaryl, -C _2-6 ^a lkenyl~alkyl, -C2-6alkenyl-aryl, -C2-6alkenyl-heteroaryl, - C2-6aIkenyl-C _3-7 cycloalkyl ₎ -C2-6alkenyl-C _3-7 cycloalkenyl, -C2-6alkenyl-C2- 7cycloheteroalkyl, ■~C2-6alkenyl~C2-7cycloheteroalkenyl _f -C2-6alkynyl-(CH2)l-3-O-aryl _f -C ₂ - galkynyl-alkyl, -C ₂ --6alkynyl-aryl _J ™C2-6alkynyl-heteroaryl, -C _2-6 alkynyl-C _3-7 cycloalkyl, -C ₂ - 6alkynyl-C _3-7 cycloalkenyl, ™C _2-6 alkynyl-C ₂ -7cycloheteroalkyl, -C _2-6 alkynyl-C ₂ .

7cycloheteroalkenyl, and -C(0)NH-(CH ₂ )θ-3phenyl, wherein each CH ₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: halogen, CF3, -OH, -NH ₂ , -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-

6alkyl, ~~NHC _1-6 alkyl, and -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from: halogen, CF3, -OH ₅ -NH2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyL -NHC _1-6 alkyl, and-N(C _1-6 aIkyl)2, and wherein each cycloalkyl. cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, phenyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 subslituents selected from Ra, provided that at least one of and only one of Rl and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, halogen, -CN, -CF3, -C _1- galkyl, --C2-6 ^a lk ^en yl and-C2-6 ^a lkynyl _f and provided that if Rl or R2 is hydrogen, then at least one of R3 and R4 is not hydrogen. In a class of this embodiment, at least one of and only one of Rl and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, halogen, -CN, -CF3., and -C _1- galkyl. In another class of this embodiment, at least one of and only one of Rl and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, Cl, F, Br, CN ₅ CF3, and CH3. In another class of this embodimenl, at least one of and only one of Rl and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: halogen, -CN, -CF3, -C _1- όalkyl, -C2-6alkenyl and -C2-6alkynyL In another class of this embodiment, at least one of and only one of Rl and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: halogen. In another class of this embodiment, at least one of and only one of Rl and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: Cl and F.

In another embodiment of the present invention, each Rl and R2 is independently selected from: halogen, -CN, -CF3, -C _1- όalkyl, -C2-6alkenyI, -C2-6alkynyl, -(CH2)pC3- lOcycloalkyl, -{CH2)pC _3-7 cycloalkyl-aryI, -(CH2)pC _3-7 cycloalkyl-heteroaryl, -{CH2)pC4- locycloalkenyl, -(CH2)pC4_7cycIoalkenyl-aryl, -(CH2)pC4-7cycloalkenyl-heteroaryl, - (CH2)pC2-10 ^c y ^c l° ^fleter °alkyl, -(CH2)ρC2-10 ^c y ^c l°h ^eteiro alkenyl, -(CH2)paryl, biphenyl, - (CH2)pheteroaryl, -C2-6alkenyl-alkyl, -C2-6alkenyl-aryl, -C2-6^1kenyl-heteroaryI, -C2- 6alkenyl-C _3-7 cycloalkyl, -C2-6 ^a lk ^en yl~C _3-7 cycloalkenyl, -C2-6 ^a lk ^en yl"C2-7cycloheteroalkyl, - C2-6alkenyl-C2-7cycloheteroalkenyl, -C2-6allcynyl-(CH2)l-3-O-aryl, -C2-6alkynyI-alkyl, -C2- 6alkynyl-aiyl, -C2-6alkynyl~heteroaryl, -C2-6alkynyl~C _3-7 cycloalkyl, -C2-6alkynyl-C3-

7cycloalkenyl, -C2-6 ^a lkynyl-C2-7cycloheteroalkyl, -C2-6alkynyl-C2-7cycloheteroalkenyl, and - C(0)NH-(CH2)θ-3ph ^en yl, wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: halogen, CF3, -OH, -NH2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC 1 -galkyl, -NHC _1-6 alkyl, and — N(C _1-6 alkyI)2, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from: halogen, CF3, -OH, -NH2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OCl _-6 alkyl, -

NHC _1-6 alkyl, and ™N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, and wherein each cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, phenyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents independently selected from R ^a , provided that at least one of and only one of Rl and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: halogen, -CN, -CF3, -C _1-6 alkyl, ™C2-6 ^a lk ^en yl and- C2-6 ^a lkynyl- In a class of this embodiment, at least one of and only one of Rl and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: halogen. In another class of this embodiment, at least one of and only one of Rl and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: Cl and F.

In another embodiment of the present invention, each Rl and R2 is independently selected from: halogen, -aryl, biphenyl, -heteroaryl, and -C2alkynyl-aryl, wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: halogen, CF3, -OH, -NH2, - C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, -NHCμόalkyl, and -N(C _1-6 aIkyl)2, and wherein each phenyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents independently selected from R ^a , provided that at least one of and only one of Rl and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: halogen. In a class of this embodiment, each Rl and R2 is independently selected from: halogen, -aryl, biphenyl, -heteroaryl, and -C2alkynyl-aryl, wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: halogen, CF3, -OH, -NH2, - Cl -6alkyl, -OC 1 _-6 alkyl, -NHC 1 _-6 ^a lkyl, and -N(C 1 -6alkyl)2, and wherein each phenyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from Ra, provided that at least one of and only one of Rl and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: halogen. In another class of this embodiment, each Rl and R2 is independently selected from: Cl, F, phenyl, biphenyl, indole, -C2alkynyl-phenyl, wherein each phenyl and indole is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from R ^a , provided that at least one of and only one of Rl and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: Cl and F.

In another embodiment of the present invention, each Rl is selected from: ~{CH2)pC3_ løcycloalkyl, -(CH2)pC _3-7 cycloalkyl-aryl, -(CH2)pC _3- 7cycloalkyl-heteroaryl, -(CH2)pC4- lOcycloalkenyl, -(CH2)pC4-7cycloalkenyl-aryl, -(CH2)pC4-7cycloalkenyl-heteroaryl, - (CH2)pC2- 1 ocycloheteroalkyl, -(CH2)pC2- 1 ocycloheteroalkenyl, -(CH2)paryl, biphenyl, - (CH2)pheteroaryl, -C2-6alkenyl-alkyl, -C2-6alkenyl-aryl, -C2-6alkenyl-heteroaryl, -C-2- 6alkenyl-C _3-7 cycloalkyl, -C2-6alkenyl-C3.7cycloalken.yl, -C2-6alkenyl-C2-7cycloheteroalkyl, - C2-6alkenyl-C2-7cycloheteroalkenyl, -C2-6alkynyl-(CH2)l-3-O-aryl, -C2-6alkynyl-alkyl, -C2- galkynyl-aryl, -C2-6 ^a lky ⁿ yl- ^neteroa ryl _? -C2-6 ^a lkynyl-C _3-7 cycloalkyl, -C2-6 ^a lkynyl-C3_ 7cycloalkenyl, -C2-6alkynyl-C2-.7cycloheteroalkyl, -C2-6 ^a lkynyl-C2-7cycloheteroalkenyl, and - C(O)NH-(CH2)0~3 phenyl, wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: halogen, CF3, -OH, -NH2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OCj-galkyl, -NHC _1-6 alkyl, and -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from: halogen, CF3, -OH, -NH2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, - NHCi _~ 6 ^a Ikyl, and ~~N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, and wherein each cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, phenyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents independently selected from R ^a , and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, halogen, -CN, -CF3, -C _1-6 alkyl, -C2-6 ^a lkenyl and-C2-6 ^a U ^cvn yl _? provided that at least one of and only one of Rl and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, halogen, - CN, -CF3, -Ci -galkyl, -C2-6 ^a lkenyl and-~C2-6alkynyl, and provided that if R2 is hydrogen, then at least one of R^ and R4 is not hydrogen. In a class of this embodiment, R2 is selected from the group consisting of: halogen. In another class of this embodiment, R2 is selected from the group

consisting of: Cl and F.

In another embodiment of the present invention, each Rl is selected from: -(CH2)pC3- lOcycloalkyl, -(CH2)pC _3-7 cycloalkyl-aryl, -{CH2)pC _3-7 cycloalkyl-heteroaryl, -(CH2)pC4- lOcycloalkenyl, -(CH2)pC4_7cycloalkenyI-aryl, -(CH2)pC4-7cycloalkenyl-heteroaryl, - (CH2)pC2- 1 ocycloheteroalkyl, -(CH2)pC2- 1 ocycloheteroalkenyl, -(CH2)paryl, biphenyl, - (CH2)pheteroaryl, -C2-6aIkenyl-aIkyl, -C2-6 ^a lkenyl-aryl, -C2-6 ^a lkenyl -heteroaryl, ~~C2- 6alkenyl-C _3-7 cycloalkyl, -C2-6alkenyl-C _3-7 cycloalkenyl, -C2-6alkenyl-C2-7cycloheteroalkyl, - C2-6alkenyl-C2-7cycloheteroalkenyl, -C2-6alkynyl-(CH2)l-3-O-aryl, ~ ^» C2-6aIkynyl-alkyl, -C2- 6alkynyl-aryl, -C2-6alkynyl-heteroaryl, -C2-6alkynyl-C _3-7 cycloalkyl, -C2-6alkynyl-C3_ 7cycloalkenyl, -C2-6 ^a lkynyl-C2-7cycloheteroalkyl, -C2-6 ^a lkynyl-C2-7cycloheteroalkenyl, and - C(O)NH-(CH2)0-3P ^nen yl _> wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: halogen, CF3, -OH, -NH2, ~C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, -NHC _1-6 alkyl, and -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from: halogen, CF3, -OH, -NH2, ~C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, - NHC _1-6 alkyl, and -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, and wherein each cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, phenyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents independently selected from Ra, and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: halogen, -CN, -CF3, -C _1-6 alkyl, -C2-6alkenyl and-C2-6 ^a lkynyl, provided that at least one of and only one of Rl and R^ is selected from the group consisting of: halogen, -CN, -CF3, -C _1- 6 ^a lkyl -C2-6 ^a lkenyl and-C2-6alkynyl. In a class of this embodiment, R2 is selected from the group consisting of: halogen. In another class of this embodiment, R2 is selected from the group consisting of: Cl and F,

In another class of this embodiment, each Rl is independently selected from: -aryl, biphenyl, -heteroaryl, and -C2alkynyl-aryl, wherein each phenyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents independently selected from R ^a , and R2 is halogen. In a subclass of this class, R2 is independently selected from: Cl and F. In a subclass of this class, each Rl is independently selected from: -aryl, biphenyl, heteroaryl, and -C2alkynyl- aryl, wherein each phenyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents independently selected from R ^a , and R2 is halogen. In a subclass of this class, R2 is independently selected from: Cl and F. In a subclass of this class, each Rl is independently selected from: -aryl, biphenyl, heteroaryl, and -C2alkynyl-aryl, wherein each phenyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from R ^a , and R2 halogen. In a subclass of this class, R2 is independently selected from: Cl and F.

In another class of this embodiment, each Rl is selected from: phenyl, biphenyl, indole, and -C2alkynyl-ρhenyl, wherein each phenyl and indole is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2,

3 or 4 substituenls independently selected from R ^a , and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: Cl and F. In a subclass of this class, each Rl is selected from: phenyl, biphenyl, indole, -

C2alkynyl-phenyl, wherein each phenyl and indole is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents independently selected from R ^a , and R^ is selected from the group consisting of: Cl and F. In another subclass of this class, each Rl is independently selected from: phenyl, biphenyl, indole, ~C2alkynyl-phenyI, wherein each phenyl and indole is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from R ^a , and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: Cl and F. In another subclass of this class, each Rl is independently selected from: phenyl, biphenyl, indole, -C2alkynyl-phenyl, wherein each phenyl and indole is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from R ^a , and R2 is selected from the group consisting of: Cl and F. In another embodiment of the present invention, R2 is halogen. In a class of this embodiment, R2 is Cl or F. In another class of this embodiment, R2 is F. In another class of this embodiment, R2 is CL

In another embodiment of the present invention, R3 and R4 are each independently selected from: hydrogen, halogen, -C _1-6 alkyl, -C2-6alkenyl, -C2-6 ^a Ikynyl, ™C3_iocycloalkyl, - C3-.l()cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, -CN, -CF3, -OH, -OC _1-6 alkyl, -NH2, -NHC _1-6 alkyl, - N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -SC _1-6 alkyl, -SOCi^alkyl, -Sθ2Cμ6alkyl, -NHSO2C _1-6 alkyl, -NHC(O)C _1- 6alkyl, ~SO2NHC _1-6 alkyl, and -C(O)NHC i-galkyl In another embodiment of the present invention, R3 and R4 are each independently selected from: hydrogen, halogen, -C _1-6 alkyl, - CN, -CF3, -OH, -0C _1-6 alkyl _f -S0C _1-6 alkyl, and -SC^C _1-6 alkyl. In another embodiment of the present invention, R3 and R4 are each independently selected from: hydrogen, and halogen. In a class of this embodiment, R3 and R4 are each independently selected from: hydrogen, Cl, Br and F. In a subclass of this class, R3 and R4 are each independently selected from: hydrogen, and F. In another subclass of this class, R3 is selected from: hydrogen and F, and R4 is hydrogen. In another embodiment of the present invention, R3 is selected from: hydrogen, halogen, -C _1-6 alkyl, ~C2-6alkenyl, -C2-6alkynyl, -C3-iocycloalkyl, -C3-iocycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, -CN, -CF3, -OH, -0C _1-6 alkyl, -NH2, -NHC _1-6 alkyl, -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -SC _1-6 alkyl, -SOC _1-6 alkyl, -SO2C _1- 6alkyI, -NHSO2C _1-6 alkyl, -NHC(O)C i^alkyl, -Sθ2NHC _1-6 alkyl, and -C(O)NHC i-galkyl. In another embodiment of the present invention, R3 is selected from: hydrogen, halogen, -C _1-6 alkyl, -CN, -CF3, -OH, -0C _1-6 alkyl, -S0C _1-6 alkyI, and -SO2C1- ^alkyL In another embodiment of the present invention, R3 is selected from: hydrogen, and halogen. In a class of this embodiment, R3 is selected from: hydrogen, Cl _? Br and F. In a subclass of this class, R3 is selected from: hydrogen and F. In another subclass of this class, R3 is hydrogen. In another subclass of this class, R3 is F. In another embodiment of the present invention, R4 is selected from: hydrogen, halogen, -C _1-6 alkyl, -C2-6alkenyl, -C2-6alkynyl, - C3-iocycloalkyl, -C3-iocycloalkenyl _? aryl, heteroaryl, -CN, -CF3, -OH, -OCμ6alkyl _? -NH2, - NHC _1-6 alkyl, -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -SC _1-6 alkyl, -S0C _1-6 alkyl, -Sθ2C _1-6 alkyl, -NHSO2C _1-6 alkyl, -NHC(O)C 1 -ealkyl, -SO2NHC 1 -6alkyl, and -C(O)NHC 1 _-6 alkyl. In another embodiment of the

present invention, R4 is selected from: hydrogen, halogen, -C _1-6 alkyl, -CN, -CF3, -OH, -OC μ 6alkyl, -SOC _1-6 alkyl, and -SO ₂ C _1-6 alkyl. In another embodiment of the present invention, R4 is selected from: hydrogen, and halogen. In a class of this embodiment, R4 is selected from; hydrogen, Cl, Br and F. In a subclass of this class, R4 is selected from: hydrogen and F. hi another subclass of this class, R4 is hydrogen. In another subclass of this class, R4 is F.

In another embodiment of the present invention, R5 is selected from: hydrogen, -C _1- 6alkyl, -CH2CO2H, and -CH ₂ CO ₂ C _1-6 alkyl. In a class of this embodiment, R5 is hydrogen. In a class of this embodiment, R5 is -Q-^alkyl. In another class of this embodiment, R5 is - CH2CO2H. In another class of this embodiment, R5 is -CH2CO2C _1-6 alkyl. In another embodiment of the present invention, each Ra is independently selected from the group consisting of: halogen, oxo, -(CH2) _r OH, -(CH2) _r N(RJ)2, -(CH ₂ ) _m Nθ2, -(CH2) _r CN, - C _1-6 alkyl, -(CH2) _r CF3, -(CH2) _r OCF3, -OOH^OC _1- όalkyl, -OCH ₂ -aryl, -(CH ₂ ) _r C(=N- OH)N(RJ)2, -(CH2) _r OC _1-6 alkyl, -(CH2) _r O-aryl, -OCH2phenyl, -(CH ₂ ) _r SC _1-6 alkyl, - (CH2) _r S(O)C _1-6 alkyl _! -(CH ₂ ) _J -S(O) ₂ C _1- OaIlCyI, -(CH2) _m NHS(O)2C _1-6 alkyl, - (CH ₂ )mS(O)2N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -(CH ₂ ) _r C(O)R ^f HCH ₂ VC(O)N(Ri) ₂ , -(CH ₂ ) _r N(RJ)C(O)R ^f - (CH ₂ )mN(RJ)C(O)N(RJ)2, -(CH ₂ ) _r CO ₂ H, -(CH ₂ ) _r OC(O)H, -(C^) ₁ CO ₂ R ^f -(CH ₂ ) _r OC(O)R ^f , - (CH2) _r C _3-7 cycloalkyl, -(CH2) _r C _3-7 cycloalkenyl, -(CH2) _r C2-6cycloheteroalkyl, -(CH2) _r C2- gcycloheteroalkenyl, -(CH2) _r aryl, and -(CH2) _r ^neteroar ylj wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), - N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyI ₅ halogen, -CH ₂ F, -CHF ₂ , -CF3, -CO ₂ H, -CO ₂ Cμ galkyl, -C _3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl, CH2phenyl, heteroaryl and CH2heteroaryl, and wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, phenyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH ₂ , -NH(Cμ6alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2» - C _1-6 alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -Cθ2Cμ6alkyl, -C3. γcycloalkyl, phenyl, CH ₂ phenyl, heteroaryl and CH2heteroaryl. In a class of this embodiment, each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN ₃ - NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl) ₂ , -C _1-6 alkyl, -OCi^alkyl, halogen, -CH ₂ F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H and -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, and alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, phenyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl) ₂ , -C _1-6 alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH ₂ F, -CHF ₂ , -CF3, - CO2H, and -CO2C _1-6 alkyl.

In another embodiment of the present invention, each Ra is independently selected from the group consisting of: halogen, -C _1-6 alkyl, -(CH2) _r OC _1-6 alkyl, -(CH ₂ ) _r O-aryl, -(CH ₂ ) _r C3- 7cycloalkyl, -(CH ₂ ) _r C _2-6 cycloheteroalkyl, and ^» (CH ₂ ) _r aryl wherein CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH ₂ , -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), - N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH ₂ F, -CHF2, -CF3, -C02H, -CO ₂ Cμ 6alkyl, -C3 _^ 7cycloalkyl, phenyl, and CH ₂ phenyl, and wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl

and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, - CN ₅ -NH2 _> -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F _f -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -Cθ2Cμ6alkyl, -C _3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl, and CH2phenyl. In a class of this embodiment, CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: oxo, - OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(Ci -6alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyI)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, - CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, and -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, and alkyl., cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, - NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 aIkyl)2, -C _1-6 alky., -OCi^alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, - CO2H, and -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl. In another class of this embodiment of the present invention, each R ^a is independently selected from the group consisting of: halogen, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyL - O-aryl, -C3 ^cycloalkyl, -C2-6 ^c y ^c l°keteroalkyl, and -aryl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C _1-6 alky., -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -CO2C _1-6 alkyl, -C _3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl, and CH2phenyl. In a subclass of this class, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN ₅ -NH2, - NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, - CO2H, and -CO2C _1-6 aIkyl. In another class of this embodiment, each Ra is independently selected from the group consisting of: F, -CH3, -CH2CH3, -OCH3, -OCH2CH3, -O-aryl, - cyclohexyl, cyclopropyl, morpholine, pyrrolidine, and -phenyl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, aryl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1- 6alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, -Cs-γcycloalkyl, phenyl, and CH2phenyl. In a subclass of this class, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, aryl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, - NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, - CO2H, and -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl. In another class of this embodiment of the present invention, each Ra is independently selected from the group consisting of: -CH3, -OCH3, -O-aryl, -cyclohexyl, morpholine, pyrrolidine, and -phenyl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, aryl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, - CN, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, -C _3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl, and CH2phenyl. In a subclass of this class, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, aryl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituenls selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2 _> -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(Ci^alkyl)2, -C _1- βalkyl, -OC 1 -galkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3 , -CO2H, and -CO2C 1 ^alkyl.

In another embodiment of the present invention, each R ^a is independently selected from the group consisting of: -C _1-6 alkyl, -(CH2) _r OC _1-6 alkyl, -(CH2) _r O-aryl, -(CH2) _r C _3-7 cycloalkyl,

-(CH2) _r C2-6 ^c y ^c l° ^ne teroalkyl, and -(CH2) _r aryl, wherein CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: oxo, ~~OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(Ci _-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyI)2, -Cl- 6alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -CO2C _1-6 alkyI, -Cs-ycycloalkyl, phenyl, and CEtøphenyl, and wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, - NH(C _1-6 alkyϊ), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -Ci^alkyl, -0C. _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, - CO2H, -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, -C _3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl, and CH2phenyl. In a class of this embodiment, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, and -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl. In another class of this embodiment of the present invention, each R ^a is independently selected from the group consisting of: -C _1- .6alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, -O-aryl, -Cs.γcycloalkyl, -C2-6cycloheteroalkyl, and - aryl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, - Ci^alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, -C3- γcycloalkyl, phenyl, and CH2phenyl. In a subclass of this class, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -Ci^alkyl, -OC _1-6 aϊkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, and -CO2C _1-6 alkyl. In another class of this embodiment of the present invention, each R ^a is independently selected from the group consisting of: -CH3, -CH2CH3, -OCH3, -OCH2CH3, -O-aryl, -cyclohexyl, cyclopropyl, morpholine, pyrrolidine, and -phenyl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, phenyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyI, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, - CF3, -CO2H, -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, -C _3-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl, CH2phenyl. In a subclass of this class, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, phenyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, and -CO2C _1-6 alkyl. In another class of this embodiment of the present invention, each R ^a is independently selected from the group consisting of: -CH3, -OCH3, -O-aryl, -cyclohexyl, morpholine, pyrrolidine, and -phenyl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, aryl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, - C _1-6 alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -CO2C _1-6 alkyl, -C3- 7cycloalkyl, phenyl, and CH2phenyl. In a subclass of this class, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, aryl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 aJkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1- 6alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, and -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyϊ.

In another embodiment of the present invention, each Ra is independently selected from the group consisting of: -C _1- ^alkyl, -OCi -όalkyl, -C _3-7 cycloalkyl, -C2-6 ^c y ^c loheteroalkyl, and - aryl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN ₅ -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 aLkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, - Ci -όalkyl, -OCi -όalkyl, halogen _} -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3 , -CO2H, -CO2C 1 -όalkyl, -C3- γcycloalkyl, phenyl, and CH2phenyl. In a class of this embodiment, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(Q -όalkyl), -N(C _1- όalkyl)2, -Cl -όalkyl, -OC _1- όaϊkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, and -Cθ2Cμ6alkyl. In another class of this embodiment of the present invention, each R ^a is independently selected from the group consisting of: -Ci -όalkyl., -OC _1- όalkyl, -Cs-^cycloalkyl, -C2-6cycloheteroaikyl, and -phenyl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C _1- 6alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -CO2C1 -όalkyl, -C _3-7 cycloaikyl, phenyl, and CH2phenyl. In a subclass of this class, each R ^a is independently selected from the group consisting of: -Cj -όalkyl, -OCi -όalkyl, -C _3-7 cycloalkyl, -C2-6 ^c y ^c l°heteroalkyl, and - phenyl. In another class of this embodiment, each R ^a is independently selected from the group consisting of: -CH3, -CH2CH3, -OCH3, -OCH2CH3, -cyclohexyl, morpholine, pyrrolidine, and - phenyl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -NH(Ci -όalkyl), -N(C 1 -

6alkyl)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OCi -όalkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -CO2C1. όalkyl, -C3- 7cycloalkyl, phenyl, CH2phenyl. hi a subclass of this class, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, - CN, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, and -Cθ2C _1- όalkyl. In another class of this embodiment of the present invention, each R ^a is independently selected from the group consisting of: -CH3, -OCH3, -cyclohexyl, morpholine, pyrrolidine, and -phenyl. In another class of this embodiment of the present invention, each R ^a is independently selected from the group consisting of: -C _1-6 alkyl, - cyclohexyl, morpholine, pyrrolidine, and -phenyl. In a subclass of this class, each R ^a is independently selected from the group consisting of: -CH3 -cyclohexyl, morpholine, pyrrolidine and -phenyl.

In another embodiment of the present invention, each Rb is independently selected from: hydrogen, -C _1-6 alkyl, -C _3-6 cycloalkyl, -C3-6cycloalkenyl, -C2-6cycloheteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, halogen, -OH, -NO2, -NH2, -NH(Cj -galkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -0C _1-6 alkyl, - (CH2)qCO2H, -(CH2)qCO2C 1 _-6 alkyl, -CF3 , -CN ₅ -SO2C 1 _-6 alkyl, and -(CH2)qCON(Re)2, wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 halogens, and wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with

1, 2 or 3 halogens. In another embodiment of the present invention, each Rb is independently selected from: hydrogen, -C _1-6 alkyl, and -C3-6cycloalkyl, wherein each alkyl and cycloalkyl carbon is unsubstituted or substituted with I ₅ 2 or 3 halogens. In a class of this embodiment, each Rb is independently selected from: hydrogen, -CH3, and cyclopropyl, wherein each -CH3 and cyclopropyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 halogens. In another class of this embodiment, each Rb is independently selected from: hydrogen, and -C _1-6 alkyl, wherein each alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 halogens. In a subclass of this class, each Rb is independently selected from: hydrogen and -CH3, wherein each -CH3 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 halogens. In another embodiment of the present invention, each Rb is independently selected from: hydrogen, and -C _1-6 alkyl, wherein each alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 halogens. In a class of this embodiment of the present invention, each Rb is independently selected from: hydrogen, and -CH3, wherein each alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 halogens.

In another embodiment of the present invention, Rc is selected from: halogen, oxo, - (CH ₂ ) _r OH, -(CH ₂ ) _r N(Re) ₂ , -(CH2) _r CN, -C _1-6 alkyl, -CF3, -Ci^alkyl-OH, -OCH ₂ OC _1-6 alkyl, -(CH2) _r OC _1-6 alkyl, -OCH ₂ aryl, -(CH ₂ ) _r SC _1-6 alkyl, -(CH ₂ ) _r C(O)R ^f -(CH ₂ ) _r C(O)N(Re) ₂ , - (CH2) _r Cθ2H ₅ -(CH2) _r CO2R ^f , -(CH2) _r C _3-7 cycloalkyl, -(CH2) _r C2-όcycloheteroalkyl, - (CH2) _r aryl, and -(CH ₂ ) _r heteroaryl, wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -N(Rh) ₂ , -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -CO2C1 _-6 alkyl, -C _3-7 cycloalkyl and heteroaryl, and wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -N(Rh) ₂ , -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -CO ₂ C _1-6 alkyl, -C _3-7 cycloalkyl and heleroaryl. In a class of this embodiment, Rc is selected from: halogen, oxo, -(CH2) _r OH, -(CH ₂ ) _r N(Re) ₂ , -(CH2) _r CN, -C _1- galkyl, -CF3, -C _1-6 alkyl-OH, -OCH ₂ OC μόalkyl, -(CH ₂ ) _r OC _1-6 alkyl, -OCH ₂ aryl, -(CH ₂ ) _r SC _1- βalkyl, -(CH ₂ ) _r C(O)R ^f -(CH2) _r C(O)N(Re)2, ~(CH ₂ ) _r CO ₂ H ₅ -(CH ₂ ) _r CO ₂ R ^f -(CH ₂ ) _r C ₃ - γcycloalkyl, -(CH ₂ ) _r C _2-6 cycloheteroalkyl, -(CH2) _r aryl, and -(CH2) _r heteroaryl, wherein each CH2 is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH ₅ -CN ₅ - N(Rh) ₂ , -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF ₂ , -CF3, -C02H, and -CO ₂ C _1-6 alkyl, and wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo ₅ -OH, -CN, -N(Rh) ₂ , -C _1-6 alkyl, - OC _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH ₂ F, -CHF ₂ , -CF3, -CO ₂ H, and -CO ₂ C _1-6 alkyl. In another class of this embodiment, Re is selected from: halogen, oxo, -OH, -N(Re) ₂ , -CN, -C _1-6 alkyl, -CF3, -C _1- 6alkyl-OH ₅ -OCH ₂ OC _1-6 alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, -OCH ₂ aryl, -SC _1-6 alkyl, -C(O)R ^f -C(O)N(Re) ₂ , -CO2H, -CO ₂ R ^f , -C _3-7 cycloalkyl, -C _2-6 cycloheteroalkyl, -aryl, and -heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -N(Rh) ₂ , -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH ₂ F,

-CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -CO ₂ C _1-6 alkyl, and -C _3-7 cycloalkyl. In another class of this embodiment, Re is selected from: halogen, oxo, -OH, -N(Re) ₂ , -CN, -C _1-6 alkyl, -CF3, -Cj. 6alkyl-0H, -OCH ₂ OC _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1- όalkyl, -OCH ₂ aryl, -SC]-6alkyl, -C(O)R ^f -C(O)N(Re) ₂ , -CO2H, -CO ₂ R ^f , -C _3-7 cycloalkyl, -C _2-6 cycloheteroalkyl, -aryl, and -heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -N(Rh) ₂ , -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH ₂ F, -CHF ₂ , -CF3, -CO ₂ H and -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl. In another class of this embodiment, R ^c is halogen, hi another class of this embodiment, R ^c is -C _1-6 alkyl.

In another embodiment of the present invention, each Rd is independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, -NH ₂ , -NH(C 1 _-6 alkyl), -N(C 1 -6alkyl) ₂ , -C 1 ~6alkyl, -Cl- 6alkyl-OH ₅ -(CH ₂ ) _r C _3-7 cycloalkyl, -(CH2) _r C2-6cycloheteroalkyl, -(CH ₂ ) _r aryl, and - (CH ₂ ) _r heteroaryl, wherein each CH ₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from -OH, -NH ₂ , -C _1-6 alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CO ₂ H, and -CO ₂ C _1-6 alkyl, and wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from -OH, -NH ₂ , -Cj.galkyl, -OCj-galkyl, halogen, - CO ₂ H, and -CO ₂ C _1-6 alkyl. In a class of this embodiment, each Rd is independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, -NH ₂ , -NH(C] -galkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl) ₂ , -C _1-6 alkyl, - Cj-galkyl-OH, -C _3-7 cycloalkyl, -C _2-6 cycloheteroalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from -OH, -NH ₂ , -C _1-6 alkyl, -0C]-6alkyl, halogen, -CO ₂ H ₅ and -CO ₂ C _1- galkyl. In another class of this embodiment, each Rd is independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, -NH ₂ , -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C]-6aIkyl, -C _1-6 alkyl-OH, - C _3-7 cycloalkyl, and -C _2-6 cycloheteroallcyl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, and cycloheteroalkyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from -OH, -NH ₂ , -Cj-galkyl, - 0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CO ₂ H ₅ and -CO ₂ C _1-6 alkyl. In another class of this embodiment, each Rd is independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, -NH ₂ , -NH(C]-6alkyl), - N(C] _-6 alkyl)2, -C]-6alkyl, -C _1-6 alkyl-0H, -C _3-7 cycloalkyl, and -C _2-6 cycloheteroalkyl, In another class of this embodiment, each Rd is independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, -NH ₂ , -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -C _1-6 alkyl, and -C] _-6 alkyl-OH. In another embodiment of the present invention, each Re, Rg and Rh is independently selected from: hydrogen, and C]-6alkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: -OH ₅ oxo, halogen, C] _-6 alkyl, -0C] _-6 alkyl, -NH ₂ , -NH(C]. βalkyl), and -N(Cμ6alkyl) ₂ . In a class of this embodiment, each R ^e , Rg and Rh is independently selected from: hydrogen, and C _1-6 alkyl. In a class of this embodiment, each Re is independently selected from: hydrogen, and C _1-6 alkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: -OH, oxo, halogen, C _1-6 alkyl, -0C] _-6 alkyl, -NH ₂ , -NH(C]- galkyl), and -N(C _1-6 alkyl) ₂ . In a class of this embodiment, each R ^e is independently selected

from: hydrogen, and C _1-6 alkyl. In another class of this embodiment, each Rg is independently selected from: hydrogen, and C _1-6 alkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: -OH, oxo, halogen, C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, -NH2, -NH(C _1- galkyl), and -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2. In a class of this embodiment, each Rg is independently selected from: hydrogen, and Cj.galkyl. In another class of this embodiment, each Rh is independently selected from: hydrogen, and C _1-6 alkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: -OH, oxo, halogen, Cj-galkyL -OC _1-6 alkyl, -NH2, -NH(C μ 6alkyl), and -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2. In a class of this embodiment, each Rh is independently selected from: hydrogen, and C _1-6 alkyl. In another embodiment of the present invention, each RJ is independently selected from: hydrogen, -C _1-6 alkyl, -Cs-όcycloalkyl, -C(O)Ri and -S02Rϊ, wherein alkyl and cycloalkyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: -OH ₅ . oxo, halogen, C _1- 6alkyl, -OC _1- ^alkyL -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), and -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2- IB a class of this embodiment, each Rj is independently selected from: hydrogen, -Ci~6alkyl and -C3-6 ^c y ^c loaIkyl, wherein alkyl and cycloalkyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents selected from: -OH, oxo, halogen, C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), and -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2. In another class of this embodiment, each RJ is independently selected from: hydrogen, -CH3 and cyclopropyl, wherein -CH3 and cyclopropyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from: -OH, oxo, halogen, C _1- ^alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, -NH2, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), and -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2. In another class of this embodiment, each RJ is independently selected from: hydrogen and C _1-6 alkyl.

In another embodiment of the present invention, each R ^f and Rϊ is independently selected from: C _1-6 alkyl, C4_7cycloalkyl, C^γcycloalkenyl, C3 ^cycloheteroalkyl, C3- 7cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 _S 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1- <$alkyl, halogen, - CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, -C _3-7 cycloalkyl, and heteroaryl. In a class of this embodiment, each R ^f and Ri is independently selected from: C _1-6 alkyl, C4-7cycloalkyl, C4- 7cycloalkenyl, C _3-7 cycloheteroalkyl, C _3-7 cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, - Cμsalkyl, -OCl-όalkyi, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, and -Cθ2CμόalkyL In a class of this embodiment, each R ^f is independently selected from: Cj-^alkyl, C4-7cycloalkyl, C4- 7cycloalkenyl, C _3-7 cycloheteroalkyl, C _3-7 cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, - C _1-6 alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, and -CO2C _1-6 alkyl. In a

subclass of this class, each R ^f is independently selected from: C _1-6 alkyl, C4-7cycloalkyl, C4- γcycloalkenyl, C _3-7 cycloheteroalkyl, C _3-7 cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstϊtuted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, - C _1-6 alkyl, -OC _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3 _S -CO2H, and -CCtøC _1-6 aJkyl. In another subclass of this class, each R ^f is independently selected from: C _1- ^alkyl, and C3- γcycloheteroalkyl, wherein alkyl, and cycloheteroalkyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH ₅ -CN, -NH2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -OCμ^alkyl, halogen, - CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, and -Cs-γcycloalkyl. In a subclass of this subclass, each R ^f is independently selected from: C _1-6 alkyl, and piperidine, wherein alkyl, and piperidine are unsubstituted or substituted with I ₅ 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -Cl-όalkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, and -CO2C1- 6alkyl. In another subclass of this subclass, each R ^f is independently selected from: CH3 and piperidine. In another class of this embodiment, Ri is independently selected from: C _1-6 alkyl, C4-7cycloalkyl, C4_7cycloalkenyl, C _3-7 cycloheteroalkyl, C _3-7 cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl, cycloheteroalkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2 _> -C _1-6 alkyl, -OCi^alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -CC^C _1-6 alkyl, - C _3-7 cycloalkyl, and heteroaryl. In a subclass of this class, Ri is independently selected from: C _1-6 alkyl, and aryl, wherein alkyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -C _1-6 alkyl, -0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, - CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, -CO2C _1-6 alkyl, and -C _3-7 cycloalkyl. In a subclass of this subclass, Ri is independently selected from: C _1-6 alkyl, and phenyl, wherein alkyl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 substituents selected from: oxo, -OH, -CN, -NH2, -C _1-6 alkyl, - 0C _1-6 alkyl, halogen, -CH2F, -CHF2, -CF3, -CO2H, and -CO2C1 _-6 alkyl.

In another embodiment of the present invention, Rk, Rm and R ^v are each independently selected from: -0-, and -NH-. In a class of this embodiment, Rk is -0-. In another class of this embodiment, Rk is -NH-. In another class of this embodiment, R ^m is -0-. In another class of this embodiment, Rm is -NH-. In another class of this embodiment, R ^v is -0-. In another class of this embodiment, Rv is -NH-. In another embodiment of the present invention, Rk and Rm are each independently selected from -0-, and -NH-. In another embodiment of the present invention, Rk and Rm are -O- .

In another embodiment of the present invention, each R ⁿ is independently selected from: hydrogen, -C _1-6 alkyl, aryl, -C(Rq)2-OC(O)Rs, -C(Rq)2-O-C(O)ORs, and -C(Ru) ₂ C(O)ORs, wherein alkyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w , and wherein R ^u and R ^u together with the carbon they are attached to may form a C _3-7 cycloalkyl ring. In a class of this embodiment, each R ⁿ is independently selected from: hydrogen, -Cj.

ealkyl, aryl, -C(Rq)2-OC(O)Rs, -C(Rq)2-O-C(O)ORs, and -C(Ru) ₂ C(O)ORS, wherein alkyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w . In another class of this embodiment, each R ⁿ is independently selected from: hydrogen, -C _1-6 alkyl, and aryl, wherein alkyl and aryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w . In a subclass of this class, each R ⁿ is hydrogen. In another subclass of this class, each Rn is -C _1- galkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w . In another subclass of this class, each Rn is aryl, wherein aryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w . In another class of this embodiment, each R ⁿ is independently selected from: -C(Rq) ₂ -OC(O)Rs, -C(Rq) ₂ -O-C(O)ORs, and -C(Ru) ₂ C(O)ORs. In a subclass of this class, each R ⁿ is -C(Rq) ₂ -OC(O)Rs. In another subclass of this class, each Rn is C(Rq) ₂ -O-C(O)ORs. I _{n ye} t another subclass of this class, each Rn is -C(Ru) ₂ C(O)ORs.

In another embodiment of the present invention, each R° is independently selected from: the group consisting of hydrogen, -C _1-6 alkyl, -CF3, -CHF ₂ , -CH ₂ F, and -CH ₂ OH, wherein alkyl is unsubslituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w . In a class of this embodiment, each R° is independently selected from: the group consisting of hydrogen, -C _1- 6alkyl, and -CF3, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w . In another class of this embodiment, each Ro is independently selected from: the group consisting of hydrogen, and -C _1-6 alkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with

1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w . In another class of this embodiment, each Ro is hydrogen. In another class of this embodiment, each R° is -Q-galkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w . In another class of this embodiment, each Ro is -C _1-6 alkyl.

In another embodiment of the present invention, each RP is independently selected from: aryl, and heteroaryl, wherein aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents selected from R ^w . In another embodiment of the present invention, each RP is independently selected from: phenyl and pyridine, wherein phenyl and pyridine are unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from R ^w . In another embodiment of the present invention, RP is aryl, wherein aryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents selected from R ^w . In another embodiment of the present invention, RP is heteroaryl, wherein heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from R ^w .

In another embodiment of the present invention, each Rq is independently selected from: hydrogen, and -C _1-6 alkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from RW. In a class of this embodiment, Rq is hydrogen. In another class of this embodiment, Rq is -C _1-6 alkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w .

In another embodiment of the present invention, each R ^s is independently selected from: - C _1- ^alkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituenls selected from

R ^w . In a class of this embodiment, each R ^s is independently selected from: -C _1- όalkyl.

In another embodiment of the present invention, each R ^u is independently selected from: hydrogen, and -C _1-6 alkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w . In one class of this embodiment, R ^u is hydrogen. In another class of this embodiment, R ^u is -C _1-6 alkyl, wherein alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from R ^w .

In another embodiment of the present invention, each Rw is independently selected from: halogen, CN, -C _1-6 alkyl, -O-C _1-6 alkyl, -O-CF3, -NH(Cμ6alkyl), -N(Cμ6alkyI)2, -S-C _1-6 aϊkyl, -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, -CONH(C i-galkyl), -CON(C _1-6 alkyl)2, and phenyl, wherein alkyl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from halogen and -C _1-6 alkyl. ^m a class of this embodiment, R ^w is independently selected from: halogen, CN, -C _1-6 alkyl, -O-Ci_ 6alkyl, -O-CF3, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -S-C _1-6 alkyl, -Cθ2C _1-6 alkyl, -CONH(C _1- βalkyl), and -CON(Ci -6alkyl)2, wherein alkyl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from halogen and -C _1-6 alkyl. LQ another class of this embodiment, R ^w is independently selected from: halogen, CN, -C _1-6 alkyl, -O-C _1-6 alkyl, -O-CF3, -NH(C _1- 6alkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, and -S-C _1-6 alkyl. In another class of this embodiment, Rw is independently selected from: halogen, CN, -C _1- ^alkyl, -O-C _1-6 alkyl, and -O-CF3. In another embodiment of the present invention, each R ^w is independently selected from: halogen, CN, - C _1-6 alkyl, -O-C _1-6 alkyl, -O-CF3, -NHCd-galkyl), -N(C _1-6 alkyl)2, -S-C _1-6 alkyl, -CO2CI- 6alkyl, -CONH(C i-galkyl), and -CON(C _1-6 alkyl)2, wherein alkyl and phenyl are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from halogen and -C _1-6 alkyl. In a class of this embodiment, each Rw is independently selected from: halogen, CN, -C _1-6 alkyl, -O-C _1-6 alkyl, - O-CF3, -NH(C _1-6 alkyl), -N(C _1-6 aIkyl)2, and -S-C _1-6 alkyl. In another class of this embodiment, each R ^w is independently selected from: halogen, CN, and -C _1- ^alkyl. In another embodiment of the present invention, R ^w is halogen. In a class of this embodiment, Rw is Cl.

In another embodiment of the present invention, n is O, 1, 2, 3 or 4. In a class of this embodiment, n is 1, 2 or 3. In another class of this embodiment, n is O, 1 or 2. hi another class of this embodiment, n is 0. In another class of this embodiment, n is 1. In another class of this embodiment, n is 2. In another embodiment of the present invention, m is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4. In a class of this embodiment, m is 1, 2 or 3. In another class of this embodiment, m is 0, 1 or 2. In another class of this embodiment, m is 0 or L In another class of this embodiment, m is 0. In another class of this embodiment, m is 1. In another embodiment of the present invention, p is 0, 1, 2 or 3. In a class of this embodiment, p is 1, 2 or 3. In another class of this embodiment, p is 0, 1 or 2. In another class of this embodiment, p is 0 or 2. In another class of this embodiment, p is 0. In another class of this embodiment, p is 1. In another class of this embodiment, p is 2. In another embodiment of the present invention, q is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4. In a class of this embodiment, q is 1, 2 or 3. In another class of this embodiment, q is 0, 1 or 2. In another class of this

embodiment, q is 1 or 2, In another class of this embodiment, q is 0. In another class of this embodiment, q is 1. In another class of this embodiment, q is 2. In another embodiment of the present invention, r is O ₅ 1 or 2. In a class of this embodiment, r is 0 or 1. In another class of this embodiment, r is 0. In another class of this embodiment, r is 1. In another class of this embodiment, r is 2. In another embodiment of the present invention, s is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4. In a class of this embodiment, s is 0, 1, 2 or 3. In a class of this embodiment, s is 0, 1 or 2. In another class of this embodiment, s is 0 or 1. In another class of this embodiment, s is 1 or 2. In another class of this embodiment, s is 0 or 2. In another class of this embodiment, s is 0. In another class of this embodiment, s is 1. In another class of this embodiment, s is 2. In another class of this embodiment, s is 3. In another embodiment of the present invention, w is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4. In a class of this embodiment, w is 0, 1, 2 or 3. In a class of this embodiment, w is 0, 1 or 2. In another class of this embodiment, w is 0 or 1. In another class of this embodiment, w is 1 or 2. In another class of this embodiment, w is 0 or 2. In another class of this embodiment, w is 0. In another class of this embodiment, w is 1. In another class of this embodiment, w is 2. In another class of this embodiment, w is 3.

The compound of structural formula I includes the compounds of structural formulas Ia,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates and solvates thereof.

Illustrative, but non-limiting, examples of the compounds of the present invention that are useful as activators of AMP-protein kinase are the following benzimidazoles.

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

"Alkyl", as well as other groups having the prefix "alk", such as alkoxy, alkanoyl, means carbon chains of up to 10 carbons which may be linear or branched or combinations thereof. Examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec- and tert- butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, and the like.

"Alkenyl" means carbon chains up to 10 carbons which contain at least one carbon- carbon double bond, and which may be linear or branched or combinations thereof. Examples of alkenyl include vinyl, allyl, isopropenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-butenyl, 2- methyl-2-butenyl, and the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, alkenyl is vinyl. "Alkynyl" means carbon chains up to 10 carbons which contain at least one carbon- carbon triple bond, and which may be linear or branched or combinations thereof. Examples of alkynyl include ethynyl, propargyl, 3 -methyl- 1-ρentynyϊ, 2-heρtynyl and the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, alkynyl is ethynyl.

"Cycloalkyl" means mono- or bicyclic or bridged saturated carbocyclic rings, each having from 3 to 14 carbon atoms. Examples of cycloalkyl include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, and decahydronaphthyl, and the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, cycloalkyl is selected from cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl. In another embodiment of the present invention, cycloalkyl is selected from cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl. "Cycloalkenyl" means nonaromatic, mono- or bicyclic or bridged carbocyclic rings, each having from 3 to 14 carbon atoms and containing at least one double bond. Examples of cycloalkyl include cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, cyclooxtenyl, decahydronaphthyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-yl, and the like.

"Cycloheteroalkyl" means nonaromatic, mono- or bicyclic or bridged saturated carbocyclic rings, each having from 2 to 14 carbon atoms and containing 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 heteroatoms selected from N, NH, O and S. Examples of cycloheteroalkyl include tetrahydrofuranyl, azetidinyl, perhydroazepinyl, dihydrofuranyl, dioxanyl, oxanyl, morpholinyl, 1 _s 4-dithianyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, 1,3-dioxolanyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, pyrrolinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dihydropyranyl, oxathiolanyl, dithiolanyl, 1 ,3-dithianyl, oxathianyl, thiomorpholinyl, dioxidoisothiazolidinyl, azacycloheptyl, diazobicyclo[3.2.1]-octane, and hexahydroindazolyl. The cycloheteroalkyl ring may be substituted on the ring carbons and/or the ring nitrogens. In one embodiment of the present invention, cycloheteroalkyl is selected from piperidine, pyrrolidine, oxazolidine, l,3-oxazolidine-2,4-dione, thiazolidine, 1,3- thiazolidine-2,4-dione, imidazolidine, and hydantoin, and the like. In another embodiment of the present invention cycloheteroalkyl is selected from: morphoϊine, pyrrolidine, piperazine, and piperidine.

"Cycloheteroalkenyl" means nonaromatic mono- or bicyclic or bridged rings each having from 2 to 14 carbon atoms containing at least one double bond and containing 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 heteroatoms selected from N, NH, O and S. Examples of cycloheteroalkenyl include 1,2,4- oxadiazol-5-one, l,2,4-thiadiazol-5-one, l,2,4-triazol-3-one, and 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, dihydro-l,3,4-oxadiazole, and [1 ,6]~dihydropyridine and the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, cycloheteroalkenyl is dihydro-l,3,4-oxadiazole. In another embodiment of the

present invention, cycloheteroalkenyl is [l,6]-dihydroρyridine.

"Aryl" means a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic ring system containing 5-14 carbon atoms, wherein at least one of the rings is aromatic. Aryl thus includes ring systems in which an aromatic ring is fused to a non-aromatic ring, such as a cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl ring. Examples of aryl include phenyl, naphthalene, biphenyl, indane and 5,6,7,8- tetrahydronaphthalene, and the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, aryl is phenyl, naphthalene, biphenyl, indane, and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalene. In another embodiment of the present invention, aryl is phenyl, naphthalene, indane and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalene. In one class of this embodiment, aryl is phenyl and naphthalene. In another class of this embodiment, aryl is phenyl. In another class of this embodiment, aryl is naphthalene.

"Heteroaryl" means a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic ring system containing 5-14 carbon atoms and containing I ₅ 2, 3, 4 or 5 heteroatoms selected from N, NH, O and S wherein at least one of the heteroatom containing rings is aromatic. Heteroaryl thus includes ring systems in which an aromatic heteroatom containing ring is fused to a non-aromatic ring, such as a cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloheteroalkyl or cycloheteroalkenyl ring, and also includes ring systems in which an aryl ring is fused to a non-aromatic heteroatom containing ring, such as acycloheteroalkyl or cycloheteroalkenyl ring. Examples of heteroaryls include: pyrazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, thiazole, thiophene, benzoimidazole, quinoline, isoquinoline, indole, indazole, carbazole, benzotriazole, benzofuran, benzothiazole, benzothiophene, benzoisooxazole, oxazole, furan, benzoxazole, isoxazole, indoline, isoindoline, tetrazole, imidazole, oxadiazole, thiadiazole, triazole, benzothiazole, bernzopyrazole, imidazopyridine, benzodioxole, dihydropyridine, dihydropyrrolopyridine, dihydrobenzooxazine, benzodioxole, benzodioxine, pyrrolopyridine, triazolopyridine, dihydropyridooxazine, dihydrobenzoxazine, dihydroindole, dihydroisoindole, dihydrobenzoimidazole, dihydroquinoline, tetrahydroisoquinoline, tetrahydrocyclopentaindole, tetrahydroquinoxaline, and tetrahydropyridine. In one embodiment of the present invention, heteroaryl is selected from: imidazole, pyrazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, thiazole, thiophene, benzoimidazole, quinoline, isoquinoline, indole, indazole, carbazole, benzotriazole, benzofuran, benzothiazole, benzo[b]thioρhene, benzo[d]isooxazole, 3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[l,4]oxazine, benzo[l,3]dioxole ₅ benzo[l,4]dioxine, lH-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine, 1,6-dihydro-ρyridine, [l,2,4]triazolo[4,3- a]pyridine, 3,4 dihydropyrido [3,2-b][l,4]oxazine, 3,4-dihydro-2H-l,4-benzoxazine, 2,3-dihydro- lH-indole, 2,3-dihydro-lH-isoindole, 2,3 -dihydrobenzoimidazole, 1 ,2-dihydroquinoline, 1,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline, 1,2 ,3 ,4-tetrahydrocyclopenta[b] indole, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxaline, and 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. In another embodiment of the present invention, heteroaryl is tetrazole. In another embodiment, heteroaryl is selected from: pyrazole, pyridine, pyrimidine, isoxazole, imidazole, oxazole, triazole, tetrazole, oxadiazole, thiazole, thiadiazole, and benzoxazole.

"Halogen" includes fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. In one embodiment of the present invention, halogen is selected from fluorine, chlorine, and bromine.

When any variable (e.g., Rl, Rd, etc.) occurs more than one time in any constituent or in formula I, its definition on each occurrence is independent of its definition at every other occurrence. Also, combinations of substituents and/or variables are permissible only if such combinations result in stable compounds. A squiggly line across a bond in a substituent variable represents the point of attachment.

Under standard nomenclature used throughout this disclosure, the terminal portion of the designated side chain is described first, followed by the adjacent functionality toward the point of attachment. For example, a C _1- 5 alkylcarbonylamino Cl -6 alkyl substituent is equivalent to:

O

C _1-5 alkyl - C-NH-C _1-6 alkyl-

In choosing compounds of the present invention, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the various substituents, i.e. Rl, R^, etc., are to be chosen in conformity with well- known principles of chemical structure connectivity and stability. The term "substituted" shall be deemed to include multiple degrees of substitution by a named substitutent. Where multiple substituent moieties are disclosed or claimed, the substituted compound can be independently substituted by one or more of the disclosed or claimed substituent moieties, singly or plurally. By independently substituted, it is meant that the (two or more) substituents can be the same or different. Compounds of Formula I may contain one or more asymmetric centers and can thus occur as racemates and racemic mixtures, single enantiomers, diastereomeric mixtures and individual diastereomers. The present invention is meant to comprehend all such isomeric forms of the compounds of Formula I.

Some of the compounds described herein contain olefinic double bonds, and unless specified otherwise, are meant to include both E and Z geometric isomers.

Tautomers are defined as compounds that undergo rapid proton shifts from one atom of the compound to another atom of the compound. Some of the compounds described herein may exist as tautomers with different points of attachment of hydrogen. Such an example may be a ketone and its enol form known as keto-enol tautomers. The individual tautomers as well as mixture thereof are encompassed with compounds of Formula I.

Compounds of the Formula I may be separated into diastereoisorneric pairs of enantiomers by, for example, fractional crystallization from a suitable solvent, for example MeOH or ethyl acetate or a mixture thereof. The pair of enantiomers thus obtained may be separated into individual stereoisomers by conventional means, for example by the use of an optically active amine as a resolving agent or on a chiral HPLC column.

Alternatively, any enantiomer of a compound of the general Formula I may be obtained

by stereo specific synthesis using optically pure starling materials or reagents of known configuration.

Furthermore, some of the crystalline forms for compounds of the present invention may exist as polymorphs and as such are intended to be included in the present invention. In addition, some of the compounds of the instant invention may form solvates with water or common organic solvents. Such solvates are encompassed within the scope of this invention.

It is generally preferable to administer compounds of the present invention as enantiomerically pure formulations. Racemic mixtures can be separated into their individual enantiomers by any of a number of conventional methods. These include chiral chromatography, derivatization with a chiral auxiliary followed by separation by chromatography or crystallization, and fractional crystallization of diastereomeric salts.

The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salts" refers to salts prepared from pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic bases or acids including inorganic or organic bases and inorganic or organic acids. Salts derived from inorganic bases include aluminum, ammonium, calcium, copper, ferric, ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganic salts, manganous, potassium, sodium, zinc, and the like. Particularly preferred are the ammonium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium salts. Salts derived from pharmaceutically acceptable organic non-toxic bases include salts of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally occurring substituted amines, cyclic amines, and basic ion exchange resins, such as arginine, betaine, caffeine, choline, N,N'-dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine, 2- diethylaminoethanol, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-ethyl- morpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamine, glucosamine, histidine, hydrabamϊne, isopropylamine, lysine, methylglucamine, morpholine, piperazine, piperidine, polyamine resins, procaine, purines, theobromine, triethylamine, trimethylamine, tripropylamine, tromethamine, and the like. The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" further includes all acceptable salts such as acetate, lactobionate, benzenesulfonate, laurate, benzoate, malate, bicarbonate, maleate, bisulfate, mandelate, bitartrate, mesylate, borate, methylbromide, bromide, methylnitrate, calcium edetate, methylsulfate, camsylate, mucate, carbonate, napsylate, chloride, nitrate, clavulanate, N- methylglucamine, citrate, ammonium salt, dihydrochloride, oleate, edetate, oxalate, edisylate, pamoate (embonate), estolate, palmitate, esylate, pantothenate, fumarate, phosphate/diphosphate, gluceptate, polygalacturonale, gluconate, salicylate, glutamate, stearate, glycollylarsanilate, sulfate, hexylresorcinate, subacetate, hydrabamine, succinate, hydrobromide, tannate, hydrochloride, tartrate, hydroxynaphthoate, teoclate, iodide, tosylate, isothionate, triethiodide, lactate, panoate, valerate, and the like which can be used as a dosage form for modifying the solubility or hydrolysis characteristics or can be used in sustained release or pro-drug formulations.

It will be understood that, as used herein, references to the compounds of Formula I are

meant to also include the pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

Compounds of the present invention are activators of the AMP-activated protein kinase.

The methods of treatment of this invention comprises a method of activating AMPK-activated protein kinase and treating AMPK-activated protein kinase mediated diseases by administering to a patient in need of such treatment a non-toxic therapeutically effective amount of a compound of this invention that activate AMPK-activated protein kinase.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a heterotrimeric enzyme composed of a catalytic α subunit and regulatory β and γ subunits. There are two genes encoding isoforms of both the α and β subunits (αl, α2, βl and β2) and three genes encoding isoforms of the γ subunit (γl, γ2 and γ3) leading to 12 possible heterotrimeric combinations. The α2 isoform is predominately found in skeletal and cardiac muscle AMPK; both the αl and α2 isoforms are found in hepatic AMPK; while in pancreatic islet β-cells the αl isoform AMPK predominates.

In particular, the compounds of structural formula I are activators of at least one heterotrimeric isoform of AMP-activated protein kinase. An "activator" is a compound that either increases the activity (phosphorylation of downstream substrates) of fully phosphorylated AMPK or that increases the phosphorylation of

AMPK.

The compounds of the present invention are efficacious in the treatment and prevention of diseases, disorders and conditions responsive to the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, including but not limited to: type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, obesity, hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance, atherosclerosis, Metabolic Syndrome, hypertension, high hepatic glucose output, high blood glucose concentrations, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, protection against ischemia and repermsion damage, and lipid disorders, such as dyslipidemia, elevated levels of plasma triglycerides, elevated levels of free fatty acids, elevated levels of cholesterol, high levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL). The compounds are also useful for the treatment of cancer, hypoxia and glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis.

One or more of the following diseases may be treated by the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a patient in need of treatment: (1) non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (Type

2 diabetes); (2) hyperglycemia; (3) Metabolic Syndrome; (4) obesity; (5) hypercholesterolemia; (6) hypertriglyceridemia (elevated levels of triglyceride-rich- lipoproteins); (7) mixed or diabetic dyslipidemia; (8) low HDL cholesterol; (9) high LDL cholesterol; (10) atherosclerosis; and (1 1) hypertension, Also, the compounds of Formula I may be used for the manufacture of a medicament for treating one or more of the above diseases.

One embodiment of the uses of the compounds is directed to the treatment of one or more

of the following diseases by administering a therapeutically effective amount to a patient in need of treatment: (1) Type 2 diabetes; (2) hyperglycemia; (3) Metabolic Syndrome; (4) obesity; (5) hypercholesterolemia; and (6) hypertension.

The compounds may also be used for manufacturing a medicament for use in the treatment of one or more of the above diseases.

The compounds are expected to be effective in lowering glucose and lipids in diabetic patients and in non-diabetic patients who have impaired glucose tolerance and/or are in a pre- diabetic condition. The compounds may ameliorate hyperinsulinemia, which often occurs in diabetic or pre-diabetic patients, by modulating the swings in the level of serum glucose that often occurs in these patients. The compounds may also be effective in treating or reducing insulin resistance. The compounds may be effective in treating or preventing gestational diabetes.

The compounds, compositions, methods and medicaments as described herein may also be effective in reducing the risks of adverse sequelae associated with metabolic syndrome, and in reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis, delaying the onset of atherosclerosis, and/or reducing the risk of sequelae of atherosclerosis. Sequelae of atherosclerosis include angina, claudication, heart attack, stroke, and others. By keeping hyperglycemia under control, the compounds may also be effective in delaying or preventing vascular restenosis and diabetic retinopathy. The compounds of this invention may also have utility in improving or restoring β-cell function, so that they may be useful in treating type 1 diabetes or in delaying or preventing a patient with Type 2 diabetes from needing insulin therapy.

Other possible outcomes of treatment with the compounds of the present invention include, but are not limited to: 1) a decrease in fatty acid synthesis; 2) an increase in fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis; 3) a decrease in cholesterol synthesis, lipogenesis, and triglyceride synthesis; 4) a decrease in blood glucose levels and concentration; 5) an improvement in glucose homeostasis; 6) a normalization of glucose metabolism; 7) a decrease in blood pressure;

8) an increase in HDL; 9) a decrease in plasma triglycerides; 10) a decrease in free fatty acids;

11) a decrease in hepatic glucose output; 12) an improvement in insulin action; 13) a decrease in blood pressure; 14) an improvement in insulin sensitivity; 15) a suppression of hepatic glucose output; 15) an inhibition of de novo lipogenesis; 16) stimulation of muscle glucose uptake; 17) modulation of insulin secretion by pancreatic β cells; and 16) a decrease in body weight

The compounds generally may be efficacious in treating one or more of the following diseases: (1) Type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, or NIDDM), (2) hyperglycemia, (3) impaired glucose tolerance, (4) insulin resistance, (5) obesity,

(6) lipid disorders, (7) dyslipidemia, (8) hyperlipidemia, (9) hypertriglyceridemia, (10) hypercholesterolemia, (11) low HDL levels, (12) high LDL levels, (13) atherosclerosis and its

sequelae, (14) vascular restenosis, (15) abdominal obesity, (16) retinopathy, (17) metabolic syndrome, (18) high blood pressure (hypertension), and (19) insulin resistance.

One aspect of the invention provides a method for the treatment and control of mixed or diabetic dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, low HDL levels, high LDL levels, hyperlipidemia, and/or hypertriglyceridemia, which comprises administering to a patient in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound having formula I. The compound may be used alone or advantageously may be administered with a cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor, particularly an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor such as lovastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin, rivastatin, itavastatin, or ZD-4522. The compound may also be used advantageously in combination with other lipid lowering drugs such as cholesterol absorption inhibitors (for example stanol esters, sterol glycosides such as tiqueside, and azetidinones such as ezetimibe), ACAT inhibitors (such as avasimibe), CETP inhibitors (for example torcetrapib and those described in published applications WO2005/100298, WO2006/014413, and WO2006/014357), niacin and niacin receptor agonists, bile acid sequestrants, microsomal triglyceride transport inhibitors, and bile acid reuptake inhibitors. These combination treatments may be effective for the treatment or control of one or more related conditions selected from the group consisting of hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, high LDL, and low HDL.

The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of Type 2 diabetes by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of Type 2 diabetes by administering the compounds of the present invention in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of another agent known to be useful to treat the condition. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of diabetes related disorders by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention alone, or in combination. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment and prevention of diabetes in pre-diabetic subject by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention alone, or in combination. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of obesity by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of obesity by administering the compounds of the present invention in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of another agent known to be useful to treat the condition. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of obesity related disorders by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention alone, or in combination. The present

invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment and prevention of obesity in. overweight subject by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention alone, or in combination. The compounds are also useful for the treatment of obesity related disorders, or eating disorders associated with excessive food intake, and complications associated therewith, including left ventricular hypertrophy, as well as treating or preventing obesity in other mammalian species, including canines and felines.

The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of hyperglycemia by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of hyperglycemia by administering the compounds of the present invention in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of another agent known to be useful to treat the condition.

The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of insulin resistance by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of insulin resistance by administering the compounds of the present invention in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of another agent known to be useful to treat the condition.

The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of lipid disorders by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of lipid disorders by administering the compounds of the present invention in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of another agent known to be useful to treat the condition. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of dyslipidemia related disorders and lipid disorder-related disorders by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention alone, or in combination.

The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of atherosclerosis by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of atherosclerosis by administering the compounds of the present invention in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of another agent known to be useful to treat the condition. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of atherosclerosis related disorders by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention alone, or in combination.

The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control,

or prevention of hypertension by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of hypertension by administering the compounds of the present invention in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of another agent known to be useful to treat the condition. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of hypertension related disorders by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention alone, or in combination. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment and prevention of hypertension in pre-hypertensive subject by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention alone, or in combination.

The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for the treatment, control, or prevention of Metabolic Syndrome by administering the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention. The present invention also relates to methods and medicaments for treating Metabolic Syndrome by administering the compounds of the present invention in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of another agent known to be useful to treat the condition.

The term "diabetes," as used herein, includes both insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (i.e., IDDM, also known as type 1 diabetes) arid non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (i.e., NIDDM, also known as Type 2 diabetes). Type 1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes, is the result of an absolute deficiency of insulin, the hormone which regulates glucose utilization. Type 2 diabetes, or insulin-independent diabetes (i.e., non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus), often occurs in the face of normal, or even elevated levels of insulin and appears to be the result of the inability of tissues to respond appropriately to insulin. Most of the Type 2 diabetics are also obese. The compositions of the present invention are useful for treating both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The term "diabetes associated with obesity" refers to diabetes caused by obesity or resulting from obesity. The compositions are especially effective for treating Type 2 diabetes. The compositions of the present invention are also useful for treating and/or preventing gestational diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes is characterized by a fasting plasma glucose level of greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl. A diabetic subject has a fasting plasma glucose level of greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl. A pre diabetic subject is someone suffering from prediabetes. Prediabetes is characterized by an impaired fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level of greater than or equal to 110 mg/dl and less than 126 mg/dl; or impaired glucose tolerance; or insulin resistance. A prediabetic subject is a subject with impaired fasting glucose (a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level of greater than or equal to 110 mg/dl and less than 126 mg/dl); or impaired glucose tolerance (a 2 hour plasma glucose level of > 140 mg/dl and <200 mg/dl); or insulin resistance, resulting in an increased risk of developing diabetes.

Treatment of diabetes mellitus refers to the administration of a compound or combination of the present invention to treat a diabetic subject. One outcome of treatment may be decreasing the glucose level in a subject with elevated glucose levels. Another outcome of treatment may be decreasing insulin levels in a subject with elevated insulin levels. Another outcome of treatment may be decreasing plasma triglycerides in a subject with elevated plasma triglycerides. Another outcome of treatment is decreasing LDL cholesterol in a subject with high LDL cholesterol levels. Another outcome of treatment may be increasing HDL cholesterol in a subject with low HDL cholesterol levels. Another outcome of treatment is increasing insulin sensivity. Another outcome of treatment may be enhancing glucose tolerance in a subject with glucose intolerance. Yet another outcome of treatment may be decreasing insulin resistance in a subject with increased insulin resistance or elevated levels of insulin. Prevention of diabetes raellitus, in particular diabetes associated with obesity, refers to the administration of a compound or combination of the present invention to prevent the onset of diabetes in a subject in need thereof. A subject in need of preventing diabetes is a prediabetic subject that is overweight or obese. The term "diabetes related disorders" should be understood to mean disorders that are associated with, caused by, or result from diabetes. Examples of diabetes related disorders include retinal damage, kidney disease, and nerve damage.

The term "atherosclerosis" as used herein encompasses vascular diseases and conditions that are recognized and understood by physicians practicing in the relevant fields of medicine. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease (also known as coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease), cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vessel disease are all clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis and are therefore encompassed by the terms "atherosclerosis" and "atherosclerotic disease." The combination comprised of a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-obesity agent in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-hypertensive agent may be administered to prevent or reduce the risk of occurrence, or recurrence where the potential exists, of a coronary heart disease event, a cerebrovascular event, or intermittent claudication. Coronary heart disease events are intended to include CHD death, myocardial infarction (i.e., a heart attack), and coronary revascularization procedures. Cerebrovascular events are intended to include ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (also known as cerebrovascular accidents) and transient ischemic attacks. Intermittent claudication is a clinical manifestation of peripheral vessel disease. The term "atherosclerotic disease event" as used herein is intended to encompass coronary heart disease events, cerebrovascular events, and intermittent claudication. It is intended that persons who have previously experienced one or more non-fatal atherosclerotic disease events are those for whom the potential for recurrence of such an event exists. The term "atherosclerosis related disorders" should be understood to mean disorders associated with, caused by, or resulting from atherosclerosis.

The term "hypertension" as used herein includes essential, or primary, hypertension

wherein the cause is not known or where hypertension is due to greater than one cause, such as changes in both the heart and blood vessels; and secondary hypertension wherein the cause is known. Causes of secondary hypertension include, but are not limited to obesity; kidney disease; hormonal disorders; use of certain drugs, such as oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, cyclosporin, and the like. The term "hypertension" encompasses high blood pressure, in which both the systolic and diastolic pressure levels are elevated (>140 mmHg/>90 mmHg), and isolated systolic hypertension, in which only the systolic pressure is elevated to greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg, while the diastolic pressure is less than 90 mm Hg. Normal blood pressure may be defined as less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic. A hypertensive subject is a subject with hypertension. A pre-hypertensive subject is a subject with a blood pressure that is between 120 mmHg over 80 mmHg and 139 mmHg over 89 mmHg. One outcome of treatment is decreasing blood pressure in a subject with high blood pressure. Treatment of hypertension refers to the administration of the compounds and combinations of the present invention to treat hypertension in a hypertensive subject. Treatment of hypertension- related disorder refers to the administration of a compound or combination of the present invention to treat the hypertension-related disorder. Prevention of hypertension, or a hypertension related disorder, refers to the administration of the combinations of the present invention to a pre-hypertensive subject to prevent the onset of hypertension or a hypertension related disorder. The hypertension-related disorders herein are associated with, caused by, or result from hypertension. Examples of hypertension-related disorders include, but are not limited to: heart disease, heart failure, heart attack, kidney failure, and stroke.

Dyslipidemias and lipid disorders are disorders of lipid metabolism including various conditions characterized by abnormal concentrations of one or more lipids (i.e. cholesterol and triglycerides), and/or apolipoproteins (i.e., apo lipoproteins A, B, C and E), and/or lipoproteins (i.e., the macromolecular complexes formed by the lipid and the apolipoprotein that allow lipids to circulate in blood, such as LDL, VLDL and IDL). Hyperlipidemia is associated with abnormally high levels of lipids, LDL and VLDL cholesterol, and/or triglycerides. Treatment of dyslipidemia refers to the administration of the combinations of the present invention to a dyslipidemic subject. Prevention of dyslipidemia refers to the administration of the combinations of the present invention to a pre-dyslipidemic subject. A pre-dyslipidemic subject is a subject with higher than normal lipid levels, that is not yet dyslipidemic.

The terms "dyslipidemia related disorders" and "lipid disorder related disorders" should be understood to mean disorders associated with, caused by, or resulting from dyslipidemia or lipid disorders. Examples of dylipidemia related disorder and lipid disorder related disorders include, but are not limited to: hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, low high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, high plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, atherosclerosis and its sequelae, coronary artery or carotid artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.

The term "obesity" as used herein is a condition in which there is an excess of body fat. The operational definition of obesity is based on the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated as body weight per height in meters squared (kg/m.2). "Obesity" refers to a condition whereby an otherwise healthy subject has a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2, or a condition whereby a subject with at least one co-morbidity has a BMI greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2. An "obese subject" is an otherwise healthy subject with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or a subject with at least one co-morbidity with a BMI greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2. An overweight subject is a subject at risk of obesity. A "subject at risk of obesity" is an otherwise healthy subject with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 to less than 30 kg/m2 or a subject with at least one co-morbidity with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 to less than 27 kg/m2.

The increased risks associated with obesity occur at a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) in Asians. In Asian countries, including Japan, "obesity" refers to a condition whereby a subject with at least one obesity-induced or obesity-related co-morbidity, that requires weight reduction or that would be improved by weight reduction, has a BMI greater than or equal to 25 kg/m.2. in Asian countries, including Japan, an "obese subject" refers to a subject with at least one obesity- induced or obesity-related co-morbidity that requires weight reduction or that would be improved by weight reduction, with a BMI greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2. In Asia-Pacific, a "subject at risk of obesity" is a subject with a BMI of greater than 23 kg/m2 to less than 25 kg/m2.

As used herein, the term "obesity" is meant to encompass all of the above definitions of obesity.

Obesity-induced or obesity-related co-morbidities include, but are not limited to, diabetes mellitus, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus - type 2, diabetes associated with obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, insulin resistance syndrome, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypertension associated with obesity, hyperuricacidemia, gout, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, sleep apnea syndrome, Pickwickian syndrome, fatty liver; cerebral infarction, cerebral thrombosis, transient ischemic attack, orthopedic disorders, arthritis deformans, lumbodynia, emmeniopathy, and infertility. In particular, comorbidities include: hypertension, hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and other obesity-related conditions. Treatment of obesity and obesity-related disorders refers to the administration of the compounds of the present invention to reduce or maintain the body weight of an obese subject. One outcome of treatment may be reducing the body weight of an obese subject relative to that subject's body weight immediately before the administration of the compounds of the present invention. Another outcome of treatment may be preventing body weight regain of body weight previously lost as a result of diet, exercise, or pharmacotherapy. Another outcome of treatment may be decreasing the occurrence of and/or the severity of obesity-related diseases. The treatment may suitably result in a reduction in food or calorie intake by the subject, including a

reduction in total food intake, or a reduction of intake of specific components of the diet such as carbohydrates or fats; and/or the inhibition of nutrient absorption; and/or the inhibition of the reduction of metabolic rate; and in weight reduction in patients in need thereof. The treatment may also result in an alteration of metabolic rate, such as an increase in metabolic rate, rather than or in addition to an inhibition of the reduction of metabolic rate; and/or in minimization of the metabolic resistance that normally results from weight loss.

Prevention of obesity and obesity-related disorders refers to the administration of the compounds of the present invention to reduce or maintain the body weight of a subject at risk of obesity. One outcome of prevention may be reducing the body weight of a subject at risk of obesity relative to that subject's body weight immediately before the administration of the compounds of the present invention. Another outcome of prevention may be preventing body weight regain of body weight previously lost as a result of diet, exercise, or pharmacotherapy. Another outcome of prevention may be preventing obesity from occurring if the treatment is administered prior to the onset of obesity in a subject at risk of obesity. Another outcome of prevention may be decreasing the occurrence and/or severity of obesity-related disorders if the treatment is administered prior to the onset of obesity in a subject at risk of obesity. Moreover, if treatment is commenced in already obese subjects, such treatment may prevent the occurrence, progression or severity of obesity-related disorders, such as, but not limited to, arteriosclerosis, Type II diabetes, polycystic ovarian disease, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, dermatological disorders, hypertension, insulin resistance, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and cholelithiasis.

The obesity-related disorders herein are associated with, caused by, or result from obesity. Examples of obesity-related disorders include overeating and bulimia, hypertension, diabetes, elevated plasma insulin concentrations and insulin resistance, dyslipidemias, hyperlipidemia, endometrial, breast, prostate and colon cancer, osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, cholelithiasis, gallstones, heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms and arrythmias, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, sudden death, stroke, polycystic ovarian disease „ craniopharyngioma, the Prader-Willi Syndrome, Frohlich's syndrome, GH- deficient subjects, normal variant short stature, Turner's syndrome, and other pathological conditions showing reduced metabolic activity or a decrease in resting energy expenditure as a percentage of total fat-free mass, e.g, children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Further examples of obesity-related disorders are metabolic syndrome, also known as syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome, sexual and reproductive dysfunction, such as infertility, hypogonadism in males and hirsutism in females, gastrointestinal motility disorders, such as obesity-related gastroesophageal reflux, respiratory disorders, such as obesity-hypo ventilation syndrome (Pickwickian syndrome), cardiovascular disorders, inflammation, such as systemic inflammation of the vasculature, arteriosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, hyperuricaemia, lower

back pain, gallbladder disease, gout, and kidney cancer. The compounds of the present invention are also useful for reducing the risk of secondary outcomes of obesity, such as reducing the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy.

The compounds of formula I are also useful for treating or preventing obesity and obesity-related disorders in cats and dogs. As such, the term "mammal" includes companion animals such as cats and dogs.

The term "metabolic syndrome", also known as syndrome X, is defined in the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III, or ATP III), National Institutes of Health, 2001, NIH Publication No. 01-3670. E.S. Ford et al., JAMA, vol. 287 (3), Jan. 16, 2002, pp 356-359. Briefly, a person is defined as having metabolic syndrome if the person has three or more of the following disorders: abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high fasting plasma glucose. The criteria for these are defined in ATP-III. Treatment of metabolic syndrome refers to the administration of the combinations of the present invention to a subject with metabolic syndrome. Prevention of metabolic syndrome refers to the administration of the combinations of the present invention to a subject with two of the disorders that define metabolic syndrome. A subject with two of the disorders that define metabolic syndrome is a subject that has developed two of the disorders that define metabolic syndrome, but has not yet developed three or more of the disorders that define metabolic syndrome.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is identified based on left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT). Left ventricular mass index is defined as left ventricular mass in grams divided by body surface area in meters^. Relative wall thickness is defined as 2 x posterior wall thickness/left ventricular end diastolic diameter. Normal LVMI values are typically 85 and normal RWT approximately 0.36. A male subject with LVH has a LVMI greater than 131 g/m2; a female subject with LVH has a LVMI greater than 100 g/m ² . A subject with an elevated LVMI value is a male subject with a LVMI between 85 g/m2 and 131 g/m.2, or a female subject with a LVMI between 85 g/m2 and 100 g/m^.

Treatment of cardiac hypertrophy, or left ventricular hypertrophy, refers to the administration of the combinations of the present invention to a subject with cardiac hypertrophy or left ventricular hypertrophy. Prevention of cardiac hypertrophy, or left ventricular hypertrophy, refers to the administration of the combinations of the present invention to decrease or maintain the LVMI in a subject with an elevated LVMI value or to prevent the increase of LVMI in a subject with a normal LVMI value. One outcome of treatment of cardiac hypertrophy or left ventricular hypertrophy may be a decrease in ventricular mass. Another outcome of treatment of cardiac hypertrophy or left ventricular hypertrophy may be a decrease in the rate of increase of ventricular mass. Another

outcome of treatment of cardiac hypertrophy or left ventricular hypertrophy may be a decrease in ventricular wall thickness. Another outcome of treatment of cardiac hypertrophy of left ventricular hypertrophy may be the decrease in the rate of increase in ventricular wall thickness. The terms "administration of and or "administering a" compound should be understood to mean providing a compound of the invention or a prodrug of a compound of the invention to the individual or mammal in need of treatment.

The administration of the compound of structural formula I in order to practice the present methods of therapy is carried out by administering an effective amount of the compound of structural formula I to the mammal in need of such treatment or prophylaxis. The need for a prophylactic administration according to the methods of the present invention is determined via the use of well known risk factors. The effective amount of an individual compound is determined, in the final analysis, by the physician. or veterinarian in charge of the case, but depends on factors such as the exact disease to be treated, the severity of the disease and other diseases or conditions from which the patient suffers, the chosen route of administration other drugs and treatments which the patient may concomitantly require, and other factors in the physician's judgment.

The usefulness of the present compounds in these diseases or disorders may be demonstrated in animal disease models that have been reported in the literature.

The magnitude of prophylactic or therapeutic dose of a compound of Formula I will, of course, vary with the nature of the severity of the condition to be treated and with the particular compound of Formula I and its route of administration. It will also vary according to the age, weight and response of the individual patient. In general, the daily dose range lie within the range of from about 0.001 mg to about 100 mg per kg body weight of a mammal, preferably 0.01 mg to about 50 mg per kg, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 mg per kg, in single or divided doses. On the other hand, it may be necessary to use dosages outside these limits in some cases.

For use where a composition for intravenous administration is employed, a suitable dosage range is from about 0.001 mg to about 100 mg in one embodiment from about 0.01 mg to about 50 mg, and in another embodiment from 0.1 mg to 10 mg of a compound of Formula I per kg of body weight per day. In the case where an oral composition is employed, a suitable dosage range is, e.g. from about 0.01 mg to about 1000 mg of a compound of Formula I per day. In one embodiment, the range is from about 0.1 mg to about 10 mg per day. For oral administration, the compositions are preferably provided in the form of tablets containing from 0.01 to 1,000 mg, preferably 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 100, 250, 500, 750 or 1000 milligrams of the active ingredient for the symptomatic adjustment of the dosage to the patient to be treated.

Another aspect of the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions which

comprises a compound of Formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The term "composition", as in pharmaceutical composition, is intended to encompass a product comprising the active ingredient(s), and the inert ingredient(s) (pharmaceutically acceptable excipients) that make up the carrier, as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combination, complexation or aggregation of any two or more of the ingredients, or from dissociation of one or more of the ingredients, or from other types of reactions or interactions of one or more of the ingredients. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention encompass any composition made by admixing a compound of Formula I, additional active ingredient(s), and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. Any suitable route of administration may be employed for providing a mammal, particularly a human or a companion animal such as a dog or cat, with an effective dosage of a compound of the present invention. For example, oral, rectal, topical, parenteral, ocular, pulmonary, and nasal routes of administration, and the like may be employed. Dosage forms include tablets, troches, dispersions, suspensions, solutions, capsules, creams, ointments, aerosols, and the like.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise a compound of Formula I as an active ingredient or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and may also contain a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and optionally other therapeutic ingredients. By "pharmaceutically acceptable" it is meant the carrier, diluent or excipient must be compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof. The compositions include compositions suitable for oral, rectal, topical, parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous), ocular (ophthalmic), pulmonary (aerosol inhalation), or nasal administration, although the most suitable route in any given case will depend on the nature and severity of the conditions being treated and on the nature of the active ingredient. They may be conveniently presented in unit dosage form and prepared by any of the methods well-known in the art of pharmacy.

For administration by inhalation, the compounds of the present invention are conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation from pressurized packs or nebulizers, or as powders which may be formulated and the powder composition may be inhaled with the aid of an insufflation powder inhaler device. The preferred delivery systems for inhalation are metered dose inhalation (MDI) aerosol, which may be formulated as a suspension or solution of a compound of Formula I in suitable propellants, such as fluorocarbons or hydrocarbons and dry powder inhalation (DPI) aerosol, which may be formulated as a dry powder of a compound of Formula I with or without additional excipients. Suitable topical formulations of a compound of formula I include transdermal devices, aerosols, creams, solutions, ointments, gels, lotions, dusting powders, and the like. The topical pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds of the present invention ordinarily

Include about 0.005% to 5% by weight of the active compound in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Transdermal skin patches useful for administering the compounds of the present invention include those known to those of ordinary skill in that art.

In practical use, the compounds of Formula I can be combined as the active ingredient in intimate admixture with a pharmaceutical carrier according to conventional pharmaceutical compounding techniques. The carrier may take a wide variety of forms depending on the form of preparation desired for administration, e.g., oral or parenteral (including intravenous). In preparing the compositions for oral dosage form, any of the usual pharmaceutical media may be employed, such as, for example, water, glycols, oils, alcohols, flavoring agents, preservatives, coloring agents and the like in the case of oral liquid preparations, such as, for example, suspensions, elixirs and solutions; or carriers such as starches, sugars, microcrystalline cellulose, diluents, granulating agents, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like in the case of oral solid preparations such as, for example, powders, capsules and tablets, with the solid oral preparations being preferred over the liquid preparations. Because of their ease of administration, tablets and capsules represent the most advantageous oral dosage unit form in which case solid pharmaceutical carriers are obviously employed. If desired, tablets may be coated by standard aqueous or nonaqueous techniques.

In addition to the common dosage forms set out above, the compounds of Formula I may also be administered by controlled release means and/or delivery devices such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,845,770; 3,916,899; 3,536,809; 3,598,123; 3,630,200 and 4,008,719.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention suitable for oral administration may be presented as discrete units such as capsules (including timed release and sustained release formulations), pills, cachets, powders, granules or tablets each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient, as a powder or granules or as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid, a non-aqueous liquid, an oil-in-water emulsion or a water-in-oll liquid emulsion, including elixirs, tinctures, solutions, suspensions, syrups and emulsions. Such compositions may be prepared by any of the methods of pharmacy but all methods include the step of bringing into association the active ingredient with the carrier which constitutes one or more necessary ingredients. In general, the compositions are prepared by uniformly and intimately admixing the active ingredient with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both, and then, if necessary, shaping the product into the desired presentation. For example, a tablet may be prepared by compression or molding, optionally with one or more accessory ingredients. Compressed tablets may be prepared by compressing in a suitable machine, the active ingredient in a free-flowing form such as powder or granules, optionally mixed with a binder, lubricant, inert diluent, surface active or dispersing agent. Molded tablets may be made by molding in a suitable machine, a mixture of the powdered compound moistened with an inert liquid diluent. Desirably, each tablet cachet or capsule contains from about 0.01 to 1,000 tng, particularly 0.01,

0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1O ₅ 12, 15, 25, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175,

180, 200, 225, 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 milligrams of the active ingredient for the symptomatic adjustment of the dosage to the patient to be treated.

Additional suitable means of administration of the compounds of the present invention include injection, intravenous bolus or infusion, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intranasal, and topical, with or without occlusion.

Exemplifying the invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the compounds described above and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also exemplifying the invention is a pharmaceutical composition made by combining any of the compounds described above and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. An illustration of the invention is a process for making a pharmaceutical composition comprising combining any of the compounds described above and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The dose may be administered in a single daily dose or the total daily dosage may be administered in divided doses of two, three or four times daily. Furthermore, based on the properties of the individual compound selected for administration, the dose may be administered less frequently, e.g., weekly, twice weekly, monthly, etc. The unit dosage will, of course, be correspondingly larger for the less frequent administration.

When administered via intranasal routes, transdermal routes, by rectal or vaginal suppositories, or through a continual intravenous solution, the dosage administration will, of course, be continuous rather than intermittent throughout the dosage regimen.

The following are examples of representative pharmaceutical dosage forms for the compounds of Formula I:

Injectable Suspension fl.M.) mg/mL Tablet mg/tablet

Compound of Formula I 10 Compound of Formula I 25 Methylcellulose 5.0 Microcrystalline Cellulose 415

Tween 80 0.5 Povidone 14.0

Benzyl alcohol 9.0 Pregelatinized Starch 43.5

Benzalkonium chloride 1.0 Magnesium Stearate 2.5

Water for injection to a total volume of 1 mL 500

Capsule mg/capsule Aerosol Per canister

Compound of Formula I 25 Compound of Formula I 24 mg

Lactose Powder 573.5 Lecithin, NF Liq. Cone. 1.2 mg

Magnesium Stearate 1.5 Trichlorofluoromethane, NF 4.025 g 600 Dichlorodifluoromethane, NF 12.15 g

Compounds of Formula I may be used in combination with other drugs that are used in the treatment/prevention/suppression or amelioration of the diseases, disorders or conditions for

which compounds of Formula I are useful. Such other drugs may be administered, by a route and in an amount commonly used therefor, contemporaneously or sequentially with a compound of Formula I. When a compound of Formula I is used contemporaneously with one or more other drugs, a pharmaceutical composition containing such other drugs in addition to the compound of Formula I is preferred. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include those that also contain one or more other active ingredients, in addition to a compound of Formula I. Examples of other active ingredients that may be combined with a compound of Formula I include, but are not limited to: other anti-diabetic agents, anti-dylipidemic agents, and anti-hypertensive agents, anti-obesity agents, and anorectic agents, which may be administered separately or in the same pharmaceutical compositions.

The present invention also provides a method for the treatment or prevention of an AMPK-activated protein kinase (AMPK) mediated disease, which method comprises administration to a patient in need of such treatment or at risk of developing an AMPK mediated disease of an amount of an AMPK activator and an amount of one or more active ingredients, such that together they give effective relief.

In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising an AMPK activator and one or more active ingredients, together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

Thus, according to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of an AMPK activator and one or more active ingredients for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of an AMPK mediated disease. In a further or alternative aspect of the present invention, there is therefore provided a product comprising an AMPK activator and one or more active ingredients as a combined preparation for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in the treatment or prevention of an AMPK mediated disease. Such a combined preparation may be, for example, in the form of a twin pack.

It will be appreciated that for the treatment or prevention of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome, dyslipidemia, cancer, atherosclerosis, and related disorders thereof, a compound of the present invention may be used in conjunction with another pharmaceutical agent effective to treat that disorder. The present invention also provides a method for the treatment or prevention of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome, dyslipidemia, cancer, atherosclerosis, and related disorders thereof, which method comprises administration to a patient in need of such treatment an amount of a compound of the present invention and an amount of another pharmaceutical agent effective to threat that disorder, such that together they give effective relief. The present invention also provides a method for the treatment or prevention of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome, dyslipidemia, cancer, atherosclerosis, and related disorders thereof, which method comprises administration to a patient in need of such treatment

an amount of a compound of the present Invention and an amount of another pharmaceutical agent useful in treating that particular condition, such that together they give effective relief. Suitable pharmaceutical agents of use in combination with a compound of the present invention, include, but are not limited to: (a) anti-diabetic agents such as (1) PPARγ agonists such as glitazones (e.g. ciglitazone; darglitazone; englitazone; isaglitazone (MCC-555); pioglitazone (ACTOS); rosiglitazone (AVANDIA); troglitazone; rivoglitazone, BRL49653; CLX-0921; 5-BTZD, GW-0207, LG- 100641, R483, and LY-300512, and the like and compounds disclosed in WO97/10813, 97/27857, 97/28115, 97/28137, 97/27847, 03/000685, and 03/027112 and SPPARMS (selective PPAR gamma modulators) such as Tl 31 (Amgen), FK614 (Fujisawa), netoglitazone, and metaglidasen; (2) biguanides such as buformϊn; metformin; and phenformin, and the like; (3) protein tyrosine phosphatase- IB (PTP-IB) inhibitors such as ISIS 113715, A-401674, A- 364504, IDD-3, IDD 2846, KP-40046, KR61639, MC52445, MC52453, C7, OC-060062, OC- 86839, OC29796, TTP-277BC1, and those agents disclosed in WO 04/041799, 04/050646, 02/26707, 02/26743, 04/092146, 03/048140, 04/089918, 03/002569, 04/065387, 04/127570, and US 2004/167183; (4) sulfonylureas such as acetohexamide; chlorpropamide; diabinese; glibenclamide; glipizide; glyburide; glimepiride; gliclazide; glipentide; gliquidone; glisolamide; tolazamide; and tolbutamide, and the like; (5) meglitinides such as repaglϊnide, metϊglinide (GLUFAST) and nateglinide, and the like; (6) alpha glucoside hydrolase inhibitors such as acarbose; adiposine; caraiglibose; emiglitate; miglitol; voglibose; pradimicin-Q; salbostatin; CKD-711; MDL-25,637; MDL-73,945; and MOR 14, and the like; (7) alpha-amylase inhibitors such as tendamistat, Irestatin, and Al-3688, and the like; (8) insulin secreatagogues such as linogliride nateglinide, mitiglinide (GLUFAST), IDl 101 A-4166, and the like; (9) fatty acid oxidation inhibitors, such as clomoxir, and etomoxir, and the like; (10) A2 antagonists, such as midaglizole; isaglidole; deriglidole; idazoxan; earoxan; and fluparoxan, and the like; (11) insulin or insulin mimetics, such as biota, LP-100, novarapid, insulin detemir, insulin lispro, insulin glargine, insulin zinc suspension (lente and ultralente); Lys-Pro insulin, GLP-I (17-36), GLP-I (7 _3-7 ) (insulintropin); GLP-I (7-36)-NH2) exenatide/Exendin-4, Exenatide LAR, Linaglutide,

AVEOOlO, CJC 1131, BIM51077, CS 872, THO318, BAY-694326, GPOlO, ALBUGON (GLP-I fused to albumin), HGX-007 (Epac agonist), S-23521, and compounds disclosed in WO 04/022004, WO 04/37859, and the like; (12) non-thiazolidinediones such as JT-501, and farglitazar (GW-2570/GI-262579), and the like; (13) PPARα/γ dual agonists such as AVE 0847, CLX-0940, GW-1536, GW1929, GW-2433, KRP-297, L-796449, LBM 642, LR-90, LY510919, MK-0767, ONO 5129, SB 219994, TAK-559, TAK-654, 677954 (GlaxoSmithkline), E-3030 (Eisai), LY510929 (Lilly), AK109 (Asahi), DRF2655 (Dr. Reddy), DRF8351 (Dr. Reddy),

MC3002 (Maxocore), TY51501 (ToaEiyo), farglitazar, naveglitazar, muraglitazar, peliglitazar, tesaglitazar (GALIDA), reglitazar (JT-501), chiglitazar, and those disclosed in WO 99/16758,

WO 99/19313, WO 99/20614, WO 99/38850, WO 00/23415, WO 00/23417, WO 00/23445, WO 00/50414, WO 01/00579, WO 01/79150, WO 02/062799, WO 03/033481, WO 03/033450, WO 03/033453; and (14), insulin, insulin mimetics and other insulin sensitizing drugs; (15) VPAC2 receptor agonists; (16) GLK modulators, such as PSN105, RO 281675, RO 274375 and those disclosed in WO 03/015774, WO 03/000262, WO 03/055482, WO 04/046139, WO 04/045614, WO 04/063179, WO 04/063194, WO 04/050645, and the like; (17) retinoid modulators such as those disclosed in WO 03/000249; (18) GSK 3beta/GSK 3 inhibitors such as 4-[2-(2- bromophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl-l/-/-imidazol-5-yl]pyridine, CT21022, CT20026, CT-98023, SB-216763, SB410111, SB-675236, CP-70949, XD4241 and those compounds disclosed in WO 03/037869, 03/03877, 03/037891, 03/024447, 05/000192, 05/019218 and the like; (19) glycogen phosphorylase (HGLPa) inhibitors, such as AVE 5688, PSN 357, GPi-879, those disclosed in WO 03/037864, WO 03/091213, WO 04/092158, WO 05/013975, WO 05/013981, US 2004/0220229, and JP 2004-196702, and the like; (20) ATP consumption promotors such as those disclosed in WO 03/007990; (21) fixed combinations of PPAR γ agonists and metformin such as AVANDAMET; (22) PPAR pan agonists such as GSK 677954; (23) GPR40 (G-protein coupled receptor 40) also called SNORF 55 such as BG 700, and those disclosed in WO 04/041266, 04/022551, 03/099793; (24) GPRl 19 (G-protein coupled receptor 119, also called RUP3; SNORF 25) such as RUP3, HGPRBMY26, PFI 007, SNORF 25; (25) adenosine receptor 2B antagonists such as ATL-618, AT1-802, E3080, and the like; (26) carnitine palmitoyl transferase inhibitors such as ST 1327, and ST 1326, and the like; (27) Fructose 1,6- bisphospohatase inhibitors such as CS-917, MB7803, and the like; (28) glucagon antagonists such as AT77077, BAY 694326, GW 4123X, NN2501, and those disclosed in WO 03/064404, WO 05/00781, US 2004/0209928, US 2004/029943, and the like; (30) glucose-6-phosphase inhibitors; (31) phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) inhibitors; (32) pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) activators; (33) RXR agonists such as MC 1036, CSOOO 18, JNJ 10166806, and those disclosed in WO 04/089916, US 6759546, and the like; (34) SGLT inhibitors such as AVE 2268, KGT 1251, T1095/RWJ 394718; (35) BLX-1002; (36) alpha glucosidase inhibitors; (37) glucagon receptor agonists; (38) glucokinase activators; 39) GIP-I; and 40) insulin secretagogues; (b) anti-dyslipidemic agents such as (1) bile acid sequestrants such as, cholestyramine, colesevelem, colestipol, dialkylaminoalkyl derivatives of a cross-linked dextran; Colestid®; LoCholest®; and Questran®, and the like; (2) HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as atorvastatin, itavastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rivastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin (ZD-4522), and other statins, particularly simvastatin; (3) HMG-CoA synthase inhibitors; (4) cholesterol absorption inhibitors such as FMVP4 (Forbes Medi-Tech), KT6-971 (Kotobulά Pharmaceutical), FM-VAl 2 (Forbes Medi-Tech), FM-VP-24 (Forbes Medi-Tech), stanol esters, beta-sitosterol, sterol glycosides such as tiqueside; and azetidinones such as

ezetimibe, and those disclosed in WO 04/005247 and the like; (5) acyl coenzyme A -cholesterol acyl transferase (ACAT) inhibitors such as avasimibe, eflucimibe, pactimibe (KY505), SMP 797 (Sumitomo), SM32504 (Sumitomo), and those disclosed in WO 03/091216, and the like; (6) CETP inhibitors such as JTT 705 (Japan Tobacco), torcetrapib, CP 532,632, BAY63-2149 (Bayer), SC 591, SC 795, and the like; (7) squalene synthetase inhibitors; (8) anti-oxidants such as probucol, and the like; (9) PP ARa agonists such as beclofibrate, bezafibrate, ciprofibrate, clofibrate, etofibrate, fenofibrate, gemcabene, and gemfibrozil, GW 7647, BM 170744 (Ko wa), LY518674 (Lilly), GW590735 (GlaxoSmithkline), KRP-101 (Kyorin), DRF10945 (Dr. Reddy), NS-220/R1593 (Nippon Shinyaku/Roche, STl 929 (Sigma Tau) MC3001/MC3004 (MaxoCore Pharmaceuticals, gemcabene calcium, other fibric acid derivatives, such as Atromid®, Lopid® and Tricor®, and those disclosed in US 6,548,538, and the like; (10) FXR receptor modulators such as GW 4064 (GlaxoSmithkline), SR 103912, QRX401, LN-6691 (Lion Bioscience), and those disclosed in WO 02/064125, WO 04/045511, and the like; (11) LXR receptor modulators such as GW 3965 (GlaxoSmithkline), T9013137, and XTCO 179628 (X-Ceptor Therapeutics/Sanyo), and those disclosed in WO 03/031408, WO 03/063796, WO 04/072041, and the like; (12) lipoprotein synthesis inhibitors such as niacin; (13) renin angiotensin system inhibitors; (14) PPAR δ partial agonists, such as those disclosed in WO 03/024395; (15) bile acid reabsorption inhibitors, such as BARI 1453, SC435, PHA384640, S8921, AZD7706, and the like; and bile acid sequesterants such as colesevelam (WELCHOL/ CHOLESTAGEL), colestipol, cholestyramine, and dialkylaminoalkyl derivatives of a cross-linked dextran, ( 16)

PPARδ agonists such as GW 501516 (Ligand, GSK) ₅ GW 590735, GW-0742 (GlaxoSmithkline), T659 (Amgen/Tularik), LY934 (Lilly), NNC610050 (Novo Nordisk) and those disclosed in WO97/28149, WO 01/79197, WO 02/14291, WO 02/46154, WO 02/46176, WO 02/076957, WO 03/016291, WO 03/033493, WO 03/035603, WO 03/072100, WO 03/097607, WO 04/005253, WO 04/007439, and JP10237049, and the like; (17) triglyceride synthesis inhibitors; (18) microsomal triglyceride transport (MTTP) inhibitors, such as impϋtapide, LAB687, JTTl 30 (Japan Tobacco), CP346086, and those disclosed in WO 03/072532, and the like; (19) transcription modulators; (20) squalene epoxidase inhibitors; (21) low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor inducers; (22) platelet aggregation inhibitors; (23) 5-LO or FLAP inhibitors; and (24) niacin receptor agonists including HM74A receptor agonists; (25) PPAR modulators such as those disclosed in WO 01/25181, WO 01/79150, WO 02/79162, WO 02/081428, WO 03/016265, WO 03/033453; (26) niacin-bound chromium, as disclosed in WO 03/039535; (27) substituted acid derivatives disclosed in WO 03/040114; (28) infused HDL such as LUV/ETC- 588 (Pfizer), APO-Al Milano/ETC216 (Pfizer), ETC-642 (Pfizer), ϊSIS301012, D4F (Bruin Pharraa), synthetic trimeric ApoAl, Bioral Apo Al targeted to foam cells, and the like; (29) IBAT inhibitors such as BARI143/HMR145A/ HMR1453 (Sanofi-Aventis, PHA384640E (Pfizer), S8921 (Shionogi) AZD7806 (AstrZeneca), AKl 05 (Asah Kasei), and the like; (30) Lp-

PLA2 inhibitors such as SB480848 (GlaxoSmithMine), 659032 (GlaxoSmithkline), 677116 (Glaxo Smithkline), and the like; (31) other agents which affect lipic composition including ETC1001/ESP31015 (Pfizer), ESP-55016 (Pfizer), AGI1067 (AtheroGenics), AC3056 (Amylin), AZD4619 (AstrZeneca); and (c) anti-hypertensive agents such as (1) diuretics, such as thiazides, including chlorthalidone, chlorthiazide, dichlorophenamide, hydroflumethiazide, indapamide, and hydrochlorothiazide; loop diuretics, such as bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, and torsemide; potassium sparing agents, such as amiloride, and triamterene; and aldosterone antagonists, such as spironolactone, epirenone, and the like; (2) beta-adrenergic blockers such as acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, bevantolol, bisoprolol, bopindolol, carteolol, carvedilol, celiprolol, esmolol, indenolol, metaprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propanolol, sotalol, tertatolol, tilisolol, and timolol, and the like; (3) calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, aranidipine, azelnidipine, barnidipine, benidipine, bepridil, cinaϊdipine, clevidipine, diltiazem, efonidipine, felodipine, gallopamil, isradipine, lacidipine, lemildipine, lercanidipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nilvadipine, nimodepine, nisoldipine, nitrendipine, mamdipine, pranidipine, and verapamil, and the like; (4) angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril; captopril; cilazapril; delapril; enalapril; fosinopril; imidapril; losinopril; moexipril; quinapril; quinaprilat; ramipril; perindopril; perindropril; quanipril; spirapril; tenocapril; trandolapril, and zofenopril, and the like; (5) neutral endopeptidase inhibitors such as omapatrilat, cadoxatril and ecadotril, fosidotril, sampatrilat, AVE7688, ER4030, and the like; (6) endothelin antagonists such as tezosentan, A308165, and YM62899, and the like; (7) vasodilators such as hydralazine, clonidine, minoxidil, and nicotinyl alcohol, nicotinic acid or salt thereof, and the like; (8) angiotensin II receptor antagonists such as candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, losartan, pratosartan, tasosartan, telmisartan, valsartaα, and EXP-3137, FI6828K, and RNH6270, and the like; (9) α/β adrenergic blockers as nipradilol, arotinolol and amosulalol, and the like; (10) alpha 1 blockers, such as terazosin, urapidil, prazosin, bunazosin, trimazosin, doxazosin, naftopidil, indoramin, WHIP 164, and XENOlO, and the like; (11) alpha 2 agonists such as lofexidine, tiamenidine, moxonidine, rilmenidine and guanobenz, and the like; (12) aldosterone inhibitors, and the like; (13) angiopoietin-2-binding agents such as those disclosed in WO 03/030833; and

(d) anti-obesity agents, such as (1) 5HT (serotonin) transporter inhibitors, such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, fenfluramine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, and imipramine, and those disclosed in WO 03/00663, as well as serotonin/noradrenaline re uptake inhibitors such as sibutramine (MERIDIA/REDUCTIL) and dopamine uptake inhibitor/Norepenephrine uptake inhibitors such as radafaxine hydrochloride, 353162 (GlaxoSmithkline), and the like; (2) NE (norepinephrine) transporter inhibitors, such as GW 320659, despiramine, talsupram, and nomifensine; (3) CBl (cannabinoid-1 receptor) antagonist/inverse agonists, such as taranabant,

rimonabant (ACCOMPLIA Sanofi Synthelabo), SR- 147778 (Sanofi Synthelabo), AVEl 625 (Sanofi-Aventis), BAY 65-2520 (Bayer), SLV 319 (Solvay), SLV326 (Solvay), CP945598 (Pfizer), E-6776 (Esteve), 01691 (Organix), ORG14481 (Organon), VER24343 (Vernalis), NESS0327 (IMv of Sassari/Univ of Caglϊari), and those disclosed in US Patent Nos. 4,973,587, 5,013,837, 5,081,122, 5,112,820, 5,292,736, 5,532,237, 5,624,941, 6,028,084, and 6,509367; and WO 96/33159, WO97/29079, WO98/31227, WO 98/33765, WO98/37061, WO98/41519, WO98/43635, WO98/43636, WO99/02499, WO00/10967, WO00/10968, WO 01/0912O ₅ WO 01/58869, WO 01/64632, WO 01/64633, WO 01/64634, WO 01/70700, WO 01/9633O ₅ WO 02/076949, WO 03/006007, WO 03/007887, WO 03/020217, WO 03/026647, WO 03/026648 ₅ WO 03/027069, WO 03/027076, WO 03/027114, WO 03/037332, WO 03/040107, WO

04/096763, WO 04/111039, WO 04/1 11033, WO 04/111034, WO 04/11 1038, WO 04/01312O ₅ WO 05/000301, WO 05/016286, WO 05/066.126 and EP-658546 and the like; (4) ghrelin agonists/antagonists, such as BVT81-97 (BioVitrum), RC 1291 (Rejuvenon), SRD-04677 (Sumitomo), unacylated ghrelin (TheraTechnologies), and those disclosed in WO 01/87335, WO 02/08250, WO 05/012331 , and the like; (5) H3 (histamine H3) antagonist/inverse agonists, such as thioperamide, 3-(l/f-imidazol~4-yl)propyl N-(4-pentenyl)carbamate), clobenpropit, iodophenpropit, imoproxifan, GT2394 (Gliatech), and A331440, and those disclosed in WO 02/15905; and O- [3 -(l/i~imidazol-4-yl)propanol] carbamates (Kiec-Kononowicz ₅ K. et al. ₅ Pharmazie, 55:349-55 (2000)), piperidine-containing histamine H3-receptor antagonists (Lazewska, D. et al, Pharmazie, 56:927-32 (2001), benzophenone derivatives and related compounds (Sasse, A. et al., Arch. Pharm.(Weinheim) 334:45-52 (2001)), substituted N- phenylcarbamates (Reidemeister, S. et al., Pharmazie, 55:83-6 (2000)), and proxifan derivatives (Sasse, A. et al., J. Med. Chem.. 43:3335-43 (2000)) and histamine H3 receptor modulators such as those disclosed in WO 03/024928 and WO 03/024929; (6) melanin-concentrating hormone 1 receptor (MCHlR) antagonists, such as T-226296 (Takeda), T71 (Takeda/Amgen), AMGN- 608450, AMGN-503796 (Amgen), 856464 (GlaxoSmithkline), A224940 (Abbott), A798 (Abbott), ATC0175/AR224349 (Arena Pharmaceuticals), GW803430 (GlaxoSmithkine), NBI- IA (Neurocrine Biosciences), NGX-I (Neurogen), SNP-7941 (Synaptic), SNAP9847 (Synaptic), T-226293 (Schering Plough), TPI-136147 (Saitama Medical School/University of California Irvine), and those disclosed WO 01/21169, WO 01/82925, WO 01/87834, WO 02/051809, WO 02/06245, WO 02/076929, WO 02/076947, WO 02/04433, WO 02/51809, WO 02/083134, WO 02/094799, WO 03/004027, WO 03/13574, WO 03/15769, WO 03/028641, WO 03/035624, WO 03/033476, WO 03/033480, WO 04/00461 1, WO 04/004726, WO 04/011438, WO 04/028459, WO 04/034702, WO 04/039764, WO 04/052848, WO 04/087680; and Japanese Patent Application Nos. JP 13226269, JP 1437059, JP200431551 1 , and the like; (7) MCH2R (melanin concentrating hormone 2R) agonist/antagonists; (8) NPYl (neuropeptide Y Yl) antagonists, such as BMS205749, BIBP3226, J-115814, BIBO 3304, LY-357897, CP-671906, and GI-264879A;

and those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,001,836; and WO 96/14307, WO 01/23387, WO 99/51600, WO 01/85690, WO 01/85098, WO 01/85173, and WO 01/89528; (9) NPY5 (neuropeptide Y Y5) antagonists, such as 152,804, S2367 (Shionogi), E-6999 (Esteve), GW- 569180A, GW-594884A (Glaxo Smithklme), GW-587081X, GW-548118X; FR 235,208; FR226928, FR 240662, FR252384; 1229U91, GI-264879A, CGP71683A, C-75 (Fasgen) LY- 377897, LY366377, PD-160170, SR-120562A, SR-120819A _S S2367 (Shionogi), JCF-104, and H409/22; and those compounds disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,140,354, 6,191,160, 6,258,837, 6,313,298, 6,326,375, 6,329,395, 6,335,345, 6,337,332, 6,329,395, and 6,340,683 ; and EP- 01010691, EP-01044970, and FR252384; and PCT Publication Nos. WO 97/19682, WO 97/20820, WO 97/20821, WO 97/20822, WO 97/20823, WO 98/27063, WO 00/107409, WO 00/185714, WO 00/185730, WO 00/64880, WO 00/68197, WO 00/69849, WO 01/09120, WO 01/14376, WO 01/85714, WO 01/85730, WO 01/07409, WO 01/02379, WO 01/02379, WO 01/23388, WO 01/23389, WO 01/44201, WO 01/62737, WO 01/62738, WO 01/09120, WO 02/20488, WO 02/22592, WO 02/48152, WO 02/49648, WO 02/051806, WO 02/094789, WO 03/009845, WO 03/014083, WO 03/022849, WO 03/028726, WO 05/014592, WO 05/01493; and Norman et al., J. Med. Chem. 43:4288-4312 (2000); (10) leptin, such as recombinant human leptin (PEG-OB, Hoffman La Roche) and recombinant methionyl human leptin (Amgen); (11) leptin derivatives, such as those disclosed in Patent Nos. 5,552,524; 5,552,523; 5,552,522; 5,521,283; and WO 96/23513; WO 96/23514; WO 96/23515; WO 96/23516; WO 96/23517; WO 96/23518; WO 96/23519; and WO 96/23520; (12) opioid antagonists, such as nalmefene (Revex ®), 3-methoxynaltrexone, naloxone, and naltrexone; and those disclosed in WO 00/21509; (13) orexin antagonists, such as SB-334867-A (GlaxoSmithkline); and those disclosed in WO 01/96302, 01/68609, 02/44172, 02/51232, 02/51838, 02/089800, 02/090355, 03/023561, 03/032991, 03/037847, 04/004733, 04/026866, 04/041791, 04/085403, and the like; (14) BRS3 (bombesin receptor subtype 3) agonists; (15) CCK-A (cholecystokinin-A) agonists, such as AR- R 15849, GI 181771, JMV-180, A-71378, A-71623, PD170292, PD 149164, SR146131, SRl 25180, butabindide, and those disclosed in US 5,739,106; (16) CNTF (ciliary neurotrophic factors), such as GI-181771 (Glaxo-SmithKline); SR146131 (Sanofi Synthelabo); butabindide; and PD170,292, PD 149164 (Pfizer); (17) CNTF derivatives, such as axokine (Regeneron); and those disclosed in WO 94/09134, WO 98/22128, and WO 99/43813; (18) GHS (growth hormone secretagogue receptor) agonists, such as NN703, hexarelin, MK-0677, SM-130686, CP- 424,391, L-692,429 and L- 163,255, and those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6358951, U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2002/049196 and 2002/022637; and WO 01/56592, and WO 02/32888; (19) 5HT2c (serotonin receptor 2c) agonists, such as APD3546/ ARlOA (Arena Pharmaceuticals), ATH88651 (Athersys), ATH88740 (Athersys), BVT933 (Biovitrum/GSK), DPCA37215 (BMS), IK264; LY448100 (Lilly), PNU 22394; WAY 470 (Wyeth), WAY629 (Wyeth), WAY161503 (Biovitrum), R-1065, VRl 065 (Vernalis/Roche) YM 348; and those disclosed in U.S. Patent No.

3,914,250; and PCT Publications 01/66548, 02/36596, 02/48124, 02/10169, 02/44152; 02/51844, 02/40456, 02/40457, 03/057698, 05/000849, and the like; (20) Mc3r (melanocortin 3 receptor) agonists; (21) Mc4r (melanocortin 4 receptor) agonists, such as CHIR86036 (Chiron), CHIR915 (Chiron); ME-10142 (Melacure), ME-10145 (Melacure), HS-131 (Melacure), NBI72432 (Neurocrine Biosciences), NNC 70-619 (Novo Nordisk), TTP2435 (Transtech)and those disclosed in PCT Publications WO 99/64002, 00/74679, 01/991752, 01/0125192, 01/52880, 01/74844, 01/70708, 01/70337, 01/91752, 01/010842, 02/059095, 02/059107, 02/059108, 02/059117, 02/062766, 02/069095, 02/12166, 02/11715, 02/12178, 02/15909, 02/38544, 02/068387, 02/068388, 02/067869, 02/081430, 03/06604, 03/007949, 03/009847, 03/009850, 03/013509, 03/031410, 03/094918, 04/028453, 04/048345, 04/050610, 04/075823, 04/083208, 04/089951, 05/000339, and EP 1460069, and US 2005049269, and JP2005042839, and the like; (22) monoamine reuptake inhibitors, such as sibutratmine (Meridia ®/Reductil®) and salts thereof, and those compounds disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,746,680, 4,806,570, and 5,436,272, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0006964, and WO 01/27068, and WO 01/62341 ; (23) serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as dexfenfluramine, fluoxetine, and those in U.S. Patent No. 6,365,633, and WO 01/27060, and WO 01/162341 ; (24) GLP-I (glucagon-Hke peptide 1) agonists; (25) Topiramate (Topimax®); (26) phytopharm compound 57 (CP 644,673); (27) ACC2 (acetyl-CoA carboxylase-2) inhibitors; (28) β3 (beta adrenergic receptor 3) agonists, such as rafebergron/AD9677/TAK677 (Dainippon/ Takeda), CL-316,243, SB 418790, BRL- 37344, L-796568, BMS-196085, BRL-35135A, CGP12177A, BTA-243, GRC1087 (Glenmark Pharmaceuticals) GW 427353 (solabegron hydrochloride), Trecadrine, Zeneca D7114, N-5984 (Nisshin Kyorin), LY-377604 (Lilly), KT07924 (Kissei), SR 59119A, and those disclosed in US Patent Nos. 5,705,515, US 5,451,677; and WO94/18161, WO95/29159, WO97/46556, WO98/04526 WO98/32753, WO 01/74782, WO 02/32897, WO 03/014113, WO 03/016276, WO 03/016307, WO 03/024948, WO 03/024953, WO 03/037881, WO 04/108674, and the like; (29) DGATl (diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1) inhibitors; (30) DGAT2 (diacyl glycerol acyltransferase 2)inhibitors; (31) FAS (fatty acid synthase) inhibitors, such as Cerulenin and C75; (32) PDE (phosphodiesterase) inhibitors, such as theophylline, pentoxifylline, zaprinast, sildenafil, amrinone, milrinone, cilostamide, rolipram, and cilomilast, as well as those described in WO 03/037432, WO 03/037899; (33) thyroid hormone β agonists, such as KB-2611

(KaroBioBMS), and those disclosed in WO 02/15845; and Japanese Patent Application No. JP 2000256190; (34) UCP-I (uncoupling protein 1), 2, or 3 activators, such as phytanic acid, 4-[(E)- 2-(5,6 _s 7 _s 8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-napthalenyl)-l-propenyl]b enzoic acid (TTNPB), and retinoic acid; and those disclosed in WO 99/00123; (35) acyl-estrogens, such as oleoyl-estrone, disclosed in del Mar-Grasa, M. et al., Obesity Research, 9:202-9 (2001); (36) glucocorticoid receptor antagonists, such as CP472555 (Pfizer), KB 3305, and those disclosed in WO 04/000869, WO 04/075864, and the like; (37) 11 β HSD-I (11-beta hydroxy steroid

dehydrogenase type 1) inhibitors, such as BVT 3498 (AMG 331), BVT 2733, 3-(l-adamantyl)-4- ethyl-5-(ethylthio)-4H-l,2 ₅ 4-triazole, S-Cl-adamantyO-S-tS^^-trimethoxyphenyO^-methyl^H- 1 ,2,4-triazole, 3-adamantanyl-4,5,6,7,8,9, 10, 11 , 12,3a-decahydro- 1 ,2,4-triazolo[4,3- a][l l]armulene, and those compounds disclosed in WO 01/90091, 01/90090, 01/90092, 02/072084, 04/011410, 04/033427, 04/041264, 04/027047, 04/056744, 04/065351, 04/089415, 04/037251, and the like; (38) SCD-I (stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1) inhibitors; (39) dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors, such as isoleucine thiazolidide, valine pyrrolidide, sitagliptin (Jamivia), saxagliptin, alogliptin, NVP-DPP728, LAF237 (vildagliptin), P93/01, TSL 225, TMC- 2A/2B/2C, FE 999011, P9310/K364, VIP 0177, SDZ 274-444, GSK 823093, E 3024, SYR 322, TS021, SSR 162369, GRC 8200, K579, NN7201, CR 14023, PηX 1004, PηX 1149, PT-630, SK-0403; and the compounds disclosed in WO 02/083128, WO 02/062764, WO 02/14271, WO 03/000180, WO 03/000181, WO 03/000250, WO 03/002530, WO 03/002531, WO 03/002553, WO 03/002593, WO 03/004498, WO 03/004496, WO 03/005766, WO 03/017936, WO 03/024942, WO 03/024965, WO 03/033524, WO 03/055881, WO 03/057144, WO 03/037327, WO 04/041795, WO 04/071454, WO 04/0214870, WO 04/041273, WO 04/041820, WO

04/050658, WO 04/046106, WO 04/067509, WO 04/048532, WO 04/099185, WO 04/108730, WO 05/009956, WO 04/09806, WO 05/023762, US 2005/043292, and EP 1 258 476; (40) lipase inhibitors, such as tetrahydrolipstatin (orlistat/XENICAL), ATL962 (Alizyme/Takeda), GT389255 (Genzyme/Peptimmune)Triton WR1339, RηC80267, lipstatin, teasaponin, and diethylumbelliferyl phosphate, FL-386, WAY-121898, Bay-N-3176, valilactone, esteracin, ebelactone A, ebelactone B, and RHC 80267, and those disclosed in WO 01/77094, WO 04/111004, and U.S. Patent Nos. 4,598,089, 4,452,813, 5,512,565, 5,391,571, 5,602,151, 4,405,644, 4,189,438, and 4,242,453, and the like; (41) fatty acid transporter inhibitors; (42) dicarboxylate transporter inhibitors; (43) glucose transporter inhibitors; and (44) phosphate transporter inhibitors; (45) anorectic bicyclic compounds such as 1426 (Aventis) and 1954 (Aventis), and the compounds disclosed in WO 00/18749, WO 01/32638, WO 01/62746, WO 01/62747, and WO 03/015769; (46) peptide YY and PYY agonists such as PYY336 (Nastech/Merck), AC 162352 (IC Innovations/Curis/Amylin), TM30335/TM30338 (7TM Pharma), PYY336 (Emisphere Tehcnologies), pegylated peptide YY3-36, those disclosed in WO 03/026591 , 04/089279, and the like; (47) lipid metabolism modulators such as maslinic acid, erythrodiol, ursolic acid uvaol, betulinic acid, betulin, and the like and compounds disclosed in WO 03/011267; (48) transcription factor modulators such as those disclosed in WO 03/026576; (49) Mc5r (melanocortin 5 receptor) modulators, such as those disclosed in WO 97/19952, WO 00/15826, WO 00/15790, US 20030092041, and the like; (50) Brain derived neutotropic factor (BDNF), (51) McIr (melanocortin 1 receptor modulators such as LK- 184 (Proctor & Gamble), and the like; (52) 5HT6 antagonists such as BVT74316 (BioVitrum), BVT5182c (BioVitrum), E- 6795 (Esteve), E-6814 (Esteve), SB399885 (GlaxoSmithkline), SB271046 (GlaxoSmithkline),

RO-046790 (Roche), and the like; (53) fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4); (54) acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) inhibitors such as CP640186, CP610431, CP640188 (Pfizer); (55) C-terminal growth hormone fragments such as AOD9604 (Monash Univ/Metabolic Pharmaceuticals), and the like; (56) oxyntomodulin; (57) neuropeptide FF receptor antagonists such as those disclosed in WO 04/083218, and the like; (58) amylin agonists such as Symlin/pramlintide/ACl 37 (Amylin); (59) Hoodia and trichocaulon extracts; (60) BVT74713 and other gut lipid appetite suppressants; (61) dopamine agonists such as bupropion (WELLBUTRIN/GlaxoSmithkline); (62) zonisamide (ZONEGRAN/Dainippon/Elan) _f and the like; and

(e) anorectic agents suitable for use in combination with a compound of the present invention include, but are not limited to, aminorex, amphechloral, amphetamine, benzphetamine, chlorphentermine, clobenzorex, cloforex, clominorex, clortermine, cyclexedrine, dexfenfluramine, dextroamphetamine, diethylpropion, diphemethoxidine, iV-ethylamphetarnine, fenbutrazate, fenfluramine, fenisorex, fenproporex, fludorex, fluminorex, furfurylmethylamphetamine, levamfetamine, levophacetoperane, mazindol, mefenorex, metamfepramone, methamphetamine, norpseudoephedrine, pentorex, phendimetrazine, phenmetrazine, phentermine, phenylpropanolamine, picilorex and sibutramine; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. A particularly suitable class of anorectic agent are the halogenated amphetamine derivatives, including chlorphentermine, cloforex, clortermine, dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, picilorex and sibutramine; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Particular halogenated amphetamine derivatives of use in combination with a compound of the present invention include: fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Specific compounds of use in combination with a compound of the present invention include: simvastatin, mevastatin, ezetimibe, atorvastatin, sitagliptin, metformin, sibutramine, orlistat, Qnexa, topiramate, naltrexone, bupriopion, phentermine, and losartan, losartan with hydrochlorothiazide. Specific CBl antagonists/inverse agonists of use in combination with a compound of the present invention include: those described in WO03/077847, including: JV- [3- (4-chlorophenyl)-2(S)-phenyl- 1 (5^-methylρropyl] -2-(4-trifluoromethyl-2-pyrimidyloxy)-2- methylpropanamide, N-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(3-cyanophenyl)- 1 -methylpropyl]-2-(5- lrifluoromethyl-2-pyridyloxy)-2-methylproρanamide, iV-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(5-chloro-3- pyridyl)-l-methylpropyl]-2-(5-trifluoromethyl-2-ρyridyloxy) -2-methylpropanamide, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; as well as those in WO05/000809, which includes the following: 3 - { 1 -[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3 -ylidene } -3 -(3 ,5-difluorophenyl)-2,2- dimethylpropanenitrile, 1 - { 1 -[I -(4-chlorophenyl)pentyl]azetidin-3-yl} - 1 -(3 ,5-difluorophenyl)-2- methylpropan-2-ol. 3-((S)-(4-chlorophenyl){3-[(lS)-l-(3 ₅ 5-difluorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2- methylpropyl] azetidin- 1 -yl } methyl)benzomtrile, 3 -((S)-(4-chloroρhenyl) { 3 -[( 1 S)- 1 -(3 ,5- difluorophenyl)~2~fiuoro"2-methylpropyl]azetidin- 1 -yl}methyl)benzonitrile, 3-((4-

chlorophenyl) { 3 -[ 1 -(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropyl] azetidin- 1 -yl } methyl)benzonitrile, 3-((lS)-l-{l-[(S)-(3-cyanophenyl)(4-cyanopheByl)methyl]azeti din-3-yl}-2-fluoro-2- methylpropyl)-5-fluorobenzonitrile, 3-[(S)-(4-chlorophenyl)(3- { ( 1 S)-2-fluoro- 1 - [3-fluoro-5- (4H- 1 ,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenyl]-2-methylpropyl} azetidin- 1 -yl)methyl]benzonitrile ₅ and 5-((4- chlorophenyl) { 3- [( 1 S)- 1 -(3 ,5 -difluorophenyl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl] azetidin- 1 - yl}methyl)thiophene-3-carbonitrile, and pharamecueitcally acceptable salts thereof; as well as: 3 -[(5)-(4-chlorophenyl)(3 - { ( 1 S)-2-fl uoro- 1 - [3 -fluoro-5 -(5 -oxo-4,5-dihydro- 1 ,3 ,4-oxadiazol-2- yl)phenyl] -2-methylpropyl } azetidin- 1 -yl)methyl]benzonitrile, 3 - [(5)-(4-chlorophenyl)(3 - { ( 1 S)-2- fluoro- 1 - [3 -fluoro- 5-( 1 ,3 ,4-oxadi azol-2-yl)phenyl] -2-methylpropyl } azetidin- 1 - yϊ)methyl]benzonitrile, 3-[(5)-(3-{(15)-l-[3-(5-amino-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-5-fluoro phenyl]-2- fluoro-2-methylpropyl} azetidin- 1 -yl)(4-chlorophenyl)metliyl]benzonitrile, 3-[(5)-(4- cyanophenyl)(3 - { ( 1 S)-2-fluoro- 1 - [3 -fluoro-5-(5-oxo-4,5-dihydro- 1 ,3 ,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)pheriyl]-2- methylpropyl} azetidin- l-yl)methyl]benzonitrile, 3-[(5)-(3-{(15)-l -[3-(5-amino-l ,3,4-oxadiazol- 2-yl)-5 -fluorophenyl] -2-fluoro-2-methylproρyl } azetidin- 1 -yl)(4- cyanophenyl)methyl] benzomtrile, 3 - [(S)-(4-cyanopheny I)(3- { ( 1 <S)-2-fluoro- 1 - [ 3 -fluoro- 5 -( 1 ,3 ,4- oxadiazol-2~yl)phenyl] -2-raethylpropyl } azetidin- 1 -y l)methy 1] benzonitrile, 3- [(5)-(4- chlorophenyl)(3- {(15)-2-fluoro-l -[3-fiuoro-5-(l ₅ 2 _? 4-oxadiazol-3-yl)ρhenyl]-2- methylpropyl } azetidin- 1 -yl )methyl] benzonitrile, 3 - [( 15)- 1 -( 1 - { (5)-(4-cyanophenyl) [3 -( 1 ,2,4- oxadiazol-3 -yl)pheny 1] -methyl } azetidin-3 -yl)-2-fluoro-2-methy lpropyl] -5-fluorobenzonitrile, 5 - (3-{l-[l -(diphenylmethy l)azetidin-3 -yl] -2-fluoro-2-methy lpropyl } -5 -fluorophenyl)- 1 /i-tetrazole, 5 -(3- { 1 -[ 1 -(diphenylmethyl)azelidin-3 -yl] -2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl } -5-fluorophenyl)- 1 -methyl- 1 H-tetrazole, 5-(3 - { 1 - [ 1 -(diphenylmethyl)azetidin-3 -yl]-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl } -5- fluoroρhenyl)-2-methyl-2H-tetrazole, 3-[(4-chlorophenyl)(3-{2-fluoro- 1 -[3-fluoro-5-(2-methyl- 2H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyI] -2-methylpropyl } azetidin- 1 -yl)methyljbenzonitrile ₅ 3- [(4- chlorophenyl)(3-{2-fluoro-l-[3-fluoro-5-(l-methyl-lH-tetrazo l-5-yl)phenyl]-2- methylpropyl} azetidin- 1 ~yl)methyl]benzonitrile ₅ 3- [(4-cyanophenyl)(3- { 2-fluoro- 1 -[3 -fluoro-5- ( 1 -methyl- 1 H-tetrazol-5 -yl)phenyl ] -2-methylpropyl } azetidin- 1 -yl)methyl] benzonitrile, 3 - [(4- cyanophenyl)(3-{2-fluoro-l"[3~fluoro-5-(2-methyl-2H-tetrazol -5-yl)phenyl]-2- methylpropyl } azetidin- 1 -yl)methyl]benzonitrϊle, 5 - { 3 -[(S)- { 3 -[( 15)- 1 -(3-bromo-5-fluorophenyl)- 2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl]azetidiii- 1 ~yl} (4-chlorophenyl)methyl]phenyl} - 1 ,3 _s 4-oxadiazol-2(3H)- one ₅ 3-[(15)-l-(l-{(5)-(4-chlorophenyl)[3~(5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-l,3, 4-oxadiazol-2- yl)phenyl]methyl } azetidin-3 -yl)-2-fluoro-2-methy lpropyl] -5-fluorobenzonitrile, 3-[(15)-l-(l- {(S)-(4-cyanoρhenyl)[3-(5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-l,3 _j 4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl]methyl} azetidin-3-yl)- 2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl]-5-fluorobenzonitrile, 3 -[( 1 S)- 1 -( 1 - {(5)-(4-cyanophenyl)[3 -( 1 ,3 ,4- oxadiazol-2-yl)pheny 1] methyl } azetidin-3 -yl)-2-fluoro~2-methy lpropyl ] -5-fluorobenzonitrile, 3 - [(1S)- 1 -(I - {(5)-(4-chlorophenyl)[3-(l ₅ 3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl]methyl}azetidin-3-yl)-2-fluoro- 2-methylpropyl] -5-fluorobenzonitrile, 3-((l£)-l-{ l-[(5)-[3-(5-amino-l,3 ,4-oxadiazol-2-

yl)phenyl] (4-chlorophenyl)methyl] azetidin-3~yl } -2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl)-5-fluorobenzonitrile ₅ 3 -(( 1 S)- 1 - { 1 - [(S)- [3 -(5-amino- 1 , 3 ,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyI] (4-cyanophenyl )methyl] azetidIn-3 - yl } -2-fmoro-2-methyrpropyl)-5 -fluorobenzonitrile, 3- [( 1 S)- 1 -( 1 - { (S)-(4-cyanophenyI) [3-0,2,4- oxadiazol-3 -yl)phenyl] methyl } azetidin-3 -yl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl] - 5 -fluorobenzonitrile, 3- [( 1 S)- 1 -( 1 - {(£)-(4-chlorophenyl)[3 -( 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-3 -yl)phenyl]methyl } azetidin-3 -yl)-2-fluoro- 2-methylpropyl]-5-fluorobenzonitrile, 5-[3-((5)-(4-chlorophenyl) {3-[(15)- 1 -(3,5-difluorophenyl)- 2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl] azetidin-l-yl}methyl)phenyl]-l ,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-one, 5-[3-((S)-(4- chlorophenyl) { 3 - [( 1 S)- 1 -(3 ,5 -difluorophenyl )-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl]azetidin- 1 - yl } methyl)phenyl] - 1 ,3 ,4-oxadiazol-2 (3H)-one, 4- { (S)- { 3 - [( 1 S)- 1 -(3 ,5 -difluorophenyl)-2-fluoro- 2-methylpropyl]azetidin-l~yl}[3-(5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-l, 3 ₅ 4-oxadiazol-2-yl)plienyl]methyl}- benzonitrile, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Specific NPY5 antagonists of use in combination with a compound of the present invention include : 3-oxo-N-(5-phenyl-2-pyrazinyl)-spiro[isobenzofuran- 1 (3H),4' -piperidine] - 1' - carboxamide, 3 ~oxo-N-(7-trifluoromethylpyrido[3 ,2-b]pyridin-2-yl)spiro- [isobenzofuran- 1(3H),4' -piperidine]- 1 '-carboxamide, N-[5-(3-fluorophenyl)-2-pyrimidinyl]-3-oxospiro- [isobenzofuran- 1 (3 H) ,4 ' -piperidine]- 1 ' -carboxamide, trans-3 ' -oxo-N-(5 -phenyl-2- pyrimidinyl)spiro [cyclohexane- 1 , 1 ' (3 ' H)-isobenzofuran] -4-carboxamide _? trans-3 ' -oxo-N- [ 1 -(3 - quinolyl)-4-imidazolyl] spiro [cyclohexane- 1 , 1' (3 ' H)-isobenzofuran]-4-carboxamide, trans-3-oxo- N-(5-phenyl-2-pyrazinyl)spiro[4-azaiso-benzofuran- 1 (3H), 1 '-cyclohexane] -4' -carboxamide, trans-N- [5 -(3 -fluoropheny l)-2-pyrimidinyl] -3 -oxospiro[5 -azaisobenzofuran- 1(3H) ₅ I'- cyclohexane] -4' -carboxamide, trans-N-[5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2-pyrimidinyl] -3 -oxospiro[5 - azai sobenzofuran- 1 (3H), 1' -cyclohexane]-4 ' -carboxamide, trans-N- [ 1 -(3 , 5 -difluoroρhenyl)-4- imidazolyl] -3 -oxospiro [7-azaisobenzofuran- 1 (3 H), 1 '-cyclohexane]-4 ' -carboxamide, trans-3 -oxo- N-( 1 -ρhenyl-4-pyrazolyl)spiro[4-azaisobenzofuran- 1 (3H), 1 ' -cyclohexane] -4' -carboxamide, trans-N- [ 1 -(2-fluoropheny I)- 3 -pyrazolyl] -3 -oxospiro [6-azaisobenzofuran- 1(3 H), 1 ' -cyclohexane] - 4 ' -carboxamide, trans-3 -oxo-N-( 1 -phenyl-3 -pyrazolyl)spiro [6-azaisobenzofuran- 1 (3 H), 1' - cyclohexane] A ' -carboxamide, trans-3 -oxo-N-(2-phenyl- 1 ,2,3 -triazoI-4-yl)spiro[6- azaisobenzofuran- 1(3 H), 1 ' -cyclohexane] -4 '-carboxamide, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. Specific ACC- 1/2 inhibitors of use in combination with a compound of the present invention include: r-[(4,8-dimethoxyquinolin~2-yl)carbonyl]-6-(l/f-tetrazol-5-y l)spiro[chroman- 2,4'-piperidin]-4-one; (5- { 1 '-[(4 _; 8-dimethoxyquinolin-2-yl)carbonyl]-4-oxospiro[chroman-2,4'- piperidin]-6-yl}-2H-tetrazol-2-yl)methyl pivalate; 5-{r-[(8-cyclopropyl-4-methoxyquinoIin-2- yl)carbonyl]-4-oxospiro[chroman-2,4 ¹ -piperidin]-6-yl}nicotinic acid; l'-(8-methoxy-4- morpholin-4-yl-2-naphthoyl)-6-(l//-tetrazol-5-yl)spiro[chrom an-2,4'-piperidin]-4-one; and l'~ [(4-ethoxy-8-ethylquinolm-2-yl)carbonyl3-6-(lH-tetrazol-5-yl )spiro[chroman-2,4'-piperidiii]-4- one; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.

Specific MCHlR antagonist compounds of use in combination with a compound of the persent invention include: l-{4-[(l-ethylazetidin-3-yl)oxy]phenyl}-4~[(4- fluorobenzyl)oxy] pyridin-2( 1 H)-one, 4- [(4-fluorobenzyl)oxy] - 1 - { 4~ [( 1 -isopropylazetidin-3 - yl)oxy]phenyl}pyridin-2(l H)-one, 1 -[4-(azetidin-3-yloxy)ρhenyl]-4-[(5-chloropyridin-2- yi)methoxy]pyridin-2(lH)-one, 4-[(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)methoxy]- 1 - {4-[(l -ethylazetidin-3- yl)oxy]phenyl } pyridin-2(l H)-one, 4-[(5~chloroρyridin-2-yl)methoxy]- 1 - {4- [( 1 -propylazetidin~3- yl)oxy]phenyl } pyridin-2( 1 H)-one, and 4- [(5~chloroρyridin-2-yl)methoxy] - 1 -(4- { [(2S)- 1 - ethylazetϊdin-2-yl]methoxy}phenyl)pyridin-2(lH)-one, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Specific DP-IV inhibitors of use in combination with a compound of the present invention are selected from 7-[(3R)-3-amino-4-(2,4 ₅ 5-trifluorophenyl)butanoyl]-3~(trifluoromethyl)- 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-l,2,4-triazolo[4,3~a]pyrazine. In particular, the compound of formula I is favorably combined with 7-[(3R)-3-amino-4-(2,4,5-trifTuorophenyl)butanoyl]-3- (trifluoromethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-l ,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazine, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Specific η3 (histamine H3) antagonists/inverse agonists of use in combination with a compound of the present invention include: those described in WO05/077905, including: 3 -{4- [( 1 -cyclobutyl-4-piperidinyl)oxy] phenyl } -2-ethylpyrido [2 , 3 -d] -pyrimidin-4 (3H)-one, 3 - { 4- [( 1 - cyclobutyl-4-piperidinyl)oxy]phenyl}-2-methylpyrido[4 _? 3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one, 2-ethyl-3-(4- {3-[(3S)-3-methylpiperidin-l-yl]propoxy}ρhenyl)pyrido[2 _J 3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one 2-methyl-3- (4- { 3- [(3 S)-3-methyIpiperidin- 1 -yljpropoxy } ρhenyl)pyrido [4,3 -d]pyrimidin~4(3H)~one, 3 - {4- [( 1 -cyclobutyl-4-piperidinyl)oxy]phenyl } -2,5 -dimethyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone _f 3 - {4-[( 1 - cyclobutyl-4-piperidinyl)oxy]phenyl}-2-methyI-54rifluorometh yl-4(3H)-quinazolinone _;> 3-{4- [( 1 -cyclobuty l-4-piperidinyI)oxy]phenyl } -5-methoxy-2-methyl-4(3 H)-quinazolinone, 3 - {4- [( 1 - cyclobutylpiperidin-4-yl)oxy]phenyl}-5-fluoro-2-methyl-4(3H) -quinazolinone _s 3-{4-[(l~ cyclobutylpiperidin-4-yl)oxy]phenyl}-7-fluoro-2-methyl-4(3H) -quinazolinone, 3- ^' {4-[(l- cyclobutylpiperidin-4-yl)oxy]phenyl}-6-methoxy-2-methyl-4(3H )-quinazolinone _f 3-{4~[(l- cyclobutylpiperidin-4-yl)oxy]phenyl}-6-fluoro-2-methyl-4(3H) -quinazolinone, 3-{4-[(l- cyclobutylpiperidin-4-yl)oxy]phenyl}-8-fluoro-2-methyl-4(3H) -quinazolinone, 3-{4-[(l -cyclopentyl-4-piperidinyl)oxy]phenyl} -2-methylρyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one, 3- {4-[(l-cyclobutylpiperidin-4-yl)oxy]phenyl}-6-fluoro-2-methy lpyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)- one, 3-{4-[(l-cyclobutyl-4-piperidinyl)oxy3phenyl}-2-ethylρyrido [4,3-d]ρyrimidin-4(3H)-one, 6- methoxy-2-methyl- 3 - { 4- [3 -( 1 -piperidinyl)propoxy]phenyl } pyrido [3 ,4-d] pyrimidin-4(3 H)-one ₉ 6- methoxy-2-methyl-3 - { 4- [3 -( 1 -pyrro lidinyl )propoxy]phenyl } pyrido [3 ,4-d]pyrimidin-4(3 H)-one, 2 ₅ 5-dimethyl-3-{4-[3-(l-pyrrolidinyl)propoxy]phenyl}-4(3H)-qui nazolmone _; 2-methyl-3-{4-[3- (l-pyrrolidinyl)proρoxy]phenyl}-5-trifluoromethyl-4(3H)-qui nazolinone _J 5-fluoro-2-metliyl-3- {4-[3-(l-piperidinyl)propoxy]phenyl}-4(3H)-quinazolinone _? 6-methoxy-2-methyl-3-{4-[3-(l-

piperidinyl)propoxy]phenyl } -4(3H)-quinazolinone, 5 -methoxy-2~methyl- 3 -(4- { 3 - [(3 S)-3 - methylpiperidin- 1 -yl] propoxy } phenyl)-4(3 H)-quinazolinone, 7-methoxy-2-methyl-3 -(4- { 3 - [(3 S)- 3-methylpiperidin- 1 -yljpropoxy } phenyl)-4(3 H)-quinazolinone, 2-methyl-3-(4- {3 - [(3 S)-3- methylpiperidin- 1 -yl]ptopoxy}phenyl)pyrido[2,3-d]pyπmidin-4(3H)-one, 5-fluoro-2-methyl-3- (4- { 3 - [(2R)-2-methylpyrrolidin- 1 -y l]propoxy } phenyl)-4(3H)-quinazol inone, 2-methyl-3 -(4- { 3 - [(2R)-2-methylpyrrolidin- 1 -yljpropoxy} phenyl)pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one, 6-methoxy-2- methyl-3-(4-{3-[(2R)-2-methylpyrrolidin-l-yl]propoxy}phenyl) -4(3H)-quinazolinone _s 6- methoxy-2-methyl-3 -(4- {3 - [(2S)-2-methylpyrrolidin~ 1 -yljpropoxy } phenyl)-4(3 H)-quinazolinone, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Specific CCKl R agonists of use in combination with a compound of the present invention include: 3-(4-{[l-(3-ethoxyphenyl)-2-(4~methylphenyl)-lH -imidazol-4-yl] carbonyl }- 1 -piperazinyl)- 1 -naphthoic acid; 3 -(4- {[ 1 -(3 -ethoxyphenyl)-2-(2-fluoro-4-methylphenyl)- IH- imidazol-4-yl] carbonyl} - 1 -piperazinyl)- 1 -naphthoic acid; 3 -(4- { [ 1 -(3 -ethoxyphenyl)-2-(4~ fluorophenyl)- \H -imidazol-4-yl] carbonyl } - 1 -piperazinyl)- 1 -naphthoic acid; 3 -(4- { [ 1 -(3- ethoxyphenyl)-2-(2 ,4-difiuoroρhenyl)- 1 H -imidazol-4-yl ]carbonyl } - 1 -piperazinyl)- 1 -naphthoi c acid; and 3 -(4- { [ 1 -(2 , 3 -dihydro- 1 ,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)- 1 H-imidazol-4- yl]carbonyl}-l-piperazinyl)-l~naphthoic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Specific MC4R agonists of use in combination with a compound of the present invention include: 1) (5S)- 1 '- { [(3λ,4.£)-1 -ter?-butyl-3-(2 ₅ 3 _; 4-trifluorophenyl)piperidin-4-yl]carbonyl}-3- chloro-2-methyl-5-[l-methyl-l-(l-methyl-lH-l,2 _f 4-triazol-5-yl)ethyl]-5H-spiro[foro[3 _s 4-

&]pyridine-7,4'-piperidme]; 2) (SR)-V- {[(3^,4^)4 -tert-butyl-3-(2,3,4-trifluorophenyl)-piperidin- 4-yl] carbonyl } -3 -chloro^-methyl-S- [ 1 -methyl- 1 -( 1 -methyl- 1 H- 1 ,2,4-triazol- 5 -yl)ethyl] - 5H- spiro[furo[3,4-δ]pyridme-7 _s 4'-piperidine]; 3) 2-(r-{[(35',4λ)-l-tert-butyl-4-(2 ₅ 4- difluorophenyl)pyrrolidin-3 -yl jcarbonyl } -3 -chloro-2-methyl-SH-spiro [furo[3 ,4-5]pyridine-7,4'- piperidin]-5-yl)-2-methylpropanemtrile; 4) r-{[(35',4^)-l-fert-butyl-4-(2 _! 4- difluorophenyl)pyrrolidin-3-yl] carbonyl } -3 -chloro^-methyl-S- [ 1 -methyl- 1 -( 1 -methyl- 1 H- 1 ,2,4- triazol-5-yl)ethyl]-5H-spiro[furo[3 _f 4-6]pyridine-7,4'-piperidine]; 5) N-[(3λ,4λ)-3-({3-chloro-2- methyl-5-[l-methyl-l-(l-methyl-lH-l,2 ₅ 4-triazol-5-yl)ethyl3-l'H _f 5H-spiro[furo-[3,4-&]pyridine- 7 ,4'-piperidin] - 1 '-yl } carbonyl)-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-cyclopentyl] -N-methyltetrahydro-2H- pyran-4-amiϊie; 6) 2-[3-chloro-l'-({(li?,2 _J R)-2-(2 _J 4-difluoroρhenyl)-4-[methyl(tetrahydro-2H- pyran-4-yl)amino]-cyclopentyl}-carbonyl)-2-methyl-5H-spiro[f uro[3 _j 4-&3pyridine-7 ₅ 4'- piperidin]-5-yl]-2-methyl-propane-nitrile; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Suitable neurokinin- 1 (NK-I) receptor antagonists may be favorably employed with the AMP-kinase activators of the present invention. NK-I receptor antagonists of use in the present invention are fully described in the art. Specific neurokinin- 1 receptor antagonists of use in the present invention include: (±)-(2R3R,2S3S)-N-{[2-cyclopropoxy-5-(trifluoromethoxy)- phenyl]methyl}-2-phenylpiperidin-3-amine; 2-(R)-(l-(R)-(3 _> 5~bis(trifluorometriyl)-

phenyl)ethoxy)-3 -(S )-(4-fluoroρhenyl)~4~(3 -(5 -oxo- 1 H, AH- 1 ,2 _? 4-triazolo)melhyl)morpholine; aperpitant; CJ17493; GW597599; GW679769; R673; RO67319; Rl 124; R1204; SSRl 46977; SSR240600; T-2328; and T2763.; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The term "therapeutically effective amount" means the amount the compound of structural formula I that will elicit the biological or medical response of a tissue, system, animal or human that is being sought by the researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician, which includes alleviation of the symptoms of the disorder being treated. The novel methods of treatment of this invention are for disorders known to those skilled in the art. The term "mammal" includes humans, and companion animals such as dogs and cats. The weight ratio of the compound of the Formula I to the second active ingredient may be varied and will depend upon the effective dose of each ingredient. Generally, an effective dose of each will be used. Thus, for example, when a compound of the Formula I is combined with a DPIV inhibitor the weight ratio of the compound of the Formula I to the DPIV inhibitor will generally range from about 1000:1 to about 1 :1000, preferably about 200:1 to about 1:200. Combinations of a compound of the Formula I and other active ingredients will generally also be within the aforementioned range, but in each case, an effective dose of each active ingredient should be used.

The compounds of structural formula I of the present invention can be prepared according to the procedures of the following Schemes, Intermediates and Examples, using appropriate materials and are further exemplified by the following specific examples. Moreover, by utilizing the procedures described in the disclosure contained herein, one of ordinary skill in the art can readily prepare additional compounds of the present invention claimed herein. The compounds illustrated in the examples are not, however, to be construed as forming the only genus that is considered as the invention. The Examples further illustrate details for the preparation of the compounds of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that known variations of the conditions and processes of the following preparative procedures can be used to prepare these compounds. The instant compounds are generally isolated in the form of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, such as those previously described herein. The use of protecting groups for the amine and carboxylic acid functionalities to facilitate the desired reaction and minimize undesired reactions is well documented. Conditions required to remove protecting groups are found in standard textbooks such as Greene, T, and Wuts, P. G. M., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, 1991. CBZ and BOC are commonly used protecting groups in organic synthesis, and their removal conditions are known to those skilled in the art. All temperatures are degrees Celsius unless otherwise noted. Mass spectra (MS) were measured by electron-spray ion-mass spectroscopy.

Abbreviations used in the description of the preparation of the compounds of the present invention: aq is aqueous; AcOH is acetic acid; Bn is benzyl; BnBr is benzyl bromide; C is

carbon; cone is concentrated; d is day(s); DAST is (diethylamino)sulfur trifluoride; DIBAL-H is di-isobutyl aluminum hydride; DCM is dichloromethane; DME is 1 ,2-dimethoxyethane; DMF is dimethyl formaraide; DMSO is dimethyl sulfoxide; dppf is l,l'-bis(diphenylphosphmo)- ferrocene; Et is ethyl; EtO is ethoxy; Et2θ is diethyl ether; EtOAc is ethyl acetate; EtOH is ethanol; Et3N is tπethyl amine; Et3Si is tri ethyl silane; eq is equivalent; g is gram(s); h is hour(s); HMDS is hexamethyldisilizane; HPLC is high pressure liquid chromatography; z-Pr is isopropyl; O-z-Pr is isopropoxy; KOAc is potassium acetate; L is liter; LC/MS is liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy; LDA is lithium diisopropyl amide; M is molar; ml or mL is milliliter; Me is methyl; MeCN is acetonitrile; MeI is methyl iodide; MeO is methoxy; MeOH is methanol; min is minutes; mm is millimeters of mercury; mmol is millimole(s); MP or Mp or mp is melting point; MPLC is medium pressure liquid chromatography; N is normal; NaOAc is sodium acetate; NBS is iV-bromo succinamide; NIS is JV-iodo succinamide; PPh3 is triphenyl phosphine; wt % is weight percent; psi is pounds per square inch; RT or r.t. or rt is room temperature; Rt is retention time; Rochelles ¹ Salt is potassium sodium tartrate; SEM is 2- (trimethylsilyl)-ethoxymethyl; SEMCl is 2-(trimethylsilyl)-ethoxymethyl chloride; BU4NF and

TBAF is tetrabutyl ammonium fluoride; TBS is tert-butyl dimethyl silyl chloride; TBSCl is tert- butyl dimethyl silyl chloride; TFA is trifluoro acetic acid; THF is tetrahydrofuran; TLC is thin layer chromatography; TMS is tetramethylsilyl; and TMSBr is tetramethylsilyl bromide.

Microwave (MW) reactions were performed with a single mode operating Biotage Emrys Optimizer in sealed reaction vials at the indicated fixed temperature held constant for the designated reaction time. The medium pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) purifications were performed with Teledyne ISCO RediSep normal-phase columns pre-packed with 35-60 micron silica gel. The LC-MS system contained an Applied Biosystems APIl 50EX MS operating in a positive ion mode receiving 0.1 mL/min flowrate with a Shimadzu UV detector receiving 0.1 mL/mm flowrate. Unless specified, the LC conditions were solvent A = 0.03% TFA in acetonitrile; solvent B = 0.05% TFA in water; flowrate = 10 mL/min; column: Chromolith Performance RP-18e ₅ 100x4.6 mm; gradient program: min (%B) 0 (95), 1.6 (5), 2.6 (5), 2.7 (95), 3.0 (95). Unless specified, the ¹ H NMRs were obtained in DMSO-J ₆ at 300 or 500 MHz and spectra were recorded in units 6 with CD ₂ HS(O)CDs (δ 2.504) as the reference line internal standard. C, H, N microanalyses were performed by Robertson Microlit Laboratories, Inc., Madison, NJ.

The following reaction schemes illustrate methods which may be employed for the synthesis of the compounds of structural formula I described in this invention. All substituents are as defined above unless indicated otherwise. Several strategies based upon synthetic transformations known in the literature of organic synthesis may be employed for the preparation of the title compounds of general formula I.

Compounds of the present invention may be prepared by procedures illustrated in the accompanying schemes.

Scheme 1 1. H ₂ SO ₄ , H ₂ O, NaNO ₂ , O ⁰ C TBS-Ci

2. H ₂ SO ₄ ZH ₂ O ₁ 80 ⁰ C imidazole, DMF, it

Scheme 1 illustrates the preparation of Intermediate 5, which is used to prepare compounds of the present invention. In Scheme 1, X is halogen. Intermediate 5 may be prepared by converting aniline 1 to phenol 2, then protecting phenol 2 with a ter/-buiyldimethylsilyl (TBS) group to provide compound 3. Compound 3 is reacted with ^-butyllithium, followed by diethyl chlorophosphate to provide compound 4. Compound 4 is desilylated to provide Intermediate 5.

Scheme 2

R ¹ B(OH) ₂

15

Scheme 2 shows how compounds of formula 15 of the present invention may be prepared beginning with the iodination of 5-chloro-2-nitroaniline 6 to provide iodide 7, followed by reduction of 7 to the phenylenediamine 8. Compound 8 can be converted to the benzimidazole 9 via a reaction with triethylorthoformate. Compound 9 is then protected with a trimethylsilyethoxymethyl (SEM) group to provide compound lθ as a mixture of the N-I- and N- 3 SEM isomers. In Scheme 2, and through out the Schemes, Intermediates and Examples, compound A, which is a N-I and N-3 SEM isomer or SEM protected mixture, corresponds to the mixture of compounds B and C:

Additionally, other protecting groups, including but not limited to benzyl (Bn) may be used in place of the SEM group in the mixtures above.

A palladium catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling between compound 10 and an arylboronic acid (R ¹ B(OH) ₂ ) may be used to provide 11, which is converted to iodide 12 via a deprotonation/iodine quench reaction. Iodide 12 can be used to alkylate Intermediate 5 in the presence of cesium carbonate to provide 13. Deprotection of the SEM group of 13 yields compound 14, which undergoes de-esterification with bromotrimethylsilane to provide compounds of formula 15 of the invention.

Scheme 3

20

21

Scheme 3 shows how compounds of formula 21 of the present invention may be prepared. In Scheme 3, MW means microwave. Previously described intermediate 10 may be deprotonated, followed by anion quenching with iodine to provide the &w-iodide 16. Iodide 16 is converted to Intermediate 17 via a reaction with the Intermediate 5 in the presence of cesium carbonate. A palladium catalyzed Sonogashira reaction between 17 and a terminal alkyne such as 18 can provide Intermediate 19. Alternatively, arylboromc acids can be substituted for the alkyne reagent 18 and a palladium catalyzed Suzuki coupling performed on 17 as another route to provide intermediates such as compound 13. Subjection of intermediate 19 to stepwise deprotection reactions with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF), followed by treatment with bromotrimethyl-silane (TMSBr) provides compounds of formula 21 of the present invention.

INTERMEDIATE IA

6-chloro-5-iodo-2-(methylsulfonyl)-lH-benzimidazole

Step A 5-chloro-4-iodo-2-nitroaniline. To a solution of 5-chloro-2-nitroaniline (25 g, 145 mmol) in AcOH (250 mL) was added N-iodosuccinimide (32.6 g 145 mmol). The mixture was stirred overnight at 50 ⁰ C, cooled down to rt and filtered. The solid residue was washed with

AcOH, water, saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ and water, a nd then dried to afford the desired product as a brown solid, which was used in the next step without further purification.

Step B 4-chloro-5-iodobenzene- 1 ,2-diamine. To a suspension of 5-chloro-4-iodo-2-nitroaniline

(36.5 g, 122 mmol) in EtOH (800 mL) and water (150 mL) was added iron powder (38 g,

673mmol) and NH ₄ Cl (16 g, 306 mmol). The mixture was heated under nitrogen at 50 ⁰ C overnight. Additional iron powder (38 g, 673 mmol) and NH ₄ Cl (16 g, 306 mmol) were added and heating was continued for 45 h. The reaction mixture was cooled, filtered and concentrated. The residue was re-dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic phase was concentrated to afford the desired product as a gray solid, which was used in the next step without further purification.

Step C 5~chloro-6-iodo~ 13-dihydro-2H-benzimidazole-2-thiorie. KOH (15.7 g, 238 mmol) in water (50 mL), followed by carbon disulfide (14.4 mL, 238 mmol), was added to a solution of 4- chloro-5-iodobenzene-l,2-diamine (50 g, 198 mmol) in EtOH (300 mL). The mixture was heated at reflux for 3 h, cooled and filtered. To the filtrate was added water (300 mL) and then AcOH (25 mL) in water (50 mL). The precipitate was collected, washed with water and a small amount of EtOH and dried to afford the desired product as a brown powder, which was used in the next step without further purification. Step D 6-chloro~5~iodo-2-(methylthio)- 1 /i-benzimidazole. K ₂ CO ₃ (0.22 g, 1.61 mmol), followed by iodomethane (0.1 mL, 1.61 mmol), was added to a solution of 5-chloro-6-iodo- 1 ,3- dihydro-2H-benzimidazole-2-thione (I g, 3.22 mmol) in acetone (20 mL) at O ⁰ C. The reaction was stirred at rt for 1 h. Additional K ₂ CO ₃ (1.61 mmol) and iodomethane (1.61 mmol) were added, and stirring continued at rt overnight. Volatiles were removed and the residue was partitioned between EtOAc and water. Concentration afforded the desired product as a white foam, which was used in the next step without further purification.

Step E 6-chloro-5-iodo-2-(methylsulfonyl)- 1 /f-benzimidazole. w-Chloroperbenzoic acid (1.4 g, 6.16 mmol) was added to a suspension of 6-chloro-5-iodo-2-(methylthio)- W-benzimidazole (1.Og, 3.08 mmol) in DCM (50 mL). The reaction stirred at rt for 10 min then washed with 10% aqueous NaHCO ₃ . The organic phase was concentrated. The residue was triturated with MeOH (3 mL) and filtered to afford the title compound as white powder. LC-MS: calculated for C ₈ H ₆ ClIN ₂ O ₂ S 356.57, observed m/e 357.30 (M + H) ⁺ (Rt 1.21/2 min). NMR(CD ₃ OD): 8.3

(lH,s), 7.9 (lH,s), 3.3 (3H,s).

INTERMEDIATE IB 6-fluoro-5-iodo-2-(methylsulfonγiy 1 H-benzimidazole. Intermediate IB was prepared by the same procedures described for Intermediate IA, starting with the appropriate starting material. LC-MS: calculated for C ₈ H ₆ FIN ₂ O ₂ S 340.11, observed m/e 341.0 (M + H) ⁺ (Rt 2.45/4 min).

NMR(D ₆ -ACETONE): 8.22(1H ₅ s), 7.60(1H ₅ d), 3.45(3H ₅ s).

INTERMEDIATE 2A

6-chloro- 5 -iodo-2-(methylsulfρnyl)- 1 - { f 2-f trimethyl silyDethoxy] methyl 1-1 H-benzimidazole . Et ₃ N (20.95 mL, 150 mmol) and 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy methyl chloride (17.29 mL, 98 mmol) were added to a solution of Intermediate IA (26.8 g, 75 mmol) in THF (200 mL). The reaction was stirred at rt for 1 h. Volatiles were removed and the residue partitioned between EtOAc and water. The organic phase was washed with 2N aqueous HCl and brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and concentrated to afford the title compound as a white solid. LC-MS: calculated for CHH2θClN2θ3SSi 485.97, observed m/e 428.83 (M + H) ⁺ (Rt 2.30 min).

INTERMEDIATE 2B

6-fluoro-5-iodo-2-(methylsulfonyl)- 1 - { \ 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy1methyl ) - 1 //-benzimidazole.

Intermediate 2B was prepared by the same procedures described for Intermediate 2A, starting with the appropriate starting material. LC-MS; calculated for C ₁₄ H _2O FIN ₂ O ₃ SSi 470.37, observed m/e 413 (M-Me3SiH + O + H) ⁺ (R _t 2.25 rain). NMR (CDCl ₃ ): 8.20 (l/2H,s), 8.03(l/2H,s); 7.50(l/2H,d), 7.33(l/2H,d); 5.89(2H,s); 3.65(2H,m); 3.55(3 H,s); 0.95(2H,m); - 0.98(9H,s).

INTERMEDIATE 2C

1 -(biphenyl-4-ylmethyl)-4,6-difluoro-5-iodo-2-Cmethylsulfonyl )- 1 /f-benzimidazole Step A λ ^r -(biphenyl-4-ylmethyl)-3,5-difluoro-2-nitroaniline. Potassium carbonate (10.9 g, 79 mmol) was added to a solution of l,3 _> 5-trifluoro-2-nitrobenzene and l-biphenyl-4- ylmethanamine in THF (200 mL). The mixture was stirred at rt for 15 h. The reaction mixture was filtered and concentrated to afford the desired product as a deep orange solid. Step B A^(biphenyl-4-ylmethyl)-3,5-difluoro-4-iodo-2-nitroaniline. NIS (7.9 g, 35.1 mmol) was added to a solution of λ ^L (biphenyI-4-ylmethyl)-3 _; 5-difluoro-2-nitroaniline (10.86 g, 31.9 mmol) in AcOH (150 mL). After heating at 70 ⁰ C for 2 h, the reaction mixture was concentrated and

partitioned between EtOAc and saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ . The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₃ ) and concentrated. Recrystallization from DCM/hexanes afforded the desired product as a red solid.

Step C /V ^'' -(biphe _ι nyl-4 _: ylme1hyl)-3 _ι ,5-difluoro-4-iodobenzene _: l,2-diamme. A 20% solution of AcOH (6.7 mL, 117 mmol) in water was added to a suspension of iron (10.89 g, 195 mmol) in a solution of N-(biphenyl-4-ylmethyl)-3,5-difluoro~4-iodo-2-nitroaniline (12.12 g, 26 mmol) in EtOH (70 mL). After heating at 76 ⁰ C for 2 h, volatiles were removed. The residue was extracted with EtOAc. Combined organic extracts were filtered through Celite®, washed with aqueous ammonium hydroxide and brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ) and concentrated. Chromatography over silica eluting with 10-50% EtOAc/hexanes afforded the desired product as a yellow solid.

Step D 1 -(biphenyl-4-ylmethyl)-4,6~difluoro-5-iodo- 1 ,3 -dihydro^if-benzimidazole^-thione. l,r~thiocarbonyldiimidazole (4.75 g, 26.6 mmol) was added to a solution of JV-(biphenyl-4- ylmethyl)-3,5-difluoro-4-iodobenzene-l,2-diamine (9.68 g ₅ 22.19 mmol) in DMSO (30 mL). After stirring at rt for 16 h, the reaction mixture was diluted with DCM and the precipitated solid collected to afford the desired product.

Step E l-(biphenyl-4-ylmethyl)-4,6-difluoro-5-iodo-2--(methylthio)- lH-benzirnidazole. Iodomethane (2 M in methyl-tøt-butyl ether, 22.87 mL, 45.7 mmol) was added to a solution of cesium carbonate (14.9 g, 45.7 mmol) and l~(biphenyl-4-ylmethyl)-4,6-difluoro-5-iodo-l,3- dihydro-2/f-benziniidazole-2-thione (10.94 g, 22.87 mmol) in THF (100 mL). After stirring at rl overnight, volatiles were removed. Chromatography over silica eluting with 15-60% EtOAc/hexanes afforded the desired product as a beige solid.

Step F _ι l-(biphenyl-4-ylmemyl)-4,6-difluoro-5-iodo-2-(methylsulfonyl )-lH-benzimidazole. m- CPBA (10 g, 44.6 mmol) in DCM (200 mL) was added to l-(biphenyl-4-ylmethyl)-4,6-difluoro- 5-iodo-2-(methylthio)-li/-benzimidazole (10.98 g, 22.3 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 16 h. A further 3 g of m-CPBA was added and stirring continued for 1 h. Volatiles were removed and the residue was partitioned between EtOAc and saturated aqueous NaHCOj. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ) and concentrated. Chromatography over silica eluting with 15-30% EtOAc/hexanes afforded the title compound as a white solid. LC-MS: calculated for C _2I H] ₅ F ₂ IN ₂ O ₂ S 523.99, observed m/e 525.00 (M + H) ⁺ (R _t 2.15 min). INTERMEDIATE 3

Methyl 5-hydroxy-2-methylbenzoate

Step A Methyl 2-methyl-5 -nitrobenzoate. To a solution of2-methyl-5-nitrobenzoic acid (6O g, 331 mmol) in MeOH (400 mL) was added HCl (4 M in dioxane) (10 mL). The mixture was

heated at reflux over night. Volatlles were removed and the residue was dissolved in EtOAc and washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ and brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and concentrated to afford the desired product as white powder.

Step B Methyl 5-amino-2-methylbenzoate, To a solution of methyl 2-methyl-5-nitrobenzoate (6Og, 307 mmol) in MeOH (600 mL) was added Pd (10 wt% on carbon) (1.6 g). The reaction was shaken under hydrogen (30-50 psi) for 1 h, filtered through a cehte pad and concentrated to afford the desired product as a red paste, which was used in the next step without purification. Step C Methyl 5 -hydroxy-2-methylbenzoate . A 0°C solution of sulfuric acid (89g, 908 mmol) in water (700 mL) was added to a flask containing methyl 5-amino-2-methylbenzoate (50 g, 303 mmol) in an ice-water bath. The resulting mixture was stirred until the mixture become a cloudy solution. A solution of sodium nitrite (21 g, 303 mmol) in cold water (200 mL) was added dropwise and stirring was continuted for 1 h at O ⁰ C then at 100 ⁰ C for another 1 h. The reaction was cooled and the solid collected by filtration, and rinsed with water. The resultant dark red solid was re-dissolved in MeOH (500 mL). Charcoal (2 g) was added and the reaction was heated at reflux for 1 h. The mixture was filtered and concentrated. Chromatography over silica elutϊng with 0-50% EtOAc/hexane afforded the title compound as white solid. LC-MS: calculated for C ₉ H ₁₀ O ₃ 166.17, observed m/e: no ionization (R _t 0.89/2 min). NMR (CDCl ₃ ): 7.48 (lH,s),

7.15(1H ₅ d); 6.95(lH,d), 6.04(lH ₅ s); 3.95(3H,s); 2.53(3H,s).

INTERMEDIATE 4

[ 1 -(4-bromophenyl)cyclopropyll methanol . LiAlH ₄ (2M in THF ) (1.6 mL, 3.20 mmol) was added to a solution of l-(4-bromophenyl)cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (480 mg, 1.991 mmol) in THF (12 ml) at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was sitirred at rt for 45 min, then quenched with water (3 mL) at 0 ⁰ C. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc (30 mL) and IN aqueous potassium sodium tartrate and stirred atrt for 2 h. The organic layer was removed. Aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc. Combined organic layers were dried (MgSO/ _f ), filtered and concentrated to afford the title compound that was used without further purification. LC-MS calculated for C ₁₀ H _n BrO = 226, No ionization. Rt : 2.85/ 5.5 min.

INTERMEDIATE 5

Methyl 5-hydroxy-2,4-dimethγlbenzoate Step A Methyl 5-amino-2,4-dimethylbenzoate. A flask containing methyl 2,4-dimethylbenzoate

(1.48 g, 9.01 mmol) was cooled with an ice bath. A mixture OfH ₂ SO ₄ (1.5 mL, 28.1 mmol) and HNO ₃ (1 .5 mL, 23.5 mmol) was carefully added. After 50 min, the mixture was poured into ice and extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was washed with water and brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ) and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in 30 mL of methanol. Pd (10 wt% on C) (120 mg) was added, and the reaction was shaken under hydrogen (50 psi) for 1 h. The reaction was filtered and concentrated. Chromatography over silica eluting with 50-75% EtOAc/hexane afforded the desired product. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ 7.34 (s, IH), 6.96 (s, IH), 4.05 (bs, IH), 3.88 (s, 3H), 2.50 (s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 3H). Step B Methyl 5-hydroxy-2,4-dimethylbenzoate. Methyl 5-ammo-2,4~dimethylbenzoate (0.752 g, 4.20 mmol) in 5 mL water was cooled with an ice bath. H ₂ SO ₄ (1.1 mL, 21 mmol) was added followed by a solution of sodium nitrite (0.301 g, 4.4 mmol) in 3 mL of water. The reaction was stirred in an ice bath for 30 min, and then in a 100 ⁰ C oil bath for 60 min. The reaction was cooled to rt and partitioned between EtOAc and brine. The organic phase was dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ) and concentrated to give the title compound as a yellow oil. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ 7.48 (s, IH), 7.00 (s _} IH), 5.95 (bs, IH), 3.90 (s, 3H), 2.50 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

INTERMEDIATE 6

Methyl 2-ethyl~5-hydroxybenzoate. Intermediate 6 was prepared by the same procedures described for Intermediate 5, starting with the appropriate starting material. IH NMR (CDC ₁₃ ) δ 7.41 (d, IH, J = 2.8 Hz), 7.15 (d, IH, J = 8.3 Hz) ₅ 6.98 (dd, IH, J = 2.8, 8.2 Hz), 6.3 (bs, IH), 3.91 (s, 3H), 2.90 (q, 2H, J = 7.3 Hz), 1.21 (t, IH, 7.5 Hz).

Methyl 5-hydroxy-2.3-dimethylbenzoate. Intermediate 7 was prepared by the same procedure described for Intermediate 5, starting with the appropriate starting material. ¹ H NMR (CDCn) S 7.12 (d, IH, J - 2.5 Hz), 6.83 (d, IH, J = 2.5 Hz), 5.90 (bs, IH), 3.89 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 2.26 (S, 3H).

INTERMEDIATE 8

JV-f(3-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonvl1acetamide

Step A N- [(3-methoχyphenyl)sυlfonyl] acetamJde, To a solution of 3- methoxybenzenesulphonaraide (2 g, 10.68 mmol) and acetic anhydride (1.51 mL, 16.0 mmol) in acetonitrile (20 mL) were added 2 drops of concentrated sulfuric acid. The reaction was heated at 6O ⁰ C for Ih, then cooled and concentrated. Water (15 mL) was added and the precipitated solid was collected and dried to afford the desired product as a white solid. Step B N- [Q -hydroxyphenvDsulfonyl] acetamide. To a solution of N- [(3- methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]acetamide (0.4 g, 1.75 mmol) in DCM at 0 ⁰ C was added BBr ₃ and the reaction was stirred at rt for 2 h. The reaction was quenched with pH - 4 buffer and extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ) and concentrated to afford the title compound. LC-MS: m/e 216 (M + H) ⁺ (0.5 min).

INTERMEDIATE 9

Ethyl (3 -hydroxyphenyl)methylphosphinate Step A Ethyl (3-methoxyphenyl)methylphosphinate. A mixture of l-iodo-3-methoxybenzene (2.75 g, 11.75 mmol) and NiCl ₂ (0.076 g, 0.588 mmol) was added to ethyl dimethylphosphinite (2.08 g, 15.3 mmol) at rt. The reaction mixture was gradually heated to 170 ⁰ C for 2.5 h. The reaction mixture was partitioned between with EtOAc and water. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ), filtered and concentrated. Chromatography over silica eluting with 66- 100% EtO Ac/hexane afforded the desired product.

Step B Ethyl (3 -hydroxyphenyDmethyrphosphinate. BBr ₃ ( 3.16 mL, 1 M solution in DCM) was added to a solution of ethyl (3-methoxyphenyl)methylphosρhinate (0.169 g, 0.789 mmol) in DCM at O ⁰ C. The reaction was stirred at rt for 15 h, then partitioned between EtOAc and saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ . The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ), filtered and concentrated to give the title compound. IH NMR (500 MHz, CD3OD): δ 7.35-7.40 (m,

IH), 7.19-7.26 (m, 2H), 7.05 (dd, IH, J - 8.3, 2.6 Hz), 3.85 - 4.05 (m, 2H) ₅ 1.69 (d, 3 H, J = 14.6 Hz), 1.29 (t, 3H, J = 7.1 Hz).

INTERMEDIATE 10

Methyl [5 -f 3-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-tetrazol-2-yl] acetate. To a solution of 3-(2/f-tetrazol-5- yl)phenol (250.8 mg, 1.547 mmol) in MeCN (10 mL) at rt was added Et ₃ N (0.237 mL, 1.701 mmol) followed by methyl bromoacetate (260 mg, 1.701 mmol). The reaction was stirred at rt for

16 h. Volatiles were removed. Chromatography over silica eluting with 30-60% EtOAc/liexanes afforded the title compound as a white solid. IH NMR (500 MHz ₅ CDC ₁₃ ): δ 7.75 (d, IH, J = 7.5 Hz), 7.69 (s, IH), 7.39 (t, IH, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.01 (dd, IH, J= 8.0, 2.3 Hz), 5.53 (bs, IH), 5.50 (s, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H).

INTERMEDIATE HA

Methyl 5-[(6-chloro-5-iodo-l-{[2-Ctrime1itylsilyl)emoxy]rnethyll-li j ^r -benzimidazol-2-yl)oxy1-2- methylbenzoate, K ₂ CO ₃ (2.3 g, 16.64 mmol) was added to a solution of Intermediate 3 (1 g, 6.57 mmol) and Intermediate 2 A (2.1g, 4.31 mmol) in DMF (30 mL). The reaction stirred at rt for 24 h. Volatiles were removed and the residue was acidified with 2 N aqueous HCl and extracted with EtOAc. The organics were washed with water and brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and concentrated to afford the title compound as a brown solid, which was used without further purification. LC-MS: calculated for C21H24CIN2O4S1 558.02, observed m/e 558.82 (M + H)+ (Rt 2.26 min).

INTERMEDIATE HB

Methyl 5-| ^" (6-fluoro-5 -iodo- 1 - { f 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxylmethyl } - 1 Jf-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxy1-2- methylbenzoate. Intermediate 1 IB was prepared by the same procedure described for Intermediate 11 A, starting with the appropriate starting material. LC-MS: calculated for C ₂ ]H ₂₄ ClN ₂ O ₄ Si: 558.02, observed m/e 558.82 (M + H)+ (Rt 2.26 min).

Methyl 5-[f ό-chloro-S-iodo- 1 H-berizimidazol-2-yl)oxyl -2-methylbenzoate. Intermediate HA (7.5g, 13.1 mmol) was dissolved in HCl (4M in dioxane) (250 mL) and stirred at rt for 65 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated and partitioned between EtOAc and saturated aqueous

NaHCOs. The organic phase was concentrated Io afford the title compound as white powder.LCMS: calculated for Ci ₆ Hi ₂ ClIN ₂ O ₃ 442.64, observed m/e 443.9 (M+H) ⁺ , (Rt 2.05/4 min).

INTERMEDIATE 13

Methyl 54(6-chloro-5-(4A5.5-tetramethyl-lλ2-dioxaboroϊan-2-yiy 1 -( [2- (txirnethylsilyl)ethoxy]methvU-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxy]-2-r nethylbenzoate, A solution of Intermediate 1 IA (15.98 g, 27.9 mmol), bis(pmacolalo)diboron (7.22 g, 28.5 mmol), KOAc (8.21 g, 84 mmol), and PdCI ₂ (dppf) (0.612 g _s 0.837 mmol) in DMSO (100 mL) was degassed and then flushed with nitrogen. This cycle was repeated 4 times. The reaction was then heated at 80 ⁰ C for 16 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with ice water and extracted with Et ₂ O. The combined ethereal extracts were washed with brine, dried (MgS O4) and concentrated. Chormatography over silica eluting with 4:1 hexanes:EtOAc afforded the title compound as a reddish brown oil, which was used without further purification. LC-MS: calculated for C28H38BClN2θ6Si 572.23, observed m/e 572.96 (M + H) ⁺ (R _t 2.54 min). ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CDCI3): δ 7.92 (s, IH), 7.75 (s,l/2H), 7.55 (s,l/2H), 7.47(m,lH), 7.40 (s, IH) 7.35 (m,lH), 5.57 (s, IH), 5.51 (s,lH), 3.90 (s, 3H), 3.67 (t,2H), 2.64 (s, 3H) ₅ 1.41 (s,6H), 1.37 (s, 6H),0.98 (m, 2H), 0.00 (s, 9H).

INTERMEDIATE 14

2-bromo-5-phenylpyridine. Na ₂ CO ₃ (1.117 mL, 2.234 mmol) followed by Pd(PPh ₃ ) ₄ (51.6 mg, 0.045 mmol) were added to a solution of iodobenzene (0.1 mL, 0.894 mmol) and 2- bromoρyridine-5-boronic acid (271 mg, 1.340 mmol) in DMF (4 mL). The reaction was heated at 60 ⁰ C for 4 h, cooled and concentrated. The residue was partitioned between EtOAc and water. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ), and concentrated. Chromatography over silica eluting with 4:1 hexanes:EtOAc afforded the title compound as an off-white solid. LC-MS: calculated for Cl 1 HsBrN 234.09, observed m/e 236.5 (M + H) ⁺ (R _t 1.72 min).

INTERMEDIATE 15

5 -bromo- 1 -methyl- 11-indole-3 -carbonitrile . To a solution of 5-bromo-l/i-indole-3-carbonitrile (240 mg, 1.086 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) at 0 ⁰ C was added NaH (130 mg, 3.26 mmol). After stirring at 0 ⁰ C for 30 minutes, MeI (0.102 mL, 1.629 mmol) was added. Upon completion as judged by LCMS, the reaction was quenched with water. Volatiles were removed and the residue partitioned between EtAOc and water. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and concentrated to afford the desired product as an off-white solid, which was used without further purification. LC-MS: calculated for Ci()H7BrN2 235.08, observed m/e 236.97 (M + H) ⁺ (Rt 1.04/2 min).

Intermediates 16-30 in Table 1-1 were prepared following the procedures described for Intermediate 15 by substituting 5-bromo-lH-indole-3-carbonitrile with the appropriate amine, alcohol, acid or heterocycle from commercial sources or from among the Intermediates; and by substituting MeI with the appropriate alkylating agent from commercial sources.

Table I-l. Intermediates re ared according to the methods described in Intermediate 15.

INTERMEDIATE 29

6-bromo-3-methyl- Iff -indole

Step A 6-bromo-3-hvdroxγ-3-methyl-l ,3-dihvdro-2ff -indol~2-one. CH ₃ MgBr (2 M in THF) (14.6 mL, 29.2 mmol) was added to a solution of 6-bromo-l/i~indole-2,3-dione (2.2 g, 9.73 mmol) in THF (50 mL). The reaction was stirred at rt for 16 h then partitioned between saturated aqueous HH ₄ Cl (100 mL) and EtOAc (50 mL). The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and concentrated to afford the desired compound, which was used in the next step without further purification.

Step B 6-bromo-3-methyl- 1 H -indole. A mixture of 6-bromo~3-hydroxy-3-methyl-l,3-dihydro- 2/f-indol-2-one (0.25 g, 1.0 mmol) and BH ₃ -S(CHs) ₂ (5.16 mL. 1.0 M, 5.16 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was heated at 60 ⁰ C. The reaction was quenched with MeOH. Volatiles were removed. Chromatography over silica eluting with 4:1 hexane: EtOAc afforded the title compound. LC- MS: calculated for C ₉ H ₈ BrN: 210.07, observed m/e 21 LO (M + H) ⁺ (R _t 1.14 min).

INTERMEDIATE 30

4-bromo-2-fluoro-AζN-dimethylanilme. To a solution of 2-fiuoro-4-bromoaniline (1.0 g, 5.26 mmol) in AcOH (20 mL) at rt was added NaCNBH ₃ (1.654 g, 26.3 mmol). The mixture was stirred at rt overnight (~17 h). The reaction was cooled in an ice bath. Water (10 mL) was added, followed by solid KOH until pH >1 1. The mixture was extracted with DCM. The combined extracts were dried (MgSO ₄ ) and concentrated to afford the title compound, which was used without further purification. LC-MS: calculated for C ₈ H ₉ BrFN 218.07, observed m/e 219.99 (M + H) ⁺ (Rt 0.96 min).

INTERMEDIATE 31

l-(4-bromophenyl)-iV,N-dimethylethanamine. A solution of l-(4-bromophenyl)ethylmine (1.65 g, 8.25 mrnol), aqueous formaldehyde (1.8 mL, 37 wt% in water, 24.74 mmol), and NaOAc (2.71 g, 33.0 mmol) in MeOH (15 mL) was stirred at rt for 5 minutes. NaCNBH ₃ (1.04 g _s 16.5 mmol) was added, and the mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h. The reaction was partitioned between water and EtOAc. The organic phase was washed with 2 N aqueous NaOH and brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and concentrated to afford the title compound, which was used without further purification.

INTERMEDIATE 32

(5 -bromo- 1 -methyl- 1 H-indol-2-yl)methanol . LiAlH ₄ (0.4 mL, 0.800 mmol) was added to a solution of Intermediate 24 (100 mg, 0.373 mmol) in THF (4 mL) at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 15 min and quenched with ice- water. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organics were dried (MgSO ₄ ), filtered and concentrated to afford the title compound, which was used without further purification. LC-MS: calculated for CjoHioBrNO 240J ₅ observed m/e 242.1 (M+H) ⁺ Rt (3.04/4inin.).

INTERMEDIATE 33

4-bromo-7-i sopropyl- 1 H-indole

Step A 4-bromo- 1 -isopropyl-2-nitrobenzene. 1 -Isopropyl-2-nitroben2:ene (5 g, 30.3 mmol) and

NBS (5.39 g, 30.3 mmol) were dissolved in TFA (150 mL) and H ₂ SO ₄ (15 mL). The reaction was stirred at rt for 15 h, and then poured into ice water (200 mL). The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ), filtered and concentrated to afford the desired product, which was used in the following step without further purification.

Step B 4-bromo-7-isoρropyl- 1 H-indole. Vinyl magnesium bromide (1 M in THF) (98 mL, 98 mmol) was added to 4-bromo- 1 -isopropyl-2-nitrobenzene (4 g, 16.39 mmol) in THF (60 mL) at -

40 ⁰ C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h, then poured into saturated aqueous NH ₄ Cl and extracted with ether. The combined ethereal extracts were dried (MgSO ₄ ) and concentrated.

Chromatography over silica eluting with 1-20% EtOAc/ hexanes afforded the title compound.

LC-MS: calculated for C ₁₁ H ₁₂ BrN 237,02, observed m/e 238.2 (M+H) ^í Rt (1.96/4min.).

INTERMEDIATE 34

4-bromo- 1 /f-indole-T-carboxylic acid, Intermediate 34 was prepared by the procedure of Step B of Intermediate 33, starting from the appropriate starting material.

INTERMEDIATE 35

S -bromo-2-cycIopropylphenol , An ice-cold solution OfH ₂ SO ₄ (0.23 mL, 4.31 mmol) in water (2 mL) was added to 5-bromo-2-cyclopropylaniline (300 mg, 1.42 mmol) at 0 ⁰ C. The reaction was stirred for 10 min, then sodium nitrite (98 mg, 1.415 mmol) in 2 mL cold water was added dropwise. The reaction was stirred at 0 ⁰ C for 1 h and then heated at 100 ⁰ C for 1 h. Reaction was extracted with EtOAc. Combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ), filtered and concentrated to afford the title compound, which was used without further purification. LC-MS calculated for C ₉ H ₉ BrO: 211.98, no ionization, (Rt: 1.57/ 4 min.). INTERMEDIATE 36

2-rnethpxy-6-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-l,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)qu inoline. 6-bromo-2- methoxyquinoline (400 mg, 1.68 mmol), bis(pinacolato)diboron (482 mg, 1.90 mmol), PdCl ₂ (dppf) (41 mg, 0.050 mmol), and NaOAc (413 mg, 5.04 mmol) were dissolved in DMF (10 mL) and heated at 90 ⁰ C for 24 h. The reaction was concentrated, diluted with EtOAc and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated. Chromatography over silica eluting with 10% EtOAc/hexanes afforded the title compound as a white solid. LC-MS: calculated for C ₁₆ H ₂₀ BNO ₃ 285.15, observed m/e 286.2 (M + H) ⁺ (Rt 2.06 min).

INTERMEDIATE 37

1 -ethyl-5-(4 A5.5-tetramethyl- 1 ,3 ,2~dioxaborolan-2~vD- 1 H-indole. To a 0 ^σ C suspension of NaH (43 mg, 1.81 mmol) in THF (4 mL) was added a solution of 5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-l,3,2- dioxaborolan-2-yl)-l/i-indole (400 mg _; 1.65 mmol, Aldrich) in THF (4 mL). The reaction mixture was maintained at 0 ⁰ C for 15 min, iodoethane (0.200 mL, 2.47 mmoi) was added and the reaction was heated at 50 ⁰ C for 30 min. The mixture was partitioned between water and EtOAc. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc and the combined organics were washed with brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ), filtered, and concentrated. Chromatography over silica eluting with 1-8% EtOAc/hexanes afforded the title compound as a white solid. LC-MS: calculated for C ₁₆ H ₂₂ BNO ₂ 271.16, observed m/e 273.2 (M + H) ⁺ (Rt 2.09 min).

INTERMEDIATE 38

4'-(4 A5.5-tetramethγl- 1.3,2-dioxaboroIan-2-yl)biphenyl-2-ol.

Step A 4'-bromobiphenyl-2-ol . Potassium phosphate (2 M in water) (5.5 ml, 10.9 mmol) and Pd(PPh ₃ ) ₄ (209 mg, 0.18 mmol) were added to a solution of l-bromo-4-iodobenzene (2.05 g, 7.25 mmol), and 2-hydroxybenzeneboronic acid (1 g, 7.25 mmol) in dioxane (50 mL). The reaction was heated at 100 ⁰ C for 1 h. Volatiles were removed and the residue was purified by chromatography over silica eluting with 0-50% EtOAc/hexane to afford the desired product as a light yellow oil. Step B 4'-r4A5.5-tetramethyl-l,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)biphenvl-2-oi. Potassium acetate (366 mg, 3.73 mmol) and dichloro [1,1 '-bis (diphenylphosphino) ferrocene] palladium II DCM adduct (25.4 mg, 31 μmol) were added to a solution of 4'-bromobiphenyl-2-ol (310mg, 1.24 mmol), and bis(pinacolato)diboron (348 mg, 1.37 mmol) in DME (3 mL). The reaction was heated at 150 ⁰ C under microwave irradiation for 10 min. Reaction mixture was filtered through a pad of celite and purified by chromatography over silica eluting with 0-50% EtOAc/hexane to furnish the title compound as a white solid.

INTERMEDIATE 39

5-r4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-l,3.2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]-lH -tetrazole. To a solution of 4- cyanophenyl)boronic acid (220 mg, 1.497 mmol) in DME (1.5 mL) was added pinacol (186 mg, 1.574 mmol) and MgSO ₄ (660 mg, 5.48 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h and then filtered, rinsing with DME (ImL). To the filtrate was added azidotrimethylsilane (0.4 mL, 3.01 mmol) and dibutyltin oxide (37 mg, 0.149 mmol). The reaction was heated at 15O ⁰ C under microwave irradiation for 15 min. The reaction mixture was concentrated. Chromatography over silica eluting with 50:50 EtOAc:hexanes afforded the title compound as a white solid. LC-MS: calculated for Ci ₃ H ₁₇ BN ₄ O ₂ 272.14, observed m/e 273.3 (M+H) ⁺ Rt (1.61/4 min.).

l-methyl-5-[ ^" 4-f4.4.5.5-tetramethyl-L3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyllpyridin -2(lH)-one. To a solution of 5-Bromo-l-methylpyridine-2-(lH)-one (250 mg, 1.330 mmol) in dioxane (16 mL) was added Pd(PPli ₃ ) ₄ (100 mg, 0.087mmol) , 1-4 -benzenediboronic acid dipinacol ester (1.23 g, 3.73mmol) and 1 M aqueous K ₂ CO ₃ (4.8 mL). The reaction mixture was heated at 120 ⁰ C for 30 minutes, cooled and partitioned between EtOAc and water. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organics were washed with brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ), filtered and concentrated. Chromatography over silica eluting with 20-50% EtOAc/hexanes afforded the title compound. LC-MS- calculated for Ci ₈ H ₂₂ BNO ₃ : 311.17 , observed m/e 312.5 (M+H)+ (Rt:1.75 / 4min).

EXAMPLE 1

((5-(4-Biρhenyi V 6-chloro- 1 H-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methylphen-3 -ylphosphonic acid (1-13) Step 1 3-Iodo-4-methylphenol (1-1), A mixture of 8 mL of concentrated H ₂ SO ₄ , 12 mL of water, 3-iodo-4-methylanϋine (5.00 g, 21.5 mmol) and 20 g of ice was stirred under ice-bath

cooling until a paste resulted. To this paste was added slowly an ice-cold solution OfNaNO ₂ (1.55 g, 22.4 mmol) in 3.5 niL of water and the resulting mixture stirred for 20 minutes while maintaining the temperature at < 5 ^° C. The resulting suspension was slowly added to a mixture of 26 mL of concentrated H ₂ SO ₄ and 24 mL of water preheated to 80 C. This mixture was stirred at 80 ^° C for 15 min, then chilled in an ice-bath and poured onto 200 g of ice. The resulting mixture was extracted with 100 mL of EtOAc, and the organic extract washed with water, brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and evaporated to give a residue. The residue was adsorbed onto 15 g of Siθ ₂ &om CH ₂ Cl ₂ , loaded into a precolumn and subjected to MPLC through a 120 g column Of SiO ₂ eluting with 5% EtOAc in hexanes (10 min) and then 10% EtOAc (20 min) to provide 3- iodo-4-methylphenol 1-1 as an oil ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-J ₆ ): δ 2.25 (s, 3H), 6.71 (dd, IH ₅ J= 8, 2 Hz), 7.11 (d, IH, J- 8 Hz), 7.23 (d, IH, J= 2 Hz), 9.51 (s, IH); LC-MS: calculated for C ₇ H ₇ IO 234.0 _s observed m/e 234.6 (M + H) ⁺ .

Step 2 5-fert-Butyldimethylsilyloxy-2-methylphenyliodide (1-2). A mixture of 3-iodo-4- methylphenol 1-1 (500 mg, 2.14 mmol), ført-butyldimethylchlorosilane (387 mg, 2.57 mmol) and imidazole (175 mg, 2.57 mmol) in 11 mL of DMF was stirred at rt for 16 h, and then diluted with diethylether, washed with water, brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and evaporated. The residue was subjected to MPLC on a 40 g column of SiO ₂ eluting with hexanes to provide 5-tert- butyldimethylsilyloxy-2-methylphenyliodide 1-2 as an oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-J ₆ ): δ 0.17 (s, 6H), 0.93 (s, 9H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 6.81 (dd, IH, J= 8, 2 Hz) ₅ 7.20 (d, IH, J= 8 Hz), 7.28 (d, IH, J= 2 Hz).

Step 3 Diethyl 5-fer^-butyldimethvlsilyloxy-2-methvlphenylphosphonate (1-3). To a solution of 5-fer?-butyldimethylsilyloxy-2-methylphenyliodide 1-2 (250 mg, 0.72 mmol) in 5 mL of THF, chilled to -78 ^° C, was added 0.85 mL of a 1.7 M solution of r-butyllithium in pentane (1.44 mmol). The resulting pale yellow solution was stirred at -78 C for 30 min. Then diethyl chlorophosphate (0.13 mL, 0.86 mmol) in 2 mL THF was added via a cannula needle. The resulting mixture was stirred at -78 C for 30 min ₅ then diluted with aqueous NH ₄ Cl and EtOAc. The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, dried (MgSO,*) and evaporated. The resulting residue was subjected to MPLC on a 12 g column of S1O ₂ eluting with 15% EtOAc in hexanes (10 min) to provide diethyl 5-ter/-butyldimethylsilyloxy-2-methylphenylphosphonate 1- 3 as an oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-^ ₆ ): δ 0.18 (s, 6H), 0.95 (s, 9H), 1.22 (t, 6H, J= 6 Hz), 2.40 (d, 3H, J= 1.5 Hz), 3.9-4.0 (m, 4H), 6.99 (dd, IH, J= 8, 2 Hz), 7.19 (m, IH), 7.24 (m, IH). Step 4 Diethyl 5-hydroxy-2-methylphenylphosphonate (1-4). A mixture of diethyl 5-ϊert- butyldimethylsilyloxy-2-methylphenylphosρhonate 1-3 (165 mg, 0.46 mmol) and 0.69 mL of a 1 M solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride (0.69 mmol) in 4 mL of THF was stirred at rt for Ih. The mixture was then diluted with EtOAc, washed with brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and evaporated. The resulting residue was subjected to MPLC on a 12 g column of SiO ₂ eluting with 35% EtOAc in hexanes (10 min) and then 50% EtOAc (10 min) to provide diethyl 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-

phenylphosphonate 1-4 as an oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-J ₆ ): δ 1.23 (t, 6H, J = 6 Hz), 2.36 (d, 3H, J- 1 Hz) ₅ 3.9-4.0 (m, 4H), 6.87 (dd, IH, J= 8, 3 Hz), 7.12 (t, IH, J= 8 Hz), 7.20 (dd, IH ₅ J = 14, 3 Hz), 9.55 (s, IH).

Step S 5-Chloro-4-iodo-2-nitroaniline (l-5). A mixture of 5-chloro-2-nitroaniline (20.1 g, 116 tnmol) and N-iodosuccinimide (26.2 g, 116 mmol) in 260 niL of acetic acid was heated at 55 ^° C for 16 h and then cooled in an ice-bath. The resulting yellow solid was collected by filtration and rinsed with acetic acid, water, aqueous NaHCO ₃ and water, and let stand in air for 2 h to provide 5-chloro-4-iodo-2~mtroaniline 1-5 as a yellow solid. ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-J ₆ ): δ 7.23 (s, IH) ₅ 8.32 (S ₅ IH) ₅ 7.57 (s, 2H). Step 6 5-Chloro-4-iodo-l,2-phenylenediamine ( _1-6 ). To a mixture of 5-chloro-4-iodo-2- nitroaniline 1-5 (31.7 g, 106 mmol) and iron powder (59.0 g, 1060 mmol) in 880 mL ethanol was added a solution OfNH ₄ Cl (28 g, 530 mmol) in 240 mL of water. The resulting mixture was mechanically stirred at 60 ^° C for 40 h. After cooling to rt the mixture was filtered and the filtrate reduced to about 500 mL by rotary evaporation. This filtrate was diluted with 1 L of EtOAc and I L of water, and shaken. The organic layer separated, washed with brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and evaporated to provide crude product. The crude product was dissolved in 80 mL of EtOAc, diluted with 80 mL of hexanes and injected onto a 330 g column Of SiO ₂ , which was pre-eluted with 33% EtOAc in hexanes. The column was subjected to MPLC eluting at 100 mL/min with 33% EtOAc in hexanes (15 min) and then 50% EtOAc (20 min) to provide 5-chloro-4-iodo-l,2- phenylenediamine 1-6. Impure fractions of residue were resubjected to MPLC on a 330 g column of SiO ₂ by the same method to provide additional 5-chloro-4-iodo-l ,2-phenylenediamme 1-6 as an amorphous solid. ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-J ₆ ): δ 4.77 (s, 2H), 4.91 (s, 2H), 6.66 (S ₅ IH), 6.93 (s ₅ IH); LC-MS: calculated for C ₆ H ₆ ClIN ₂ 267.9, observed m/e 269.0 (M + H) ⁺ . Step 7 6-Chloro-5~iodobenzimidazole (1-7). A mixture of 5-chloro-4-iodo-l,2- phenylenediamine 1-6 (8.00 g, 29.8 mmol), 2.48 mL of 12 M HCl (29.8 mmol), triethyl orthoformate (39.7 mL ₅ 238.4 mmol) in 30 mL ethanol was split evenly between four 20 mL reaction vials; the vials were sealed and stirred at 130 C for 10 min each. After cooling to rt, the resulting solids were collected by filtration and washed with ethanol. Then the isolated solid was dissolved in 250 mL of water by heating to 80 C. To this solution was added slowly 25 mL of saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ . The mixture was confirmed to have a pH > 8, and then cooled in an ice-bath. The resulting white solid was collected by filtration and then dissolved in 3 : 1 CH^CVrnethanol, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and evaporated. The resulting solid was sonicated with CH ₂ Cl ₂ and evaporated (2 x) to provide 6~chloro-5-iodobenzimidazole 1-7 as a white solid. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-J ₆ ): 6 7.87 (br s, IH), 8.17 (br s, IH), 8.28 (s, IH), 12.66 (br s, IH); LC-MS: calculated for C ₇ H ₄ ClIN ₂ 277.9, observed m/e 279.1 (M + H) ⁺ .

Step 8 Mixture of 6~Chloro-5-iodo- 1 -(trimethylsilylethoxymethvDbenzimidazole/ό-chloro-S- iodo-3 -(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimidazole ( 1 - 8 ) . Sodium hydride, 60% dispersion in

mineral oil, (1.29 g, 32.2 mmol) was mixed with 5 mL of dry pentane and the pentane was removed by syringe (2χ) with residual pentane removed under a stream of N ₂ and then by 0.1 mm vacuum. Then a solution of ό-chloro-5-iodobenzimidazole 1-7 (7.50 g, 26.93 mmol) in 135 mL of DMF cooled in an ice-bath was added via cannula needle to the sodium hydride. The resulting mixture was stirred for 30 min under ice bath cooling. Then 2-

(trimethylsilyl)ethoxyrnethyl chloride (5.7 mL, 32.3 mmol) was added and the resulting mixture stirred at rt for 16 h, diluted with diethylether and aqueous NH ₄ Cl. The organic layer separated and washed with brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and evaporated. The resulting residue was subjected to MPLC on a 120 g SiO ₂ column eluting with the following % EtOAc in hexanes (time): 15% EtOAc (3 min), 15-25% EtOAc (30 min ramp), and 25% EtOAc (10 min) to provide a 1 : 1 mixture of 6-chloro-5-iodo-l-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)-benzimidazole and 6-chloro-5-iodo-3- (trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimidazole 1-8 as a white solid. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- d ₆ ): δ -0.10 and -0.09 (s each, 9H), 0.82 (t, 2H, J- 6 Hz), 3.48 (t, 2H, J= 6 Hz), 5.63 and 5.64 (s each, 2H), 7.95 and 8.01 (s each, IH), 8.27 and 8.29 (s each, IH), 8.44 (s, IH); LC-MS: calculated for C _B H ₁₈ ClIN ₂ OSi 408.0, observed m/e 409.4 (M + H) ⁺ .

Step 9 Mixture of 6-Chloro-5-f4-biphenyl)-l -(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimidazole /6- chIoro-5-(4-biphenyl)-3-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimid azole fl-9). A mixture of 6- chloro-5-iodo-l -(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimidazole and 6-chloro-5-iodo-3- (trimethylsilylethoxy-methyl)benzimidazole 1-8 (3.20 g, 7.64 mmol), 4-biρhenylboronic acid (2.33 g ₅ 11.8 mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (453 mg, 0.392 mmol), K ₂ CO ₃ (3.25 g, 23.5 mmol), 22.4 mL 1 ,2-dimethoxyethane, 1 1.2 mL ethanol and 5.6 mL of water was divided evenly into three 20 mL reaction vials and each vial was bubbled with N ₂ for 2 min and then sealed. The vials were heated to 130 ^° C for 20 min each, then cooled to rt. The mixtures were combined and diluted with EtOAc, washed with brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and evaporated. The resulting residue was subjected to MPLC on a 120 g SiO ₂ column eluting with the following % EtOAc in hexanes (time): 15% EtOAc (3 min), 15-25% EtOAc (30 min ramp), and 25% EtOAc (10 min) to provide a 1 :1 mixture of 6-chloro-5-(4-biphenyl)-l- (trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimidazole and 6-chloro-5-(4-biphenyl)-3- (trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimidazole mixture 1-9, contaminated by 33 mole % 4- biphenylboronic acid. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-^ ₆ ): δ -0.09 and -0.05 (s each, 9H), 0.85 (m, 2H), 3.53 (m, 2H), 5.69 (s, 2H), 7.4-8.0 (m, 10H), 8.08 (s, IH), 8.50 (s, IH); LC-MS: calculated for C ₂₅ H ₂₇ ClN ₂ OSi 434.2, observed m/e 435.6 (M + H) ⁺ .

Step 10 Mixture of 6-Chlorp-5~(4-biphenyl)-2-iodo- 1 -(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benz- imidazole/ό-chloro-S-fφbipheny^-^-iodo-S-ftrimethylsilylet hoxymethvDbenz-imidazole (1-10). To a solution of diisopropylamine (2.07 mL, 14.7 mmol) in 20 mL THF at -78 C was added 9.2 mL of a 1.6 M solution of «-butyllithium (14.7 mmol) and the mixture stirred for 15 min at -78 ^° C. This solution was added via cannula needle to a solution of a 1 : 1 mixture of 6-chloro-5-(4-

biphenyl)-l-(trimethylsilylethoxymetliyl)benzimidazole and 6-chloro-5-(4-biphenyl)-3- (trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimidazole mixture 1-9 contaminated by 33 mole % 4- biphenylboronic acid (2.92 g, 6.71 mmol benzimidazoles and 659 mg, 3.33 mmol 4- biphenylboronic acid impurity) in 30 mL of THF. The reaction was stirred for 30 min at -78 C producing a yellow solution. To this solution was added via cannula needle a solution of iodine (2.04 g, 8.05 mmol) in 30 mL and the reaction was stirred for 30 min at -78 C. Then aqueous NH ₄ Cl was added, the solvent concentrated to about 40 mL by rotary evaporation. The resulting mixture was diluted with EtOAc, and the organic layer washed with aqueous NaSO ₃ , dried (MgSO ₄ ) and evaporated. The resulting residue was subjected to MPLC on a 120 g SiO ₂ column eluting with the following % EtOAc in hexanes (time): 5% EtOAc (10 min), 10% EtOAc (10 min), 15% EtOAc (10 min), 25% EtOAc (10 min) and 33% EtOAc (10 min) to provide a 1:1 mixture of 6-Chloro-5-(4-biphenyl)-2-iodo~l-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl )benzimidazole and 6- chloro-5-(4-biρhenyl)-2-iodo-3-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl) benzimidazole 1-10. ¹ II NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-^ ₆ ): δ -0.08 (s, 9H), 0.86 (m, 2H) ₅ 3.60 (m, 2H), 5.62 and 5.63 (s each, 2H) ₅ 7.3- 7.4 (m, IH), 7.5-7.6 (m, 4H), 7.7-7.8 (m, 4H), 7.66 and 7.82 (s each, IH), 7.85 and 8.00 (s each, IH); LC-MS: calculated for C ₂₅ H ₂₆ ClIN ₂ OSi 560.1, observed m/e 561.3 (M + H) ⁺ . Step 11 Mixture of Diethyl ((5 -(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro-l-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)- benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methylphen-3-ylphosphonate and Diethyl ((5-(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro-3- rtrimethylsilylethoxymethyl)-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methvl phen-3-vlphosphonate (1-11). A mixture of 6-Chloro-5-(4-biphenyl)-2-iodo- 1 -(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)-benzimidazole and 6- chloro-5-(4-biphenyl)-2-iodo-3-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)b enzimidazole 1-10 (2.13 g, 3.80 mmol), diethyl 5-hydroxy-2-methylρhenyIphosphonate 1-4 (936 mg, 3.83 mmol), Cs ₂ CO ₃ (1.49 g, 4.56 mmol) and 40 mL DMF were evenly measured into four 20 mL reaction vials. The vials were sealed and microwave heated at 130 C for 5 min each, then the resulting mixtures were combined and diluted with EtOAc ₅ washed with water, brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and evaporated. The resulting residue was subjected to MPLC on a 80 g SiO ₂ column eluting with the following % EtOAc in hexanes (time): 15% EtOAc (5 min), 15-25% EtOAc (10 min ramp), 25% EtOAc (10 min) and 35% EtOAc (15 min) to provide a 1 :1 mixture of diethyl ((5-(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro- 1 -(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)-ben2imidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methy lphen-3 -ylphosphonate and diethyl ((5-(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro-3-(trimethylsilyl-ethoxymethyl)-be nzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4- methyIphen-3-ylphosphonate 1-11. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-^ ₆ ): δ -0.08 and -0.05 (s each, 9H), 0.8-0.9 (m, 2H) ₅ 1.2-1.3 (m, 6H), 2.40 and 2.30 (d each, 3H, J- 1.5 Hz), 3.6-3.7 (m, 2H), 4.0-4.1 (m, 4H) ₅ 5.65 and 5.67 (s each, 2H) ₅ 7.4-7.6 (m, 5H) ₅ 7.66 and 7.70 (s each, IH), 7.7-7.8 (m, 4H), 7.81 and 7.86 (s each, IH); LC-MS: calculated for C ₃₆ H ₄₂ ClN ₂ O ₅ PSi 676.2, observed m/e 677.9 (M + H) ⁺ .

Step 12 Diethyl ((5 -(4-biphenvl)-6-chloro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methylphe n-3- ylphosphonate (1-12). A 1 :1 mixture of diethyl ((5-(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro-l-

(triraethylsi lylethoxymemyl)benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methylphen-3 -ylphosphonate and diethyl ((5-(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro-3-(trimethylsiIylethoxymethyl)benz imidazol-2--yl)oxo)-4-niethylphen- 3 -ylphosphonate 1-11 (2.00 g, 2.95 mmol) in 20 mL TFA was measured evenly between 4 - 20 niL reaction vials and each vial heated to 140 ^° C for 10 min and then cooled. The reaction solutions were combined and evaporated. The resulting residue was dissolved in EtOAc and washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , dried (MgSO ₄ ) and evaporated. The resulting residue was subjected to MPLC on a 80 g SiO ₂ column eluting with the following % EtOAc in hexanes (time): 40% EtOAc (5 min), 40-60% EtOAc (20 min ramp) and 60% EtOAc (20 min) to provide diethyl ((5-(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro-l H-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methylphen-3-ylphosphonate 1 - 12 as a white solid. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz ₅ DMSO-dfe): δ 1.26 (t ₅ 6H, J- 6 Hz), 2.53 (d, 3H, J- 1.5 Hz), 4.0-4.1 (m, 4H), 7. _3-7 .6 (m, 9H), 7.7-7.8 (m, 5H); LC-MS: calculated for C ₃₀ H ₂₈ ClN ₂ O ₄ P 546.1, observed m/e 547.4 (M + H) ⁺ .

Step 13 ((5-(4-Biphenyl)-6-chloro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methyl phen-3-ylphosphonic acid (1-13). A mixture of diethyl ((5-(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4- methylρhen-3 -ylphosphonate 1-12 (930 mg, 1.7 mmol) and bromotrimethylsilane (4.5 mL, 34 mmol) in 34 mL of CH ₂ Cl ₂ was stirred at rt for 60 h and then the solvent was evaporated. The residue was sonicated with 25 mL of acetonitrile for 5 min, and then 5 mL of water added. After further sonication for 5 min, 50 mL additional water was added and this mixture was sonicated for 5 min. The resulting white solid was collected by filtration, and dried at 23 C/0.1 mm (0.5 h) _> 40 ^° C/0.1 mm (0.5 h) and 75 ^° C/0.1 mm (2 h) to provide ((5-(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro-l H- benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methylphen-3-ylphosphonic acid 1-13 as a white solid. Mp 225-228 ⁰ C; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSCMi): δ 2.55 (s, 3H) ₅ 7. _3-7 .6 (m, 9H), 7.66 (dd, IH, J- 15, 3 Hz), 7.7-7.8 (m ₅ 4H); LC-MS: calculated for C ₂₆ H ₂₀ ClN ₂ O ₄ P 490.1, observed m/e 491.4 (M + H) ⁺ . Microanalysis calc'd for C ₂₆ H ₂₀ ClN ₂ O ₄ P-OJHBr^H ₂ O (FW 550.9): %C, 56.69; %H, 4.39; %N, 5.09. Found: %C, 56.47; %H, 4.35; %N _> 4.97.

EXAMPLE 2 ((5-(4-Biphenyl)-6-chloro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)phen-3-yl phosphonic acid (2-8)

Step 1 3-terZ-Butyldimethylsilyloxyρhenylbromide (2- 1 ), Prepared as described in Step 2 of Example 1 from 3-bromophenol (10.0 g, 57.8 mmol) to provide 3-tert-butyldimethyl- silyloxyphenylbromide 2-1 as an oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-J ₆ ): δ -0.04 (s, 6H), 0.84 (s, 9H) ₅ 6.77 (dt, IH ₅ J= 7, 2 Hz) ₅ 6.93 (t ₅ IH ₅ J= 2 Hz) ₅ 6.95 (m, IH) ₅ 7.12 (t, IH, J- 7 Hz). Step 2 Diethyl 3-fer^-butyldimethylsilyloxyphenylphosphonate (2-2). Prepared as described in

Step 3 of Example 1 from 3-fert-buryldimethylsilyloxyphenylbromide 2-1 (18.8 g, 65.4 mmol) to provide diethyl 3-fer/-butyldimethyl-silyloxyphenyl-phosphonate 2-2 as an oil: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-J ₆ ): δ -0.20 (s, 6H), 0.94 (s, 9H) ₅ 1.1-1.2 (m, 6H), 3.9-4.0 (m, 4H), 7.09 (dd, IH, J - 7, 2 Hz), 7.12 (d, IH, J= 2 Hz), 7.31 (dd, IH, J= 13, 7 Hz), 7.43 (m, IH). Step 3 Diethyl 3-hydroxyphenylphpsphonate (2-3). Prepared as described in Step 4 of Example 1 from diethyl 3-/er^butyldimethylsilyloxyphenylphosphonate 2-2 (14.21 g, 41.2 mmol) to provide diethyl 3-hydroxyphenylphosphonate 2-3 as an oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-J ₆ ): δ 1.22 (t, 6H, J= 6 Hz), 3.9-4.1 (m, 4H), 6.99 (dt, IH, J- 7, 2 Hz), 7.0-7.1 (m, 2H), 7. _3-7 .4 (m, IH), 9.84 (s, IH). Step 4 Mixture of 6-C|i3.oro-2,5-diiodo-l-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)-benzimi dazole and 6- ch _i loro-2, _i 5-diiodp _: 3-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimidazole (2-4). Prepared as described in Step 10 of Example 1 starting from the 1 :1 mixture of 6-chloro-5-iodo-l-(trimethylsilylethoxy- methyl)benzimidazole and 6-chloro-5-iodo-3-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)-benzimidazole prepared in Step 8 of Example 1 (1.13 g, 2.76 mmol) to provide a 1 :1 mixture of 6-chloro-2,5- diiodo-l-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimidazole and 6-chloro-2,5-diiodo-3-

(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimidazole 2-4. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-J ₆ ): δ -0.08 (s, 9H), 0.84 (t, 2H ₅ J= 6 Hz), 3.54 (t, 2H, J= 6 Hz), 5.56 and 5.57 (s each, 2H), 7.89 and 8.07 (s each, IH) ₅ 8.20 and 8.34 (s each, IH). Step 5 Mixture of Diethyl ((6-chloro-5-iodp- 1 -(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)-benzimidazol-2-yl) oxojphen- _3-7 lphpsphonate and Diethyl ((6-chloro-5-iodo-3-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)- benzirnidazρl-2-yl)ρxρ)phen-3-ylphosphoriate (2-5). Prepared as described in Step 1 1 of Example 1 starting from the 1:1 mixture of 6-chloro-2, 5 -diiodo-1 -(trimethylsilylethoxy- methyl)benzimidazole and 6-chloro-2 _> 5-diiodo-3-(trimethylsilyl-ethoxymethyl)benzimidazole 2- 4 (200 mg, 0.374 mmol) and diethyl 3-hydroxyphenylphosphonate 2-3 to provide a 1 :1 mixture of diethyl ((δ-chloro-S-iodo- 1 -(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)phen-3- ylphosphonate and diethyl ((6-chloro-5-iodo-3-(trimethylsilyl-ethoxymethyl)-benzimidaz ol-2- yl)oxo)phen-3-ylphosphonate 2-5. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-J ₆ ): δ -0.08 (s, 9H), 0.88 (t, 2H ₅ J= 6 Hz), 1.25 (t, 6H, J= 6 Hz), 3.64 (t, 2H, J= 6 Hz), 4.04 (m, 4H), 5.62 (s, 2H), 7.6-7.8 (m, 4H), 7.95 and 8.01 (s each, IH), 8.20 (s, IH); LC-MS: calculated for C ₂₃ H ₃ ]CIIN ₂ OsPSi 636.0, observed m/e 637.7 (M + H) ⁺ .

Step 6 Mixture of Diethyl ((5-(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro- 1 -(trimethylsilylethoxy-methyl)- benzirnidazol-2-yl)oxo)phen-3-ylphosphonate and diethyl (f5-(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro-3- (trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)phen-3-ylp hosphonate (2-6). Prepared as described in Step 9 of Example 1 starting from the 1:1 mixture of diethyl ((6-chloro-5-iodo-l- (trimethylsϊlylethoxymethyl)benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)pheE-3-yl phosphonate and diethyl ((6-chloro- 5-iodo-3-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo) ρhen-3-ylphosphonate 2-5 (205 mg, 0.32 mmol) to provide a 1 :1 mixture of diethyl ((5-(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro-l-(trimethyl-

silylethoxymemyl)benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)phen-3 -ylphosphonate and diethyl ((5-(4-biphenyl)-6- chloro-3-(trimethyIsilylethoxymethyl)benzimϊdazol-2-yl)oxo) phen-3-ylphosphonate 2-6. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSCW ₆ ): δ -0.09 (s, 9H) ₅ 0.8-0.9 (m, 2H), 1.2-1.3 (m, 6H), 3.6-3.7 (m, 2H), 4.0-4.1 (m, 4H), 5.67 and 5.68 (s each, 2H), 7.4-7.6 (m, 5H) ₅ 7.67 (s, IH), 7.7-7.8 (m, 8H), 7.87 (s, IH), 8.20 (s, IH); LC-MS: calculated for C ₃₅ H ₄₀ ClN ₂ O ₅ PSi 662.2, observed m/e 663.6 (M+H) ⁺ . Step 7 Diethyl f (5-( 4-biphenyl)-6-chloro- 1 H-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)phen-3-ylphosphonate (2- 71 Prepared as described in Step 12 of Example 1 starting from the 1:1 mixture of diethyl ((5- (4-biphenyl)-6-chloro- 1 -(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)phen-3 - ylphosphonate and diethyl ((5-(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro-3-(trimethylsilylethoxy- methyl)benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)phen-3-ylphosphonate 2-6 (122 mg ₅ 0.184 mmol) to provide diethyl ((5 -(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)phen-3 -ylphosphonate 2-7. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, OMSO-d ₆ ): S 1.26 (t, 6H, J= 6 Hz), 4.0-4.1 (m ₅ 4H) ₅ 7.4-7.8 (m, 15H), 12.75 (br s _; IH); LC-MS: calculated for C ₂₉ H ₂₆ ClN ₂ O ₄ P 532.1 _} observed m/e 533.4 (M + H) ⁺ . Step 8 (f5-(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)phen-3-yl phosphonic acid (2-8). Prepared as described in Step 13 of Example 1 from diethyl ((5-(4-biphenyl)-6-chloro-lH- benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)phen-3-ylphosphonate 2-7 (52 mg, 0.098 mmol) to provide ((5-(4- biphenyl)-6-chloro-lH~benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)phen-3-ylphospho mc acid 2-8. mp 199-205 C; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-4): δ 7.39-7.42 (m, 2H, 7.47-7.64 (m, 9H), 7.7 _3-7 .77 (m, 4H); LC- MS: calculated for C ₂₅ Hi ₈ ClN ₂ O ₄ P 476.1, observed m/e 477,4 (M + H) ⁺ . Microanalysis calc'd for C ₂₅ H ₁₈ ClN ₂ O ₄ P*! .3H ₂ O (FW 500.3): %C, 60.02; %H, 4.15; %N, 5.60. Found: %C, 60.00; %H, 4.15; %N, 5.37.

EXAMPLE 3 (( ^" 6-Chloro-5-phenylethvnvl-lH-benzimidazol-2-vl)oxo)-4-methylp hen-3-ylphosphonic acid (3-4)

Step 1 Mixture of Diethyl f (6-chloro-5-iodo- 1 -ftπmethylsilylethoxymethyl)-benzimidazol-2- yl)oxo)-4-methylphen-3 -ylphosphonate and diethyl f(6-chloro-5-iodo-3-(trimethylsilylethoxy- methyl)benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methylphen-3-ylphosphonate (3:l). Prepared as described in Step 11 of Example 1 starting from the 1:1 mixture of 6-chloro-2,5-diiodo-l-(trimethylsilyl- ethoxymethyl)benzimidazole and 6-chloro-2,5-diiodo-3-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)- benzimidazole (Step 4, Example 2) (846 mg, 1.59 mmol) and diethyl 5-hydroxy-2- methylphenylphosphonate (Step 4, Example 1) to provide a 1 :1 mixture of diethyl ((6-chloro-5- iodo-l-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4- methylphen-3 -ylphosphonate and diethyl ((6-chloro-5-iodo-3-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimidazol -2-yl)oxo)-4-methylphen- 3-ylphosphonate 3-1. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSCW ₆ ): δ -0.12 (s, 9H), 0.87 (t, 2H ₅ J= 6 Hz) ₅ 1.23 (t, 6H, J= 6 Hz), 2.52 (d, 3H, J= 6 Hz), 3.63 (t, 2H, J- 6 Hz) ₅ 4.05 (m, 4H), 5.60 (s, 2H),

7.48 (t, IH, J= 7 Hz), 7.58 (d, IH, J= I Hz), 7.70 (d, IH ₅ J= 7 Hz), 7.76 and 7.93 (s each, IH), 7.99 and 8.18 (s each, IH); LC-MS: calculated for C ₂₄ H ₃₃ ClIN ₂ O ₅ PSi 650.1, observed m/e 651.5 (M + H) ⁺ .

Step 2 Mixture of Diethyl (Y6-chloro~5~phenylethynyl- 1 -(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)- benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methylphen-3-ylphosphonate and diethyl ((6-chloro-5-phenylethynyl- 3-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methy lphen-3-ylphosphonate (3-2). A 1 :1 mixture of diethyl ((6-chloro-5-iodo-l-(trimethylsiIylethoxymethyl)benzimidazol -2-yl)oxo)- 4-methylphen-3-ylphosphonate and diethyl ((6-chloro-5-iodo-3-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl) enzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methylphen-3-ylphosphonate 3-1 (164 mg, 0.25 mmol), phenyl- acetylene (0.055 mL, 0.50 mmol), dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladiurn (II) (9 mg, 0.013 mmol), copper(I) iodide (5 mg, 0.025 mmol), and triethylamine (0.17 mL, 1.25 mmol) in 2.5 mL DMF was subjected to microwave heating to 120 C for 5 min. The mixture was cooled, diluted with EtOAc, washed with brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and evaporated. The resulting residue was subjected to MPLC on a 12 g SiO ₂ column eluting with the following % EtOAc in hexanes (time): 18% EtOAc (10 min), 25% EtOAc (10 min ramp) and 32% EtOAc (10 min) to provide a 1 :1 mixture of diethyl ((6-chloro-5-phenylethynyl-l-(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)ben zimidazol-2- yl)oxo)-4-methylphen-3 -ylphosphonate and diethyl ((6-chloro-5-phenylethynyl-3-(trimelhyl- silyl-ethoxymethyl)-benzimidazoI-2-yl)oxo)-4-methyl-phen-3-y lphosphonate 3-2. ¹ HNMR (300 MHz, DMSO-4,): δ -0.07 (s, 9H), 0.89 (t, 2H, J- 6 Hz), 1.25 (t, 6H, J- 6 Hz), 2.52 (d, 3H, J = 5 Hz), 3.67 (t, 2H, J- 6 Hz), 4.05 (m, 4H), 5.64 and 5.65 (s each, 2H), 7.4-7.6 (m, 7H), 7.46 and 7.62 (s each, IH), 7.73 and 7.90 (s each, IH), 7.76 (d, IH, J- 15 Hz); LC-MS: calculated for C ₃₂ H ₃₈ ClN ₂ O ₅ PSi 624.2, observed m/e 625.4 (M + H) ⁺ .

Step 3 Diethyl ((6-chloro-5 -phenylethynyl- 1 H-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methylphen-3 - ylphosphonate (3-3). A 1:1 mixture of diethyl ((6~chloro-5-phenylethyny H -(trimethylsilyl- ethoxymethyl)benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methylphen-3-ylphospho nate and diethyl ((6-chloro-5- phenylethynyl-3-(trimethylsilyl-ethoxymethyl)benzimidazol-2- yl)oxo)-4-methylphen-3- ylphosphonate 3-2 (89 mg, 0.14 mmol) and 0.28 mL of a IM solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride (0.28 mmol) in THF (2 mL) were microwave heated to 140 ^° C for 5 min. The mixture was cooled, diluted with EtOAc, washed with brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and evaporated. The resulting residue was subjected to MPLC on a 12 g SiO ₂ column eluting with the following % EtOAc in hexanes (time): 35% EtOAc (3 min), and 35-60% EtOAc (30 min ramp) to provide diethyl ((δ-cbloro-S-phenylethynyl- 1 H-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methylphen-3-ylphosphonate 3-3. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-tf ₆ ): δ 1.26 (t, 6H, J- 6 Hz), 2.53 (s, 3H), 4.04 (m, 4H), 7.4- 7.6 (m, 7H), 7.65 (s, IH), 7.72 (dd, IH, J- 15, 2 Hz); LC-MS: calculated for C ₂₆ H ₂₄ ClN ₂ O ₄ P 494.1 , observed m/e 495.4 (M + H) ⁺ .

Step 4 f(6-Chloro-5-phenvIethynyl-lH-benzimidazoI-2-yl)oxo)-4-methy lphen-3-ylphosphonic acid (3-4). Prepared as described in Step 13 of Example 1 starting from diethyl ((6-chloro-5-

phenylethynyl-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methylphen-3-ylpho sphonate 3-3 (29 mg, 0.059 πrtnol) to provide ((6-chloro-5-phenylethynyl-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)-4-methy lphen-3- ylphosphonic acid 3-4 as an amorphous white solid. ^! H NMR (300 MHz, OMSOd ₆ ): δ 2.52 (s, 3H), 7.1 (br S ₅ 2H) ₅ 7.4-7.6 (m, 7H), 7.68 (d, IH, J= 15 Hz); LC-MS: calculated for C ₂₂ H ₁₆ ClN ₂ O ₄ P 438.1, observed m/e 439.4 (M + H) ⁺ .

EXAMPLE 4

{ 5 - [6-CMoro-5 -(4-morpholin-4-yl-phenylV 1 H-benzoimidazol-2-yloxy] -2-methylρhenyl } - phosphonic acid (4-2)

3-1

4-1

TMSBr

Step 1 Synthesis of Compound (4-1). A mixture of the diethyl ((6-chloro-5-iodo-l- (trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)-benzimidazol-2-yl) oxo)phen-3-ylphosphonate and diethyl ((6- chloro- 5 -iodo-3 -(trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)benzimidazol-2-yl)oxo)phen-3 -ylphosphonate 3-1 (from Example 3, Step 1, 0.08 g, 0.12 mmol), 4-(morpholino)phenylboronic acid (0.05 g, 0.24 mmol), cesium carbonate (0.12 g, 0.36 mmol), PdCl ₂ (dppf) (0.01 g, 0.01 mmol) and H ₂ O (0.30 mL) in toluene (1.50 mL) was heated at 130 ⁰ C for 15 min in a microwave reactor. The mixture was then diluted with ethyl acetate (10.0 mL) and washed with H ₂ O (10.0 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO ₄ ), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel, eluling with acetone- hexanes (1:3) to afford the N-I SEM and N-3 SEM mixture of phosphonate 4-1 as colorless oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz ₅ CD ₃ OD): 5 7.06-7.94 (m, 9 H), 5.68 (d ₅ J= 3.3 Hz, 2 H), 4.25 (m, 4 H), 3.91 (m, 4 H), 3.80 (m, 2 H), 3.35 (m, 4 H), 2.67 (m, 2 H) ₅ 1.40 (m, 5 H) ₅ 1.05 (m, 2 H), 0.01 (m, 9 H); LC-MS m/z = 686 [C ₃₀ H _4V ClN ₃ O ₆ PSi] ⁺ . Step 2 (5-| ^" 6-Chloro-5-(4-morpholin-4-yl-phenyl)-lH-benzoimidazol-2-ylox y]-2-

methylphenyU phosphonic acid (4-2). To a solution of the JV-I SEM and N-3 SEM mixture of phosphonate 4-1 (0.06 g, 0.09 πunol) in CH ₂ Cl ₂ (3.0 niL) at -30 ⁰ C was added TMSBr (0.13 mL, 0.90 mmol). After 5 min, the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 16 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was treated with H ₂ OZCH ₃ OH (1:1, 5.0 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 min, followed by removal of the solvent under reduced pressure. The resulting crude product was dissolved in CH ₃ OH (2.0 mL), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford {5-[6- Chloro- 5 -(4-morpholin-4-yl-phenyl)- 1 H-benzoimidazol-2-yloxy] -2-methylphenyl } phosphonic acid 4-2 as brown solid. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD): δ 7.42-7.87 (m, 9 H), 4.04 (m, 4 H), 3.68 (m, 4 H), 2.57 (d, J= 15.6 Hz ₅ 3 H); LC-MS m/z = 500 [C ₂₄ H ₂₃ ClN ₃ O ₅ P + H] ⁺ ; Anal. Calcd for (C ₂₄ H ₂₃ ClN ₃ O ₅ P + 2.5 HBr + 2 H ₂ O): C, 39.05; H, 4.03; N, 5.69. Found: C, 39.13; H, 3.77; N, 5.33.

(5-[6-Chloro-5-(4-cvclohexyl-phenyl)- 1 H-benzoimidazol-2-yloxy1-2-methylphenyI } phosphonic acid. The title compound was prepared starting from 4-(cyclohexyl)phenylboronic acid according to the procedure described for the synthesis of Example 4. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD): δ 7.95 (d, J- 15.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.31-7.68 (m, 8 H) ₅ 2.70 (s, 3 H), 2.50 (ra, 1 H), 1.25- 1.88 (m, 10 H); LC-MS m/z = 497 [C ₂₆ H ₂₆ ClN ₂ O ₄ P + H] ⁺ . Anal. Calcd for (C ₂₆ H ₂₆ ClN ₂ O ₄ P + 1 H ₂ O + 1.2 HBr + 0.1 CH ₃ OH): C, 50.95; H, 4.85; N, 4.55. Found: C, 51.34; H, 4.73; N, 4.16.

(5-[6-Chloro-5-f4-pyrrolidin-l-yl-phenyl)-lH-ben2:oimidazol- 2-yloxy1-2-methyl- phenyl! phosphonic acid. The title compound was prepared from l-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-l,3,2- dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]pyrrolidine (Maybridge) according to the procedure described for the synthesis of Example 4. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD): δ 7.85 (d, J- 15.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.44-7.70

(m, 8 H), 3.78 (m, 4 H), 2.56 (s, 3 H), 2.25 (m, 4 H); LC-MS m/z = 484 [C ₂₄ H ₂₃ ClN ₃ O ₄ P + H] ⁺ . Anal. Calcd for (C ₂₄ H ₂₃ ClN ₃ O ₄ P + 2.5 HBr + 1 H ₂ O): C, 40.94; H, 3.94; N, 5.97. Found: C, 40.87; H ₅ 4.26; N, 5.62.

EXAMPLE 7

{3-[6-Chloro-5-(4-moφholin-4-yl-phenyl)-lH-benzoimidazol-2- yloxyJphenyI}phosphonic acid. The title compound was prepared from 4-(morpholino)phenylboronic acid according to the procedure described for the synthesis of Example 4. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD): δ 7.41-7.83 (m, 10 H),4.03 (m, 4 H) ₅ 3.68 (m, 4 H); LC-MS m/z - 486 [C ₂₃ H ₂₁ ClN ₃ O ₅ P + H] ⁺ . Anal. Calcd for (C ₂₃ H _2I ClN ₃ O ₅ P + 2.5 HBr + 2 H ₂ O + 0.2 CH ₃ OH): C, 38.14; H, 3.90; N ₅ 5.75. Found: C, 38.41; H ₅ 3.90; N, 5.31.

EXAMPLE 8 5-(5-chloro-6-(4-moφholinophenyl)-l/i-benzo[άf]imidazol-2- yloxyV2-methylphenylphosphonic acid (8-6)

8-3

8-4

8-6

Step 1 Mixture of l-Benzyl-S-chloro-ό-iodo-l H-benzoimidazole/ S-Benzyl-S-chloro _-6 -iodo-lH- benzpirnidazole (8-1) To a 0 ⁰ C solution of Intermediate 1-7 (10 g, 35.9 mmol) in 143 mL of DMF was added NaH. After 5 minutes, BnBr (6.76 g, 39.5 mmol) was added. The solution was allowed to warm from 0 ⁰ C to r.t. over 1.5 h. Then the reaction was quenched with saturated aqueous NH ₄ Cl, followed by 250 mL of EtOAc to form a bilayer. The organic layer was collected and washed with H ₂ O, brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting solid was triturated with 5% Et ₂ O in hexanes to afford compound 8-1 as a mixture of l-benzyl-5-chloro-6-iodo~lH-benzoimidazole/ 3-benzyl-5-chloro-6-iodo-lH-benzoimϊdazole. Step 2 Mixture of l-Benzyl-5-chloro-2,6-diiodo-lH-benzoimidazole/3- Benzyl-5-chloro-2,6- diiodo-lHrbenzoimidazole (8-2). To a solution of diisopropylamine (2.28 mL, 14.9 mmol) in 34 mL THF at -78 C was added 5.97 mL of a 2.5 M solution of ^-butyllithium (14.9 mmol) and the mixture was stirred for 15 min at -78 C. This solution was added via cannula needle to a solution of a 1 : 1 mixture of 1 -benzyl- 5 -chloro-ό-iodo- 1 H-benzoimidazole/ 3-benzyl-5-chloro-6~ iodo-1 H-benzoimidazole 8-1 in 45 mL of THF. The resulting solution was stirred for 30 min at - 78 ^° C producing a yellow solution. To this solution was rapidly added a solution of iodine (4.13 g, 16.3 mmol) in 23 mL. The resulting solution was stirred for 30 min at -78 C ₅ then aqueous NH ₄ Cl was added. The mixture was concentrated to about 40 mL by rotary evaporation, then diluted with EtOAc. The organic layer was separated, washed with aqueous Na ₂ S ₂ O ₃ , dried (MgSO ₄ ) and evaporated. The resulting dark brown solid was triturated with 5-10% EtOAc- hexanes to afford the N-I benzyl and N-3 benzyl mixture of compound 8-2 a light brown solid. Step 3 Mixture of f 5-( 1 -Benzyl- 5 -chloro-6-iodo- 1 H-benzoimidazol-2-yloxyl)-2-methyl- 1 - phenylj-phosphonic acid diethyl ester/[5-(3~Benzyl-5-chloro-6-iodo-lH-benzoimidazol-2- yloxyl)-2-methyl-l -phenyl] -phosphonic acid diethyl ester (8-3). A mixture of l-benzyl-5-chloro- 2,6-diiodo-lH-benzoimidazole/3- benzyl-5-chloro-2,6-diiodo-l H-benzoimidazole 8-2 (3.0 g, 6.1 mmol), diethyl 5-hydroxy-2-methylρhenylphosphonate (1.78 g, 7.3 mmol), CS ₂ CO ₃ (2.57 g, 7.89 mmol) and 12 mL DMF was heated to 100 ⁰ C for 15 min in a sealed tube. Then the mixture was

diluted with EtOAc, washed with water, brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and evaporated. The residue was purified with silica gel chromatography using 50% EtOAc-hexanes as eluent to provide the jV-1 benzyl and N-3 benzyl mixture of aryl iodide 8-3.

Step 4 Synthesis of Compound 8-4. A solution of the JV-I benzyl and N-3 benzyl mixture of aryliodide 8-3 (1.0 g, 1.64 nimol), 4-morpholinophenylboronic acid (0.68 g, 3.28 mmol), Pd(PPh ₃ ) ₄ (0.094 g, 0.82 mmol), K ₂ CO ₃ (0.68 g, 4.92 mmol), DMF (16.4 mL), and H ₂ O (3.28 mL) was purged with nitrogen and heated to 120 ⁰ C for 20 minutes in a microwave reactor. The crude material was diluted with 50 mL of EtOAc and washed with 1 x 50 mL of saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , 3x 50 mL of aqueous saturated NH ₄ Cl, dried over MgSO ₄ , and concentrated in vacuo. Chromatography over silica eluting with 30% EtOAC in CH ₂ Cl ₂ afforded the N- 1 benzyl and N~3 benzyl mixture of compound 8-4, which was used in the next step. Step 5 Synthesis of Compound 8-5. A solution of the JV-I benzyl and JV-3 benzyl mixture of compound 8-4 (1.0 g, 1.55 mmol), 1 ,4-cyclohexadiene (2.93 mL, 30.94 mmol), 20% Pd(OH) ₂ on carbon (1 g, 0.71 mmol), and EtOAc (3ImL) was heated to 80 ⁰ C overnight. The crude mixture was then passed through approximately 1 inch of celite. The collected filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The resulting crude material was purified by chromatography over silica eluting with 80- 100% EtOAc in hexanes to afford the compound 8-5, which was used in the next step. Step 6 5-(5-chloro-6-(4-morpholinophenyl)-l/i ^' -benzo[f/|imidazol _: 2-yloxy)-2- methylphenylphosphonic acid (8-6). A solution of compound 8-5 (0.69 g, 1.07 mmol), bromotrimethylsilane (0.4 mL, 4.70 mmol), and CH ₂ Cl ₂ (11 mL) was stirred for 3 h, then HMDS (1 mL, 47.96 mmol) was added. After 5.5 h, another portion of bromotrimethylsilane (0.4 mL, 4.70 mmol) was introduced. The resulting mixture was stirred overnight, then concentrated in vacuo. Approximately 5 mL of MeOH was added and subsequently removed in vacuo. This procedure was repeated 2 times. The crude material was purified with preparative HPLC using acetonitrile and aqueous NH ₄ HCO ₃ buffer to afford the title compound 8-6 as a white powder. ¹ H NMR (DM$O-d6) δ 7.65 (IH, dd, J= 13.5, 2.5 Hz), 7.45 (IH, s), 7.27 (2H, d, J= 8.5 Hz), 7.25 (IH, s), 7.16 (IH, dd, J= 8.5, 3.0 Hz), 7.12 (IH, dd, J= 8.0, 4.5 Hz), 6.97 (2 H, d, J= 11 Hz), 3.75 (4H, br. t, J= 4.5 Hz), 3.14 (4H, br. t, J= 5.0 Hz), 2.51 (3H, s); ³¹ P NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 7.2; LCMS (API-ES) m/e for C ₂₄ H ₂₃ ClN ₃ O ₅ P (M+H) ⁺ , calcd 500.99, found 500.9. Anal. Calcd for C ₂₄ H ₂₃ ClN ₃ OsP + 0.3 H ₂ O + 0.45 NH ₄ Br + 0.4 NH ₄ : C, 51.79; H, 4.89; N, 9.69. Found: C, 51.42; H, 5.13; N, 9.52.

EXAMPLE 9

5-(5-chloro-6-(l-methyl-lH-indol-5-yl)-lH-benzor4l^idazol -2-yloxy)-2- methylphenylphosphonic acid (9-3)

3-1 9-1

TMSBr TBAF

9-2

Step 1 Synthesis of Compound (9-1). A solution of the N-I SEM and N-3 SEM mixture of aryliodide 3-1 (0.20 g, 0.31 mmol, Intermediate 3-1 from Example 3), N-methylindole-5-boronic acid (0.11 g, 0.61 mmol), Pd(PPh ₃ ) ₄ (0.018 g, 0.015 mmol), K ₃ CO ₃ (0.13 g, 0.92 mmol), DMF (4.6 niL), and H ₂ O (0.9 mL) was purged with nitrogen and heated to 120 ⁰ C for 10 minutes in a microwave reactor. The resulting crude material was diluted with 20 mL of EtOAc, and washed with 1 x 20 mL of saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , 2x 20 mL of aqueous saturated NH ₄ Cl, dried over MgSO ₄ , and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was eluted with 50-60% EtOAC in hexanes to afford the N-I SEM and N-3 SEM mixture of compound 9-1, which was used in the next step.

Step 2 Synthesis of Compound (9-2). A solution of the N-I SEM and N-3 SEM mixture of compound 9-1 (0.2 g, 0.31 mmol), bromotrimethylsilane (0.2 mL, 1.53 mmol), HMDS (0.63 mL, 3.1 mmol), and CH ₂ Cl ₂ (3 ImL) was stirred at rt overnight. Then, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. Approximately 5 mL of MeOH was added and subsequently removed in vacuo. This procedure was repeated 2 times to give the N-I SEM and N-3 SEM of compound 9- 2, which was taken onto the next step. Step 3 5-(5-chloro-6-( 1 -methyl- 1 H-indol-5-yl)- 1 H-benzo[^imidazol-2-yIoxy)-2- methylphenylphosphonic acid (9-3). A solution of the N-I SEM and N-3 SEM mixture of 9-2 (0.18 g _s 0.31 romol) and TBAF (IM in THF, 1.8 mL) was heated to 120 ⁰ C for 10 min in a microwave reactor. Then the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified with preparative HPLC using acetonitrile and aqueous νH4HCO ₃ buffer to afford the

title compound 9-3 as a white solid. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-^6) δ 7.79 (IH, dd, J= 14.7, 2.7 Hz), 7.55 (IH, d, J- 0.9 Hz), 7.46 (IH, s), 7.40 (IH, d, J= 8.4 Hz) ₅ 7.26-7.36 (2H, m), 7.34 (IH, s), 7.22 (IH, dd, J= 8.7, 1.8 Hz), 7.19 (1 H, d, J= 3.3 Hz) ₅ 6.46 (IH, dd, J= 3.3, 0.9 Hz), 3.84 (3H, s), 2.67 (3H ₅ s); ³¹ P NMR (DMSO-^6) δ 11.1; LRMS (API-ES) m/e for C ₂₃ H ₅₉ ClN ₃ O ₄ P (M+H) ⁺ , calcd 468.85, found 468.7.

EXAMPLE 10

5-f 5-chloro-6-(2-(4-methoxyphetwl)ethynyl)- 1 ff-benzo [t/]imidazol-2-yloxy)-2- methylphenylphosphonic acid (10-3)

3-1 10-1

TMSBr TBAF

10-2

10-3

Step 1 Synthesis of Compound (10-1). A solution of the N-I SEM and N-3 SEM mixture of aryliodide 3-1 (0.20 g, 0.31 mmol, Intermediate 3-1 from Example 3), l-ethyny-4- methoxybenzene (0.081 g, 0.61 mmol), Pd(PPh ₃ ) ₂ Cl ₂ (0.011 g, 0.015 mmol), CuI (0.058 g, 0.031 mmol), Et ₃ N (0.3 mL, 2.14 mmol), and DMF (3.1 mL) was purged with nitrogen and heated to 120 ⁰ C for 6 minutes in a microwave reactor. The crude material was diluted with 20 mL of EtOAc, and then washed with 1 x 20 mL of saturated aqueous NH ₄ Cl, 2x 20 mL OfH ₂ O, dried over MgSθ4, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified by chromatography over silica eluting with 30-50% EtOAc in hexanes to afford the N-I SEM and N-3 SEM mixture of compound 10-1, which was used in the next step.

Step 2 Synthesis of Compound (10-2). A solution of the N-I SEM and N-3 SEM mixture of compound 10-1 (0.20 g, 0.30 mmol), bromotrimethylsilane (0.09 mL, 0.66 mmol), and CH ₂ Cl ₂

(3.OmL) was stirred at rt overnight. Then the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. Approximately 5 mL of MeOH was added and subsequently removed in vacuo. This procedure was repeated 2 times to give the N-I SEM and JV-3 SEM mixture of compound 10-2, which was taken onto the next step without further purification.

Step 3 5-(5-chloro-6-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethynvπ-l/i-benzo[J]imida zol-2-yloxy)-2- methylphenylphosphonic acid (10-3). A solution of the iV-1 SEM and N-3 SEM mixture of compound 10-2 (0.16 g, 0.27 mmol), ethylene diamine (0.11 mL, 1.638 mmol) and TBAF (IM in THF, 1.6 mL) was heated to 120 ⁰ C for 10 min in a microwave reactor. Then the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The resulting crude material was purified via preparative HPLC using acetonitrile and H ₂ O buffer to afford the title compound 10-3 as a tan solid. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-rf6) δ 7.70-7.2 (OH, m), 6.96 (IH, d, J- 8.4 Hz), 2.52 (3H, s); ³¹ P NMR (DMSO- d6) δ 11.9; LRMS (API-ES) m/e for C ₂₃ Hi ₈ ClN ₂ O ₅ P (M+H) ⁺ , calcd 469.85, found 469.4. Anal. Calcd for C ₂₃ Hi ₈ ClN ₂ O ₅ P + 1 TFA: C, 51.52; H, 3.29; N, 4.81. Found: C, 51.49; H, 3.56; N ₉ 4.86.

EXAMPLE 11 {5-[(5"biphenyl-4-y _1-6 -chloro-li7-benzimidazol-2-yl)methyl]-2-methylphenyl}phospho nic acid (11-5)

11-5

Step 1 Synthesis of Compound (11-3). A solution of 3-bromoρhenylacetic acid 11-2 (0.20 g, 0.87 mmol)., aryl-diamine 1 1-1 (0.23 g, 0.79 mmol, which was prepared from 5-chloro-4-iodo- 1 ,2-phenylenediamine (Intermediate 1-6 of Example 1) and 4-biphenylboronic acid following the

procedures of Step 9 in Example 1), P(OPh) ₃ (0.26 mL, 0.98 mmol), and pyridine (2.1 mL) was purged with nitrogen and heated to 220 ⁰ C for 10 minutes in a microwave reactor. The crude material was diluted with 20 mL of EtOAc, and then washed with 1 x 20 mL of 1 M HCl, 2x 20 mL of saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , dried over MgSO ₄ , and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified by chromatography over silica eluting with 30-50% EtOAc in hexanes to afford the bromo-benzimldazole 11-3 as a mixture of two tautomers. H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ 9.10 (IH, br. s), 7.66-7.30 (1 IH, m), 7.40-7.10 (3H, m), 4.24 (2H, s), 2.38 (3H, s). Step 2 Synthesis of Compound (11-4). To a pre-activated solution (10 minutes at 65 ⁰ C) of Pd(dppf)Cl ₂ (0.087 g, 0.11 mmol), Et ₃ SiH (0.034 mL, 0.21 mmol), and toluene (1.9 mL) was added a solution of bromo-benzimidazole 11-3 (0.26 g, 0.53 mmol),, diisopropyl phosphate (0.13 mL, 0.80 mmol), and toluene (1.9 mL). To this solution was added Et ₃ N (0.22 mL, 1.60 mmol). The resulting solution was heated to 140 ⁰ C for 10 minutes, and then to 160 ⁰ C for 10 minutes in a microwave reactor. The crude material was diluted with 20 mL of EtOAc and washed with 3 x 20 mL of saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , 1 x 20 mL OfH ₂ O, dried over MgSO ₄ , and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was eluted with 50-75% EtOAc in hexanes to afford the compound 11-4 as a mixture of two tautomers. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ 10.96 (IH, br. s), 10.86 (IH, br. s), 7.96 (IH, d, J= 15.0 Hz), 7.84-7.14 (13H, m), 4.63 (IH, m), 2.50 (3H, s), 1.33 (6H, d, J= 6.0 Hz), 1.16 (6H, d, J= 6.3 Hz); ³¹ P NMR (CDCI ₃ ) δ 18.1. Step 3 Synthesis of Compound (11-5). A mixture of phosphonate-benzimidazole 11-4 (0.035 g, 0.061 mmol), bromotrimethylsilane (0.079 mL, 0.093 mmol), and CH ₂ Cl ₂ (0.92 mL) was stirred at rt overnight. Then, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. Approximately 5 mL of MeOH was added and subsequently removed in vacuo. This procedure was repeated 2 times. The resulting crude material was purified with preparative HPLC using acetonitrile and H ₂ O buffer to afford the desired compound 11-5 as a brown solid. Mp >220 ⁰ C; ¹ H NMR (DMSO-<i6) δ 7.95 (IH, s), 7.81-7.70 (5H, m), 7.54-7.35 (7H, m), 7. _3-7 .2 (appar. dd, J- 7.5, 4.8 Hz), 4.42 (3H, s), 2.50 (3H, s); ³¹ P NMR (OM$O-d6) δ 13.4; LCMS (API-ES) m/e for. C ₂₇ H ₂₂ ClN ₂ O ₃ P (M+H) ⁺ , calcd 489.1 I ₅ found 469.6. Anal. Calcd for C ₂₇ H ₂₂ ClN ₂ O ₃ P + 3.5 H ₂ O + 0.67 HBr + 0.35 MeOH + 0.25 hexanes: C, 54.23; H, 5.45; N, 4.38. Found: C, 54.62; H ₅ 5.37; N, 3.98.