The invention described herein relates to phenyl (alkyl) carboxylic acid derivatives and dionic phenylalkyl- heterocyclic derivatives and to their use as medicines, particularly with serum glucose and/or serum lipid lowering activity.

Background to the invention Diabetes is a widespread disease throughout the world and is associated with major clinical complications including macrovascular (atherosclerosis) and microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy) damage. Such complications are inevitable consequences of the disease and constitute a serious threat to the subject's life and well-being. Diabetes is associated with various abnormalities such as obesity, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. Various clinical forms of diabetic disease are known, the most common being type 2 and type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by reduced sensitivity to the action of insulin (insulin resistance) and gives rise to an increase in actual insulin levels in the body in an attempt to compensate for this deficiency and to a consequent increase in glucose levels. Numerous reports have confirmed the involvement of insulin resistance in many disease conditions in addition to type 2 diabetes itself, such as

dyslipidaemia, obesity, arterial hypertension and certain macro- vascular and micro vascular manifestations characteristic of diabetes. The combination of insulin resistance and obesity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia is known as Syndrome X.

Drugs used for many years such as the biguanidines and sulphonylurea drugs are available on the market for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In the case of the biguanidines (the best known of which is metformin) the mechanism of action is still unclear and the efficacy would not appear to afford satisfactory cover throughout all the hours of the night. Sulphonylurea drugs promote the secretion of insulin by the p-cells and may present episodes of hypoglycaemia as a possible side effect.

Drugs recently introduced onto the market are the thiazolidinediones, i. e. insulin-sensitising antidiabetic compounds such as troglitazone (J. Med. Chem. , 1989,32, 421-428), pioglitazone (Arzneim. Forsch./Drug Res. , 1990,40 (1), 37-42), and rosiglitazone (Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1994,4, 1181-1184) which are capable of reducing hyperglycaemia, diabetic hyperlipidaemia and insulin levels. These compounds are high-affinity synthetic ligands of PPARy (J. Biol. Chem. , 1995,270, 12953-12956).

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are receptors belonging to the superfamily of nuclear receptors whose function is to control the expression of genes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism (J. Med. Chem. , 2000, 43, 527-

550). Various subtypes of PPARs have been identified: PPARy, PPARa and PPARß (also known as PPAR 8). The gamma isoform (PPARy) is involved in the regulation of the differentiation of adipocyles and in energy homeostasis, whereas the alpha isoform (PPARa) controls fatty acid oxidation resulting in modulation of the levels of free fatty acids in plasma. In structure-activity relationship studies aimed at identifying new molecules endowed with potential antidiabetic action, a correspondence has been confirmed between PPARy activation and serum glucose lowering activity (J. Med. Chem., 1996, 39, 665-668; J. Med. Chem., 1998, 41, 5020-5036; 5037-5054; 5055-5069). The insulin-sensitising action would appear to be related, as far as this first series of compounds is concerned, to the fatty acid recruitment action regulated by activated PPARy which is thought to lead to an improvement in the insulin resistance of the tissues, enhancing serum glucose levels and lowering insulin levels.

(Diabetes, 1998, 47, 507-514).

The side effects already observed with troglitazone and feared also in the case of the other compounds of this class are: : severe liver toxicity (which caused the withdrawal of troglitazione from the US market), increased cholesterol, weight gain and oedema.

In recent years molecules with a mixed profile, i. e. ligands of PPARy and PPARa, have emerged (KRP 297, Diabetes, 1998, 47, 1841-1847; DRF 2725, Diabetes, 2001,50, suppl. 2, A108; AZ 242, Diabetes, 2001,50, suppl. 2, A121-A122). These compounds are

potentially capable of exerting a good measure of control of diabetic disease, while presenting a serum glucose and serum lipid lowering action with fewer side effects typical of the first series of compounds in the thiazolidinedione class, consisting exclusively of PPARy ligands.

Not all the scientific community, however, agrees with this line of thinking. Recent studies on new-generation compounds, whether thiazolidinedione derivatives or otherwise (MC555, J. Biol. Chem., 1998, Vol. 273 (49), 32679-32684; NC2100 Diabetes, 2000,49, 759-767, YM440, Metabolism, 2000, 49, 411-417), in gene transactivation tests, in-vitro glucose uptake experiments with muscle tissue and in-vivo experiments in transgenic animals with deficient PPARy expression, have led to the hypothesis that there is no direct relationship between PPARy activation and the serum glucose and serum lipid lowering activity of these compounds (Toxicology Letters, 2001, 120, 9-19). This may indicate that the serum glucose lowering activity of these molecules is not necessarily related to PPARy activation and that these compounds may be capable of modulating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism through interaction with other biochemical targets. This is confirmed by the work of investigators who have opted for the use of in-vivo screening in diabetic animals (db/db mice, ob/ob mice) and for in-vitro/in--vivo tests (L6 cells), (J. Med. Chem. , 1998, 41, 4556-4566) in order to identify possible insulin-sensitising agents which are not necessarily

good PPAR ligands. These experiments have led to the selection of compounds still being investigated with promising antidiabetic activity in animal models (DRF 2189, J. Med. Chem. , 1998, 41, 1619-1630; JTT-501, J. Med. Chem. , 1998, 41, 1927-1933).

In conclusion, then, since the first compounds belonging to the thiazolidinedione class have proved to be associated with substantial hepatotoxic and other side effects, probably related to their PPARy activity, the scientific community would now appear to be oriented towards the search for new compounds with a different mechanism of action which induce a similar or better effect on insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis without toxic side effects (J. Med. Chem., 2001, 44,2601-2611).

Summary of the invention It has now been found that compounds with formula (I) have been reported as being active as serum glucose and serum lipid lowering agents and are endowed with low toxicity and are therefore useful as medicines, particularly for the treatment of hyperlipidaemias and hyperglycaemias.

The preferred applications are the prophylaxis and treatment of diabetes, particularly type 2 and its complications, Syndrome X, the various forms of insulin resistance and hyperlipidaemias.

The object of the invention described herein are formula (I) compounds:

where: A is CH; alkanylilidene with 2 to 4 carbon atoms, particularly CH2-CH ; alkenylilidene with 2 to 4 carbon atoms, particularly CH=C; Ar is monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic C6-Clo aryl or heteroaryl, containing one or more heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, possibly substituted by halogens, NO2, OH, C1-C4 alkyl and alkoxy, said alkyl and alkoxy possibly substituted by at least one halogen; monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl containing one or more heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, where the alkyl residue contains from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, said arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl possibly substituted by halogens, NO2, OH, Ci-C4 alkyl and alkoxy, said alkyl and alkoxy possibly substituted by at least one halogen; f is the number 0 or 1; h is the number 0 or 1 ; m is a whole number from 0 to 3;

n is the number 0 or 1 and if n is 0, Ri is absent, and COY is directly bound to benzene); Q and Z, which may be the same or different, are selected from the group consisting of NH, O, S, NHC (O) O, NHC (O) NH, NHC (O) S, OC (O) NH, S (CO) NH, C (O) NH, and NHC (O); R is selected from R2, OR2; Ri is selected from H, COW, SO3-, ORs, =O, CN, NH2, NHCO (C6- Clo) Ar, where Ar may possibly be substituted by halogens, NO2, OH, Cl-C4 alkyl and alkoxy, said alkyl and alkoxy possibly substituted by at least one halogen; R2 is selected from H, straight or branched Cl-C4 alkyl, possibly substituted by at least one halogen; R3 is selected from H, straight or branched C1-C4 alkyl, possibly substituted by at least one halogen, (C6-Clo) ArCH2, where Ar is possibly substituted by halogens, N02, OH, C1-C4 alkyl and alkoxy, said alkyl and alkoxy possibly substituted by at least one halogen; W is selected from OH, OR4, NH2; R4 is straight or branched C1-C4 alkyl ; Y is selected from OH, ORs, NH2 ; Rs is straight or branched C1-C4 alkyl ; or A, COY and Ri together form a cycle of the type:

their pharmacologically acceptable salts, racemic mixtures, individual enantiomers, geometric isomers or stereoisomers, and tautomers.

A further object of the invention described herein is the use of said compounds as medicines for the treatment of hyperlipdaemias and hyperglycaemias, particularly for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and its complications, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds as active ingredients.

These and other objects will be described in detail, also with the aid of examples.

Detailed description of the invention In the formula (1) compounds, what is meant by alkanylilidene with 2 to 4 carbon atoms are the groups- (CR6R7) p-CR8<, where R6, R7 and Rs are hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, and p is a whole number from 1 to 3. What is meant by alkenylilidene with 2 to 4 carbon atoms are the groups -CR9R10=C<, -CR9R10-CR11=C<, -CR9=CR10- <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> CRll<,-CH2-CH2-CH=C<-CH=CH-CH2-CH<,-CH=CH-CH=C<, - CH2-CH=CH-CH<,-CH=C=CH-CH<,-CH2-CH=C=C<, where Rg, Rio

and Rll are hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. In all cases the symbol < identifies the bond of A with COY and Ri.

In the formula (I) compounds, a first group of preferred compounds consists of compounds in which Ar is a heteroaryl, preferably containing nitrogen as the heteroatom, e. g. indole, or pyridine, bound to the rest of the molecule via all the positions allowed ; particularly preferred among these are the 1-indolyl and 1- pyridyl groups. In the context of this first group, preferably f is 0, m is 1 or 2, Q is oxygen, and R is hydrogen.

A second group of preferred compounds consists of compounds in which Ar is an aryl, possibly substituted by one or more atoms of halogen, alkyl, alkoxy or lower haloalkyl, preferably methyl, methoxy or trifluoromethyl, nitro, mono-or di-alkylamine. In the context of this second group, preferably f is 0, m is 0,1 or 2, Q is oxygen or HNC (O) O, and R is hydrogen.

Particularly preferred are the compounds where Ri is COW.

Even more preferred are the following compounds: i. Diethyl 4- [2- (1-indolyl) ethoxy] benzylidenemalonate ii. Diethyl 4- [2- (1-indolyl) ethoxy] benzylmalonate iii. Dimethyl 4- [2- (1-indolyl) ethoxy] benzylidenemalonate iv. Dimethyl 4- [2- (l-indolyl) ethoxy] benzylmalonate v. 4- [2- (l-indolyl) ethoxy] benzylmalonic acid

vi. Methyl (2S)-amino-2- [4- [2- (1-indolyl) ethoxy] phenyl]-ace- tate vii. Methyl 4- [2- (1-indolyl)etoxy]benzoate viii. Methyl 3- [4- [2- (l-indolyl) ethoxy] phenyl] propanoate ix. Methyl 2- [4- [2- (1-indolyl) ethoxy] phenyl] acetate x. Methyl 2-sulpho-2- [4- [2- (1-indolyl) ethoxy] phenyl] acetate sodium salt xi. Methyl (S) -2-benzoylamino-2- [4- [2-(1-indolyl)ethoxy]-phe- nyl] acetate xii. Methyl 2-hydroxy-3- [4- [2- (1-indolyl) ethoxy] phenyl]-propa- noate xiii. Dimethyl 4- [2- [4- (dimethylamino) phenyl] ethoxy] benzyl- malonate xiv. Methyl 3- [4- [2- (1-indolyl) ethoxy] phenyl]-2-cyano-prope- noate xv. Methyl 3- [4- [2- (l-indolyl) ethoxy] phenyl]-2-cyano-propa- noate xvi. Dimethyl 4- [2- (3-indolyl) ethoxy] benzylidenemalonate xvii. Dimethyl 4- [2- (1-naphthyl) ethoxy] benzylmalonate xviii. Dimethyl 4- [2- (2-pyridyl) ethoxy] benzylmalonate xix. Dimethyl 4- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] benzylmalonate

xx. 5- [4- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] phenylmethylene]- thiazolidine-2, 4-dione xxi. 5- [4- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] phenylmethyl] thiazolidine- 2,4-dione xxii. Dimethyl 3- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] benzylmalonate xxiii. Dimethyl 3- [2- (phenyl) ethoxy] benzylmalonate xxiv. Dimethyl 3- [N- (4-trifluoromethylbenzyl) carbamoyl]-4-me- thoxybenzylmalonate xxv. Dimethyl 4-methoxy-3- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] benzyl- malonate xxvi. Dimethyl 3- (2-phenylethoxy)-4-methoxy benzylmalonate xxvii. Dimethyl 4- [2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ethoxy] benzylmalonate xxviii. Dimethyl 4- [3- (4-methoxyphenyl) propyloxy] benzyl-ma- lonate xxix. Dimethyl 4- [2- (2-naphthyl) ethoxy] benzylmalonate xxx. (2S) -2-benzoylamino-3- [4- [ (4-methoxybenzyl)- carbamoyl] oxyphenyl] ethyl propanoate xxxi. Dimethyl 4- [ [ (4-methoxybenzyl) carbamoyl] oxy] benzyl-ma- lonate xxxii. Dimethyl 4-[[(4-trifluorotolyl)carbamoyl]oxy]benzyl-ma- lonate

xxxiii. Dimethyl 4- [ [ (2, 4-dichlorophenyl) carbamoyl] oxy] benzyl- malonate xxxiv. Dimethyl 4- [ [ (4-chlorophenyl) carbamoyl] oxy] benzyl-ma- lonate xxxv. Dimethyl 4- [2- (pyridinio) ethoxy] benzylmalonate methane- sulphonate xxxvi. Dimethyl 4- [C (4-nitrophenyl) carbamoyl] oxy] benzyl-ma- lonate xxxvii. Dimethyl 3-[[(4-methoxybenzyl)carbamoyl]oxy]benzyl- malonate xxxviii. Dimethyl 3- [ [ (4-butylphenyl) carbamoyl] oxy] benzyl-ma- lonate xxxix. Dimethyl 4- [ [ (4-butylphenyl) carbamoyl] oxy] benzyl-ma- lonate xl. Dimethyl 3-[[(4-chlorophenyl)carbamoyl] oxy] benzyl-ma- lonate xli. (Z)-2-ethoxy-3- [4- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] phenyl] ethyl propenoate xlii. (E) -2-ethoxy-3- [4- [2- (4-chloro-phenyl) ethoxy]-phenyl] ethyl propenoate xliii. (R, S) -2-ethoxy-3- [4- [2- (phenyl) ethoxy] phenyl] ethyl propanoate

xliv. (R, S)-2-ethoxy-3- [4- [2- (4-chloro-phenyl) ethoxy]- phenyl] methyl propanoate xlv. Dimethyl 4- [2- (2, 3-dimethyl-l-indolyl) ethoxy] benzyl-ma- lonate The formula compounds are prepared using the reactions described in methods A-H.

In the case of formula (I) compounds in which A is akenylilidene, Ri = COW, CN and Y = OH, ORs, NH2, or Ri together with COY and A forms a cycle as indicated in formula (I) above, method A described here below can be used, as exemplified by A = - CH=C<.

Method A: Unles otherwise specified, the meanings of the various symbols are intended to coincide with those indicated in the general formula.

The compounds of general formula I can be synthesised according to the diagram described above starting from compounds of general formula la and formula Ib in aprotic solvents such as toluene, refluxed with Dean-Stark, for time periods ranging from 5 to 24 hours, preferably 18 hours, in the presence, as a catalyst, of a salt of an organic base with an organic acid, such as piperidine

acetate, normally used in Knovenagel reactions, or in aprotic dipolar solvents such as DMF (Synthetic Communications, 2000, 30 (4), 713- 726), possibly in the presence of an organic base such as piperidine, at a temperature ranging from 20 to 100°C, preferably 80°C, for reaction times ranging from 1 hour to 3 days, preferably 2 days.

In the case of formula (I) compounds in which Q is selected from NH, O, S, NHC (O) S, and NHC (O) O, method B described here below can be used.

Method B: 0 0 Y -Y base Ar (Z) f (CH2), L +HQ--n- Rl 30 Ar (Z) f (CHz) mQ- A' R1 /"/ R R I Ic Id where L is an exit group such as MsO, TsO, Br, Cl, I A, COY e R1 possono formare un ciclo = A, Coy and R 1 may form a cycle = Unless otherwise specified, the meanings of the various groups are intended to coincide with those indicated in formula (I) above.

The general formula I compounds can be synthesised according to the diagram described above starting from compounds of general formula Ic, Id, where L is an exit group, such as, for

example, halogen, p-toluenesulphonate and methanesulphonate.

The reaction is conducted in aprotic solvents such as DMF, DMSO and THF, in the presence of a base such as K2CO3 or KOH, or hydrides of alkaline metals such as NaH, possibly in an inert atmosphere which can be maintained using gases such as N2 and Ar. The reaction temperature can range from 0 to 120°C, preferably 30-100°C, and the reaction times from 1 to 48 hours, preferably 6 to 18 hours.

In the case of formula (I) compounds in which Q is selected from O, or S, method C described here below can be used.

Method C: 0 0. Sy Xy Al A1 \ Ar (Z) f (CH2) mOH + HQv R1 Ar (Z) f (CH2) MQ--1 n\ v v A, Coy and RI y form a cycle = e R1 R I Ive if A, COY e Rl possono formare un ciclo = Unless otherwise specified, the meanings of the various groups are intended to coincide with those indicated in formula (I) above.

The general formula I compounds can be synthesised according to the diagram described above starting from compounds

of general formula Ie, If, using as condensing agents triarylphosphine/dialkylazodicarboxylic esters such as PPHs/DEAD and similar compounds that can be used in a ratio of 1 to 2 equivalents to the substrates, preferably 1.3-1. 5 equivalents. The reaction can be conducted in aprotic solvents such as THF, DME, CHCIs and the like, possibly in an inert atmosphere that can be maintained using gases such as N2 and Ar. The reaction temperature can range from 0 to 60°C, preferably 20 to 40°C, and the reaction time from 3 hours to 6 days, preferably 18 hours to 3 days.

In the case of formula (I) compounds in which Q is selected from NHC (O) O, NHC (O) NH, NHC (O) S, OC (O) NH, or SC (O) NH, method D described here below can be used.

Method D: Unless otherwise specified, the meanings of the various groups are intended to coincide with those indicated in formula (I) above, and X is-NCO when M is selected from OH, NH2, SH, or X is OH, SH, NH2 when M is NCO.

A, Coy and Rl may form a cycle A, COYeRlpossonofomareunciclo=

The general formula (I) compounds can be synthesised according to the diagram described above starting from compounds of general formula Ig, Ih, if M or X is an NCO group, in aprotic solvents such as CH3CN, THF, CHC13 and the like, possibly in the presence, as a catalyst, of an organic base such as triethylamine, possibly in an inert atmosphere maintained with gases such as N2 and Ar. The reaction temperature can range from 0 to 40°C, preferably 25°C, and the reaction time from 1 to 48 hours, preferably 18 hours.

In the case of formula (I) compounds in which Q is selected from NHC (O) or C (O) NH, method E described here below can be used.

Method E:

Unless otherwise specified, the meanings of the various groups are intended to coincide with those indicated in formula (I) above, and X is COOH when M is NH2, and X is NH2 when M is COOH.

The general formula (I) compounds can be synthesised according to the diagram described above starting from compounds of general formula li, Il when X or M is a COOH group, using condensing agents such as diethylphosphorocyanidate, EEDQ, DCC oo CDI and the like, in a ratio of 1-3 equivalents to the substrates, preferably 1-1.5 equivalents, conducting the reaction in organic solvents such as DMF, CH3CN, CHC13, THF and the like, at a temperature ranging from 20 to 80°C, preferably 25°C, for reaction times ranging from 18 hours to 3 days, preferably 24 hours. The synthesis can also be conducted by derivatising the acid as acid halogenide and then effecting the condensation in the presence of a proton acceptor such as triethylamine, in conditions similar to those described above.

In the case of formula (I) compounds in which Ar is an aromatic heterocycle, method F described here below can be used, as exemplified by the pyridinium group.

Method F

Unless otherwise specified, the meanings of the various groups are intended to coincide with those indicated in formula (I) above, and L is an exit group such as MsO, TsO, Br, Cl, or I ; m is a whole number from 1 to 3.

The general formula (I) compounds can be synthesised starting from compounds of general formula Im according to the diagram described above, where L is an exit group such as, for example, halogen, p-toluenesulphonate and methanesulphonate. The reaction is conducted using the same conditions as described in method B.

In the case of formula (I) compounds in which Z takes on the meanings described in the general formula with the exclusion of NH, method G described here below can be used.

Method G:

Unless otherwise specified, the meanings of the various groups are intended to coincide with those indicated in formula (I) above, and X is selected from NCO, COOH, OC (O) CI, SC (O) Cl when Z1 is selected from O, S, NH, or X is selected from OH, SH when Z1 is O, or X is NH2 when Zi is COOH.

The general formula (I) compounds can be synthesised starting from compounds of general formula In, Ip according to the diagram described above, when X or Z1 is a COOH group, and X or Z1 is an O or N group, using the reaction conditions described in method E.

When X is an NCO group and Z1 is an O, N or S group, the reaction can be conducted in the conditions described in method D*. When X

is an OH or SH group and Z1 is an O group the reaction can be conducted as described in method C*. When X is an OC (O) C1 or SC (O) C1 group and Z1 is an N group, the reaction is conducted in organic solvents such as CHC13, THF and the like, using a base such as triethylamine as the proton acceptor, at a temperature ranging from 0 to 60°C, preferably 25°C, for reaction times ranging from 2 to 24 hours, preferably 18 hours.

* COYeRlpossonofomareunciclo= *In these cases, A, Coy and R1 may form a cycle = In the case of formula (I) compounds in which Ri = OR3 and A = CH=C, method H described here below can be used.

Metodo H: Unless otherwise specified, the meanings of the various groups are intended to coincide with those indicated in the general formula.

The general formula I compounds can be synthesised starting from compounds of general formula Iq and formula Ir (the latter obtained as described in Tetrahedron, 1992, 48 (19), 3991-4004), in aprotic solvents such as THF, in the presence of an inorganic base such as alcaline metal hydrides, preferably NaH, at a temperature ranging from 20 to 100°C, preferably ambient temperature, for reaction times ranging from 1 to 48 hours, preferably 20 hours.

In the case of formula (I) compounds in which A is alkanylilidene, these can be prepared from the corresponding formula (I) compounds where A is alkenylilidene.

Saturatedcompounds of general formula I can be obtained by reduction of the unsaturated compounds by catalytic hydrogenation in the presence of Ha, at a pressure ranging from atmospheric pressure to 60 psi, preferably 50 psi, and with catalysts such as metals supported on C, such as Pd/C, in percentages ranging from 1 to 20%, preferably 10%. The amount of catalyst used may fall within a range from 1 to 100% w/w, usually 10% w/w, in protic or aprotic solvents such as MeOH, dioxane and THF, preferably MeOH, for reaction times ranging from 18 hours to 3 days, preferably 24 hours.

The reduction can also be conducted by means of hydrides such as NaBH4 in organic solvents such as MeOH for reaction times ranging from 1 to 24 hours, preferably 2 hours, with a reaction temperature ranging from 0 to 80°C, preferably 25°C. An additional reduction method consists in the use of alkaline metals such as Mg in protic

solvents such as MeOH, EtOH and the like at a temperature ranging from 20 to 40°C, preferably 25°C, for reaction times ranging from 2 to 24 hours, preferably 6 hours.

Unless otherwise indicated, the starting compounds are commercially available or can be prepared according to conventional methods, following the guidelines provided in the examples. The following examples further illustrate the invention.

Example 1 Preparation of diethyl 4-[2-(1-indolyl) ethoxy] benzylidene- malonate (ST1445) Preparation of the intermediate product 1-(2-hydroxy- ethyl) indole The intermediate product, reported in J. Med. Chem., 1998, 41/10, 1619-1639, was prepared according to the procedure described therein except for the duration of the reaction time (30 hours insetad of 30 minutes), starting from indole (5.00 g, 42.7 mmol), KOH (3.60 g, 64.1 mmol) and from 2-bromoethanol (6.40 g, 51.3 mmol) in 50 mL of anhydrous DMSO, at T = 25-30°C, to give 5.00 g of oily product (yield = 73%).

Preparation of the intermediate product 1-(2-methane- sulphonyloxyethyl) indole To a solution of 1- (2-hydroxyethyl) indole (1.00 g, 6.20 mmol), in 25 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane were added anhydrous

pyridine (736 mg, 9.30 mmol) and, dropwise, methanesulphonyl chloride (1.06 g, 9.30 mmol). The reaction was left to stir at T = 50°C for 2 hours. After this time period the mixture was evaporated in vacuo and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate (50 mL) and washed with H20 (50 mL). The organic solution separated from the aqueous solution was washed with a solution of HC1 0. 1N (2 x 50 mL) and with H20 (2 x 50 mL). The organic solution was dried on anhydrous Na2S04 and evaporated, and the residue was triturated with 100 mL of hexane to give 1.10 g of solid product after filtration (yield = 74%).

Melting point (Mp) = decomposes at 75°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.61 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 7.62 (d, 1H), 7.38 (d, 1H), 7.22 (m, 2H), 7. 18 (m, 2H), 6.57 (d, 1H), 4.50 (m, 4H), 2.60 (s, 3H); Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for Cil His N Os S.

Preparation of the intermediate product 4- [2- (1- indolyl) ethoxy] benzaldehyde The intermediate product, reported in J. Med. Chem. 1998, 41 (10), 1619-1639, was prepared with a different synthesis procedure, starting from the intermediate product 1- (2- methanesulphonyloxyethyl) indole (1.40 g, 5.85 mmol) and from 4- hydroxybenzaldehyde (880 mg 6.86 mmol) with NaH (190 mg, 7.87 mmol) in 30 mL of anhydrous DMF. The reaction mixture was left under continual stirring at a temperature of 80°C for 18 hours. At the end of this time period H20 (150 mL) was added to the mixture

and the product was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 150 mL). The organic extracts collected were dried on anhydrous Na2SO4 and the solvent evaporated in vacuo to obtain 1.50 g of product (yield = 96%).

Preparation of diethyl 4- [2-fl-indolyl) ethoxv] benzvlidene- malonate (ST1445) Method A To a solution of 4- [2- (1-indolyl) ethoxy] benzaldehyde (1.40 g, 5.28 mmol) and diethylmalonate (845 mg, 5.28 mmol) in 15 mL of anhydrous toluene were added AcOH (47.2 mg, 0.79 mmol) and piperidine (66.9 mg, 0.79 mmol). The reaction mixture was left to reflux with Dean-Stark for 7 hours. After this time period the mixture was dried and the crude reaction product was purified by silica gel chromatography using AcOEt: hexane 3: 7 as the eluent to give 1.50 g of oily product (yield = 70%); TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.66 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 7.60 (m, 2H), 7.40 (m, 3H), 7.22 (d, 1H), 7.20 (d, 1H), 7.15 (t, 1H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 6.45 (d, 1H), 4.45 (t, 2H), 4.25 (m, 6H), 1.25 (m, 6H); HPLC: column Inertisil ODS-3 (5 pm) (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN: H20 (70: 30 v/v), pH = as is, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 19. 47 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C24H25NOs.

Example 2 Preparation of diethyl 4-[2-(1-indolyl)ethoxy]benzylmalonate (ST1446) ST1445, obtained as described in example 1, (0.90 g, 2.20 mmol) was dissolved in 30 mL of dioxane and subjected to catalytic hydrogenation (60 psi) with 10% Pd/C (90 mg) for 48 hours at ambient temperature. After this time period the suspension was filtered on celite and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel, using AcOEt: hexane 2: 8 as the eluent, to give 380 mg of oily product (yield = 42%); TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.60 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 5 7.60 (d, 1H), 7.30 (d, 1H), 7. 18 (m, 2H), 7.00 (m, 3H), 6.70 (d, 2H), 6.45 (d, 1H), 4.42 (t, 2H), 4.20 (t, 2H), 4.05 (m, 4H) 3.45 (t, 1H) 3.05 (d, 2H), 1.15 (t, 6H); HPLC: column: Inertisil ODS-3 (5 p, m) (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CHsCN : H20 (70: 30 v/v), pH = as is, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 19. 16 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C24H27NOs.

Example 3 Preparation of dimethyl 4- [2- (1-indolyl) ethoxy] benzylidene- malonate (ST1443) Method B To a suspension of NaH (360 mg, 15.0 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (70 mL) was added, under N2 flow, a solution of dimethyl 4- hydroxybenzylidenemalonate (3.00 g, 12.5 mmol) in 15 mL of anhydrous DMF. After clarification of the reaction mixture (30 minutes) a solution of 1- (2-methanesulphonyloxyethyl) indole was added, prepared as described in example 1, (2.90 g, 12.5 mmol), in 15 mL of anhydrous DMF, and the reaction mixture was left to stir for 18 hours at 70°C under N2 flow. After this time period H20 (300 mL) was added to the reaction and the product was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 100 mL). The organic solution was washed with H20 and with a saturated solution of NaCl, dried on anhydrous Na2SO4 and evaporated dry in vacuo. The crude reaction product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using AcOEt : hexane 2: 8 as the eluent to give 3.10 g of solid product (yield = 65%). Melting point (Mp) = 68-70°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt : hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.61 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 7.65 (s, 1H), 7.62 (d, 1H), 7.40 (m, 3H), 7.20 (m, 3H), 6.82 (d, 2H), 6.50 (d, 1H), 4.50 (t, 2H), 4.30 (t, 2H), 3. 80 (d, 6H); HPLC: column: Symmetry C18 (5 pm) (150 x 3.9 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : KH2PO4 50 mM (60: 40 v/v), pH = 3, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.5

mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 12. 75 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C22H21NOs.

Example 4 Preparation of dimethyl 4- [2- indolyl) ethoxy] benzylmalonate ST1444 ST1443, prepared as described in example 3, (1.50 g, 3.90 mmol), was dissolved in 45 mL of dioxane and subjected to catalytic hydrogenation (60 psi) with 10% Pd/C (750 mg) for 24 hours at ambient temperature. The suspension was filtered on celite and the filtrate was evaporated in vacuo to give an oily residue that was purified by silica gel chromatography using AcOEt: hexane 2: 8 as the eluent to give 0.90 g of oily product (yield = 60%); TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt : hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0. 63; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 7.62 (d, 1H), 7.40 (d, 1H), 7.20 (m, 2H), 7.10 (2d, 3H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 6.50 (d, 1H), 4.50 (t, 2H), 4.25 (t, 2H), 3.70 (s, 6H), 3.60 (t, 1H), 3.15 (d, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry C18 (5, um) (150 x 3.9 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : KH2PO4 50 mM (60: 40 v/v), pH = 3, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0. 5 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 13.15 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C22H23NOs.

Example 5 Preparation of 4- [(1-indolyl) ethoxy] benzylmalonic acid ST1467 To a solution of ST1444, prepared as described in example 3, (0.95 g, 2.50 mmol), in methanol (10 mL) and THF (5 mL), was added NaOH 2N (3 mL) and the reaction was left to stir at ambient temperature for 24 hours. After this time period the reaction was evaporated in vacuo, water (10 mL) was added to the residue, and the solution was extracted with AcOEt (2 x 10 mL). The aqueous phase was acidified with HCl 1 N to pH = 4 and the product was extracted with AcOEt (2 x 10 mL). The organic extracts were dried on anhydrous Na2S04 and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was re- dissolved in AcOEt and precipitated with hexane to give 250 mg of product (yield = 28%); Melting point (Mp) = 112-114°C TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0. 28 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 7.60 (d, 1H), 7.50 (d, 1H), 7.30 (d, 1H), 7.20 (t, 1H), 7.10 (m, 3H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 6.45 (d, 1H), 4. 50 (t, 2H), 4.30 (t, 2H), 3.60 (t, 1H), 3.05 (d, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry C18 (5 m) (150 x 3.9 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : KH2PO4 50 mM (55: 45 v/v), pH = 4, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.5 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 4. 40 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C2oHigNO5, KF = 0. 8% H20.

Example 6 Preparation of methyl (2S)-amino-2-[4-[2-(1- indolyl) ethoxy phenyl] acetate (ST1539) Preparation of the intermediate product 4-hydroxy-(2S)-α- phenylglycine hydrochloride methyl ester To a solution of 4-hydroxy- (2S)-a-phenylglycine (5.00 g, 29.0 mmol) in MeOH (50 mL) was added SOC12 (7.20 g, 59.0 mmol). The reaction was left to stir at ambient temperature for 24 hours. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue triturated with diethyl ether to give 6. 50 g of product as a white solid (yield = 100%); TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt : hexane 5: 5, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0. 21 ; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) 8 7.30 (d, 2H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 5.20 (s, 1H), 3.80 (s, 3H).

Preparation of methyl (2S)-amino-2- [4- [2- (I-indolyl) ethoml- phenyllacetate (ST1539) The product was prepared as described in example 3 (method B) starting from 4-hydroxy (2S)-a-phenylglycine hydrochloride methyl ester (1.10 g, 5.00 mmol) and from 1- (2-methane- sulphonyloxyethyl) indole, prepared as described in examplel (1.20 g, 5.00 mol) in anhydrous DMF (50 mL), except for the amount of NaH (280 mg, 12.0 mmol), the reaction time (6 hours instead of 18 hours) and the eluent used in the purification by chromatography (AcOEt instead of AcOEt : hexane 2: 8), to give 500 mg of oily product (yield = 31%) ; [a] D20=-7° (c = 0.1 in MeOH) ; TLC: silica gel, eluent

AcOEt: MeOH 9: 1, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.51 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 7.62 (d, 1H), 7.40 (d, 1H), 7.22 (m, 4H), 7.10 (t, 1H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 6.55 (d, 1H), 4.50 (s+t, 3H), 4.30 (t, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H); HPLC: column: Symmetry C18 (5 jj, m) (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : KH2PO4 50 mM (60: 40 v/v), pH = 4. 2, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 6.52 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A, ) conforms for ClgH20N203.

Example 7 Preparation of methyl 4- [2- (l-indolyl) ethoxvi] benzoate (ST1671) The product was prepared as described in example 3 (method B) from 1- (2-methanesulphonyloxyethyl) indole, prepared as described in example 1 (0.95 g, 3.90 mmol), methyl 4- hydroxybenzoate (600 mg, 3.90 mmol) and NaH (114 mg, 4.70 mmol), in anhydrous DMF (10 mL), except for the reaction time (24 hours instead of 18 hours) and the eluent used in the purification by chromatography (AcOEt: hexane 1: 9 instead of 2: 8). The still impure product obtained was purified by chromatography on Amberlyst A21 resin using AcOEt as the eluent to give 540 mg of product as a white solid (yield = 47%); Melting point (Mp) = 70-73°C, TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0. 48 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 8. 00 (d, 2H), 7.65 (d, 1H), 7.40 (d, 1H), 7.20 (m, 3H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 6.60 (d, 1H), 4.60 (t, 2H), 4.40 (t, 2H), 3.90 (s, 3H); HPLC: column: Symmetry (5 um)-(250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase

CH3CN : KH2PO4 50 mM (60: 40 v/v), pH = as is, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0. 75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 24.66 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C1sHl7NOs.

Example 8 Preparation of methyl 3-4- [2-fl-indolyl) ethoxy] phenylj- propanoate (ST1626) The product was prepared as decsribed in example 3 (method B) from 1- (2-methanesulphonyloxyethyl) indole, prepared as described in example 1, (1.10 g, 4.50 mmol), methyl 4- hydroxyphenylpropanoate (820 mg, 4.55 mmol) and NaH (142 mg, 5.90 mmol), except for the solvent (anhydrous acetonitrile (1.5 mL) instead of anhydrous DMF) and the eluent used in the purification by chromatography (AcOEt: hexane 1: 9 instead of 2: 8). The residue obtained was triturated further with hexane to eliminate traces of solvent, to give 270 mg of product as a white solid (yield = 19%); Melting point (Mp) = 85°C, TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.49 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 7.62 (d, 1H), 7.40 (d, 1H), 7.20 (m, 3H), 7.10 (d, 2H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 6.50 (d, lH), 4.50 (t, 2H), 4.30 (t, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 2.90 (t, 2H), 2.60 (t, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry (5 pm)- (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (60: 40 v/v), pH = as is, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 22. 33 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C2oH21NO3.

Example 9 Preparation of methyl 2- [4- [2- (1-indolyl) ethoxy]phenyl]acetate ST1627 The product was prepared as described in example 3 (method B) from 1- (2-methanesulphonyloxyethyl) indole, prepared as described in example 1 (860 mg, 3.60 mmol), methyl 4- hydroxyphenylacetate (600 mg, 3.60 mmol) and NaH (112 mg, 4.70 mmol), except for the solvent (anhydrous acetonitrile (1.5 mL) instead of anhydrous DMF) and the eluent used in the purification by chromatography (AcOEt: hexane 1: 9 instead of 2: 8) to give 243 mg of product as a white solid (yield = 22%); Melting point (Mp) = 50- 52°C, TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.46 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 7.62 (d, 1H), 7.40 (d, 1H), 7.20 (m, 5H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 6.55 (d, lH), 4.58 (t, 2H), 4.30 (t, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.60 (s, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry (5 um)- (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CHsCN : H2O (60: 40 v/v), pH = as is, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 17.38 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for CigHigNO3.

Example 10 Preparation of methyl 2-sulpho-2-[4-[2-(1-indolyl)ethoxy]- phenvn acetate sodium salt (ST1706) Preparation of the intermediate product methyl droxy-α- sulphophenylacetate sodium salt

The product was prepared from 4-hydroxy-a- sulphophenylacetic acid sodium salt monohydrate (2.00 g, 7. 34 mmol) disolved in MeOH (44 mL) with the addition of SOC12 (1.75 g, 14.6 mmol). The reaction mixture was left at ambient temperature for 24 hours After evaporation of the solvent in vacuo the residue was treated with diethyl ether (3 x 50 mL). The still impure final residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using CHCls : MeOH 8: 2 as the eluent to give 1.25 g of oily product (yield = 63.5%) ; 1H NMR (D20,300 MHz) 6 7.30 (d, 2H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 4.95 (s, 1H), 3.65 (s, 3H); Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for CgHloS06Na ; KF = 2.2% H20.

Preparation of methyl 2-sulpho-2- [4- [2- (l-indolyl) ethoxy]- phenyl] acetate sodium salt (ST1706) The product was prepared as described in example 3 (method B) starting from methyl 4-hydroxy-sulphophenylacetate sodium salt (1.10 g, 4.10 mmol), 1- (2-methanesulphonyloxyethyl) indole, prepared as described in example 1, (0.98 g, 4.10 mmol), and NaH (147.6 mg, 6.15 mmol) in 3.4 mL of anhydrous DMF, except for the reaction time and the temperature (3 hours instead of 18 hours, at 120°C rather than at 80°C). The dark semisolid was treated with diethyl ether (200 mL) and the crude solid obtained was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using CHCl3 : MeOH 9: 1 as the eluent to give 400 mg of solid product (yield = 21.4%) ; Melting point (Mp) = 253-258°C (decomposes) ; TLC: silica gel, eluent CHCl3 : MeOH

7: 3, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.58 ; 1H NMR (CD30Dd4, 300 MHz) 8 7.55 (m, 4H), 7.25 (d, IH), 7. 18 (t, 1H), 7.00 (t, 1H) 6.80 (d, 2H), 6.42 (d, 1H), 4. 85 (s, 1H), 4.50 (t, 2H), 4.30 (t, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H); HPLC: column: Symmetry C18 (5 µm) (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : KH2PO4 50 mM (50: 50 v/v), pH =3, T = 30°C, flow rate = 1 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 6. 07 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A.) conforms for C19HlsNO6NaS.

Example 11 Preparation of methyl (S)-2-benzoylamino-2- [4-2- (l-indolyl)- ethoxy] acetate (ST1709) Preparation of the intermediate product methyl (S)-2- benzoylamino-2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) acetate The product was prepared from 4-hydroxy- (2S)-a-phenylgyicine methyl ester hydrochloride, prepared as described in example 6, (1.24 g, 5.70 mmol) dissolved in DMF (30 mL), adding TEA (1.15 g, 11. 4 mmol) and benzoyl chloride (896 mg, 6. 38 mmol) to the solution at 0°C. The reaction mixture was left at ambient temperature for 18 hours. After this time period H20 (100 mL) was added to the reaction and the product was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 30 mL). The organic solution was washed with H20 (2 x 40 mL), dried on anhydrous Na2SO4 and evaporated dry in vacuo, to give 1.29 g of solid product (yield = 79%); Melting point (Mp) =

152°C ; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) 6 7.90 (d, 2H), 7.50 (m, 3H), 7.20 (d, 2H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 5.70 (d, 1H), 3. 80 (s, 3H).

Preparation of methyl (2S)-benzoylamino-2- [4- [2- (l-indolyl)- ethoxy] phenyl] acetate (ST 1709) The product was prepared as described in example 3 (method B) starting from methyl (2S)-benzoylamino-2- (4-hydroxy- phenyl) acetate (0.70 g, 2.50 mmol), 1-(2-methanesulphonyloxy- ethyl) indole, prepared as described in example 1 (0.58 g, 2.50 mmol) and NaH (72 mg, 3.00 mmol) for 24 hours (instead of 18 hours). In the processing CH2C12 was used for extraction of the product with water instead of ethyl acetate The chromatographic purification of the product was done using AcOEt : hexane 7: 3 (instead of 2: 8) as the eluent to give 530 mg of oily product (yield = 50%); [α]D20 = -2.6° (c = 1% in CHC13) ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt : hexane 5: 5, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.65 ; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) 5 7. 80 (d, 2H), 7.60 (d, 1H), 7.55-7. 10 (m, 9H), 6.82 (d, 2H), 6.50 (d, 1H), 5.70 (d, 1H), 4.50 (t, 2H), 4.22 (t, 2H), 3.75 (s, 3H); HPLC: column: Inertisil ODS-3 (5, um) (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : KH2PO4 50 mM (65: 35 v/v), pH = as is, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 13. 57 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C26H24N204, KF = 1.5% H20.

Example 12 Preparation of methyl 2-hydroxy-3- [4- [2- (1-indolyl) ethoxy]- phenylpropanoate (ST1733) Preparation of the intermediate product methyl 2-hydroxy-3-(4- hydroxy) phenyl) propanoate The product was prepared from D, L 3- (4-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid hydrate (500 mg, 2.76 mmol) dissolved in MeOH (30 mL) with gaseous HC1 to saturation. The reaction solution was left at ambient temperature for 4 hours. After evaporation of the solvent in vacuo the oily residue was re-dissolved with diethyl ether and the solvent evaporated in vacuo, repeating the operation 3 times (3 x 10 mL) to give 540 mg of oily product (yield = 100%); 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 7.10 (d, 2H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 5.00 (brs, 1H), 4.45 (t, 1H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.00 (dd, 2H).

Preparation of methyl 2-hydroxy-3- [4- [2- l-indolyl) ethoxy]- phenyllpropanoate (ST1733) The product was prepared as described in example 3 (method B) starting from methyl 2-hydroxy-3- (4-hydroxyphenyl) propanoate (800 mg, 4.10 mmol) and 1- (2-methanesulphonyloxyethyl) indole, prepared as described in example 1 (970 mg, 4.10 mmol) and NaH (108 mg, 4.50 mmol) in 50 mL of anhydrous DMF, at 40°C for 24 hours (instead of at 70°C for 18 hours). In the processing the product was extracted with CH2C12 instead of ethyl acetate and the final residue was purified by chromatography using AcOEt: hexane

3: 7 (instead of 2: 8) as the eluent to give 270 mg of solid product (yield = 18%); Melting point (Mp) = 70-72°C ; TLC; silica gel, eluent AcOEt : hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.22 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 5 7.65 (d, 1H), 7.40 (d, 1H), 7.12 (m, 3H), 7.10 (d, 2H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 6.55 (d, 1H), 4.50 (t, 2H), 4.40 (brt, 1H), 4.22 (t, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.00 (dq, 2H); HPLC: column: Inertisil ODS-3 (5, um)- (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN: KH2PO4 50 mM (65: 35 v/v), pH = as is, T= 30°C, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 9.39 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ). conforms for C2oH2iN04.

Example 13 Preparation of dimethyl 4-[2-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]- ethoxy] benzylmalonate (ST1705) Preparation of the intermediate product 1-methane- sulphonyloxy-2- [4- (dimethylamino) phenyl] ethyl To a solution of 4- (dimethylamino) phenylethanol (500 mg, 3.02 mmol), in anhydrous dichloromethane (10 mL), were added TEA (336 mg, 3.33 mmol) and, dropwise, methanesulphonyl chloride (381 mg, 3.33 mmol) at 0°C. The reaction was left at ambient temperature for 18 hours. After this time period the mixture was evaporated in vacuo, the residue was extracted with AcOEt (100 mL) and the solution filtered. The organic solution was evaporated in vacuo to give 720 mg of oily product (yield = 98%) ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 7.10 (d, 2H), 6.70 (d, 2H), 4.40 (t, 2H), 3.00 (m, 8H), 2.85 (s, 3H).

Preparation of the intermediate product dimethyl 4- hydroxybenzylmalonate The product was prepared from dimethyl 4- hydroxybenzylidenemalonate (5.00 g, 21.0 mmol) by catalytic hydrogenation with 10% Pd/C (500 mg) in MeOH, as described in the method in patent WO 94/13650 Heterocyclic derivatives and their use in pharmaceuticals, except for the duration of the reaction time (24 hours instead of 5 hours) and the pressure (50 psi instead of ambient pressure) to give 5.00 g of oily product (yield = 99%); the analytical data resemble those reported in the literature described.

Preparation of dimethyl 4-[2-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]- ethoxy] benzylmalonate (ST1705) The product was prepared as described in example 3 (method B) starting from dimethyl 4-hydroxybenzylmalonate (708 mg, 2.97 mmol), 1-methanesulphonyloxy-2- [4- (dimethylamino) phenyl] ethyl (724 mg, 2.97 mmol) and NaH (71 mg, 2.97 mmol). The crude reaction product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using AcOEt : hexane 15: 85 (instead of 2: 8) as the eluent to give the oily product that was further purified by treatment with hexane to give 270 mg of product (yield = 24%) ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt : hexane 4: 6, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.55 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 7.18 (d, 2H), 7.12 (d, 2H), 6. 80 (d, 2H), 6.75 (m, 2H), 4.10 (t, 2H), 3.70 (s, 6H), 3.60 (t, 1H), 3.18 (d, 2H), 3.00 (t, 2H), 2.90 (s, 6H); HPLC: column: Symmetry C18 (5 ! lm) (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase

CHsCN : H20 (65: 35 v/v), pH = as is, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 19. 13 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C22H27NOs.

Example 14 Preparation of methyl 3- [4- [2- (l-indolyl) ethoxv] phenvl]-2- cyanopropenoate ST1462] Preparation of the intermediate product methyl a-cyano-4- hydroxycinnamate To a solution of a-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (20.0 g, 106 mmol) in MeOH (200 mL) was added SOC12 (24.9 g, 210 mmol). The reaction was left to stir at T = 60°C for 24 hours. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue triturated with diethyl ether to give 18.0 g of product as a pale yellow solid (yield = 85%); TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt : hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.28 ; iH NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 8. 20 (s, 1H), 8. 10 (d, 2H), 7.10 (d, 2H), 3.90 (s, 3H).

Preparation of methyl 3-[4-[2-(1-indolyl)ethoxy]phenyl]-2- cyanopropenoate (ST1462) Method C To a solution of 1- (2-hydroxyethyl) indole, prepared as described in example 1, (1.00 g, 6.20 mmol) and methyl a-cyano-4- hydroxycinnamate (1.10 g, 5.60 mmol) in anhydrous THF (20 mL) were added DEAD (1.30 g, 7.3 mmol) and PPhs (1.90 g, 7.30 mmol).

The solution was left to stir at ambient temperature for 5 days. The residue obtained after evaporation of the solvent in vacuo was purified by flash chromatography on Si02 gel using AcOEt: hexane 2: 8 as the eluent to give 850 mg of solid product (yield = 44%); Melting point (Mp) = 142-144°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0. 38 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 8.10 (s, 1H), 7.90 (d, 2H), 7.60 (d, 1H), 7.35 (d, 1H), 7. 10 (m, 2H), 7.05 (t, 1H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 6.45 (d, 1H), 4.50 (t, 2H), 4.25 (t, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H); HPLC: column: Symmetry C18 (5 pm)- (150 x 3.9 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (60: 40 v/v), pH = as is, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0. 5 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 13. 86 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C2lHlsN203.

Example 15 Preparation of methyl 3- [4- [2- (l-indolyl) ethoxv] phenyl]-2- cyanopropanoate ST1499) ST1462, re-prepared as described in example 14 (1.30 g, 3.70 mol), was dissolved in 60 mL of THF and subjected to catalytic hydrogenation (15 psi) with 10% Pd/C (130 mg) for 24 hours. The suspension was filtered on celite, the filtrate evaporated in vacuo and the residue purified by flash chromatography on Si02 gel, using AcOEt: hexane 3: 7 as the eluent to give 620 mg of oily product (yield = 48%); TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.42 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 7. 62 (d, 1H), 7.40 (d, 1H), 7.20 (m,

5H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 6.55 (d, 1H), 4.50 (t, 2H), 4.30 (t, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.65 (t, IH), 3.15 (m, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry C18 (5, um)- (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (70: 30 v/v), pH = as is, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 14. 47 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A.) conforms for C21H20N2O3.

Example 16 Preparation of dimethyl 4-3-indolyl) ethoxy] benzylidene- malonate (ST1474) The product was prepared as described in example 14 (method C) starting from 3- (2-hydroxyethyl) indole, (2.50 g, 15.5 mmol), dimethyl 4-hydroxybenzylidenemalonate (3.30 g, 14.1 mmol), DEAD (3.20 g, 18.3 mmol) and PPhs (4. 80 g, 18.3 mmol), except for the reaction time (4 days instead of 5 days) and the eluent used in the purification by chromatography (AcOEt: hexane 3: 7 and isopropyl ether: hexane 6: 4 instead of AcOEt: hexane 2: 8) to give a solid residue which was crystallised with AcOEt and hexane to give 480 mg of product (yield = 9.5%) ; Melting point (Mp) = 105. 7°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 1 : 1, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.65 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) S 8. 00 (brs, lH), 7.65 (s, 1H), 7.61 (d, 1H), 7.40 (m, 3H), 7.20 (m, 3H), 6.85 (d, 2H), 4.25 (t, 2H), 3.82 (d, 6H), 3.22 (t, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry (5 µm) (150 x 3.9 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : KH2PO4 50 mM (50: 50 v/v), pH = 3, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.5

mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 22. 85 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C22H2105.

Example 17 Preparation of dimethyl 4- [2- (l-naphthyl) ethoxyjbenzvl- malonate (ST1475) The product was prepared as described in example 14 (method C) starting from 1- (2-hydroxyethyl) naphthalene (1.50 g, 8. 70 mmol), dimethyl 4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, prepared as described in example 13, (1.90 g, 7. 90 mmol), DEAD (1.90 g, 11.3 mmol) and PPhs (2.90 g, 11.3 mmol), except for the reaction time (1 day instead of 5 days) to give 1.90 g of oily product after purification (yield = 61%); TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt : hexane 2 : 8, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.42 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 8.10 (d, 1H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.70 (t, 1H), 7.47 (m, 2H), 7.42 (d, 2H), 7.10 (d, 2H) 6. 80 (d, 2H), 4.25 (t, 2H), 3.62 (s, 6H), 3. 60 (m, 3H), 3.20 (d, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry (5 µm) (150 x 3.9 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : KH2PO4 50 mM (55: 45 v/v), pH = 3, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0. 7 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 28.46 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A.) conforms for C24H24O5.

Example 18 Preparation of dimethyl 4-[2-(2-pyridyl) ethoxy] benzylmalonate (ST1476) The product was prepared as described in example 14 (method C) starting from 2- (2-hydroxyethyl) pyridine (800 mg, 6.40 mmol), dimethyl 4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, prepared as described in example 13, (1.70 g, 6. 90 mmol), DEAD (1.40 g, 8.00 mmol) and PPhs (2.10 g, 8.00 mmol), except for the reaction time (3 days instead of 5 days) and the eluent used in the purification by chromatography (AcOEt: hexane [3 : 7 instead of 2: 8] ) to give 850 mg of oily product (yield = 38%) ; TLC: silica gel, eluente AcOEt: hexane 1 : 1, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0. 36; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 5 8.50 (d, 1H), 7.60 (td, 1H), 7.22 (d, 1H), 7.12 (m, 1H), 7.08 (d, 2H), 6. 80 (d, 2H), 4.32 (t, 2H), 3.70 (s, 6H), 3.60 (t, 1H), 3.22 (t, 2H) 3.15 (d, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry (5 p, m) (150 x 3.9 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : KH2PO4 50 mM (25: 75 v/v), pH = 3, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.5 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 11. 71 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for Ci9H21NO5, KF = 3. 14% H20.

Example 19 Preparation of dimethyl [2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethoxy]benzyl- malonate (ST1493) The product was prepared as described in example 14 (method C) starting from 2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethanol (700 mg, 4.60 mmol),

dimethyl 4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, prepared as described in example 13, (1.20 g, 5.00 mmol), DEAD (1. 10 g, 5.90 mmol) and PPhs (1.60 g, 5.90 mmol), except for the reaction time (3 days instead of 5 days) and the eluent used in the purification by chromatography (AcOEt: hexane [3: 7 instead of 2: 8]) to give 800 mg of oily product (yield = 47%) ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0. 47 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 7.22 (q, 4H), 7.11 (d, 2H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 4.20 (t, 2H), 3.70 (s, 6H), 3.6 (t, 1H), 3.15 (d, 2H) 3.05 (t, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry (5 µm) (150 x 3.9 mm), mobile phase CH3CN: KH2PO4 50 mM (55: 45 v/v), pH = 5.5, T = 30°C, flow rate = 1. 0 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention = 23. 42 min; Elemental Anaysis (E. A. ) conforms for C2oH21ClOs.

Example 20 Preparation of 5- [4- [ (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] phenyl- methylene] thiazolidine-2, 4-dione (ST1862) Preparation of the intermediate product 4- [2- (4-chloro- phenyl) ethoxvj benzaldehyde The product was prepared as described in example 14 (method C) starting from 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (2. 00 g, 16.4 mmol), 2- (4- chlorophenyl) ethanol (2.80 g, 18.0 mmol), PPhs (5. 57 g, 21.3 mmol) and DEAD (3.70 g, 21.3 mmol), except for the reaction time (one night instead of 5 days). 2.60 g of product were obtained after

purification (yield= 61%) ; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) 8 9.90 (s, 1H), 7.80 (d, 2H), 7.30 (dd, 4H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 4.20 (t, 2H), 3.10 (t, 2H).

Preparation of 5- [4- [2-(4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] phenyl- methylene] thiazolidine-2, 4-dione (ST1862) The product was prepared as described in example 1 (method A) from 4- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] benzaldehyde (708 mg, 2.70 mmol) in 20 mL of anhydrous toluene, with thiazolidine-2, 4-dione (320 mg, 2.70 mmol), acetic acid (21 mg, 0.35 mmol) and piperidine (29.8 mg, 0.35 mmol), except for the reaction time (5 hours instead of 7 hours). After cooling the mixture, yellow product crystals were separated which were left for 30 minutes at 0°C, then filtered, triturated first with cold toluene and then with water, and then dried. 786 mg of product were obtained (yield = 81%) ; Melting point (Mp) = 202-203°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent CH2Cl2:CH3OH 9: 1, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.6 ; 1H NMR (DMSOd6, 300 MHz) 8 7.70 (s, 1H), 7.50 (d, 2H), 7.30 (s, 4H), 7.10 (d, 2H), 4.25 (t, 2H), 3.05 (t, 2H); HPLC: column: LunaCls (5 pm) (4.6 x 250 mm), T = 30°C, mobile phase: NH4H2PO4 0. 1M : CH3CN (3: 7 v/v), pH = as is, flow rate = 1 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 11.25 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for ClsHl4NOsSCI

Example 21 Preparation of 5- [4- [2-(4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] phenylmethyl]- thiazolidine-2,4-dione (ST1864) To a suspension of ST1862, prepared as described in example 20, (600 mg, 1.67 mmol), in anhydrous MeOH (20 mL), was added piecemeal in small portions Mg in powder form (607 mg, 25.0 mmol).

The reaction mixture was left for 5 hours at 25°C. After this time period the solvent was evaporated, water was added to the residue and acidified to pH 2 with a solution of HC1 1 N, and the aqueous phase was extracted with CH2C12. The pooled organic phases were washed with a saturated solution of NaCl, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and evaporated dry in vacuo. The residue thus obtained was purified by silica gel chromatography using CHC13 : CH30H 99.5 : 0.5 as the eluent to give the still impure product which was recrystallised with methanol to give 180 mg of product (yield = 30%); Melting point (Mp) = 147-148°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent CHCl3:CH3OH 9.95 : 0.05, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.16 ; 1H NMR (DMSOd6, 300 MHz) 6 12.00 (brs, 1H), 7.40 (s, 4H), 7.20 (d, 2H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 4.90 (m, 1H), 4.20 (t, 2H), 3. 30 (m, 2H), 3.00 (m, 2H); HPLC : column: LunaCls (5 µm) (4.6 x 250 mm), T = 30°C, mobile phase: NH4H2PO4 0, 05M : CH3CN (4: 6 v/v), pH = 4, flow rate 1 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 14. 31 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A.) conforms for CisHl6NO3SCl.

Example 22 Preparation of dimethyl 3- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy]- benzylmalonate (ST1863) Preparation of the intermediate product dimethyl 3-hydroxy- benzylidenemalonate The product was prepared as described in example 1 (method A) starting from 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde (3.02 g, 24.7 mmol), dimethylmalonate (2.83 mL, 24.7 mmol), piperidine (314 mg, 3.68 mmol) and glacial acetic acid (221 mg, 3.68 mmol), except for the reaction time (5 hours instead of 7). 3.91 g of product were obtained after purification (yield = 67%) ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 7.80 (s, 1H), 7.30 (m, 1H), 6.90 (m, 3H), 3.90 (s, 6H).

Preparation of the intermediate product dimethyl 3-hydroxy- benzylmalonate 3-Hydroxybenzylidenemalonate (1.51 g, 6.40 mmol) was solubilised in 40 mL of methanol and added with 151 mg of 10% Pd/C. The mixture was then subjected to catalytic hydrogenation at 50 psi at ambient temperature for 18 hours. After this time period the mixture was filtered on celite and the organic phase evaporated in vacuo. The residue thus obtained was purified by silica gel chromatography using hexane: ethyl acetate 8 : 2 as the eluent. 1.31 g of product were obtained (yield = 86%) ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 7.20 (t, 1H), 6. 80 (m, 3H), 3.60 (s, 7H), 3.20 (d, 2H).

Preparation of dimethyl 3- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] benzyl- malonate (ST1863) The product was prepared as described in example 14 (method C) starting from 3-hydroxybenzylmalonate (664 mg, 2.80 mmol), 2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethanol (435 mg, 2.80 mmol), triphenylphosphine (953 mg, 3.64 mmol), and DEAD (572 µL, 3. 64 mmol) except for the reaction time (one night instead of 5 days). 700 mg of product were obtained after purification (yield = 66%); TLC: silica gel, eluent : hexane: ethyl acetate 8: 2, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.35 ; 1H NMR (CDCIs, 300 MHz) 6 7.20 (m, 5H), 6.70 (m, 3H), 4.10 (t, 2H), 3.70 (s, 6H), 3.65 (t, 1H), 3.20 (d, 2H), 3.00 (t, 2H); HPLC: column: Luna C18 (5 ! lm) (4.6 x 250 mm), T = 30°C, mobile phase : NH4H2PO4 0, 05M : CH3CN (4: 6 v/v), pH = 4, flow rate 1 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 25. 72 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A.) conforms for C2oH21 Cl 05.

Example 23 Preparation of dimethyl [2-(phenyl)ethoxy]benzylmalonate ST1895 ST1863, prepared as described in example 22 (470 mg, 1.20 mmol), was dissolved in 25 mL of methanol and subjected to catalytic hydrogenation at 60 psi with 10% Pd/C (50 mg) for 72 hours at ambient temperature. The suspension was filtered on celite, and the filtrate was evaporated in vacuo to give 95 mg of product

(yield = 22%) ; TLC: silica gel, eluent hexane: ethyl acetate 8: 2, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.29 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 7.30 (m, 6H), 6.75 (m, 3H), 4.15 (t, 2H), 3.70 (s+t, 7H), 3.20 (d, 2H), 3.10 (t, 2H); HPLC: column: Inertisil ODS-3 (5 ! lm) (4.6 x 250 mm), T = 30°C, mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (70: 30 v/v), pH = 3.5, flow rate = 0. 75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 13.63 min; KF = 0.4% H20; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C20H22Os.

Example 24 Preparation of dimethyl 3- [N- (4-trifluoromethyl- benzyl) carbamoyl]-4-methoxybenzylmalonate (ST 1933) Preparation of the intermediate product methyl 5-formyl-2- methoxybenzoate acid The product was prepared according to the procedure described in EP 0846693A1 starting from 5-formylsalicylic acid (2.00 g, 12.0 mmol) and iodomethane (10.2 g, 72. 0 mmol) in DMF (45 mL) with K2CO3 (3.50 g, 25.2 mmol) to obtain 1.59 g of product (yield = 68%) with analytical data coinciding with those reported in the reference literature.

Preparation of the intermediate product 5-formyl-2- methoxybenzoic acid The product was prepared according to the procedure described in EP 0846693A1 starting from methyl 5-formyl-2- methoxybenzoate (2.35 g, 12.1 mmol) in absolute AcOH (33 mL) with

concentrated HC1 (33 mL) to obtain 1.59 g of product (yield = 73%) with analytical data coinciding with those reported in the reference literature.

Preparation of the intermediate product dimethyl-3-carboxy-4- methoxybenzylidenemalonate The product was prepared according to the procedure described in example 1 (method A) starting from 5-formyl-2- methoxybenzoic acid (800 mg, 4.44 mmol) in 32 mL of anhydrous toluene, with dimethylmalonate (586 mg, 4. 44 mmol), piperidine (57 mg, 0.67 mmol) and glacial acetic acid (40.2 mg, 0.67 mmol), except for the reaction time (5 hours instead of 7). At the end of this time period the mixture was cooled and, after 30 minutes at 4°C, crystals were separated which were filtered and triturated several times with toluene. 870 mg of product were obtained (yield = 67%) ; 1H NMR (DMSOd6,300 MHz) 6 7.90 (s, 1H), 7. 80 (s, 1H), 7.70 (d, 1H), 7.20 (d, 1H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 3.80 (d, 6H).

Preparation of the intermediate product dimethyl 3- [N- (4- trmuoromethvlbenzvl) carbamoyl] 4-methoxybenzylidenemalonate Method E To the solution of dimethyl-3-carboxy-4-methoxybenzylidene- malonate (620 mg, 2.10 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (6.2 mL) were added under N2 flow 4-trifluoromethylbenzylamine (368 mg, 2.10 mmol), diethylphosphorocyanidate (377 mg, 2.10 mmol) and triethylamine (234 mg, 2.31 mmol). The reaction mixture was left at

ambient temperature under N2 flow for 24 hours. After this time period the reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was then washed with HC1 IN, NaOH IN and water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and evaporated in vacuo. The residue thus obtained was purified by silica gel chromatography using hexane: ethyl acetate 6: 4 as the eluent. 249 mg of product were obtained (yield = 26%) ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 8. 30 (s, 1H), 8.10 (brs, 1H), 7.70 (s, 1H), 7.50 (m, 5H), 6.90 (d, 1H), 4.70 (d, 2H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 3.80 (d, 6H).

Preparation of dimethyl 3- [N- (4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)- carbamoyl] 4-methoxybenzylmalonate (ST1933) Dimethyl 3- [N- (4-trifluoromethylbenzyl) carbamoyl] 4-methoxy- benzylidenemalonate (148 mg, 0.33 mmol) was solubilised in methanol (18 mL) and added with 74 mg of 10% Pd/C. The mixture thus obtained was hydrogenated at 57 psi for 18 hours at ambient temperature. After this time period the suspension was filtered on celite and the filtrate dried by evaporating the solvent in vacuo to give 140 mg of product as a white solid (yield = 94%); Melting point (Mp) = 126-128°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent hexane: ethyl acetate 6 : 4, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.2 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 8.30 (m, 1H), 8.10 (d, 1H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 7. 50 (d, 2H), 7.30 (dd, 1H), 6.90 (d, 1H), 4.70 (d, 2H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s+t, 7H), 3.20 (d, 2H). HPLC: column: Inertisil-ODS 3 (5 ; im) (4.6 x 250 mm), T = 30°C, mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (70: 30 v/v), flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm

UV detector, retention time = 8. 85 min; KF =1.55% H20; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C22H22F3NO6.

Example 25 Preparation of dimethyl 4-methoxy-3-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)- ethoxy] benzylmalonate (ST1861) Preparation of the intermediate product dimethyl 3-hydroxy-4- methoxybenzylidenemalonate The product was prepared according to the procedure described in example 1 (method A) starting from 3-hydroxy-4- methoxybenzaldehyde (3.00 g, 19.7 mmol), dimethylmalonate (2.60 g, 19.7 mmol), piperidine (251 mg, 2.95 mmol) and glacial acetic acid (177 mg, 2.95 mmol) in 120 mL of anhydrous toluene, except for the eluent used in the purification by chromatography (hexane: ethyl acetate 8 : 2 instead of 7: 3). 5.20 g of product were obtained (yield = 98%) ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 7.70 (s, 1H), 7.00 (m, 2H), 6.90 (d, 1H), 5.60 (brs, 1H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 3.80 (s, 3H).

Preparation of the intermediate product dimethyl 3-hydroxy-4- methoxybenzylmalonate Dimethyl 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidenemalonate (5.20 g, 19.5 mmol) in 180 mL of methanol was hydrogenated at 60 psi with 10% Pd/C (520 mg) for 18 hours at ambient temperature. After this time period the reaction mixture was filtered on celite and the

solvent was evaporated in vacuo. 4.90 g of product were obtained (yield = 93.5%) ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 6.70 (m, 3H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 6H), 3.60 (t, 1H), 3.20 (d, 2H).

Preparation of dimethyl 4-methoxz-3-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)- ethoxylbenzylmalonate (ST1861) The product was prepared according to the procedure described in example 14 (method C) starting from dimethyl 3- hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylmalonate (900 mg, 3.38 mmol) with 2- (4- chlorophenyl) ethanol (582 mg, 3.79 mmol), triphenylphosphine (1.15 g, 4.39 mmol) and DEAD (765 mg, 4.39 mmol) in 9 mL of anhydrous THF, except for the reaction time (one night instead of 5 days) and the eluent used in the purification by chromatography (hexane: ethyl acetate 7: 3 instead of 8 : 2). 550 mg of product were obtained (yield = 40%) ; Melting point (Mp) = 55-56°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent hexane: ethyl acetate 7: 3, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0. 8 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 7.25 (m, 4H), 6.75 (m, 3H), 4.20 (t, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 6H), 3.60 (t, 1H), 3.10 (m, 4H); HPLC: column: Symmetry Cis (5 ! lm) (3.9 x 150 mm), T = 30°C, mobile phase CH3CN : NH4H2PO4 (50: 50 v/v), flow rate 0.75 mL/min, pH = 3.2, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 23.23 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C21H23C106.

Example 26 Preparation of dimethyl 3-(2-phenylethoxy)-4-methoxy benzyl- malonate (ST1892) To a solution of ST1861 (475 mg, 1.16 mmol), prepared as described in example 25, in 25 mL of methanol, was added 10% Pd/C (48 mg) and the resulting suspension was left under H2 at 50 psi for 2 days at ambient temperature. After this time period the suspension was filtered on celite and the solvent evaporated in vacuo. The resiude obtained was purified by silica gel chromatography using hexane: ethyl acetato 8 : 2 as the eluent to give 130 mg of product (yield = 30%); TLC : silica gel, eluent hexane: ethyl acetate 6: 4, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.55 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 7.30 (m, 5H), 6.75 (m, 3H), 4.20 (t, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 6H), 3.60 (t, 1H), 3.10 (m, 4H); HPLC: column: Inertisil ODS-3 (5 um) (4.6 x 250 mm), T = 30°C, mobile phase CH3CN : NH4H2PO4 50 mM (50: 50 v/v), flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, pH = 3.2, 205 nm W detector, retention time = 8.92 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C21H2406.

Example 27 Preparation of dimethyl 4-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]benzyl- malonate (ST1893) The product was prepared as described in example 14 (method C) starting from dimethyl 4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, prepared as

described in example 13 (600 mg, 2.52 mmol), 2- (4-methoxyphenyl)- ethanol (383 mg, 2.52 mmol), DEAD (568 mg, 3.27 mmol) and triphenylphosphine (856 mg, 3.27 mmol) in 15 mL of THF, except for the reaction time (one night instead of 5 days). 277 mg of product were obtained (yield = 29.5%) ; TLC: silica gel, eluent hexane : ethyl acetate 8 : 2; Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.2 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 7.20 (d, 2H), 7.10 (d, 2H), 6.80 (m, 4H), 4.10 (t, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 6H), 3.60 (t, 1H), 3.15 (d, 2H), 3.00 (t, 2H); HPLC: Column: Inertisil ODS-3 (5 (im) (4.6 x 250 mm), T = 30°C, mobile phase CHsCN : H20 (60: 40 v/v), flow rate 0.75 mL/min, pH = as is, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 23.93 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A.) conforms for C21H2406.

Example 28 Preparation of dimethyl 4- [3-f4-methoxyphenyl) propyloxy]- benzylmalonate (ST1894) The product was prepared as described in example 14 (method C) starting from dimethyl 4-hydroxybenzylmalonate (600 mg, 2.52 mmol), prepared as described in example 13, with 3- (4- methoxyphenyl)-l-propanol (419 mg, 2.52 mmol), DEAD (568 mg, 3.27 mmol) and triphenylphosphine (857 mg, 3.27 mmol), in 15 mL of anhydrous THF, except for the reaction time which was one night instead of 5 days. 400 mg of product were obtained (yield = 41.1%) ; TLC: silica gel, eluent hexane: ethyl acetate 8: 2; Frontal ratio (Fr) =

0.22 ; 1H NMR (CDC13,300 MHz) 6 7.10 (dd, 4H), 6.80 (dd, 4H), 3.90 (t, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 6H), 3.60 (t, 1H), 3.20 (d, 2H), 2.70 (t, 2H), 2.00 (m, 2H); HPLC: column: Inertisil ODS-3 (5, um) (4.6 x 250 mm), T = 30°C, mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (60: 40 v/v), flow rate 0.75 mL/min, pH = as is, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 32. 46 min; KF = 0. 15% H20 ; Elemental Anlaysis (E. A. ) conforms for C22H2606.

Example 29 Preparation of dimethyl 4- [2- (2-naphthyl) ethoxy] benzyl- malonate (ST1985) The product was prepared according to the procedure described in example 14 (method C) starting from dimethyl 4- hydroxybenzylmalonato (476 mg, 2 mmol), prepared as described in example 13,2-naphthalene-ethanol (344 mg, 2 mmol), DEAD (451 mg, 2,6 mmol) and triphenylphosphine (681 mg, 2,6 mmol), in 15 mL of anhydrous THF, except for the reaction time which was 2 days instead of 5 days and the eluent used in the purification by chromatography (hexane: ethyl acetate 9: 1 instead of 8 : 2). The product thus obtained was further purified by crystalisation with isopropanol. 167 mg of product were obtained (yield = 21. 3%); Melting point (Mp) = 68. 5°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent hexane: ethyl acetate 8: 2; Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.7 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 5 7. 80 (m, 4H), 7.40 (m, 3H), 7.10 (d, 2H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 4.20 (t, 2H), 3.70 (s,

6H), 3.60 (t, 1H), 3.20 (t, 2H), 3.10 (d, 2H); HPLC: Column: Symmetry-Cis (3.5 pm) (4.6 x 75 mm), T = ambient, mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (60: 40 v/v), flow rate 0.9 mL/min, pH = as is, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 10.80 min; KF = 0.3% H20; Elemental Analysis (A. E. ) conforms for C24H24O5.

Example 30 Preparation of ethyl (2S)-2-benzoylamino-3-[4-[(4-methoxy- benzyl) carbamoyl] oxyphenyl] propanoate (ST1500) Method D The product was prepared from 4-methoxy benzylisocyanate (400 mg, 2.24 mmol) and N-benzoyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester (700 mg, 2.24 mmol) dissolved in anhydrous THF (5 mL). NEts (20 pL) was added to the solution and the reaction was left to stir for 18 hours at ambient temperature. The solution was evaporated to give 980 mg of product as a white solid (yield = 92%); Melting point (Mp) = 149- 151°C ; [a] D20 = +69.3 (c = 0.5% in CHC1s) ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: CH2Cl2 2: 8, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.61 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 7. 80 (d, 2H), 7.50 (m, 3H), 7.30 (d, 2H), 7.10 (dd, 4H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 6.60 (d, 1H), 5.30 (m, 1H), 5.05 (q, 1H), 4.40 (d, 2H), 4.20 (q, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H) 3.25 (m, 2H), 1.30 (t, 3H); HPLC: column: Symmetry (5 pm) (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : KH2PO4 50 mM (50: 50 v/v), pH = as is, T= 30°C, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205

nm UV detector, retention time = 19. 16 min; KF = 0. 8% H20 ; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C27H28N206.

Example 31 Preparation of dimethyl [[[(4-methoxybenzyl)carbamoyl]oxy]- benzylmalonate (ST1538) The product was prepared as described in example 30 (method D) starting from 4-methoxy benzylisocyanate (400 mg, 2.58 mmol) and dimethyl 4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, preparede as described in example 13 (700 mg, 3.02 mmol) in anhydrous THF (10 mL) and NEts (20 pL), except for the fact that the residue obtained after evaporation of the reaction solvent was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel, using AcOEt: hexane 3: 7 as the eluent, to give 740 mg of white solid (yield = 72%); Melting point (Mp) = 78. 6°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.22 ; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) 6 7.22 (d, 2H), 7.20 (d, 2H), 7.10 (d, 2H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 5.20 (m, 1H), 4.40 (d, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H) 3.70 (s, 6H), 3.60 (t, 1H), 3.20 (d, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry (5 pm)- (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (50: 50 v/v), pH = as is, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 16.12 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C21H23NO7.

Example 32 Preparation of dimethyl 4-[[[(4-methoxybenzyl)carbamoyl]oxy]- benzylmalonate (ST1620) The product was prepared as described in example 30 (method D) starting from 4-trifluorotolyl isocyanate (410 mg, 2.19 mmol) and dimethyl 4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, prepared as described in example 13 (600 mg, 2.52 mmol) in anhydrous THF (10 mL) and NEts (20 pL), except for the fact that the residue obtained after evaporation of the reaction solvent was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel, using AcOEt: hexane 3: 7 as the eluent, to give 350 mg of product as a white solid (yield = 37.1%) ; Melting point (Mp) = 109. 1°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.44 ; 1H NMR (CDCls, 300 MHz) 8 7. 60 (q, 4H), 7.20 (d, 2H), 7.10 (d, 3H), 3.70 (s, 6H), 3. 60 (t, 1H), 3.20 (d, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry (5 µm) (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (60: 40 v/v), pH = as is, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 16. 44 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C2oHisF3NO6.

Example 33 Preparation of dimethyl 4-[[[(2,4-dichlorphenyl)carbamoyl]oxy]- benzylmalonate (ST1818) The product was prepared as described in example 30 (method D starting from 2,4-dichlorophenylisocyanate (73 mg, 0.38 mmol)

and dimethyl 4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, prepared as described in example 13 (100 mg, 0.42 mmol) in anhydrous THF (3 mL), with NEt3 (10 pL), except for the fact that the residue obtained after evaporation of the reaction solvent was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel, using AcOEt: hexane 2: 8 as the eluent, to give 120 g of product as a white solid (yield = 74%); Melting point (Mp) = 84°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0. 39 ; 1H NMR (CDCls, 300 MHz) 6 8.10 (brd, 1H), 7.40 (m, 2H), 7.22 (m, 3H), 7.15 (d, 2H), 3.70 (s+t, 7H), 3.20 (d, 2H); HPLC: column: Inertisil ODS-3 (5 um)- (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (60: 40 v/v), pH = as is, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 28. 13 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for Cl9Hl7Cl2NO6.

Example 34 Preparation of dimethyl 4- [ [ (4-chlorophenyl benzvlmalonate (ST1696) The product was prepared as described in example 30 (method D) starting from 4-chlorophenylisocyanate (560 mg, 3.65 mmol) and dimethyl 4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, prepared as described in example 13, (1.00 g, 4.20 mmol) in anhydrous THF (16.6 mL), with NEt3 (20, uL), except for the fact that after evaporation of the solvent the reaction residue was dissolved in AcOEt (130 mL) and extracted with a solution of NaOH 0.1 N (3 x 50 mL). The residue obtained

after evaporation of the solvent was purified by flash chormatography on silica gel, using AcOEt: hexane 2: 8 as the eluent to give 550 mg of product as a white solid (yield = 38%); Melting point (Mp) = 125-127°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.37 ; 1H NMR (CDCls, 300 MHz) 8 7.40 (d + s, 2H), 7.30-7. 20 (m, 4H), 7.10 (d, 2H), 6.90 (brs, IH), 3.70 (s, 6H), 3.65 (t, 1H), 3.20 (d, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry C18 (5 lem)- (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CHsCN : H2O (65: 35 v/v), pH = as is, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 14. 78 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for Cl9HlsClNO6.

Example 35 Preparation of dimethyl 4-[2-(pyridinio)ethoxy]benzyl-malonate methanesulphonate (ST1799) Preparation of the intermediate product dimethyl 4- [2- (hydroxy) ethoxv] benzylidenemalonate To dimethyl 4-hydroxybenzylidenemalonate (2.00 g, 8.47 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (40 mL) was added NaH (244 mg, 10.2 mmol) and after approximately 30 minutes 2-bromoethanol (1.37 g, 11.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was left at a temperature of 70°C for 24 hours. After this time period H20 (200 mL) was added to the mixture and the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100 mL). The organic phase washed with H20 (2 x 50 mL) was dried on anhydrous Na2S04 and then evaporated to give 2.00 g of oily

product (yield = 84%) ; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) 8 7.70 (s, 1H), 7.40 (d, 2H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 4.10 (t, 2H), 4.00 (t, 2H), 3.85 (d, 6H).

Preparation of the intermediate product dimethyl 4- [2- (hydroxy ethoxy] benzylmalonate The product was prepared from dimethyl 4- [2- (hydroxy) ethoxy] benzylidenemalonate (4. 50 g, 16.0 mmol) by catalytic hydrogenation with 10% Pd/C (500 mg) in MeOH (120 mL) in an H2 atmosphere (50 psi) for 24 hours. After this time period, the solution was filtered on celite and the solvent evaporated to give 4.20 g of oily product (yield = 93%); 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) 8 7.10 (d, 2H), 6.85 (d, 2H), 4.10 (t, 2H), 3.95 (t, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.65 (t, 1H), 3.20 (d, 2H).

Preparation of the intermediate product dimethyl 4- [2- (methanesulphonyl) ethoxvbenzylmalonate To dimethyl 4- [2- (hydroxy) ethoxy] benzylmalonate (2.00 g, 7.00 mmol) in CH2C12 (50 mL) were added anhydrous pyridine (1.66 g, 21. 0 mmol) and mesyl chloride (2.43 g, 21. 0 mmol), dropwise at 0°C.

At the end of the additions the mixture was left at 50°C for 6 hours.

After evaporation of the solvent the residue was re-dissolved in AcOEt (100 mL) and the organic phase was washed with H20 (2 x 50 mL), then with HCl 1N (2 x 50 mL) and again with H20 to neutral pH. The organic phase dried on anhydrous Na2SO4 was evaporated to give 2.02 g of oily product (yield = 80%) ; 1H NMR (CDCIs, 300

MHz) 8 7.10 (d, 2H), 6.85 (d, 2H), 4.60 (t, 2H), 4. 22 (d, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.65 (t, 1H), 3.20 (d, 2H), 3.10 (s, 3H).

Preparation of dimethyl 4-[2-(pyridinio) ethoxy] benzYlmalonate methanesulphonate (ST1799) Method F The product was prepared from dimethyl 4- [2- (methanesulphonyl) ethoxy] benzylmalonate (960 mg, 2.60 mmol) dissolved in pyridine (15 mL). The reaction mixture was left for 18 hours at 75°C. After evaporation of the solvent the oily residue was washed with diethyl ether. The still impure final residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using CHCls : MeOH 5: 5 as the eluent to give 940 mg of oily product (yield = 82. 3%); TLC : silica gel, eluent CHC1 4.2 : CH30H 2.8 : isopropanol 0.7 : CHsCOOH 1.05 : H20 1. 05, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.48 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 9.40 (brd, 2H), 8,42 (brt, 1H), 8.00 (brd, 2H), 7.05 (d, 2H), 6.75 (d, 2H), 5.35 (m, 2H), 4.5 (m, 2H), 3.70 (s, 6H), 3.60 (t, 1H), 3.10 (d, 2H), 2.80 (s, 3H); HPLC: column: Spherisorb-SCX (5 µm) (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : NH4H2PO4 50 mM (40: 60 v/v), pH = 3.5, T = 30°C, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 18. 65 min; KF = 4. 5% H20 ; Elemental Analysis (E. A.) conforms for CigH22NO5-CH303S.

Example 36 Preparation of dimethyl 4- [ [ (4-nitrophenyl) carbamoyl] oxy]- benzylmalonate (ST1865) The product was prepared as described in example 30 (method D) starting from dimethyl 4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, prepared as described in example 13 (180 mg, 0.75 mmol), 4- nitrophenylisocyanate (124 mg, 0.75 mmol) in anhydrous THF (4 mL) and NEts (20 I1L), except for the fact that the residue obtained after evaporation of the reaction solvent was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using hexane: AcOEt 1: 1 as the eluent.

221 mg of product were obtained (yield = 73%) ; Melting point (Mp) = 128-130°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent hexane: AcOEt 1 : 1, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.55 ; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) 8 8. 20 (d, 2H), 7. 60 (d, 2H), 7.30 (d, 2H), 7.10 (d, 2H), 3.70 (s+t, 7H), 3.25 (d, 2H); HPLC: column: luna Cls, (5 p, m) (4.6 x 250 mm), T = 30°C, mobile phase NH4H2PO4 0,05M : CH3CN 4: 6 (v/v), pH = 4, flow rate = 1 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 8. 56 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for Cl9HlsN208.

Example 37 Preparation of dimethyl 3-[[(4-methoxybenzyl)carbamoyl]oxy]- benzylmalonate (ST1907) The product was prepared as described in example 30 (method D) starting from dimethyl 3-hydroxybenzylmalonate, prepared as

described in example 22 (200 mg, 0.84 mmol), p- methoxybenzylisocyanate (188 mg, 1.16 mmol) and NEts (20 µL) in anhydrous THF (5 mL), except for the reaction time which was 72 hours instead of 18 hours and for the fact that after evaporation of the solvent in vacuo the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography using hexane: AcOEt 7: 3 as the eluent. 181 mg of product were obtained (yield = 54%); Melting point (Mp) = 62-64°C ; TLC : silica gel, eluent hexane: AcOEt 6: 4, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0. 36 ; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) 8 7.30 (m, 4H), 7.00 (m, 2H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 5.20 (brm, 1H), 4.40 (m, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s+t, 7H), 3.20 (d, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry-Cis, (5 fim) (4.6 x 250 mm), T = 30°C, mobile phase CHsCN : H2O 1: 1 (v/v), pH = as is, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 17.58 min; KF = 0.18% H20 ; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C2lH23NO7.

Example 38 Preparation of dimethyl 3- (4-butvlphenyl) carbamoyl] oxy]- benzylmalonate (ST1908) The product was prepared as described in example 30 (method D) starting from dimethyl 3-hydroxybenzylmalonate, prepared as described in example 22 (200 mg, 0.84 mmol), p- butylphenylisocyanate (174 mg, 1.0 mmol) and 20 pL of NEts in 5 mL of anhydrous THF, except for the fact that after 36 hours a further 52.5 mg (0.30 mmol) of p-butylphenylisocyanate were added

and the reaction was left at ambient temperature for another 4 days.

The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue purified by silica gel chromatography using hexane: AcOEt 8 : 2 as the eluent.

130 mg of product were obtained (yield = 37.5%) ; Melting point (Mp) = 53-54°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent hexane: AcOEt 8: 2, Frontal ratio = 0.26 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 7.30 (d, 1H), 7.20 (m, 2H), 7.10 (m, 5H), 6.80 (brs, 1H), 3.70 (s, 6H) 3.65 (t, 1H), 3.20 (d, 2H) 2.60 (t, 2H), 1.60 (m, 2H), 1.30 (m, 2H), 0.90 (t, 3H); HPLC: column: Symmetry-C18, (5 um) (4. 6 x 250 mm), T = 30°C, mobile phase CH3CN : H20 7: 3 (v/v), pH = as is, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 16.17 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A.) conforms for C23H27NO6.

Example 39 Preparation of dimethyl 4- [ [ (4-butylphenyl) carbamoyl] oxy]- benzylmalonate (ST1909) The product was prepared as described in example 30 (method D) starting from dimethyl 4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, prepared as described in example 13 (200 mg, 0.84 mmol), p- butylphenylisocyanate (220 mg, 1.26 mmol) and NEt3 (20 pL) in 5 mL of anhydrous THF, except for the reaction time which was 24 hours instead of 18 hours and the fact that after evaporation of the solvent in vacuo the product was purified by silica gel chromatography using hexane: AcOEt 8: 2 as the eluent to give 129

mg of product (yield = 37%); Melting point (Mp) = 90-92°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent hexane: AcOEt 8: 2, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.23 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 7.30 (m, 3H), 7.10 (d, 2H), 7.00 (m, 3H), 6.80 (brs, 1H), 3.70 (s, 6H) 3.65 (t, 1H), 3.25 (d, 2H), 2.60 (t, 2H), 1.60 (m, 2H), 1.35 (m, 2H), 0.90 (t, 3H); HPLC: column: Symmetry-Cis, (5 pm) (4.6 x 250 mm), T = 30°C, mobile phase CH3CN : H20 7: 3 (v/v), pH = as is, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 15. 96 min; KF = 0. 52% H20 ; Elemental Analysis (E. A.) conforms for C23H27NO6.

Example 40 Preparation of dimethyl 3-[[(4-methoxybenzyl)carbamoyl]oxy]- benzylmalonate (ST1856) The product was prepared as described in example 30 (method D starting from dimethyl 3-hydroxybenzylmalonate (800 mg, 3.36 mmol) prepared as described in example 22,4-chlorophenyl- isocyanate (774 mg, 5.04 mmol) and NEt3 (20 pL) in 30 mL of anhydrous THF, except for the fact that after evaporating the solvent in vacuo, the residue was treated with ethyl acetate, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The residue obtained was purified by two silica gel chromatographies, the first using CHCl3 : hexane 8: 2 and the second hexane: ethyl acetate 7: 3 as the eluent to give 520 mg of product (yield = 39.6%) ; Melting point (Mp) = 79-80°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent hexane: ethyl acetate 6: 4, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.6 ; 1H

NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) 6 7.40 (d, 1H), 7.30 (m, 3H), 7.10 (m, 2H), 6.90 (brs, 1H), 3.70 (s+t, 7H), 3.25 (d, 2H) ; HPLC: column: Luna Cis (5 pm) (4.6 x 75 mm), T = 50°C, mobile phase NaH2PO4 0,05M : CH3CN (50: 50 v/v), flow rate = 1 mL/min, pH = as is, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 24.34 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A.) conforms for C19HlsClNO6.

Example 41 Preparation of (Z)-2-ethoxy-3- [4- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy]- phenyl ethyl propenoate (ST2135) and of fE)-2-ethoxy-3-f4- [2-f4- chlorophenyl)ethoxy]phenyl]ethyl propenoate (ST2136) Preparation of triethyl phosphonodiazoacetate The product was prepared as described in Tetrahedron, 1992, 48 (19), 3991-4004 starting from triethyl phosphonoacetate (8.60 g, 38. 1 mmol), 80% NaH (1.04 g, 41.86 mmol) and tosylazide (7.50 g, 38.1 mmol) to give 6.60 g of product (yield = 69%). The analytical data were as reported in the literature.

Preparation of triethyl 2-ethoxyphosphonoacetate The product was prepared according to the procedure described in Tetrahedron, 1992, 48 (19), 39914004 starting from triethyl phosphonodiazoacetate (5.00 g, 19.9 mmol), absolute ethanol (36 mL), and bivalent rhodium acetate dimer (88. 3 mg, 0.199 mmol) to obtain 3.20 g of product (yield = 60%); 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) 8 4.30-4. 20 (m, 7H), 3.70 (dq, 2H), 1.40 (m, 12H).

Preparation of (Z)-2-ethoxy-3- [4- [2- (4-chlorophenyl)-ethoxy]- phepyllethyl propenoate (ST2135) and of (E)-2-ethoxy-3- [4- [2-f4- chlorophenyl) ethoxy] phenyl] ethyl propenoate (ST2136) Method H Triethyl 2-ethoxyphosphonoacetate (3.1 g, 11.5 mmol) was added at 0°C to a suspension of 80% NaH (384 mg, 12.78 mmol) in anhydrous THF (20 mL) and after approximately 30 minutes at ambient temperature 4- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] benzaldehyde (2.4 g, 9.2 mmol) was added, prepared as described in example 20, dissolved in anhydrous THF (20 mL). At the end of the addition the reaction mixture was left to stir at ambient temperature for 20 hours. After evaporation of the solvent in vacuo the residue was purified by two Si02 gel chromatographies, the first using AcOEt: hexane 2: 8, and the second AcOEt: hexane 5: 95 as the eluent.

2.70 g of a mixture of the two isomers were obtained (yield = 63%), which in subsequent preparations was used as is in the synthesis of ST2211 (example 43) and ST2130 (example 42). To isolate the Z and E isomers, the mixture was further purified by two Si02 gel, chromatographies, the first using AcOEt: hexane 5: 95 and the second CHaCb as the eluent to give 330 mg of ST 2135 (Z isomer) as a semisolid (yield = 9. 6%) and 380 mg of ST 2136 (E isomer) as an oily product (yield = 11%).

Analytical data for ST2135 (Z isomer) TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 2: 8, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.32 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 7.65 (d, 2H), 7.22 (dd, 4H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 6.85 (d, 2H), 4.30 (q, 2H), 4.20 (t, 2H), 4.00 (q, 2H), 3.10 (t, 2H), 1.40 (t, 6H); HPLC: column: Inertisil ODS-3 C18 (5 llm) (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (85: 15 v/v), pH = as is, T = ambient, flow rate = 0.9 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 16. 67 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C2lH23Cl04.

Analytical data for ST2136 (E isomer) TLC : silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 2: 8, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.36 ; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) 6 7.25 (dd, 4H), 7. 10 (d, 2H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 6.10 (s, 1H), 4.20 (q + t, 4H), 3.90 (q, 2H), 3.05 (t, 2H), 1.40 (t, 3H), 1.18 (t, 3H); HPLC: column: Inertisil ODS-3 C18 (5 µm) (250 x 4. 6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (85 : 15 v/v), pH = as is, T = ambient, flow rate = 0. 9 ml/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 10. 79 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C2lH23ClO4.

Example 42 Preparation of (R, S)-2-ethoxv-3- [4- [2- (phenyl ethoxy] phenvll- ethyl propanoate (ST 2130 ! To a solution of a mixture of ST 2135 and ST 2136 (600 mg, 1.6 mmol), obtained as described in example 41, in absolute ethanol (20 mL) was added 10% Pd/C (60 mg) and the mixture was left in an

H2 atmosphere at 40 psi, at ambient temperature for 6 hours. After filtration on celite the solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on Si02 gel using hexane: AcOEt 95: 5 as the eluent to give 470 mg of product (yield = 86%) ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt : hexane 2: 8, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.46 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 7.25 (dd, 4H), 7. 18 (d, 2H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 4.20 (t, 4H), 3.95 (t, 1H), 3.60 (m, 1H), 3.35 (m, 1H), 3.10 (t, 2H), 2.90 (d, 2H), 1.22 (t, 3H), 1. 18 (t, 3H); HPLC: column: Inertisil ODS-3 C18 (5 , um) (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (85: 15 v/v), pH = as is, T = ambient, flow rate = 0.9 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 8.98 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C21H2604.

Example 43 Preparation of (R, S)-2-ethoxv-3- [4-r2-f4-chlorophenvl) ethoxv]- phenyllmethyl propanoate (ST 2211) To a solution of a mixture of ST 2135 and ST 2136 (1.15 g, 3.06 mmol), obtained as described in example 41, in anhydrous methanol (73 mL) were added Mg in powder form (1.17 g) and a few crystals of I2, and the mixture was left at ambient temperature for 6 hours. After this time period the solvent was evaporated, water was added to the residue and acidified to pH 2 with a solution of HCl 1 N, and the aqueous phase was extracted with CH2Cl2. The organic phase was dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was

evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography using AcOEt : hexane 5: 95 as the eluent to give 790 mg of oily product (yield = 71%) ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt : hexane 2: 8, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.42 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 7. 25 (m, 4H), 7.20 (d, 2H), 6. 80 (d, 2H), 4.20 (t, 2H), 3.95 (t, 1H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.60 (m, 1H), 3.40 (m, 1H), 3.10 (t, 2H), 3.00 (d, 2H), 1.20 (t, 3H); HPLC: column: Inertisil ODS-3 C18 (5 pm) (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (85: 15 v/v), pH = as is, T = ambient, flow rate = 1 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 6. 56 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C2oH23C1O4.

Example 44 Preparation of dimethyl 4-[2-(2, 3-dimethyl-l-indolyl) ethoxy]- benzylmalonate (ST2206) Preparation of the intermediate product 2, 3-dimethyl-1 (2- benzyloxyethyl) indole To 2,3 dimethyl-l-indole (2. 00 g, 13.8 mmol) in anhydrous DMSO (80 mL) were added triturated KOH (1.55 g, 27.6 mmol) and benzyl 2-bromoethylether (5. 80 g, 27.6 mmol). The reaction mixture was left at ambient temperature for 20 hours. At the end of this time period H20 (200 mL) was added to the mixture and the product was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 100 mL). The organic extracts were dried on anhydrous Na2SO4 and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo to give 3.20 g of oily product (yield = 83%); IH NMR (CDCl3, 300

MHz) 5 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.30-7. 10 (m, 8H), 4.42 (s, 2H), 4.30 (t, 2H), 3.80 (t, 2H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 2.30 (s, 3H).

Preparation of the intermediate product 2, 3-dimethyl-1-(2- hydroxyethyl indole The product was prepared from 2, 3-dimethyl-1-(2- benzyloxyethyl) indole (3.20 g, 11.5 mmol) dissolved in absolute ethanol (100 mL), with 10% Pd/C (800 mg), under H2 at 50 Psi, at ambient temperature for 4 days. After filtration of the reaction mixture on celite the organic solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue purified by silica gel chromatography using hexane: AcOEt 6: 4 as the eluent to give 900 mg of product (yield = 44%) ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6 7. 60 (brd, 1H), 7.30 (d, 1H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 4.30 (t, 2H), 3.95 (t, 2H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 2.30 (s, 3H).

Preparation of dimethyl 4-[2-(2, 3-dimethyl-l-indolyl) ethoxy]- benzylmalonate (ST2206) The product was prepared according to the procedure described in example 14 (method C) starting from dimethyl 4- hydroxybenzylmalonate (1.13 g, 4.76 mmol), prepared as described in example 13,2, 3-dimethyl-l- (2-hydroxyethyl) indole (900 mg, 4.76 mmol), DIAD (1.25 g, 6.2 mmol) and triphenylphosphine (1.62 g, 6.2 mmol), in 90 mL of anhydrous THF, except for the reaction time which was 1 day instead of 5 days and the eluent used in the purification, i. e. hexane: ethyl acetate 7: 3 instead of 8: 2. The product was further purified by means of two silica gel chomatographies, the

first using hexane: ethyl acetate 9: 1 and the second CH2C12 as the eluent to give 506 mg of product (yield = 26%); TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 3: 7, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.50 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 8 7.50 (d, 1H), 7.30 (d, 1H), 7.10 (m, 2H), 7.05 (d, 2H), 6.70 (d, 2H), 4.50 (t, 2H), 4.20 (t, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.60 (t, 1H), 3.10 (d, 2H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H); HPLC: column: Inertisil-ODS-3 (5 llm) (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (80 : 20 v/v), pH = as is, T = ambient, flow rate = 0. 9 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 9.96 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C24H27NOs.

Example 45 Preparation of (R, S)-2-ethoxy-3- [3- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] propanoate (ST 2324) Preparation of the intermediate product (Z, E)-2-ethoxy-3- [3- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] ethyl propenoate The product was prepared as described in example 41 (method I1) starting from triethyl 2-ethoxyphosphonoacetate (3.6 g, 13.42 mmol), prepared as described in example 41, which was added at 0°C to a suspension of NaH 80% (480 mg, 15.96 mmol) in anhydrous THF (28 mL), and after approximately 30 minutes at ambient temperature 3- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] benzaldehyde (3.0 g, 11.50 mmol) was added, dissolved in anhydrous THF (20 mL).

After evaporation of the solvent in vacuo the residue was purified to

give 1.29 g of a mixture of the two isomers (yield = 30%); TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 2: 8, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0. 32 ; 1H NMR (CDCIs, 300 MHz) 6 7.65 (d, 2H), 7.22 (dd, 4H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 6. 85 (d, 2H), 4.30 (q, 2H), 4.20 (t, 2H), 4.00 (q, 2H), 3.10 (t, 2H), 1.40 (t, 6H).

Preparation of (R, S)-2-ethoxy-3- [3- (4-chlorophenvl) ethoxv1phenyl1- methyl propanoate (ST 2324) To a solution of a mixture of (Z, E)-2-ethoxy-3- [3- [2- (4-chloro- phenyl) ethoxy] phenyl] ethyl propenoate (1.29 g, 3.44 mmol) in anhydrous methanol (73 mL) were added Mg in powder form (1.65 g) and a few crystals of 12, and the mixture was left at ambient temperature for 24 hours. After this time period the solvent was evaporated, water was added to the residue and acidified to pH 2 with a solution of HC1 1 N, and the aqueous phase was extracted with CHaCla. The organic phase was dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography using AcOEt: hexane 5: 95 as the eluent to give 916 mg of oily product (yield = 80%); TLC ; silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 2: 8, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.45 ; 1H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 67. 25-7.20 (m, 5H), 6.80 (m, 3H), 4.15 (t, 2H), 4.00 (t, 1H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.60 (m, 1H), 3.35 (m, 1H), 3.05 (t, 2H), 2.95 (d, 2H), 1.15 (t, 3H); HPLC: column: Inertisil ODS-3 C18 (5 Am) (250 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (85 : 15 v/v), pH = as is, T

= 30°C, flow rate = 1 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 6.42 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C20H23C104.

Example 46 Preparation of 5- [3- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] phenylmethylene] thiazolidine-2,4-dione (ST2431) The product was prepared as described in example 1 (method A) from 3- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] benzaldehyde (1.22 g, 4.70 mmol) in 33 mL of anhydrous toluene, with thiazolidine-2,4-dione (550 mg, 4.70 mmol), acetic acid (37 mg, 0.62 mmol) and piperidine (53 mg, 0.62 mmol) except for the reaction time (5 hours instead of 7 hours). After cooling the mixture, yellow product crystals were separated which were left for 30 minutes at 0°C, then filtered and triturated first with cold toluene and then with water, and then dried. 1.28 g of product were obtained (yield = 76%); Melting point (Mp) = 186-187°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent CHsCI : CHsOH 9. 8 : 0.2 ; Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.45 ; 1H NMR (DMSOd6, 300 MHz) 6 12.60 (brs, 1H), 7.70 (s, 1H), 7.40-7. 30 (m, 6H), 7.10 (m, 2H), 4. 25 (t, 2H), 3.05 (t, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry Cis (5 um) (4.6 x 150 mm), T = ambient, mobile phase: NH4H2PO4 0,05 M: CHsCN (4: 6 v/v), pH = as is, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 11.25 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for CisHl4NOsSCl

Example 47 Preparation of 5- [3- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) ethoxy] phenylmethyl]- thiazolidine-2. 4-dione (ST2390) To a suspension of ST2431, prepared as described in example 46 (900 mg, 2.50 mmol), in anhydrous MeOH (52 mL), was added piecemeal in small portions Mg in powder form (972 mg, 40.0 mmol).

The reaction mixture was left for 5 hours at 25°C. After this time period the solvent was evaporated, water was added to the residue and acidified to pH 2 with a solution of HC1 1 N, and the aqueous phase was extracted with CH2C12. The pooled organic phases were washed with a saturated solution of NaCl, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and evaporated dry in vacuo. The residue thus obtained was purified by silica gel chromatography using CHC13 as the eluent to give a product which was still impure that was recrystallised with methanol and then purified again by silica gel chromatography using CHC13 as the eluent to give 255 mg of product (yield = 28%) ; Melting point (Mp) = 90-91°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent CHC13 : CH30H 9. 8 : 0.2, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.45 ; 1H NMR (DMSOd6, 300 MHz) 8 12.00 (brs, 1H), 7.40 (m, 5H), 7.20 (t, 1H), 6.80 (m, 3H), 4.90 (dd, 1H), 4.15 (t, 2H), 3.35 (m, 1H), 3.00 (m, 3H); HPLC: column: Symmetry Cis (5 jLtm) (4.6 x 250 mm), T = ambient, mobile phase: NH4H2PO4 0.05M : CH3CN (4: 6 v/v), pH = as is, flow rate 0.7 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 12. 22 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C1sHl6NOsSCl.

Example 48 Preparation of dimethyl 3-[[(4-methoxybenzyl)carbamoyl]oxy] benzylmalonate (ST2413) The product was prepared as described in example 30 (method D) starting from 4-trifluorotolyl isocyanate (1.29 g, 6.93 mmol) and dimethyl 3-hydroxybenzylmalonate, prepared as described in example 22, (1.10 g, 4.62 mmol) in anhydrous THF (30 mL) and NEt3 (20 p. L), except for the fact that the residue obtained after evaporation of the reaction solvent was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel, using AcOEt: hexane 8: 2 as the eluent, to give 650 mg of product as a white solid (yield = 33%); Melting point (Mp) = 93-94°C ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt: hexane 2: 8, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.13 ; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) 8 7.60 (m, 4H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.05 (m, 2H), 3.70 (s+t, 7H), 3.20 (d, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry C18 (5 pm) (150 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CHsCN : H20 (60: 40 v/v), pH = as is, T = ambient, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 8.77 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for C2oHisFsNO6.

Example 49 Preparation of dimethyl 3- [ [ (2, 4-dichlorophenyl) carbamo oxv] benzylmalonate (ST2424) The product was prepared as described in example 30 (method D) starting from 2,4-dichlorophenylisocyanate (707 mg, 3. 78 mmol)

and dimethyl 3-hydroxybenzylmalonate, prepared as described in example 22 (600 mg, 2.52 mmol) in anhydrous THF (7 mL), with NEts (10 pL) except for the fact that the residue obtained after evaporation of the reaction solvent was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel, using AcOEt : hexane 2: 8 as the eluent, to give 610 mg of product (yield = 56.9%) ; TLC: silica gel, eluent AcOEt : hexane 2: 8, Frontal ratio (Fr) = 0.40 ; 1H NMR (CDCls, 300 MHz) 6 8.20 (d, 1H), 7.40 (m, 4H), 7.10 (m, 2H), 3.70 (s+t, 7H), 3.25 (d, 2H); HPLC: column: Symmetry C18 (5, um)- (150 x 4.6 mm), mobile phase CH3CN : H20 (60: 40 v/v), pH= as is, T = ambient, flow rate = 0.75 mL/min, 205 nm UV detector, retention time = 9.51 min; Elemental Analysis (E. A. ) conforms for Cl9Hl7Cl2NO6.

The compounds according to the invention described herein are useful as medicines, particularly for the preparation of medicines with serum glucose and serum lipid lowering activity. The preferred applications are the prophylaxis and treatment of diabetes, particularly type 2, and its complications, Syndrome X, the various forms of insulin resistance and hyperlipdaemias.

In a thoroughly advantageous manner, the compounds according to the invention described herein are endowed with good pharmacological activity, but present reduced liver toxicity.

Experiments have been conducted in vivo in diabetic mouse models and in vitro in adipocyte 3T3-L1 cell lines (reported in the literature in predictive assays for potential antidiabetic activity-see,

for example, Sarges et al. , J Med Chem 39: 4783-4803,1996, Luo et al., Diabetic Med 15: 367-374, 1998 and Bierer et al. , J Med Chem 41: 894-901, 1998).

Pharmacological activity Determination of glucose consumption in 3T3-L1 cells Glucose consumption was assessed in differentiated 3T3 - L1 cells.

Mouse fibroblasts (3T3-L1) were seeded at a density of 5 x 103/cm2 and cultured on 12-well plates in 1 ml of DMEM containing glucose 25 mM and added with 10% CS, glutamine 4 mM, pyruvate 1 mM, penicillin 50 U/ml, and streptomycin 50 p. g/ml, in an atmosphere humidified with 5% C02 at 37°C.

Two to three days after confluence, differentiation was induced with the addition of 1.5 ml of DMEM containing 3-isobutyl-1- methylxanthine (IBMX) 0.5 mM, dexamethazone 1 LM and porcine insulin 10, ug/ml in glucose 25 mM and 10% FBS.

After 2 days, the cells were exposed to the same medium without IBMX and dexamethazone for another 2 days.

The cells were then maintained in DMEM containing glucose 25 mM and 10% FBS over the next few days, with changes of culture medium at intervals of 2-3 days (Clancy BM and Czech MP, J. Biol.

Chem., 265 : 12434-12443, 1990; Frost SC and Lane M. D, J. Biol.

Chem. 260 : 2645-2652, 1985).

The cells were used 10-12 days after induction of differentiation, as monitored by evaluating triglyceride accumulation.

For the assessment of glucose consumption, the cells were incubated for 22 hours in DMEM containing glucose 25 mM, insulin 0.25 nM (submaximal concentration) and the compounds (1,5, 10, 25 pM) dissolved in DMSO (final concentration 0.1%).

Rosiglitazone was used as a positive control.

The analysis of the glucose in the medium was done with the aid of a Cobas Mira S autoanalyzer (Roche), using the HK 125 Glucose Kit (ABX Diagnostics). The glucose concumprion stimulated by the products was evaluated as % increase compared to the control compound.

Taking compound 22 as an example, Table 1 gives the lowest concentration of those assayed to induce a 40% increase in glucose consumption compared to the control compound (rosiglitazone).

From the results obtained it can be deduced that the compounds investigated were capable of increasing glucose consumption in 3T3-Ll cells to a similar extent to that achieved by the reference compound (rosiglitazone).

Table 1 Compound ! 1M Rosiglitazone 5 Example 22 1

Antidiabetic and serum lipid lowering activity in db db mice Mutations in laboratory animals have made it possibile to develop models that present non-insulin-dependent diabetes associated with obesity, hyperlipidaemia and insulin-resistance and that enable us to test the efficacy of new antidiabetes compounds (Reed and Scribner, Diabetes, obesity and metabolism 1 : 75-86, 1999).

A genetically diabetic mouse model much used by the pharmaceutical companies is the C57BL/KsJ db/db mouse.

The genetic basis of this model is a defect in the leptin receptor gene, which causes leptin resistance and leads to hyperphagia, obesity, hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance, with subsequent symptoms of insufficient insular secretion and hyperglycaemia (Kodama et al., Diabetologia 37 : 739-744, 1994 ; Chen et al., Cell 84 : 491-495, 1996).

Since hyperglycaemia is accompanied by obesity and insulin resistance, the db/db mouse has characteristics that resemble those of type 2 diabetes in man and is useful for assaying insulin- sensitising compounds.

The thiazolidinediones constitute one class of such compounds (Day, Diabet. Med. 16 : 179-192, 1999 ; Mudaliar and Herry, Annu.

Rev. Mred. 52 : 239-257, 2001, Drexler et al., Geriatrix 56 : 20-33, 2001).

Of the three thiazolidinediones launched on the market, troglitazone was withdrawn owing to its severe liver toxicity, while the other two compounds, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, which are effective in reducing diabetic hyperglycaemia, are known to present weight gain, oedema, liver toxicity, increased LDL-cholesterol, and anaemia as side effects (Schoonjans and Auwerx, The Lancet 355 : 1008-1010, 2000; Peters, Am. J. Manag. Care 7 : 587-595, 2001 ; Gale, The Lancet 357 : 1870-1875, 2001).

The C57BL/KsJ db/db mice in the experiments were supplied by Jackson Lab (via Ch. River). After 10 days of acclimatisation in standard conditions (22 2°C ; 55 15% humidity; 15-20 air changes/hour; 12 hour light-dark cycle, with light from 7.00 a. m to 7.00 p. m), and on a standard 4 RF21 diet (Mucedola), blood samples were taken in postabsorption conditions (fasting from 8. 30 a. m to 4.30 p. m. ) from the caudal vein with the aid of a Jelco 22G catheter (Johnson and Johnson). Plasma levels of glucose, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, free fatty acids and urea were monitored to ensure a well-matched distribution of the mice in the treatment groups.

At the start of treatment, the animals'body weights were checked and arrangements were made for monitoring water and feed consumption.

The mice were treated orally twice daily (8.30 a. m. and 6.30 p. m. ) for a fortnight.

The compounds were administered at a dose equivalent to 25 mg/kg of the compound in example 22 in 10 ml/kg of vehicle (CMC 1% containing Tween 80 0.5% in deionised H20). Rosiglitazone was administered at the dose of 5 mg/kg (Lohray et al. J. Med Chem 41, 1619-1630, 1998).

The animals were sacrificed (by decapitation) in postabsorption conditions (fasting from 9.30 a. m. to 4.30 p. m. ) 7 hours after the last treatment. Serum levels of a number of important lipid and carbohydrate metabolism variables were measured.

The compounds according to the invention described herein show a good ability to reduce serum triglyceride levels in a manner similar to the reference compound rosiglitazone. Table 2, by way of an example, shows the serum lipid lowering activity of the compound in example 22 and of rosiglitazone.

The compounds, moreover, are, like rosiglitazone, also capable of lowering serum glucose levels (Table 3) and this is achieved with lesser changes in weight and transaminase (GPT) values, which is indicative of less liver damage (Table 4). By way of an example, Table 3 gives the serum glucose lowering activity of the example 22 compound and Table 4 the changes in weight and transaminase values in the same compound, again as compared to rosiglitazone.

Furthermore, unlike rosiglitazone, the compounds according to the invention increase HDScholesterol levels. By way of an example, Table 4 gives the changes in HDL-cholesterol levels for the

compound in example 22 and for the reference compound rosiglitazone. An increase in HDL-cholesterol constitutes an indicator of PPARa agonism and of a reduced risk of atherosclerosis.

PPARa agonism, in fact, increases fatty acid oxidation in the tissues, reducing the accumulation of intracellular triglycerides, which favour insulin resistance (Virkamäki et al., Diabetes 50, 2337-2343, 2001 ; Mensink et al., Diabetes 50,2545-2554, 2001 ; Kelley and Goodpaster, Diabetes Care 24, 933-941, 2001). It is known, for example, that the fibrates, which are PPARa agonists, not only lower hyperlipidaemia, but are also capable of improving insulin sensitivity (Matsui et al., Diabetes 46, 348-353, 1997), atherosclerosis and cardiovascular damage (Fruchart et al., Current Atherosclerosis Reports 3, 83-92, 2001), which is a serious complication and cause of death in the course of diabetic disease.

The usefulness of these compounds for correcting hyperlipidaemia, diabetes and the cardiovascular complications accompanying these disease conditions is evident.

Table 2 Serum lipid lowering activity in db/db mice Dose Reduction of Compound Dose triglyceride levels % Rosiglitazone 5-41 A Example 22 25-47 A Student's't'-test : A indicates P < 0. 001 vs control.

Table 3 Serum glucose lowering activity in db/db mice Dose Reduction of Compound,,,. glucose levels % Rosiglitazone 5 - 36 # Example 22 25-32 A

Student's't'-test: A indicates P < 0. 01 vs control Table 4 Weight gain and changes in GPT and HDL-cholesterol serum levels in db/db mice Change in .. Change in HDL- Compound (mg/kg) % GPT levels cholesterol % levels % Rosiglitazone 5 + 22 A + 117 A-7 Example 22 25 + 16 A I + 38 A + 37 A

Student's't'-test: # indicates P< 0. 001 vs control.

The subject of the invention described herein are pharmaceutical compositions containing as their active ingredient at least one formula (I) compound, or, said formula (I) compound or compounds in combination with other active ingredients useful in the treatment of the diseases indicated in the invention described herein, e. g. other products endowed with serum glucose and serum lipid lowering activity, also in separate dosage form or in forms suitable for combined therapies. The active principle according to the invention described herein will be in a mixture with suitable

vehicles and/or excipients commonly used in pharmacy, such as, for instance, those described in"Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences Handbook", latest edition. The compositions according to the invention described herein will contain a therapeutically effective amount of the active ingredient. The dosages will be determined by the expert in the sector, e. g. the clinican or primary care physician, according to the type of disease to be treated and the patient's condition, or concomitantly with the administration of other active ingredients. By way of an example we may indicate dosages ranging from 0.1 to 200 mg/day.

Examples of pharmaceutical compositions are those that permit oral or parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and transdermal administration. Suitable pharmaceutical compositions for this purpose are tablets, rigid or soft capsules, powders, solutions, suspensions, syrups, and solid forms for extempore liquid preparations. Compositions for parenteral administration are, for example, all the intramuscular, intravenous and subcutaneous injectable forms, in the form of solutions, suspensions and emuslions. Liposomal formulations should also be mentioned. Also included are the forms characterised by controlled release of the active ingredient, whether as oral administration forms, tablets coated with suitable layers, microencapsulated powders, complexes with cyclodextrin, or depot forms, e. g. of the subcutaneous type, such as depot injections or implants.