Many medically significant biological processes are mediated by proteins participating in signal transduction pathways that involve G-proteins and/or second messengers.

Polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding the human 7-transmembrane G-protein coupled neuropeptide receptor, orexin-1 (HEGAN72), have been identified and are disclosed in EP-A- 875565, EP-A-875566 and WO 96/34877. Polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding a second human orexin receptor, orexin-2 (HFGANP), have been identified and are disclosed in EP-A- 893498.

Polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding polypeptides which are ligands for the orexin-1 receptor, e. g. orexin-A (Lig72A) are disclosed in EP-A-849361.

Orexin receptors are found in the mammalian host and may be responsible for many biological functions, including pathologies including, but not limited to, depression; anxiety; addictions; obsessive compulsive disorder; affective neurosis/disorder; depressive neurosis/disorder; anxiety neurosis; dysthymic disorder; behaviour disorder; mood disorder; sexual dysfunction; psychosexual dysfunction; sex disorder; sexual disorder; schizophrenia; manic depression; delerium; dementia; severe mental retardation and dyskinesias such as Huntington's disease and Gilles de la Tourets syndrome; disturbed biological and circadian rhythms; feeding disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, cachexia, and obesity; diabetes; appetite/taste disorders; vomiting/nausea; asthma; cancer; Parkinson's disease; Cushing's syndrome/disease; basophil adenoma; prolactinoma; hyperprolactinemia ; hypopituitarism; hypophysis tumor/adenoma; hypothalamic diseases; Froehlich's syndrome; adrenohypophysis disease; hypophysis disease; hypophysis tumor/adenoma; pituitary growth hormone; adrenohypophysis hypofunction; adrenohypophysis hyperfunction; hypothalamic hypogonadism; Kallman's syndrome (anosmia, hyposmia); functional or psychogenic amenorrhea; hypopituitarism; hypothalamic hypothyroidism; hypothalamic-adrenal dysfunction; idiopathic hyperprolactinemia; hypothalamic disorders of growth hormone deficiency; idiopathic growth hormone deficiency; dwarfism ; gigantism; acromegaly; sleep disturbances associated with such diseases as neurological disorders, neuropathic pain and restless leg syndrome, heart and lung diseases; acute and congestive heart failure; hypotension; hypertension; urinary retention; osteoporosis; angina pectoris; myocardial infarction; ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke; subarachnoid haemorrhage ; head injury such as sub-arachnoid haemorrhage associated with traumatic head injury; ulcers; allergies; benign prostatic hypertrophy; chronic renal failure; renal disease; impaired glucose tolerance; migraine; hyperalgesia; pain; enhanced or exaggerated sensitivity to pain, such as hyperalgesia, causalgia and allodynia; acute pain; burn pain; atypical facial pain; neuropathic pain; back pain; complex regional pain syndromes I and II ; arthritic pain; sports injury pain; pain related to infection, e. g. HIV, post-polio syndrome, and post-herpetic neuralgia; phantom limb pain; labour pain; cancer pain; post-chemotherapy pain;

post-stroke pain; post-operative pain; neuralgia; nausea, vomiting; conditions associated with visceral pain including irritable bowel syndrome, migraine and angina; urinary bladder incontinence e. g. urge incontinence; tolerance to narcotics or withdrawal from narcotics; sleep disorders; sleep apnea; narcolepsy; insomnia; parasomnia ; jet-lag syndrome; and neurodegenerative disorders, which includes nosological entities such as disinhibition-dementia-parkinsonism-amyotrophy complex; pallido-ponto-nigral degeneration, epilepsy, and seizure disorders.

Experiments have shown that central administration of the ligand orexin-A (described in more detail below) stimulated food intake in freely-feeding rats during a 4 hour time period. This increase was approximately four-fold over control rats receiving vehicle. These data suggest that orexin-A may be an endogenous regulator of appetite. Therefore, antagonists of its receptor may be useful in the treatment of obesity and diabetes, see Cell, 1998,92, 573-585.

There is a significant incidence of obesity in westernised societies. According to WHO definitions a mean of 35% of subjects in 39 studies were overweight and a further 22% clinically obese. It has been estimated that 5.7% of all healthcare costs in the USA are a consequence of obesity. About 85% of Type 2 diabetics are obese, and diet and exercise are of value in all diabetics. The incidence of diagnosed diabetes in westernised countries is typically 5% and there are estimated to be an equal number undiagnosed. The incidence of both diseases is rising, demonstrating the inadequacy of current treatments which may be either ineffective or have toxicity risks including cardiovascular effects. Treatment of diabetes with sulfonylureas or insulin can cause hypoglycaemia, whilst metformin causes GI side-effects. No drug treatment for Type 2 diabetes has been shown to reduce the long-term complications of the disease. Insulin sensitisers will be useful for many diabetics, however they do not have an anti-obesity effect.

Rat sleep/EEG studies have also shown that central administration of orexin-A, an agonist of the orexin receptors, causes a dose-related increase in arousal, largely at the expense of a reduction in paradoxical sleep and slow wave sleep 2, when administered at the onset of the normal sleep period. Therefore antagonists of its receptor may be useful in the treatment of sleep disorders including insomnia.

The present invention provides piperazine derivatives which are non-peptide antagonists of human orexin receptors, in particular orexin-1 receptors. In particular, these compounds are of potential use in the treatment of obesity, including obesity observed in Type 2 (non-insulin- dependent) diabetes patients, and/or sleep disorders, and/or stroke, particularly ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke, and/or for blocking the emetic response i. e. useful in the treatment of nausea and vomiting.

International Patent Applications W099/09024, W099/58533, WO00/47577, and WO00/47580, disclose phenyl urea derivatives and WO00/47576, discloses quinolinyl cinnamide derivatives as orexin receptor antagonists.

According to the invention there is provided compounds of formula (I) : wherein: W and W independently represent hydrogen or optionally substituted (Cl4) alkyl, Het represents an optionally substituted 5-or 6-membered heteroaryl group containing up to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, or an optionally substituted bicyclic heteroaryl group containing up to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S; Ar represents a phenyl or a 5-or 6-membered heteroaryl group containing up to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, wherein the phenyl or heteroaryl group is substituted by R3, and further optional substituents ; or Ar represents an optionally substituted bicyclic aromatic or heteroaromatic group containing up to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S; R3 independently represents hydrogen, an optionally substituted (C,) alkoxy, halo, optionally substituted (Cl4) alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl, or an optionally substituted 5-or 6- membered heterocyclic ring containing up to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S ; or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof.

Examples of 5-or 6-membered heteroaryl group containing up to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, 0 and S, include furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, triazolyl, triazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazinyl, or pyrazolyl.

When Het represents a bicyclic heteroaryl it may be selected from isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, benzoxazolyl, quinolinyl, napththyridinyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothienyl, indolyl, benzothiazoyl, quinazolinyl or benzoxazolyl.

Examples of where Ar represents an optionally substituted bicyclic aromatic or heteroaromatic include naphthyl, quinolinyl, napththyridinyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl or benzoxazolyl.

Preferably Rl is hydrogen or methyl.

Preferably W is hydrogen or methyl.

Preferably Het represents pyridyl, pyrimidinyl or quinoxalinyl.

Preferably when Ar represents phenyl, or a 5-or 6-membered heteroaryl group the substituent R3 is ortho to the amide carbonyl group.

Preferably Ar represents optionally substituted thiazolyl or pyrazolyl.

Examples of groups where R3 is a 5-or 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing up to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, include furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl,

imidazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, triazolyl, piperazine, triazinyl, pyridazyl, pyrimidinyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, piperidine, thiomorpholine and morpholine.

Preferably R3 represents trifluoromethoxy, methoxy, ethoxy, halo, or optionally substituted phenyl, pyridyl, pyrazolyl, pyrimidinyl or oxadiazolyl group.

Even more preferably R3 represents an optionally substituted phenyl, e. g. 4-fluorophenyl.

When used herein the term amide carbonyl group means the-C (O)-N- bond wherein the N forms part of the piperazine ring.

Optional substituents for the groups R1 to R3, Ar and Het include halogen, hydroxy, oxo, cyano, nitro, (C1-4) alkyl, (C1-4) alkoxy, halo (Cl4) alkyl, halo (Cl4) alkoxy, (Cl4) acyl, aryl, aryl (C1- 4) alkyl, aryl (CI4) alkoxy, (C1-4)alkylthio, (C1-4)alkylamino(C1-4) alkyl, hydroxy (C1-4) alkyl, hydroxy (C1-4)alkoxy, (C1-4)alkoxy(C1-4)alkyl, (C3-6)cycloalkyl(C1-4)alkoxy,(C1-4) alkanoyl, (C 4) alkoxycarbonyl, (C1-4)alkylsulfonyl, (C1-4)alkylsulfonyloxy,(C1-4)alkylsulfonyl(C1-4) alkyl, arylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyloxy, arylsulfonyl (Cl4) alkyl, (C1-4)alkylsulfonamido, (C1-4)alkylamido, (C1- 4) alkylsulfonamido (CM) alkyl, (Cl4) alkylamido (Cl4) alkyl, arylsulfonamido, arylcarboxamido, arylsulfonamido(C1-4)alkyl, arylcarboxamido(C1-4) alkyl, aroyl, aroyl(C1-4)alkyl, or aryl(C1-4) alkanoyl group ; a group RaRbN-, RaRbN(CH2) n-, RaRbN (CH2) nO-, RaOCO (CH2) r, RaCON (Rb) (CH2) » RaRbNCO (CH2) r, RaRbNS02 (CH2) r or RaSO2NRb (CH2) r where each of Ra and Rb independently represents a hydrogen atom or a (Cl4) alkyl group or where appropriate RaRb forms part of a (C3 6) azacycloalkane or (C3) (2-oxo) azacycloalkane ring, n represents an integer from 1 to 4, and r represents zero or an integer from 1 to 4. Additionally when the substituent is RaRbN (CH2) n- or RaRbN (CH2) nO, Ra with at least one CH2 of the (CH2) n portion of the group form a (C3 6) azacycloalkane and Rb represents hydrogen, a (Cl4) alkyl group or with the nitrogen to which it is attached forms a second (C3) azacycloalkane fused to the first (C3) azacycloalkane.

Preferred optional substituents for Ar are halogen, cyano, (C1-4) alkyl, hydroxy (Cl4) alkyl or (C1-4) alkoxy (Ci-) alkyl.

Preferred optional substituents for Het are halogen, cyano, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-4)acyl, (C1-4)alkoxy(C1-4)alkyl or RaRbNCO(CH2)r.

Preferred optional substituents for R3 are halogen or (C1-4) alkoxy (C1-4)alkyl.

In addition Het may be optionally substituted by a phenyl ring optionally substituted by a halogen, cyano, or Cl4alkanoyl or Cl4alkylsulfonyl group; or by a 5-or 6-membered heterocyclic ring, optionally substituted by a (Cl 2) alkyl or RaRbN-group ; wherein Ra and Rb are as defined above.

When used herein the term aryl means a 5-to 6-membered aromatic ring for example phenyl, or a 7 to 12 membered bicyclic ring system where at least one of the rings is aromatic for example naphthyl.

In the groups Ar and Het, substituents positioned ortho to one another may be linked to form a fused ring.

When a halogen atom is present in the compound of formula (I) it may be fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

When the compound of formula (I) contains an alkyl group, whether alone or forming part of a larger group, e. g. alkoxy or alkylthio, the alkyl group may be straight chain, branched or cyclic, or combinations thereof, it is preferably methyl or ethyl.

It will be appreciated that compounds of formula (I) may exist as R or S enantiomers. The present invention includes within its scope all such isomers, including mixtures. Where additional chiral centres are present in compounds of formula (n, the present invention includes within its scope all possible diastereoismers, including mixtures thereof. The different isomeric forms may be separated or resolved one from the other by conventional methods, or any given isomer may be obtained by conventional synthetic methods or by stereospecific or asymmetric syntheses.

It will be understood that the invention includes pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives of compounds of formula (n and that these are included within the scope of the invention.

Particular compounds according to the invention include those mentioned in the examples and their pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives.

As used herein"pharmaceutically acceptable derivative"includes any pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or salt of such ester of a compound of formula (I) which, upon administration to the recipient is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) a compound of formula @ or an active metabolic or residue thereof.

It will be appreciated that for use in medicine the salts of the compounds of formula (t) should be pharmaceutically acceptable. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts will be apparent to those skilled in the art and include acid addition salts formed with inorganic acids e. g. hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulphuric, nitric or phosphoric acid; and organic acids e. g. succinic, maleic, acetic, fumaric, citric, tartaric, benzoic, p-toluenesulfonic, methanesulfonic or naphthalenesulfonic acid. Other salts e. g. oxalates, may be used, for example in the isolation of compounds of formula (1) and are included within the scope of this invention. Also included within the scope of the invention are solvates and hydrates of compounds of formula (1).

Certain of the compounds of formula (n may form acid addition salts with one or more equivalents of the acid. The present invention includes within its scope all possible stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric forms.

Since the compounds of formula (1) are intended for use in pharmaceutical compositions it will readily be understood that they are each preferably provided in substantially pure form, for example at least 60% pure, more suitably at least 75% pure and preferably at least 85%, especially at least 98% pure (% are on a weight for weight basis). Impure preparations of the compounds may be used for preparing the more pure forms used in the pharmaceutical compositions.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a process for the preparation of compounds of formula (n and salts thereof. The following schemes detail synthetic routes to compounds of the invention.

Scheme 1 p p N N ArCOL'Hydrolysis N N N N P P Ar''O P P COH ARAS N N » NLNH2 DisDlacemerg N N Ar'O Ar''O p H RI R N N I N Alkylation, NHHet NHHet NHHet ) L N" Au O wherein Ar, RI, Het are as defined for formula (I), RS is an optionally substituted Cl4 alkyl group, P is a protecting group and Ll is a leaving group.

Examples of protecting groups P include t-butyloxycarbonyl, trifluoroacetyl, benzyloxycarbonyl and optionally substituted benzyl. Deprotection conditions will depend on the particular protecting group; for the groups mentioned above these are respectively, acid (e. g. trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane), base (e. g. potassium carbonate in a solvent such as aqueous methanol) and catalytic hydrogenolysis in an inert solvent (e. g. using palladium on charcoal in a lower alcohol or ethyl acetate).

Examples of suitable leaving groups Ll include halogen, hydroxy, OC (=O) alkyl OC (=O) O- alkyl and OS02Me. Acylation may be carried out using a wide range of known conditions, e. g. in an inert solvent such as dichloromethane, in the presence of a base such as triethylamine.

Alternatively these steps may be carried out when Ll represents hydroxy, in which case the reaction takes place in an inert solvent such as dichloromethane in the presence of a diimide reagent such as 1-ethyl-3- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride, and an activator such as 1- hydroxybenzotriazole.

Within the scheme there is scope for functional group interconversion and interchange of protecting group.

Compound A can be prepared by known methods, e. g. WO 9631505.

Scheme 2

CO, R" CO ICO2R6 l 02R6 Con 0 NH Protection > NH (B) H I, p P O Reduction Y I e le ) j Protection E NHPZ--- N NHZ N Deprotection I I p Displacement le Me Me N N Deprotection H NHHet IN \NHHet N N H p Acylation ArCOU Me I I Me H NHHet Dealkylation C J, NHHet N N Ar'O Ar'O wherein Ar, Het are as defined for formula (1), R6 is an optionally substituted Cl 6 alkyl group, and Pl and p2 are protecting groups and L'is a leaving group as described for scheme 1.

Reduction of the amide can be carried out using known methods e. g. with a metal hydride reducing agent such as lithium aluminium hydride in an inert solvent such as diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran.

Within the scheme there is scope for functional group interconversion and interchange of protecting group.

Compound B can be synthesised using known methods.

Scheme 3

p'p' I I N N NHZ Protectio (NHPZ Alkylation N N Ar"ko AO I pi N RZ N Rz N, 2 Deprotectign NH Displacement Nor P Nor Ar''O AAO pI I H N R 2 RZ Deprotection C I Alkylation NHet-- N NHet Ar' O Ar''O 1 I N 2 C R NHet N Ar''O wherein Ar, Rl, and Het are as defined for formula (1) and R2 is optionally substituted (Cl. ) allcyl, Pl and p2 are protecting groups.

The compounds of formula (n may be prepared singly or as compound libraries comprising at least 2, e. g. 5 to 1000, preferably 10 to 100 compounds of formula (1). Compound libraries may be prepared by a combinatorial'split and mix'approach or by multiple parallel synthesis using either solution phase or solid phase chemistry, by procedures known to those skilled in the art.

Thus according to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a compound library comprising at least 2 compounds of formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be prepared conventionally by reaction with the appropriate acid or acid derivative.

The compounds of formula (1) and their pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives are useful for the treatment of diseases or disorders where an antagonist of a human orexin receptor is required such as obesity and diabetes; prolactinoma; hypoprolactinemia; hypothalamic disorders of growth hormone deficiency ; idiopathic growth hormone deficiency; Cushings syndrome/disease; hypothalamic-adrenal dysfunction; dwarfism ; sleep disorders; sleep apnea; narcolepsy; insomnia ; parasomnia ; jet-lag syndrome; sleep disturbances associated with diseases such as neurological disorders, neuropathic pain and restless leg syndrome; heart and lung diseases; depression; anxiety; addictions; obsessive compulsive disorder ; affective neurosis/disorder; depressive neurosis/disorder; anxiety neurosis; dysthymic disorder; behaviour disorder ; mood disorder; sexual

dysfunction; psychosexual dysfunction; sex disorder; sexual disorder; schizophrenia; manic depression; delerium; dementia; bulimia and hypopituitarism. The compounds of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof are also useful in the treatment of stroke, particularly ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke. Furthermore the compounds of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof are also useful in blocking the emetic response.

The compounds of formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives are particularly useful for the treatment of obesity, including obesity associated with Type 2 diabetes, sleep disorders, stroke and blocking the emetic response for example nausea and vomiting.

Other diseases or disorders which may be treated in accordance with the invention include disturbed biological and circadian rhythms; adrenohypophysis disease; hypophysis disease; hypophysis tumor/adenoma; adrenohypophysis hypofunction ; functional or psychogenic amenorrhea ; adrenohypophysis hyperfunction; migraine; hyperalgesia; pain; enhanced or exaggerated sensitivity to pain such as hyperalgesia, causalgia and allodynia; acute pain; burn pain; atypical facial pain; neuropathic pain; back pain; complex regional pain syndromes I and lI ; arthritic pain; sports injury pain; pain related to infection e. g. HIV, post-polio syndrome and post-herpetic neuralgia; phantom limb pain; labour pain; cancer pain; post-chemotherapy pain; post-stroke pain; post-operative pain; neuralgia; and tolerance to narcotics or withdrawal from narcotics.

The invention also provides a method of treating or preventing diseases or disorders where an antagonist of a human orexin receptor is required, which comprises administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of formula (n, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof.

The invention also provides a compound of formula (1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of diseases or disorders where an antagonist of a human orexin receptor is required.

The invention also provides the use of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of diseases or disorders where an antagonist of a human orexin receptor is required.

For use in therapy the compounds of the invention are usually administered as a pharmaceutical composition. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (n, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The compounds of formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives may be administered by any convenient method, e. g. by oral, parenteral, buccal, sublingual, nasal, rectal or transdermal administration, and the pharmaceutical compositions adapted accordingly.

The compounds of formula (1) and their pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives which are active when given orally can be formulated as liquids or solids, e. g. as syrups, suspensions, emulsions, tablets, capsules or lozenges.

A liquid formulation will generally consist of a suspension or solution of the active ingredient in a suitable liquid carrier (s) e. g. an aqueous solvent such as water, ethanol or glycerine, or a non-aqueous solvent, such as polyethylene glycol or an oil. The formulation may also contain a suspending agent, preservative, flavouring and/or colouring agent.

A composition in the form of a tablet can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutical carrier (s) routinely used for preparing solid formulations, such as magnesium stearate, starch, lactose, sucrose and cellulose.

A composition in the form of a capsule can be prepared using routine encapsulation procedures, e. g. pellets containing the active ingredient can be prepared using standard carriers and then filled into a hard gelatin capsule; alternatively a dispersion or suspension can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutical carrier (s), e. g. aqueous gums, celluloses, silicates or oils and the dispersion or suspension then filled into a soft gelatin capsule.

Typical parenteral compositions consist of a solution or suspension of the active ingredient in a sterile aqueous carrier or parenterally acceptable oil, e. g. polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, lecithin, arachis oil or sesame oil. Alternatively, the solution can be lyophilised and then reconstituted with a suitable solvent just prior to administration.

Compositions for nasal administration may conveniently be formulated as aerosols, drops, gels and powders. Aerosol formulations typically comprise a solution or fine suspension of the active ingredient in a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous or non-aqueous solvent and are usually presented in single or multidose quantities in sterile form in a sealed container which can take the form of a cartridge or refill for use with an atomising device. Alternatively the sealed container may be a disposable dispensing device such as a single dose nasal inhaler or an aerosol dispenser fitted with a metering valve. Where the dosage form comprises an aerosol dispenser, it will contain a propellant which can be a compressed gas e. g. air, or an organic propellant such as a fluorochloro- hydrocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon. Aerosol dosage forms can also take the form of pump- atomisers.

Compositions suitable for buccal or sublingual administration include tablets, lozenges and pastilles where the active ingredient is formulated with a carrier such as sugar and acacia, tragacanth, or gelatin and glycerin.

Compositions for rectal administration are conveniently in the form of suppositories containing a conventional suppository base such as cocoa butter.

Compositions suitable for transdermal administration include ointments, gels and patches.

Preferably the composition is in unit dose form such as a tablet, capsule or ampoule.

The dose of the compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, used in the treatment or prophylaxis of the abovementioned disorders or diseases will vary in the usual way with the particular disorder or disease being treated, the weight of the subject and other similar factors. However, as a general rule, suitable unit doses may be 0.05 to 1000 mg, more suitably 0.05 to 500 mg. Unit doses may be administered more than once a day for example two or

three times a day, so that the total daily dosage is in the range of about 0. 01 to 100 mg/kg; and such therapy may extend for a number of weeks or months. In the case of pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives the above figures are calculated as the parent compound of formula (I).

No toxicological effects are indicated/expected when a compound of formula (I) is administered in the above mentioned dosage range.

Human orexin-A has the amino acid sequence: pyroGlu Pro Leu Pro Asp Cys Cys Arg Gln Lys Thr Cys Ser Cys Arg Leu 1 5 10 15 Tyr Glu Leu Leu His Gly Ala Gly Asn His Ala Ala Gly Ile Leu Thr 20 25 30 Leu-NH2 Orexin-A can be employed in screening procedures for compounds which inhibit the ligand's activation of the orexin-1 receptor.

In general, such screening procedures involve providing appropriate cells which express the orexin-1 receptor on their surface. Such cells include cells from mammals, yeast, Drosophila or E. coli. In particular, a polynucleotide encoding the orexin-1 receptor is used to transfect cells to express the receptor. The expressed receptor is then contacted with a test compound and an orexin- 1 receptor ligand to observe inhibition of a functional response. One such screening procedure involves the use of melanophores which are transfected to express the orexin-1 receptor, as described in WO 92/01810.

Another screening procedure involves introducing RNA encoding the orexin-1 receptor into Xenopus oocytes to transiently express the receptor. The receptor oocytes are then contacted with a receptor ligand and a test compound, followed by detection of inhibition of a signal in the case of screening for compounds which are thought to inhibit activation of the receptor by the ligand.

Another method involves screening for compounds which inhibit activation of the receptor by determining inhibition of binding of a labelled orexin-1 receptor ligand to cells which have the receptor on their surface. This method involves transfecting a eukaryotic cell with DNA encoding the orexin-1 receptor such that the cell expresses the receptor on its surface and contacting the cell or cell membrane preparation with a compound in the presence of a labelled form of an orexin-1 receptor ligand. The ligand may contain a radioactive label. The amount of labelled ligand bound to the receptors is measured, e. g. by measuring radioactivity.

Yet another screening technique involves the use of FLIPR equipment for high throughput screening of test compounds that inhibit mobilisation of intracellular calcium ions, or other ions, by affecting the interaction of an orexin-1 receptor ligand with the orexin-1 receptor.

All publications, including but not limited to patents and patent applications, cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein as though fully set forth.

The following Examples illustrate the preparation of pharmacologically active compounds of the invention. The Descriptions D1-D11 illustrate the preparation of intermediates to compounds of the invention.

Abbreviation used herein are as follow: HATU means 0- (7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N, N, N', N'-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate Description 1: (RS) 3-Carboxymethyl-4- 1- [5- (4-fluorophenyl)-2-methylthiazol-4-yl]- methanoyl}-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester 3-Methoxycarbonylmethylpiperazine-l-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (0. 900g), HATU (1.396g), diisopropylethylamine (1.95 ml) and 5- (4-fluorophenyl)-2-methylthiazole-4-carboxylic acid (1.06g) were dissolved in dry dimethylformamide (10ml) and stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The solvent was then evaporated and the residue partitioned between dichloromethane and brine. The organic layer was dried (MgSO4), evaporated to provide 4- {I- [5- (4-fluoro-phenyl)-2-methylthiazol- 4-yl]-methanoyl}-3-methoxycarbonylmethyl piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester as an amorphous solid (1.57g). Mass spectrum (API) : Found 422 [ (M-CA) HI. C23H28FN305S requires 477.

This ester was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (9ml) and lNsodium hydroxide solution (9ml) and stirred at room temperature for 3 h. The solution was then diluted with ethyl acetate and acidified with lNhydrochloric acid. The organic solution was washed with brine, dried (MgSO4) and evaporated to yield the title compound as a colourless oil (1.58g). Mass spectrum (API) : Found 462 [ (M-H)']. C22H26FN30sS requires 463.

Description 2: (RS) 3-Aminomethyl-4-{1-1S (4-fluorophenyl)-2-methylthiazol-4-yll- methanoyl}-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid ter-butyl ester Dl (0. 500g) was dissolved in dry dichloromethane (20ml) and cooled to-20°C under an atmosphere of argon. Diphenylphosphinic chloride (0.256g) and diisopropyletliylamine (0. 184ml) were added to the stirred solution and stirring was continued at-20°C for 1 h. A solution of tetramethylguanidinium azide (0. 171g) in acetonitrile (5ml) was then added and the solution stirred at 0°C for 2 h. The reaction was then partitioned between dichloromethane and water, and the organic solution washed with sodium bicarbonate solution, dried (MgSO4) and evaporated. The resulting acid azide was dissolved in dry toluene (100ml) and heated at 90°C for 1 h. The solvent was then evaporated to yield the crude isocyanate, which was dissolved in dry tetrahydrofuran and stirred at room temperature for 16 h. with p-toluenesulphonic acid monohydrate (0.192g). The reaction was then evaporated and partitioned between dichloromethane and sodium bicarbonate

solution. The organic solution was washed with brine, dried (MgS04) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with a gradient of 0 to 10% [9: 1 methanol-conc. ammonia solution] in dichloromethane. The title compound was obtained as a white amorphous solid (0.072g). Mass spectrum (APT') : Found 435 (MH+). C2lH27FN403S requires 434.

Description 3: (RS) 3- [ (5-Cyano-pyridin-2-ylamino)-methyl]-4- {1- [5- (4-fluoro-phenyl)-2- methylthiazol-4-yl]-methanoyl}-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid íert-butyl ester D2 (0.072g) and 2-chloro-5-cyanopyridine (0.023g) were heated to 100°C in dimethylformamide (lml) in the presence of diisopropylethylamine (0. 028ml) for 24 h. under an atmosphere of argon.

After cooling, the reaction mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic solution was dried (MgSO4) and evaporated. Chromatography on silica gel, eluting with a gradient of 0 to 10% methanol in ethyl acetate provided the title compound as a colourless gum (0.023g).

Mass spectrum (APT) : Found 537 (1\EF). C27H29FN603S requires 536.

Description 4: (RS)-4-Benzyl-3-carbamoyl-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester A solution of (RS)-3-carbamoyl-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester [Bruce et al. Syn.

Comm. 1995, 2673-84] (25g) and benzaldehyde (l l. lml) in 1,2-dichloroethane (550ml) was stirred at room temperature for 1. 5h. Sodium triacetoxyborohydride (34.7g) was added in one portion and the resultant stirred for a further 18h. Dichloromethane (400 ml) was added and the mixture washed with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate (600 ml). The organic layer was dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 10-70 % ethyl acetate in hexane to afford the title compound as a colourless solid (32. 4g). lH NMR (CDCI3) 6 : 1.45 (9H, s), 2.15 (1H, dt), 2.75-3. 15 (4H, m), 3.28 (1H, d, J = 14 Hz), 3.85 (1H, broad d), 3.96 (1H, d, J = 14 Hz), 4.15 (1H, broad m), 5.63 (1H, broad s), 6.70 (1H, broad s), 7.2-7. 5 (5H, m).

Description 5: (RS)-C- (1-Benzyl-4-methyl-piperazin-2-yl)-methylamine 1M Lithium aluminium hydride in tetrahydrofuran (112 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of D4 (15 g) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (300 ml) at room temperature under argon. On complete addition the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 0.5 h, then at reflux for a further 1. 5 h. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and treated sequentially with water (19.5 ml), 2N sodium hydroxide (22.5 ml) and water (19.5 ml) dropwise. Sodium sulphate was added and the resultant stirred for 0.3h., filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to give the title compound (10. 3 g). Mass spectrum (AP) : Found 220 (mut). Cl3H2lN3 requires 219.

Description 6: (RS)-N-(1-Benzyl-4-methyl-piperazin-2-ylmethyl)-2,2,2-triflu oro-acetamide

Trifluoroacetic anhydride (8.05 ml) in anhydrous dichloromethane (10ml) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of D5 (10. 3 g) and triethylamine (9.25 ml) in anhydrous dichloromethane (400 ml) at 0°C under argon. The resultant was stirred at 0°C for lh., then at room temperature for 18h. The mixture was washed with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate (400 ml) and the organic layer dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 50% ethyl acetate in hexane, then 0-10% methanol in ethyl acetate to yield the title compound as a pale green gum (6.06g). Mass spectrum (API+) : Found 316 (mut). Cl5H20F3N30 requires 315.

Description 7 : (RS)-2, 2, 2-Trifluoro-N-(4-methyl-piperazin-2-ylmethyl)-acetamide A solution of D6 (6.06g) in ethanol (300 ml) was hydrogenated at atmospheric pressure in the presence of 10% palladium on charcoal (6g, 54% paste with water) for 18h. The mixture was filtered through Kieselguhr and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to furnish the title compound as a colourless gum (4.07g). Mass spectrum (AP) : Found 226 (MH+). C8HI4F3N30 requires 225. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <P>Description 8. 4-Methyl-2-l (2, 2, 2-trifluoroethanoylamino) methyl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert butyl ester.

D7 (2. 0g), di-tert-butyldicarbonate (2.33g) and triethylamine (1. 47ml) were dissolved in dichloromethane (125ml) and stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The organic solution was then washed with water, brine and dried (MgS04). The solution was evaporated and the product chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 0 to 10% methanol in dichloromethane to provide the title compound as a white solid (2.60g). Mass spectrum (APT) : Found 326 »). C13H22F3N3O3 requires 325.

Description 9. 2-Aminomethyl-4-methylpiperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert butyl ester D8 (2.60g) was dissolved in methanol (100ml) and water (20ml) and stirred at room temperature for 3 days with potassium carbonate (2.2g). The solution was then evaporated to dryness and the residue digested in methanol. The suspension was filtered and the filtrate evaporated and redissolved in dichloromathane. This solution was dried (MgS04) and evaporated to yield the crude product, which was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with a gradient of 0 to 10% [9: 1 methanol/conc. ammonia solution] in dichloromethane provided the title compound as a colourless oil (1.77g). Mass spectrum (API) : Found 230 (MH*). CIlH23N302 requires 229.

Description 10. 2- [ (6, 7-Difluoroquinoxalin-2-ylamino) methyl]-4-methylpiperazine-1- carboxylic acid tert butyl ester

D9 (0. 80g) and 2-chloro-6,7-difluoroquinoxaline (0.70g) were dissolved in dimethylformamide (2ml) and heated at 100 °C for 12 h. After cooling, the reaction mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic solution was then washed with brine, dried (MgSO4) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with a gradient of 0 to 10% [9: 1 methanol/conc. ammonia solution] in dichloromethane. The title compound was obtained as a white amorphous solid (0.3 1g). Mass spectrum (APT) : Found 394 (MH+). CjsBbFzNsOz requires 393.

Description 11. (6, 7-Difluoroquinoxalin-2-yl)- (4-methylpiperazin-2-ylmethyl)-amine D10 (0. 3 ou) was dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid (20ml) and stirred at room temperature for 3 h.

The solution was then evaporated and the residue chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with a gradient of 0 to 10% [9: 1 methanol/conc. ammonia solution] in dichloromethane provided the title compound as a white solid (0.22g). Mass spectrum (APT) : Found 294 (MH). C14H17F2N5 requires 293.

Example 1: (RS) 6- [ (1-1- [5- (4-Fluorophenyl)-2-methylthiazol-4-yl]-methanoyl}-piperazin- 2- ylmethyl)-amino]-nicotinonitrile D3 (0.022g) was dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid (3ml) and stirred at room temperature for lh. The solution was then evaporated and the residue chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with a gradient of 0 to 10% [9: 1 methanol-conc. ammonia solution] in dichloromethane. The title compound was obtained as a colourless gum (0.016g). Mass spectrum (APt) : Found 437 (MIT). C22H2iFN60S requires 436.

Example 2. 1-{2-[(6,7-Difluoroquinoxalin-2-ylamino)-methyl]-4-methyl-pi perazin-1-yl}-1-[5- (4-fluorophenyl)-2-methylthiazol-4-yl]-methanone D11 (0.10g) was dissolved in dry dimethylformamide (2ml) and HATU (0.136g), diisopropylethylamine (0. 190mol) and 5- (4-fluorophenyl)-2-methylthiazole-4-carboxylic acid (0.103g) added and the mixture shaken for 16 h. The reaction solution was then partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic solution was washed with brine, dried (MgS04) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with a gradient of 0 to 10% [9: 1 methanol/conc. ammonia solution] in dichloromethane. The title compound was obtained as a white solid (0.12g). Mass spectrum (APT) : Found 513 (MEt). C25H23F3N60S requires 512.

Example 3. 1- {2- [ (6, 7-Difluoroquinoxalin-2-ylamino)-methyl]-4-methyl-piperazin-1 -yl}-1- [4-<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-lH-pyrazol-3-yl]-methanone The title compound was obtained as a white solid (0. 154g) from Dl 11 (O. 1 Og) and 4- (4- fluorophenyl)-l-methyl-lH-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid (0.097g) using the method of Example 2.

Mass spectrum (API+) : Found 496 (MH>). C25H24F3N7O requires 495.

It is to be understood that the present invention covers all combinations of particular and preferred subgroups described herein above.

Determination of Orexin-1 Receptor Antagonist Activity The orexin-1 receptor antagonist activity of the compounds of formula (I) was determined in accordance with the following experimental method.

Experimental Method HEK293 cells expressing the human orexin-1 receptor were grown in cell medium (MEM medium with Earl's salts) containing 2 mM SGIutamine, 0.4 mg/mL G418 Sulphate from GIBCO BRL and 10% heat inactivated fetal calf serum from Gibco BRL. The cells were seeded at 20,000 cells/100 Owell into 96-well black clear bottom sterile plates from Costar which had been pre- coated with 10 llg/well of poly-L-lysine from SIGMA. The seeded plates were incubated overnight at 37°C in 5% CO2.

Agonists were prepared as 1 mM stocks in water: DMSO (1 : 1). EC50 values (the concentration required to produce 50% maximal response) were estimated using 1 lx half log unit dilutions (Biomek 2000, Beckman) in Tyrode's buffer containing probenecid (10 mM HEPES with 145mM NaCI, 10mM glucose, 2.5 mM KCI, 1.5 mM CaCl2, 1.2 mM MgCI2 and 2. 5mM probenecid ; pH7.4). Antagonists were prepared as 10 mM stocks in DMSO (100%). Antagonist IC50 values (the concentration of compound needed to inhibit 50% of the agonist response) were determined against 3.0 nM human orexin-A using 11x half log unit dilutions in Tyrode's buffer containing 10% DMSO and probenecid.

On the day of assay 50 ul of cell medium containing probenecid (Sigma) and Fluo3AM (Texas Fluorescence Laboratories) was added (Quadra, Tomtec) to each well to give final concentrations of 2.5 mM and 4 uM, respectively. The 96-well plates were incubated for 90 min at 37°C in 5% COs. The loading solution containing dye was then aspirated and cells were washed with 4x150 ul Tyrode's buffer containing probenecid and 0. 1% gelatin (Denley Cell Wasli). The volume of buffer left in each well was 125 pi. Antagonist or buffer (25 ul) was added (Quadra) the cell plates gently shaken and incubated at 37°C in 5% CO2 for 30 min. Cell plates were then transferred to the Fluorescent Imaging Plate Reader (FLIPR, Molecular Devices) instrument and maintained at 37°C in humidified air. Prior to drug addition a single image of the cell plate was

taken (signal test), to evaluate dye loading consistency. The run protocol used 60 images taken at 1 second intervals followed by a further 24 images at 5 second intervals. Agonists were added (by the FLIPR) after 20 sec (during continuous reading). From each well, peak fluorescence was determined over the whole assay period and the mean of readings 1-19 inclusive was subtracted from this figure. The peak increase in fluorescence was plotted against compound concentration and iteratively curve fitted using a four parameter logistic fit (as described by Bowen and Jerman, TiPS, 1995,16, 413-417) to generate a concentration effect value. Antagonist Kb values were calculated using the equation: Kb= IC$ol (1+ ( [3/ECSO]) where ECso was the potency of human orexin-A determined in the assay (in nM terms) and IC50 is expressed in molar terms.

Compounds of Examples tested according to this method had pKb values 6.4 to 7.4 at the human cloned orexin-1 receptor.

The orexin-2 receptor antagonist activity of the compounds of formula (1) was determined in accordance with the following experimental method.

Experimental Method CHO-DG44 cells expressing the human orexin-2 receptor were grown in cell medium (MEM medium with Earl's salts) containing 2 mM L-Glutamine, 0.4 mg/mL G418 Sulphate from GIBCO BRL and 10% heat inactivated fetal calf serum from Gibco BRL. The cells were seeded at 20,000 cells/100 IlVwell into 96-well black clear bottom sterile plates from Costar which had been pre-coated with 10 u. g/well ofpoly-L-lysine from SIGMA. The seeded plates were incubated overnight at 37C in 5% COz.

Agonists were prepared as 1 mM stocks in water : DMSO (1: 1). ECso values (the concentration required to produce 50% maximal response) were estimated using 1 lx half log unit dilutions (Biomek 2000, Beckman) in Tyrode's buffer containing probenecid (10 mM HEPES with 145mM NaCI, lOmM glucose, 2.5 mM KCI, 1.5 mM Cal2, 1.2 mM MgCI2 and 2. 5mM probenecid ; pH7.4). Antagonists were prepared as 10 mM stocks in DMSO (100%). Antagonist IC50 values (the concentration of compound needed to inhibit 50% of the agonist response) were determined against 10.0 nM human orexin-A using 1 lx half log unit dilutions in Tyrode's buffer containing 10% DMSO and probenecid.

On the day of assay 50 gel of cell medium containing probenecid (Sigma) and FIuo3AM (Texas Fluorescence Laboratories) was added (Quadra, Tomtec) to each well to give final concentrations of 2.5 mM and 4 uM, respectively. The 96-well plates were incubated for 60 min at 37C in 5% CO2. The loading solution containing dye was then aspirated and cells were washed with 4x150 ul Tyrode's buffer containing probenecid and 0.1% gelatin (Denley Cell Wash). The volume of buffer left in each well was 125 ui Antagonist or buffer (25 Ill) was added (Quadra) the

cell plates gently shaken and incubated at 37C in 5% C02 for 30 min. Cell plates were then transferred to the Fluorescent Imaging Plate Reader (FLIPR, Molecular Devices) instrument. Prior to drug addition a single image of the cell plate was taken (signal test), to evaluate dye loading consistency. The run protocol used 60 images taken at 1 second intervals followed by a further 24 images at 5 second intervals. Agonists were added (by the FLIPR) after 20 sec (during continuous reading). From each well, peak fluorescence was determined over the whole assay period and the mean of readings 1-19 inclusive was subtracted from this figure. The peak increase in fluorescence was plotted against compound concentration and iteratively curve fitted using a four parameter logistic fit (as described by Bowen and Jerman, TiPS, 1995,16, 413-417) to generate a concentration effect value. Antagonist Kb values were calculated using the equation: Kb=IC50/ (l+ ( [3/EC50]) where EC50 was the potency of human orexin-A determined in the assay (in nM terms) and IC50 is expressed in molar terms.

Compounds of Examples tested according to this method had pKb values in the range <6.6 to 7.4 at the human cloned orexin-2 receptor.

The application of which this description and claims forms part may be used as a basis for priority in respect of any subsequent application. The claims of such subsequent application may be directed to any feature or combination of features described herein. They may take the form of product, composition, process, or use claims and may include, by way of example and without limitation the following claims: