Method of treating focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

A method of treating focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with a compound of Formula I is provided. FSGS may be primary (no known cause) or secondary. The secondary FSGS may be associated with infections or viruses such as HIV, diseases such as sickle cell disease or lupus, toxins or drugs such as anabolic steroids, heroin or pamidronate, nephron loss and hyperfiltration, such as with chronic pyelonephritis and reflux, morbid obesity, or diabetes mellitus.

FIELD

The present disclosure describes methods of treating focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) with a compound of Formula I. FSGS comprises a group of disorders characterized renal lesions that appear on light microscopy to involve only some (focal) glomeruli and only part (segmental) of involved glomeruli. FSGS may occur in the context of genetic risk factors (genetic FSGS), heterozygosity or homozygosity for risk variants of apoL1 (apoL1 FSGS), exposure to viruses (viral FSGS), increased filtration demand on nephrons (adaptive FSGS, as may occur in the setting of nephron loss, hypertension, obesity, other conditions), exposure to toxins or medications (toxic FSGS), in the context of other renal or systemic diseases (secondary FSGS, as may occur in the setting of diabetes, lupus nephritis, and other diseases), in the context of recognized or unrecognized circulation factors or may be idiopathic (primary FSGS).

FSGS may be primary (no known cause) or secondary. The secondary FSGS may be associated with infections or viruses such as HIV, diseases such as sickle cell disease or lupus, toxins or drugs such as anabolic steroids, heroin or pamidronate, nephron loss and hyperfiltration, such as with chronic pyelonephritis and reflux, morbid obesity, or diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND

FSGS is used to describe both a disease characterized by primary podocyte injury, and a lesion that occurs secondarily in any type of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is defined by the presence of sclerosis in parts (segmental) or some glomeruli (focal) by light microscopy. FSGS can be found without an identifiable cause (“primary” or “idiopathic” FSGS represents 80% of cases) or in response to previous glomeruli injury, such as hypertension or obesity (“secondary” FSGS represents 20% of cases).

The most common manifestation of FSGS is proteinuria ranging from subnephrotic to nephrotic levels (heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia and hyperlipidemia). Heavy proteinuria leads to progressive loss of kidney function (glomerulosclerosis) and kidney failure. It accounts for ˜15% of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Massive proteinuria (>10-15 g/day) leads to rapid deterioration of renal function and progression to ESRD within 2-3 years. The survival rate of FSGS patients with massive proteinuria is only 45%.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is listed as a “rare disease” by the Office of Rare Diseases (ORD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and there is no current approved drug for FSGS. About 5400 patients are diagnosed with FSGS every year in the United States, but the number of cases is rising more than any other cause of Nephrotic Syndrome. Approximately 1,000 FSGS patients receive kidney transplants every year. Within hours to weeks after a kidney transplant, however, FSGS returns in approximately 30-40% of patients. The current standard of care includes the use of steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, immunosuppressive drugs, diuretics, plasmapheresis, diet change and statins. Only 20% of patients, however, achieve complete remission after 5 years of treatment, and 40% of patients show no remission (Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: Definition and Relevance of a Partial Remission. Troyanov et al, J Am Soc Nephrol 16: 1061-1068, 2005). There remains, therefore, a need to develop new efficacious drugs to treat the disease.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to methods of treating focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in a patient in need thereof comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a compound of Formula I:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Abbreviations and Definitions

When describing the compounds, compositions, methods and processes of this disclosure, the following terms have the following meanings, unless otherwise indicated.

“Alkyl” by itself or as part of another substituent refers to a hydrocarbon group which may be linear, cyclic, or branched or a combination thereof having the number of carbon atoms designated (i.e., C1-8means one to eight carbon atoms). Examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, (cyclohexyl)methyl, cyclopropylmethyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, etc. Alkyl groups are unsubstituted, unless otherwise indicated. Examples of substituted alkyl include haloalkyl, thioalkyl, aminoalkyl, and the like.

“Alkoxy” refers to —O-alkyl. Examples of an alkoxy group include methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy etc.

“Alkenyl” refers to an unsaturated hydrocarbon group which may be linear, cyclic or branched or a combination thereof. Alkenyl groups with 2-8 carbon atoms are preferred, although alkenyl can have more than 8 carbon atoms. The alkenyl group may contain 1, 2 or 3 carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples of alkenyl groups include ethenyl, n-propenyl, isopropenyl, n-but-2-enyl, n-hex-3-enyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclopentenyl and the like. Alkenyl groups are unsubstituted, unless otherwise indicated.

“Alkynyl” refers to an unsaturated hydrocarbon group which may be linear, cyclic or branched or a combination thereof. Alkynyl groups with 2-8 carbon atoms are preferred. The alkynyl group may contain 1, 2 or 3 carbon-carbon triple bonds. Examples of alkynyl groups include ethynyl, n-propynyl, n-but-2-ynyl, n-hex-3-ynyl and the like. Alkynyl groups are unsubstituted, unless otherwise indicated.

“Aryl” refers to a polyunsaturated, aromatic hydrocarbon group having a single ring (monocyclic) or multiple rings (bicyclic), which can be fused together or linked covalently. Aryl groups with 6-10 carbon atoms are preferred, where this number of carbon atoms can be designated by C6-10, for example. Examples of aryl groups include phenyl and naphthalene-1-yl, naphthalene-2-yl, biphenyl and the like. Aryl groups are unsubstituted, unless otherwise indicated.

“Halo” or “halogen”, by itself or as part of a substituent refers to a chlorine, bromine, iodine, or fluorine atom.

“Haloalkyl”, as a substituted alkyl group, refers to a monohaloalkyl or polyhaloalkyl group, most typically substituted with from 1-3 halogen atoms. Examples include 1-chloroethyl, 3-bromopropyl, trifluoromethyl and the like.

Heterocyclyl and heteroaryl can be attached at any available ring carbon or heteroatom. Each heterocyclyl and heteroaryl may have one or more rings. When multiple rings are present, they can be fused together or linked covalently. Each heterocyclyl and heteroaryl must contain at least one heteroatom (typically 1 to 5 heteroatoms) selected from nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur. Preferably, these groups contain 0-5 nitrogen atoms, 0-2 sulfur atoms and 0-2 oxygen atoms. More preferably, these groups contain 0-3 nitrogen atoms, 0-1 sulfur atoms and 0-1 oxygen atoms. Heterocyclyl and heteroaryl groups are unsubstituted, unless otherwise indicated. For substituted groups, the substitution may be on a carbon or heteroatom. For example, when the substitution is oxo (═O or —O−), the resulting group may have either a carbonyl (—C(O)—) or a N-oxide (—N+—O−).

As used above, R′, R″ and R′″ each independently refer to a variety of groups including hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-8alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C2-8alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted C2-8alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryloxyalkyl. When R′ and R″ are attached to the same nitrogen atom, they can be combined with the nitrogen atom to form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring (for example,

—NR′R″ includes 1-pyrrolidinyl and 4-morpholinyl). Furthermore, R′ and R″, R″ and R′″, or R′ and R′″ may together with the atom(s) to which they are attached, form a substituted or unsubstituted 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring.

Two of the substituents on adjacent atoms of an aryl or heteroaryl ring may optionally be replaced with a substituent of the formula -T-C(O)—(CH2)q—U—, wherein T and U are independently —NR″″—, —O—, —CH2— or a single bond, and q is an integer of from 0 to 2. Alternatively, two of the substituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl or heteroaryl ring may optionally be replaced with a substituent of the formula -A′-(CH2)r—B′—, wherein A′ and B′ are independently —CH2—, —O—, —NR″″—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)2—, —S(O)2NR″″— or a single bond, and r is an integer of from 1 to 3. One of the single bonds of the new ring so formed may optionally be replaced with a double bond. Alternatively, two of the substituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl or heteroaryl ring may optionally be replaced with a substituent of the formula —(CH2)s—X—(CH2)t—, where s and t are independently integers of from 0 to 3, and X is —O—, —NR″″—,

—S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)2—, or —S(O)2NR′—. R″″ in is selected from hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-8alkyl.

“Heteroatom” is meant to include oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S) and silicon (Si).

“Above natural isotopic abundance” refers to the abundance of isotopes of a chemical element as naturally measured.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable” carrier, diluent, or excipient is a carrier, diluent, or excipient compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

“Pharmaceutically-acceptable salt” refers to a salt which is acceptable for administration to a patient, such as a mammal (e.g., salts having acceptable mammalian safety for a given dosage regime). Such salts can be derived from pharmaceutically-acceptable inorganic or organic bases and from pharmaceutically-acceptable inorganic or organic acids, depending on the particular substituents found on the compounds described herein. When compounds of the present disclosure contain relatively acidic functionalities, base addition salts can be obtained by contacting the neutral form of such compounds with a sufficient amount of the desired base, either neat or in a suitable inert solvent. Salts derived from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic bases include aluminum, ammonium, calcium, copper, ferric, ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganic, manganous, potassium, sodium, zinc and the like. Salts derived from pharmaceutically-acceptable organic bases include salts of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary amines, including substituted amines, cyclic amines, naturally-occurring amines and the like, such as arginine, betaine, caffeine, choline, N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine, 2-diethylaminoethanol, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-ethylmorpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamine, glucosamine, histidine, hydrabamine, isopropylamine, lysine, methylglucamine, morpholine, piperazine, piperidine, polyamine resins, procaine, purines, theobromine, triethylamine, trimethylamine, tripropylamine, tromethamine and the like. When compounds of the present disclosure contain relatively basic functionalities, acid addition salts can be obtained by contacting the neutral form of such compounds with a sufficient amount of the desired acid, either neat or in a suitable inert solvent. Salts derived from pharmaceutically-acceptable acids include acetic, ascorbic, benzenesulfonic, benzoic, camphosulfonic, citric, ethanesulfonic, fumaric, gluconic, glucoronic, glutamic, hippuric, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, isethionic, lactic, lactobionic, maleic, malic, mandelic, methanesulfonic, mucic, naphthalenesulfonic, nicotinic, nitric, pamoic, pantothenic, phosphoric, succinic, sulfuric, tartaric, p-toluenesulfonic and the like.

Also included are salts of amino acids such as arginate and the like, and salts of organic acids like glucuronic or galactunoric acids and the like (see, for example, Berge, S. M. et al, “Pharmaceutical Salts”, J. Pharmaceutical Science, 1977, 66:1-19). Certain specific compounds of the present disclosure contain both basic and acidic functionalities that allow the compounds to be converted into either base or acid addition salts.

“Therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount sufficient to effect treatment when administered to a patient in need of treatment.

“Treating” or “treatment” as used herein refers to the treating or treatment of a disease or medical condition in a patient, such as a mammal (particularly a human or a companion animal) which includes ameliorating the disease or medical condition, i.e., eliminating or causing regression of the disease or medical condition in a patient; suppressing the disease or medical condition, for example slowing or arresting the development of the disease or medical condition in a patient; or alleviating the symptoms of the disease or medical condition in a patient; or preventing the disease to develop.

“UACR” refers to Urine Albumine to Creatinine Ratio.

“UAER” refers to Urinary Albumin Excretion Rate.

Certain compounds of the present disclosure can exist in unsolvated forms as well as solvated forms, including hydrated forms. In general, both solvated forms and unsolvated forms are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that certain compounds of the present disclosure may exist in tautomeric forms, all such tautomeric forms of the compounds being within the scope of the disclosure. Certain compounds of the present disclosure possess asymmetric carbon atoms (optical centers) or double bonds; the racemates, diastereomers, geometric isomers and individual isomers (for example separate enantiomers) are all intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

The compounds may be prepared such that any number of hydrogen atoms are replaced with a deuterium (2H) isotope. The compounds of the present disclosure may also contain unnatural proportions of atomic isotopes at one or more of the atoms that constitute such compounds. Unnatural proportions of an isotope may be defined as ranging from the amount found in nature to an amount consisting of 100% of the atom in question. For example, the compounds may incorporate radioactive isotopes, such as for example tritium (3H), iodine-125 (125I) or carbon-14 (14C), or non-radioactive isotopes, such as deuterium (2H) or carbon-13 (13C). Such isotopic variations can provide additional utilities to those described elsewhere within this application. All isotopic variations of the compounds of the present disclosure, whether radioactive or not, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. For instance, isotopic variants of the compounds of the disclosure may find additional utility, including but not limited to, as diagnostic and/or imaging reagents, or as cytotoxic/radiotoxic therapeutic agents. Additionally, isotopic variants of the compounds of the disclosure can have altered pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics which can contribute to enhanced safety, tolerability or efficacy during treatment.

Method of Treating FSGS

The present disclosure provides methods of treating FSGS in a patient comprising administering to the patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Ia):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein

Ar1is selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted C6-10aryl and substituted or unsubstituted 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl;

R1ais selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-8alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C2-6alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted C2-6alkynyl, and substituted or unsubstituted 3- to 10-membered heterocyclyl;

Y1is selected from the group consisting of —CR2a—, —N—, and —N+(O)−—;

Y2is selected from the group consisting of —CR2b—, —N—, and —N+(O)−—;

Y3is selected from the group consisting of —CR2c—, —N—, and —N+(O)−—;

R3a, R4a, and R5aare each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-8alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C2-8alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted C2-8alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted C6-10aryl, substituted or unsubstituted 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted 3- to 10-membered heterocyclyl;

R3aand R4a, R4aand R5aor R3aand R5amay, together with the atoms to which they are attached, form a substituted or unsubstituted 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring;

L is selected from the group consisting of a bond, —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)2—, —CR6R7—, —NR8—, —C(O)— and —NR8C(O)—;

R6and R7may, together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form substituted or unsubstituted C3-8cycloalkyl or substituted or unsubstituted 3- to 10-membered heterocyclic ring;

R9is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-8alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C2-8alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted C2-8alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted C6-10aryl, substituted or unsubstituted 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted 3- to 10-membered heterocyclyl;

R10and R11are each independently selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted C1-8alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted 3- to 10-membered heterocyclyl, substituted or unsubstituted C6-10aryl, substituted or unsubstituted 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted C2-8alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C2-8alkynyl;

R10and R11of —NR10R11may, together with the nitrogen, form a substituted or unsubstituted C3-8cycloalkyl or substituted or unsubstituted 3- to 10-membered heterocyclyl;

R8is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C(O)R12, S(O)2R12, CO2R12, substituted or unsubstituted C1-8alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted 3- to 10-membered heterocyclyl, substituted or unsubstituted C2-6alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C2-6alkynyl;

R12is selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted C1-8alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C2-6alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted C2-6alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted 3- to 10-membered heterocyclyl, substituted or unsubstituted C6-10aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl;

Z1is selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted C6-10aryl, substituted or unsubstituted 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted 3- to 10-membered heterocyclyl, and —NR13R14;

R13and R14are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-8alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C2-8alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted C2-8alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted 3- to 10-membered heterocyclyl, substituted or unsubstituted C6-10aryl, substituted or unsubstituted 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted (C1-4alkyl)-(C6-10aryl), and substituted or unsubstituted (C1-4alkyl)-(5- to 10-membered heteroaryl);

R13and R14may, together with the nitrogen, form a substituted or unsubstituted 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-membered heterocyclyl;

Y4is selected from the group consisting of —N— and —N(O)—;

In some embodiments, the compounds of formula CC are excluded from formula (Ia):

where X14is selected from the group consisting of —Cl, —NO2, —OCH3, —CH3, —NHC(O)CH3, and —CH2CH2-(phenyl);

R65is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted —SO2(phenyl); and

R60is selected from the group consisting of —NR61CH2CH2OR62, —NR61CH2CH2NR63R64, —NR61CH2CH2SR62,

where R61is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and substituted or unsubstituted phenyl;

R62is selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl; and

R63and R64are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-8alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, substituted or unsubstituted —SO2(phenyl), —C(O)CH3, —C(O)C(O)OH, and —C(O)2C(CH3)3.

In some embodiments, L is —C(O)—.

In some embodiments, Y1is —CR2a—; Y2is —CR2b—; Y3is —CR2c—; and R2a, R2b, and R2care each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-8alkyl.

In some embodiments, R1ais selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-8alkyl.

In some embodiments, Ar1is substituted or unsubstituted C6-10aryl. In some embodiments, Ar1is C6-10aryl substituted with 1 to 3 substituents selected from halogen, C1-6alkyl and C1-6haloalkyl. In some embodiments, Ar1is phenyl substituted with 1 to 3 substituents selected from halogen, C1-3alkyl and C1-3haloalkyl.

In some embodiments, Z1is substituted or unsubstituted 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl; L is —C(O)—; Y1is —CR2a—; Y2is —CR2b—; Y3is —CR2c—; R2a, R2b, and R2care each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-8alkyl; R1ais selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-8alkyl; Ar1is substituted or unsubstituted C6-10aryl; and Y4is —N—.

In some embodiments, Z1is unsubstituted 9- to 10-membered heteroaryl; L is —C(O)—; Y1is —CR2a—; Y2is —CR2b—; Y3is —CR2c—; R2a, R2b, and R2care each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and C1-8alkyl; R1ais selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or C1-8alkyl; Ar1is phenyl substituted with 1 to 3 substituents selected from halogen, C1-6alkyl and C1-6haloalkyl; and Y4is —N—.

The present disclosure also provides methods of treating focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in a patient in need thereof comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a compound of Formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein

n is 0, 1, 2, or 3; and

each of A1, A2, and A3is —CH— or —N—, where at least one of A1, A2, or A3is —N—.

In some embodiments, R1is halogen or methyl;

n is 0;

In some embodiments, the compound is:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments, the compound is

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments, the compound is

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments, the method of treating FSGS comprises preventing, reducing or eliminating a symptom or complication of FSGS.

In some embodiments, the method of treating FSGS comprises preventing, eliminating or delaying the onset of end stage renal disease in the patient.

In some embodiments, the FSGS is primary FSGS.

In some embodiments, the FSGS is secondary FSGS. In some embodiments, the secondary FSGS is associated with an infection or virus, a disease, exposure to a toxin or a drug, or nephron loss and hyperfiltration. In some embodiments, the FSGS is associated with HIV, sickle cell disease, lupus, exposure to an anabolic steroid, heroin or pamidronate, chronic pyelonephritis and reflux, morbid obesity, or diabetes mellitus.

In some embodiments, the method comprises one or more of: decreasing proteinuria, slowing the increase in proteinuria, reducing UACR, slowing the increase in urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), decreasing UAER, slowing the increase in UAER, reducing albuminuria, slowing the increase in albuminuria, increasing glomerular podocyte density, preventing or slowing glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickening, decreasing glomerular area, reducing the number of renal interstitial macrophages, decreasing or slowing fibrosis of renal tissues, stopping or decreasing inflammation in the kidneys, stopping or decreasing macrophage-induced damage to the kidneys, increasing or normalizing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), attenuating the decline of eGFR, reducing glomerulosclerosis, stopping or decreasing expansion of the glomerular extracellular matrix, stopping or decreasing deposition of hyaline masses, stopping or reducing glomerular epithelial hyperplasia lesions (EPHLs), and stopping or decreasing lymphocyte infiltration.

In some embodiments, the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered orally.

In some embodiments, the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered twice per day.

In some embodiments, the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered once per day.

In some embodiments, the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is not administered with any other therapeutic compound. In some embodiments, the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is not administered with any other therapeutic compound, concurrently or sequentially. In some embodiments, the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered alone. In some embodiments, the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is not administered with an angiotensin receptor II blocker (ARB). In some embodiments, the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is not administered with an angiotensin receptor II blocker (ARB), concurrently or sequentially.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering to the patient one or more additional therapeutic compound. In some embodiments, the one or more additional therapeutic compound is selected from one or more of an antihypertensive, a statin, a vasodilator, a steroid, a cytotoxic drug, a diuretic, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), a cholesterol or triglycerides reducing agent, and an immunosuppressive drug.

In some embodiments, the one or more additional therapeutic compound is selected from the group consisting of an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and an angiotensin receptor II blocker (ARB). In some embodiments, the one or more additional therapeutic compound is selected from the group consisting of ramipril, perindopril, lisinopril, perindopril arginine, captopril, spirapril, quinapril, enalapril, imidapril, fosinopril, zofenopril, benazepril, trandolapril, verapamil, benazepril, amlodipine, trandolapril, P-003, cilazapril, delapril, moexipril, quinapril, fosinopril, temocapril, losartan, candesartan, irbesartan, telmisartan, olmesartan, valsartan, azilsartan, telmisartan, fimasartan, EMA-401, azilsartan medoxomil potassium, sparsentan, candesartan cilexetil, olmesartan medoxomil, TRV-027, losartan potassium, YH-22189, azilsartan trimethylethanolamine, allisartan isoproxil, and eprosartan. In some embodiments, the one or more additional therapeutic compound is candesartan. In some embodiments, the one or more additional therapeutic compound is irbesartan.

In some embodiments, the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered with an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, concurrently or sequentially.

In some embodiments, the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered with an angiotensin receptor II blocker (ARB), concurrently or sequentially.

In some embodiments, the one or more additional therapeutic compound is selected from the group consisting of an Endothelin ET-A antagonist, a B-lymphocyte antigen CD20 inhibitor, a sodium glucose transporter-2 inhibitor, a T cell surface glycoprotein CD28 inhibitor; a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte protein-4 stimulator, a 38 MAP kinase inhibitor, a N acetylmannosamine kinase stimulator, an adrenocorticotrophic hormone ligand, an integrin alpha-V/beta-3 antagonist; a connective tissue growth factor ligand inhibitor, and a TGF beta antagonist.

In some embodiments, the one or more additional therapeutic compound is selected from the group consisting of a farnesoid X receptor agonist, a G-protein coupled bile acid receptor 1 agonist, an Endothelin ET-A antagonist, an Endothelin ET-1 antagonist, an Endothelin ET-2 antagonist, an Endothelin ET-3 antagonist, an Endothelin ET-B1 antagonist, an Endothelin ET-B2 antagonist, an Endothelin ET-C antagonist, a B-lymphocyte stimulator ligand inhibitor, a parathyroid hormone ligand inhibitor, a DNA polymerase inhibitor, a B-lymphocyte antigen CD20 inhibitor, a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte protein-4 stimulator, a T cell surface glycoprotein CD28 inhibitor, a MEKK-5 protein kinase inhibitor, a connective tissue growth factor ligand inhibitor, a mannan-binding lectin serine protease-2 inhibitor, a Syk tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a sodium glucose transporter-2 inhibitor, an erythropoietin receptor agonist, an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor; a PurH purine biosynthesis protein inhibitor, a C5 gene inhibitor, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, a cyclin-dependent kinase-4 inhibitor; a cyclin-dependent kinase-6 inhibitor; a retinoblastoma associated protein modulator, an insulin sensitizer, a Kallikrein 1 modulator, a potassium channel inhibitor, a Raf B protein kinase inhibitor, an adrenocorticotrophic hormone ligand, a complement C1s subcomponent inhibitor, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, a Jak1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a Jak tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a Jak2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a P2Y12 purinoceptor antagonist, a complement C5 factor inhibitor, a growth hormone receptor antagonist, an aldose reductase inhibitor, a serine protease inhibitor, atrypsin inhibitor, a somatostatin receptor agonist, a NADPH oxidase 1 inhibitor, a NADPH oxidase 4 inhibitor, an ANP agonist, a natriuretic peptide receptor B agonist, an I-kappa B kinase inhibitor, a NFE2L2 gene stimulator, a nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor, a STAT3 gene inhibitor, a vasopressin V2 antagonist, a calcineurin inhibitor, an aldosterone antagonist, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, a tumor necrosis factor ligand 13 inhibitor, a thromboxane A2 antagonist, an epidermal growth factor antagonist, an Erbb2 tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor, an Erbb3 tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor, an Erbb4 tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor, a renin inhibitor, a galectin-3 inhibitor, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, a FGF receptor antagonist, a PDGF receptor antagonist, a TGF beta antagonist, a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, a myosin stimulator, a beta 2 adrenoceptor agonist, a glucocorticoid agonist, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, an amyloid protein deposition inhibitor, an apolipoprotein gene stimulator, a bromodomain containing protein 4 inhibitor, an hepatocyte growth factor agonist, an advanced glycosylation product receptor antagonist, a GHR gene inhibitor; an IGF1 gene inhibitor, a CACNA2D3 calcium channel subunit modulator, a C-type natriuretic peptide ligand, a dendroaspis natriuretic protein ligand, a heat stable enterotoxin receptor agonist, a natriuretic peptide receptor A agonist, a natriuretic peptide receptor B agonist, a natriuretic peptide receptor C agonist, a bone morphogenetic protein-7 ligand modulator, a cyclooxygenase 1 inhibitor, a vasopressin V1 agonist, a N-acetylmannosamine kinase stimulator, an angiotensin converting enzyme 2 stimulator, a PPAR gamma agonist, a prostanoid receptor antagonist, a thromboxane A2 antagonist, a protein tyrosine phosphatase beta inhibitor, a Tek tyrosine kinase receptor stimulator, a bone morphogenetic protein-7 ligand, a caspase inhibitor, a prostacyclin agonist, an aldose reductase inhibitor, a cyclin-dependent kinase-2 inhibitor, a cyclin-dependent kinase-7 inhibitor, a cyclin-dependent kinase-9 inhibitor, a MCL1 gene inhibitor, a sclerostin inhibitor, a complement C5a receptor antagonist, an immunoglobulin gamma Fc receptor IIB antagonist, a prostacyclin agonist, a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, an hemoglobin modulator, an alkaline phosphatase stimulator, a NFE2L2 gene modulator, a NFKB gene modulator, a Rho associated protein kinase inhibitor, a CX3CR1 chemokine antagonist, a PDGF receptor beta modulator, an heparin agonist, an elastase stimulator, a growth hormone ligand; a growth hormone receptor agonist, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, an extracellular matrix protein modulator; a proteoglycan modulator, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, a monocyte chemotactic protein 1 ligand inhibitor, an histone deacetylase inhibitor, an hepatocyte growth factor agonist, an albumin agonist, a membrane copper amine oxidase inhibitor, an integrin alpha-V/beta-3 antagonist, a somatostatin receptor agonist, a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor, a solute carrier family 12A1 inhibitor, a hepatocyte growth factor ligand modulator, an interferon gamma receptor antagonist, a phenylalanine hydroxylase stimulator, a kidney urea transporter modulator, a factor Xa antagonist, a low molecular weight heparin, a dopamine D1 receptor agonist, a dual inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and neutral endopeptidase (EP), a thiazide-like diuretic, a potassium sparing diuretic, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, a neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, an aldosterone synthase inhibitor; a renin inhibitor; a calcium channel blocker, a potassium channel activator, a beta-adrenergic blocking drug, an alpha adrenergic blocking drug, a nitrate, a nitric oxide donating compound, a lipid lowering agent, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, a niacin receptor agonist, a niacin receptor partial agonist, a metabolic altering agent, an alpha glucosidase inhibitor, a dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitor, an ergot alkaloid, and a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor.

In some embodiments, the one or more additional therapeutic compound is selected from the group consisting of an Endothelin ET-A antagonist, an Endothelin ET-1 antagonist, an Endothelin ET-2 antagonist, an Endothelin ET-3 antagonist, an Endothelin ET-B1 antagonist, an Endothelin ET-B2 antagonist, an Endothelin ET-C antagonist, a B-lymphocyte stimulator ligand inhibitor, a B-lymphocyte antigen CD20 inhibitor, a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte protein-4 stimulator, a T cell surface glycoprotein CD28 inhibitor, a MEKK-5 protein kinase inhibitor, a connective tissue growth factor ligand inhibitor, a mannan-binding lectin serine protease-2 inhibitor, a Syk tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a sodium glucose transporter-2 inhibitor, an erythropoietin receptor agonist, an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor; a C5 gene inhibitor, an insulin sensitizer, a potassium channel inhibitor, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, a Jak1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a Jak tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a Jak2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a P2Y12 purinoceptor antagonist, a complement C5 factor inhibitor, a calcineurin inhibitor, an aldosterone antagonist, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, a renin inhibitor, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, a FGF receptor antagonist, a PDGF receptor antagonist, a TGF beta antagonist, a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, a myosin stimulator, a beta 2 adrenoceptor agonist, a glucocorticoid agonist, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, an apolipoprotein gene stimulator, a cyclooxygenase 1 inhibitor, a vasopressin V1 agonist, an angiotensin converting enzyme 2 stimulator, a PPAR gamma agonist, a prostanoid receptor antagonist, a CX3CR1 chemokine antagonist, a PDGF receptor beta modulator, an heparin agonist, an extracellular matrix protein modulator, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, a dual inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and neutral endopeptidase (EP), and a dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitor.

In some embodiments, the patient is also subjected to extracorporeal blood purification, allogenic transplantation, and/or stem cell therapy.

In some embodiments, the one or more additional therapeutic compound is administered concurrently or sequentially.

In some embodiments, the one or more additional therapeutic compound is administered as a single pharmaceutical composition together with the compound of formula I or (la), compound 1, compound 2 or compound 3 or as a separate pharmaceutical composition.

Compounds that Modulate CCR2 Activity

The present disclosure provides compounds that modulate CCR2 activity. Chemokine receptors are integral membrane proteins which interact with an extracellular ligand, such as a chemokine, and mediate a cellular response to the ligand, e.g., chemotaxis, increased intracellular calcium ion concentration, etc. Therefore, modulation of a chemokine receptor function, e.g., interference with a chemokine receptor ligand interaction, will modulate a chemokine receptor mediated response, and treat or prevent a chemokine receptor mediated condition or disease. Modulation of a chemokine receptor function includes both inducement and inhibition of the function. The type of modulation accomplished will depend on the characteristics of the compound, i.e., antagonist or full, partial or inverse agonist.

Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the compounds provided herein interfere with the interaction between a chemokine receptor and one or more cognate ligands. In particular, it is believed that the compounds interfere with the interaction between CCR2 and a CCR2 ligand, such as MCP-1. Compounds contemplated by the disclosure include, but are not limited to, the exemplary compounds provided herein and salts thereof.

The compounds of the disclosure are thought to interfere with inappropriate T-cell trafficking by specifically modulating or inhibiting a chemokine receptor function. Compounds useful for treating FSGS contemplated by the disclosure include, but are not limited to the exemplary compounds provided herein and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and the compounds provided in U.S. Pat. No. 8,519,135, US 2006/0173019, US 2014/0031348, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,622,583, 7,884,110 and 8,093,247 which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In some embodiments, the compounds of the disclosure are selective inhibitors of CCR2.

Compositions

This disclosure contemplates the administration of pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising a compound of Formula I, Formula (Ia), compound 1, compound 2 or compound 3 for treating focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in a patient in need thereof. The pharmaceutically acceptable compositions may comprise one or more additional therapeutic compound. The one or more additional therapeutic compound may be selected from compounds having efficacy in treating FSGS or renal diseases.

The pharmaceutically acceptable compositions can be administered to humans and other animals orally, rectally, parenterally, intracisternally, intravaginally, intraperitoneally, topically (as by powders, ointments, or drops), bucally, as an oral or nasal spray, or the like.

The compounds of the present disclosure or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may be formulated using nanotechnology. Nanoparticles are attractive for medical purposes based on their unique features, such as their surface to mass ratio being larger than that of other particles, their quantum properties, and their ability to adsorb and carry other compounds. Nanoparticles may have dimensions below 0.1 μm or 100 nm. Alternatively, a pharmaceutical composition may comprise relatively large (size>100 nm) nanoparticles, as needed for loading a sufficient amount of drug onto the particles. In addition, for drug delivery, not only engineered particles may be used as carrier, but also the drug itself may be formulated at a nanoscale, and then function as its own carrier. The composition of the engineered nanoparticles may vary. Source materials may be of biological origin like phospholipids, lipids, lactic acid, dextran, chitosan, or have more chemical characteristics like various polymers, carbon, silica, and metals. Especially in the area of engineered nanoparticles of polymer origin there is a vast area of possibilities for the chemical composition. See, for example, Martins et al., Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Systems: Recent Patents and Applications in Nanomedicine, Recent Patents on Nanomedicine, 2013, 3(2), pp. 1-14.

The compounds and compositions of the present disclosure may be administered by oral, parenteral (e.g., intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intravenous, ICV, intracisternal injection or infusion, subcutaneous injection, or implant), inhalation, nasal, vaginal, rectal, sublingual, or topical routes of administration and may be formulated, alone or together, in suitable dosage unit formulations containing conventional non toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles appropriate for each rouse of administration. The present disclosure also contemplates administration of the compounds and compositions of the present disclosure in a depot formulation.

An appropriate dosage level of the compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), compound 1, 2, or 3 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof will generally be about 0.001 to 100 mg per kg patient body weight per day which can be administered in single or multiple doses. Preferably, the dosage level will be about 0.01 to about 25 mg/kg per day; more preferably about 0.05 to about 10 mg/kg per day. A suitable dosage level may be about 0.01 to 25 mg/kg per day, about 0.05 to 10 mg/kg per day, or about 0.1 to 5 mg/kg per day. Within this range the dosage may be 0.005 to 0.05, 0.05 to 0.5, 0.5 to 5.0, or 5.0 to 50 mg/kg per day. For oral administration, the compositions are preferably provided in the form of tablets containing 1.0 to 1000 milligrams of the active ingredient, particularly 1.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, 25.0, 50.0, 75.0, 80.0, 90.0, 100.0, 110.0, 120.0, 130.0, 140.0, 150.0, 160.0, 170.0, 180.0, 190.0, 200.0, 250.0, 300.0, 400.0, 500.0, 600.0, 750.0, 800.0, 900.0, and 1000.0 milligrams of the active ingredient for the symptomatic adjustment of the dosage to the patient to be treated. For oral administration, in some embodiments, the compositions are provided in the form of tablets containing 150 mg of the active ingredient. For oral administration, in some embodiments, the compositions are provided in the form of tablets containing 10 mg of the active ingredient. For oral administration, in some embodiments, the compositions are provided in the form of tablets containing 5 mg of the active ingredient. The compounds may be administered on a regimen of 1 to 4 times per day, preferably once or twice per day.

It will be understood, however, that the specific dose level and frequency of dosage for any particular patient may be varied and will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the metabolic stability and length of action of that compound, the age, body weight, hereditary characteristics, general health, sex, diet, mode and time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity of the particular condition, and the host undergoing therapy.

The compounds and compositions of the present disclosure can be combined with other compounds and compositions having related utilities to prevent and treat FSGS. Selection of the appropriate agents for use in combination therapies can be made one of ordinary skill in the art. The combination of therapeutic agents may act synergistically to effect the treatment or prevention of the various disorders. Using this approach, one may be able to achieve therapeutic efficacy with lower dosages of each agent, thus reducing the potential for adverse side effects.

The weight ratio of the compound of the present disclosure to another active ingredient may be varied and will depend upon the effective dose of each ingredient.

Generally, an effective dose of each will be used. Thus, for example, when a compound of the present disclosure is combined with a second therapeutic compound the weight ratio of the compound of the present disclosure to the second therapeutic compound will generally range from about 1000:1 to about 1:1000, preferably about 200:1 to about 1:200.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides methods of treating or preventing FSGS by administering to a subject having such a condition or disease a therapeutically effective amount of any compound of the present disclosure. Compounds for use in the present methods include those compounds according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia), compound 1, 2 or 3 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, those provided as embodiments, those provided with specific structures herein and the compounds provided in U.S. Pat. No. 8,519,135, US 2006/0173019, US 2014/0031348, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,622,583, 7,884,110 and 8,093,247 which are hereby incorporated by reference. The compounds can be useful to treat a subject in need of treatment. The “subject” is defined herein to include animals such as mammals, including, but not limited to, primates (e.g., humans), cows, sheep, goats, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, mice and the like. In preferred embodiments, the subject is a human.

As used herein, the phrase “therapeutically effective amount” means the amount of the subject compound that will elicit the biological or medical response of a cell, tissue, system, or animal, such as a human, that is being sought by the researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other treatment provider.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides methods of treating or preventing FSGS involving administering to a subject an effective amount of the compound or composition of the disclosure, where the administering is oral, parenteral, rectal, transdermal, sublingual, nasal or topical.

Certain molecules disclosed in this patent can exist in different enantiomeric and diastereomeric forms and all such variants of these compounds are within the scope of the disclosure.

The specific pharmacological responses observed may vary according to and depending on the particular active compound selected or whether there are present pharmaceutical carriers, as well as the type of formulation and mode of administration employed, and such expected variations or differences in the results are contemplated in accordance with practice of the present disclosure.

Although specific embodiments of the present disclosure are herein illustrated and described in detail, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The above detailed descriptions are provided as exemplary of the present disclosure and should not be construed as constituting any limitation of the disclosure. Modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and all modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the disclosure are intended to be included with the scope of the appended claims.

Additional Combinations

The compounds of the disclosure can be supplied alone or in conjunction with one or more other drugs for treating FSGS.

Examples of therapeutic agents that may be combined with a compound or composition of the present disclosure, either administered separately or in the same pharmaceutical composition, include, but are not limited to: modulators of CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CCR9, CCR10, CCR11, CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3, CXCR4, CXCR5, CXCR6, CXCR7, CX3CR1, ChemR23, C5aR, C5a, and C5, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the modulator is an antagonist.

Examples of therapeutic agents that may be combined with a compound or composition of the present disclosure, either administered separately or in the same pharmaceutical composition, include, but are not limited to: CCX354, CCX9588, CCX140, CCX872, CCX598, CCX6239, CCX9664, CCX2553, CCX 2991, CCX282, CCX025, CCX507, CCX430, CCX765, CCX224, CCX662, CCX650, CCX832, CCX168, and CCX168-M1 or any combination thereof.

Examples of other therapeutic agents that may be combined with a compound or composition of the present disclosure, either administered separately or in the same pharmaceutical compositions, include, but are not limited to: a therapeutic antibody, a bispecific antibody and “antibody-like” therapeutic protein (such as DARTs®, Duobodies®, Bites®, XmAbs®, TandAbs®, Fab derivatives), an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), a virus, an oncolytic virus, gene modifiers or editors such as CRISPR (including CRISPR Cas9), zinc finger nucleases or synthetic nucleases (TALENs), a CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T-cell immunotherapeutic agent, cytokines, vaccines and vaccine adjuvants.

Kits and Packages

The terms “kit” and “pharmaceutical kit” refer to a commercial kit or package comprising, in one or more suitable containers, one or more pharmaceutical compositions and instructions for their use. In one embodiment, kits comprising a compound of Formula (I) or (la), or compound 1, 2 or 3, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and instructions for its administration are provided. In one embodiment, kits comprising a compound of Formula (I) or (la), or compound 1, 2 or 3, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in combination with one or more (e.g., one, two, three, one or two, or one to three) additional therapeutic agents and instructions for their administration are provided.

In one embodiment, the compounds of this disclosure are formulated into administration units which are packaged in a single packaging. The single packaging encompasses but is not limited to a bottle, a child-resistant bottle, an ampoule, and a tube. In one embodiment, the compounds of this disclosure and optionally additional therapeutic agents, are formulated into administration units and every single administration unit is individually packaged in a single packaging. Such individually packaged units may contain the pharmaceutical composition in any form including but not limited to liquid form, solid form, powder form, granulate form, an effervescent powder or tablet, hard or soft capsules, emulsions, suspensions, syrup, suppositories, tablet, troches, lozenges, solution, buccal patch, thin film, oral gel, chewable tablet, chewing gum, and single-use syringes. Such individually packaged units may be combined in a package made of one or more of paper, cardboard, paperboard, metal foil and plastic foil, for example a blister pack. One or more administration units may be administered once or several times a day. One or more administration units may be administered three times a day. One or more administration units may be administered twice a day. One or more administration units may be administered on a first day and one or more administration units may be administered on the following days.

Other Diseases

EXAMPLES

The remnant kidney and the adryamicin drug-induced models are commonly used rodent models for FSGS (de Mik S M. Et al. Pathophysiology and treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: the role of animal models. BMC Nephrol. 2013 Apr. 1; 14:74). The 5/6 remnant kidney model is representative of secondary FSGS whereas the Adriamycin nephropathy model is representative of primary FSGS.

Example 1: 5/6 Remnant Kidney Model

The 5/6 remnant kidney 129X1/SvJ mice was obtained from Jackson Laboratories. The mice were kept on standard chow and had free access to water. The mice surgery was performed in two stages. Under isoflurane anesthesia, two-thirds of the left kidney mass was dissected. After 7 to 10 days, a right unilateral nephrectomy was performed. Six weeks after the 5/6 nephrectomy, the mice were randomized for the study. Compound 3 and its vehicle were dosed subcutaneously once daily at 100 mg/kg formulated in 1% HPMC. 6 animals were used for each group.

Urine samples were collected at weeks one and two by individually housing the mice in metabolic cages for 18 hours. Urinary albumin was measured by ELISA (Bethyl Labs, Montgomery, Tex.), and the urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) was calculated as micrograms per 24 hours. Urinary creatinine was measured by mass spectrometry. The albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) was calculated as micrograms of albumin per milligram of creatinine. At the end of the experiments (after 2 weeks of treatment), the kidneys were collected, fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and cut into 3-μm-thick sections. Sections were stained for podocytes by immunohistochemistry with Wilms tumor protein 1 antibody (Abcam, Cambridge, Mass.). Glomerular cross-sectional area and podocyte number were determined in 20-30 glomeruli per mouse. Glomerulus volume and podocyte density were calculated from the immunohistochemistry data using the Weibel method. Mesangial expansion was measured by silver methenamine stain on 2-μm-thick paraffin sections by conventional methods.

FIG. 1shows that compound 3 reduces the profound proteinuria in 5/6 Remnant Kidney Model at week 1 and 2.

FIG. 2shows that compound 3 reduces the number of renal interstitial macrophages in the 5/6 Remnant Kidney Model.

FIG. 3shows some representative images of renal interstitial macrophages in the 5/6 Remnant Kidney Model with and without compound 3 treatment.

FIG. 4shows that compound 3 increased podocytes numbers in the 5/6 Remnant Kidney Model.

FIG. 5shows representative images of podocytes in the 5/6 Remnant Kidney Model with and without compound 3 treatment.

FIG. 6shows that compound 3 has a beneficial effect on the percentage of glomeruli with mesangiolysis in 5/6 Remnant Kidney Model.

FIG. 7shows a representative image of glomeruli with mesangiolysis.

Example 2: Adriamycin Nephropathy Model

The experiment was performed in female Balb/c mice (Jackson Laboratories). The mice were kept on standard chow and had free access to water. 7.5 mg/kg Adriamycin (Selleck Chemicals) or saline (control) was injected in a tail vein in isoflurane-anesthetized animals at day 0. Compound 1 and its vehicle (1% HPMC) were dosed subcutaneously once daily at 90 mg/kg formulated in 1% HPMC. Candesartan and its vehicle (H2O) were dosed orally once daily. Twelve animals were used for each group.

Urine samples were collect at week one and two by individually housing mice in metabolic cages for 18 h. Urinary albumin was measured by ELISA (Bethyl Labs, Montgomery, Tex.), and the urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) was calculated as micrograms per 24 hours. Urinary creatinine was measured by mass spectrometry. The albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) was calculated as micrograms of albumin per milligram of creatinine.

FIG. 8shows that compound 1 as single agent and in combination with candesartan (CST) leads to reduction in UACR levels.

FIG. 9shows that compound 1 in combination with candesartan (CST) leads to reduction in UAER levels.

Example 3: 5/6 Remnant Kidney Model with Combination Treatment

The 5/6 remnant kidney 129X1/SvJ mice was obtained from Jackson Laboratories. The mice were kept on standard chow and had free access to water. The mice surgery was performed in two stages. Under isoflurane anesthesia, two-thirds of the left kidney mass was dissected. After seven to ten days, a right unilateral nephrectomy was performed. Three to six weeks after the 5/6 nephrectomy, the mice were randomized for the study (n=12 per group). Compound 3 and its vehicle were dosed subcutaneously once daily at 100 mg/kg formulated in 1% HPMC. Candesartan (AK Scientific) and its vehicle (H2O) were dosed once daily orally at 5 mg/kg. Two animals per group were euthanized at weeks 1, 2, and 3 to perform histology and IHC.

Urine samples were collected at week one, two and three by individually housing the mice in metabolic cages for 18 hours. Urinary albumin was measured by ELISA (Bethyl Labs, Montgomery, Tex.), and the urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) was calculated as micrograms per 24 hours. Urinary creatinine was measured by mass spectrometry. The albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) was calculated as micrograms of albumin per milligram of creatinine.

FIG. 10shows a reduction in UAER values at weeks 1, 2 and 3 with treatment with compound 3 alone, with treatment with candesartan alone, as well as with treatment with a combination of compound 3 and candesartan in the 5/6 Remnant Kidney Model.

FIG. 11shows a reduction in UACR values at week 1 and week 2 with treatment with compound 3 alone, with treatment with candesartan alone as well as with treatment with a combination of compound 3 and candesartan in the 5/6 Remnant Kidney Model.

The specific pharmacological responses observed may vary according to and depending on the particular active compound selected or whether there are present pharmaceutical carriers, as well as the type of formulation and mode of administration employed, and such expected variations or differences in the results are contemplated in accordance with practice of the present disclosure.

Although specific embodiments of the present disclosure are herein illustrated and described in detail, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The above detailed descriptions are provided as exemplary of the present disclosure and should not be construed as constituting any limitation of the disclosure. Modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and all modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the disclosure are intended to be included with the scope of the appended claims.