Benzylamino substituted pyridopyrimidinones and derivatives as SOS1 inhibitors

The present invention encompasses compounds of formula (I) wherein the groups R1 to R4, A and p have the meanings given in the claims and specification, their use as inhibitors of SOS1, pharmaceutical compositions which contain compounds of this kind and their use as medicaments/medical uses, especially as agents for treatment and/or prevention of oncological diseases.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to new benzylamino substituted pyridopyrimidinones and derivatives of formula (I)

wherein the groups R1to R4, A and p have the meanings given in the claims and specification, their use as inhibitors of SOS1, pharmaceutical compositions which contain compounds of this kind and their use as medicaments/medical uses, especially as agents for treatment and/or prevention of oncological diseases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cancer-associated mutations in RAS-family proteins suppress their intrinsic and GAP-induced GTPase activity leading to an increased population of GTP-bound/active RAS-family proteins (McCormick et al., Expert Opin. Ther. Targets., 2015, 19(4):451-4; Hunter et al., Mol. Cancer Res., 2015, 13(9):1325-35). This in turn leads to persistent activation of effector pathways (e.g. MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, RalGDS pathways) downstream of RAS-family proteins. KRAS mutations (e.g. amino acids G12, G13, Q61, A146) are found in a variety of human cancers including lung cancer, colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer (Cox et al., Nat. Rev. Drug Discov., 2014, 13(11):828-51). Mutations in HRAS (e.g. amino acids G12, G13, Q61) and NRAS (e.g. amino acids G12, G13, Q61, A146) are also found in a variety of human cancer types however typically at a lower frequency compared to KRAS mutations (Cox et al., Nat. Rev. Drug Discov., 2014, 13(11):828-51). Alterations (e.g. mutation, over-expression, gene amplification) in RAS-family proteins have also been described as a resistance mechanism against cancer drugs such as the EGFR antibodies cetuximab and panitumumab (Leto et al., J. Mol. Med. (Berl). 2014 July; 92(7):709-22) and the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor osimertinib/AZD9291 (Ortiz-Cuaran et al., Clin. Cancer Res., 2016, 22(19):4837-47; Eberlein et al., Cancer Res., 2015, 75(12):2489-500).

Son of Sevenless 1 (SOS1) is a human homologue of the originally identified Drosophila protein Son of Sevenless (Pierre et al., Biochem. Pharmacol., 2011, 82(9):1049-56; Chardin et al., Cytogenet. Cell. Genet., 1994, 66(1):68-9). The SOS1 protein consists of 1333 amino acids (150 kDa). SOS1 is a multi-domain protein with two tandem N-terminal histone domains (HD) followed by the Dbl homology domain (DH), a Pleckstrin homology domain (PH), a helical linker (HL), RAS exchanger motif (REM), CDC25 homology domain and a C-terminal proline rich domain (PR). SOS1 has two binding sites for RAS-family proteins; a catalytic site that binds GDP-bound RAS-family proteins to promote guanine nucleotide exchange and an allosteric site that binds GTP-bound RAS-family proteins which causes a further increase in the catalytic GEF function of SOS1 (Freedman et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA., 2006, 103(45):16692-7; Pierre et al., Biochem. Pharmacol., 2011, 82(9):1049-56). Published data indicate a critical involvement of SOS1 in mutant KRAS activation and oncogenic signaling in cancer (Jeng et al., Nat. Commun., 2012, 3:1168). Depleting SOS1 levels decreased the proliferation rate and survival of tumor cells carrying a KRAS mutation whereas no effect was observed in KRAS wild type cell lines. The effect of loss of SOS1 could not be rescued by introduction of a catalytic site mutated SOS1, demonstrating the essential role of SOS1 GEF activity in KRAS mutant cancer cells.

SOS1 is critically involved in the activation of RAS-family protein signaling in cancer via mechanisms other than mutations in RAS-family proteins. SOS1 interacts with the adaptor protein Grb2 and the resulting SOS1/Grb2 complex binds to activated/phosphorylated Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (e.g. EGFR, ErbB2, ErbB3, ErbB4, PDGFR-A/B, FGFR1/2/3, IGF1R, INSR, ALK, ROS, TrkA, TrkB, TrkC, RET, c-MET, VEGFR1/2/3, AXL) (Pierre et al., Biochem. Pharmacol., 2011, 82(9):1049-56). SOS1 is also recruited to other phosphorylated cell surface receptors such as the T cell Receptor (TCR), B cell Receptor (BCR) and monocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor (Salojin et al., J. Biol. Chem. 2000, 275(8):5966-75). This localization of SOS1 to the plasma membrane, proximal to RAS-family proteins, enables SOS1 to promote RAS-family protein activation. SOS1-activation of RAS-family proteins can also be mediated by the interaction of SOS1/Grb2 with the BCR-ABL oncoprotein commonly found in chronic myelogenous leukemia (Kardinal et al., 2001, Blood, 98:1773-81; Sini et al., Nat. Cell Biol., 2004, 6(3):268-74).

SOS1 is also a GEF for the activation of the GTPases RAC1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1) (Innocenti et al., J. Cell Biol., 2002, 156(1):125-36). RAC1, like RAS-family proteins, is implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of human cancers and other diseases (Bid et al., Mol. Cancer Ther. 2013, 12(10):1925-34).

Son of Sevenless 2 (SOS2), a homolog of SOS1 in mammalian cells, also acts as a GEF for the activation of RAS-family proteins (Pierre et al., Biochem. Pharmacol., 2011, 82(9):1049-56; Buday et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta., 2008, 1786(2):178-87). Published data from mouse knockout models suggests a redundant role for SOS1 and SOS2 in homeostasis in the adult mouse. Whilst germline knockout of SOS1 in mice results in lethality during mid-embryonic gestation (Qian et al., EMBO J., 2000, 19(4):642-54), systemic conditional SOS1 knockout adult mice are viable (Baltanas et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 2013, 33(22):4562-78). SOS2 gene targeting did not result in any overt phenotype in mice (Esteban et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 2000, 20(17):6410-3). In contrast, double SOS1 and SOS2 knockout leads to rapid lethality in adult mice (Baltanas et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 2013, 33(22):4562-78). These published data suggest that selective targeting of individual SOS isoforms (e.g. selective SOS1 targeting) may be adequately tolerated to achieve a therapeutic index between SOS1/RAS-family protein driven cancers (or other SOS1/RAS-family protein pathologies) and normal cells and tissues.

Selective pharmacological inhibition of the binding of the catalytic site of SOS1 to RAS-family proteins is expected to prevent SOS1-mediated activation of RAS-family proteins to the GTP-bound form. Such SOS1 inhibitor compounds are expected to consequently inhibit signaling in cells downstream of RAS-family proteins (e.g. ERK phosphorylation). In cancer cells associated with dependence on RAS-family proteins (e.g. KRAS mutant cancer cell lines), SOS1 inhibitor compounds are expected to deliver anti-cancer efficacy (e.g. inhibition of proliferation, survival, metastasis etc.). High potency towards inhibition of SOS1:RAS-family protein binding (nanomolar level IC50values) and ERK phosphorylation in cells (nanomolar level IC50values) are desirable characteristics for a SOS1 inhibitor compound. Furthermore, a desirable characteristic of SOS1 inhibitor compound would be the selective inhibition of SOS1 over SOS2. This conclusion is based on the viable phenotype of SOS1 knockout mice and lethality of SOS1/SOS2 double knockout mice, as described above. These characteristics have not been fully achieved in previously described SOS1 inhibitor compounds. In the last decades the RAS family proteins-SOS1 protein interaction has gained increasing recognition. Until today several efforts to identify and optimize binders, which target either the effector binding site of RAS or the catalytic binding site of SOS1 (for a selected review see: Lu et al., ChemMedChem. 2016, 11(8):814-21), have been made with limited success.

Recently, small activating molecules have been identified, which bind to a lipophilic pocket of SOS1 in close proximity to the RAS binding site (Burns et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 2014, 111(9):3401-6). However, binding of these molecules seems to lead to increased nucleotide exchange and thereby activation of RAS instead of deactivation.

In an effort to stabilize the protein-protein-interaction of RAS-family proteins with SOS1 and to prevent reloading of RAS-family proteins with GTP, several different fragments were subsequently identified (Winter et al., J. Med. Chem. 2015, 58(5):2265-74). However, reversible binding of fragments to SOS1 did not translate into a measurable effect on the nucleotide exchange and only a weak effect was observed for fragments covalently bound to RAS.

Also recently, studies have been conducted to combine rational design and screening platforms to identify small molecule inhibitors of SOS1 (Evelyn et al., Chem. Biol. 2014, 21(12):1618-28; Evelyn et al., J. Biol. Chem. 2015, 290(20):12879-98; Zheng et al., WO 2016/077793), i.e. compounds which bind to SOS1 and inhibit protein-protein interaction with RAS-family proteins. Although compounds with a slight inhibitory effect on SOS1 have been identified, the effects on guanine nucleotide exchange and cellular signal transduction modulation (e.g. ERK phosphorylation) are weak.

Herein we describe novel SOS1 inhibitor compounds, which bind to the SOS1 catalytic site (confirmed by means of crystallography) and simultaneously prevent interactions with and activation of RAS-family proteins. This results in a pronounced inhibitory effect on the interaction of SOS1 with RAS-family proteins, in particular KRAS (with low single digit nanomolar IC50activity) and consequently a significant reduction of ERK phosphorylation in KRAS mutant cancer cell lines.

The selective SOS1 inhibitor compounds described herein are expected to deliver a pharmacological benefit to patients with cancers that are associated with dependence on RAS-family protein signaling. Such cancers expected to be targeted by a SOS1 inhibitor compound include those exhibiting alterations (mutations, gene amplification, over-expression) of components (proteins, genes) in the RAS-family protein pathway such as KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, receptor tyrosine kinases (e.g. EGFR, ErbB2, ErbB3, ErbB4, PDGFR-A/B, FGFR1/2/3, IGF1R, INSR, ALK, ROS, TrkA, TrkB, TrkC, RET, c-MET, VEGFR1/2/3, AXL), GAPs (e.g. NF1) and SOS1. Additionally, given the role of SOS1 in RAC1 activation, cancers demonstrating dependence on RAC1 are expected to be targeted by SOS1 inhibitor compounds. Furthermore, in other diseases associated with RAS-family protein pathway dysregulation such as the neurofibromatosis, Noonan syndrome (NS), cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFC) and hereditary gingival fibromatosis type 1, SOS1 inhibitor compounds would also be expected to deliver a pharmacological benefit.

In addition to the inhibitory effect and potency, compounds disclosed herein show good solubility, fine-tuned DMPK properties and good selectivity over kinases of the human kinome. Furthermore, these structurally and synthetically novel pyridopyrimidinone based compounds show a good metabolic stability, a decreased risk of time dependent inhibition of cytochromes and, presumably, a decreased general off target liability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Compounds

It has now been found that, surprisingly, compounds of formula (I) wherein the groups R1to R4, A and p have the meanings given hereinafter act as inhibitors of the interaction of the catalytic site of SOS1 with RAS-family proteins which is involved in controlling cell proliferation. Thus, the compounds according to the invention may be used for example for the treatment of diseases characterised by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation.

The present invention therefore relates to a compound of formula (I)

wherein

R2is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-4alkyl, C3-6cycloalkyl, 3-6 membered heterocyclyl and halogen;

R3is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-4alkyl and C1-4haloalkyl;

ring system A is selected from the group consisting of C6-10aryl, 5-10 membered heteroaryl and 9-10 membered bicyclic heterocyclyl;

or a salt thereof.

In one aspect [A1] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

In another aspect [A2] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

each Rb1is independently selected from the group consisting of —ORc1, halogen and —C(O)NRc1Rc1;

each Rc1is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, C1-6haloalkyl, 3-10 membered heterocyclyl, C6-10aryl and 5-10 membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl, C1-6haloalkyl, 3-10 membered heterocyclyl, C6-10aryl and 5-10 membered heteroaryl are all optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different Rd1and/or Re1;

each Rd1is independently selected from the group consisting of —ORe1and halogen;

each Re1is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-6alkyl.

In another aspect [A3] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

Ra1is selected from the group consisting of C3-10-cycloalkyl and C4-10cycloalkenyl, wherein the C3-10cycloalkyl and C4-10cycloalkenyl are both optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different Rb1and/or Rc1;

In another aspect [A4] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

R1is C3-8cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different Rb1and/or Rc1;

each Rb1is independently selected from the group consisting of —ORc1, halogen and —C(O)NRc1Rc1;

each Rc1is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, C1-6haloalkyl, 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, phenyl and 5-6 membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl, C1-6haloalkyl, 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, phenyl and 5-6 membered heteroaryl are all optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different Rd1and/or Re1;

each Rd1is independently selected from the group consisting of —ORe1and halogen;

each Re1is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-6alkyl.

In another aspect [A5] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

In another aspect [A6] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

R1is selected from among

In another aspect [A7] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

R1is selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl and C1-6haloalkyl.

In another aspect [A8] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

R1is selected from the group consisting of C1-4alkyl and C1-4haloalkyl.

In another aspect [A9] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

R1is 3-10 membered heterocyclyl optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different Rb1and/or Rc1;

In another aspect [A10] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

R1is 3-10 membered heterocyclyl optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different substituent(s) selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C1-6haloalkyl and C6-10aryl.

In another aspect [A11] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

R1is 3-8 membered heterocyclyl optionally substituted by one substituent selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C1-6haloalkyl and C6-10aryl.

In another aspect [A12] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

R1is selected from among

In another aspect [A13] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

In another aspect [B1] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

In another aspect [B2] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

In another aspect [B3] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

In another aspect [B4] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

In another aspect [B5] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

R2is selected from the group consisting of fluorine and bromine.

In another aspect [B6] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

In another aspect [B7] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

In another aspect [B8] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

In another aspect [C1] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

In another aspect [C2] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

In another aspect [C3] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

In another aspect [D1] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein ring system A is selected from the group consisting of C6-10aryl, 5-10 membered heteroaryl and 9-10 membered bicyclic heterocyclyl;

p denotes 1 or 2;

each R4is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-4alkyl, C2-4alkinyl, C1-4haloalkyl, hydroxy-C1-4haloalkyl, C1-4haloalkyl substituted with a 3-6 membered heterocyclyl, halogen and the bivalent substituent ═O, while ═O may only be a substituent in a non-aromatic ring.

In another aspect [D2] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

ring system A is selected from the group consisting of C6-10aryl and 9-10 membered bicyclic heterocyclyl;

p denotes 1 or 2;

each R4is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-4alkyl, C2-4alkinyl, C1-4haloalkyl, hydroxy-C1-4haloalkyl, C1-4haloalkyl substituted with a 3-6 membered heterocyclyl, halogen and the bivalent substituent ═O, while ═O may only be a substituent in a non-aromatic ring.

In another aspect [D3] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

A together with the p substituents R4has substructure

RBis selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —NH2;

RCis selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-4alkyl and halogen; or

RAand RCtogether with the carbon atoms they are attached form a 5-6 membered non-aromatic carbocycle, a 5-6 membered non-aromatic heterocycle or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl, wherein the 5-6 membered non-aromatic carbocycle, 5-6 membered non-aromatic heterocycle and 5-6 membered heteroaryl are all optionally substituted by one or more halogen or by an oxo group.

In another aspect [D4] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

A together with the p substituents R4has substructure

RBis selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —NH2;

RCis selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-4alkyl and halogen; or

RAand RCtogether with the carbon atoms they are attached form a 5-6 membered non-aromatic carbocycle or a 5-6 membered non-aromatic heterocycle, wherein the 5-6 membered non-aromatic carbocycle and the 5-6 membered non-aromatic heterocycle are both optionally substituted by one or more halogen or by an oxo group.

In another aspect [D5] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

A together with the p substituents R4has substructure

RAis selected from the group consisting of C1-4haloalkyl, hydroxy-C1-4haloalkyl and C1-4haloalkyl substituted with a 3-6 membered heterocyclyl;

RCis selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-4alkyl and fluorine; or

RAand RCtogether with the carbon atoms they are attached form a 5-6 membered non-aromatic carbocycle, a 5-6 membered non-aromatic heterocycle or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl, wherein the 5-6 membered non-aromatic carbocycle, 5-6 membered non-aromatic heterocycle and 5-6 membered heteroaryl are all optionally substituted by one or more fluorine or by an oxo group.

In another aspect [D6] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

A together with the p substituents R4has substructure

RAis selected from the group consisting of C1-4haloalkyl, hydroxy-C1-4haloalkyl and C1-4haloalkyl substituted with a 3-6 membered heterocyclyl;

RCis selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-4alkyl and fluorine; or

RAand RCtogether with the carbon atoms they are attached form a 5-6 membered non-aromatic carbocycle or a 5-6 membered non-aromatic heterocycle, wherein the 5-6 membered non-aromatic carbocycle and the 5-6 membered non-aromatic heterocycle are both optionally substituted by one or more fluorine or by an oxo group.

In another aspect [D7] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

A together with the p substituents R4are selected from among

In another aspect [D8] the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein

A together with the p substituents R4are selected from among

All the above-mentioned structural aspects [A1] to [A13], [B1] to [B8], [C1] to [C3] and [D1] to [D8] are preferred embodiments of the corresponding aspects [A0], [B0], [C0] and [D0], respectively. The structural aspects [A0] to [A13], [B0] to [B8], [C0] to [C3] and [D0] to [D8] relating to different molecular parts of the compounds (I) according to the invention may be combined with one another as desired in combinations [A][B][C][D] to obtain preferred compounds (I). Each combination [A][B][C][D] represents and defines individual embodiments or generic subsets of compounds (I) according to the invention.

Preferred embodiments of the invention with structure (I) are example compounds I-1 to I-179 and any subset thereof.

All synthetic intermediates generically defined as well es specifically disclosed herein and their salts are also part of the invention.

All individual synthetic reaction steps as well as reaction sequences comprising these individual synthetic reaction steps, both generically defined or specifically disclosed herein, are also part of the invention.

The present invention further relates to hydrates, solvates, polymorphs, metabolites, derivatives, isomers and prodrugs of a compound of formula (I) (including all its embodiments).

The present invention further relates to a hydrate of a compound of formula (I) (including all its embodiments).

The present invention further relates to a solvate of a compound of formula (I) (including all its embodiments).

Compounds of formula (I) (including all its embodiments) which e.g. bear ester groups are potential prodrugs the ester being cleaved under physiological conditions and are also part of the invention.

The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of formula (I) (including all its embodiments).

The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of formula (I) (including all its embodiments) with an organic or organic acids or bases.

Medical Uses—Methods of Treatment

The present invention is directed to SOS1 inhibitor compounds, in particular compounds of formula (I) (including all its embodiments), which are useful in the treatment and/or prevention of a disease and/or condition associated with or modulated by SOS1, especially wherein the inhibition of the interaction of SOS1 and a RAS-family protein and/or RAC1 is of therapeutic benefit, including but not limited to the treatment and/or prevention of cancer.

In another aspect the invention relates to a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—for use as a medicament.

In another aspect the invention relates to a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal body.

In another aspect the invention relates to a SOS1 inhibitor compound, in particular a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—for use in the treatment and/or prevention of a disease and/or condition wherein the inhibition of the interaction of SOS1 and a RAS-family protein and/or RAC1 is of therapeutic benefit, including but not limited to the treatment and/or prevention of cancer.

In another aspect the invention relates to a SOS1 inhibitor compound, in particular a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—for use in the treatment and/or prevention of cancer.

In another aspect the invention relates to a SOS1 inhibitor compound, in particular a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—for use in a method of treatment and/or prevention of cancer in the human or animal body.

In another aspect the invention relates to a SOS1 inhibitor compound, in particular a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—for use in a method of treatment and/or prevention of cancer in the human or animal body.

In another aspect the invention relates to a SOS1 inhibitor compound—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—for use as hereinbefore defined wherein said SOS1 inhibitor compound is administered before, after or together with at least one other pharmacologically active substance.

In another aspect the invention relates to a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—for use as hereinbefore defined wherein said compound is administered before, after or together with at least one other pharmacologically active substance.

In another aspect the invention relates to a SOS1 inhibitor compound—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—for use as hereinbefore defined, wherein said SOS1 inhibitor compound is administered in combination with at least one other pharmacologically active substance.

In another aspect the invention relates to a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—for use as hereinbefore defined, wherein said compound is administered in combination with at least one other pharmacologically active substance.

In another aspect the invention relates to a pharmacologically active substance prepared for being administered before, after or together with a SOS1 inhibitor compound—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—for use as hereinbefore defined for the use of the compound of formula (I).

In another aspect the invention relates to a pharmacologically active substance prepared for being administered before, after or together with a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—for use as hereinbefore defined for the use of the compound of formula (I).

In another aspect the invention relates to a SOS1 inhibitor compound, in particular a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—for use in the treatment or in a method of treatment as hereinbefore defined.

In another aspect the invention relates to the use of a SOS1 inhibitor compound, in particular a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of cancer.

In another aspect the invention relates to the use of a SOS1 inhibitor compound—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—as hereinbefore defined wherein said SOS1 inhibitor compound is administered before, after or together with at least one other pharmacologically active substance.

In another aspect the invention relates to the use of a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—as hereinbefore defined wherein said compound is administered before, after or together with at least one other pharmacologically active substance.

In another aspect the invention relates to the use of a SOS1 inhibitor compound, in particular a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—as hereinbefore defined for the treatment.

In another aspect the invention relates to a method for the treatment and/or prevention of a disease and/or condition wherein the inhibition of the interaction of SOS1 and a RAS-family protein or RAC1 is of therapeutic benefit comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a SOS1 inhibitor compound, in particular a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—to a human being.

In another aspect the invention relates to a method for the treatment and/or prevention of cancer comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a SOS1 inhibitor compound, in particular a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—to a human being.

In another aspect the invention relates to a method as hereinbefore defined wherein the SOS1 inhibitor compound—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—is administered before, after or together with at least one other pharmacologically active substance.

In another aspect the invention relates to a method as hereinbefore defined wherein the compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—is administered before, after or together with at least one other pharmacologically active substance.

In another aspect the invention relates to a method as hereinbefore defined wherein the SOS1 inhibitor compound—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—is administered in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of at least one other pharmacologically active substance.

In another aspect the invention relates to a method as hereinbefore defined wherein the compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—is administered in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of at least one other pharmacologically active substance.

In another aspect the invention relates to a method for the treatment as hereinbefore defined.

In another aspect the invention relates to a kit comprisinga first pharmaceutical composition or dosage form comprising a SOS1 inhibitor compound and, optionally, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients and/or vehicles, andat least a second pharmaceutical composition or dosage form comprising another pharmacologically active substance and, optionally, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients and/or vehicles.

In another aspect the invention relates to a kit comprisinga first pharmaceutical composition or dosage form comprising a compound of formula (I) and, optionally, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients and/or vehicles, andat least a second pharmaceutical composition or dosage form comprising another pharmacologically active substance and, optionally, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients and/or vehicles.

In another aspect the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one (preferably one) compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipient(s).

In another aspect the invention relates to a pharmaceutical preparation comprising a compound of formula (I)—or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof—and at least one (preferably one) other pharmacologically active substance.

In another aspect the pharmacologically active substance to be used together/in combination with the SOS1 inhibitor compound, in particular compound of formula (I) (including all individual embodiments or generic subsets of compounds (I)), or in the medical uses, uses, methods of treatment and/or prevention as herein (above and below) defined can be selected from any one or more of the following (preferably there is only one additional pharmacologically active substance used in all these embodiments):

5. an Inhibitor of GDP-Bound KRAS and/or of Mutants Thereofa. an irreversible inhibitor of KRAS G120i. e.g. ARS-853 (compound V-64 in WO 2014/152588), example 1-272 in WO 2016/044772;b. a reversible inhibitor of GDP-bound KRAS and/or of mutants thereof;

6. an Inhibitor of BCR-ABL and/or of Mutants Thereofa. e.g. imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib;b. preferred are imatinib and nilotinib;c. most preferred is imatinib;

9. an Inhibitor of c-MET and/or of Mutants Thereof

10. an Inhibitor of AXL and/or of Mutants Thereof

11. an Inhibitor of NTRK1 and/or of Mutants thereof

12. an inhibitor of RET and/or of Mutants Thereof

26. An Inhibitor of RAS GEFs and/or of Mutants Thereofa. e.g. an inhibitor of SOS2 and/or of mutants thereof

27. An Inhibitor of PI3K and/or of Mutants Thereof

Within this invention it is to be understood that the combinations, compositions, kits, methods, uses or compounds for use according to this invention may envisage the simultaneous, concurrent, sequential, successive, alternate or separate administration of the active ingredients or components. It will be appreciated that the SOS1 inhibitor compound (e.g. compound of formula (I)) and the at least one other pharmacologically active substance can be administered formulated either dependently or independently, such as e.g. the SOS1 inhibitor compound (e.g. compound of formula (I)) and the at least one other pharmacologically active substance may be administered either as part of the same pharmaceutical composition/dosage form or, preferably, in separate pharmaceutical compositions/dosage forms.

In this context, “combination” or “combined” within the meaning of this invention includes, without being limited, a product that results from the mixing or combining of more than one active ingredient and includes both fixed and non-fixed (e.g. free) combinations (including kits) and uses, such as e.g. the simultaneous, concurrent, sequential, successive, alternate or separate use of the components or ingredients. The term “fixed combination” means that the active ingredients are both administered to a patient simultaneously in the form of a single entity or dosage. The term “non-fixed combination” means that the active ingredients are both administered to a patient as separate entities either simultaneously, concurrently or sequentially with no specific time limits, wherein such administration provides therapeutically effective levels of the two compounds in the body of the patient.

The administration of the SOS1 inhibitor compound (e.g. compound of formula (I)) and the at least one other pharmacologically active substance may take place by co-administering the active components or ingredients, such as e.g. by administering them simultaneously or concurrently in one single or in two or more separate formulations or dosage forms. Alternatively, the administration of the SOS1 inhibitor compound (e.g. compound of formula (I)) and the at least one other pharmacologically active substance may take place by administering the active components or ingredients sequentially or in alternation, such as e.g. in two or more separate formulations or dosage forms.

For example, simultaneous administration includes administration at substantially the same time. This form of administration may also be referred to as “concomitant” administration. Concurrent administration includes administering the active agents within the same general time period, for example on the same day(s) but not necessarily at the same time. Alternate administration includes administration of one agent during a time period, for example over the course of a few days or a week, followed by administration of the other agent(s) during a subsequent period of time, for example over the course of a few days or a week, and then repeating the pattern for one or more cycles. Sequential or successive administration includes administration of one agent during a first time period (for example over the course of a few days or a week) using one or more doses, followed by administration of the other agent(s) during a second and/or additional time period (for example over the course of a few days or a week) using one or more doses. An overlapping schedule may also be employed, which includes administration of the active agents on different days over the treatment period, not necessarily according to a regular sequence. Variations on these general guidelines may also be employed, e.g. according to the agents used and the condition of the subject.

The elements of the combinations of this invention may be administered (whether dependently or independently) by methods customary to the skilled person, e.g. by oral, enterical, parenteral (e.g., intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intravenous, transdermal or subcutaneous injection, or implant), nasal, vaginal, rectal, or topical routes of administration and may be formulated, alone or together, in suitable dosage unit formulations containing conventional non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients and/or vehicles appropriate for each route of administration.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention the invention provides a method for the treatment and/or prevention of cancer comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a SOS1 inhibitor compound (e.g. a compound of formula

(I)) and a therapeutically effective amount of at least one other pharmacologically active substance, wherein the SOS1 inhibitor compound (e.g. a compound of formula (I)) is administered simultaneously, concurrently, sequentially, successively, alternately or separately with the at least one other pharmacologically active substance.

In another aspect the invention provides a SOS1 inhibitor compound (e.g. a compound of formula (I)) for use in the treatment and/or prevention of cancer, wherein the SOS1 inhibitor compound (e.g. a compound of formula (I)) is administered simultaneously, concurrently, sequentially, successively, alternately or separately with the at least one other pharmacologically active substance.

In another aspect the invention provides a kit comprisinga first pharmaceutical composition or dosage form comprising a SOS1 inhibitor compound (e.g. a compound of formula (I)), and, optionally, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients and/or vehicles, andat least a second pharmaceutical composition or dosage form comprising another pharmacologically active substance, and, optionally, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients and/or vehicles,

for use in the treatment and/or prevention of cancer, wherein the first pharmaceutical composition is to be administered simultaneously, concurrently, sequentially, successively, alternately or separately with the second and/or additional pharmaceutical composition or dosage form.

In a further embodiment of the invention the components (i.e. the combination partners) of the combinations, kits, uses, methods and compounds for use according to the invention (including all embodiments) are administered simultaneously.

In a further embodiment of the invention the components (i.e. the combination partners) of the combinations, kits, uses, methods and compounds for use according to the invention (including all embodiments) are administered concurrently.

In a further embodiment of the invention the components (i.e. the combination partners) of the combinations, kits, uses, methods and compounds for use according to the invention (including all embodiments) are administered sequentially.

In a further embodiment of the invention the components (i.e. the combination partners) of the combinations, kits, uses, methods and compounds for use according to the invention (including all embodiments) are administered successively.

In a further embodiment of the invention the components (i.e. the combination partners) of the combinations, kits, uses, methods and compounds for use according to the invention (including all embodiments) are administered alternately.

In a further embodiment of the invention the components (i.e. the combination partners) of the combinations, kits, uses, methods and compounds for use according to the invention (including all embodiments) are administered separately.

The “therapeutically effective amount” of the active compound(s) to be administered is the minimum amount necessary to prevent, ameliorate, or treat a disease or disorder.

The combinations of this invention may be administered at therapeutically effective single or divided daily doses. The active components of the combination may be administered in such doses which are therapeutically effective in monotherapy, or in such doses which are lower than the doses used in monotherapy, but when combined result in a desired (joint) therapeutically effective amount.

In another aspect the disease/condition/cancer to be treated/prevented with the SOS1 inhibitor compound, SOS1 inhibitor compound for use, compound of formula (I), compound of formula (I) for use, use for preparing and method for the treatment and/or prevention as herein (above and below) defined is selected from the group consisting of pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, multiple myeloma, melanoma, uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, thyroid cancer, acute myeloid leukaemia, bladder cancer, urothelial cancer, gastric cancer, cervical cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, diffuse large B cell lymphoma, oesophageal cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, hepatocellular cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, glioblastoma, renal cancer and sarcomas.

In another aspect the disease/condition/cancer to be treated/prevented with the SOS1 inhibitor compound, SOS1 inhibitor compound for use, compound of formula (I), compound of formula (I) for use, use for preparing and method for the treatment and/or prevention as herein (above and below) defined is selected from the group consisting of pancreatic cancer, lung cancer (preferably non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)), cholangiocarcinoma and colorectal cancer.

In another aspect the disease/condition to be treated/prevented with the SOS1 inhibitor compound, SOS1 inhibitor compound for use, compound of formula (I), compound of formula (I) for use, use for preparing and method for the treatment and/or prevention as herein (above and below) defined is a RASopathy, preferably selected from the group consisting of Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), Noonan Syndrome (NS), Noonan Syndrome with Multiple Lentigines (NSML) (also referred to as LEOPARD syndrome), Capillary Malformation-Arteriovenous Malformation Syndrome (CM-AVM), Costello Syndrome (CS), Cardio-Facio-Cutaneous Syndrome (CFC), Legius Syndrome (also known as NF1-like Syndrome) and Hereditary gingival fibromatosis.

In another aspect the disease/condition/cancer to be treated/prevented with the SOS1 inhibitor compound, SOS1 inhibitor compound for use, compound of formula (I), compound of formula (I) for use, use for preparing and method for the treatment and/or prevention as herein (above and below) defined is a disease/condition/cancer defined as exhibiting one or more of the following molecular features:

Particularly preferred, the cancer to be treated/prevented with the SOS1 inhibitor compound, SOS1 inhibitor compound for use, compound of formula (I), compound of formula (I) for use, use for preparing and method for the treatment and/or prevention as herein (above and below) defined is selected from the group consisting of:lung adenocarcinoma harboring a KRAS mutation selected from the group consisting of G12C, G12V, G12D and G12R;colorectal adenocarcinoma harboring a KRAS mutation selected from the group consisting of G12D, G12V, G12C, G12R and G13D; andpancreatic adenocarcinoma harboring a KRAS mutation selected from the group consisting of G12D, G12V, G12R, G12C and Q61H.

Any disease/condition/cancer, medical use, use, method of treatment and/or prevention as disclosed or defined herein (including molecular/genetic features) may be treated/performed with any compound of formula (I) as disclosed or defined herein (including all individual embodiments or generic subsets of compounds (I)).

Definitions

The use of the prefix Cx-y, wherein x and y each represent a positive integer (x<y), indicates that the chain or ring structure or combination of chain and ring structure as a whole, specified and mentioned in direct association, may consist of a maximum of y and a minimum of x carbon atoms.

The indication of the number of members in groups that contain one or more heteroatom(s) (e.g. heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocycylalkyl) relates to the total number of atoms of all the ring members or the total of all the ring and carbon chain members.

The indication of the number of carbon atoms in groups that consist of a combination of carbon chain and carbon ring structure (e.g. cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl) relates to the total number of carbon atoms of all the carbon ring and carbon chain members. Obviously, a ring structure has at least three members.

In general, for groups comprising two or more subgroups (e.g. heteroarylalkyl, heterocycylalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl) the last named subgroup is the radical attachment point, for example, the substituent aryl-C1-6alkyl means an aryl group which is bound to a C1-6alkyl group, the latter of which is bound to the core or to the group to which the substituent is attached.

In groups like HO, H2N, (O)S, (O)2S, NC (cyano), HOOC, F3C or the like, the skilled artisan can see the radical attachment point(s) to the molecule from the free valences of the group itself.

Alkyl denotes monovalent, saturated hydrocarbon chains, which may be present in both straight-chain (unbranched) and branched form. If an alkyl is substituted, the substitution may take place independently of one another, by mono- or polysubstitution in each case, on all the hydrogen-carrying carbon atoms.

By the terms propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl etc. without any further definition are meant saturated hydrocarbon groups with the corresponding number of carbon atoms, wherein all isomeric forms are included.

The above definition for alkyl also applies if alkyl is a part of another (combined) group such as for example Cx-yalkylamino or Cx-yalkyloxy.

The term alkylene can also be derived from alkyl. Alkylene is bivalent, unlike alkyl, and requires two binding partners. Formally, the second valency is produced by removing a hydrogen atom in an alkyl. Corresponding groups are for example —CH3and —CH2—, —CH2CH3and —CH2CH2— or >CHCH3etc.

By the generic terms propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene etc. without any further definition are meant all the conceivable isomeric forms with the corresponding number of carbon atoms, i.e. propylene includes 1-methylethylene and butylene includes 1-methylpropylene, 2-methylpropylene, 1,1-dimethylethylene and 1,2-dimethylethylene. The above definition for alkylene also applies if alkylene is part of another (combined) group such as for example in HO—Cx-yalkyleneamino or H2N—Cx-yalkyleneoxy.

Unlike alkyl, alkenyl consists of at least two carbon atoms, wherein at least two adjacent carbon atoms are joined together by a C—C double bond and a carbon atom can only be part of one C—C double bond. If in an alkyl as hereinbefore defined having at least two carbon atoms, two hydrogen atoms on adjacent carbon atoms are formally removed and the free valencies are saturated to form a second bond, the corresponding alkenyl is formed.

Alkenyl may optionally be present in the cis or trans or E or Z orientation with regard to the double bond(s).

The above definition for alkenyl also applies when alkenyl is part of another (combined) group such as for example in Cx-yalkenylamino or Cx-yalkenyloxy.

Unlike alkylene, alkenylene consists of at least two carbon atoms, wherein at least two adjacent carbon atoms are joined together by a C—C double bond and a carbon atom can only be part of one C—C double bond. If in an alkylene as hereinbefore defined having at least two carbon atoms, two hydrogen atoms at adjacent carbon atoms are formally removed and the free valencies are saturated to form a second bond, the corresponding alkenylene is formed.

By the generic terms propenylene, butenylene, pentenylene, hexenylene etc. without any further definition are meant all the conceivable isomeric forms with the corresponding number of carbon atoms, i.e. propenylene includes 1-methylethenylene and butenylene includes 1-methylpropenylene, 2-methylpropenylene, 1,1-dimethylethenylene and 1,2-dimethylethenylene.

Alkenylene may optionally be present in the cis or trans or E or Z orientation with regard to the double bond(s).

The above definition for alkenylene also applies when alkenylene is a part of another (combined) group as for example in HO—Cx-yalkenyleneamino or H2N—Cx-yalkenyleneoxy.

Unlike alkyl, alkynyl consists of at least two carbon atoms, wherein at least two adjacent carbon atoms are joined together by a C—C triple bond. If in an alkyl as hereinbefore defined having at least two carbon atoms, two hydrogen atoms in each case at adjacent carbon atoms are formally removed and the free valencies are saturated to form two further bonds, the corresponding alkynyl is formed.

By the generic terms propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, heptynyl, octynyl, nonynyl, decynyl etc. without any further definition are meant all the conceivable isomeric forms with the corresponding number of carbon atoms, i.e. propynyl includes prop-1-ynyl and prop-2-ynyl, butynyl includes but-1-ynyl, but-2-ynyl, but-3-ynyl, 1-methyl-prop-1-ynyl, 1-methyl-prop-2-ynyl, etc.

If a hydrocarbon chain carries both at least one double bond and also at least one triple bond, by definition it belongs to the alkynyl subgroup.

The above definition for alkynyl also applies if alkynyl is part of another (combined) group, as for example in Cx-yalkynylamino or Cx-yalkynyloxy.

Unlike alkylene, alkynylene consists of at least two carbon atoms, wherein at least two adjacent carbon atoms are joined together by a C—C triple bond. If in an alkylene as hereinbefore defined having at least two carbon atoms, two hydrogen atoms in each case at adjacent carbon atoms are formally removed and the free valencies are saturated to form two further bonds, the corresponding alkynylene is formed.

By the generic terms propynylene, butynylene, pentynylene, hexynylene etc. without any further definition are meant all the conceivable isomeric forms with the corresponding number of carbon atoms, i.e. propynylene includes 1-methylethynylene and butynylene includes 1-methylpropynylene, 2-methylpropynylene, 1,1-dimethylethynylene and 1,2-dimethylethynylene.

The above definition for alkynylene also applies if alkynylene is part of another (combined) group, as for example in HO—Cx-yalkynyleneamino or H2N—Cx-yalkynyleneoxy.

By heteroatoms are meant oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur atoms.

Haloalkyl (haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl) is derived from the previously defined alkyl (alkenyl, alkynyl) by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms of the hydrocarbon chain independently of one another by halogen atoms, which may be identical or different. If a haloalkyl (haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl) is to be further substituted, the substitutions may take place independently of one another, in the form of mono- or polysubstitutions in each case, on all the hydrogen-carrying carbon atoms.

From the previously defined haloalkyl (haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl) are also derived the terms haloalkylene (haloalkenylene, haloalkynylene). Haloalkylene (haloalkenylene, haloalkynylene), unlike haloalkyl (haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl), is bivalent and requires two binding partners. Formally, the second valency is formed by removing a hydrogen atom from a haloalkyl (haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl).

Corresponding groups are for example —CH2F and —CHF—, —CHFCH2F and —CHFCHF— or >CFCH2F etc.

The above definitions also apply if the corresponding halogen-containing groups are part of another (combined) group.

Cycloalkyl is made up of the subgroups monocyclic hydrocarbon rings, bicyclic hydrocarbon rings and spiro-hydrocarbon rings. The systems are saturated. In bicyclic hydrocarbon rings two rings are joined together so that they have at least two carbon atoms in common. In spiro-hydrocarbon rings one carbon atom (spiroatom) belongs to two rings together.

If a cycloalkyl is to be substituted, the substitutions may take place independently of one another, in the form of mono- or polysubstitutions in each case, on all the hydrogen-carrying carbon atoms. Cycloalkyl itself may be linked as a substituent to the molecule via every suitable position of the ring system.

The above definition for cycloalkyl also applies if cycloalkyl is part of another (combined) group as for example in Cx-ycycloalkylamino, Cx-ycycloalkyloxy or Cx-ycycloalkylalkyl.

If the free valency of a cycloalkyl is saturated, then an alicyclic group is obtained.

The term cycloalkylene can thus be derived from the previously defined cycloalkyl. Cycloalkylene, unlike cycloalkyl, is bivalent and requires two binding partners. Formally, the second valency is obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from a cycloalkyl. Corresponding groups are for example:

cyclohexyl and

The above definition for cycloalkylene also applies if cycloalkylene is part of another (combined) group as for example in HO—Cx-ycycloalkyleneamino or H2N—Cx-ycycloalkyleneoxy.

Cycloalkenyl is also made up of the subgroups monocyclic hydrocarbon rings, bicyclic hydrocarbon rings and spiro-hydrocarbon rings. However, the systems are unsaturated, i.e. there is at least one C—C double bond but no aromatic system. If in a cycloalkyl as hereinbefore defined two hydrogen atoms at adjacent cyclic carbon atoms are formally removed and the free valencies are saturated to form a second bond, the corresponding cycloalkenyl is obtained.

If a cycloalkenyl is to be substituted, the substitutions may take place independently of one another, in the form of mono- or polysubstitutions in each case, on all the hydrogen-carrying carbon atoms. Cycloalkenyl itself may be linked as a substituent to the molecule via every suitable position of the ring system.

The above definition for cycloalkenyl also applies when cycloalkenyl is part of another (combined) group as for example in Cx-ycycloalkenylamino, Cx-ycycloalkenyloxy or Cx-ycycloalkenylalkyl.

If the free valency of a cycloalkenyl is saturated, then an unsaturated alicyclic group is obtained.

The term cycloalkenylene can thus be derived from the previously defined cycloalkenyl. Cycloalkenylene, unlike cycloalkenyl, is bivalent and requires two binding partners. Formally, the second valency is obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from a cycloalkenyl. Corresponding groups are for example:

cyclopentenyl and

The above definition for cycloalkenylene also applies if cycloalkenylene is part of another (combined) group as for example in HO—Cx-ycycloalkenyleneamino or H2N—Cx-ycycloalkenyleneoxy.

Aryl denotes mono-, bi- or tricyclic carbocycles with at least one aromatic carbocycle. Preferably, it denotes a monocyclic group with six carbon atoms (phenyl) or a bicyclic group with nine or ten carbon atoms (two six-membered rings or one six-membered ring with a five-membered ring), wherein the second ring may also be aromatic or, however, may also be partially saturated.

If an aryl is to be substituted, the substitutions may take place independently of one another, in the form of mono- or polysubstitutions in each case, on all the hydrogen-carrying carbon atoms. Aryl itself may be linked as a substituent to the molecule via every suitable position of the ring system.

The above definition of aryl also applies if aryl is part of another (combined) group as for example in arylamino, aryloxy or arylalkyl.

If the free valency of an aryl is saturated, then an aromatic group is obtained.

The term arylene can also be derived from the previously defined aryl. Arylene, unlike aryl, is bivalent and requires two binding partners. Formally, the second valency is formed by removing a hydrogen atom from an aryl. Corresponding groups are for example:

phenyl and

naphthyl and

The above definition for arylene also applies if arylene is part of another (combined) group as for example in HO-aryleneamino or H2N-aryleneoxy.

Heterocyclyl denotes ring systems, which are derived from the previously defined cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and aryl by replacing one or more of the groups —CH2-independently of one another in the hydrocarbon rings by the groups —O—, —S— or —NH— or by replacing one or more of the groups ═CH— by the group ═N—, wherein a total of not more than five heteroatoms may be present, at least one carbon atom must be present between two oxygen atoms and between two sulphur atoms or between an oxygen and a sulphur atom and the ring as a whole must have chemical stability. Heteroatoms may optionally be present in all the possible oxidation stages (sulphur→sulphoxide —SO—, sulphone —SO2—; nitrogen —N-oxide). In a heterocyclyl there is no heteroaromatic ring, i.e. no heteroatom is part of an aromatic system.

A direct result of the derivation from cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and aryl is that heterocyclyl is made up of the subgroups monocyclic heterorings, bicyclic heterorings, tricyclic heterorings and spiro-heterorings, which may be present in saturated or unsaturated form.

By unsaturated is meant that there is at least one double bond in the ring system in question, but no heteroaromatic system is formed. In bicyclic heterorings two rings are linked together so that they have at least two (hetero)atoms in common. In spiro-heterorings one carbon atom (spiroatom) belongs to two rings together.

If a heterocyclyl is substituted, the substitutions may take place independently of one another, in the form of mono- or polysubstitutions in each case, on all the hydrogen-carrying carbon and/or nitrogen atoms. Heterocyclyl itself may be linked as a substituent to the molecule via every suitable position of the ring system. Substituents on heterocyclyl do not count for the number of members of a heterocyclyl.

Further examples are the structures illustrated below, which may be attached via each hydrogen-carrying atom (exchanged for hydrogen):

Preferably, heterocyclyls are 4 to 8 membered, monocyclic and have one or two heteroatoms independently selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur.

The above definition of heterocyclyl also applies if heterocyclyl is part of another (combined) group as for example in heterocyclylamino, heterocyclyloxy or heterocyclylalkyl.

If the free valency of a heterocyclyl is saturated, then a heterocyclic group is obtained.

The term heterocyclylene is also derived from the previously defined heterocyclyl. Heterocyclylene, unlike heterocyclyl, is bivalent and requires two binding partners. Formally, the second valency is obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from a heterocyclyl. Corresponding groups are for example:

piperidinyl and

2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolyl and

The above definition of heterocyclylene also applies if heterocyclylene is part of another (combined) group as for example in HO-heterocyclyleneamino or H2N-heterocyclyleneoxy.

Heteroaryl denotes monocyclic heteroaromatic rings or polycyclic rings with at least one heteroaromatic ring, which compared with the corresponding aryl or cycloalkyl (cycloalkenyl) contain, instead of one or more carbon atoms, one or more identical or different heteroatoms, selected independently of one another from among nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen, wherein the resulting group must be chemically stable. The prerequisite for the presence of heteroaryl is a heteroatom and a heteroaromatic system.

If a heteroaryl is to be substituted, the substitutions may take place independently of one another, in the form of mono- or polysubstitutions in each case, on all the hydrogen-carrying carbon and/or nitrogen atoms. Heteroaryl itself may be linked as a substituent to the molecule via every suitable position of the ring system, both carbon and nitrogen. Substituents on heteroaryl do not count for the number of members of a heteroaryl.

Further examples are the structures illustrated below, which may be attached via each hydrogen-carrying atom (exchanged for hydrogen):

The above definition of heteroaryl also applies if heteroaryl is part of another (combined) group as for example in heteroarylamino, heteroaryloxy or heteroarylalkyl.

If the free valency of a heteroaryl is saturated, a heteroaromatic group is obtained.

The term heteroarvlene is also derived from the previously defined heteroaryl. Heteroarylene, unlike heteroaryl, is bivalent and requires two binding partners. Formally, the second valency is obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from a heteroaryl. Corresponding groups are for example:

pyrrolyl and

The above definition of heteroarylene also applies if heteroarylene is part of another (combined) group as for example in HO-heteroaryleneamino or H2N-heteroaryleneoxy.

By substituted is meant that a hydrogen atom which is bound directly to the atom under consideration, is replaced by another atom or another group of atoms (substituent). Depending on the starting conditions (number of hydrogen atoms) mono- or polysubstitution may take place on one atom. Substitution with a particular substituent is only possible if the permitted valencies of the substituent and of the atom that is to be substituted correspond to one another and the substitution leads to a stable compound (i.e. to a compound which is not converted spontaneously, e.g. by rearrangement, cyclisation or elimination).

Bivalent substituents such as ═S, ═NR, ═NOR, ═NNRR, ═NN(R)C(O)NRR, ═N2or the like, may only be substituents on carbon atoms, whereas the bivalent substituents ═O and ═NR may also be a substituent on sulphur. Generally, substitution may be carried out by a bivalent substituent only at ring systems and requires replacement of two geminal hydrogen atoms, i.e. hydrogen atoms that are bound to the same carbon atom that is saturated prior to the substitution. Substitution by a bivalent substituent is therefore only possible at the group —CH2— or sulphur atoms (═O group or ═NR group only, one or two ═O groups possible or, e.g., one ═O group and one ═NR group, each group replacing a free electron pair) of a ring system.

In general, substantially pure stereoisomers can be obtained according to synthetic principles known to a person skilled in the field, e.g. by separation of corresponding mixtures, by using stereochemically pure starting materials and/or by stereoselective synthesis. It is known in the art how to prepare optically active forms, such as by resolution of racemic forms or by synthesis, e.g. starting from optically active starting materials and/or by using chiral reagents.

Enantiomerically pure compounds of this invention or intermediates may be prepared via asymmetric synthesis, for example by preparation and subsequent separation of appropriate diastereomeric compounds or intermediates which can be separated by known methods (e.g. by chromatographic separation or crystallization) and/or by using chiral reagents, such as chiral starting materials, chiral catalysts or chiral auxiliaries.

Further, it is known to the person skilled in the art how to prepare enantiomerically pure compounds from the corresponding racemic mixtures, such as by chromatographic separation of the corresponding racemic mixtures on chiral stationary phases, or by resolution of a racemic mixture using an appropriate resolving agent, e.g. by means of diastereomeric salt formation of the racemic compound with optically active acids or bases, subsequent resolution of the salts and release of the desired compound from the salt, or by derivatization of the corresponding racemic compounds with optically active chiral auxiliary reagents, subsequent diastereomer separation and removal of the chiral auxiliary group, or by kinetic resolution of a racemate (e.g. by enzymatic resolution); by enantioselective crystallization from a conglomerate of enantiomorphous crystals under suitable conditions, or by (fractional) crystallization from a suitable solvent in the presence of an optically active chiral auxiliary.

As used herein “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refers to derivatives of the disclosed compounds wherein the parent compound is modified by making acid or base salts thereof. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, mineral or organic acid salts of basic residues such as amines; alkali or organic salts of acidic residues such as carboxylic acids; and the like.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present invention can be synthesized from the parent compound which contains a basic or acidic moiety by conventional chemical methods. Generally, such salts can be prepared by reacting the free acid or base form of these compounds with a sufficient amount of the appropriate base or acid in water or in an organic diluent like ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, isopropanol, or acetonitrile, or a mixture thereof.

Salts of other acids than those mentioned above which for example are useful for purifying or isolating the compounds of the present invention (e.g. trifluoro acetate salts), also comprise a part of the invention.

In a representation such as for example

the letter A has the function of a ring designation in order to make it easier, for example, to indicate the attachment of the ring in question to other rings.

For bivalent groups in which it is crucial to determine which adjacent groups they bind and with which valency, the corresponding binding partners are indicated in brackets where necessary for clarification purposes, as in the following representations:

or (R2)—C(O)NH— or (R2)—NHC(O)—;

In a representation such as for example

the asterisk designates the point of attachment of the respective group as a substituent.

Groups or substituents are frequently selected from among a number of alternative groups/substituents with a corresponding group designation (e.g. Ra, Rbetc). If such a group is used repeatedly to define a compound according to the invention in different parts of the molecule, it is pointed out that the various uses are to be regarded as totally independent of one another.

By a therapeutically effective amount for the purposes of this invention is meant a quantity of substance that is capable of obviating symptoms of illness or of preventing or alleviating these symptoms, or which prolong the survival of a treated patient.

RAS-family proteins are meant to include KRAS (V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog), NRAS (neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog) and HRAS (Harvey murine sarcoma virus oncogene) and any mutants thereof.

A SOS1 inhibitor compound is a compound, which binds to SOS1 and thereby prevents the SOS1 mediated nucleotide exchange and subsequently reduces the levels of RAS in its GTP bound form. More specifically, a SOS1 inhibitor compound shows a pharmacological inhibition of the binding of the catalytic site of SOS1 to RAS-family proteins. Thus, such a compound interacts with SOS1, e.g. the catalytic site on SOS1, and reduces the level of binding to the RAS-family protein in relation to said binding without addition of a SOS1 inhibitor compound. Accordingly, it is envisaged that a SOS1 inhibitor compound at least reduces the level of binding to the RAS-family protein about 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or even 100% when compared to the binding that is achieved without the addition of said inhibitor compound. Suitable test systems to measure the binding to the catalytic site of SOS1 are disclosed herein. Said compound may be chemically synthesized (e.g. a small molecule) or microbiologically produced (e.g. a monoclonal antibody) and/or comprised in, for example, samples, e.g., cell extracts from, e.g., plants, animals or microorganisms. Preferably, the SOS1 inhibitor compound is a small molecule.

List of Abbreviations

Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed examples which illustrate the principles of the invention by way of example without restricting its scope:

Preparation of the Compounds According to the Invention

General

Unless stated otherwise, all the reactions are carried out in commercially obtainable apparatus using methods that are commonly used in chemical laboratories. Starting materials that are sensitive to air and/or moisture are stored under protective gas and corresponding reactions and manipulations therewith are carried out under protective gas (nitrogen or argon).

The compounds according to the invention are named in accordance with CAS rules using the software Autonom (Beilstein). If a compound is to be represented both by a structural formula and by its nomenclature, in the event of a conflict the structural formula is decisive.

Microwave reactions are carried out in an initiator/reactor made by Biotage or in an Explorer made by CEM or in Synthos 3000 or Monowave 3000 made by Anton Paar in sealed containers (preferably 2, 5 or 20 mL), preferably with stirring.

Chromatography

The thin layer chromatography is carried out on ready-made silica gel 60 TLC plates on glass (with fluorescence indicator F-254) made by Merck.

Different gradients of H2O/acetonitrile are used to elute the compounds, while for Agilent systems 5% acidic modifier (20 mL HCOOH to 1 L H2O/acetonitrile (1/1)) is added to the water (acidic conditions). For Gilson systems the water is added 0.1% HCOOH.

For the chromatography under basic conditions for Agilent systems H2O/acetonitrile gradients are used as well, while the water is made alkaline by addition of 5% basic modifier (50 g NH4HCO3+50 mL NH3(25% in H2O) to 1 L with H2O). For Gilson systems the water is made alkaline as follows: 5 mL NH4HCO3solution (158 g in 1 L H2O) and 2 mL NH3(28% in H2O) are replenished to 1 L with H2O.

The retention times/MS-ESI+for characterizing the example compounds according to the invention are produced using an HPLC-MS apparatus (high performance liquid chromatography with mass detector). Compounds that elute at the injection peak are given the retention time tRet.=0.00.

The compounds according to the invention and intermediates are prepared by the methods of synthesis described hereinafter in which the substituents of the general formulae have the meanings given hereinbefore. These methods are intended as an illustration of the invention without restricting its subject matter and the scope of the compounds claimed to these examples. Where the preparation of starting compounds is not described, they are commercially obtainable or their synthesis is described in the prior art or they may be prepared analogously to known prior art compounds or methods described herein, i.e. it is within the skills of an organic chemist to synthesize these compounds. Substances described in the literature can be prepared according to the published methods of synthesis.

General reaction scheme and summary of the syntheses routes towards compounds (I) according to the invention

Compounds (I) according to the invention can be prepared stepwise with syntheses routes depicted in scheme 1.

Acetal A-2 can be prepared via acetalization of the corresponding aldehyde A-1. A-7 can be prepared via different routes:

One approach starts with nucleophilic aromatic substitution of A-2 with a substituted or unsubstituted malonic ester to provide intermediate A-3 (introduction of R2). Decarboxylation of intermediate A-3 leads to A-4, which is converted with building block B-5 (see below) in a nucleophilic aromatic substitution. Saponification of the resulting ester A-5 and subsequent amidation with building block C-1 (introduction of R1) provides intermediate A-7 in a single step.

In an alternative approach compound A-2 is converted with a substituted or unsubstituted malonic ester (introduction of R2) and then treated with building block B-5 (see below) to furnish compound A-5 in a single step. Saponification of the resulting ester A-5 and subsequent amidation with building block C-1 (introduction of R1) provides intermediate A-7. Another route begins with nucleophilic aromatic substitution of A-2 with a substituted or unsubstituted malonic ester (introduction of R2) followed by nucleophilic aromatic substitution with building block B-5 (see below) to provide compound A-6 in a single step. Direct conversion of A-6 into A-7 can be achieved by saponification of diester A-6, in situ decarboxylation and subsequent amidation with building block C-1 (introduction of R1) in a single step.

Final compounds (I) can be prepared by deprotection of acetal A-7 and cyclization. Compounds (I) can be further derivatized in optional steps (especially in R1and R2) not depicted in scheme 1 to obtain further/additional compounds (I).

Thus, one aspect of the invention is the manufacture of a compound (I) as herein defined comprising ring closure of a compound A-7 as herein defined; optionally further comprising reacting a compound A-5 as herein defined with an amine C-1 as herein defined; optionally further comprising reacting a compound A-4 as herein defined with a compound B-5 as herein defined; optionally further comprising reacting a compound A-3 as herein defined to obtain the compound A-4 as herein defined; optionally further comprising reacting a compound A-2 as herein defined to obtain the compound A-3 as herein defined, optionally further comprising reacting a compound A-1 as herein defined to obtain the compound A-2 as herein defined.

Alternatively, compounds (I) according to the invention may be prepared stepwise with the synthetic route depicted in scheme 2.

Starting from β-oxo diesters E-1 the corresponding α,β-dioxo esters E-3 can be prepared via intermediates E-2 obtained by reaction with DMF-acetale. Ring closure with amines C-1 leads to the hydroxy pyridon ring E-4. Palladium catalyzed cross coupling after transfer of the hydroxy group to the corresponding sulfonate (e.g. tosylate, triflate etc., E-5) with amides yields pyridon amides E-6, which allow for second ring closure to obtain the desired bicyclic pyridopyrimidine-dione scaffold (E-7). E-7 thus obtained can be activated (with e.g. hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene, SOCl2, POCl3or the like) to be reacted with building block

B-5 to reach final compounds (I) according to the invention (which can also be derivatized in additional steps).

Thus, one aspect of the invention is the manufacture of a compound (I) as herein defined comprising activating a compound E-7 as herein defined with an agent selected from hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene, SOCl2and POCl3and reacting activated E-7 with a compound B-5 as herein defined; optionally further comprising reacting a compound E-6 as herein defined to obtain the compound E-7 as herein defined; optionally further comprising reacting a compound E-5 as herein defined with an amide R3—CONH2as herein defined; optionally further comprising reacting a compound E-4 as herein defined to obtain the compound E-5 as herein defined; optionally further comprising reacting a compound E-3 as herein defined with an amine C-1 as herein defined; optionally further comprising reacting a compound E-2 as herein defined to obtain the compound E-3 as herein defined; optionally further comprising reacting a compound E-1 as herein defined to obtain the compound E-2 as herein defined.

Building blocks B-5 can be prepared stepwise, starting with a synthesis depicted in scheme 3.

(Hetero)aryl ethylamine systems B-5 can be prepared from (hetero)arylbromides B-1, which are converted via a metal catalyzed cross coupling into the corresponding acetyl (hetero)aryls B-2. The formation of chiral sulfinamides B-3 is followed by stereoselective reduction to provide B-4. Finally cleavage of the sulfinamide provides the desired chiral (hetero)aryl ethylamine B-5.

Alternatively, acetyl (hetero)aryls B-2 can be reduced enantioselectively to the corresponding alcohols B-6 which are then transformed to azides B-7 and can in turn be hydrogenated to obtain chiral building blocks B-5.

Thus, one aspect of the invention is the manufacture of a compound B-5 as herein defined comprising reducing a compound B-7 as herein defined; optionally further comprising reacting a compound B-6 as herein defined to obtain the compound B-7 as herein defined; optionally further comprising reducing a compound B-2 as herein defined to obtain the compound B-6 as herein defined.

Synthesis of Intermediates A-2

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of A-2a

To a stirred solution of A-1a (150.00 g, 785.28 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in benzene (1500 mL) ethylene glycol (48.69 g, 785.28 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) and a catalytic amount of p-toluenesulphonic acid (13.51 g, 78.53 mmol, 0.1 equiv.) are added. The reaction mixture is refluxed until full conversion of the starting material is observed. The solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure, the residue diluted with DCM and washed with an aqueous sodiumbicarbonate solution. Organic layers are combined, dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated under reduced pressure. Further purification by flash column chromatography (eluent: 10% ethyl acetate in hexane) yields the desired product A-2a.

The following intermediates A-2 (table 1) are available in an analogous manner starting from different pyrimidines A-1. The crude product A-2 is purified by chromatography if necessary.

Synthesis of Intermediates A-3

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of A-3a

A-2a (80.00 g, 340.33 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in DMSO (400 mL) and treated with cesium carbonate (220.53 g, 680.66 mmol, 2.0 equiv.) and dimethyl malonate (49.42 g, 374.36 mmol, 1.1 equiv.). The resulting mixture is heated to 80° C. for 10 h. After full conversion of the starting material the reaction mixture is diluted with ethyl acetate and poured on ice cold water. The aqueous layer is extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layers are combined and washed with an aqueous solution of 0.1 N formic acid. The organic layer is dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated under reduced pressure. Further purification by flash column chromatography (eluent: 30% ethyl acetate in hexane) yields the desired product A-3a.

The following intermediates A-3 (table 2) are available in an analogous manner starting from different pyrimidines A-2. The crude product A-3 is purified by chromatography if necessary.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of A-3c

A stirred solution of 2-fluoro-malonic acid dimethyl ester (72.30 g, 481.99 mmol, 1.1 equiv.) in anhydrous DMF (300 mL) is cooled to 5° C. and treated portionwise with sodium hydride (20.16 g, 876.35 mmol, 2.0 equiv.). After stirring at room temperature for 10 minutes A-2a (103.00 g, 438.17 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) dissolved in DMF (50 mL) is added and the resulting mixture stirred for additional 2 h. After full conversion the reaction mixture is poured on ice to cold water and the aqueous layer extracted with ethylacetate. The organic layers are combined, dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated under reduced pressure. Further purification by flash column chromatography (eluent: 15% ethyl acetate in hexane) yields the desired product A-3c (HPLC method: GVK_LCMS_31; tret=1.756 min; [M+H]+=350).

Synthesis of Intermediates A-4

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of A-4a

A stirred solution of A-3a (40.00 g, 120.95 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in DMSO (120 mL) is treated with lithium chloride (20.32 g, 483.79 mmol, 4.0 equiv.) and heated to 120° C. for 2 h. After complete conversion of the starting material the resulting reaction mixture is diluted with diethyl ether and poured on ice cold water. The aqueous layer is extracted with diethyl ether, the organic layers are combined, dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated under reduced pressure. Further purification by basic reversed phase chromatography (eluent: 20% acetonitrile in water) and normal phase (18% ethyl acetate in hexane) yields the desired product A-4a.

The following intermediates A-4 (table 3) are available in an analogous manner starting from different pyrimidines A-3. The crude product A-4 is purified by chromatography if necessary.

Synthesis of Intermediates A-5

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of A-5a

A-4a (3135 mg, 11.50 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) and B-5a (1450 mg, 7.67 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) are dissolved in anhydrous DMSO (10 mL) and DIPEA is added (2670 μL, 15.33 mmol, 2.0 equiv.). The reaction mixture is stirred at 80° C. for 6 h until complete conversion of B-5a is achieved. The reaction mixture is filtered and the filtrate purified by basic reversed phase chromatography (gradient elution: 25% to 65% acetonitrile in water) to furnish the desired product A-5a.

The following intermediates A-5 (table 4) are available in an analogous manner starting from different pyrimidines A-4 and amines B-5. The crude product A-5 is purified by chromatography if necessary.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of A-5v

A solution of A-2b (500 mg, 2.262 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in anhydrous DMSO (4.0 mL) is treated with 2-fluoro-malonic acid dimethyl ester (281 μL, 2.262 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) and sodium carbonate (360 mg, 3.393 mmol, 1.5 equiv.). The resulting mixture is stirred at room temperature for 4 d until full conversion of the starting material is observed. Triethylamine (627 μL, 4.524 mmol, 2.0 equiv.) and B-5a (642 mg, 3.393 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) are added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80° C. for additional 16 h. After complete conversion the reaction is quenched with an aqueous NaHCO3solution and the aqueous layer extracted with DCM. The organic layers are combined, dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated under reduced pressure. Further purification by basic reversed phase chromatography (gradient elution: 15% to 85% acetonitrile in water) yields the desired product A-5v (HPLC method: VAB, tret=0.945 min; [M+H]+=430.3).

Synthesis of Intermediates A-6

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of A-6a

A-2a (50 mg, 0.213 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in DMSO (0.5 mL) and treated with 2-fluoro-malonic acid dimethyl ester (27 μL, 0.221 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) and potassium carbonate (58.8 mg, 0.425 mmol, 2.0 equiv.). The resulting mixture is stirred at 100° C. for 5 min until full conversion of the starting material is observed. Triethylamine (89 μL, 0.639 mmol, 3.0 equiv.) and B-5a (60.2 mg, 0.318 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) are added and the reaction mixture stirred at 60° C. for additional 3 h. The reaction mixture is filtered and the filtrate purified by basic reversed phase chromatography (gradient elution: 35% to 75% acetonitrile in water) to furnish the desired product A-6a.

The following intermediates A-6 (table 5) are available in an analogous manner starting from different pyrimidines A-5. The crude product A-6 is purified by chromatography if necessary.

Synthesis of Intermediates A-7

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of A-7a

A-5a (200.0 mg, 0.470 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in DMSO (2 mL) and ACN (1 mL). An aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (20%, 313 μL, 1.881 mmol, 4 equiv.) is added and the resulting mixture stirred for 30 min until complete conversion of the starting material is observed. Triethylamine (130 μL, 0.933 mmol, 2.0 equiv.), 1-methyl-cyclopropylamine hydrochloride (62.8 mg, 0.583 mmol, 1.3 equiv.) and HATU (266.3 mg, 0.700 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) are added and the resulting mixture stirred for 20 min until complete conversion is observed. Water is added and the mixture diluted with DCM. The aqueous layer is extracted with DCM, the organic layers are combined and dried with magnesium sulfate. The resulting crude product A-7a can be used without further purification in the next step.

The following intermediates A-7 (table 6) are available in an analogous manner starting from different pyrimidines A-5 and coupling with various amines C-1 or their corresponding salts. The crude product A-7 is purified by chromatography if necessary.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of A-7dp

A-6a (16.0 mg, 0.032 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in DMSO (1.5 mL). An aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (20%, 16 μL, 0.096 mmol, 3.0 equiv.) is added and the resulting mixture stirred for 30 min until complete conversion of the starting material is observed. Triethylamine (8.5 μL, 0.061 mmol, 2.0 equiv.), 1-fluoromethyl-cyclopropylamine hydrochloride (4.8 mg, 0.038 mmol, 1.3 equiv.) and HATU (17.3 mg, 0.045 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) are added and the resulting mixture stirred for 20 min until complete conversion is observed. Water is added and the mixture diluted with DCM. The aqueous layer is extracted with DCM, the organic layers are combined and dried with magnesium sulfate. The resulting crude product A-7dp can be used without further purification in the next step.

The following intermediates A-7 (table 7) are available in an analogous manner starting from different pyrimidines A-6 and coupling with various amines C-1 or their corresponding salts. The crude product A-7 is purified by chromatography if necessary.

Synthesis of intermediates B-1

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-2a

To a stirred solution of D-1a (20.00 g, 172.24 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in DCM (200 mL) is added EDCl (49.35 g, 258.37 mmol, 1.5 equiv.), triethylamine (26.14 g, 258.37 mmol, 1.5 equiv.), DMAP (0.21 g, 1.72 mmol, 0.01 equiv.) and N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (25.20 g, 258.37 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) at 0° C. The reaction mixture is warmed to room temperature and stirred for 16 h. After complete conversion of the starting material 1N HCl is added to the reaction mixture. The aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc, the combined organic layers are washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO3, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by flash column chromatography (5% ethyl acetate in hexane) yielding the desired product D-2a.

The following intermediates D-2 (table 8) are available in an analogous manner starting from different acids D-1. The crude product D-2 is purified by chromatography if necessary.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-3a

To a stirred solution of D-2a (150 mg, 0.942 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in THF (5 mL) is slowly added 3-bromophenylmagnesium bromide (0.5 N, 2.26 mL, 1.130 mmol, 1.2 equiv) at −15° C. The reaction mixture is warmed to room temperature and stirred for 3 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, water is added. The aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc, the organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by flash column chromatography (eluent: 10% ethyl acetate in hexane) yielding the desired product D-3a.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-3b

A stirred solution of 1,3-dibromo-2-fluoro-benzene (15.95 g, 62.82 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in anhydrous THF (100 mL) is cooled to −78° C. n-Butyllithium (1.6 N, 47.1 mL, 75.36 mmol, 1.2 equiv.) is added dropwise and the resulting mixture is stirred for 30 min at −78° C. D-2b (10.00 g, 62.82 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) dissolved in THF (40 mL) is slowly added. After complete conversion, saturated aqueous ammonium chloride is added. The aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc, the organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution: 10% to 20% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) yielding the desired product D-3b.

The following intermediates D-3 (table 9) are available in an analogous manner starting from different amides D-2. The crude product D-3 is purified by chromatography if necessary.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-1a

To a stirred solution of D-3d (150 g, 738.89 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in DCM (1.5 L) is slowly added diethylaminosulfur trifluoride (178.64 g, 1108.33 mmol, 1.5 equiv) at 0° C. The reaction mixture is warmed to room temperature and stirred for 16 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, ice water is added. The aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc, the organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product B-1a is used without further purification in the next step.

The following intermediates B-1 (table 10) are available in an analogous manner starting from different bromobenzenes D-3. The crude product B-1 is purified by chromatography if necessary.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-5a

To a stirred solution of ethyl bromodifluoroacetate (126.50 g, 623 mmol, 2.5 equiv.) in DMSO (225 mL) is added copper powder (39.26 g, 623 mmol, 2.5 equiv) at room temperature. After 1 h B-if (75.00 g, 249.26 mmol, 1.0 equiv) is added and the resulting mixture heated to 70° C. and stirred for additional 3 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, ice water and EtOAc is added. Insolubles are removed by filtration and the aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by column chromatography (gradient elution: 0% to 10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) yielding the desired product D-4a.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-1q

To a stirred solution of D-4a (100.00 g, 336.62 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in anhydrous toluene (1 L) is slowly added methylmagnesium bromide (1 N, 1.34 L, 1340 mmol, 4.0 equiv) at 0° C. The resulting mixture is stirred for 1 h at room temperature. After complete conversion of the starting material, saturated aqueous ammonium chloride is added and the aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by chromatography (25% ethyl acetate in hexane) yielding the desired product B-1g.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-5a

B-1h (480.00 g, 2274 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) and ethane-1,2-dithiol (213.78 g, 2274 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) are dissolved in toluene (5 L), TsOH (78.24 g, 454.9 mmol, 0.2 equiv.) is added at room temperature and the resulting mixture heated to reflux for 24 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, a 10% aqueous NaOH solution is added and the aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers are combined, washed with water and brine, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by chromatography (gradient elution: 0% to 10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) yielding the desired product D-5a.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-1i

To a stirred solution of 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione (793.8 g, 2785 mmol, 4.0 equiv.) in DCM (1.5 L) is added HF-pyridine (70%, 800 mL, 30800 mmol, 44 equiv.) at −70° C. To this mixture D-5a (200.00 g, 696.28 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) dissolved in DCM (0.5 L) is added dropwise. The temperature is kept below −60° C. for 4 h and then the resulting mixture is stirred for additional 16 h at room temperature. After complete conversion of the starting material, a 2 N aqueous NaOH solution and a 30% aqueous NaHSO3solution are added. The organic layer is washed with water and brine, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by column chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution: 0% to 3% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) yielding the desired product B-1i.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-1i

B-1i (140.00 g, 448.79 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in DCM (1.5 L) and DBU (102.32 g, 673.19 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) is added at 0° C. The resulting mixture is stirred for 6 h at room temperature. After complete conversion of the starting material, the mixture is diluted with DCM, washed with 0.5 N aqueous HCl, water and brine, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by chromatography (gradient elution: 0% to 10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) yielding the desired product B-1j.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-1k

To a stirred solution of B-1j (130.00 g, 562.68 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) and 2-nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride (124.35 g, 562.68 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in acetonitrile (1.3 L) are slowly added K3PO4(23.86 g, 112.54 mmol, 0.2 equiv) and hydrazine hydrate (56.27 g, 1125.36 mmol, 2.0 equiv) at 0° C. The resulting mixture is stirred for 24 h at room temperature. After complete conversion of the starting material, water is added and the aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers are combined, washed with water and brine, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by column chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution: 0% to 5% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) yielding the desired product B-1 k.

Synthesis of Intermediates B-2

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-2a

B-1a (125.0 g, 555.54 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in anhydrous 1,4-dioxane (1.2 L). Triethylamine (140.27 mL, 1388.85 mmol, 2.5 equiv.) and tributyl(1-ethoxyvinyl)tin (240.66 g, 666.65 mmol, 1.2 equiv.) are added and the resulting solution is purged with argon for 15 min. Bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II)chloride (3.90 g, 5.6 mmol, 0.01 equiv.) is added and the reaction mixture heated to 100° C. in an autoclave for 16 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, the reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature and treated with 1 N HCl and stirred for additional 16 h. The aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc, the combined organic layers are dried over Na2SO4, filtered and the solvent is removed under reduced pressure. The crude product B-2a is used without further purification in the next step.

The following intermediates B-2 (table 11) are available in an analogous manner starting from different bromobenzenes B-1. The crude product B-2 is purified by chromatography if necessary.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-6a

To a stirred solution of B-2i (80.00 g, 368.60 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in THF (800 mL) are added TMS-acetylene (54.31 g, 552.94 mmol, 1.5 equiv.), triethylamine (111.69 g, 1105.84 mmol, 3.0 equiv.), CuI (4.034 g, 36.86 mmol, 0.1 equiv.) and Pd(PPh3)2Cl2(25.88 g, 36.87 mmol, 0.1 equiv.) at room temperature. The resulting mixture is heated to reflux for 16 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, ice water and EtOAc are added and the aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by flash column chromatography (gradient elution: 0% to 10% ethyl acetate in hexane) yielding the desired product D-6a.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-2j

To a stirred solution of D-6a (60.00 g, 256.04 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in DCM (1.2 L) and methanol (1.2 L) is added potassium carbonate (353.87 g, 2560.38 mmol, 10.0 equiv.) at room temperature. The resulting mixture is stirred for 2 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, ice water is added and the aqueous layer is extracted with DCM. The organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by flash column chromatography (gradient elution: 20% ethyl acetate in hexane) yielding the desired product B-2j.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-2k

B-2j (98.00 g, 604.34 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro propanol (500 mL) in a teflon flask. HF-pyridine (70%, 250 mL, 9625 mmol, 16 equiv.) is added and the flask is sealed. The resulting mixture is stirred for 3 d at room temperature. After complete conversion of the starting material, ice water and EtOAc are added and the aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers are combined, washed with a saturated aqueous NaHCO3solution and brine, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by flash column chromatography (gradient elution: 0% to 20% ethyl acetate in hexane) yielding the desired product B-2k.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-8a

To a stirred solution of D-7a (120.00 g, 479.98 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in THF (1.2 L) is added methylmagnesiumbromide (1 N, 720 mL, 720.00 mmol, 1.5 equiv) dropwise at −78° C. The resulting mixture is stirred for 3 h at same temperature. After complete conversion of the starting material, a saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution is added and the aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution: 0% to 10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) yielding the desired product D-8a.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-21

To a stirred solution of D-8a (24.00 g, 90.21 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in acetonitrile (240 mL) is added tetrapropylammonium perruthenate (3.166 g, 9.01 mmol, 0.1 equiv.) and 4-methylmorpholine N-oxide (15.83 g, 135.30 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) at room temperature. The resulting mixture is stirred for 4 h at same temperature. After complete conversion of the starting material, insolubles are removed by filtration and the filtrate concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution: 0% to 5% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) yielding the desired product B-21.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-9a

To a stirred solution of B-21 (22.00 g, 83.32 mmol, 1.0 equiv) in DMSO (220 mL) is added ethyl bromodifluoroacetate (50.74 g, 249.95 mmol, 3.0 equiv.) and copper powder (15.75 g, 250.00 mmol, 3.0 equiv) at room temperature. The resulting mixture is heated to 80° C. and stirred for 16 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, ice water and diethyl ether are added. Insolubles are removed by filtration and the aqueous layer is extracted with diethyl ether. The organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by chromatography (gradient elution: 0% to 3% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) yielding the desired product D-9a.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-2m

D-10a (20.00 g, 121.98 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) and 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl iodide (51.23 g, 243.95 mmol, 2.0 equiv.) are added to a stirred suspension of tris(dibenzylideneacetone)-dipalladium (7.819 g, 8.54 mmol, 0.1 equiv.), xantphos (7.05 g, 12.20 mmol, 0.1 equiv.) and cesium carbonate (118.93 g, 365.94 mmol, 3.0 equiv.) in THF (200 mL) under an argon atmosphere. The resulting mixture is stirred for one minute and then heated to 80 C for 12 h in a sealed tube. After complete conversion of the starting material, ice water and EtOAc are added and the aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by flash column chromatography yielding the desired product B-2m.

Synthesis of Intermediates B-3

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-3a

B-2a (170.00 g, 903.53 mmol; 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in THF (1.7 L). (R)-(+)-2-methyl-2-propanesulfinamide (164.13 g; 1355.33 mmol; 1.5 equiv.) and titanium tetraethoxide (618.03 g, 2710.66 mmol; 3.0 equiv.) are added at room temperature and the resulting reaction mixture is heated to 80° C. for 16 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, ice water and EtOAc are added and the aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product B-3a is used without further purification in the next step.

The following intermediates B-3 and D-10 (table 12) are available in an analogous manner starting from different acetophenones B-2 and D-9. The crude product is purified by chromatography if necessary.

Synthesis of Intermediates B-4

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-4a

A solution of B-3a (170.00 g, 583.53 mmol; 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in THF (1.7 L) and cooled to 0° C. Sodium borohydride (21.59 g; 583.51 mmol; 1.0 equiv.) is added and the resulting reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 6 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, ice water and EtOAc are added and the aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by chromatography (gradient elution: 33% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) yielding the desired product B-4a.

The following intermediates B-4 (table 13) are available in an analogous manner starting from different sulfinamides B-3. The crude product B-4 is purified by chromatography if necessary.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-4n

A solution of D-11a (26.00 g, 71.55 mmol; 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in THF (260 mL) and water (5 mL) cooled to −78° C. Sodium borohydride (8.156 g; 214.63 mmol; 3.0 equiv.) is added and the resulting reaction mixture is warmed to room temperature and stirred for 4 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, ice water and EtOAc are added and the aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by reversed phase chromatography yielding the desired product B-4n.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-4o

To a stirred solution of B-4n (5.00 g, 15.46 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in THF (50 mL) are added cesium carbonate (15.12 g, 46.38 mmol, 3.0 equiv.) and 18-crown-6 (2.04 g, 7.73 mmol, 0.5 equiv.) at rt. The resulting mixture is heated to 80° C. for 16 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, water and EtOAc are added and the aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by flash column chromatography (80% EtOAc in hexane) and reverse phase chromatography to yield the desired product B-4o.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-4p

To a stirred solution of B-4n (1.00 g, 3.09 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in THF (10 mL) is added potassium tert-butoxide (0.52 g, 4.64 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) and 18-crown-6 (2.04 g, 7.73 mmol, 0.5 equiv.) at rt. The resulting mixture is warmed to 80° C. for 16 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, water and EtOAc are added and the aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by HPLC to yield the desired product B-4p.

Synthesis of Intermediates B-6

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-6a

Acetophenone B-2n (5.00 g, 24.3 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in toluene (15 mL) and 2-methyltetrahydrofurane (5.0 mL). Sodium tert-amylate (281 μL, 50% in toluene, 1.21 mmol, 5 mol %) is added and the reaction mixture is purged with Ar atmosphere. (R)-RUCY-Xyl-BINAP (58.0 mg, 49.0 μmol, 0.2 mol %) is added to the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture is charged with hydrogen atmosphere (3 bar) and stirred at room temperature for 19 h until complete conversion of B-2n is achieved. The reaction is diluted with EtOAc (50 mL) and washed with water (1×50 mL), aqueous HCl (1×10 mL, 1.0 M) and water (1×50 mL). The organic layer is dried over Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to furnish the desired product.

The following intermediates B-6 (table 14) are available in an analogues manner starting from different acetophenones B-2. The crude product is purified by chromatography if necessary.

Synthesis of Intermediates B-5

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-5a

A solution of B-4a (13.20 g, 45.00 mmol; 1.0 equiv.) in 1,4-dioxane (100 mL) is cooled to 0° C. and treated with 4 N HCl in 1,4-dioxane (50.00 mL, 200.00 mmol, 4.4 equiv.). The reaction mixture is stirred for 3 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, the reaction mixture is concentrated under reduced pressure, the precipitate filtered and to washed with diethyl ether to obtain the desired product B-5a as HCl salt.

The following benzyl amines B-5 (table 15) are available in an analogous manner starting from different sulfinamides B-4. The crude product B-5 is purified by chromatography if necessary and isolated as HCl salt.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of B-5k (Alternative)

Alcohol B-6a (2.00 g, 9.61 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in anhydrous toluene (20 mL). Diazabicycloundecene (1.73 mL, 11.5 mmol, 1.2 equiv.) and diphenylphosphonic azide (2.28 mL, 10.6 mmol, 1.1 equiv.) are added subsequently. The reaction mixture is stirred at 40° C. for 18 h until complete conversion of B-6a is achieved. The reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature and the organic layer is washed with aqueous Na2CO3solution (2×10 mL). Azide B-7a thus obtained is not isolated but directly converted in the next step. Pd/C (200 mg, 10% w/w, 10% Pd) is added to the organic layer. The reaction mixture is charged with a H2 atmosphere (10 bar) and is stirred for 24 h until complete conversion of B-7a is achieved. The reaction is filtered and the volatiles are removed in vacuo. The residue is dissolved in methyl tert-butyl ether (30 mL) and treated with HCl in dioxane (4.8 mL, 4 M). The white precipitate is filter, washed with methyl tert-butyl ether (20 mL) and further dried in vacuo to furnish the desired product B-5k. The crude product is purified by chromatography if necessary.

The following intermediates B-5 (table 16) are available in an analogues manner starting from different alcohols B-6 via azides B-7.

Synthesis of Intermediates C-1

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-13a

To a stirred solution of D-12a (6.50 g, 35.093 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in DCM (100 mL) is added diethylaminosulfur trifluoride (8.48 g, 52.67 mmol, 1.5 equiv) dropwise at 0° C. The reaction mixture is slowly warmed to room temperature and stirred for 16 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, a saturated aqueous NaHCO3solution is added. The aqueous layer is extracted with DCM, the organic layers are combined, dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution: 0% to 12% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) yielding the desired product D-13a.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of C-1a

To a stirred solution of D-13a (2.40 g, 11.582 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in 1,4-dioxane (5.0 mL) is added 4 N HCl in 1,4-dioxane (10 mL, 40.00 mmol, 3.5 equiv) at 0° C. The reaction mixture is warmed to room temperature and stirred for 16 h. After complete conversion of the starting material the reaction mixture is concentrated under reduced pressure. N-Pentane is added to the crude product. The solid material is filtered and washed with n-pentane to yield the desired product C-la as HCl salt.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-15a:

Amino acid D-14a (2.00 g, 19.7 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) and phthalic anhydride (2.92 g, 19.7 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) are suspended in acetic acid (20 mL). The reaction mixture is set to reflux and the obtained solution is stirred at this temperature for 3 h. The reaction mixture is cooled to 0° C. while the product D-15a crystallizes. Water (20 mL) is added and the reaction mixture is stirred at this temperature for 1 h. The precipitate is filtered, washed with water and further dried in vacuo to furnish the desired product. The crude product is further purified by chromatography if necessary (tret=1.03 min; [M−H]+=230.0; HPLC method D_LC_SSTD).

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-16a:

Acid D-15a (2.00 g, 8.6 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is suspended in toluene (10 mL) and N,N-dimethylformamide (0.1 mL). Thionyl chloride (1.08 g, 9.1 mmol, 1.05 equiv.) is added at room temperature, then the reaction mixture is set to reflux and the obtained solution is stirred at this temperature for 3 h until complete conversion of D-15a is achieved (quench with benzylamine). The reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature while the product D-16a crystallizes. Heptane (10 mL) is added and the reaction mixture is cooled further to 5° C. and stirred at this temperature for 1 h. The precipitate is filtered, washed with water and further dried in vacuo to furnish the desired product. The crude product is further purified by chromatography if necessary (tret=1.27 min; [M+H]+=246/247/248; HPLC method D_LC_SSTD as benzylamide after quench with benzylamine;1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ ppm 1.70-1.85 (m, 2H), 2.10-2.31 (m, 2H), 7.64-8.11 (m, 4H).

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-17a:

Acyl chloride D-16a (2.00 g, 8.0 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) and 10% Pd/C (dry, 100 mg, 5% w/w) are suspended in tetrahydrofurane (12 mL) and 2,6-lutidine (1.03 g, 9.6 mmol, 1.2 equiv.). The reaction mixture is hydrogenated at 3 bar and 30° C. After 20 h additional catalyst is added (25 mg) and the hydrogenation is continued for additional 24 h. After this time the reaction mixture is filtered and the filtrate is evaporated. The residual is partitioned between toluene and an aqueous solution of NaHCO3. The organic phase is separated and washed again with the NaHCO3solution and finally with a citric acid solution. The organic layer is dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is further purified by chromatography if necessary (tret=1.26 min; [M+H]+=216; HPLC method D_LC_BSTD).

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-18a:

Aldehyde D-17a (2.00 g, 9.3 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in dichloromethane (12 mL) and a 50% toluene solution of bis(2-methoxyethyl)aminosulfur trifluoride (9.90 g, 22.3 mmol, 2.4 equiv.) is added slowly at room temperature. After two days of stirring the reaction mixture is cautiously treated with an aqueous solution of NaHCO3and with additional dichloromethane (15 mL). The organic layer is dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product D-18a is further purified by chromatography or crystallization if necessary (tret=1.24 min; [M+H]+=238; HPLC method D_LC_SSTD). (Potential alternative fluorinating agents to be used for the conversion of D-17a are for example (diethylamino)difluorosulfonium tetrafluoroborate and sulfur tetrafluoride)

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of C-1a:

Imide D-18a (15.0 g, 63.2 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is suspended in N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylendiamine (45 mL) and the mixture heated to 80° C. After 2 h at this temperature the reaction mixture is cooled to 40° C. and methanol (30 mL) is added. The mixture is heated again to 80° C. and product C-1a is distilled off at 60-70° C. and atmospheric pressure as a methanol solution. The addition of methanol and the distillation step is repeated twice. The product C-1a can be directly used in the next step as a methanol solution (1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ (ppm)=0.44-0.81 (m, 4H), 5.64 (t, J=57.1 Hz, 1H). Methanol protons at δ (ppm)=3.18 (d, 3H), 4.08 (q, 1H) not reported).

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-20a

To a stirred solution of D-19a (5.00 g, 58.08 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in DCM (50 mL) are added (S)-(−)-1-phenylethylamine (6.21 g, 58.08 mmol, 1.0 equiv) and magnesium sulfate (13.94 g, 116.16 mmol, 2.0 equiv.). The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 16 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, insolubles are removed by filtration and the filtrate concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product D-20a is used without further purification in the next step.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-21a and D-21 b

To a stirred solution of D-20a (8.00 g, 42.27 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in acetonitrile (80 mL) and DMF (8 mL) are added potassium hydrogen fluoride (2.64 g, 33.85 mmol, 0.8 equiv) and trifluoroacetic acid (5.30 g, 46.49 mmol, 1.1 equiv) at 0° C. The reaction mixture is stirred for 10 min, then trimethyl-trifluoromethyl-silane (9.02 g, 63.43 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) is added and the resulting mixture warmed to room temperature and stirred for additional 16 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, water and ethyl acetate are added, the aqueous layer extracted with ethyl acetate and the combined organic layers washed with brine and dried over Na2SO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by SFC yielding the desired products D-21a and D-21b.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of C-1b

D-21a (2.00 g, 7.714 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in 3 N HCl in methanol (6.00 mL, 18.00 mmol, 2.3 equiv.) and stirred for 5 min at room temperature. The solvent is removed under reduced pressure and the resulting solid material dissolved in methanol (20 mL). Palladium on alumina (10 wt-%, 200.00 mg, 0.188 mmol, 0.025 equiv.) is added and the resulting mixture is stirred for 16 h at room temperature. After complete conversion, insolubles are removed by filtration and the filtrate is concentrated under reduced pressure. Diethyl ether is added to the crude product. The solid material is filtered and washed with diethyl ether to yield the desired product C-1 b as HCl salt.

The following amines C-1 (table 17) are available in an analogous manner starting from different intermediates D-21. The crude product C-1 is purified by chromatography if necessary and isolated as HCl salt.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of D-23a

To a stirred solution of D-22a (330 mg, 1.293 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in THF (1.0 mL) are added triethylamine (99%, 544 μL, 3.875 mmol, 3.0 equiv) and TBTU (518.8 g, 1.616 mmol, 1.3 equiv.). The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 15 min, then dimethylamine hydrochloride (110.7 mg, 1.358 mmol, 1.1 equiv.) is added. The resulting mixture is stirred for additional 2 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, water and DCM are added and the aqueous layer is extracted with DCM. The organic layers are combined, dried over MgSO4and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product D-23a is used without further purification in the next step.

The following amides D-23 (table 18) are available in an analogous manner starting from different acids D-22. The crude product D-23 is purified by chromatography if necessary.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of C-1d

D-23a (360 mg, 1.275 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in DCM (5.0 mL) and treated with 4 N HCl in 1,4-dioxane (2.55 mL, 10.200 mmol, 8.0 equiv.). The reaction mixture is stirred for 18 h. After complete conversion of the starting material, the solvents are partially removed under reduced pressure. The solid material is filtered and dried to yield the desired product C-1d as HCl salt.

The following amides C-1 (table 19) are available in an analogous manner starting from different intermediates D-23. The crude product C-1 is purified by chromatography if necessary and isolated as HCl salt.

Synthesis of Intermediates E-3

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of E-3a:

At 0° C. dimethyl 3-oxopentanedioate E-1a (10.0 g, 57.4 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is combined with N,N-dimethylformamide dimethyl acetale (7.60 mL, 57.4 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in 2-methyltetrahydrofurane (75 mL). After stirring 3 h at 0-4° C. the reaction mixture is warmed to room temperature and aqueous hydrochloric acid (4 N, 26 mL) is slowly added (intermediate E-2a is not isolated). After stirring 3 h at room temperature the organic layer is separated, washed with water and then brine and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product E-3a is further purified by distillation or chromatography if necessary (tret=0.99/1.04 min; [M+H]+=203; HPLC method D_LC_SSTD).

Synthesis of Intermediates E-4

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of E-4a:

Dimethyl 2-formyl-3-oxopentanedioate E-3a (4.34 g, 21.5 mmol, 1.15 equiv.) and a methanol solution of the amine C-1a (2.00 g 18.7 mmol, 1.0 equiv. in 14.5 mL methanol) are combined in methanol (5.5 mL) at room temperature. After stirring overnight at this temperature NaOMe (3.8 mL, 21.5 mmol, 1.15 equiv. 30% w/w in methanol) is added, rinsing with additional methanol (2 mL). After stirring 2 h at room temperature water (24 mL) is slowly added followed by addition of conc. hydrochloric acid (4.7 mL). The precipitate is filtered, washed with water and further dried in vacuo to furnish the desired product. The crude product is purified by chromatography if necessary (tret=1.06 min; [M−H]+=258; HPLC method D_LC_SSTD).

Synthesis of Intermediates E-5

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of E-5a:

4-Hydroxypyridinone E-4a (2.00 g, 7.7 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is suspended in acetonitrile (16 mL). Triethylamine (1.61 mL, 11.6 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) is added at room temperature followed by p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (1.47 g, 7.7 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in portions, rinsing with acetonitrile (4 mL). The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 2 h until complete conversion is achieved then is concentrated at the rotavapor and treated with water (20 mL). After stirring 1 h at room temperature the precipitate is filtered, washed with water and further dried in vacuo to furnish the desired product. The crude product is purified by chromatography if necessary (tret=1.34 min; [M−H]+=414; HPLC method D_LC_SSTD).

Synthesis of Intermediates E-6

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of E-6a:

Synthesis of Intermediates E-7

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of E-7a:

Acetamide E-6a (2.50 g, 8.33 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is suspended in methanolic NH3(7 M, 20 mL) and stirred at room temperature for 5 days until complete conversion of E-6a is achieved. The solvent is removed in vacuo and the solid residue is dissolved in methanol (10 mL). Aqueous NaOH solution (1 M, 10 mL) is added to the reaction mixture and the reaction is stirred at 50° C. for 20 min. The reaction mixture is filtered, the residual solids are washed with methanol (5 mL) and the filtrate is neutralized using aqueous HCl (1 M, ca. 10 mL). The precipitate is filtered, washed with water and acetonitrile and further dried in vacuo to furnish the desired product. The crude product E-7a is purified by chromatography if necessary (tret=0.885 min; [M+H]+=268.0; HPLC method D_LC_SSTD).

Synthesis of Compounds (I) According to the Invention

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of I-1

A-7a (272.0 mg, 0.586 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in 2-propanol (0.5 mL). An aqueous 5 N HCl solution (586 μL, 2.928 mmol, 5.0 equiv.) is added and the resulting mixture stirred for 1 hour at 50° C. until complete conversion of the starting material is observed. The reaction mixture is basified with aqueous ammonia, filtered and the filtrate purified by basic reversed phase chromatography (gradient elution: 20% to 60% acetonitrile in water) to furnish the desired product.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of I-97

E-7a (1.00 g, 3.74 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is suspended in MeCN (20 mL). K3PO4(2.00 g, 9.42 mmol, 2.5 equiv.) and hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (1.30 g, 3.74 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is added and the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The phenethylamine hydrochloride B-5k (930 mg, 4.12 mmol, 1.1 equiv.) is added and the reaction mixture is stirred for further 1 h. Aqueous NH3solution (25%, 2.0 mL) and after 1 h a sat. K2CO3solution (20 mL) are added. The biphasic reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 16 h and the organic layer is concentrated in vacuo. The crude product I-97 is purified by chromatography if necessary.

The following compounds I (table 20) are available in an analogous manner starting from different acetals A-7 or starting from different building blocks E-7 and B-5. The crude products are purified by chromatography if necessary.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of I-104 and I-105

A-7ct (90 mg, 0.196 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in 2-propanol (0.5 mL). An aqueous 2 N HClsolution (500 μL, 1.000 mmol, 5.1 equiv.) is added and the resulting mixture stirred for 3 h at 50° C. until complete conversion of the starting material is observed. The reaction mixture is basified with aqueous ammonia, filtered and the filtrate purified by basic reversed phase chromatography (gradient elution: 15% to 85% acetonitrile in water) to furnish the desired products.

The following compounds I (table 21) are available in an analogous manner starting from different pyrimidines A-7. The crude products are purified by chromatography if necessary.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of I-110

A-7ak (56.0 mg, 0.120 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in 2-propanol (0.5 mL). An aqueous 2 N HClsolution (500 μL, 1.000 mmol, 8.3 equiv.) is added and the resulting mixture stirred for 1 h at 50° C. until complete conversion of the starting material is observed. An aqueous 2 M NaOH (500 μL, 1.000 mmol, 8.3 equiv.) is added and the resulting mixture stirred for an additional hour at room temperature until complete conversion of the intermediate is observed. The reaction mixture is filtered and the filtrate purified by basic reversed phase chromatography (gradient elution: 30% to 70% acetonitrile in water) to furnish the desired product.

The following compounds I (table 22) are available in an analogous manner starting from different pyrimidines A-7. For the preparation of some compounds also other bases like aqueous ammonia have been used instead of aqueous NaOH. The crude products are purified by chromatography if necessary.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of I-131

I-1 (179.0 mg, 0.445 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in acetonitrile (1.5 mL). A solution of NBS (80.8 mg, 0.454 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in acetonitrile (0.5 mL) is added dropwise and the resulting mixture stirred for 1 h at room temperature until complete conversion of the starting material is observed. The reaction mixture is diluted with DCM and washed with water. Organic layers are combined, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated under reduced pressure to provide the desired product I-131.

The following compounds I (table 23) are available in an analogous manner starting from different compounds I. The crude products are purified by chromatography if necessary.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of I-155

I-131 (23.0 mg, 0.048 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) is dissolved in dioxane (0.75 mL) and water (0.25 mL). Cesium carbonate (90%, 26.0 mg, 0.072 mmol, 1.5 equiv.), bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II) (complex with DCM) (3.9 mg, 0.005 mmol, 0.1 equiv.) and trimethylboroxine (99%, 7.5 μL, 0.054 mmol, 1.1 equiv.) are added. The flask is flushed with argon and the reaction mixture stirred for 16 h at 100° C. until full conversion of the starting material is observed. The reaction mixture is diluted with DCM and washed with aqueous NaHCO3. Organic layers are combined, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by basic reversed phase chromatography (gradient elution: 25% to 85% acetonitrile in water) furnishes the desired product.

The following compounds I (table 24) are available in an analogous manner starting from different compounds I. The crude products are purified by chromatography if necessary.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of I-179

The following Examples describe the biological activity of the compounds according to the invention, without restricting the invention to these Examples.

Compounds of formula (I) are characterized by their many possible applications in the therapeutic field.

This assay can be used to examine the potency with which compounds inhibit the protein-protein interaction between SOS1 and KRAS G12D. This demonstrates the molecular mode of action of compounds. Low IC50values are indicative of high potency of the SOS1 inhibitor compound in this assay setting:

Assay buffer:1×PBS0.1% BSA100 μM EDTA or without EDTA (IC50s in the tables are measured without EDTA unless they are marked with an asterisk)0.05% Tween 20

10 nM (final assay concentration) KRAS G12D, 10 μM (final assay concentration) GDP and 5 nM (final assay concentration) GST-SOS1 are mixed in assay buffer prior to use and kept at room temperature.

AlphaLISA Glutathione Acceptor Beads and AlphaScreen Streptavidin Donor Beads are mixed in assay buffer at a concentration of 10 μg/mL (final assay concentration) each prior to use and kept at room temperature.

Compounds are diluted to a final start concentration of 100 μM and are tested in duplicate. Assay-ready plates (ARPs) are generated using an Access Labcyte Workstation with a Labcyte Echo 550 or 555 accoustic dispenser. For compound a start concentration of 100 μM, 150 nL of compound solution is transferred per well in 11 concentrations in duplicate with serial 1:5 dilutions.

The assay is run using a fully automated robotic system in a darkened room below 100 Lux. 10 μL of KRAS::SOS1 GDP mix is added into columns 1-24 to the 150 nL of compound solution (final dilution in the assay 1:100, final DMSO concentration 1%).

After a 30 minute incubation time 5 μL of bead mix is added into columns 1-23. Plates are kept at room temperature in a darkened incubator. After a further 60 minute incubation, the signal is measured using a PerkinElmer Envision HTS Multilabel Reader using the AlphaScreen specifications from PerkinElmer. Each plate contains the following controls:diluted DMSO+KRAS::SOS1 GDP mix+bead mixdiluted DMSO+KRAS::SOS1 GDP mix

IC50values are calculated and analyzed using a 4 parametric logistic model.

Tables of example compounds disclosed herein contain IC50values determined using the above assay.

Cell Proliferation Assays

Cell proliferation assays are used to examine the potency with which compounds inhibit the SOS1-mediated proliferation, growth and apoptosis of cancer cell lines in vitro. This demonstrates the molecular mode of action of compounds. Low IC50values are indicative of high potency of the SOS1 inhibitor compounds in this assay setting. In particular, it is observed that SOS1 inhibitor compounds demonstrate a potent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of KRAS mutant human cancer cell lines and not on BRAF V600E mutant cancer cell lines or non-addicted KRAS wild-type human cancer cell lines. This confirms the molecular mode of action of the SOS1 inhibitor compounds as selectively targeting cancer cells dependent on RAS-family protein function.

Cell proliferation assays are performed in three-dimensional (3D) anchorage-independent soft-agar conditions with the following human cell lines:

NCI-H358: human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a KRAS G12C mutation;

PC-9: human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with wild-type KRAS and an EGFR del 19 mutation;

NCI-H1792: human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a KRAS G12C mutation;

SW900: human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a KRAS G12V mutation;

A-549: human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a KRAS G12S mutation;

NCI-H2122: human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a KRAS G12C mutation;

DLD-1: human colon cancer with a KRAS G13D mutation;

A-375: human melanoma cancer with wildtype KRAS but a BRAFV600E mutation, which is used as a cell line being non-responsive following treatment with a SOS1 inhibitor compound;

All cell lines but PC-9 can be purchased from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). PC-9 can be purchased from the European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures (ECACC).

96-well Ultra low binding plates from Corning (CLS2474-24EA);

Alamar Blue from Invitrogen (DAL1100CSTM1)

NCI-H358 cells (ATCC HTB-182), DLD-1 cells (ATCC CCL-221), NCI-H520 cells (ATCC HTB-182), PC-9 cells (ECACC 90071810), NCI-H1792 cells (ATCC CRL-5895) and NCI-H2122 cells (ATCC CRL-5985) are grown in cell culture flasks (175 cm2) using RPMI medium. SW900 cells (ATCC HTB-59) are grown in Leibovitz's L-15 medium, A-549 cells (ATCC CCL-185) are grown in F12K medium, MIA PaCa-2 cells (ATCC CRL-1420) and A-375 (ATCC-CRL-1619) are grown in DMEM medium. Cell culture medium for all listed cell lines is supplemented with 10% FBS. Cultures are incubated at 37° C. and 5% CO2in a humidified atmosphere, with medium change or subcultivation performed 2-3 times a week. SW900 cells are cultured without addition of CO2.

The assay set-up is composed of the following:A bottom layer consisting of 90 μL medium including 1.2% agaroseA cell-layer consisting of 60 μL medium including 0.3% agaroseA top-layer consisting of 30 μL medium including the test compounds (without agarose)

For preparation of the bottom layer, 4% agarose (microwave-heated) is mixed with culture medium (incl. 2% FBS for all cell lines but SW900, for SW900 10% FCS was used to achieve cellular growth) to a final dilution of 1.2% agarose in medium. Each well is filled with 90 μL of the bottom layer suspension and cooled to room temperature for 1 h. For the cell-layer, cells are trypsinized, counted and plated in 60 μL culture medium (2% FBS) including 0.3% agarose (1500 cells per well). After cooling to room temperature for 1 h, plates are incubated overnight at 37° C. and 5% CO2in a humidified atmosphere. The next day the compounds (30 μL of serial dilutions) are added in triplicates. The concentration of the test compounds covers a range between 10 micromolar and 0.13 nanomolar minimum. Compounds (Stock: 10 mM in 100% DMSO) are diluted in medium. Cells are incubated at 37° C. and 5% CO2in a humidified atmosphere for 14 days.

20 μL/well of AlamarBlue suspension is added per well and incubated 4-24 hours in the incubator. Fluorescence intensity is determined using a fluorescence reader (2030 VICTOR X5, Perkin Elmer). The excitation wavelength is 544/15 nm, emission 590 nm. In monotherapy data is fitted by iterative calculation using a sigmoidal curve analysis program (GraphPAD Prism) with variable hill slope to ascertain IC50values.

ERK Phosphorylation Assay

ERK phosphorylation assays are used to examine the potency with which compounds inhibit the SOS1-mediated signal transduction in a KRAS mutant human cancer cell line in vitro. This demonstrates the molecular mode of action of compounds by interfering with the RAS-family protein signal transduction cascade. Low IC50values are indicative of high potency of the SOS1 inhibitor compounds in this assay setting. It is observed that SOS1 inhibitor compounds demonstrate an inhibitory effect on ERK phosphorylation in a KRAS mutant human cancer cell line, thus confirming the molecular mode of action of the SOS1 inhibitor compounds on RAS-family protein signal transduction.

ERK phosphorylation assays are performed using the following human cell lines: DLD-1 (ATCC CCL-221): human colon cancer with a KRAS G13D mutation;

Non-essential amino acids from Thermo Fischer Scientific (11140035)

Pyruvate from Thermo Fischer Scientific (11360039)

Glutamax from Thermo Fischer Scientific (35050061)

EGF from Sigma (E4127)

Acceptor Mix: Protein A Acceptor Beads from PerkinElmer (6760137M)

Staurosporine from Sigma Aldrich (S6942)

DLD-1 cells (ATCC CCL-221) are seeded at 50,000 cells per well in/60 μL of RPMI with 10% FBS, non-essential amino acids, pyruvate and glutamax in Greiner TC 384 plates. The cells are incubated for 1 h at room temperature and then incubated overnight in an incubator at 37° C. and 5% CO2in a humidified atmosphere. 60 nL compound solution (10 mM DMSO stock solution) is then added using a Labcyte Echo 550 device. After a 1 h incubation in the aforementioned incubator, 3 μL Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF, final concentration 50 ng/mL) is added. 10 minutes later the medium is removed, and the cells lysed by addition of 20 μL of 1.6-fold lysis buffer from the AlphaLISA SureFire Ultra pERK1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204) Assay Kit with added protease inhibitors, 100 nM trametinib+100 nM staurosporine. After 20 minutes of incubation at room temperature with shaking, 6 μL of each lysate sample is transferred to a 384-well Proxiplate and analyzed for pERK (Thr202/Tyr204) with the AlphaLISA SureFire Ultra pERK1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204) Assay Kit. 3 μL Acceptor Mix and 3 μL Donor Mix are added under subdued light and incubated for 2 h at room temperature in the dark, before the signal is measured on a Perkin Elmer Envision plate reader using 384 AlphaScreen settings for Proxiplates. Data are fitted by iterative calculation with variable hill slope. The sigmoidal curve slope is fitted using a default fitting curve to ascertain IC50values.

Table 25 shows data obtained with the disclosed assay for a selection of compounds (I) according to the invention.

The metabolic degradation of the test compound is assayed at 37° C. with pooled liver microsomes (mouse (MLM), rat (RLM) or human (HLM)). The final incubation volume of 74 μL per time point contains TRIS buffer (pH 7.5; 0.1 M), magnesium chloride (6.5 mM), microsomal protein (0.5 mg/mL for mouse/rat, 1 mg/mL for human specimens) and the test compound at a final concentration of 1 μM. Following a short preincubation period at 37° C., the reactions are initiated by addition of 8 μL beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced form (NADPH, 10 mM) and terminated by transfering an aliquot into solvent after different time points. Additionally, the NADPH-independent degradation is monitored in incubations without NADPH, terminated at the last time point by addition of acetonitrile. The quenched incubations are pelleted by centrifugation (1811 g, 5 min). An aliquot of the supernatant is assayed by LC-MS/MS for the amount of parent compound. In vitro intrinsic clearance (CLint, in vitro) is calculated from the time course of the disappearance of the test drug during the microsomal incubation. Each plot is fitted to the first-order elimination rate constant as C(t)=C0*exp(−ke*t), where C(t) and C0are the concentration of unchanged test drug at incubation time t and that at preincubation and ke is the disappearance rate constant of the unchanged drug. Subsequently, CLint, in vitro(μL min−1·amount protein) values are converted to CLint, in vitro(mL min−1·kg−1) for the whole body. CLint, in vitrodata are scaled up using physiological parameters. For better across species comparison the predicted clearance is expressed as percent of the liver blood flow [% QH] in the individual species. In general, high stability (corresponding to low % QH) of the compounds across species is desired.

Table 26 shows metabolic stability data obtained with the disclosed assay for a selection of compounds (I) according to the invention.

Time Dependent Inhibition of CYP3A4 Assay (TDI 3A4):

The time dependent inhibition towards CYP3A4 is assayed in human liver microsomes (0.02 mg/mL) with midazolam (15 μM) as a substrate. The test compounds are preincubated in presence of NADPH with human liver microsomes (0.2 mg/mL) at a concentration of 25 uM for 0 min and 30 min. After preincubation, the incubate is diluted 1:10 and the substrate midazolam is added for the main incubation (15 min). The main incubation is quenched with acetonitrile and the formation of hydroxy-midazolam is quantified via LC/MS-MS. The formation of hydroxy-midazolam from the 30 min preincubation relative to the formation from the 0 min preincubation is used as a readout. Values of less than 100% mean that the substrate midazolam is metabolized to a lower extend upon 30 min preincubation compared to 0 min preincubation. In general low effects upon 30 min preincubation are desired (corresponding to values close to 100%)

Table 27 shows data obtained with the disclosed assay for a selection of compounds (I) according to the invention.

Determination of Off-Target Liabilities

There are certain targets (44) which are considered to be all strongly associated with in vivo adverse drug reactions as referenced in the publicationReducing safety-related drug attrition: the use of in vitro pharmacological profiling, Nature Review Drug Discovery 11, 909-922 (December 2012). This paper was a collaborative effort between several large pharmaceutical company safety pharmacology groups with the aim of establishing a core panel of in vitro pharmacology assays. Eurofins Cerep (France) commercially offers measurement on its SafetyScreen44™ Panel (comprising these off-targets) for a rational first step in preliminary safety assessments. Compounds (I) according to the invention may be assayed against this panel to investigate off-target liability.

Therapeutic Use

Due to their biological properties the compounds of the invention, their tautomers, racemates, enantiomers, diastereomers, mixtures thereof and the salts of all the above-mentioned forms may be suitable for treating diseases characterised by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation such as cancer.

For example, the following cancers, tumors and other proliferative diseases may be treated with compounds of the invention, without being restricted thereto:

cancers of unknown primary site (CUP);

All cancers/tumors/carcinomas mentioned above which are characterized by their specific location/origin in the body are meant to include both the primary tumors and the metastatic tumors derived therefrom.

All cancers/tumors/carcinomas mentioned above may be further differentiated by their histopathological classification:

The compounds of the invention may be used in therapeutic regimens in the context of first line, second line, or any further line treatments.

The compounds of the invention may be used for the prevention, short-term or long-term treatment of the above-mentioned diseases, optionally also in combination with radiotherapy and/or surgery.

Of course, the above also includes the use of the compounds of the invention in various methods of treating the above diseases by administering a therapeutically effective dose to a patient in need thereof, as well as the use of these compounds for the manufacture of medicaments for the treatment of such diseases, as well as pharmaceutical compositions including such compounds of the invention, as well as the preparation and/or manufacture of medicaments including such compounds of the invention, and the like.

Combinations With Other Active Substances

The compounds of the invention may be used on their own or in combination with one or several other pharmacologically active substances such as state-of-the-art or standard-of-care compounds, such as e.g. cell proliferation inhibitors, anti-angiogenic substances, steroids or immune modulators/checkpont inhibitors, and the like.

When two or more substances or principles are to be used as part of a combined treatment regimen, they can be administered via the same route of administration or via different routes of administration, at essentially the same time (i.e. simultaneously, concurrently) or at different times (e.g. sequentially, successively, alternately, consecutively, or according to any other sort of alternating regime).

When the substances or principles are to be administered simultaneously via the same route of administration, they may be administered as different pharmaceutical formulations or compositions or as part of a combined pharmaceutical formulation or composition. Also, when two or more active substances or principles are to be used as part of a combined treatment regimen, each of the substances or principles may be administered in the same amount and according to the same regimen as used when the compound or principle is used on its own, and such combined use may or may not lead to a synergistic effect. However, when the combined use of the two or more active substances or principles leads to a synergistic effect, it may also be possible to reduce the amount of one, more or all of the substances or principles to be administered, while still achieving the desired therapeutic action. This may for example be useful for avoiding, limiting or reducing any unwanted side-effects that are associated with the use of one or more of the substances or principles when they are used in their usual amounts, while still obtaining the desired pharmacological or therapeutic effect.

Of course, the above includes the preparation and methods of preparing, the compounds of the invention for the combined use with the above combination partners. Also included are the preparation, and methods of preparing, the above-mentioned combination partners for the combined use with the compounds of the invention.

Furthermore, the invention also encompasses kits comprising at least one compound of the invention and one or more other components selected from the group consisting of other drugs used for the treatment of the diseases and disorders as described above, and devices as described below.

Formulations

Suitable preparations for administering the compounds of the invention will be apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art and include for example tablets, pills, capsules, suppositories, lozenges, troches, solutions—particularly solutions for injection (s.c., i.v., i.m.) and infusion (injectables)—elixirs, syrups, sachets, emulsions, inhalatives or dispersible powders. The content of the pharmaceutically active compound(s) should be in the range from 0.1 to 90 wt.-%, preferably 0.5 to 50 wt.-% of the composition as a whole, i.e. in amounts which are sufficient to achieve the dosage range specified below. The doses specified may, if necessary, be given several times a day.

Suitable tablets may be obtained, for example, by mixing the active substance(s) of the invention with known excipients, for example inert diluents, carriers, disintegrants, adjuvants, surfactants, binders and/or lubricants. The tablets may also comprise several layers.

Coated tablets may be prepared accordingly by coating cores produced analogously to the tablets with substances normally used for tablet coatings, for example collidone or shellac, gum arabic, talc, titanium dioxide or sugar. To achieve delayed release or prevent incompatibilities the core may also consist of a number of layers. Similarly the tablet coating may consist of a number of layers to achieve delayed release, possibly using the excipients mentioned above for the tablets.

Syrups or elixirs containing the active substances or combinations thereof according to the invention may additionally contain a sweetener such as saccharine, cyclamate, glycerol or sugar and a flavour enhancer, e.g. a flavouring such as vanillin or orange extract. They may also contain suspension adjuvants or thickeners such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, wetting agents such as, for example, condensation products of fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide, or preservatives such as p-hydroxybenzoates.

Solutions for injection and infusion are prepared in the usual way, e.g. with the addition of isotonic agents, preservatives such as p-hydroxybenzoates, or stabilisers such as alkali metal salts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, optionally using emulsifiers and/or dispersants, whilst if water is used as the diluent, for example, organic solvents may optionally be used as solvating agents or dissolving aids, and transferred into injection vials or ampoules or infusion bottles.

Capsules containing one or more active substances or combinations of active substances may for example be prepared by mixing the active substances with inert carriers such as lactose or sorbitol and packing them into gelatine capsules.

Suitable suppositories may be made for example by mixing with carriers provided for this purpose such as neutral fats or polyethyleneglycol or the derivatives thereof.

The preparations are administered by the usual methods, preferably by oral or transdermal route, most preferably by oral route. For oral administration the tablets may of course contain, apart from the above-mentioned carriers, additives such as sodium citrate, calcium carbonate and dicalcium phosphate together with various additives such as starch, preferably potato starch, gelatine and the like. Moreover, lubricants such as magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulphate and talc may be used at the same time for the tabletting process. In the case of aqueous suspensions the active substances may be combined with various flavour enhancers or colourings in addition to the excipients mentioned above.

For parenteral use, solutions of the active substances with suitable liquid carriers may be used.

The dosage range of the compounds of formula (I) applicable per day is usually from 1 mg to 2000 mg, preferably from 150 to 1000 mg.

The dosage for intravenous use is from 1 mg to 1000 mg with different infusion rates, preferably between 5 mg and 500 mg with different infusion rates.

However, it may sometimes be necessary to depart from the amounts specified, depending on the body weight, age, the route of administration, severity of the disease, the individual response to the drug, the nature of its formulation and the time or interval over which the drug is administered (continuous or intermittent treatment with one or multiple doses per day). Thus, in some cases it may be sufficient to use less than the minimum dose given above, whereas in other cases the upper limit may have to be exceeded. When administering large amounts it may be advisable to divide them up into a number of smaller doses spread over the day.

The formulation examples which follow illustrate the present invention without restricting its scope:

Examples of Pharmaceutical Formulations

The finely ground active substance, lactose and some of the corn starch are mixed together. The mixture is screened, then moistened with a solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone in water, kneaded, wet-granulated and dried. The granules, the remaining corn starch and the magnesium stearate are screened and mixed together. The mixture is compressed to produce tablets of suitable shape and size.

The finely ground active substance, some of the corn starch, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone are mixed together, the mixture is screened and worked with the remaining corn starch and water to form a granulate which is dried and screened. The sodiumcarboxymethyl starch and the magnesium stearate are added and mixed in and the mixture is compressed to form tablets of a suitable size.

The active substance, lactose and cellulose are mixed together. The mixture is screened, then either moistened with water, kneaded, wet-granulated and dried or dry-granulated or directely final blend with the magnesium stearate and compressed to tablets of suitable shape and size. When wet-granulated, additional lactose or cellulose and magnesium stearate is added and the mixture is compressed to produce tablets of suitable shape and size.

The active substance is dissolved in water at its own pH or optionally at pH 5.5 to 6.5 and sodium chloride is added to make it isotonic. The solution obtained is filtered free from pyrogens and the filtrate is transferred under aseptic conditions into ampoules which are then sterilised and sealed by fusion. The ampoules contain 5 mg, 25 mg and 50 mg of active substance.