Substituted pyrazines and their use in the treatment of disease

The present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I)and the tautomers and the salts thereof, particularly the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids and bases, which have valuable pharmacological properties, particularly an inhibitory effect on epithelial sodium channels, the use thereof for the treatment of diseases, particularly diseases of the lungs and airways.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I)

and the tautomers and the salts thereof, particularly the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids and bases, which have valuable pharmacological properties, particularly an inhibitory effect on epithelial sodium channels, the use thereof for the treatment of diseases, particularly diseases of the lungs and airways.

2. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Amiloride type compounds are known from the prior art as active substances for example for the treatment of diseases of the lungs and airways (J. Med. Chem.49 (2006) 4098-4115). WO 08135557 discloses compounds of similar structure showing ENaC (Epithelial Sodium Channel) inhibitor activity.

The problem of the present invention is to prepare new compounds which may be used therapeutically for the treatment of pathophysiological processes treatable by the blockade of an epithelial sodium channel, particularly for the treatment of the lungs and airways.

3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It has surprisingly been found that the problem mentioned above is solved by compounds of formula (I) of the present invention.

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

Preferred compounds of formula (I) are those whereinX denotes Cl or Br,Y1.1Y2.1independently from each other denote a bond or are selected from a group consisting of a linker of formula (a) to (k)

Y3denotes pyrrolidine or piperidine, each optionally substituted by up to two substituents independently selected from hydroxy or C1-3-alkoxy, orY3denotes morpholine, piperazine, 4-methyl-piperazine, 4-ethyl-piperazine, 4-acetylpiperazine or 4-propionyl-piperazine.

Also particularly preferred are compounds of formula (I), whereinR7is selected from the group consisting of—COOH, —CH2COOH, —(CH2)2COOH, —OCH2—COOH, —P(O)(R7.3)(OR7.4), —CH2—P(O)(OR73)(OR7.4) and —B(OH)2,whereinR7.3denotes H,R8is selected from the group consisting ofH, halogen, CN, HCΞC—, OH, C1-4-alkyl-O—, HCΞC—, OH, C1-4-alkyl-O—, HO—CH2—, H2C═CH—CH2—O—, HCΞC—CH2—O— and —NR8.1R8.2,whereinR8.1denotes H, C1-4-alkyl-CO— or C1-4-alkyl-SO2—,R8.2denotes H or C1-4-alkyl-, orR8.1and R8.2together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a heterocycle Y3.

Also particularly preferred are compounds of formula (I), whereinR7is selected from the group consisting ofC1-4-alkyl-OCO—, —C1-2-alkyl-COO—C1-4-alkyl, —OCH2—COO—C1-4-alkyl, —P(O)(OR7.3)(OR7.4), and —CH2—P(O)(OR7.3)(OR7.4),whereinR7.3, R7.4independently from each other denote methyl, ethyl or 2-propyl,R8is selected from the group consisting ofH, halogen, CN, C1-4-alkyl-, HCΞC—, OH, C1-4-alkyl-O—, HO—CH2—, H2C═CH—CH2—O—, HCΞC—CH2—O— and —NR8.1R8.2,whereinR8.1denotes H, C1-4-alkyl-CO— or C1-4-alkyl-SO2—,R8.2denotes H or C1-4-alkyl-, orR8.1and R8.2together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a heterocycleY3.

Also particularly preferred are compounds of formula (I), whereinL3, L4independently from each other denote a bond, —CH2— or —CH2—CH2—,R8denotes -L2-Y1-L3-Y2-L4-R8.5,whereinR8.5denotes —NH2or —N+(R8.5.3)3,R8.5.3denotes methyl or ethyl,R10denotes a hydrogen atom,With the proviso that if Y2denotes a bond, thenL2denotes —CO— and Y1denotes —NRY1.1—.

Also particularly preferred are compounds of formula (I), whereinL2denotes —CH2—CH2—,Y1denotes Y1.1,whereinY1.1is selected from a group consisting of linkers of formula (c), (d), (e), (f) and (k)

with the proviso that L3is not a bond.

Especially preferred are compounds of formula (I), whereinR7is selected from the group consisting ofH, halogen, CN, C1-4-alkyl-, OH, C1-4-alkyl-O— and HO—CH2—,R8.5is selected from the group consisting of H, OH, C1-4-alkyl-O—, —C(CH2OH)3, —CH(CH2OH)2and —CH(OH)CH2OH,L2denotes a bond, —CH2—CH2— or —O—CH2—,L3denotes a bond,L4denotes a linear chain of formula (m.1):
—(CH2)i—[O—(CH2)g1]p1—  (m.1),whereini denotes 0, 1, 2, or 3,g1 denotes 2, or 3,p1 denotes 0, 1 or 2,With the proviso that if R8.5denotes OH or C1-4-alkyl-O—, then (i+p1)>0, and with the proviso that if R8.5denotes H, then p1>0,and with the provisio that the linear chain or formula (m.1) is consisting of no more than 8 moieties selected from the group consisting of —CH2— and —O—.Y1denotes a bond,Y2denotes —CO—NH— or Y2.1,whereinY2.1is selected from a group consisting of linkers of formula (c), (d), (e), (f) and (k)

Also especially preferred are compounds of formula (I), whereinL2denotes a bond,L3, L4independently from each other denote a bond or a linear chain of formula (m)
—(CH2)i—[O—(CH2)g1]p1—[NH—(CH2)g2]p2—[O—(CH2)g3]p3—  (m),whereini denotes 0, 1, 2 or 3,g1 denotes 2, 3 or 4,g2 denotes 0,g3 denotes 2, or 3,p1 denotes 0 or 1,p3 denotes 2, 3 or 4,p2 denotes 0,with the provisio that the linear chain is consisting of 5 to 12 moieties selected from the group consisting of —CH2— and —O—, andwith the proviso that L3and L4together consist of at least eight —CH2— moieties and of at least four —O— moieties,Y1denotes Y1.1,whereinY1.1denotes a linker of formula (e) or (f)

Y2denotes a bond oris selected from a group consisting of Y2.1, —Y2.1—CONRY2.1— and —NRY2.1—CO—Y2.1—,R8.5denotes H, OH or —OCH3,

Also preferred are compounds of formula (I), whereinR1, R2, R3, R4, R5denote H,R7denotes H or halogen,R9denotes H,X denotes Cl,L1denotes a bond,m, n denote 1,L2denotes a bond,Y1denotes Y1.1,whereinY1.1is selected from a group consisting of linkers of formula (e) and (f)

A further embodiment of the current invention are compounds of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use as a medicament.

A further embodiment of the current invention are compounds of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in the treatment of a disease selected from among respiratory diseases or complaints and allergic diseases of the airways.

Preferred are compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in the treatment of a disease selected from among chronic bronchitis, acute bronchitis, bronchitis caused by bacterial or viral infection or fungi or helminths, allergic bronchitis, toxic bronchitis, chronic obstructive bronchitis (COPD), asthma (intrinsic or allergic), paediatric asthma, bronchiectasis, allergic alveolitis, allergic or non-allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, cystic fibrosis or mucoviscidosis, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, cough, pulmonary emphysema, interstitial lung diseases, alveolitis, hyperreactive airways, nasal polyps, pulmonary oedema and pneumonitis of different origins, preferably chronic bronchitis, acute bronchitis, bronchitis, chronic obstructive bronchitis (COPD), asthma (intrinsic or allergic), cystic fibrosis and paediatric asthma, preferably chronic bronchitis, COPD and cystic fibrosis.

A further embodiment of the current invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound according to the invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

A further embodiment of the current invention are medicament combinations which contain, besides one or more compounds of a compound according to the invention, as further active substances, one or more compounds selected from among the categories of further ENaC inhibitors, betamimetics, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, PDE4-inhibitors, LTD4-antagonists, EGFR-inhibitors, dopamine agonists, H1-antihistamines, PAF-antagonists, MAP-kinase inhibitors, MPR4-Inhibitors, iNOS-Inhibitors, SYK-Inhibitors, corrections of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) and CFTR potentiators or double or triple combinations thereof, preferably VX-770 and VX-809, or double or triple combinations thereof.

4. USED TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

In the groups, radicals, or moieties defined below, the number of carbon atoms is often specified preceding the group, for example, C1-6-alkyl means an alkyl group or radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

In general in single groups like HO, H2N, OS, O2S, 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. For combined groups comprising two or more subgroups, the terminal bond indicates the radical attachment point, for example, the substituent “aryl-C1-3-alkyl-” means an aryl is group which is bound to a C1-3-alkyl-group, the latter of which is bound to the core or to the group to which the substituent is attached.

In case a compound of the present invention is depicted in form of a chemical name and as a formula in case of any discrepancy the formula shall prevail. An asterisk is may be used in sub-formulas to indicate the bond which is connected to the core molecule as defined.

For example, the term “3-carboxypropyl-group” represents the following substituent:

wherein the carboxy group is attached to the third carbon atom of the propyl group. The terms “1-methylpropyl-”, “2,2-dimethylpropyl-” or “cyclopropylmethyl-” group represent the following groups:

The asterisk may be used in sub-formulas to indicate the bond which is connected to the core molecule as defined.

Many of the following terms may be used repeatedly in the definition of a formula or group and in each case have one of the meanings given above, independently of one another.

The term “substituted” as used herein, means that any one or more hydrogens on the designated atom is replaced with a selection from the indicated group, provided that the designated atom's normal valence is not exceeded, and that the substitution results in a stable compound.

By the term “optionally substituted” is meant within the scope of the invention the above-mentioned group, optionally substituted by a lower-molecular group. Examples of lower-molecular groups regarded as chemically meaningful are groups consisting of 1-200 atoms. Preferably such groups have no negative effect on the pharmacological efficacy of the compounds. For example the groups may comprise:Straight-chain or branched carbon chains, optionally interrupted by heteroatoms, optionally substituted by rings, heteroatoms or other common functional groups.Aromatic or non-aromatic ring systems consisting of carbon atoms and optionally heteroatoms, which may in turn be substituted by functional groups.A number of aromatic or non-aromatic ring systems consisting of carbon atoms and optionally heteroatoms which may be linked by one or more carbon chains, optionally interrupted by heteroatoms, optionally substituted by heteroatoms or other common functional groups.

The expressions “prevention”, “prophylaxis”, “prophylactic treatment” or “preventive treatment” used herein should be understood synonymous and in the sense that the risk to develop a condition mentioned hereinbefore is reduced, especially in a patient having elevated risk for said conditions or a corresponding anamnesis, e.g. elevated risk of developing metabolic disorder such as diabetes or obesity or another disorder mentioned herein. Thus the expression “prevention of a disease” as used herein means the management and care of an individual at risk of developing the disease prior to the clinical onset of the disease. The purpose of prevention is to combat the development of the disease, condition or disorder, and includes the administration of the active compounds to prevent or delay the onset of the symptoms or complications and to prevent or delay the development of related diseases, conditions or disorders. Success of said preventive treatment is reflected statistically by reduced incidence of said condition within a patient population at risk for this condition in comparison to an equivalent patient population without preventive treatment.

The expression “treatment” or “therapy” means therapeutic treatment of patients having already developed one or more of said conditions in manifest, acute or chronic form, including symptomatic treatment in order to relieve symptoms of the specific indication or causal treatment in order to reverse or partially reverse the condition or to delay the progression of the indication as far as this may be possible, depending on the condition and the severity thereof. Thus the expression “treatment of a disease” as used herein means the management and care of a patient having developed the disease, condition or disorder. The purpose of treatment is to combat the disease, condition or disorder. Treatment includes the administration of the active compounds to eliminate or control the disease, condition or disorder as well as to alleviate the symptoms or complications associated with the disease, condition or disorder.

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 forms of these compounds with a sufficient amount of the appropriate base or acid in water or in an organic diluent is 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.

As used herein the term “prodrug” refers to (i) an inactive form of a drug that exerts its effects after metabolic processes within the body converting it to a usable or active form, or (ii) a substance that gives rise to a pharmacologically active metabolite, although not itself active (i.e. an inactive precursor).

The terms “prodrug” or “prodrug derivative” mean a covalently-bonded derivative, carrier or precursor of the parent compound or active drug substance which undergoes at least some biotransformation prior to exhibiting its pharmacological effect(s). Such prodrugs either have metabolically cleavable or otherwise convertible groups and are rapidly transformed in vivo to yield the parent compound, for example, by hydrolysis in blood or by activation via oxidation as in case of thioether groups. Most common prodrugs include esters and amide analogs of the parent compounds. The prodrug is formulated with the objectives of improved chemical stability, improved patient acceptance and compliance, improved bioavailability, prolonged duration of action, improved organ selectivity, improved formulation (e.g., increased hydrosolubility), and/or decreased side effects (e.g., toxicity). In general, prodrugs themselves have weak or no biological activity and are stable under ordinary conditions. Prodrugs can be readily prepared from the parent compounds using methods known in the art, such as those described in A Textbook of Drug Design and Development, Krogsgaard-Larsen and H. Bundgaard (eds.), Gordon & Breach, 1991, particularly Chapter 5: “Design and Applications of Prodrugs”; Design of Prodrugs, H. Bundgaard (ed.), Elsevier, 1985; Prodrugs: Topical and Ocular Drug Delivery, K. B. Sloan (ed.), Marcel Dekker, 1998; Methods in Enzymology, K. Widder et al. (eds.), Vol. 42, Academic Press, 1985, particularly pp. 309-396; Burger's Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery, 5th Ed., M. Wolff (ed.), John Wiley & Sons, 1995, particularly Vol. 1 and pp. 172-178 and pp. 949-982; Pro-Drugs as Novel Delivery Systems, T. Higuchi and V. Stella (eds.), Am. Chem. Soc., 1975; Bioreversible Carriers in Drug Design, E. B. Roche (ed.), Elsevier, 1987, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug” as used herein means a prodrug of a compound of the invention which is, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and lower animals without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response, and the like, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio, and effective for their intended use, as well as the zwitterionic forms, where possible.

The term “aryl” as used herein, either alone or in combination with another radical, denotes a carbocyclic aromatic monocyclic group containing 6 carbon atoms which may be further fused to a second 5- or 6-membered carbocyclic group which may be aromatic, saturated or unsaturated. Aryl includes, but is not limited to, phenyl, indanyl, indenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl and dihydronaphthyl.

The term “heterocyclyl” or “heterocycle” means a saturated or unsaturated mono- or polycyclic-ring systems including aromatic ring system containing one or more heteroatoms selected from N, O or S(O) wherein r=0, 1 or 2, consisting of 3 to 14 ring atoms wherein none of the heteroatoms is part of the aromatic ring. The term “heterocycle” is intended to include all the possible isomeric forms.

Thus, the term “heterocyclyl” includes the following exemplary structures which are not depicted as radicals as each form may be attached through a covalent bond to any atom so long as appropriate valences are maintained:

The term “heteroaryl” means a mono- or polycyclic-ring systems containing one or more heteroatoms selected from N, O or S(O)r, wherein r=0, 1 or 2, consisting of 5 to 14 ring atoms wherein at least one of the heteroatoms is part of aromatic ring. The term “heteroaryl” is intended to include all the possible isomeric forms.

Thus, the term “heteroaryl” includes the following exemplary structures which are not depicted as radicals as each form may be attached through a covalent bond to any atom so long as appropriate valences are maintained:

The term “monocyclic C5-7-heterocyclyl” means a saturated or unsaturated non-aromatic monocyclic-ring systems containing one or more heteroatoms selected from N, O or S(O)r, wherein r=0, 1 or 2, consisting of 5 to 7 ring atoms. The term “monocyclic C5-7-heterocyclyl” is intended to include all the possible isomeric forms.

Thus, the term “monocyclic C5-7-heterocyclyl” includes the following exemplary structures which are not depicted as radicals as each form may be attached through a covalent bond to any atom so long as appropriate valences are maintained:

The term “monocyclic C5-6-heteroaryl” means a monocyclic-ring systems containing one or more heteroatoms selected from N, O or S(O)r, wherein r=0, 1 or 2, consisting of 5 or 6 ring atoms wherein at least one of the heteroatoms is part of aromatic ring. The term “monocyclic C5-6-heteroaryl” is intended to include all the possible isomeric forms.

Thus, the term “monocyclic C5-6-heteroaryl” includes the following exemplary structures which are not depicted as radicals as each form may be attached through a covalent bond to any atom so long as appropriate valences are maintained:

The term “bicyclic C8-10-heterocyclyl” means a saturated or unsaturated bicyclic-ring systems including aromatic ring systems containing one or more heteroatoms selected from N, O or S(O)r, wherein r=0, 1 or 2, consisting of 8 to 10 ring atoms wherein the heteroatoms is optionally part of the aromatic ring. The term “bicyclic C8-10-heterocyclyl” is intended to include all the possible isomeric forms.

Thus, the term “bicyclic C8-10-heterocyclyl” includes the following exemplary structures which are not depicted as radicals as each form may be attached through a covalent bond to any atom so long as appropriate valences are maintained:

The term “annelated species of aryl or heterocyclyl” as used herein, either alone or in combination with another substituent wherein the annelated species presents as an aryl-het (a), a het-aryl (b) or a het-het (c) annelation means a monovalent substituent derived by removal of one hydrogen from

an aromatic monocyclic system or aromatic multicyclic systems containing carbon atoms, which is annelated to a five-, six- or seven-membered saturated or unsaturated (including aromatic) heterocycle containing carbon atoms and one, two, three or four ring heteroatoms selected from is nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur or
a five-, six-, or seven-membered saturated or unsaturated (including aromatic) heterocycle containing carbon atoms and one, two, three or four ring heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, which is annelated to an aromatic monocyclic system or aromatic multicyclic systems containing carbon atoms or
a five-, six-, or seven-membered saturated or unsaturated (including aromatic) heterocycle containing carbon atoms and one, two, three or four ring heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, which is annelated to a five-, six-, or seven-membered saturated or unsaturated (including aromatic) heterocycle containing carbon atoms and one, two, three or four ring heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur.

The term “halogen” as used herein means a halogen substituent selected from fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo.

The term “C1-n-alkyl”, wherein n is an integer from 2 to n, either alone or in combination with another radical denotes an acyclic, saturated, branched or linear hydrocarbon radical with 1 to n C atoms. For example the term C1-5-alkyl embraces the radicals H3C—, H3C—CH2—, H3C—CH2—CH2—, H3C—CH(CH3)—, H3C—CH2—CH2—CH2—, H3C—CH2—CH(CH3)—, H3C—CH(CH3)—CH2—, H3C—C(CH3)2—, H3C—CH2—CH2—CH2—CH2—, H3C—CH2—CH2—CH(CH3)—, H3C—CH2—CH(CH3)—CH2—, H3C—CH(CH3)—CH2—CH2—, H3C—CH2—C(CH3)2—, H3C—C(CH3)2—CH2—, H3C—CH(CH3)—CH(CH3)— and H3C—CH2—CH(CH2CH3)—.

The term “C1-n-alkylene” wherein n is an integer 2 to n, either alone or in combination with another radical, denotes an acyclic, straight or branched chain divalent alkyl radical containing from 1 to n carbon atoms. For example the term C1-4-alkylene includes —CH2—, —CH2—CH2—, —CH(CH3)—, —CH2—CH2—CH2—, —C(CH3)2—, —CH(CH2CH3)—, —CH(CH3)—CH2—, —CH2—CH(CH3)—, —CH2—CH2—CH2—CH2—, —CH2—CH2—CH(CH3)—, —CH(CH3)—CH2—CH2—, —CH2—CH(CH3)—CH2—, —CH2—C(CH3)2—, —C(CH3)2—CH2—, —CH(CH3)—CH(CH3)—, —CH2—CH(CH2CH3)—, —CH(CH2CH3)—CH2—, —CH(CH2CH2CH3)—, —CH(CH(CH3))2— and —C(CH3)(CH2CH3)—.

The term “C2-n-alkenyl”, is used for a group as defined in the definition for “C1-n-alkyl” with at least two carbon atoms, if at least two of those carbon atoms of said group are bonded to each other by a double bond.

The term “C2-n-alkenylene” is used for a group as defined in the definition for “C1-n-alkylene” with at least two carbon atoms, if at least two of those carbon atoms of said group are bonded to each other by a double bond.

The term “C2-n-alkynyl”, is used for a group as defined in the definition for “C1-n-alkyl” with at least two carbon atoms, if at least two of those carbon atoms of said group are bonded to each other by a triple bond.

The term “C2-n-alkynylene” is used for a group as defined in the definition for “C1-n-alkylene” with at least two carbon atoms, if at least two of those carbon atoms of said group are bonded to each other by a triple bond.

By the term “C1-6-alkoxy” (including those which are part of other groups) are meant branched and unbranched alkoxy groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms and by the term “C1-4-alkoxy” are meant branched and unbranched alkoxy groups with 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Alkoxy groups with 1 to 4 carbon atoms are preferred. Examples include: methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy or pentoxy. The abbreviations OMe, OEt, OPr, etc. may optionally be used for the above-mentioned groups. Unless stated otherwise, the definitions propoxy, butoxy and pentoxy include all the possible isomeric forms of the respective groups. Thus for example propoxy includes n-propoxy and iso-propoxy, butoxy includes iso-butoxy, sec-butoxy and tert-butoxy etc.

The term “C3-n-cycloalkyl”, wherein n is an integer from 4 to n, either alone or in combination with another radical denotes a cyclic, saturated, unbranched hydrocarbon radical with 3 to n C atoms. For example the term C3-7-cycloalkyl includes cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl.

The term “C3-n-cycloalkenyl”, wherein n is an integer 3 to n, either alone or in combination with another radical, denotes an cyclic, unsaturated but nonaromatic, unbranched hydrocarbon radical with 3 to n C atoms, at least two of which are bonded to each other by a double bond. For example the term C3-7-cycloalkenyl includes cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclohexadienyl, cycloheptenyl cycloheptadienyl and cycloheptatrienyl.

In all cases of contradictions between structure and their naming, structure shall prevail.

The substituent R9denotes H or methyl, preferably H.Variables m, n independently from each other with the proviso that (m+n)<4, denote 0, 1 or 2, preferably with the proviso that 0<(m+n)<4 denote 0, 1 or 2, particularly preferred denote m=n=1,The symbol X denotes halogen, preferably Cl or Br, particularly preferred Cl.The symbol L′ denotes a bond or is selected from the group consisting of—CH2—, —CH2—CH2—, —CH2O—, —CO—, —S—, —SO—, SO—CH2— and —SO2—CH2, preferably bond, —CH2—, —CH2O— and —CO—, particularly preferred a bond.The symbol L2denotes a bond or is selected from the group consisting of —O—, —CH2—, —CH2—CH2—, —CH2—O—, —O—CH2—, —CO—, —S—, —SO—, —SO2— and —O—CO—, preferably a bond, —O—, —CH2—, —CH2—CH2—, —CH2—O—, —O—CH2—, —CO— and —SO2—, particularly preferred a bond, —CH2—, —CH2—CH2—, —CO— and —SO2—.The symbols L3, L4, L5independently from each other denote a bondor a linear chain of formula (m),
—(CH2)i—[O—(CH2)g1]p1—[NH—(CH2)g2]p2—[O(CH2)g3]p3(m)whereini denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0, 1, 2, or 3, particularly preferred 1 or 2,g1, g2, g3 independently from each other denote 2, 3 or 4, preferably 2 or 3, particularly preferred 2,p1, p3 independently from each other denote 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0, 1, 2 or 3, particularly preferred 0 or 1,p2 denotes 0 or 1, preferably 0,with the provisio that the linear chain consists of 1 to 15 moieties, preferably 1 to 6, particularly preferred 1 to 3 moieties, selected from the group consisting of —CH2—, —O— and —NH— and with the proviso that the nitrogen atom of formula (m) is not directly linked to another nitrogen atom.The symbol Y1denotes a bond, Y1.1or —NRY1.1—,wherein,RY1.1denotes L3-H or L3-NRY1.1.1RY1.1.2, preferably L3-H, particularly preferred H,whereinRY1.1.1is selected from amongH, C1-4-alkyl-, C1-4-alkyl-CO— and C1-4-alkyl-SO2—, preferably H, C1-2-alkyl-CO— and C1-2-alkyl-SO2—, particularly preferred H, CH3-alkyl-CO— and CH3-alkyl-SO2—,RY1.1.2denotes H or C1-4-alkyl-, preferably H or —CH3, particularly preferred H, orRY1.1.1and RY1.1.2together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form an optionally substituted 4-7-membered heterocycle containing at least one N-atom, preferably pyrrolidine, piperidine, piperazine, 4-methylpiperazine, 4-acetylpiperazine and morpholine.The symbol Y2denotes a bond oris selected from a group consisting ofY2.1, —CO—, —NRY2.1—CO—, —CO—NRY2.1—, Y2.1—CONRY2.1—, —Y2.1—CO— and —NRY2.1—CO—Y2.1—, preferably bond or Y2.1, —NRY2.1—CO—, —CO—NRY2.1, and —Y2.1—CO—, particularly preferred bond or —NRY2.1—CO— and —CO—NRY2.1,with the proviso that carbonyl moieties are not directly attached to nitrogen atoms of aromatic heterocycles,whereinRY2.1denotes L3-H or L3-NRY2.1.1RY2.1.2, preferably L3-H,RY2.1.1is selected from amongH, C1-4-alkyl-, C1-4-alkyl-CO— and C1-4-alkyl-SO2—, preferably H, C1-2-alkyl-, C1-2-alkyl-CO— and C1-2-alkyl-SO2—, particularly preferred H, CH3-alkyl-CO— and CH3-alkyl-SO2—,RY2.1.2denotes H or C1-4-alkyl-, preferably H or CH3-alkyl-, particularly preferred H, orRY2.1.1and RY2.1.2together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form an optionally substituted 4-7-membered heterocycle containing at least one N-atom, preferably selected from the group consisting of pyrrolidine, piperidine, piperazine, 4-methylpiperazine, 4-acetylpiperazine and morpholine,Y1.1, Y2.1independently from each other denote a linker in the form of a phenylene group optionally substituted by -L5R10, preferably a linker in the form of an unsubstituted phenylene, oran optionally substituted heteroaromatic or heterocyclic moiety each containing at least one nitrogen atom,preferably Y1.2, Y2.1independently from each other are selected from a group consisting of a linker of formula (a) to (k)

particularly preferred selected from a group consisting of a linker of formula (a), (e), (f) or (k).

Any and each other of the substituents defined above may be combined with each other.

The following methods are suitable for preparing compounds of general formula (I),

The compounds according to the invention may be obtained using methods of synthesis which are known to the one skilled in the art and described in the literature of organic synthesis. General methods for functional groups protection and deprotection steps are described e.g. in: Greene, T. W. and Wuts, P. G. M. (eds.):Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, third edition 1999; John Wiley and Sons, inc. Preferably the compounds are obtained analogously to the methods of preparation explained more fully hereinafter, in particular as described in the experimental section.

Compounds of general formula (I) can be prepared by reacting S-methylisothioureas of formula (II) with primary amines of formula (III) in a solvent like THF, acetonitrile or DMF or in a solvent mixture, preferably in the presence of a base, especially when the primary amine (III) is applied is as an acid addition salt, preferably at r.t. (room temperature).

Compounds of general formula (II) can be prepared by reacting S-methylisothiourea (which may be generated in situ from its sulphuric acid salt by addition of base) with a 1-(tert-butylcarbamoyl)prop1-en-2-yl carboxylate of general formula (IV) in a solvent like DCM, THF, water or a mixture of these solvents, preferably at r.t. Compounds of general formula (IV) can be prepared from the respective carboxylic acid of general formula (V) and a 2-tert-butyl-5-methyl-isoxazolium salt of general formula (VI), which can be applied as an isolated salt (e.g. the hexafluorophosphate salt; X═PF6) or generated in situ from tert-butanol, 5-methylisoxazole and trifluoromethanesulphonic acid. The latter reaction is preferably performed in a solvent like DMF or in a solvent mixture with the addition of triethylamine or another base, preferably while cooling to 0-10° C.

Compounds of general formula (III) can be prepared from compounds of general formula (VII) by removal of the respective protecting group, preferably the BOC or FMOC protecting group which can be removed by standard acidic or basic conditions, respectively. Compounds of general formula (VII) can be modified using methods of synthesis which are known to the one skilled in the art and described in the literature of organic synthesis, preferably by functional group protection or deprotection steps, esterifications, amidations, hydrogenations, or 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of an azide to a terminal alkyne group or vice versa. Compounds of general formula (VII) can be prepared from secondary amines of general formula (VIII), preferably either by alkylation with a compound of general formula (IX) (wherein the leaving group LG is preferably Cl, Br, OMesyl, or OTosyl), or by reductive amination with an aldehyde of general formula (X) (wherein R5═H).

Compounds of general formula (I) can be converted into intermediates of general formula (XI) by BOC-protection. Compounds of general formulas (I) or (XI) can be modified using methods of synthesis which are known to the one skilled in the art and described in the literature of organic synthesis, preferably by functional group protection or deprotection steps, esterifications, amidations, hydrogenations, or 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of an azide to a terminal alkyne group or vice versa. After such modification steps, the BOC protecting group in compounds of general formula (XI) can be removed again by standard acidic deprotection conditions to yield modified compounds of general formula (I).

Where no salt forms of compounds are specified, the compound may exist as a free base or a salt, depending on the synthesis conditions and the processes of workup and purification applied. The skilled person will appreciate that the compound is not limited to the free base or a certain salt form. Where salt forms of compounds are specified, the stoichiometry of the counterion is usually omitted. The skilled person will appreciate that the compound is not limited to the mono salt form and that it may exist as a disalt, trisalt or other compound:counterion stoichiometries. Furthermore, the skilled person will appreciate that such compound may unexpectedly exist as a free base or as a salt with a different counterion, depending on the synthesis conditions and the processes of workup and purification applied. Solely for the purpose of yield is determination, an estimate of the nature of the counterion and of compound:counterion stoichieometry is made (as indicated by the formula given).

7.1 Synthesis of Intermediates

To a solution of tetra(ethylene glycol) (90 g; 463 mmol) in pyridine (100 ml) is added dropwise a solution of triphenylmethyl chloride (30.0 g; 108 mmol) in pyridine (100 ml). The mixture is stirred overnight and evaporated. Water is added and the aqueous layer is decanted, which is repeated for further two times. The residue is dissolved in diethyl ether, extracted with water and then with brine and evaporated. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/methanol) 100:0→94:6 to yield the title compound.

The following compounds are prepared analogously from the starting materials indicated:

A mixture of 4-pentynoic acid (2.00 g; 20.4 mmol) and 4-methylmorpholine (2.24 ml; 20.4 mmol) in DCM (20 ml) is cooled to −5° C. Isobutyl chloroformate (2.68 ml; 20.4 mmol) is added, followed by DMF (10 ml). The resulting mixture is added in portions to a solution of diethanolamine (2.25 g; 21.4 mmol) in DCM (10 ml). The resulting mixture is stirred overnight and evaporated. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/methanol 100:0→82:18 to yield N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)pent-4-ynamide.

A mixture of the acid 3-propargyloxy-benzoic acid (0.245 g; 3.35 mmol), triethylamine (0.47 ml; 3.35 mmol) and TBTU (1.08 g; 3.35 ml) in DMF (3 ml) is stirred at ambient temperature for 5 min. The amine 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethylamine (0.500 g; 4.76 mmol) and further triethylamine (0.47 ml; 3.35 mmol) is added. The mixture is stirred at ambient temperature for 6 h. Ice-water and sodium carbonate solution are added, and the mixture is extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer is separated, dried with magnesium sulphate, filtered and evaporated to yield the title compound.

The following compounds are prepared accordingly from the starting materials as indicated:

To a solution of the alcohol intermediate 1.1 (3.49 g; 8.00 mmol) and triethylamine (1.64 g; 16.0 mmol) in DCM (20 ml) is added slowly methanesulphonyl chloride (0.929 ml; 12.0 mmol). The mixture is stirred at ambient temperature for 1 h and then extracted with water. The organic layer is evaporated and the residue is taken up in acetonitrile (20 ml). The amine 3-amino-N-methyl-N-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)propanamide hydrochloride (2.54 g; 10.1 mmol; prepared from Intermediate III.2 by BOC-deprotection with HCl in dioxane (4 mol/l)) and triethylamine (2.45 g; 24.0 mmol) are added and the mixture is stirred at 60° C. overnight. Water is added and the resulting mixture is extracted with extracted with DCM. The organic layer is dried with magnesium sulphate, filtered and evaporated. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/methanol 100:0→86:14 to yield the title compound.

The following compounds are prepared analogously from the starting materials indicated:

A mixture of 5,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxane (500 mg; 2.23 mmol), propargyl bromide (80% in toluene; 224 μl; 2.01 mmol) and NaH (60% in mineral oil; 85 mg; 2.22 mmol) in THF is stirred overnight at 50° C. Water is added and the organic solvent is evaporated. Further water is added under stirring. The precipitate formed is filtered off and purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/methanol 100:0→90:10 to yield the title compound as a mixture of E/Z isomers.

A mixture of 6-hydroxynicotinic acid (300 mg; 2.16 mmol) and CDI (420 mg; 2.59 mmol) in THF is stirred at ambient temperature for 30 min. O,O′-Bis(TBDMS)-diethanolamine (720 mg; 2.16 mmol) is added and the mixture is stirred overnight at ambient temperature. Volatiles are evaporated and the residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/methanol 100:0→90:10 to yield the respective amide intermediate (750 mg; 76% of theory) which is further reacted as follows:

A mixture of the amide intermediate (710 mg; 1.56 mmol), 4-bromo-1-butyne (228 mg; 1.72 mmol) and cesium carbonate (712 mg; 2.19 mmol) in acetonitrile (10 ml) is stirred overnight at 70° C. Further 4-bromo-1-butyne (500 μl; 5.33 mmol) and cesium carbonate (712 mg; 2.19 mmol) are added and the mixture is stirred for one more day at 70° C. Volatiles are evaporated, water is added and the mixture is extracted with DCM. The organic layer is separated and evaporated. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/methanol 100:0→70:30 to yield the title compound.

A mixture of the alcohol I.2 (5.00 g; 9.53 mmol), methanesulphonyl chloride (1.11 ml; 14.3 mmol) and triethylamine (3.35 ml; 23.8 mmol) in DCM (50 ml) is stirred at ambient temperature for 1 h. Sodium azide (1.86 g; 28.6 mmol) is added and the mixture is stirred overnight, then for 2 h at 50° C. Further DCM is added and the mixture is extracted with sodium carbonate solution. The organic layer is separated, dried with magnesium sulphate, filtered and evaporated. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/methanol 100:0→70:30 to yield the title compound.

The following compounds are prepared analogously from the starting materials indicated:

Methanesulphonyl chloride (426 μl; 5.50 mmol) is added carefully to a mixture of the trityl ether I.1 (2.18 g; 5.00 mmol) and triethylamine (1.85 ml; 13.2 mmol) in DCM (20 ml). The mixture is stirred for 2 h, then extracted with water. The organic layer is separated and evaporated. Acetonitrile (20 ml), the diphenol intermediate III.4 (780 mg; 2.20 mmol) and potassium carbonate (913 mg; 6.60 mmol) are added, and the mixture is refluxed overnight. Water is added and the mixture is extracted with DCM. The organic layer is separated, dried with magnesium sulphate, filtered and evaporated. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/(methanol:aqueous ammonia 9:1) 100:0→85:15 to yield the title compound.

The following compounds are prepared analogously from the starting materials indicated:

Methanesulphonyl chloride (276 μl; 3.57 mmol) is added carefully to a mixture of the trityl ether intermediate I.3 (1.00 g; 2.55 mmol) and triethylamine (715 μl; 5.60 mmol) in DCM (10 ml). The mixture is stirred overnight, then extracted with water. The organic layer is separated and evaporated. Acetonitrile (10 ml), triethylamine (715 μl; 5.60 mmol) and 1-amino-11-azido-3,6,9-trioxaundecane (850 mg; 3.90 mmol) is added and the mixture is refluxed for 4 h. The mixture is evaporated and the residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/(methanol:aqueous ammonia 9:1) 100:0→90:10 to yield the title compound.

Stage 1: A mixture of the halide methyl-4-(bromomethyl)-3-methoxy-benzoate (0.50 g; 1.93 is mmol), the amine tert-butyl N-(piperidin-4-yl)carbamate (0.386 g; 1.93 mmol) and triethylamine (0.538 ml; 3.86 mmol) in THF (10 ml) is stirred for 4 h. The solvent is evaporated. The residue is taken up in water and sodium carbonate solution and extracted with DCM. The organic layer is dried with magnesium sulphate, filtered and evaporated. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/Methanol 100:0→92:8 to yield Methyl 4-[(4-{[(tertbutoxy)carbonyl]amino}piperidin-1-ylmethyl]-3-methoxybenzoate.

Stage 2 (removal of BOC protecting group): A mixture of Methyl 4-[(4-{[(tertbutoxy)carbonyl]amino}piperidin-1-ylmethyl]-3-methoxybenzoate and HCl in dioxane (4 mol/l; 1.82 ml; 7.27 mmol) in methanol (10 ml) is stirred overnight. Volatiles are evaporated and the resulting solid is suspended in ethyl acetate, filtered and evaporated again to yield Methyl (4-aminopiperidin-1-yl)methyl-3-methoxybenzoate as a hydrochloride salt.

Yield: 480 mg (105% of theory calculated for the dihydrochloride salt)

The following compounds are prepared accordingly from starting materials as indicated. Unless stated otherwise, the amine component applied is tert-butyl N-(piperidin-4-yl)carbamate. Depending on conditions applied, the syntheses may yield a free base, a hydrochloride or dihydrochloride salt, a zwitterion or other salt forms which can be applied equally to the syntheses of example compounds as described above.

Stage 1: Methanesulphonyl chloride (0.929 ml; 12 mmol) is added to an ice-cold mixture of the alcohol (4-prop-2-ynyloxy-phenyl)-methanol (1.62 g; 10 mmol) and triethylamine (2.81 ml; 20 mmol) in DCM (20 ml). After stirring overnight, the amine tert-butyl N-(piperidin-4-yl)carbamate (4.01 g; 20 mmol) is added. After further stirring overnight, water is added. The organic phase is separated, dried with magnesium sulphate, filtered and evaporated. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (DCM/Methanol 9:1) to yield tert-Butyl N-(1-{[4-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)phenyl]methyl}piperidin-4-yl)carbamate.

Stage 2: The BOC protecting group is removed as described for compound X.1 to yield 1-{[4-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)phenyl]methyl}piperidin-4-amine as a hydrochloride salt.

The following compounds are prepared accordingly from starting materials as indicated. Unless stated otherwise, the amine component applied is tert-butyl N-(piperidin-4-yl)carbamate. Due to conditions applied, the syntheses may yield a free base, a hydrochloride or dihydrochloride salt, a zwitterion or other salt forms which can be applied equally to the syntheses of example compounds as described above.

TABLE 7AlcoholstartingSynthesisIntermediateStructurematerialscommentXI.2XXII.1The crude product is  further purified by  RP HPLC (modifier:  TFA) to yield the  title compound as a  TFA salt.XI.3(4- azidophenyl)- methanolXI.4(4-Ethynyl- phenyl)- methanolXI.5See entry  for XI.4The BOC removal  step (stage 2) is not  applied.XI.6[4-(2-azido- ethyl)- phenyl]- methanolAlcohol prepared from  [4-(2-chloro-ethyl)- phenyl]-methanol and  sodium azide in DMF/ 100° C./5 h.

Stage 1: A mixture of the aldehyde methyl 3-formyl-5-{[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl]-carbamoyl}-benzoate (4.51 g; 12.2 mmol) (which is prepared beforehand by amidation of Methyl 3-formyl-5-hydroxycarbonyl-benzoate with 2-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)-ethylamine using HATU as coupling reagent) and tert-butyl N-(piperidin-4-yl)carbamate (3.67 g; 18.3 mmol) in THF (50 ml) is refluxed for 3 h. Glacial acetic acid (approx. 2 ml) is added to adjust at pH5. Sodium triacetoxyborohydride (5.18 g; 24.4 mmol) is added and the mixture is refluxed for further 2 h. Ethyl acetate and water are added, the organic layer is separated, dried with Magnesium Sulphate, filtered and evaporated. The residue is purified first by silica gel column chromatography (gradient DCM/methanol 100:0→88:12), then by RP HPLC (modifier: ammonia) to yield Methyl 3-[(4-{[(tertbutoxy)carbonyl]amino}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-5-{[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl]carbamoyl}benzoate

Stage 2: The BOC protecting group is removed as described for compound X.1 to yield Methyl 3-[(4-aminopiperidin-1-yl)methyl]-5-{[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl]carbamoyl}benzoate as a Hydrochloride

The following compounds are prepared accordingly from starting materials as indicated. Unless stated otherwise, the amine component applied is tert-butyl N-(piperidin-4-yl)carbamate. Due to conditions applied, the syntheses may yield a free base, a hydrochloride or dihydrochloride salt, a zwitterion or other salt forms which can be applied equally to the syntheses of example compounds as described above.

A mixture of 4-[(4-{[(tert-butoxy)carbonyl]amino}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]benzoic acid (BOGprotected intermediate from the synthesis of X.4 [without application of stage 2]; 3.80 g; 10.5 mmol) and aqueous NaOH solution (4 mol/l; 4.0 ml) in ethanol (20 ml) is stirred overnight at 50° C. Volatiles are evaporated and aqueous hydrochloric acid (4 mol/l; 4.0 ml) is added. The mixture is extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers are dried with sodium sulphate, filtered and evaporated to yield 4-[(4-{[(tert-butoxy)carbonyl]amino}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]benzoic acid.

Stage 1: A mixture of 4-[(4-{[(tert-butoxy)carbonyl]amino}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]benzoic acid (Intermediate XIII.1; 3.00 g; 8.97 mmol), TBTU (3.20 mg; 9.97 mmol) and triethylamine (1.40 ml; 10.0 mmol) in DMF (50 ml) is stirred for 5 min. The amine 3-(2-aminoethyl)-pyridine (1.06 ml; 9.00 mmol) is added. After further 3 h stirring, the solvent is evaporated and the residue is taken up in DCM and washed with sodium carbonate solution. The organic layer is dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and evaporated. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient DCM/Methanol) to yield tert-Butyl N-[1-({4-[(2-(3-pyridyl)-ethylamino)carbonyl]phenyl}methyl)piperidin-4-yl]carbamate

Stage 2: The BOC protecting group is removed as described for intermediate X.1 to yield N-[1-({4-[(2-(3-pyridyl)-ethylamino)carbonyl]phenyl}methyl)piperidin-4-yl]amine. The crude product is further purified by RP HPLC (modifier: TFA) to yield the title compound as a TFA salt.

The following compounds are prepared accordingly from starting materials as indicated. Depending on conditions applied, the syntheses may yield a free base, a TFA salt or bis-TFA salt, a zwitterion or other salt forms which can be applied equally to the syntheses of example compounds as described above.

Stage 1: To a solution of 4-(chloromethyl)benzoyl chloride (2.00 g; 10.6 mmol) in THF (30 ml) are added 5-hexyn-1-ol (1.18 ml; 10.6 mmol) and DMAP (0.1 g; 0.82 mmol). The mixture is refluxed overnight with stirring. BOC-4-aminopiperidine (2.33 g; 11.6 mmol) and triethylamine (3.24 ml; 23.3 mmol) are added and the mixture is refluxed for further 3 h. Ethyl acetate (200 ml) and water (50 ml) are added. The organic layer is separated, washed with water and with brine and evaporated to dryness. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 8:2→2:8) to yield 5-Hexyn-1-yl 4-[(4-{[(tertbutoxy)carbonyl]amino}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]-benzoate.

Stage 2: The BOC protecting group is removed as described for intermediate X.1 to yield Hex-5-yn-1-yl 4-[(4-aminopiperidin-1-yl)methyl]benzoate as a hydrochloride salt.

Stage 1: A mixture of {4-[(4-{[(tert-butoxy)carbonyl]amino}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]phenyl}boronic acid (800 mg; 2.39 mmol; prepared as described for the synthesis of intermediate X.7 without BOC deprotection step), ethyl 6-hydroxypyridine-3-carboxylate (420 mg; 2.51 mmol), copper(II) acetate (250 mg; 1.38 mmol) and pyridine (210 μl; 2.60 mmol) in DCM (10 ml) is stirred overnight. The mixture is filtered and extracted with water. The organic layer is dried with sodium sulphate, filtered and evaporated. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient DCM/methanol 98:2→94:4) to yield ethyl 1-{4-[(4-{[(tertbutoxy)carbonyl]amino}piperidin-1-yl)methyl]phenyl}-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridine-3-carboxylate

Stage 2: The BOC protecting group is removed by stirring in TFA/DCM (1:5) at r.t. to yield ethyl 1-{4-[(4-aminopiperidin-1-yl)methyl]phenyl}-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridine-3-carboxylate.

Stage 1: To a mixture of 1-azido-3,6,9-trioxaundecane-11-ol (220 mg; 0.98 mmol) and triethylamine (550 μl; 3.92 mmol) in DCM (5 ml) is added methanesulphonyl chloride (250 μl; 3.23 mmol). After stirring for 2 h water is added. The organic layer is separated at evaporated. Acetonitrile (5 ml), tert-butyl N-{1-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]piperidin-4-yl}carbamate (300 mg; 0.98 mmol; prepared as described for the synthesis of intermediate XII.4 without BOC deprotection step) and potassium carbonate (410 mg; 2.97 mmol) are added and the resulting mixture is refluxed overnight. The mixture is evaporated to dryness, taken up in water and extracted with DCM. The organic layer is dried with magnesium sulphate, filtered and evaporated. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient DCM/methanol 98:2→94:4) to yield tert-butyl N-(1-{[4-(2-{2-[2-(2-azidoethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}ethoxy)phenyl]methyl}piperidin-4-yl)carbamate.

Stage 2: The BOC protecting group is removed as described for XVI.1 (stage 2) to yield 1-{[4-(5,8,11-trioxa-1,2-diazamidec-1-en-13-yloxy)phenyl]methyl}piperidin-4-amine as a TFA salt.

A mixture of the aryl halide component tert-butyl N-{1-[(4-iodophenyl)methyl]piperidin-4-yl}carbamate (5.00 g; 12.0 mmol; prepared analogously to the procedure described for the synthesis of intermediate X.1 without BOC-deprotection.), the alkyne component 3-ethynylpyridine (2.48 g; 24.0 mmol), tris(dibenzylideneaceton)dipalladium(0) (0.55 mg; 0.60 mmol) and copper(I)iodide (229 mg; 1.20 mmol) in triethylamine (100 ml) is stirred under argon atmosphere at 70° C. for 3d. Volatiles are evaporated and the residue is taken up in DCM. The resulting mixture is filtered through celite and extracted with water. The organic layer is dried with magnesium sulphate and evaporated. The crude product is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient DCM/methanol 100:0→95:5) to yield the BOC-protected alkyne intermediate (3.50 g; 8.98 mmol) which is hydrogenated with Raney-Nickel (0.70 g) in methanol (40 ml) under hydrogen pressure (50 psi). The catalyst is filtered off with suction and the resulting solution is evaporated to dryness to yield the title compound.

The following compounds are prepared analogously from the starting materials indicated.

The following intermediates are prepared through BOC-deprotection analogously to the procedure described in the synthesis of intermediate X.1 from the starting material indicated. Due to conditions applied, the syntheses may yield a free base, a hydrochloride or dihydrochloride salt or other salt forms which can be applied equally to the syntheses of example compounds as described above.

To a mixture of [4-(2-azidoethyl)phenyl]methanol (2.66 g; 15.0 mmol) and triethylamine (6.5 ml; 46 mmol) in toluene (50 ml) is added dropwise POCl3(0.67 ml; 7.34 mmol). The mixture is stirred for 5 d at r.t. Water (10 ml) is added and the mixture is stirred for further 2 h. Volatiles are evaporated. The residue is taken up in DCM and extracted with water. The aqueous layer is separated and evaporated. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/(Methanol/aq. Ammonia 9:1) 92:8→77:23 to yield the title compound (the counterion may be hydroxide but is not characterized).

A mixture of 6-hydroxynicotinic acid methyl ester (8.00 g; 52.2 mmol), 4-(chloromethyl)-phenylmethanol (9.00 g; 57.5 mmol) and cesium carbonate (34 g) in ACN (200 ml) is stirred overnight at r.t. and then filtered. The filtrate is evaporated and the residue is taken up in water and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers are dried with magnesium sulphate, filtered and evaporated. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/methanol 100:0→90:10 to yield the title compound.

To a mixture of 4-(bromomethyl)-benzenesulphonyl chloride (1.00 g; 3.71 mmol) and triethylamine (2.08 ml; 14.8 mmol) in DCM (20 ml) is added slowly the amino reagent ethanolamine (0.224 ml; 3.71 mmol). The mixture is stirred for 1 hour at r.t., then tert-butyl N-(piperidin-4-yl)carbamate (892 mg; 4.45 mmol) is added. The mixture is stirred for 3 days at r.t., then water is added. The organic layer is separated and evaporated. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/(methanol/aq. ammonia 9:1) 100:0→90:10 to yield the BOC protected intermediate which is deprotected as described for the synthesis of intermediate XVI.1.

The following compounds are prepared analogously replacing ethanolamine by the amino reagent indicated:

A mixture of 3-(chloromethyl)benzoic acid (1.00 g; 5.86 mmol), tert-butyl N-(piperidin-4-yl)carbamate (1.17 g; 5.86 mmol), triethylamine (0.832 ml; 5.86 mmol) and ACN (10 ml) is stirred over night at 70° C. The mixture is cooled to r.t., then 2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethanol (1.75 ml; 17.6 mmol) and TBTU (1.98 g; 6.16 mmol) are added. The mixture is stirred for 3 days, then water is added and the mixture is extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer is dried with magnesium sulphate, filtered and evaporated. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/(Methanol/aq. Ammonia 9:1) 100:0→90:10 to yield the title compound.

Intermediate XXIV.1 (0.90 g; 2.14 mmol) is stirred in TFA/DCM (3:10; 13 ml) at r.t. for 2 hours. The mixture is evaporated to yield the title compound.

A mixture of methyl 3,5-diamino-6-chloropyrazine-2-carboxylate (100 g; 494 mmol), methanol (1 l) and NaOH (6 mol/l in water; 240 mL; 1.44 mol) is refluxed for 3 h. The mixture is allowed to cool to r.t. and then neutralized by addition of hydrochloric acid (6 mol/l in water; approx. 240 mL). Water (200 mL) is added. The precipitate formed is filtered off with suction, washed with water and dried at 60° C.

3,5-diamino-6-bromopyrazine-2-carboxylic acid is prepared from methyl 3,5-diamino-6-bromopyrazine-2-carboxylate (which is prepared from methyl 3,5-diamino-6-chloropyrazine-2-carboxylate as described in J. Med. Chem. 10 (1967) 66-75) analogously to the procedure described for the synthesis of intermediate A.1

A mixture of tert-butanol (21.0 mL; 226 mmol) and 5-methylisoxazole (18.0 mL; 221 mmol) is cooled with an ice-bath. Trifluoromethanesulphonic acid (20.0 mL; 221 mmol) is added dropwise with continued cooling. The resulting mixture is stirred for 1 h without further cooling.

To a solution or suspension of 3,5-diamino-6-chloropyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (Intermediate A.1; 14.0 g; 74.2 mmol) and triethylamine (31.0 mL; 222 mmol) in DMF (100 mL) is added the mixture prepared in stage 1. The resulting mixture is stirred for 4 h at r.t. Ice-water is added with stirring. The precipitate formed is filtered off with suction, washed with water and dried at 65° C. to yield the title compound.

A mixture of 2-methyl-2-butanol (5.75 mL; 51 mmol) and 5-methylisoxazole (4.42 mL; 51 mmol) is cooled with an ice-bath. Trifluoromethanesulphonic acid (4.84 mL; 54 mmol) is added dropwise with continued cooling. The resulting mixture is stirred over night without further cooling.

To a solution or suspension of 3,5-diamino-6-bromopyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (Intermediate A.2; 5.00 g; 21.5 mmol) and triethylamine (7.48 mL; 54 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) cooled with an ice-bath is added dropwise the mixture prepared in stage 1. The resulting mixture is stirred for 4 h at r.t., then poured on ice-water. The precipitate formed is filtered off with suction, washed with is water and dried at 50° C. to yield the title compound.

To NaOH (1 mol/l in water; 9.2 mL; 9.2 mmol) is added S-methylisothiourea sulphate (1.78 g; 6.1 mmol. The mixture is stirred until complete solution is achieved. TBME/THF (1:1; 30 mL) and then 1-(tert-butylcarbamoyl)prop-1-en-2-yl 3,5-diamino-6-chloropyrazine-2-carboxylate (Intermediate B.1; 2.00 g; 6.10 mmol) are added and the mixture is stirred at r.t. over night, then water (6 mL) is added. The precipitate formed is filtered off with suction, washed successively with water, methanol and then with diethyl ether and then dried at 50° C. to yield the title compound.

To NaOH (1 mol/l in water; 30 mL; 30 mmol) is added S-methylisothiourea sulphate (5.42 g; 19.5 mmol. The mixture is stirred until complete solution is achieved. TBME/THF (1:1; 100 mL) and then 1-(2-methyl-2-butyl-carbamoyl)prop-1-en-2-yl 3,5-diamino-6-bromopyrazine-2-carboxylate (Intermediate B.2; 7.52 g; 19.5 mmol) are added and the mixture is stirred at r.t. over night, then water (100 mL) is added. The precipitate formed is filtered off with suction, washed with THF/water (1:2) and then dried at 50° C. to yield the title compound.

7.2 Synthesis of Examples

A mixture of 3,5-diamino-6-chloro-N-[(methylsulfanyl)methanimidoyl]pyrazine-2-carboxamide (Intermediate C.1; 0.35 g; 1.34 mmol), the primary amine X.1 (0.48 g; 1.37 mmol) and triethylamine (0.56 ml; 4.03 mmol) in THF (10 ml) is stirred overnight. Volatiles are evaporated and the residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/(methanol/aq. ammonia 9:1) 100:0→90:10. Product containing fractions are evaporated, suspended in ether, filtered off with suction and dried.

The following compounds of general formula 1.A are prepared accordingly using the respective primary amine as indicated:

Also the following compounds of general formula 1.B are prepared accordingly using the respective primary amine as indicated:

Also the following compounds of general formula 1.C are prepared accordingly using the respective primary amine as indicated:

Also compound 1.68 is prepared accordingly (except that the reaction is carried out at 65° C.) from intermediate C.2 and intermediate 12.3

A mixture of the intermediate, triethylamine (170 μl; 1.23 mmol) and HATU (147 mg; 0.387 mmol) in DMF (6 ml) and ACN (6 ml) is stirred at ambient temperature for 30 min. The amino component 3-Amino-propylsulphonic acid (98 mg; 0.702 mmol) is added and the mixture is stirred overnight. The mixture is evaporated and the residue is purified by RP-HPLC (modifier: TFA) to yield the BOC-protected amide intermediate which is taken up in DCM and TFA and stirred overnight. Volatiles are evaporated and the residue is taken up in HCl in methanol and evaporated again. The latter is repeated for further two times to yield the title compound.

The following compounds of general formula 2.A are prepared accordingly from starting materials as indicated:

To a mixture of azide component example 1.3 (0.80 g; 1.70 mmol) and the alkyne component II.1 (0.564 ml; 2.37 mmol) in DMF (20 ml) is added a mixture of copper(II) acetate (46 mg; 0.254 mmol) and sodium L-ascorbate (101 mg; 0.51 mmol) in water (2.0 ml). The mixture is stirred at 70° C. overnight and then evaporated to dryness. The residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/(methanol/ammonia 9:1) 95:5→70:30. The crude product is further purified by RP-HPLC (modifier: TFA) to yield the title compound as a TFA salt.

The following compounds of general formula 3.A, 3.B, 3.C, 3.D, 3.E, 3.F or 3.G are prepared accordingly from starting materials as indicated:

A mixture of the BOC-protected compound example 3.5 (300 mg; 0.421 mmol), HCl in dioxan (4 mol/l; 2.0 ml; 8.0 mmol) and methanol (1.0 ml) is stirred at ambient temperature for 2 h. The mixture is evaporated to dryness to the title compound as a hydrochloride salt.

The following compounds of general formula 3.0 are prepared accordingly from starting materials as indicated:

A mixture of Trityl-protected compound example 3.23 (0.124 g; 0.123 mmol) and formic acid (1.0 ml) in DCM (1 ml) is stirred at ambient temperature for 1 h. Volatiles are evaporated and the residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/(Methanol/aq. Ammonia 9:1) 95:5→70:30 to yield the title compound.

The following compounds of general formula 3.A, 3.C, 3.D, 3.E or 3.F are prepared accordingly from starting materials as indicated:

To a mixture of the TBS-protected compound example 3.17 (170 mg; 0.179 mmol) and tetrabutylammonium fluoride on silica (1.5 mmol/g; 0.30 g; purchased from Fluka) in THF (3 ml) is added aqueous hydrochloric acid (1 mol/l; 0.5 ml) and methanol (10 ml). The mixture is stirred at ambient temperature for 5 h. Volatiles are evaporated and the residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/(Methanol/aq. Ammonia 9:1) 100:0→70:30 to yield the title compound.

To the phosphonic ester example 1.8 (600 mg; 1.09 mmol) in DCM (5 ml) under argon atmosphere is added bromotrimethylsilane (2.87 ml; 21.8 mmol). The mixture is refluxed for 4 h, then methanol is added and the mixture is stirred for further 30 min at r.t. Volatiles are evaporated and the residue is purified by RP-HPLC (modifier: ammonia) to yield the title compound.

To a solution of the ester compound example 1.37 (150 mg; 0.218 mmol) in methanol (4 ml) is added aqueous NaOH solution (4 mol/l; 218 μl; 0.871 mmol). The mixture is stirred for 40 min at 50° C., then neutralised by addition of aqueous hydrochloric acid. Volatiles are evaporated and the residue is purified by silica gel column chromatography (gradient: DCM/(Methanol/aq. Ammonia 9:1) 95:5→75:25 to yield the title compound.

The following compounds of general formula 1.A or 1.B are prepared accordingly from starting materials as indicated:

Also the following compounds of general formula 1.C are prepared accordingly from starting materials as indicated:

Also compound 8.17 is prepared accordingly (Purification by RP-HPLC with modifier TFA) from example 1.68.

A mixture of the nitrile compound example 1.40 (1.00 g; 2.34 mmol) and Raney-Nickel (500 mg) in methanolic ammonia solution (50 ml) is shaken under hydrogen (50 psi) for 8.5 h at 50° C. The catalyst is filtered off with suction and the filtrate is evaporated. The residue is taken up in DMF (12 ml), insolubles are removed by filtration. The filtrate is evaporated and the crude product is purified by RP-HPLC (modifier: TFA), taken up in methanolic hydrochloric acid, and evaporated to dryness to yield the title compound as a hydrochloride salt.

A mixture of the primary amine compound example 9.1 (25.0 mg; 0.043 mmol), 1,2,4-triazole-1 carboxamidine (10.0 mg; 0.068 mmol) and triethylamine (48.2 μl; 0.346 mmol) in DMF (2 ml) is stirred at 70° C. for 1 h. Volatiles are evaporated and the residue is purified by RP-HPLC (modifier: TFA). The product is taken up in methanolic hydrochloric acid and evaporated to yield the title compound as a hydrochloride salt.

8. ANALYTICAL METHODS AND PREPARATIVE CHROMATOGRAPHY

As a rule,1H-NMR and mass spectra have been obtained for the compounds prepared. Mass peaks given (e.g. (M+H)+, (M+HCOO)−) refer to monoisotopic molecular weight. Rfvalues from TLC are determined using ready-made silica gel 60 TLC plates F254(E. Merck, Darmstadt, Item no. 1.05714) without chamber saturation or using ready-made aluminium oxide 60 F254TLC plates (E. Merck, Darmstadt, Item no. 1.05713) without chamber saturation. The ratios given for the eluents relate to units by volume of the solvent in question. The units by volume for NH3relate to a concentrated solution of NH3in water. For silica gel chromatographic purifications, silica gel made by Millipore (MATREX™, 35-70 my) is used.

Preparative TLC plates from Merck (PLC Silica gel 60 E254+366, 2 mm) are used. Product containing bands are scraped off and the resulting product-on-silica powder is extracted with DCM, methanol or a mixture thereof (depending on product solubility). Silica is filtered off and the filtrate is evaporated to dryness to yield the purified compound.

water/methanol gradient with addition of either TFA or ammonia as modifier as indicated.

Analytical HPLC/MS Methods

The HPLC retention times given are measured under the following parameters:

arrow and asterisk indicate the binding site, i.e. the point of attachment (here: atom “A”) within a chemical entity (here exemplified by the group “A-R”)

9. PHARMACOLOGICAL TEST METHOD

Mouse kidney M-1 cells were cultivated in DMEM containing 5% FCS and 5 μM dexamethasone for 10 to 12 days on polyester transwell filters. Filters were inserted into a teflon-coated well-plate which fit into the in-house ussing chamber system. Prior to measurement the medium of M-1 cells was replaced with Caco-2 transport buffer (Invitrogen, Germany). During measurements, the Ussing chamber temperature was kept at 37° C. Short circuit currents (I_sc) were measured in the voltage-clamp mode using an in-house built amplifier (Boehringer Ingelheim, Biberach) with the software package Lab View for data acquisition and analysis. The transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was determined by the application of voltage steps of ±5 mV every 5 sec. Compounds were administered at a final concentration of 3 μM or at increasing concentrations (1-3-10 μM) to the apical solution. At the end of each experiment the amiloride sensitive I_SC was measured by adding 3 μM amiloride to the apical compartment. Results are expressed as inhibition in percent of the amiloride effect or as IC50. With the example compounds given above, the following IC50values were determined in the Ussing Chamber assay:

As has been found, the compounds of formula (I) are characterised by their wide range of applications in the therapeutic field. Particular mention should be made of those applications for which the compounds according to the invention of formula (I) are preferably suited on account of their pharmaceutical efficacy as ENaC inhibitors. Examples include respiratory diseases or complaints, or allergic diseases of the airways.

Particular mention should be made of the prevention and treatment of diseases of the airways and of the lung which are accompanied by increased mucus production, inflammations and/or obstructive diseases of the airways. Examples include acute, allergic or chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive bronchitis (COPD), coughing, pulmonary emphysema, allergic or non-allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, chronic rhinitis or sinusitis, asthma, alveolitis, Farmer's disease, hyperreactive airways, infectious bronchitis or pneumonitis, paediatric asthma, bronchiectases, pulmonary fibrosis, ARDS (acute adult respiratory distress syndrome), bronchial oedema, pulmonary oedema, bronchitis, pneumonia or interstitial pneumonia triggered by various causes, such as aspiration, inhalation of toxic gases, or bronchitis, pneumonia or interstitial pneumonia as a result of heart failure, irradiation, chemotherapy, cystic fibrosis or mucoviscidosis, or alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Particularly preferably the present invention relates to the use of compounds of formula (I) for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of inflammatory or obstructive diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract including the lungs, such as for example allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinitis, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, COPD, chronic bronchitis, chronic sinusitis and asthma.

It is most preferable to use the compounds of formula (I) for the treatment of inflammatory and obstructive diseases such as COPD, chronic bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, particularly COPD, chronic bronchitis, asthma and cystic fibrosis.

The actual pharmaceutically effective amount or therapeutic dosage will of course depend on factors known by those skilled in the art such as age and weight of the patient, route of administration and severity of disease. In any case the combination will be administered at dosages and in a manner which allows a pharmaceutically effective amount to be delivered based upon patient's unique condition.

The compounds of formula (I) may be used on their own or in conjunction with other active substances of (I) according to the invention. If desired the compounds of formula (I) may also be used in combination with other pharmacologically active substances.

Therefore the invention further relates to medicament combinations which preferably contain, besides one or more compounds of formula (I), as further active substances, one or more compounds selected from among the categories of further ENaC inhibitors, betamimetics, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, PDE4-inhibitors, LTD4-antagonists, EGFR-inhibitors, dopamine agonists, H1-antihistamines, PAF-antagonists, MAP-kinase inhibitors, MPR4-Inhibitors, iNOS-Inhibitors, SYK-Inhibitors, corrections of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) and CFTR potentiators, or double or triple combinations thereof.

Further examples of preferred iNOS-Inhibitors which may be mentioned include antisense-Oligonucleotide, especially those antisense-Oligonucleotide binding iNOS-coding nucleinic acids, examples therefore are disclosed in WO 01/52902.

Examples of preferred corrections of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) and CFTR potentiators which may be mentioned include, preferably VX-770 and VX-809

Suitable forms for administration are for example inhalable powders or aerosols. The content of the pharmaceutically effective compound(s) in each case should be in the range from 0.2 to 50 wt %, preferably 5 to 25 wt. % of the total composition, i.e. in amounts which are sufficient to achieve the dosage range specified hereinafter.

Administered by inhalation the active substance combination may be given as a powder, as an aqueous or aqueous-ethanolic solution or using a propellant gas formulation.

Preferably, therefore, pharmaceutical formulations are characterised in that they contain one or more compounds of (I) according to the preferred embodiments above.

It is also preferred if the compounds of formula (I) are administered by inhalation, particularly preferably if they are administered once or twice a day. For this purpose, the compounds of formula (I) have to be made available in forms suitable for inhalation. Inhalable preparations include inhalable powders, propellant-containing metered-dose aerosols or propellant-free inhalable solutions, which are optionally present in admixture with conventional physiologically acceptable excipients.

Within the scope of the present invention, the term propellant-free inhalable solutions also include concentrates or sterile ready-to-use inhalable solutions. The preparations which may be used according to the invention are described in more detail in the next part of the specification.

If the active substances of formula (I) are present in admixture with physiologically acceptable excipients, the following physiologically acceptable excipients may be used to prepare the inhalable powders according to the invention: monosaccharides (e.g. glucose or arabinose), disaccharides (e.g. lactose, saccharose, maltose), oligo- and polysaccharides (e.g. dextran), polyalcohols (e.g. sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol), salts (e.g. sodium chloride, calcium carbonate) or mixtures of these excipients with one another. Preferably, mono- or disaccharides are used, while the use of lactose or glucose is preferred, particularly, but not exclusively, in the form of their hydrates. For the purposes of the invention, lactose is the particularly preferred excipient, while lactose monohydrate is most particularly preferred. Methods of preparing the inhalable powders according to the invention by grinding and micronising and by finally mixing the components together are known from the prior art.

The propellant-containing inhalable aerosols which may be used according to the invention may contain a compound of formula (I) dissolved in the propellant gas or in dispersed form. The is propellant gases which may be used to prepare the inhalation aerosols according to the invention are known from the prior art. Suitable propellant gases are selected from among hydrocarbons such as n-propane, n-butane or isobutane and halohydrocarbons such as preferably fluorinated derivatives of methane, ethane, propane, butane, cyclopropane or cyclobutane. The propellant gases mentioned above may be used on their own or in mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred propellant gases are fluorinated alkane derivatives selected from TG134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), TG227 (1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane) and mixtures thereof. The propellant-driven inhalation aerosols used within the scope of the use according to the invention may also contain other ingredients such as co-solvents, stabilisers, surfactants, antioxidants, lubricants and pH adjusters. All these ingredients are known in the art.

The compounds of formula (I) according to the invention are preferably used to prepare propellant-free inhalable solutions and inhalable suspensions. Solvents used for this purpose include aqueous or alcoholic, preferably ethanolic solutions. The solvent may be water on its own or a mixture of water and ethanol. The solutions or suspensions are adjusted to a pH of 2 to 7, preferably 2 to 5, using suitable acids. The pH may be adjusted using acids selected from inorganic or organic acids. Examples of particularly suitable inorganic acids include hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, nitric acid, sulphuric acid and/or phosphoric acid. Examples of particularly suitable organic acids include ascorbic acid, citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, acetic acid, formic acid and/or propionic acid etc. Preferred inorganic acids are hydrochloric and sulphuric acids. It is also possible to use the acids which have already formed an acid addition salt with one of the active substances. Of the organic acids, ascorbic acid, fumaric acid and citric acid are preferred. If desired, mixtures of the above acids may also be used, particularly in the case of acids which have other properties in addition to their acidifying qualities, e.g. as flavourings, antioxidants or complexing agents, such as citric acid or ascorbic acid, for example. According to the invention, it is particularly preferred to use hydrochloric acid to adjust the pH.

Co-solvents and/or other excipients may be added to the propellant-free inhalable solutions used for the purpose according to the invention. Preferred co-solvents are those which contain hydroxyl groups or other polar groups, e.g. alcohols—particularly isopropyl alcohol, glycols—particularly propyleneglycol, polyethyleneglycol, polypropyleneglycol, glycolether, glycerol, polyoxyethylene alcohols and polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters. The terms excipients and additives in this context denote any pharmacologically acceptable substance which is not an active substance but which can be formulated with the active substance or substances in the pharmacologically suitable solvent in order to improve the qualitative properties of the active substance formulation. Preferably, these substances have no pharmacological effect or, in connection with the desired therapy, no appreciable or at least no undesirable pharmacological effect. The excipients and additives include, for example, surfactants such as soya lecithin, oleic acid, sorbitan esters, such as polysorbates, polyvinylpyrrolidone, other stabilisers, complexing agents, antioxidants and/or preservatives which guarantee or prolong the shelf life of the finished pharmaceutical formulation, flavourings, vitamins and/or other additives known in the art. The additives also include pharmacologically acceptable salts such as sodium chloride as isotonic agents. The preferred excipients include antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, for example, provided that it has not already been used to adjust the pH, vitamin A, vitamin E, tocopherols and similar vitamins or provitamins occurring in the human body. Preservatives may be used to protect the formulation from contamination with pathogens. Suitable preservatives are those which are known in the art, particularly cetyl pyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride or benzoic acid or benzoates such as sodium benzoate in the concentration known from the prior art.

For the treatment forms described above, ready-to-use packs of a medicament for the treatment of respiratory complaints are provided, containing an enclosed description including for example the words respiratory disease, COPD or asthma, a compound according to the invention and one or more combination partners selected from those described above.

The following example illustrates the present invention without restricting its scope:

Capsule for Powder Inhalation

The active substance is mixed with lactose for inhalation. The mixture is packed into capsules in a capsule-making machine (weight of the empty capsule approx. 50 mg).

weight of capsule: 55.5 mg

size of capsule=3