Herein are disclosed indazoles of formula (I)where the various groups are defined herein, and which are useful for treating cancer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to substituted indazoles which inhibit EZH2 and thus are useful for inhibiting the proliferation of and/or inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Epigenetic modifications play an important role in the regulation of many cellular processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell survival. Global epigenetic modifications are common in cancer, and include global changes in DNA and/or histone methylation, dysregulation of non-coding RNAs and nucleosome remodeling leading to aberrant activation or inactivation of oncogenes, tumor suppressors and signaling pathways. However, unlike genetic mutations which arise in cancer, these epigenetic changes can be reversed through selective inhibition of the enzymes involved. Several methylases involved in histone or DNA methylation are known to be dysregulated in cancer. Thus, selective inhibitors of particular methylases will be useful in the treatment of proliferative diseases such as cancer.

EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homolog 2; human EZH2 gene: Cardoso, C, et al;European J of Human Genetics, Vol. 8, No. 3 Pages 174-180, 2000) is the catalytic subunit of the Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 (PRC2) which functions to silence target genes by tri-methylating lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3). Histone H3 is one of the five main histone proteins involved in the structure of chromatin in eukaryotic cells. Featuring a main globular domain and a long N-terminal tail, Histones are involved with the structure of the nucleosomes, a ‘beads on a string’ structure. Histone proteins are highly post-translationally modified however Histone H3 is the most extensively modified of the five histones. The term “Histone H3” alone is purposely ambiguous in that it does not distinguish between sequence variants or modification state. Histone H3 is an important protein in the emerging field of epigenetics, where its sequence variants and variable modification states are thought to play a role in the dynamic and long term regulation of genes.

Increased EZH2 expression has been observed in numerous solid tumors including those of the prostate, breast, skin, bladder, liver, pancreas, head and neck and correlates with cancer aggressiveness, metastasis and poor outcome (Varambally et al., 2002; Kleer et al., 2003; Breuer et al., 2004; Bachmann et al., 2005; Weikert et al., 2005; Sudo et al., 2005; Bachmann et al., 2006). For instance, there is a greater risk of recurrence after prostatectomy in tumors expressing high levels of EZH2, increased metastasis, shorter disease-free survival and increased death in breast cancer patients with high EZH2 levels (Varambally et al., 2002; Kleer et al., 2003). More recently, inactivating mutations in UTX (ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptixe repeas X), a H3K27 demethylase which functions in opposition to EZH2, have been identified in multiple solid and hematological tumor types (including renal, glioblastoma, esophageal, breast, colon, non-small cell lung, small cell lung, bladder, multiple myeloma, and chronic myeloid leukemia tumors), and low UTX levels correlate with poor survival in breast cancer suggesting that loss of UTX function leads to increased H3K27me3 and repression of target genes (Wang et al., 2010). Together, these data suggest that increased H3K27me3 levels contribute to cancer aggressiveness in many tumor types and that inhibition of EZH2 activity may provide therapeutic benefit.

Numerous studies have reported that direct knockdown of EZH2 via siRNA or shRNA or indirect loss of EZH2 via treatment with the SAH hydrolase inhibitor 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) decreases cancer cell line proliferation and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo (Gonzalez et al., 2008, GBM 2009). While the precise mechanism by which aberrant EZH2 activity leads to cancer progression is not known, many EZH2 target genes are tumor suppressors suggesting that loss of tumor suppressor function is a key mechanism (refs). In addition, EZH2 overexpression in immortalized or primary epithelial cells promotes anchorage independent growth and invasion and requires EZH2 catalytic activity. (Kleer et al., 2003; Cao et al., 2008).

Thus, there is strong evidence to suggest that inhibition of EZH2 activity decreases cellular proliferation and invasion. Accordingly, compounds that inhibit EZH2 activity would be useful for the treatment of cancer. The indazoles of this invention provide such treatment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first instance, this invention relates to compounds of formula (I)

wherein

Y is H or halo;

or Raand Rbtaken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached represent a 5-8 membered saturated or unsaturated ring, optionally containing an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur, wherein said ring is optionally substituted by 1, 2 or 3 groups independently selected from (C1-C4)alkyl, (C1-C4)haloalkyl, amino, (C1-C4)alkylamino, ((C1-C4)alkyl)((C1-C4)alkyl)amino, hydroxyl, oxo, (C1-C4)alkoxy, and (C1-C4)alkoxy(C1-C4)alkyl, wherein said ring is optionally fused to a (C3-C8)cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl ring;

or Raand Rbtaken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached represent a 6- to 10-membered bridged bicyclic ring system optionally fused to a (C3-C8)cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl ring;

or a salt thereof.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the exemplified compounds.

In a further iteration of this invention it relates to a method of treating cancer.

Another aspect of the invention are pharmaceutical preparations comprising compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided the use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in the preparation of a medicament for use in the treatment of a disorder mediated by inhibiting EZH2, such as inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.

In a fifth aspect there is provided methods of co-administering the presently invented compounds of formula (I) with another active ingredients.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the avoidance of doubt, unless otherwise indicated, the term “substituted” means substituted by one or more defined groups. In the case where groups may be selected from a number of alternative groups the selected groups may be the same or different.

The term “independently” means that where more than one substituent is selected from a number of possible substituents, those substituents may be the same or different.

An “effective amount” means that amount of a drug or pharmaceutical agent that will elicit the biological or medical response of a tissue, system, animal or human that is being sought, for instance, by a researcher or clinician. Furthermore, the term “therapeutically effective amount” means any amount which, as compared to a corresponding subject who has not received such amount, results in improved treatment, healing, prevention, or amelioration of a disease, disorder, or side effect, or a decrease in the rate of advancement of a disease or disorder. The term also includes within its scope amounts effective to enhance normal physiological function.

As used herein the term “alkyl” refers to a straight- or branched-chain hydrocarbon radical having the specified number of carbon atoms, so for example, as used herein, the terms “C1-C8alkyl” refers to an alkyl group having at least 1 and up to 8 carbon atoms respectively. Examples of such branched or straight-chained alkyl groups useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, and n-octyl and branched analogs of the latter 5 normal alkanes.

The term “alkoxy” as used herein means —O(C1-C8alkyl) including —OCH3, —OCH2CH3and —OC(CH3)3and the like per the definition of alkyl above.

The term “alkylthio” as used herein is meant —S(C1-C8alkyl) including —SCH3, —SCH2CH3and the like per the definition of alkyl above.

The term “acyloxy” means —OC(O)C1-C8alkyl and the like per the definition of alkyl above.

“Acylamino” means-N(H)C(O)C1-C8alkyl and the like per the definition of alkyl above.

When the term “alkenyl” (or “alkenylene”) is used it refers to straight or branched hydrocarbon chains containing the specified number of carbon atoms and at least 1 and up to 5 carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples include ethenyl (or ethenylene) and propenyl (or propenylene).

When the term “alkynyl” (or “alkynylene”) is used it refers to straight or branched hydrocarbon chains containing the specified number of carbon atoms and at least 1 and up to 5 carbon-carbon triple bonds. Examples include ethynyl (or ethynylene) and propynyl (or propynylene).

“Haloalkyl” refers to an alkyl group group that is substituted with one or more halo substituents, suitably from 1 to 6 substituents. Haloalkyl includes trifluoromethyl.

When “cycloalkyl” is used it refers to a non-aromatic, saturated, cyclic hydrocarbon ring containing the specified number of carbon atoms. So, for example, the term “C3-C8cycloalkyl” refers to a non-aromatic cyclic hydrocarbon ring having from three to eight carbon atoms. Exemplary “C3-C8cycloalkyl” groups useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl.

The term “C5-C8cycloalkenyl” refers to a non-aromatic monocyclic carboxycyclic ring having the specified number of carbon atoms and up to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds. “Cycloalkenyl” includes by way of example cyclopentenyl and cyclohexenyl.

Where “C3-C8heterocycloalkyl” is used, it means a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring containing the specified number of ring atoms being, saturated or having one or more degrees of unsaturation and containing one or more heteroatom substitutions independently selected from O, S and N. Such a ring may be optionally fused to one or more other “heterocyclic” ring(s) or cycloalkyl ring(s). Examples are given herein below.

“Aryl” refers to optionally substituted monocyclic or polycarbocyclic unfused or fused groups having 6 to 14 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring that complies with Hückel's Rule. Examples of aryl groups are phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, and the like, as further illustrated below.

“Heteroaryl” means an optionally substituted aromatic monocyclic ring or polycarbocyclic fused ring system wherein at least one ring complies with Hückel's Rule, has the specified number of ring atoms, and that ring contains at least one heteratom independently selected from N, O and S. Examples of “heteroaryl” groups are given herein below.

The term “optionally” means that the subsequently described event(s) may or may not occur, and includes both event(s), which occur, and events that do not occur.

Herein, the term “pharmaceutically-acceptable salts” refers to salts that retain the desired biological activity of the subject compound and exhibit minimal undesired toxicological effects. These pharmaceutically-acceptable salts may be prepared in situ during the final isolation and purification of the compound, or by separately reacting the purified compound in its free acid or free base form with a suitable base or acid, respectively.

While the compounds encompassed by the general structure of formula (I) as defined herein are believed to be useful for inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, some of these compounds are more active that others. In that vein, the following subgroups delineate certain compounds believed to have greater potency or other properties which suggest they may be a better choice for use in therapy, versus other. Those subgroups are represented as follows:

Subgroup A

X and Z are selected from the group consisting of (C1-C8)alkyl, (C3-C8)cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, —NRaRb, and —ORa;

Y is H or F;

R1is selected from the group consisting of (C1-C8)alkyl, (C3-C8)cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl;

R3is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (C1-C8)alkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, —NRaRb, and halo;

or Raand Rbtaken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached represent a 5-8 membered saturated or unsaturated ring, optionally containing an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur, wherein said ring is optionally substituted by 1, 2 or 3 groups independently selected from (C1-C4)alkyl, (C1-C4)haloalkyl, amino, (C1-C4)alkylamino, ((C1-C4)alkyl)((C1-C4)alkyl)amino, hydroxyl, oxo, (C1-C4)alkoxy, and (C1-C4)alkoxy(C1-C4)alkyl, wherein said ring is optionally fused to a (C3-C8)cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl ring;

or Raand Rbtaken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached represent a 6- to 10-membered bridged bicyclic ring system optionally fused to a (C3-C8)cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl ring. An aryl or heteroaryl group in this particular subgroup A is selected independently from the group consisting of furan, thiophene, pyrrole, oxazole, thiazole, imidazole, pyrazole, oxadiazole, thiadiazole, triazole, tetrazole, benzofuran, benzothiophene, benzoxazole, benzothiazole, phenyl, pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, triazine, tetrazine, quinoline, cinnoline, quinazoline, quinoxaline, and naphthyridine or another aryl or heteroaryl group as follows:

wherein in (1),

A is O, NH, or S; B is CH or N, and C is hydrogen or C1-C8alkyl; or

wherein in (2),

D is N or C optionally substituted by hydrogen or C1-C8alkyl; or

wherein in (3),

E is NH or CH2; F is O or CO; and G is NH or CH2; or

wherein in (4),

J is O, S or CO; or

wherein in (5),

Q is CH or N;

M is CH or N; and

wherein in 6,

L/(6) is NH or CH2; or

wherein in (8),

P is CH2, NH, O, or S; Q/(8) is CH or N; and n is 0-2; or

wherein in (9),

S/(9) and T(9) is C, or S/(9) is C and T(9) is N, or S/(9) is N and T/(9) is C;

Subgroup B

X and Z are selected independently from the group consisting of (C1-C8)alkyl, (C3-C8)cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, —NRaRb, and —ORa;

Y is H;

or Raand Rbtaken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached represent a 5-8 membered saturated or unsaturated ring, optionally containing an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur, wherein said ring is optionally substituted by 1, 2 or 3 groups independently selected from (C1-C4)alkyl, (C1-C4)haloalkyl, amino, (C1-C4)alkylamino, ((C1-C4)alkyl)((C1-C4)alkyl)amino, hydroxyl, oxo, (C1-C4)alkoxy, and (C1-C4)alkoxy(C1-C4)alkyl, wherein said ring is optionally fused to a (C3-C8)cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl ring;

or Raand Rbtaken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached represent a 6- to 10-membered bridged bicyclic ring system optionally fused to a (C3-C8)cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl ring. Aryl and heteroaryl in this definition are selected from the group consisting of furan, thiophene, pyrrole, oxazole, thiazole, imidazole, pyrazole, oxadiazole, thiadiazole, triazole, tetrazole, benzofuran, benzothiophene, benzoxazole, benzothiazole, phenyl, pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, triazine, tetrazine, quinoline, cinnoline, quinazoline, quinoxaline, and naphthyridine as or a compound of or another aryl or heteroaryl group as follows:

wherein in (1),

A is O, NH, or S; B is CH or N, and C is hydrogen or C1-C8alkyl; or

wherein in (2),

D is N or C optionally substituted by hydrogen or C1-C8alkyl; or

wherein in (3),

E is NH or CH2; F is O or CO; and G is NH or CH2; or

wherein in (4),

J is O, S or CO; or

wherein in (5),

Q is CH or N;

M is CH or N; and

wherein in 6,

L/(6) is NH or CH2; or

wherein in (8),

P is CH2, NH, O, or S; Q/(8) is CH or N; and n is 0-2; or

wherein in (9),

S/(9) and T(9) is C, or S/(9) is C and T(9) is N, or S/(9) is N and T/(9) is C;

Subgroup C

Y is H;

In one aspect, this invention also relates to the exemplified compounds.

Individual compounds can be found in the Examples set out below.

By the term “co-administering” and derivatives thereof as used herein is meant either simultaneous administration or any manner of separate sequential administration of one or more additional pharmaceutically active compounds, whether for treating cancer, the side effects of cancer or cancer therapy, or some other disease. Preferably, if the administration is not simultaneous, the compounds are administered in a close time proximity to each other. Furthermore, it does not matter if the compounds are administered in the same dosage form, e.g. one compound may be administered topically and another compound may be administered orally.

In certain embodiments, compounds according to Formula I may contain an acidic functional group, one acidic enough to form salts. Representative salts include pharmaceutically-acceptable metal salts such as sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and zinc salts; carbonates and bicarbonates of a pharmaceutically-acceptable metal cation such as sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and zinc; pharmaceutically-acceptable organic primary, secondary, and tertiary amines including aliphatic amines, aromatic amines, aliphatic diamines, and hydroxy alkylamines such as methylamine, ethylamine, 2-hydroxyethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, ethylenediamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, and cyclohexylamine.

All tautomeric forms of the compounds described herein, including mixtures thereof, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. Generally, the compounds exemplified herein have been assigned names based on the structure of the tautomer of formula (IA). It should be understood that any reference to named compounds of this invention is intended to encompass all tautomers of the named compounds and any mixtures of tautomers of the named compounds.

The compounds of formula (I) may be prepared in crystalline or non-crystalline form, and, if crystalline, may optionally be solvated, e.g. as the hydrate. This invention includes within its scope stoichiometric solvates (e.g. hydrates) as well as compounds containing variable amounts of solvent (e.g. water).

Certain of the compounds described herein may contain one or more chiral atoms, or may otherwise be capable of existing as two enantiomers. The compounds claimed below include mixtures of enantiomers as well as purified enantiomers or enantiomerically enriched mixtures. Also included within the scope of the invention are the individual isomers of the compounds represented by formula (I), or claimed below, as well as any wholly or partially equilibrated mixtures thereof. The present invention also covers the individual isomers of the claimed compounds as mixtures with isomers thereof in which one or more chiral centers are inverted.

Where there are different isomeric forms they may be separated or resolved one from the other by conventional methods, or any given isomer may be obtained by conventional synthetic methods or by stereospecific or asymmetric syntheses.

While it is possible that, for use in therapy, a compound of formula (I), as well as salts, solvates and the like, may be administered as a neat preparation, i.e. no additional carrier, the more usual practice is to present the active ingredient confected with a carrier or diluent. Accordingly, the invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions, which includes a compound of formula (I) and salts, solvates and the like, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents, or excipients. The compounds of formula (I) and salts, solvates, etc, are as described above. The carrier(s), diluent(s) or excipient(s) must be acceptable in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof. In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is also provided a process for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation including admixing a compound of the formula (I), or salts, solvates etc, with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents or excipients.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that certain protected derivatives of compounds of formula (I), which may be made prior to a final deprotection stage, may not possess pharmacological activity as such, but may, in certain instances, be administered orally or parenterally and thereafter metabolised in the body to form compounds of the invention which are pharmacologically active. Such derivatives may therefore be described as “prodrugs”. Further, certain compounds of the invention may act as prodrugs of other compounds of the invention. All protected derivatives and prodrugs of compounds of the invention are included within the scope of the invention. It will further be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that certain moieties, known to those skilled in the art as “pro-moieties” may be placed on appropriate functionalities when such functionalities are present within compounds of the invention. Preferred prodrugs for compounds of the invention include: esters, carbonate esters, hemi-esters, phosphate esters, nitro esters, sulfate esters, sulfoxides, amides, carbamates, azo-compounds, phosphamides, glycosides, ethers, acetals and ketals.

Treatments

The compounds and compositions of the invention are used to treat cellular proliferation diseases. Disease states which can be treated by the methods and compositions provided herein include, but are not limited to, cancer (further discussed below), autoimmune disease, fungal disorders, arthritis, graft rejection, inflammatory bowel disease, proliferation induced after medical procedures, including, but not limited to, surgery, angioplasty, and the like. It is appreciated that in some cases the cells may not be in a hyper or hypo proliferation state (abnormal state) and still requires treatment. For example, during wound healing, the cells may be proliferating “normally”, but proliferation enhancement may be desired. Thus, in one embodiment, the invention herein includes application to cells or individuals afflicted or impending affliction with any one of these disorders or states.

The instant compounds can be combined with or co-administered with other therapeutic agents, particularly agents that may enhance the activity or time of disposition of the compounds. Combination therapies according to the invention comprise the administration of at least one compound of the invention and the use of at least one other treatment method. In one embodiment, combination therapies according to the invention comprise the administration of at least one compound of the invention and surgical therapy. In one embodiment, combination therapies according to the invention comprise the administration of at least one compound of the invention and radiotherapy. In one embodiment, combination therapies according to the invention comprise the administration of at least one compound of the invention and at least one supportive care agent (e.g., at least one anti-emetic agent). In one embodiment, combination therapies according to the present invention comprise the administration of at least one compound of the invention and at least one other chemotherapeutic agent. In one particular embodiment, the invention comprises the administration of at least one compound of the invention and at least one anti-neoplastic agent. In yet another embodiment, the invention comprises a therapeutic regimen where the EZH2 inhibitors of this disclosure are not in and of themselves active or significantly active, but when combined with another therapy, which may or may not be active as a standalone therapy, the combination provides a useful therapeutic outcome.

By the term “co-administering” and derivatives thereof as used herein is meant either simultaneous administration or any manner of separate sequential administration of an EZH2 inhibiting compound, as described herein, and a further active ingredient or ingredients, known to be useful in the treatment of cancer, including chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The term further active ingredient or ingredients, as used herein, includes any compound or therapeutic agent known to or that demonstrates advantageous properties when administered to a patient in need of treatment for cancer. Preferably, if the administration is not simultaneous, the compounds are administered in a close time proximity to each other. Furthermore, it does not matter if the compounds are administered in the same dosage form, e.g. one compound may be administered topically and another compound may be administered orally.

Typically, any anti-neoplastic agent that has activity versus a susceptible tumor being treated may be co-administered in the treatment of specified cancers in the present invention. Examples of such agents can be found in Cancer Principles and Practice of Oncology by V. T. Devita and S. Hellman (editors), 6thedition (Feb. 15, 2001), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publishers. A person of ordinary skill in the art would be able to discern which combinations of agents would be useful based on the particular characteristics of the drugs and the cancer involved. Typical anti-neoplastic agents useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, anti-microtubule agents such as diterpenoids and vinca alkaloids; platinum coordination complexes; alkylating agents such as nitrogen mustards, oxazaphosphorines, alkylsulfonates, nitrosoureas, and triazenes; antibiotic agents such as anthracyclins, actinomycins and bleomycins; topoisomerase II inhibitors such as epipodophyllotoxins; antimetabolites such as purine and pyrimidine analogues and anti-folate compounds; topoisomerase I inhibitors such as camptothecins; hormones and hormonal analogues; DNA methyltransferase inhibitors such as azacitidine and decitabine; signal transduction pathway inhibitors; non-receptor tyrosine kinase angiogenesis inhibitors; immunotherapeutic agents; proapoptotic agents; and cell cycle signaling inhibitors.

Typically, any chemotherapeutic agent that has activity against a susceptible neoplasm being treated may be utilized in combination with the compounds the invention, provided that the particular agent is clinically compatible with therapy employing a compound of the invention. Typical anti-neoplastic agents useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to: alkylating agents, anti-metabolites, antitumor antibiotics, antimitotic agents, nucleoside analogues, topoisomerase I and II inhibitors, hormones and hormonal analogues; retinoids, histone deacetylase inhibitors; signal transduction pathway inhibitors including inhibitors of cell growth or growth factor function, angiogenesis inhibitors, and serine/threonine or other kinase inhibitors; cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors; antisense therapies and immunotherapeutic agents, including monoclonals, vaccines or other biological agents.

Nucleoside analogues are those compounds which are converted to deoxynucleotide triphosphates and incorporated into replicating DNA in place of cytosine. DNA methyltransferases become covalently bound to the modified bases resulting in an inactive enzyme and reduced DNA methylation. Examples of nucleoside analogues include azacitidine and decitabine which are used for the treatment of myelodysplastic disorder. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors include vorinostat, for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. HDACs modify chromatin through the deactylation of histones. In addition, they have a variety of substrates including numerous transcription factors and signaling molecules. Other HDAC inhibitors are in development.

Signal transduction pathway inhibitors are those inhibitors which block or inhibit a chemical process which evokes an intracellular change. As used herein this change is cell proliferation or differentiation or survival. Signal transduction pathway inhibitors useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases, non-receptor tyrosine kinases, SH2/SH3 domain blockers, serine/threonine kinases, phosphatidyl inositol-3-OH kinases, myoinositol signaling, and Ras oncogenes. Signal transduction pathway inhibitors may be employed in combination with the compounds of the invention in the compositions and methods described above.

Receptor kinase angiogenesis inhibitors may also find use in the present invention. Inhibitors of angiogenesis related to VEGFR and TIE-2 are discussed above in regard to signal transduction inhibitors (both are receptor tyrosine kinases). Other inhibitors may be used in combination with the compounds of the invention. For example, anti-VEGF antibodies, which do not recognize VEGFR (the receptor tyrosine kinase), but bind to the ligand; small molecule inhibitors of integrin (alphavbeta3) that inhibit angiogenesis; endostatin and angiostatin (non-RTK) may also prove useful in combination with the compounds of the invention. One example of a VEGFR antibody is bevacizumab (AVASTIN®).

Several inhibitors of growth factor receptors are under development and include ligand antagonists, antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, anti-sense oligonucleotides and aptamers. Any of these growth factor receptor inhibitors may be employed in combination with the compounds of the invention in any of the compositions and methods/uses described herein. Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) is an example of an anti-erbB2 antibody inhibitor of growth factor function. One example of an anti-erbB1 antibody inhibitor of growth factor function is cetuximab (Erbitux™, C225). Bevacizumab (Avastin®) is an example of a monoclonal antibody directed against VEGFR. Examples of small molecule inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptors include but are not limited to lapatinib (Tykerb™) and erlotinib (TARCEVA®). Imatinib mesylate (GLEEVEC®) is one example of a PDGFR inhibitor. Examples of VEGFR inhibitors include pazopanib, ZD6474, AZD2171, PTK787, sunitinib and sorafenib.

Anti-microtubule or anti-mitotic agents are phase specific agents active against the microtubules of tumor cells during M or the mitosis phase of the cell cycle. Examples of anti-microtubule agents include, but are not limited to, diterpenoids and vinca alkaloids.

Diterpenoids, which are derived from natural sources, are phase specific anti-cancer agents that operate at the G2/M phases of the cell cycle. It is believed that the diterpenoids stabilize the β-tubulin subunit of the microtubules, by binding with this protein. Disassembly of the protein appears then to be inhibited with mitosis being arrested and cell death following. Examples of diterpenoids include, but are not limited to, paclitaxel and its analog docetaxel.

Paclitaxel, 5β,20-epoxy-1,2α,4,7β,10β,13α-hexa-hydroxytax-11-en-9-one 4,10-diacetate 2-benzoate 13-ester with (2R,3S)—N-benzoyl-3-phenylisoserine; is a natural diterpene product isolated from the Pacific yew treeTaxus brevifoliaand is commercially available as an injectable solution TAXOL®. It is a member of the taxane family of terpenes. It was first isolated in 1971 by Wani et al. J. Am. Chem., Soc., 93:2325. 1971), who characterized its structure by chemical and X-ray crystallographic methods. One mechanism for its activity relates to paclitaxel's capacity to bind tubulin, thereby inhibiting cancer cell growth. Schiff et al., Proc. Natl, Acad, Sci. USA, 77:1561-1565 (1980); Schiff et al., Nature, 277:665-667 (1979); Kumar, J. Biol, Chem, 256: 10435-10441 (1981). For a review of synthesis and anticancer activity of some paclitaxel derivatives see: D. G. I. Kingston et al., Studies in Organic Chemistry vol. 26, entitled “New trends in Natural Products Chemistry 1986”, Attaur-Rahman, P. W. Le Quesne, Eds. (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1986) pp 219-235.

Paclitaxel has been approved for clinical use in the treatment of refractory ovarian cancer in the United States (Markman et al., Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, 64:583, 1991; McGuire et al., Ann. Intem, Med., 111:273, 1989) and for the treatment of breast cancer (Holmes et al., J. Nat. Cancer Inst., 83:1797, 1991.) It is a potential candidate for treatment of neoplasms in the skin (Einzig et. al., Proc. Am. Soc. Clin. Oncol., 20:46) and head and neck carcinomas (Forastire et. al., Sem. Oncol., 20:56, 1990). The compound also shows potential for the treatment of polycystic kidney disease (Woo et. al., Nature, 368:750. 1994), lung cancer and malaria. Treatment of patients with paclitaxel results in bone marrow suppression (multiple cell lineages, Ignoff, R. J. et. al, Cancer Chemotherapy Pocket Guide, 1998) related to the duration of dosing above a threshold concentration (50 nM) (Kearns, C. M. et. al., Seminars in Oncology, 3(6) p. 16-23, 1995).

Docetaxel, (2R,3S)—N-carboxy-3-phenylisoserine, N-tert-butyl ester, 13-ester with 5β-20-epoxy-1,2α,4,7β,10β,13α-hexahydroxytax-11-en-9-one 4-acetate 2-benzoate, trihydrate; is commercially available as an injectable solution as TAXOTERE®. Docetaxel is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer. Docetaxel is a semisynthetic derivative of paclitaxel q.v., prepared using a natural precursor, 10-deacetyl-baccatin III, extracted from the needle of the European Yew tree. The dose limiting toxicity of docetaxel is neutropenia.

Vinca alkaloids are phase specific anti-neoplastic agents derived from the periwinkle plant. Vinca alkaloids act at the M phase (mitosis) of the cell cycle by binding specifically to tubulin. Consequently, the bound tubulin molecule is unable to polymerize into microtubules. Mitosis is believed to be arrested in metaphase with cell death following. Examples of vinca alkaloids include, but are not limited to, vinblastine, vincristine, and vinorelbine.

Vinblastine, vincaleukoblastine sulfate, is commercially available as VELBAN® as an injectable solution. Although, it has possible indication as a second line therapy of various solid tumors, it is primarily indicated in the treatment of testicular cancer and various lymphomas including Hodgkin's Disease; and lymphocytic and histiocytic lymphomas. Myelosuppression is the dose limiting side effect of vinblastine.

Vincristine, vincaleukoblastine, 22-oxo-, sulfate, is commercially available as ONCOVIN® as an injectable solution. Vincristine is indicated for the treatment of acute leukemias and has also found use in treatment regimens for Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphomas. Alopecia and neurologic effects are the most common side effect of vincristine and to a lesser extent myelosupression and gastrointestinal mucositis effects occur.

Vinorelbine, 3′,4′-didehydro-4′-deoxy-C′-norvincaleukoblastine[R—(R*,R*)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate (1:2)(salt)], commercially available as an injectable solution of vinorelbine tartrate (NAVELBINE®), is a semisynthetic vinca alkaloid. Vinorelbine is indicated as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin, in the treatment of various solid tumors, particularly non-small cell lung, advanced breast, and hormone refractory prostate cancers. Myelosuppression is the most common dose limiting side effect of vinorelbine.

Platinum coordination complexes are non-phase specific anti-cancer agents, which are interactive with DNA. The platinum complexes enter tumor cells, undergo, aquation and form intra- and interstrand crosslinks with DNA causing adverse biological effects to the tumor. Examples of platinum coordination complexes include, but are not limited to, cisplatin and carboplatin.

Cisplatin, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum, is commercially available as PLATINOL® as an injectable solution. Cisplatin is primarily indicated in the treatment of metastatic testicular and ovarian cancer and advanced bladder cancer. The primary dose limiting side effects of cisplatin are nephrotoxicity, which may be controlled by hydration and diuresis, and ototoxicity.

Carboplatin, platinum, diammine [1,1-cyclobutane-dicarboxylate(2-)-O,O′], is commercially available as PARAPLATIN® as an injectable solution. Carboplatin is primarily indicated in the first and second line treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma. Bone marrow suppression is the dose limiting toxicity of carboplatin.

Alkylating agents are non-phase anti-cancer specific agents and strong electrophiles. Typically, alkylating agents form covalent linkages, by alkylation, to DNA through nucleophilic moieties of the DNA molecule such as phosphate, amino, sulfhydryl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, and imidazole groups. Such alkylation disrupts nucleic acid function leading to cell death. Examples of alkylating agents include, but are not limited to, nitrogen mustards such as cyclophosphamide, melphalan, and chlorambucil; alkyl sulfonates such as busulfan; nitrosoureas such as carmustine; and triazenes such as dacarbazine.

Cyclophosphamide, 2-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]tetrahydro-2H-1,3,2-oxazaphosphorine 2-oxide monohydrate, is commercially available as an injectable solution or tablets as CYTOXAN®. Cyclophosphamide is indicated as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, in the treatment of malignant lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and leukemias. Alopecia, nausea, vomiting and leukopenia are the most common dose limiting side effects of cyclophosphamide.

Melphalan, 4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]-L-phenylalanine, is commercially available as an injectable solution or tablets as ALKERAN®. Melphalan is indicated for the palliative treatment of multiple myeloma and non-resectable epithelial carcinoma of the ovary. Bone marrow suppression is the most common dose limiting side effect of melphalan.

Chlorambucil, 4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]benzenebutanoic acid, is commercially available as LEUKERAN® tablets. Chlorambucil is indicated for the palliative treatment of chronic lymphatic leukemia, and malignant lymphomas such as lymphosarcoma, giant follicular lymphoma, and Hodgkin's disease. Bone marrow suppression is the most common dose limiting side effect of chlorambucil.

Busulfan, 1,4-butanediol dimethanesulfonate, is commercially available as MYLERAN® TABLETS. Busulfan is indicated for the palliative treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Bone marrow suppression is the most common dose limiting side effects of busulfan.

Carmustine, 1,3-[bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, is commercially available as single vials of lyophilized material as BiCNU®. Carmustine is indicated for the palliative treatment as a single agent or in combination with other agents for brain tumors, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Delayed myelosuppression is the most common dose limiting side effects of carmustine.

Dacarbazine, 5-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno)-imidazole-4-carboxamide, is commercially available as single vials of material as DTIC-Dome®. Dacarbazine is indicated for the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma and in combination with other agents for the second line treatment of Hodgkin's Disease. Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are the most common dose limiting side effects of dacarbazine.

Antibiotic anti-neoplastics are non-phase specific agents, which bind or intercalate with DNA. Typically, such action results in stable DNA complexes or strand breakage, which disrupts ordinary function of the nucleic acids leading to cell death. Examples of antibiotic anti-neoplastic agents include, but are not limited to, actinomycins such as dactinomycin, anthrocyclins such as daunorubicin and doxorubicin; and bleomycins.

Dactinomycin, also know as Actinomycin D, is commercially available in injectable form as COSMEGEN®. Dactinomycin is indicated for the treatment of Wilm's tumor and rhabdomyosarcoma. Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are the most common dose limiting side effects of dactinomycin.

Daunorubicin, (8S-cis-)-8-acetyl-10-[(3-amino-2,3,6-trideoxy-α-L-lyxo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6,8,11-trihydroxy-1-methoxy-5,12 naphthacenedione hydrochloride, is commercially available as a liposomal injectable form as DAUNOXOME® or as an injectable as CERUBIDINE®. Daunorubicin is indicated for remission induction in the treatment of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and advanced HIV associated Kaposi's sarcoma. Myelosuppression is the most common dose limiting side effect of daunorubicin.

Doxorubicin, (8S,10S)-10-[(3-amino-2,3,6-trideoxy-α-L-lyxo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-8-glycoloyl, 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6,8,11-trihydroxy-1-methoxy-5,12 naphthacenedione hydrochloride, is commercially available as an injectable form as RUBEX® or ADRIAMYCIN RDF®. Doxorubicin is primarily indicated for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloblastic leukemia, but is also a useful component in the treatment of some solid tumors and lymphomas. Myelosuppression is the most common dose limiting side effect of doxorubicin.

Bleomycin, a mixture of cytotoxic glycopeptide antibiotics isolated from a strain ofStreptomyces verticillus, is commercially available as BLENOXANE®. Bleomycin is indicated as a palliative treatment, as a single agent or in combination with other agents, of squamous cell carcinoma, lymphomas, and testicular carcinomas. Pulmonary and cutaneous toxicities are the most common dose limiting side effects of bleomycin.

Topoisomerase II inhibitors include, but are not limited to, epipodophyllotoxins.

Epipodophyllotoxins are phase specific anti-neoplastic agents derived from the mandrake plant. Epipodophyllotoxins typically affect cells in the S and G2phases of the cell cycle by forming a ternary complex with topoisomerase II and DNA causing DNA strand breaks. The strand breaks accumulate and cell death follows. Examples of epipodophyllotoxins include, but are not limited to, etoposide and teniposide.

Etoposide, 4′-demethyl-epipodophyllotoxin 9[4,6-0-(R)-ethylidene-β-D-glucopyranoside], is commercially available as an injectable solution or capsules as VePESID® and is commonly known as VP-16. Etoposide is indicated as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapy agents in the treatment of testicular and non-small cell lung cancers. Myelosuppression is the most common side effect of etoposide. The incidence of leucopenia tends to be more severe than thrombocytopenia.

Teniposide, 4′-demethyl-epipodophyllotoxin 9[4,6-0-(R)-thenylidene-β-D-glucopyranoside], is commercially available as an injectable solution as VUMON® and is commonly known as VM-26. Teniposide is indicated as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapy agents in the treatment of acute leukemia in children. Myelosuppression is the most common dose limiting side effect of teniposide. Teniposide can induce both leucopenia and thrombocytopenia.

Antimetabolite neoplastic agents are phase specific anti-neoplastic agents that act at S phase (DNA synthesis) of the cell cycle by inhibiting DNA synthesis or by inhibiting purine or pyrimidine base synthesis and thereby limiting DNA synthesis. Consequently, S phase does not proceed and cell death follows. Examples of antimetabolite anti-neoplastic agents include, but are not limited to, fluorouracil, methotrexate, cytarabine, mercaptopurine, thioguanine, and gemcitabine.

5-fluorouracil, 5-fluoro-2,4-(1H,3H) pyrimidinedione, is commercially available as fluorouracil. Administration of 5-fluorouracil leads to inhibition of thymidylate synthesis and is also incorporated into both RNA and DNA. The result typically is cell death. 5-fluorouracil is indicated as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapy agents in the treatment of carcinomas of the breast, colon, rectum, stomach and pancreas. Myelosuppression and mucositis are dose limiting side effects of 5-fluorouracil. Other fluoropyrimidine analogs include 5-fluoro deoxyuridine (floxuridine) and 5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate.

Cytarabine, 4-amino-1-β-D-arabinofuranosyl-2(1H)-pyrimidinone, is commercially available as CYTOSAR-U® and is commonly known as Ara-C. It is believed that cytarabine exhibits cell phase specificity at S-phase by inhibiting DNA chain elongation by terminal incorporation of cytarabine into the growing DNA chain. Cytarabine is indicated as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapy agents in the treatment of acute leukemia. Other cytidine analogs include 5-azacytidine and 2′,2′-difluorodeoxycytidine (gemcitabine). Cytarabine induces leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, and mucositis.

Mercaptopurine, 1,7-dihydro-6H-purine-6-thione monohydrate, is commercially available as PURINETHOL®. Mercaptopurine exhibits cell phase specificity at S-phase by inhibiting DNA synthesis by an as of yet unspecified mechanism. Mercaptopurine is indicated as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapy agents in the treatment of acute leukemia. Myelosuppression and gastrointestinal mucositis are expected side effects of mercaptopurine at high doses. A useful mercaptopurine analog is azathioprine.

Thioguanine, 2-amino-1,7-dihydro-6H-purine-6-thione, is commercially available as TABLOID®. Thioguanine exhibits cell phase specificity at S-phase by inhibiting DNA synthesis by an as of yet unspecified mechanism. Thioguanine is indicated as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapy agents in the treatment of acute leukemia. Myelosuppression, including leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia, is the most common dose limiting side effect of thioguanine administration. However, gastrointestinal side effects occur and can be dose limiting. Other purine analogs include pentostatin, erythrohydroxynonyladenine, fludarabine phosphate, and cladribine.

Gemcitabine, 2′-deoxy-2′,2′-difluorocytidine monohydrochloride (β-isomer), is commercially available as GEMZAR®. Gemcitabine exhibits cell phase specificity at S-phase and by blocking progression of cells through the G1/S boundary. Gemcitabine is indicated in combination with cisplatin in the treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer and alone in the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Myelosuppression, including leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia, is the most common dose limiting side effect of gemcitabine administration.

Methotrexate, N-[4-[[(2,4-diamino-6-pteridinyl)methyl]methylamino]benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid, is commercially available as methotrexate sodium. Methotrexate exhibits cell phase effects specifically at S-phase by inhibiting DNA synthesis, repair and/or replication through the inhibition of dyhydrofolic acid reductase which is required for synthesis of purine nucleotides and thymidylate. Methotrexate is indicated as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapy agents in the treatment of choriocarcinoma, meningeal leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and carcinomas of the breast, head, neck, ovary and bladder. Myelosuppression (leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia) and mucositis are expected side effect of methotrexate administration.

Camptothecins, including, camptothecin and camptothecin derivatives are available or under development as Topoisomerase I inhibitors. Camptothecins cytotoxic activity is believed to be related to its Topoisomerase I inhibitory activity. Examples of camptothecins include, but are not limited to irinotecan, topotecan, and the various optical forms of 7-(4-methylpiperazino-methylene)-10,11-ethylenedioxy-20-camptothecin described below.

Irinotecan HCl, (4S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-9-[(4-piperidinopiperidino) carbonyloxy]-1H-pyrano[3′,4′,6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H,12H)-dione hydrochloride, is commercially available as the injectable solution CAMPTOSAR®.

Irinotecan is a derivative of camptothecin which binds, along with its active metabolite SN-38, to the topoisomerase I-DNA complex. It is believed that cytotoxicity occurs as a result of irreparable double strand breaks caused by interaction of the topoisomerase I: DNA: irintecan or SN-38 ternary complex with replication enzymes. Irinotecan is indicated for treatment of metastatic cancer of the colon or rectum. The dose limiting side effects of irinotecan HCl are myelosuppression, including neutropenia, and GI effects, including diarrhea.

Topotecan HCl, (S)-10-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-4-ethyl-4,9-dihydroxy-1H-pyrano[3′,4′,6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14-(4H,12H)-dione monohydrochloride, is commercially available as the injectable solution HYCAMTIN®. Topotecan is a derivative of camptothecin which binds to the topoisomerase I-DNA complex and prevents religation of singles strand breaks caused by Topoisomerase I in response to torsional strain of the DNA molecule. Topotecan is indicated for second line treatment of metastatic carcinoma of the ovary and small cell lung cancer. The dose limiting side effect of topotecan HCl is myelosuppression, primarily neutropenia.

Pharmaceutical compositions may be presented in unit dose forms containing a predetermined amount of active ingredient per unit dose. Such a unit may contain, for example, 0.5 mg to 1 g, preferably 1 mg to 700 mg, more preferably 5 mg to 100 mg of a compound of the formula (I), depending on the condition being treated, the route of administration and the age, weight and condition of the patient, or pharmaceutical compositions may be presented in unit dose forms containing a predetermined amount of active ingredient per unit dose. Preferred unit dosage compositions are those containing a daily dose or sub-dose, as herein above recited, or an appropriate fraction thereof, of an active ingredient. Furthermore, such pharmaceutical compositions may be prepared by any of the methods well known in the pharmacy art.

Pharmaceutical compositions may be adapted for administration by any appropriate route, for example by the oral (including buccal or sublingual), rectal, nasal, topical (including buccal, sublingual or transdermal), vaginal or parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous or intradermal) route. Such compositions may be prepared by any method known in the art of pharmacy, for example by bringing into association a compound of formal (I) with the carrier(s) or excipient(s).

Pharmaceutical compositions adapted for rectal administration may be presented as suppositories or as enemas.

Pharmaceutical compositions adapted for vaginal administration may be presented as pessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams or spray formulations.

A therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the present invention will depend upon a number of factors including, for example, the age and weight of the intended recipient, the precise condition requiring treatment and its severity, the nature of the formulation, and the route of administration, and will ultimately be at the discretion of the attendant prescribing the medication. However, an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) for the treatment of anemia will generally be in the range of 0.001 to 100 mg/kg body weight of recipient per day, suitably in the range of 0.01 to mg/kg body weight per day. For a 70 kg adult mammal, the actual amount per day would suitably be from 7 to 700 mg and this amount may be given in a single dose per day or in a number (such as two, three, four, five or six) of sub-doses per day such that the total daily dose is the same. An effective amount of a salt or solvate, etc., may be determined as a proportion of the effective amount of the compound of formula (I) per se. It is envisaged that similar dosages would be appropriate for treatment of the other conditions referred to above.

Chemical Background

The compounds of this invention may be made by a variety of methods, including standard chemistry. Any previously defined variable will continue to have the previously defined meaning unless otherwise indicated. Illustrative general synthetic methods are set out below and then specific compounds of the invention as prepared are given in the examples.

Compounds of general formula (I) may be prepared by methods known in the art of organic synthesis as set forth in part by the following synthesis schemes. In all of the schemes described below, it is well understood that protecting groups for sensitive or reactive groups are employed where necessary in accordance with general principles of chemistry. Protecting groups are manipulated according to standard methods of organic synthesis (T. W. Green and P. G. M. Wuts (1991)Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley & Sons). These groups are removed at a convenient stage of the compound synthesis using methods that are readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The selection of processes as well as the reaction conditions and order of their execution shall be consistent with the preparation of compounds of formula (I). Those skilled in the art will recognize if a stereocenter exists in compounds of formula (I). Accordingly, the present invention includes both possible stereoisomers and includes not only racemic compounds but the individual enantiomers as well. When a compound is desired as a single enantiomer, it may be obtained by stereospecific synthesis or by resolution of the final product or any convenient intermediate. Resolution of the final product, an intermediate, or a starting material may be effected by any suitable method known in the art. See, for example,Stereochemistry of Organic Compoundsby E. L. Eliel, S. H. Wilen, and L. N. Mander (Wiley-Interscience, 1994).

EXAMPLES

The compounds of the present invention were prepared as depicted in schemes 1-5. The groups and substituents shown in the schemes 1-5, such as X, Y, Z and the various R groups have the same definition in what follows as they have herein above. The solvents and conditions referred to are illustrative and are not intended to be limiting.

Scheme 1 illustrates a route to prepare compounds of formula (VI). Compounds of formula (I) are commercially available and were alkylated using sodium hydride, DMF, and an appropriate alkyl halide to afford a mixture of N1/N2 alkylated regioisomers which were separated by chromatography and fully characterized. Compounds of formula (II) were converted to compounds of formula (III) by standard base-catalyzed hydrolysis. Treatment of compounds of formula (III) with substituted aminomethyl pyridones of formula (IV) using EDC, HOAT, N-methylmorpholine, and DMSO at room temperature for a period of 3-48 h stirring afforded compounds of formula (V). Compounds of formula (V) were substituted at the 6-position using standard methods known to those skilled in the art (i.e. palladium, copper, mediated cross couplings), to afford compounds of formula (VI).

Compounds of formula (VI) were also prepared as depicted in scheme 2. In this embodiment, compounds of formula (II) were substituted at the 6-pos. using standard methods known to those skilled in the art (i.e. palladium, copper, mediated cross couplings, nucleophillic substitution) to afford compounds of formula (VII), which were then converted to compounds of formula (VIII) by standard base-catalyzed hydrolysis. Treatment of compounds of formula (VIII) with substituted aminomethylpyridones of formula (IV) using EDC, HOAT, N-methylmorpholine, and DMSO at room temperature for a period of 3-48 h stirring, afforded compounds of formula (VI). Compounds of formula (VI) wherein R6=sulfonamide were prepared from compounds of formula (II) in which the 6-nitro substituted conjeger was used as starting material. Conversion of the nitro group by standard reduction conditions afforded a compound of formula (VII) in which R6═NH2. Treatment of the putative amine intermediate with a sulfonyl chloride under standard conditions afforded compound of formula (VII), wherein R6=sulfonamide.

Scheme 3 illustrates a route to prepare compounds of formula (XV). A compound of formula (IX), which is commercially available, was converted to a compound of formula (X) using sodium nitrite, 6N HCl, water, and stirring at room temperature for 48 h. Treatment of (X) with an alkyl halide under basic conditions afforded a compound of formula (XI). Compounds of formula (XI) were converted to compounds of formula (XII) typically by Wolff-Kischner mediated reduction conditions using sodium cyanoborohydride as the reducing agent. Compounds of formula (XII) were converted to compounds of formula (XIII) by standard base-catalyzed hydrolysis. Treatment of compounds of formula (XIII) with substituted aminomethylpyridones of formula (IV) using EDC, HOAT, N-methylmorpholine, and DMSO at room temperature for a period of 3-48 h stirring afforded compounds of formula (XIV). Compounds of formula (XIV) were substituted at the 6-position using standard methods known to those skilled in the art (i.e. palladium, copper, mediated cross couplings), to afford compounds of formula (XV).

Compounds of formula (XV) were also prepared as depicted in scheme 4. In this embodiment, compounds of formula (XII) were substituted at the 6-pos. using standard methods known to those skilled in the art (i.e. palladium, copper, mediated cross couplings, nucleophillic substitution) to afford compounds of formula (XVI), which were then converted to compounds of formula (XVII) by standard base-catalyzed hydrolysis. Treatment of compounds of formula (XVII) with substituted aminomethylpyridones of formula (IV) using EDC, HOAT, N-methylmorpholine, and DMSO at room temperature for a period of 3-48 h stirring afforded compounds of formula (XV).

Scheme 5 illustrates the method to synthesize a compound of formula (IV). Heating of compounds of formula (XVIII) with cyanoacetamide in ethanol at reflux containing catalytic piperidine for typically 30 min, affords compounds of formula (XX). Alternatively, treatment of compounds of formula (XIX) with cyanoacetamide in DMSO at room temperature with an excess of potassium tert-butoxide under an atmosphere of oxygen for ca. 90 min. also affords compounds of formula (XX). Regioisomeric mixtures, are separable and the individual compounds regiochemical assignments can be confirmed by 2D HNMR techniques. Compounds of formula (XVIII) and (XIX) which were not commercially available were prepared using standard methods known to those skilled in the art, and are described herein. Compounds of formula (XX) were converted to compounds of formula (V) either by hydrogenation using sodium acetate, palladium on carbon, and platinum oxide, or reduction conditions using NaBH4with either iodine or NiCl2-6H2O.

The following guidelines apply to all experimental procedures described herein. All reactions were conducted under a positive pressure of nitrogen using oven-dried glassware, unless otherwise indicated. Temperatures designated are external (i.e. bath temperatures), and are approximate. Air and moisture-sensitive liquids were transferred via syringe. Reagents were used as received. Solvents utilized were those listed as “anhydrous” by vendors. Molarities listed for reagents in solutions are approximate, and were used without prior titration against a corresponding standard. All reactions were agitated by stir bar, unless otherwise indicated. Heating was conducted using heating baths containing silicon oil, unless otherwise indicated. Reactions conducted by microwave irradiation (0-400 W at 2.45 GHz) were done so using a Biotage Initiator™2.0 instrument with Biotage microwave EXP vials (0.2-20 mL) and septa and caps. Irradiation levels utilized (i.e. high, normal, low) based on solvent and ionic charge were based on vendor specifications. Cooling to temperatures below −70° C. was conducted using dry ice/acetone or dry ice/2-propanol. Magnesium sulfate and sodium sulfate used as drying agents were of anhydrous grade, and were used interchangeably. Solvents described as being removed “in vacuo” or “under reduced pressure” were done so by rotary evaporation.

Preparative normal phase silica gel chromatography was carried out using either a Teledyne ISCO CombiFlash Companion instrument with RediSep or ISCO Gold silica gel cartridges (4 g-330 g), or an Analogix IF280 instrument with SF25 silica gel cartridges (4 g-3-00 g), or a Biotage SP1 instrument with HP silica gel cartridges (10 g-100 g). Purification by reverse phase HPLC was conducted using a YMC-pack column (ODS-A 75×30 mm) as solid phase, unless otherwise noted. A mobile phase of 25 mL/min A (acetonitrile-0.1% TFA): B (water-0.1% TFA), 10-80% gradient A (10 min) was utilized with UV detection at 214 nM, unless otherwise noted.

A PE Sciex API 150 single quadrupole mass spectrometer (PE Sciex, Thornhill, Ontario, Canada) was operated using electrospray ionization in the positive ion detection mode. The nebulizing gas was generated from a zero air generator (Balston Inc., Haverhill, Mass., USA) and delivered at 65 psi and the curtain gas was high purity nitrogen delivered from a Dewar liquid nitrogen vessel at 50 psi. The voltage applied to the electrospray needle was 4.8 kV. The orifice was set at 25 V and mass spectrometer was scanned at a rate of 0.5 scan/sec using a step mass of 0.2 amu and collecting profile data.

Method A LCMS. Samples were introduced into the mass spectrometer using a CTC PAL autosampler (LEAP Technologies, Carrboro, N.C.) equipped with a hamilton 10 uL syringe which performed the injection into a Valco 10-port injection valve. The HPLC pump was a Shimadzu LC-10ADvp (Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Columbia, Md.) operated at 0.3 mL/min and a linear gradient 4.5% A to 90% B in 3.2 min. with a 0.4 min. hold. The mobile phase was composed of 100% (H2O 0.02% TFA) in vessel A and 100% (CH3CN 0.018% TFA) in vessel B. The stationary phase is Aquasil (C18) and the column dimensions were 1 mm×40 mm. Detection was by UV at 214 nm, evaporative light-scattering (ELSD) and MS.

Method B, LCMS. Alternatively, an Agilent 1100 analytical HPLC system with an LC/MS was used and operated at 1 mL/min and a linear gradient 5% A to 100% B in 2.2 min with a 0.4 min hold. The mobile phase was composed of 100% (H2O 0.02% TFA) in vessel A and 100% (CH3CN 0.018% TFA) in vessel B. The stationary phase was Zobax (C8) with a 3.5 um particle size and the column dimensions were 2.1 mm×50 mm. Detection was by UV at 214 nm, evaporative light-scattering (ELSD) and MS.

Method C, LCMS. Alternatively, an MDSSCIEX API 2000 equipped with a capillary column of (50×4.6 mm, 5 μm) was used. HPLC was done on Agilent-1200 series UPLC system equipped with column Zorbax SB-C18 (50×4.6 mm, 1.8 μm) eluting with CH3CN: ammonium acetate buffer. The reactions were performed in the microwave (CEM, Discover).

1H-NMR spectra were taken using deuterated DMSO (unless otherwise noted) and were recorded at 400 MHz using a Bruker AVANCE 400 MHz instrument, with ACD Spect manager v. 10 used for reprocessing. Multiplicities indicated are: s=singlet, d=doublet, t=triplet, q=quartet, quint=quintet, sxt=sextet, m=multiplet, dd=doublet of doublets, dt=doublet of triplets etc. and br indicates a broad signal.

Methyl 6-chloro-1H-indazole-4-carboxylate (0.410 g, 1.947 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (10 mL) and placed into an ice bath and stirred for 15 min. Sodium hydride (0.101 g, 2.53 mmol) was added, the contents stirred for 15 min., and then 2-iodopropane (0.389 mL, 3.89 mmol) was added. The contents were stirred with warming to RT. After stirring at RT for 2 h, a scoop of sodium carbonate and then 0.4 mL of methyl iodide were added. After stirring at RT for an additional 1 h, the reaction mixture was diluted with saturated NH4Cl and then extracted with EtOAc (2×). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was dissolved in a minimal amount of DCM and purified by silica gel chromatography (eluent: 3-20% ethyl acetate in hexanes). The title compound was the less polar of the two products separated from chromatography, and was collected as 0.22 g (45% yield).1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6)ppm 1.45-1.52 (m, 6H), 3.93-3.99 (m, 3H), 5.11 (quin, J=6.57 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=1.77 Hz, 1H), 8.30 (s, 1H), 8.42 (s, 1H).

To a stirred solution of methyl 6-bromo-1-isopropyl-1H-indazole-4-carboxylate, 1 (0.8 g, 2.7 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (20 mL) were added 4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole (0.576 g, 2.97 mmol) and NaHCO3(0.567 g, 6.75 mmol) dissolved in water (8 mL). The reaction mixture was degassed with argon gas for 30 min. To the resulting mixture was added PdCl2(dppf)-CH2Cl2adduct (0.110 g, 0.135 mmol) and the mixture heated at reflux for 3 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (30 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (100 mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 800 mg of crude product. The crude compound was purified by silica gel chromatography (eluent: 5% MeOH/DCM) to the title compound as a pale liquid (375 mg, 47%). LCMS (ES−) m/z=283.11.

To a stirred solution of methyl 1-isopropyl-6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-indazole-4-carboxylate (750 mg, 2.64 mmol) in THF:H2O (30 mL) was added LiOH.H2O (330 mg, 7.85 mmol) and the resulting mixture was refluxed at 80° C. for 8 h. THF was distilled off under reduced pressure and the aqueous layer was acidified with 10% HCl (to pH ˜5) at 0° C. The precipitated solid was collected by filtration and dried to afford the title compound I-isopropyl-6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-indazole-4-carboxylic acid as an off-white solid (540 mg, 76%). LCMS (ES+) m/z=271.09.

The title compound was prepared in the same manner as described for example 35 (step a) from methyl 6-bromo-1-isopropyl-3-methyl-1H-indazole-4-carboxylate (1 g, 3.36 mmol) and 5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine (0.98 g, 4.04 mmol) wherein the reaction mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 5 h. The product was collected as an off white solid (600 mg, 53%). LCMS (ES−) m/z: 333.08.

To a 10-mL microwave tube were added methyl 6-bromo-1-(1-methylethyl)-1H-indazole-4-carboxylate (250 mg, 0.841 mmol), N,N-dimethyl-1-(4-piperidinyl)methanamine (132 mg, 0.925 mmol), Toluene (3 mL), and cesium carbonate (411 mg, 1.262 mmol), and the mixture was degassed for 5 min by bubbling N2 through BINAP (79 mg, 0.126 mmol) and Pd2(dba)3(38.5 mg, 0.042 mmol) were added. The tube was sealed and the mixture was heated at 115° C. with stirring for 15 h. The mixture was diluted with methanol (5 mL) and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and the residue was purified using reverse-phase HPLC to give 35 mg of product as a off-white solid. LCMS MH+=359.3

Step 1: To a stirred solution of 6-bromo-1-ethyl-1H-indazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (700 mg, 2.47 mmol) in THF (35 mL) was added a solution of LiOH.H2O (312 mg, 7.42 mmol) in water (15 mL) and the mixture was stirred at RT for 4 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, diluted with water (30 mL) and washed with EtOAc (2×25 mL). The aqueous layer was acidified (pH ˜5) with 1N HCl. The precipitated solid was collected by filtration and dried to furnish 6-bromo-1-ethyl-1H-indazole-4-carboxylic acid as a white solid (450 mg, 68%).

Ice-cooled methyl 6-bromo-1H-indazole-4-carboxylate (2 g, 7.84 mmol) in 30 mL of DMF was treated with NaH (60%, 345 mg, 8.63 mmol) and the mixture was stirred for 1 hr at 0° C. Iodocyclopentane (2.31 g, 11.8 mmol) was then added and the mixture was stirred at 100° C. overnight. After cooling to RT, the reaction mixture was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed with water and brine, dried over MgSO4, filtered and evaporated. Hexanes was added to the brown oil and it was purified using silica gel chromatography (eluent: Hex/EtOAc, gradient 0 to 25%). The less polar product was evaporated to give an orange oil, and was dried on hivac overnight. The product was confirmed to be the alkylated 1-isomer as suggested by 2D HNMR, and was collected as 807 mg (32%).1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.40 (s, 1H) 8.37 (s, 1H) 7.81 (d, J=1.52 Hz, 1H) 5.26 (quin, J=7.07 Hz, 1H) 3.95 (s, 3H) 2.08-2.17 (m, 2H) 1.93-2.01 (m, 2H) 1.82-1.92 (m, 2H) 1.64-1.73 (m, 2H); LCMS (ES+): m/z=323.3/325.3

Step 1: Methyl 6-bromo-1-cyclopentyl-1H-indazole-4-carboxylate (1.5 g, 4.64 mmol) was suspended in Methanol (8 mL) and Tetrahydrofuran (THF) (16 mL) followed by addition of 3N Sodium Hydroxide (3.09 mL, 9.28 mmol). The solution was heated to 55° C. with stirring overnight (16 h). The organic solvents were removed in vacuo and the residue was diluted with water (20 mL) and stirred in an ice bath. To the chilled aqueous solution was added 1N HCl, dropwise, until precipitation stopped. The suspension was stirred in the ice bath for 20 min and then filtered. The solid cake was washed with water, dried, and used directly in step 2.

Examples 47-52 were prepared in a similar manner as described above using 6-bromo-1-cyclopentyl-N-[(4,6-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-4-carboxamide and the appropriate boronic acid reagent.

Methyl 6-chloro-1-cyclopentyl-1H-indazole-4-carboxylate (2.1 g, 9.97 mmol) was suspended in DMF (40 mL), placed into an ice bath, and stirred for 15 min. Next added sodium hydride (0.997 g, 24.93 mmol) slowly over 5 min (gas evolution) and stirred for 15 min. Bromocyclopentane (3.21 mL, 29.9 mmol) was added at once via syringe, and the mixture allowed to stir with warming to RT. After 15 min stirring at RT, the contents were stirred with heating at 45° C. for 16 h. The contents were cooled to RT, and then 0.5 g sodium carbonate and 1 mL of iodomethane were added. The contents were stirred at RT for 3 h, after which time the mixture was poured onto 400 mL of ice/water with stirring. After 5 min stirring, the contents were extracted with ether (2×100 mL). The combined organic layers were concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by silica gel chromatography (eluent: gradient 3-25% EtOAc in hexanes) The first product off the column was determined to be the desired N1-substituted isomer, and was collected after drying (vacuum pump, 1 h) as an orange solid (1.11 g, 39%).1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ ppm 1.64-1.74 (m, 2H), 1.82-1.93 (m, 2H), 1.94-2.04 (m, 2H), 2.09-2.19 (m, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 5.27 (t, J=7.07 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=1.77 Hz, 1H), 8.28 (s, 1H), 8.40 (s, 1H); LC-MS (ES) m/z=278.7 [M+H]+

Methyl 6-bromo-1H-indazole-4-carboxylate (1.0 g, 3.92 mmol) was dissolved in 1,2-Dichloroethane (DCE) (14 mL) and stirred for 15 min. Next added cyclopropylboronic acid (0.674 g, 7.84 mmol) and sodium carbonate (0.831 g, 7.84 mmol). The reaction was stirred at RT (suspension). Copper (II) acetate (0.712 g, 3.92 mmol) and 2,2′-bipyridine (0.612 g, 3.92 mmol) were suspended in DCE (24 mL) with heating and the hot suspension was added to the reaction mixture. The contents were stirred with heating at 70° C. overnight. After cooling to RT, the reaction mixture was poured onto sat. NH4Cl and ice. Next added DCM and stirred for 10 min. The contents were filtered through Celite, washing with water and DCM. The layers were separated and the aq. layer was extracted with DCM (1×). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by silica gel chromatography (3-25% gradient ethyl acetate in hexanes) wherein the less polar product was observed to be the title compound, and was collected as a yellow solid (0.54 g, 46%);1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ ppm 1.10-1.20 (m, 4H), 3.81-3.90 (m, 1H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 7.86 (d, J=1.52 Hz, 1H), 8.30 (d, J=1.77 Hz, 1H), 8.32 (d, J=1.01 Hz, 1H); LC-MS (ES) m/z=295.1 [M+H]

Methyl 6-bromo-1-cyclopropyl-1H-indazole-4-carboxylate (0.54 g, 1.830 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (16 mL) and THF (4 mL) with stirring at RT. A solution of 3N NaOH (1.830 mL, 5.49 mmol) was added the contents were stirred at RT for 2 days. The volatiles were removed in vacuo. The residue was diluted with water and slowly acidifed to pH 3-4 with 1M HCl wherein solids were observed to precipitate. The contents were extracted with EtOAc (2×). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to a solid to which was dried under vacuum for 1 h. The title compound was collected as a white solid (0.48 g, 91%);1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ ppm 1.10-1.17 (m, 4H), 3.80-3.89 (m, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=1.77 Hz, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1H), 8.31 (s, 1H), 13.60 (br. s., 1H); LC-MS (ES) m/z=281.1 [M+H].

To a stirred solution of 2-methyl-3-nitro benzoic acid (300 g, 1647 mmol) in cone. H2SO4(1.5 L) was added 1,3-dibromo-5,5 dimethyl-2,4-imadazolidinedione (258 g, 906 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 h. The reaction mixture was slowly added to ice water (4 L), and solid was precipitated out. The solid was filtered off and washed with water (1.2 L), pet ether (1 l) and dried to afford the title compound as a white solid (411 g, 96%), which was used without further purification.1H NMR (DMSO, 400 MHz): δ 2.446 (s, 3H), 8.136 (s, 1H), 8.294 (s, 1H). LCMS (ES−) m/z=257.93 (M−H)−

To a stirred solution of 5-Bromo-2-methyl-3-nitro-benzoic acid (140 g, 538.4 mmol) in DMF (550 ml) was added DMF-DMA (599 mL, 4846 mmol) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred at 115° C. for 18 h. The reaction mixture was then concentrated in vacuo. The residual contents (176 g, 536.5 mmol) were dissolved in acetic acid (696 mL) and added to a suspension of Iron (329.2 g, 5902 mmol) in acetic acid (1.4 L) at 50° C. After completion of addition, the reaction mixture was stirred at 80-90° C. for 4 h. The reaction mixture was then filtered through a celite pad. The filtrate was poured onto ice water (1 L) and extracted with diethyl ether (3×700 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with sat NaHCO3, brine, and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered, and evaporated under vacuum. The crude product was purified by silica gel chromatography (eluent: 10% ethyl acetate in pet ether) and afforded the title compound as a solid (80 g, 59%).1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz) δ: 3.980 (s, 3H), 7.168 (d, J=3.2 Hz, 1H), 7.334 (d, J=3.2 Hz, 1H), 7.734 (s, 1H), 8.017 (s, 1H), 8.384 (brs, 1H); LCMS (ES−) m/z=251.9 (M−H).

To a stirred solution of sodium nitrite (68.4 g, 991.3 mmol) in water (1425 mL) was added methyl 6-bromo-1H-indole-4-carboxylate (20.64 g, 81.25 mmol) at RT and the mixture stirred for 15 min at RT. To the mixture was added 6N HCl (159.6 mL) slowly dropwise over a period of 1 h and the reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 48 h. The reaction mixture was extracted with 10% THF in ethyl acetate (5×500 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water, brine, dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to ⅓ volume and cooled in freezer for 4 h. Precipitated solids were filtered and washed with cold ethyl acetate and dried under high vacuum to afford the title compound as an off white solid (13.7 g, 59.6%).1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ 3.905 (s, 3H), 7.754 (s, 1H), 8.183 (s, 1H), 10.274 (s, 1H), 14.563 (brs, 1H). LCMS (ES+): 281.06 [M−H] ion present.

To a stirred solution of methyl 6-bromo-1-isopropyl-3-methyl-1H-indazole-4-carboxylate (7.5 g, 24.11 mmol) in ethanol (400 mL) was added sodium hydroxide (1.45 g, 36.17 mmol) in water (60 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 6 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was diluted with water (150 mL), and acidified with 2N HCl to pH˜2. The precipitated acid was collected by filtration, washed with ether (200 mL, and dried to afford 6-bromo-1-isopropyl-3-methyl-1H-indazole-4-carboxylic acid as an off white solid (6.85 g, 95.6%). LCMS (ES−): 294.9 [M−H].

To a stirred solution of methyl 1-isopropyl-3-methyl-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-indazole-4-carboxylate, 1 (0.5 g, 1.618 mmol) in a mixture of THF and H2O (30 mL) was added LiOH.H2O (0.2 g, 4.85 mmol) and the mixture was refluxed at 80° C. for 8 h. THF was distilled off and the aqueous layer was adjusted to pH˜5 with 10% HCl at 0° C. and the precipitated solid was collected by filtration and dried to afford 1-isopropyl-3-methyl-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-indazole-4-carboxylic acid as an off-white solid (0.51 g). LCMS (ES+) m/z: 296.7.

The title compound was prepared from methyl 1-isopropyl-3-methyl-6-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-5-yl)-1H-indazole-4-carboxylate, 1 (50 mg, 0.14 mmol) and LiOH.H2O (20 mg, 0.43 mmol) in the same manner as described for example 80 (step b). The product was collected as an off-white solid (60 mg) and used in the next step without any further purification. LCMS (ES+) m/z: 335.15.

Methyl 6-amino-1-(1-methylethyl)-1H-indazole-4-carboxylate (500 mg, 2.143 mmol) was dissolved in cone. hydrochloric acid (5 mL) and cooled in an ice water bath. A solution of sodium nitrite (155 mg, 2.251 mmol) in 2 mL of water was then added dropwise, and the contents were stirred for 90 min. The contents were added portion-wise to a solution of ca. 5 mL of SO2, copper(II) chloride (303 mg, 2.251 mmol) and acetic acid (20 mL). The contents were stirred at room temperature for 15 h, and then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was suspended in 100 mL DCM, washed with water (2×50 mL), dried (MgSO4), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified via silica gel chromatography (eluent: 0% to 10 gradient EtOAc:Hex). The product was collected as 510 mg (75%).1H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ ppm 1.68 (d, 6H), 4.09 (s, 3H), 5.01 (dt, J=13.33, 6.60 Hz, 1H), 8.40 (s, 1H), 8.51 (d, J=1.52 Hz, 1H), 8.70 (s, 1H). LCMS(ES) [M+H]+317.0

The following intermediates were prepared using the general procedures outlined for the above compound from methyl 6-(chlorosulfonyl)-1-(1-methylethyl)-1H-indazole-4-carboxylate and the appropriate amine.

The following intermediates were prepared using the general procedure outlined for the above compound.

Examples 96-99 were prepared using the general procedures outlined for the above compound.

The following compounds were prepared using the general procedures outlined for Examples 103-116:

Intermediates

Palladium on carbon (10%) (3.24 g) was charged into a 2 L dry Parr bottle and a small amount of acetic acid was added. Next added 4,6-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-pyridine-3-carbonitrile (30 g, 202.7 mmol), sodium acetate (30.75 g, 375.0 mmol), platinum oxide (0.218 g), and acetic acid (1 L). The bottle was capped, placed on Parr apparatus, and shaken under an atmosphere of H2(100 psi) for 2 days. The reaction mixture was filtered. The solvent was removed to give a residue, which was treated with 150 mL of cone. HCl, and the formed solids were filtered. The yellow filtrate was concentrated. To the crude compound was added 30 mL of cone. HCl and 150 mL EtOH, the contents cooled to 0° C., and stirred at 0° C. for 2 h. The formed solids were filtered, washed with cold EtOH, ether, and dried. The product was collected as 36 g. This batch was combined with other batches prepared on smaller scales and triturated with ether to give 51 g of pure compound.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ ppm 11.85 (br s, 1H) 8.13 (br s, 3H) 5.93-6.01 (m, 1H) 3.72-3.80 (m, 2H) 2.22 (s, 3H) 2.16 (s, 3H).

To a stirred solution of t-BuOK (20 g, 178.5 mmol) and cyanoacetamide (16.5 g, 196 mmol) in DMSO (300 mL) was added (3E)-3-hepten-2-one (20 g, 178.3 mmol) under argon atmosphere at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min and then additional t-BuOK (60 g, 535.7 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture. The argon was then displaced by oxygen gas and stirred for 48 hrs at room temperature under oxygen. Reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and diluted with water (80 mL) followed by 4N HCl (120 mL). The mixture was stirred for 15 min and the solid was filtered. The solid was washed with water (1 L) and dried to afford 1,2-dihydro-6-methyl-2-oxo-4-propylpyridine-3-carbonitrile as an off white solid (12 g, 38%).1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ 1.030 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz), 1.728 (m, 2H), 2.429 (s, 3H), 2.701 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 6.083 (s, 1H). LCMS E-S (M−H)=175.11.

To a stirred suspension of CrCl2(58 g, 472.8 mmol in THF (1500 mL) was added a THF solution (500 mL) of 1,1-dichloro-2-propanone (10 g, 78.8 mmol) and cyclohexanecarbaldehyde (8.84 g, 78.8 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 2 h, and then quenched by the addition of 1.0 M HCl. The reaction mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue (10 g) was added to a solution of DMSO (150 mL) containing t-BuOK (7.5 g, 65.7 mmol) and cyanoacetamide (6.1 g, 72.3 mmol) and stirred at room temperature for 30 min. Additional t-BuOK (22.5 g, 197.1 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of oxygen for an additional 1 h. The contents were purged with argon, diluted with 4 volumes of H2O, and then 5 volumes of 4 N HCl, which were added slowly. The reaction mixture was filtered, washed with water and dried to give 4-cyclohexyl-6-methyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-3-pyridinecarbonitrile (4.5 g, 32%).1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ ppm 6.25 (s, 1H), 2.61-2.65 (m, 1H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 1.66-1.79 (m, 4H), 1.24-1.46 (m, 6H).

To an ice-bath cooled THF (100 mL) solution of the product from step 1 (2 g, 9.26 mmol) were added NaBH4(0.81 g, 21.3 mmol), and I2(2.3 g, 9.26 mmol), and the mixture stirred for 30 min. The reaction mixture was then heated at reflux for 3 h, and then allowed to cool to room temperature. After cooling to 0° C., the reaction mixture was acidified by slow addition of 3 N HCl (1 mL). The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the crude product purified by reverse phase HPLC to give the title compound as a solid (0.5 g, 25%). LCMS E-S (M+H)=221.1.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ ppm 11.8-11.9 (br s, 1H), 7.80-7.93 (br s, 3H), 6.07 (s, 1H), 3.69 (s, 2H), 2.67-2.75 (m, 1H), 2.17 (s, 3H), 1.58-1.72 (m, 5H), 1.19-1.41 (m, 5H).

To a stirred solution of t-BuOK (22.85 g, 204.08 mmol) and cyanoacetamide (18.8 g, 224.1 mmol) in DMSO (300 mL) was added hex-3-en-2-one (20 g, 204.08 mmol) under argon atmosphere at room temperature. The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 30 min and then added additional t-BuOK (68.5 g, 612.05 mmol) was added. Argon gas was displaced by oxygen gas and the mixture stirred for 48 hrs at room temperature in presence of oxygen. Reaction was monitored by TLC. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and diluted with water (100 mL) followed by 4 N HCl (120 mL). The mixture was stirred for 15 min and the resulting solid was filtered. The solid was washed with water (1 L) and dried to afford the title compound, 4-ethyl-1,2-dihydro-6-methyl-2-oxopyridine-3-carbonitrile (10.5 g, 31%), as an off white solid.1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ ppm 1.148-1.185 (t, 3H, J=7.4 Hz), 2.237 (s, 3H), 2.557-2.614 (m, 2H), 6.211 (s, 1H), 12.330 (broad s, 1H). MS(ES) [M+H]+161.06.

To a solution of ethyl 4-pyridinecarboxylate (30 g, 198 mmol) and acetone (34.58 g, 595 mmol) in THF (150 mL) was slowly added NaOMe (12.87 g, 238 mmol) at 35-40° C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 0.5 h, and then heated at reflux for 3 h. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered to give a solid, which was washed with t-BuOMe, and dissolved in H2O. The solution was acidified with acetic acid and the resulting oily product was extracted with CHCl3. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the crude product was obtained (12 g, 37%) and used without further purification.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.73 (d, 2H), 7.76 (d, 2H), 6.63 (s, 1H), 2.21 (s, 3H); note: enolic OH does not appear.

Sodium acetate (6.14 g, 74.8 mmol), Pd/C (0.65 g, 1 mmol), and platinum (II) oxide (45 mg, 1 mmol) were placed in a dried Parr bottle equipped with nitrogen inlet. A small amount of acetic acid was added to wet the catalysts. A solution of 6-methyl-2-oxo-4-(phenylmethyl)-1,2-dihydro-3-pyridinecarbonitrile and 4-methyl-2-oxo-6-(phenylmethyl)-1,2-dihydro-3-pyridinecarbonitrile (6 g, 26.7 mmol) in acetic acid (300 mL) was added to the vessel. The contents were sealed and hydrogenated on Parr shaker at 45 psi for 12 h. The reaction mixture was filtered and washed with acetic acid. The filtrate was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was washed with methanol and filtered to afford a crude mixture of 3-(aminomethyl)-6-methyl-4-(phenylmethyl)-2(1H)-pyridinone and 3-(aminomethyl)-4-methyl-6-(phenylmethyl)-2(1H)-pyridinone. The reaction was run in duplicate to afford a total crude recovery of 14.5 g. To a solution of the above crude product mixture (4.0 g, 17.5 mmol) in THF (10 mL) and DMF (10 mL) was added di-tert-butoxycarbonyl anhydride (5.0 g, 23.4 mmoL) and triethylamine (5.2 g, 52.5 mmol) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred with warming to room temperature and then stirred for an additional 4 h. The contents were diluted with ice water and then filtered. The collected solid was dried and the products separated by HPLC to furnish 1.2 g of 1,1-dimethylethyl {[4-methyl-2-oxo-6-(phenylmethyl)-1,2-dihydro-3-pyridinyl]methyl}carbamate (1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 11.55-1.60 (br s, 1H), 7.20-7.29 (m, 5H), 5.85 (s, 1H), 3.92 (s, 2H), 3.90 (s, 2H), 2.10 (s, 3H), 1.32 (s, 9H) and 1.0 g of 1,1-dimethylethyl {[6-methyl-2-oxo-4-(phenylmethyl)-1,2-dihydro-3-pyridinyl]methyl}carbamate (1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 11.50-11.55 (br s, 1H), 7.18-7.25 (m, 5H), 5.75 (s, 1H), 4.02 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 2H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 1.32 (s, 9H).

To a suspension of Raney Ni (10 g) in methanol (50 mL) was added 4-sec-butyl-1,2-dihydro-6-methyl-2-oxopyridine-3-carbonitrile (7 g, 36.8 mmol) followed by methanolic ammonia (200 mL) and the resulting reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature under hydrogen pressure (80 psi) for 18 h. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite pad and washed with methanol (250 mL). The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the crude product (7 g). The reaction was repeated again under same condition. The crude products were combined and purified by silica gel chromatography (eluent: 8% MeOH in CHCl3, spiked with NH3) and the obtained solid was triturated with diethyl ether (50 mL) and dried under vacuum to afford the title compound as yellow solid (3.5 g, 28%).1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ 0.809-0.774 (t, 3H, J=6.8 Hz), 1.113-1.097 (d, 3H, J=6.4 Hz), 1.504-1.468 (t, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 2.184 (s, 3H), 2.839-2.822 (d, 1H, J=6.8 Hz), 3.822 (s, 2H), 6.059 (s, 1H), 8.315 (bs, 2H); LCMS (ES+) m/z=195.22 (M+H)

Assay Protocol

Compounds contained herein were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the methyltransferase activity of EZH2 within the PRC2 complex. Human PRC2 complex was prepared by co-expressing each of the 5 member proteins (FLAG-EZH2, EED, SUZ12, RbAp48, AEBP2) in Sf9 cells followed by co-purification. Enzyme activity was measured in a scintillation proximity assay (SPA) where a tritiated methyl group is transferred from 3H-SAM to a lysine residue on Histone H3 of a mononucleosome, purified from HeLa cells. Mononucleosomes were captured on SPA beads and the resulting signal is read on a ViewLux plate reader.

Part A. Compound Preparation

1. Prepare 10 mM stock of compounds from solid in 100% DMSO.2. Set up an 11-point serial dilution (1:3 dilution, top concentration 10 mM) in 100% DMSO for each test compound in a 384 well plate leaving columns 6 and 18 for DMSO controls.3. Dispense 100 nL of compound from the dilution plate into reaction plates (Grenier Bio-One, 384-well, Cat#784075).
Part B. Reagent Preparation
Prepare the following solutions:1. 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8: Per 1 L of base buffer, combine 1 M Tris-HCl, pH 8 (50 mL) and distilled water (950 mL).2. 1× Assay Buffer: Per 10 mL of 1× Assay Buffer, combine 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8 (9958 uL), 1 M MgCl2(20 uL), 2 M DTT (20 uL), and 10% Tween-20 (2 uL) to provide a final concentration of 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8, 2 mM MgCl2, 4 mM DTT, 0.002% Tween-20.3. 2× Enzyme Solution: Per 10 mL of 2× Enzyme Solution, combine 1× Assay Buffer and PRC2 complex to provide a final enzyme concentration of 10 nM.4. SPA Bead Suspension: Per 1 mL of SPA Bead Suspension, combine PS-PEI coated LEADSeeker beads (40 mg) and ddH2O (1 mL) to provide a final concentration of 40 mg/mL.5. 2× Substrate Solution: Per 10 mL of 2× Substrate Solution, combine 1× Assay Buffer (9728.55 uL), 800 ug/mL mononucleosomes (125 uL), 1 mM cold SAM (4 uL), and 7.02 uM 3H-SAM (142.45 uL; 0.55 mCi/mL) to provide a final concentration of 5 ug/mL nucleosomes, 0.2 uM cold SAM, and 0.05 uM 3H-SAM.6. 2.67× Quench/Bead Mixture: Per 10 mL of 2.67× Quench/Bead Mixture, combine ddH2O (9358 uL), 10 mM cold SAM (267 uL), 40 mg/mL Bead Suspension (375 uL) to provide a final concentration of 100 uM cold SAM and 0.5 mg/mL SPA beads.
Part C. Assay Reaction in 384-well Grenier Bio-One Plates
Compound Addition1. Dispense 100 mL/well of 100× Compound to test wells (as noted above).2. Dispense 100 mL/well of 100% DMSO to columns 6 & 18 for high and low controls, respectively.
Assay1. Dispense 5 uL/well of 1× Assay Buffer to column 18 (low control reactions).2. Dispense 5 uL/well of 2× Enzyme Solution to columns 1-17, 19-24.3. Spin assay plates for ˜1 minute at 500 rpm.4. Stack the assay plates, covering the top plate.5. Incubate the compound/DMSO with the enzyme for 30 minutes at room temperature.6. Dispense 5 uL/well of 2× Substrate Solution to columns 1-24.7. Spin assay plates for ˜1 minute at 500 rpm.8. Stack the assay plates, covering the top plate.9. Incubate the assay plates at room temperature for 1 hour.
Quench/Bead Addition1. Dispense 5 uL/well of the 3× Quench/Bead Mixture to columns 1-24.2. Seal the top of each assay plate with adhesive TopSeal.3. Spin assay plates for ˜1 minute at 500 rpm.4. Equilibrate the plates for >20 min.
Read Plates1. Read the assay plates on the Viewlux Plate Reader utilizing the 613 nm emission filter with a 300 s read time.
Reagent addition can be done manually or with automated liquid handler.
*The final DMSO concentration in this assay is 1%.
*The positive control is in column 6; negative control is in column 18.
*Final starting concentration of compounds is 100 μM.
Part D. Data Analysis

Percent inhibition was calculated relative to the DMSO control for each compound concentration and the resulting values were fit using standard IC50fitting parameters within the ABASE data fitting software package.

Exemplified compounds of the present invention were generally tested according to the above or an analogous assay and were found to be inhibitors of EZH2. The IC50values ranged from about 1 nM to about 10 μM; The IC50values of the more active compounds range from about 1 nM to about 500 nM; The most active compounds are under 50 nM. As tested in the foregoing assay or an analogous assay, compounds of the various Examples gave the IC50data (nM) in the paragraph below. Repeating the assay run(s) may result in a somewhat different.