Ion channel modulators

The invention relates to compounds, compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of using the compounds and compound compositions. The compounds, compositions, and methods described herein can be used for the therapeutic modulation of ion channel function, and treatment of disease and disease symptoms, particularly those mediated by certain calcium channel subtype targets.

BACKGROUND

All cells rely on the regulated movement of inorganic ions across cell membranes to perform essential physiological functions. Electrical excitability, synaptic plasticity, and signal transduction are examples of processes in which changes in ion concentration play a critical role. In general, the ion channels that permit these changes are proteinaceious pores consisting of one or multiple subunits, each containing two or more membrane-spanning domains. Most ion channels have selectivity for specific ions, primarily Na+, K+, Ca2+, or Cl−, by virtue of physical preferences for size and charge. Electrochemical forces, rather than active transport, drive ions across membranes, thus a single channel may allow the passage of millions of ions per second. Channel opening, or “gating” is tightly controlled by changes in voltage or by ligand binding, depending on the subclass of channel. Ion channels are attractive therapeutic targets due to their involvement in so many physiological processes, yet the generation of drugs with specificity for particular channels in particular tissue types remains a major challenge.

Voltage-gated ion channels open in response to changes in membrane potential. For example, depolarization of excitable cells such as neurons result in a transient influx of Na+ions, which propagates nerve impulses. This change in Na+concentration is sensed by voltage-gated K+channels, which then allow an efflux of K+ions. The efflux of K+ions repolarizes the membrane. Other cell types rely on voltage-gated Ca2+channels to generate action potentials. Voltage-gated ion channels also perform important functions in non-excitable cells, such as the regulation of secretory, homeostatic, and mitogenic processes. Ligand-gated ion channels can be opened by extracellular stimuli such as neurotransmitters (e.g., glutamate, serotonin, acetylcholine), or intracellular stimuli (e.g. cAMP, Ca2+, and phosphorylation). nerves system (CNS), peripheral nerves system (PNS) and neuroendocrine cells and constitute the predominant forms of presynaptic voltage-gated calcium current. Presynaptic calcium entry is modulated by many types of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and modulation of Cav2 channels is a widespread and highly efficacious means of regulating neurotransmission. The subunit composition of the Cav2 channels is defined by their α1subunit, which forms the pore and contains the voltage-sensing gates (α12.1, α12.2 and α12.3, also known as α1A, α1Band α1Erespectively) and the β, α2δ and γ subunits.

Genetic or pharmacological perturbations in ion channel function can have dramatic clinical consequences. Long QT syndrome, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, and episodic ataxia are a few examples of heritable diseases resulting from mutations in ion channel subunits. Toxic side affects such as arrhythmia and seizure which are triggered by certain drugs are due to interference with ion channel function (Sirois, J. E. and, Atchison, W. D., Neurotoxicology 1996; 17(1):63-84; Keating, M. T., Science 1996 272:681-685). Drugs are useful for the therapeutic modulation of ion channel activity, and have applications in treatment of many pathological conditions, including hypertension, angina pectoris, myocardial ischemia, asthma, bladder overactivity, alopecia, pain, heart failure, dysmenorrhea, type II diabetes, arrhythmia, graft rejection, seizure, convulsions, epilepsy, stroke, gastric hypermotility, psychoses, cancer, muscular dystrophy, and narcolepsy (Coghlan, M. J., et al. J. Med. Chem. 2001, 44:1627-1653; Ackerman. M. J., and Clapham, D. E. N. Eng. J. Med. 1997, 336:1575-1586). The growing number of identified ion channels and understanding of their complexity will assist in future efforts at therapies, which modify ion channel function.

Therapeutic modulation of Cav2 channel activity has applications in treatment of many pathological conditions. All primary sensory afferents provide input to neurons in the dorsal horns of the spinal cord and in dorsal root ganglia neurons in the dorsal horn and calcium influx through Cav2.2 channels triggers the release of neurotransmitters form presynaptic nerve terminals in the spinal cord. Hence blockade of Cav2.2 channels is expected to be broadly efficacious because these channels are in a common pathway downstream form the wide variety of receptors that mediate pain (Julius, D. and Basbaum, A. I. Nature 2001, 413:203-216). Indeed, intrathecal injection of Cav2.2 selective conopeptide ziconitide (SNX-111) has been shown to be broadly effective against both neuropathic pain and inflammatory pain in animals and man (Bowersox, S. S. et al, J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1996, 279:1243-1249). Ziconotide has also been shown to be highly effective as a neuroprotective agent in rat models of global or focal ischemia (Colburne, F. et al, Stroke 1999, 30:662-668). Thus it is reasonable to conclude that modulation of Cav2.2 has implications in the treatment of neuroprotection/stroke.

Cav2.2 channels are found in the periphery and mediate catecholamine release from sympathetic neurons and adrenal chroffin cells. Some forms of hypertension result from elevated sympathetic tone and Cav2.2 modulators could be particularly effective in treating this disorder. Although complete block of Cav2.2 can cause hypotension or impair baroreceptor reflexes, partial inhibition by Cav2.2 modulators might reduce hypertension with minimal reflex tachycardia (Uneyama, O. D. Int. J. Mol. Med. 1999 3:455-466).

Overactive bladder (OAB) is characterized by storage symptoms such as urgency, frequency and nocturia, with or without urge incontinence, resulting from the overactivity of the detrusor muscle in the bladder. OAB can lead to urge incontinence. The etiology of OAB and painful bladder syndrome is unknown, although disturbances in nerves, smooth muscle and urothelium can cause OAB (Steers, W. Rev Urol, 4:S7-S18). There is evidence to suggest that reduction of bladder hyperactivity may be indirectly effected by inhibition of Cav2.2 and/or Cav1 channels.

The localization of Cav2.1 channels in the superficial laminae of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord suggests involvement of these channels in the perception and maintenance of certain forms of pain (Vanegas, H. and Schaible, H. Pain 2000, 85:9-18. Complete elimination of Cav2.1 calcium currents alters synaptic transmission, resulting in severe ataxia. Gabapentin has been used clinically for many years as an add-on therapy for the treatment of epilepsy. In recent years, it has emerged as a leading treatment of neuropathic pain. Clinical trials have shown gabapentin to be effective for the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, migrane and fibromyalgia (Mellegers, P. G. et al Clin J Pain 2001, 17:284-295). Gabapentin was designed as a metabolically stable GABA mimetic, but most studies find no effect on the GABA receptors. The α2δ subunit of the Cav2.1 channel has been identified as a high affinity binding site for gabapentin in the CNS. There is evidence that suggests that gabapentin could inhibit neurotransmission in the spinal cord by interfering with the function of the α2δ subunits thereby inhibiting presynaptic calcium currents.

SUMMARY

The invention relates to heterocyclic compounds, compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of using the compounds and compound compositions. The compounds and compositions comprising them are useful for treating disease or disease symptoms, including those mediated by or associated with ion channels.

One aspect is a compound of formula (I) or pharmaceutical salt thereof

wherein,R3is Ar1or Ar1—X—Y wherein,each Ar1is cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted with one or more substitutents;X is NR4, C(R4)2, or O;Y is C═O or lower alkyl;R1is Ar2or lower alkyl optionally substituted with Ar2;each Ar2is independently cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted with one or more substitutents;each R2is independently selected from (CH2)mC(O)OR4, (CH2)mC(O)Ar3, (CH2)mC(O)NR4R5, (CH2)nNR4R5, (CH2)3Ar3, or (CH2)mAr3;each R4is independently selected from H, or lower alkyl;each R5is independently selected from H, lower alkyl or (CH2)pAr3;m is 1 or 2;n is 2 or 3;p is 0 or 1;each Ar3is cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted with one or more substitutents;each substitutent for Ar1, Ar2and Ar3is independently selected from halogen, CN, NO2, OR6, SR6, S(O)2OR6, NR6R7, cycloalkyl, C1-C2perfluoroalkyl, C1-C2perfluoroalkoxy, 1,2-methylenedioxy, C(O)OR6, C(O)NR6R7, OC(O)NR6R7, NR6C(O)NR6R7, C(NR6)NR6R7, NR6C(NR7)NR6R7, S(O)2NR6R7, R8, C(O)R8, NR6C(O)R8, S(O)R8, or S(O)2R8;each R6is independently selected from hydrogen or lower alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substitutent independently selected from halogen, OH, C1-C4alkoxy, NH2, C1-C4alkylamino, C1-C4dialkylamino or C3-C6cycloalkyl;each R7is independently selected from hydrogen, (CH2)qAr4, or lower alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substitutent independently selected from halogen, OH, C1-C4alkoxy, NH2, C1-C4alkylamino, C1-C4dialkylamino or C3-C6cycloalkyl;each R8is independently selected from (CH2)qAr4or lower alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substitutent independently selected from halogen, OH, C1-C4alkoxy, NH2, C1-C4alkylamino, C1-C4dialkylamino or C3-C6cycloalkyleach Ar4is independently selected from C3-C6cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted with one to three substitutents independently selected from halogen, OH, C1-C4alkoxy, NH2, C1-C4alkylamino, C1-C4dialkylamino or C3-C6cycloalkyl; andq is 0 or 1.Another aspect is a compound of any of the formulae herein (including any combinations thereof),wherein R3is Ar1and R1is Ar2;whereinR3is independently, aryl or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted with one or more substitutents; andR1is independently, aryl or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted with one or more substitutents;wherein R2is (CH2)mC(O)OR4, (CH2)mC(O)Ar3or (CH2)mC(O)NR4R5;wherein R2is (CH2)mAr3and Ar3is aryl or heteroaryl each optionally substituted with one or more substitutents;wherein R2is (CH2)mC(O)NR4R5and R5is independently (CH2)pAr3, wherein Ar3is aryl or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted with one or more substitutents;wherein R2is (CH2)nNR4R5or (CH2)mAr3;wherein m is 2 and Ar3is a heteroaryl comprising a five-membered ring having carbon atoms and 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, optionally substituted with one or more substitutents;wherein Ar3is pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl, or benzthiazolyl, each optionally substituted with one or more substitutents; orwherein the compound of formula I is a compound of any of Tables 1-6.

Another aspect is a composition having a compound of formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition can further have an additional therapeutic agent.

Another aspect is a method of treating a disease or disease symptom in a subject in need of such treatment comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound of any of the formulae herein. The method can be wherein the disease or disease symptom is modulated (e.g., inhibiting, agonism, antagonism) by calcium channel Cav2, including Cav2.2. The disease or disease symptom can be angina, hypertension, congestive heart failure, myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, diabetes, urinary incontinence, stroke, pain, traumatic brain injury, or a neuronal disorder.

In other aspects, the invention is a method of modulating (e.g., inhibiting, agonism, antagonism) calcium channel activity including contacting a calcium channel with a compound of any of the formulae herein; a method of modulating calcium channel Cav2 (e.g., Cav2.2) activity in a subject in need thereof including administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound (or composition thereof) of any of the formulae herein.

In other aspects, the invention relates to a composition comprising a compound of any of the formulae herein, an additional therapeutic agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The additional therapeutic agent can be a cardiovascular disease agent and/or a nervous system disease agent. A nervous system disease agent refers to a peripheral nervous system (PNS) disease agent and/or a central nervous system (CNS) disease agent.

Yet another aspect of this invention relates to a method of treating a subject (e.g., mammal, human, horse, dog, cat) having a disease or disease symptom (including, but not limited to angina, hypertension, congestive heart failure, myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, diabetes, urinary incontinence, stroke, pain, traumatic brain injury, or a neuronal disorder). The method includes administering to the subject (including a subject identified as in need of such treatment) an effective amount of a compound described herein, or a composition described herein to produce such effect. Identifying a subject in need of such treatment can be in the judgment of a subject or a health care professional and can be subjective (e.g. opinion) or objective (e.g. measurable by a test or diagnostic method).

Yet another aspect of this invention relates to a method of treating a subject (e.g., mammal, human, horse, dog, cat) having an ion channel mediated disease or disease symptom (including, but not limited to angina, hypertension, congestive heart failure, myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, diabetes, urinary incontinence, stroke, pain, traumatic brain injury, or a neuronal disorder). The method includes administering to the subject (including a subject identified as in need of such treatment) an effective amount of a compound described herein, or a composition described herein to produce such effect. Identifying a subject in need of such treatment can be in the judgment of a subject or a health care professional and can be subjective (e.g. opinion) or objective (e.g. measurable by a test or diagnostic method).

The invention also relates to a method of making a compound described herein, the method including any reactions or reagents as delineated in the schemes or examples herein. Alternatively, the method includes taking any one of the intermediate compounds described herein and reacting it with one or more chemical reagents in one or more steps to produce a compound described herein.

Also within the scope of this invention is a packaged product. The packaged product includes a container, one of the aforementioned compounds in the container, and a legend (e.g., a label or an insert) associated with the container and indicating administration of the compound for treating a disorder associated with ion channel modulation.

In other embodiments, the compounds, compositions, and methods delineated herein are any of the compounds of the tables herein or methods including them.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “halo” refers to any radical of fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

The term “alkyl” refers to a hydrocarbon chain that may be a straight chain or branched chain, containing the indicated number of carbon atoms. For example, C1-C5indicates that the group may have from 1 to 5 (inclusive) carbon atoms in it. The term “lower alkyl” refers to a C1-C6alkyl chain. The term “arylalkyl” refers to a moiety in which an alkyl hydrogen atom is replaced by an aryl group.

The term “alkoxy” refers to an —O-alkyl radical. The term “alkylene” refers to a divalent alkyl (i.e., —R—). The term “alkylenedioxo” refers to a divalent species of the structure —O—R—O—, in which R represents an alkylene.

The term “cycloalkyl” as employed herein includes saturated and partially unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon groups having 3 to 12 carbons, preferably 3 to 8 carbons, and more preferably 3 to 6 carbon.

The term “aryl” refers to a 6-membered monocyclic or 10- to 14-membered multicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon ring system wherein 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 atoms of each ring may be substituted by a substitutent. Examples of aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl and the like.

The term “heterocyclyl” refers to a nonaromatic 5-8 membered monocyclic, 8-12 membered bicyclic, or 11-14 membered tricyclic ring system having 1-3 heteroatoms if monocyclic, 1-6 heteroatoms if bicyclic, or 1-9 heteroatoms if tricyclic, said heteroatoms selected from O, N, or S (e.g., carbon atoms and 1-3, 1-6, or 1-9 heteroatoms of N, O, or S if monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic, respectively), wherein 0, 1, 2 or 3 atoms of each ring may be substituted by a substitutent.

The term “heteroaryl” refers to an aromatic 5-8 membered monocyclic, 8-12 membered bicyclic, or 11-14 membered tricyclic ring system having 1-3 heteroatoms if monocyclic, 1-6 heteroatoms if bicyclic, or 1-9 heteroatoms if tricyclic, said heteroatoms selected from O, N, or S (e.g., carbon atoms and 1-3, 1-6, or 1-9 heteroatoms of N, O, or S if monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic, respectively), wherein 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 atoms of each ring may be substituted by a substitutent.

The term “oxo” refers to an oxygen atom, which forms a carbonyl when attached to carbon, an N-oxide when attached to nitrogen, and a sulfoxide or sulfone when attached to sulfur.

The term “acyl” refers to an alkylcarbonyl, cycloalkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, heterocyclylcarbonyl, or heteroarylcarbonyl substitutent, any of which may be further substituted by substitutents.

The term “treating” or “treated” refers to administering a compound described herein to a subject with the purpose to cure, heal, alleviate, relieve, alter, remedy, ameliorate, improve, or affect a disease, the symptoms of the disease or the predisposition toward the disease.

“An effective amount” refers to an amount of a compound, which confers a therapeutic effect on the treated subject. The therapeutic effect may be objective (i.e., measurable by some test or marker) or subjective (i.e., subject gives an indication of or feels an effect). An effective amount of the compound described above may range from about 0.1 mg/Kg to about 500 mg/Kg. Effective doses will also vary depending on route of administration, as well as the possibility of co-usage with other agents.

Representative compounds useful in the compositions and methods are delineated herein:

Ion channel-modulating compounds can be identified through both in vitro (e.g., cell and non-cell based) and in vivo methods. Representative examples of these methods are described in the Examples herein.

The compounds delineated herein can be synthesized using conventional methods, as illustrated in the schemes herein. In the schemes herein, unless expressly to the contrary, variables in chemical formulae are as defined in other formulae herein. For example, Ar1, Ar3, R1, R3and R4in the schemes are defined as in any of the formulae herein, except where defined otherwise in the schemes.

Treatment of the bromomethyl compound with sodium azide provides azidomethyl compound (I). Treatment of (I) under reducing conditions, such as palladium on carbon in aqueous HCl and H2atmosphere, provides amine (II). Treatment of (II) with isothiocyanate (III) provides imidazole (IV). N-Alkylated imidazole (V1a) is produced from the reaction of (IV) with 3-bromo-proprionate or 4-bromo-butyrate (V). Saponification of the ester (VIa) gives the carboxylic acid (VIb).

Alternatively, imidazole (IV) is prepared by the following sequence. Treatment of ethyl diethoxy acetate (II) with hydrazine in solvent (e.g., ethanol) provides hydrazide (VIII). Treatment of (VIII) with thioisocyanate (III) under aqueous basic conditions gives imidazole (IX) which in turn provides aldehyde (X) under aqueous acidic conditions. Reductive amination of (X) and amine (XI) provides (IV).

The reaction of carboxylic acid (VIb) with the appropriately substituted amine under standard coupling procedures provides the desired amide (XII). Reduction of the amide under common reducing conditions (e.g., diborane or lithium aluminum hydride) provides the corresponding amine (XIII). Alternatively, treatment of (VIb) with Weinreb's reagent provides the amide (XIV). Treatment of the amide (XIV) under standard conditions with an organometallic reagent (e.g., aryl lithium or aryl magnesium halide) provides the ketone (XV). Reduction of the ketone under a variety conditions affords the desired product (XVI).

Treatment of ester (Via) under standard reducing conditions (e.g., lithium aluminum hydride) gives alcohol (XVII). Treatment of (XVII) under standard ether forming conditions (e.g., NaH, benzylbromide) gives (XVIII).

An alternative route to obtain heteroaryl derivatives is to react the activated acid of (VIb) with the appropriate substrate followed by cyclization to provide the desired product. For example as depicted in Scheme 5, reaction of the activated acid of (VIb) with benzene-1,2-diamine provides the intermediate amide (XIX), which is cyclized to afford the benzimidazole derivative (XX).

The synthesized compounds can be separated from a reaction mixture and further purified by a method such as column chromatography, high pressure liquid chromatography, or recrystallization. As can be appreciated by the skilled artisan, further methods of synthesizing the compounds of the formulae herein will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the various synthetic steps may be performed in an alternate sequence or order to give the desired compounds. Synthetic chemistry transformations and protecting group methodologies (protection and deprotection) useful in synthesizing the compounds described herein are known in the art and include, for example, those such as described in R. Larock, Comprehensive Organic Transformations, 2nd. Ed., Wiley-VCH Publishers (1999); T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3rd. Ed., John Wiley and Sons (1999); L. Fieser and M. Fieser, Fieser and Fieser's Reagents for Organic Synthesis, John Wiley and Sons (1999); and L. Paquette, ed., Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis, John Wiley and Sons (1995), and subsequent editions thereof.

The compounds of this invention may contain one or more asymmetric centers and thus occur as racemates and racemic mixtures, single enantiomers, individual diastereomers and diastereomeric mixtures. All such isomeric forms of these compounds are expressly included in the present invention. The compounds of this invention may also be represented in multiple tautomeric forms, in such instances, the invention expressly includes all tautomeric forms of the compounds described herein (e.g., alkylation of a ring system may result in alkylation at multiple sites, the invention expressly includes all such reaction products). All such isomeric forms of such compounds are expressly included in the present invention. All crystal forms of the compounds described herein are expressly included in the present invention.

As used herein, the compounds of this invention, including the compounds of formulae described herein, are defined to include pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives or prodrugs thereof. A “pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or prodrug” means any pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, salt of an ester, or other derivative of a compound of this invention which, upon administration to a recipient, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) a compound of this invention. Particularly favored derivatives and prodrugs are those that increase the bioavailability of the compounds of this invention when such compounds are administered to a mammal (e.g., by allowing an orally administered compound to be more readily absorbed into the blood) or which enhance delivery of the parent compound to a biological compartment (e.g., the brain or lymphatic system) relative to the parent species. Preferred prodrugs include derivatives where a group which enhances aqueous solubility or active transport through the gut membrane is appended to the structure of formulae described herein. See, e.g., Alexander, J. et al. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 1988, 31, 318-322; Bundgaard, H. Design of Prodrugs; Elsevier: Amsterdam, 1985; pp 1-92; Bundgaard, H.; Nielsen, N. M. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 1987, 30, 451-454; Bundgaard, H. A Textbook of Drug Design and Development; Harwood Academic Publ.: Switzerland, 1991; pp 113-191; Digenis, G. A. et al. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology 1975, 28, 86-112; Friis, G. J.; Bundgaard, H. A Textbook of Drug Design and Development; 2 ed.; Overseas Publ.: Amsterdam, 1996; pp 351-385; Pitman, I. H. Medicinal Research Reviews 1981, 1, 189-214; Sinkula, A. A.; Yalkowsky. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 1975, 64, 181-210; Verbiscar, A. J.; Abood, L. G Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 1970, 13, 1176-1179; Stella, V. J.; Himmelstein, K. J. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 1980, 23, 1275-1282; Bodor, N.; Kaminski, J. J. Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry 1987, 22, 303-313.

The compounds of this invention may be modified by appending appropriate functionalities to enhance selective biological properties. Such modifications are known in the art and include those which increase biological penetration into a given biological compartment (e.g., blood, lymphatic system, nervous system), increase oral availability, increase solubility to allow administration by injection, alter metabolism and alter rate of excretion.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of this invention include those derived from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic and organic acids and bases. Examples of suitable acid salts include acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, formate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycolate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, palmoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, salicylate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, thiocyanate, tosylate and undecanoate. Other acids, such as oxalic, while not in themselves pharmaceutically acceptable, may be employed in the preparation of salts useful as intermediates in obtaining the compounds of the invention and their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts. Salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal (e.g., sodium), alkaline earth metal (e.g., magnesium), ammonium and N-(alkyl)4+salts. This invention also envisions the quaternization of any basic nitrogen-containing groups of the compounds disclosed herein. Water or oil-soluble or dispersible products may be obtained by such quaternization.

The compounds of the formulae described herein can, for example, be administered by injection, intravenously, intraarterially, subdermally, intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously; or orally, buccally, nasally, transmucosally, topically, in an ophthalmic preparation, or by inhalation, with a dosage ranging from about 0.5 to about 100 mg/kg of body weight, alternatively dosages between 1 mg and 1000 mg/dose, every 4 to 120 hours, or according to the requirements of the particular drug. The methods herein contemplate administration of an effective amount of compound or compound composition to achieve the desired or stated effect. Typically, the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention will be administered from about 1 to about 6 times per day or alternatively, as a continuous infusion. Such administration can be used as a chronic or acute therapy. The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host treated and the particular mode of administration. A typical preparation will contain from about 5% to about 95% active compound (w/w). Alternatively, such preparations contain from about 20% to about 80% active compound.

The compositions delineated herein include the compounds of the formulae delineated herein, as well as additional therapeutic agents if present, in amounts effective for achieving a modulation of disease or disease symptoms, including ion channel-mediated disorders or symptoms thereof. References which include examples of additional therapeutic agents are: 1) Burger's Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Discovery 6thedition, by Alfred Burger, Donald J. Abraham, ed., Volumes 1 to 6, Wiley Interscience Publication, NY, 2003; 2) Ion Channels and Disease by Francis M. Ashcroft, Academic Press, NY, 2000; and 3) Calcium Antagonists in Clinical Medicine 3rdedition, Murray Epstein, MD, FACP, ed., Hanley & Belfus, Inc., Philadelphia, Pa., 2002. Additional therapeutic agents include but are not limited to agents for the treatment of cardiovascular disease (e.g., hypertension, angina, etc), metabolic disease (e.g., syndrome X, diabetes, obesity), pain (e.g., acute pain, inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, migraine, etc), renal or genito-urinary disease (e.g., glomerular nephritis, urinary incontinence, nephrotic syndrome), abnormal cell growth (e.g., oncology, fibrotic diseases), nervous system disease (e.g., epilepsy, stroke, migraine, traumatic brain injury or neuronal disorders, etc.), respiratory disease (e.g., asthma, COPD, pulmonary hypertension) and their disease symptoms. Examples of additional therapeutic agents for treatment of cardiovascular disease and disease symptoms include but are not limited to antihypertensive agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, statins, β-blockers, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-thrombotics, anti-coagulants or antiarrythmics. Examples of additional therapeutic agents for treatment of metabolic disease and disease symptoms include but are not limited to ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists, fibrates, thiazolidinediones or sulphonylurea anti-diabetic drugs. Examples of additional therapeutic agents for treatment of pain and its symptoms include but are not limited to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (“NSAIDS”, e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, flumizole, acetaminophen, etc.), opioids (e.g., morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone), and agents such as gabapentin, ziconitide, tramadol, dextromethorphan, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, baclofen or capsaicin. Examples of additional therapeutic agents for treatment of renal and/or genitor-urinary syndromes and their symptoms include but are not limited to alpha-1 adrenergic antagonists (e.g., doxazosin), anti-muscarinics (e.g., tolterodine), norepinephrine/serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., duloxetine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., doxepin, desipramine) or steroids. Examples of additional therapeutic agents for treatment of abnormal cell growth syndromes and their symptoms include but are not limited to anti-cytokine therapies (e.g., anti-TNF and anti-IL-1 biologics, p38 MAPK inhibitors), endothelin-1 antagonists or stem cell therapies (e.g., progenitor cells). Examples of additional therapeutic agents for treatment of stroke disease and disease symptoms include but are not limited to neuroprotective agents and anticoagulants (e.g., alteplase (TPA), abciximab). Examples of additional therapeutic agents for treatment of epilepsy and its symptoms include but are not limited to GABA analogs, hydantoins, barbiturates, phenyl triazines, succinimides, valproic acid, carbamazepin, falbamate, and leveracetam. Examples of additional therapeutic agents for the treatment of migraine include but are not limited to serotonin/5-HT receptor agonist (e.g., sumatriptan, etc.). Examples of additional therapeutic agents for treatment of respiratory diseases and their symptoms include but are not limited to anticholinergics (e.g., tiotropium), steroids, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-cytokine agents or PDE inhibitors

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or adjuvant” refers to a carrier or adjuvant that may be administered to a patient, together with a compound of this invention, and which does not destroy the pharmacological activity thereof and is nontoxic when administered in doses sufficient to deliver a therapeutic amount of the compound.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, emulsions and aqueous suspensions, dispersions and solutions. In the case of tablets for oral use, carriers which are commonly used include lactose and corn starch. Lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate, are also typically added. For oral administration in a capsule form, useful diluents include lactose and dried corn starch. When aqueous suspensions and/or emulsions are administered orally, the active ingredient may be suspended or dissolved in an oily phase is combined with emulsifying and/or suspending agents. If desired, certain sweetening and/or flavoring and/or coloring agents may be added.

A composition having the compound of the formulae herein and an additional agent (e.g., a therapeutic agent) can be administered using an implantable device. Implantable devices and related technology are known in the art and are useful as delivery systems where a continuous, or timed-release delivery of compounds or compositions delineated herein is desired. Additionally, the implantable device delivery system is useful for targeting specific points of compound or composition delivery (e.g., localized sites, organs). Negrin et al., Biomaterials, 22(6):563 (2001). Timed-release technology involving alternate delivery methods can also be used in this invention. For example, timed-release formulations based on polymer technologies, sustained-release techniques and encapsulation techniques (e.g., polymeric, liposomal) can also be used for delivery of the compounds and compositions delineated herein.

Also within the invention is a patch to deliver active chemotherapeutic combinations herein. A patch includes a material layer (e.g., polymeric, cloth, gauze, bandage) and the compound of the formulae herein as delineated herein. One side of the material layer can have a protective layer adhered to it to resist passage of the compounds or compositions. The patch can additionally include an adhesive to hold the patch in place on a subject. An adhesive is a composition, including those of either natural or synthetic origin, that when contacted with the skin of a subject, temporarily adheres to the skin. It can be water resistant. The adhesive can be placed on the patch to hold it in contact with the skin of the subject for an extended period of time. The adhesive can be made of a tackiness, or adhesive strength, such that it holds the device in place subject to incidental contact, however, upon an affirmative act (e.g., ripping, peeling, or other intentional removal) the adhesive gives way to the external pressure placed on the device or the adhesive itself, and allows for breaking of the adhesion contact. The adhesive can be pressure sensitive, that is, it can allow for positioning of the adhesive (and the device to be adhered to the skin) against the skin by the application of pressure (e.g., pushing, rubbing,) on the adhesive or device.

When the compositions of this invention comprise a combination of a compound of the formulae described herein and one or more additional therapeutic or prophylactic agents, both the compound and the additional agent should be present at dosage levels of between about 1 to 100%, and more preferably between about 5 to 95% of the dosage normally administered in a monotherapy regimen. The additional agents may be administered separately, as part of a multiple dose regimen, from the compounds of this invention. Alternatively, those agents may be part of a single dosage form, mixed together with the compounds of this invention in a single composition.

The invention will be further described in the following examples. It should be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting this invention in any manner.

Oocyte Assay

Representative compounds of the formulae herein are screened for activity against calcium channel targets in an assay essentially as described in Neuron January 1997, 18(11): 153-166, Lin et. al.; J. Neurosci. Jul. 1, 2000, 20(13):4768-75, J. Pan and D. Lipsombe; and J. Neurosci., Aug. 15, 2001, 21(16):5944-5951, W. Xu and D. Lipscombe, using Xenopus oocyte heterologeous expression system. The assay is performed on various calcium channels (e.g., CaV2.2 subfamily) whereby the modulation of the calcium channel is measured for each compound.

HEK Assay

HEK-293T/17 cells are transiently transfected in a similar manner as described in FuGENE 6 Package Insert Version 7, April 2002, Roche Applied Science, Indianapolis, Ind. The cells are plated at 2.5×105cells in 2 mL in a 6-well plate in incubator for one night and achieve a 30˜40% confluence. In a small sterile tube, add sufficient serum-free medium as diluent for FuGENE Transfection Reagent (Roche Applied Science, Indianapolis, Ind.), to a total volume of 100 μL. Add 3 μL of FuGENE 6 Reagent directly into this medium. The mixture is tapped gently to mix. 2 μg of DNA solution (0.8-2.0 μg/μL) is added to the prediluted FuGENE 6 Reagent from above. The DNA/Fugene 6 mixture is gently pipeted to mix the contents and incubated for about 15 minutes at room temperature. The complex mixture is then added to the HEK-293T/17 cells, distributing it around the well, and swirled to ensure even dispersal. The cells are returned to the incubator for 24 hrs. The transfected cells are then replated at density 2.5×105in a 35 mm dish with 5 glass coverslips and grow in low serum(1%) media for 24 hrs. Coverslips with isolated cells are then transferred into chamber and calcium channel (e.g., L-type, N-type, etc.) current or other currents for counter screening are recorded from the transiently transfected HEK-293T/17 cells.

The whole-cell voltage clamp configuration of the patch clamp technique is employed to evaluate voltage-dependent calcium currents essentially as described by Thompson and Wong (1991) J. Physiol., 439: 671-689. To record calcium channel (e.g., L-type, N-type, etc.) currents for evaluation of inhibitory potency of compounds (steady-state concentration-response analysis), five pulses of 20-30 ms voltage steps to about +10 mV (the peak of the current voltage relationship) are delivered at five Hz every 30 second from a holding potential at −100 mV. Compound evaluations are carried out essentially as described by Sah D W and Bean B P (1994) Mol Pharmacol. 45(1):84-92.

Representative compounds of the formulae herein are evaluated for activity against calcium channel targets.

Formalin Test

Representative compounds of the formulae herein are screened for activity in the formalin test. The formalin test is widely used as a model of acute and tonic inflammatory pain (Dubuisson & Dennis, 1977 Pain 4:161-174; Wheeler-Aceto et al., 1990, Pain 40:229-238; Coderre et al., 1993, Pain 52:259-285). The test involves the administration to the rat hind paw of a dilute formalin solution followed by monitoring behavioral signs (i.e., flinching, biting and licking) during the “late phase” (11 to 60 minutes post injection) of the formalin response which reflects both peripheral nerve activity and central sensitization. Male, Sprague-Dawley rats (Harlan, Indianapolis, Ind.) weighing approximately 225-300 g are used with an n=6-8 for each treatment group.

Depending on pharmacokinetic profile and route of administration, vehicle or a dose of test compound is administered to each rat by the intraperitoneal or oral route 30-120 minutes prior to formalin. Each animal is acclimated to an experimental chamber for 60 minutes prior to formalin administration, which is 50 μL of a 5% solution injected subcutaneously into the plantar surface of one hind paw using a 300 μL microsyringe and a 29 gauge needle. A mirror is angled behind the chambers to enhance the views of the animals' paws. The number of flinches (paw lifts with or without rapid paw shaking) and the time spent biting and/or licking the injured hind paw are recorded for each rat for 2 continuous minutes every 5 minutes for a total of 60 minutes after formalin administration. A terminal blood sample is harvested for analysis of plasma compound concentrations. Between groups comparisons of the total number of flinches or time spent biting and/or licking during the early or late phase are conducted using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Part 1. Preparation of 2-Azido-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethanone

A solution of 2-bromo-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethanone (1 eq) in DMSO at 10° C. is vigorously stirred and sodium azide (1.25 eq) is added. The mixture is stirred for 1 hour then quenched with water and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×). The combined organic layers are washed with water and brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduce pressure to give 2-azido-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethanone.

Part 2. Preparation of 2-Amino-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethanone hydrochloride

To a solution of 2-azido-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethanone in ethanol is added concentrated HCl (aq) and 10% Pd/C (10 mol %). The mixture is stirred under hydrogen (H2) atmosphere at 45 psi for 1 hour. The mixture is filtered through celite and the celite cake is washed with copious amounts of methanol. The solvent is removed under reduce pressure and the resulting residue is triturated with diethyl ether, filtered and dried to give 2-amino-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethanone hydrochloride.

Part 3. Preparation of 1-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-5-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-1H-imidazole-2-thiol

A mixture of 2-amino-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethanone hydrochloride (1 eq), 4-chlorophenyl isothiocyanate (1 eq) and sodium hydrogencarbonate (1.5 eq) in ethanol is heated at 90° C. for 2 hours. The solvent is removed under reduce pressure. The resulting residue is re-suspended in aqueous 1N sodium hydroxide and heated at 100° C. overnight. The hot mixture is filtered, cooled and carefully acidified with aqueous 6N HCl. The resulting mixture is filtered to give 1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-5-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-1H-imidazole-2-thiol.

Part 4. Preparation of 3-(5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1,2-dihydro-2-thioxo-1-p-tolylimidazol-3-yl)propanenitrile

A mixture 5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-p-tolyl-1H-imidazole-2-thiol (1 eq) in dioxane is stirred and Triton B is added. The mixture is heated to 70° C. and acrylonitrile (1 eq) is added and heated for 3 hours. The cooled mixture is partitioned between aqueous 0.1N HCl and ethyl acetate. The organic layer is washed with water and brine, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed under reduce pressure. Flash chromatography (SiO2) gives 3-(5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2-dihydro-2-thioxo-1-p-tolylimidazol-3-yl)propanenitrile.

Part 5. Preparation of 3-(1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2-dihydro-2-thioxoimidazol-3-yl)propionimidic acid ethyl ester

A solution of the propionitrile in 1:1 ethanol/diethylether is cooled in a ice water bath and HCl (g) is carefully bubbled in the solution over 10-20 minutes. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 2-4 hours and the solvent is removed under reduce pressure to obtain 3-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2-dihydro-2-thioxoimidazol-3-yl)propionimidic acid ethyl ester.

Part 6. Preparation of 3-(2-(1H-Benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-p-tolyl-1H-imidazole-2(3H)-thione

A mixture of the propionimidic acid ethyl ester and benzene-1,2-diamine in ethanol is stirred and heated at 60° C. overnight. The solvent is removed under reduce pressure; the residue is partitioned between ethyl acetate and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The organic layer is dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed under reduce pressure. Purification by flash chromatography (SiO2) followed by HCl salt formation (methanol and 2M ethereal HCl) gives 3-(2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-p-tolyl-1H-imidazole-2(3H)-thione hydrochloride.

Preparation of 3-(1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2-dihydro-2-thioxoimidazol-3-yl)propionic acid ethyl ester

To a solution 1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-5-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-1H-imidazole-2-thiol (1 eq) in DMF is added a 1M solution of lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in THF (1 eq) and ethyl 3-bromopropionate (1 eq) at room temperature. The mixture is heated at 60° C. for 2 hours and cooled to room temperature. The mixture is quenched with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organics were dried and concentrated under vacuum. The residue is purified by chromatography on silica to give 3-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2-dihydro-2-thioxoimidazol-3-yl)propionic acid ethyl ester.

Part 1. Preparation of 3-(1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2-dihydro-2-thioxoimidazol-3-yl)propionic acid

A mixture of 3-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2-dihydro-2-thioxoimidazol-3-yl)propionic acid ethyl ester (1 eq) and lithium hydroxide hydrate (1.2 eq) is dissolved in 1,4-dioxane:water (4/1:v/v) and allowed to stir at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction mixture is neutralized with aqueous 2N HCl and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organics are dried and concentrated under vacuum to give 3-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2-dihydro-2-thioxoimidazol-3-yl)propionic acid.

Part 2. Preparation of 3-(1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2-dihydro-2-thioxoimidazol-3-yl)-1-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propan-1-one

To a solution of 3-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2-dihydro-2-thioxoimidazol-3-yl)propionic acid (1 eq), 1-3-(dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (1.7 eq) and morpholine (1.7 eq) in THF is stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction is quenched with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organics are dried and concentrated under vacuum. The residue is purified by chromatography on silica to give 3-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2-dihydro-2-thioxoimidazol-3-yl)-1-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propan-1-one.

Compounds are prepared in a manner essentially as described above and in the general schemes.

All references cited herein, whether in print, electronic, computer readable storage media or other form, are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety, including but not limited to, abstracts, articles, journals, publications, texts, treatises, internet web sites, databases, patents, and patent publications.