Piperidine compounds having multimodal activity against pain

The present invention relates to compounds having dual pharmacological activity towards both the sigma (σ) receptor, and the μ-opiod receptor and more particularly to piperidene compounds having this pharmacological activity, to processes of preparation of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to their use in therapy, in particular for the treatment of pain.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds having dual pharmacological activity towards both the sigma (σ) receptor, and the μ-opiod receptor (MOR or mu-opioid) and more particularly to piperidine compounds having this pharmacological activity, to processes of preparation of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to their use in therapy, in particular for the treatment of pain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The adequate management of pain constitutes an important challenge, since currently available treatments provide in many cases only modest improvements, leaving many patients unrelieved [Turk D C, Wilson H D, Cahana A. Treatment of chronic non-cancer pain.Lancet377, 2226-2235 (2011)]. Pain affects a big portion of the population with an estimated prevalence of around 20% and its incidence, particularly in the case of chronic pain, is increasing due to the population ageing. Additionally, pain is clearly related to comorbidities, such as depression, anxiety and insomnia, which lead to important productivity losses and socio-economical burden [Goldberg D S, McGee S J. Pain as a global public health priority.BMC Public Health.11, 770 (2011)]. Existing pain therapies include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioid agonists, calcium channel blockers and antidepressants, but they are much less than optimal regarding their safety ratio. All of them show limited efficacy and a range of secondary effects that preclude their use, especially in chronic settings.

As mentioned before, there are few available therapeutic classes for the treatment of pain, and opioids are among the most effective, especially when addressing severe pain states. They act through three different types of opioid receptors (mu, kappa and gamma) which are transmembrane G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Still, the main analgesic action is attributed to the activation of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). However, the general administration of MOR agonists is limited due to their important side effects, such as constipation, respiratory depression, tolerance, emesis and physical dependence [Meldrum, M. L. (Ed.). Opioids and Pain Relief: A Historical Perspective. Progress in Pain Research and Management, Vol 25. IASP Press, Seattle, 2003]. Additionally, MOR agonists are not optimal for the treatment of chronic pain as indicated by the diminished effectiveness of morphine against chronic pain conditions. This is especially proven for the chronic pain conditions of neuropathic or inflammatory origin, in comparison to its high potency against acute pain. The finding that chronic pain can lead to MOR down-regulation may offer a molecular basis for the relative lack of efficacy of morphine in long-term treatment settings [Dickenson, A. H., Suzuki, R.Opioids in neuropathic pain: Clues from animal studies. Eur J Pain 9, 113-6 (2005)]. Moreover, prolonged treatment with morphine may result in tolerance to its analgesic effects, most likely due to treatment-induced MOR down-regulation, internalization and other regulatory mechanisms. As a consequence, long-term treatment can result in substantial increases in dosing in order to maintain a clinically satisfactory pain relief, but the narrow therapeutic window of MOR agonists finally results in unacceptable side effects and poor patient compliance.

The sigma-1 (σ1) receptor was discovered 35 years ago and initially assigned to a new subtype of the opioid family, but later on and based on the studies of the enantiomers of SKF-10,047, its independent nature was established. The first link of the σ1receptor to analgesia was established by Chien and Pasternak [Chien C C, Pasternak G W. Sigma antagonists potentiate opioid analgesia in rats.Neurosci. Lett.190, 137-9 (1995)], who described it as an endogenous anti-opioid system, based on the finding that σ1receptor agonists counteracted opioid receptor mediated analgesia, while σ1receptor antagonists, such as haloperidol, potentiated it.

Many additional preclinical evidences have indicated a clear role of the σ1receptor in the treatment of pain [Zamanillo D, Romero L, Merlos M, Vela J M. σ1receptor: A new therapeutic target for pain.Eur. J. Pharmacol,716, 78-93 (2013)]. The development of the σ1receptor knockout mice, which show no obvious phenotype and perceive normally sensory stimuli, was a key milestone in this endeavour. In physiological conditions the responses of the σ1receptor knockout mice to mechanical and thermal stimuli were found to be undistinguishable from WT ones but they were shown to possess a much higher resistance to develop pain behaviours than WT mice when hypersensitivity entered into play. Hence, in the σ1receptor knockout mice capsaicin did not induce mechanical hypersensitivity, both phases of formalin-induced pain were reduced, and cold and mechanical hypersensitivity were strongly attenuated after partial sciatic nerve ligation or after treatment with paclitaxel, which are models of neuropathic pain. Many of these actions were confirmed by the use of σ1receptor antagonists and led to the advancement of one compound, S1RA, into clinical trials for the treatment of different pain states. Compound S1RA exerted a substantial reduction of neuropathic pain and anhedonic state following nerve injury (i.e., neuropathic pain conditions) and, as demonstrated in an operant self-administration model, the nerve-injured mice, but not sham-operated mice, acquired the operant responding to obtain it (presumably to get pain relief), indicating that σ1receptor antagonism relieves neuropathic pain and also address some of the comorbidities (i.e., anhedonia, a core symptom in depression) related to pain states.

Pain is multimodal in nature, since in nearly all pain states several mediators, signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms are implicated. Consequently, monomodal therapies fail to provide complete pain relief. Currently, combining existing therapies is a common clinical practice and many efforts are directed to assess the best combination of available drugs in clinical studies [Mao J, Gold M S, Backonja M. Combination drug therapy for chronic pain: a call for more clinical studies.J. Pain12, 157-166 (2011)]. Hence, there is an urgent need for innovative therapeutics to address this unmet medical need.

As mentioned previously, opioids are among the most potent analgesics but they are also responsible for various adverse effects which seriously limit their use.

Accordingly, there is still a need to find compounds that have an alternative or improved pharmacological activity in the treatment of pain, being both effective and showing the desired selectivity, and having good “drugability” properties, i.e. good pharmaceutical properties related to administration, distribution, metabolism and excretion.

Thus, the technical problem can therefore be formulated as finding compounds that have an alternative or improved pharmacological activity in the treatment of pain.

In view of the existing results of the currently available therapies and clinical practices, the present invention offers a solution by combining in a single compound binding as a ligand to two different receptors relevant for the treatment of pain. This was mainly achieved by providing the compound according to the invention that bind both to the μ-opiod receptor and to the σ1receptor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this invention a family of structurally distinct piperidine derivatives which have a dual pharmacological activity towards both the sigma (σ) receptor, and the μ-opiod receptor was identified thus solving the above problem of identifying alternative or improved pain treatments by offering such dual compounds.

The invention is in one aspect directed to a compound having a dual activity binding to the σ1receptor and the μ-opioid receptor for use in the treatment of pain.

As this invention is aimed at providing a compound or a chemically related series of compounds which act as dual ligands of the σ1receptor and the μ-opioid receptor it is a very preferred embodiment if the compound has a binding expressed as Kiwhich is <100 nm for both receptors, the μ-opioid receptor and the σ1receptor.

The invention is directed in a main aspect to a compound of general formula (I),

wherein R1, R2, R5, V1, V2, V3, W, X, Y, Z and m are as defined below in the detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a family of structurally distinct piperidine derivatives which have a dual pharmacological activity towards both the sigma (σ) receptor, and the μ-opiod receptor was identified thus solving the above problem of identifying alternative or improved pain treatments by offering such dual compounds.

The invention is in one aspect directed to a compound having a dual activity binding to the σ1receptor and the μ-opioid receptor for use in the treatment of pain.

As this invention is aimed at providing a compound or a chemically related series of compounds which act as dual ligands of the σ1receptor and the μ-opioid receptor it is a very preferred embodiment if the compound has a binding expressed as Kiwhich is <100 nm for both receptors, the μ-opioid receptor and the σ1receptor.

The applicant has surprisingly found that the problem on which the present invention is based can be solved by using a multimodal balanced analgesic approach combining two different synergistic activities in a single drug (i.e., dual ligands which are bifunctional and bind to MOR and to σ1receptor), thereby enhancing the opioid analgesia through the σ1activation without increasing the undesirable side effects. This supports the therapeutic value of a dual MOR/σ1receptor compound whereby the σ1receptor binding component acts as an intrinsic adjuvant of the MOR binding component.

This solution offered the advantage that the two mechanisms complement each other in order to treat pain and chronic pain using lower and better tolerated doses needed based on the potentiation of analgesia but avoiding the adverse events of μ-opioid receptor agonists.

A dual compound that possess binding to both the μ-opiod receptor and to the σ1receptor shows a highly valuable therapeutic potential by achieving an outstanding analgesia (enhanced in respect to the potency of the opioid component alone) with a reduced side-effect profile (safety margin increased compared to that of the opioid component alone) versus existing opiod therapies.

Advantageously, the dual compounds according to the present invention would in addition show one or more the following functionalities: σ1receptor antagonism and MOR agonism. It has to be noted, though, that both functionalities “antagonism” and “agonism” are also sub-divided in their effect into subfunctionalities like partial agonism or inverse agonism. Accordingly, the functionalities of the dual compound should be considered within a relatively broad bandwidth.

An antagonist on one of the named receptors blocks or dampens agonist-mediated responses. Known subfunctionalities are neutral antagonists or inverse agonists.

An agonist on one of the named receptors increases the activity of the receptor above its basal level. Known subfunctionalities are full agonists, or partial agonists.

In addition, the two mechanisms complement each other since MOR agonists are only marginally effective in the treatment of neuropathic pain, while σ1receptor antagonists show outstanding effects in preclinical neuropathic pain models. Thus, the σ1receptor component adds unique analgesic actions in opioid-resistant pain. Finally, the dual approach has clear advantages over MOR agonists in the treatment of chronic pain as lower and better tolerated doses would be needed based on the potentiation of analgesia but not of the adverse events of MOR agonists.

A further advantage of using designed multiple ligands is a lower risk of drug-drug interactions compared to cocktails or multi-component drugs, thus involving simpler pharmacokinetics and less variability among patients. Additionally, this approach may improve patient compliance and broaden the therapeutic application in relation to monomechanistic drugs, by addressing more complex aetiologies. It is also seen as a way of improving the R&D output obtained using the “one drug-one target” approach, which has been questioned over the last years [Bornot A, Bauer U, Brown A, Firth M, Hellawell C, Engkvist O. Systematic Exploration of Dual-Acting Modulators from a Combined Medicinal Chemistry and Biology Perspective.J. Med. Chem,56, 1197-1210 (2013)].

In a particular aspect, the present invention is directed to compounds of general formula (I):

whereinm is 1 or 2;one of V1, V2and V3is selected from nitrogen or carbon while the others are carbon;R1is COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R2is hydrogen, halogen, —NR8R9, —SR7, —OR7, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R5is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, substituted or unsubstituted O-alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl;R6, R7, R8and R9are independent from each other and selected from the group formed by hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted orunsubstituted heterocyclyl, and substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl; or R6and R7or R8and R9together with their respective connecting carbon or nitrogen atom may form a cycloalkylic or heterocyclic 4 to 7-membered ring;and wherein W, X, Y and Z are selected from carbon, nitrogen, or oxygen while W—X—Y—Z are forming together with the bridging C-atom, that is connected to the core scaffold, a 5-membered heterocyclic ring, which is either substituted on one of W, X, Y or Z by

or in which this said 5-membered heterocyclic ring—being otherwise unsubstituted—is fused at W and X to a further ringsystem;whereinn is 0 or 1;R3is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl; andR4is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding salt thereof.

In another embodiment the compound according to the invention especially according to general formula (I)—is optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof.

In another embodiment the compound according to the invention especially according to general formula (I)—is optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding salt thereof.

In another embodiment the compound according to the invention especially according to general formula (I)—is optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio.

In one embodiment one or more of the following provisos apply:with the proviso that if V1, V2and V3are carbon and either X or Y is

with n=0 and R3being CH3, then OR′ may not be OCH3in meta position;
and/orwith the proviso that if V1, V2and V3are carbon and either X or Y is

then R3may not be alkyl;
and/orwith the proviso that if V1, V2and V3are carbon and either X or Y is

then R5may not be OH; and/orwith the proviso that the compound may not be 3-Piperidinol, 4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1-[(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl];
and/orwith the proviso that the compound may not be 1H-Pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid, 4-[[(3R,4R)-3-hydroxy-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperidinyl]methyl].

When different radicals R1to R8are present simultaneously in the different Formulas of the present invention they may be identical or different.

Alkenyl is understood as meaning unsaturated, linear or branched hydrocarbons, which may be unsubstituted or substituted once or several times. It encompasses groups like e.g. —CH═CH—CH3. The alkenyl radicals are preferably vinyl (ethenyl), allyl (2-propenyl). Preferably in the context of this invention alkenyl is C2-10-alkenyl or C2-8-alkenyl like ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene, heptylene or octylene; or is C1-6-alkenyl like ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, or hexylene; or is C1-4-alkenyl, like ethylene, propylene, or butylenes.

Alkynyl is understood as meaning unsaturated, linear or branched hydrocarbons, which may be unsubstituted or substituted once or several times. It encompasses groups like e.g. —C≡C—CH3(1-propinyl). Preferably alkynyl in the context of this invention is C2-10-alkynyl or C2-8-alkynyl like ethyne, propyne, butyene, pentyne, hexyne, heptyne, or octyne; or is C2-6-alkynyl like ethyne, propyne, butyene, pentyne, or hexyne; or is C2-4-alkynyl like ethyne, propyne, butyene, pentyne, or hexyne.

In connection with alkyl (also in alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylcycloalkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl and O-alkyl—unless defined otherwise—the term substituted in the context of this invention is understood as meaning replacement of at least one hydrogen radical on a carbon atom by F, C1, Br, I, NH2, SH or OH, —C(O)OH, or —OC1-4alkyl being unsubstituted or substituted by one or more of OH or halogen (F, Cl, I, Br). More than one replacement on the same molecule and also on the same carbon atom is possible with the same or different substituents. This includes for example 3 hydrogens being replaced on the same C atom, as in the case of CF3, or at different places of the same molecule, as in the case of e.g. —CH(OH)—CH═CH—CHCl2.

More than one replacement on the same molecule and also on the same carbon atom is possible with the same or different substituents. This includes for example 3 hydrogens being replaced on the same C atom, as in the case of CF3, or at different places of the same molecule, as in the case of e.g. —CH(OH)—CH═CH—CHCl2.

In the context of this invention haloalkyl is understood as meaning an alkyl being substituted once or several times by a halogen (selected from F, Cl, Br, I). It encompasses e.g. —CH2Cl, —CH2F, —CHCl2, —CHF2, —CCl3, —CF3and —CH2—CHCl2.

Preferably haloalkyl is understood in the context of this invention as halogen-substituted C1-4-alkyl representing halogen substituted C1-, C2-, C3- or C4-alkyl. The halogen-substituted alkyl radicals are thus preferably methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl. Preferred examples include —CH2Cl, —CH2F, —CHCl2, —CHF2, and —CF3.

In the context of this invention haloalkoxy is understood as meaning an —O-alkyl being substituted once or several times by a halogen (selected from F, Cl, Br, I). It encompasses e.g. —OCH2Cl, —OCH2F, —OCHCl2, —OCHF2, —OCCl3, —OCF3and —OCH2—CHCl2. Preferably haloalkoxy is understood in the context of this invention as halogen-substituted —OC1-4-alkyl representing halogen substituted C1-, C2-, C3- or C4-alkoxy. The halogen-substituted alkyl radicals are thus preferably O-methyl, O-ethyl, O-propyl, and O-butyl. Preferred examples include —OCH2Cl, —OCH2F, —OCHCl2, —OCHF2, and —OCF3.

Most preferably in connection with alkyl (also in alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylcycloalkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl or O-alkyl, substituted is understood in the context of this invention that any alkyl (also in alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylcycloalkyl), alkenyl, alkynyl or O-alkyl which is substituted is substituted by one or more of halogen (F, Cl, I, Br), —OH, —NH2, —SH, —C(O)OH, or —OC1-4alkyl being unsubstituted or substituted by one or more of OH or halogen (F, Cl, I, Br).

Aryl is understood as meaning ring systems with at least one aromatic ring but without heteroatoms even in only one of the rings. Examples are phenyl, naphthyl, fluoranthenyl, fluorenyl, tetralinyl or indanyl, in particular 9H-fluorenyl or anthracenyl radicals, which can be unsubstituted or once or several times substituted. Most preferably aryl is understood in the context of this invention as phenyl, naphtyl or anthracenyl, preferably is phenyl.

In the context of this invention alkylaryl is understood as meaning an aryl group (see above) being connected to another atom through a C1-6-alkyl (see above) which may be branched or linear and is unsubstituted or substituted once or several times. Thus, in the context of this invention alkylaryl is understood as meaning an aryl group (see above) being connected to another atom through a C1-6-alkyl (see above). The alkyl may be branched or linear and is unsubstituted, while the aryl may be unsubstituted or substituted once or several times. Preferably, alkylaryl is understood as meaning an aryl group (see above) being connected to another atom through 1 to 4 (—CH2—) groups. Most preferably alkylaryl is benzyl (i.e. —CH2-phenyl).

In the context of this invention alkylheterocyclyl is understood as meaning a heterocyclyl group being connected to another atom through a C1-6-alkyl (see above) which may be branched or linear and is unsubstituted or substituted once or several times. In the context of this invention alkylheterocyclyl is understood as meaning a heterocyclyl group being connected to another atom through a C1-6-alkyl (see above). The alkyl may be branched or linear and is unsubstituted, while the heterocylyl may be unsubstituted or substituted once or several times. Preferably alkylheterocyclyl is understood as meaning a heterocyclyl group (see above) being connected to another atom through 1 to 4 (—CH2—) groups. Most preferably alkylheterocyclyl is —CH2-pyridine.

In the context of this invention alkylcycloalkyl is understood as meaning a cycloalkyl group being connected to another atom through a C1-6-alkyl (see above) which may be branched or linear and is unsubstituted or substituted once or several times. Thus, in the context of this invention alkylcycloalkyl is understood as meaning a cycloalkyl group being connected to another atom through a C1-6-alkyl (see above). The alkyl may be branched or linear and is unsubstituted, while the cycloalkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted once or several times. Preferably alkylcycloalkyl is understood as meaning a cycloalkyl group (see above) being connected to another atom through 1 to 4 (—CH2—) groups. Most preferably alkylcycloalkyl is —CH2— cyclopropyl.

A heterocyclyl radical or group (also called heterocyclyl hereinafter) is understood as meaning heterocyclic ring systems, with at least one saturated or unsaturated ring which contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring. A heterocyclic group can also be substituted once or several times.

Subgroups inside the heterocyclyls as understood herein include heteroaryls and non-aromatic heterocyclyls.the heteroaryl (being equivalent to heteroaromatic radicals or aromatic heterocyclyls) is an aromatic heterocyclic ring system of one or more rings of which at least one aromatic ring contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring; preferably is an aromatic heterocyclic ring system of one or two rings of which at least one aromatic ring contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring, more preferably is selected from furan, benzofuran, thiophene, benzothiophene, pyrrole, pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, quinoline, isoquinoline, phthalazine, benzothiazole, indole, benzotriazole, carbazole, quinazoline, thiazole, imidazole, pyrazole, oxazole, thiophene and benzimidazole;the non-aromatic heterocyclyl is a heterocyclic ring system of one or more rings of which at least one ring—with this (or these) ring(s) then not being aromatic—contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring; preferably is a heterocyclic ring system of one or two rings of which one or both rings—with this one or two rings then not being aromatic—contain/s one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring, more preferably is selected from oxazepam, pyrrolidine, piperidine, piperazine, indene, 2,3-dihydroindene (indane), tetrahydropyran, morpholine, indoline, oxopyrrolidine, benzodioxane, especially is benzodioxane, morpholine, tetrahydropyran, piperidine, oxopyrrolidine, and pyrrolidine.

Preferably in the context of this invention heterocyclyl is defined as a heterocyclic ring system of one or more saturated or unsaturated rings of which at least one ring contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring. Preferably it is a heterocyclic ring system of one or two saturated or unsaturated rings of which at least one ring contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring.

In the context of this invention oxopyrrolidine is understood as meaning pyrrolidin-2-one.

In connection with aryl (including alkyl-aryl), cycloalkyl (including alkyl-cycloalkyl) or heterocyclyl (including alkyl-heterocyclyl), substituted is understood—unless defined otherwise—as meaning substitution of the ring-system of the aryl or alkyl-aryl, cycloalkyl or alkyl-cycloalkyl; heterocyclyl or alkyl-heterocyclyl by OH, SH, ═O, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), CN, NO2, COOH; NRxRy, with Rxand Ryindependently being either H or a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6-alkyl; a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6-alkyl; a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted —O—C1-6-alkyl (alkoxy); a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted —S—C1-6-alkyl; a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted —C(O)—C1-6-alkyl-group; a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted —C(O)—O—C1-6-alkyl-group; a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or alkyl-aryl; a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl or alkyl-cycloalkyl; a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl or alkyl-heterocyclyl.

Most preferably in connection with aryl (including alkyl-aryl), substituted is understood in the context of this invention that any aryl (including alkyl-aryl), which is substituted is substituted by one or more of halogen (F, Cl, I, Br), —OH, —NH2, —SH, —C(O)OH, —OC1-4alkyl being unsubstituted or substituted by one or more of OH or halogen (F, Cl, I, Br), —CN, or —C1-4alkyl being unsubstituted or substituted by one or more of OH or halogen (F, Cl, I, Br).

Most preferably in connection with cycloalkyl (including alkyl-cycloalkyl) or heterocyclyl (including alkyl-heterocyclyl), substituted is understood in the context of this invention that any cycloalkyl and heterocyclyl (also in an alkylcycloalkyl or alkylheterocyclyl) which is substituted is substituted by one or more of halogen (F, Cl, I, Br), —OH, —NH2, —SH, ═O, —C(O)OH, —OC1-4alkyl being unsubstituted or substituted by one or more of OH or halogen (F, Cl, I, Br), —CN, or —C1-4alkyl being unsubstituted or substituted by one or more of OH or halogen (F, Cl, I, Br).

Additionally to the above-mentioned substitutions, in connection with cycloalkyl (including alkyl-cycloalkyl), or heterocycly (including alkylheterocyclyl) namely non-aromatic heterocyclyl (including non-aromatic alkyl-heterocyclyl), substituted is also understood—unless defined otherwise—as meaning substitution of the ring-system of the cycloalkyl or alkyl-cycloalkyl; non-aromatic heterocyclyl or non aromatic alkyl-heterocyclyl withor ═O.

The term “leaving group” means a molecular fragment that departs with a pair of electrons in heterolytic bond cleavage. Leaving groups can be anions or neutral molecules. Common anionic leaving groups are halides such as Cl—, Br—, and I—, and sulfonate esters, such as tosylate (TsO—).

The term “salt” is to be understood as meaning any form of the active compound used according to the invention in which it assumes an ionic form or is charged and is coupled with a counter-ion (a cation or anion) or is in solution. By this are also to be understood complexes of the active compound with other molecules and ions, in particular complexes which are complexed via ionic interactions.

The term “physiologically acceptable salt” means in the context of this invention any salt that is physiologically tolerated (most of the time meaning not being toxic-especially not caused by the counter-ion) if used appropriately for a treatment especially if used on or applied to humans and/or mammals.

These physiologically acceptable salts can be formed with cations or bases and in the context of this invention is understood as meaning salts of at least one of the compounds used according to the invention—usually a (deprotonated) acid—as an anion with at least one, preferably inorganic, cation which is physiologically tolerated—especially if used on humans and/or mammals. The salts of the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals are particularly preferred, and also those with NH4, but in particular (mono)- or (di)sodium, (mono)- or (di)potassium, magnesium or calcium salts.

Physiologically acceptable salts can also be formed with anions or acids and in the context of this invention is understood as meaning salts of at least one of the compounds used according to the invention as the cation with at least one anion which are physiologically tolerated—especially if used on humans and/or mammals. By this is understood in particular, in the context of this invention, the salt formed with a physiologically tolerated acid, that is to say salts of the particular active compound with inorganic or organic acids which are physiologically tolerated—especially if used on humans and/or mammals. Examples of physiologically tolerated salts of particular acids are salts of: hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, methanesulfonic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, mandelic acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid or citric acid.

The compounds of the invention may be present in crystalline form or in the form of free compounds like a free base or acid.

Any compound that is a solvate of a compound according to the invention like a compound according to general formula I defined above is understood to be also covered by the scope of the invention. Methods of solvation are generally known within the art. Suitable solvates are pharmaceutically acceptable solvates. The term “solvate” according to this invention is to be understood as meaning any form of the active compound according to the invention in which this compound has attached to it via non-covalent binding another molecule (most likely a polar solvent). Especially preferred examples include hydrates and alcoholates, like methanolates or ethanolates.

Any compound that is a prodrug of a compound according to the invention like a compound according to general formula I defined above is understood to be also covered by the scope of the invention. The term “prodrug” is used in its broadest sense and encompasses those derivatives that are converted in vivo to the compounds of the invention. Such derivatives would readily occur to those skilled in the art, and include, depending on the functional groups present in the molecule and without limitation, the following derivatives of the present compounds: esters, amino acid esters, phosphate esters, metal salts sulfonate esters, carbamates, and amides. Examples of well known methods of producing a prodrug of a given acting compound are known to those skilled in the art and can be found e.g. in Krogsgaard-Larsen et al. “Textbook of Drug design and Discovery” Taylor & Francis (April 2002).

Unless otherwise stated, the compounds of the invention are also meant to include compounds which differ only in the presence of one or more isotopically enriched atoms. For example, compounds having the present structures except for the replacement of a hydrogen by a deuterium or tritium, or the replacement of a carbon by13C- or14C-enriched carbon or of a nitrogen by15N-enriched nitrogen are within the scope of this invention.

The compounds of formula (I) as well as their salts or solvates of the compounds are preferably in pharmaceutically acceptable or substantially pure form. By pharmaceutically acceptable form is meant, inter alia, having a pharmaceutically acceptable level of purity excluding normal pharmaceutical additives such as diluents and carriers, and including no material considered toxic at normal dosage levels. Purity levels for the drug substance are preferably above 50%, more preferably above 70%, most preferably above 90%. In a preferred embodiment it is above 95% of the compound of formula (I) or, or of its salts. This applies also to its solvates or prodrugs.

In a preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formula I

—while being either substituted on one of W, X, Y or Z by

or being fused at W and X to a further ringsystem to the 5-membered heterocyclic ring formed by W—X—Y—Z while being otherwise unsubstituted—is selected from:

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formula I

—while being either substituted on one of W, X, Y or Z by

or being fused at W and X to a further ringsystem to the 5-membered heterocyclic ring formed by W—X—Y—Z while being otherwise unsubstituted—is selected from

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formula I

—while being either substituted on one of W, X, Y or Z by

or being fused at W and X to a further ringsystem to the 5-membered heterocyclic ring formed by W—X—Y—Z while being otherwise unsubstituted—is selected from

In a further preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formula I the compound is a compound according to Formula II,

whereinm is 1 or 2;n is 0 or 1;one of V1, V3, V4and V5is selected from nitrogen or carbon while the others are carbon;R1is —COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R2is hydrogen, halogen, —NR8R9, —SR7, —OR7, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R3is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl; andR4is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R5is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, substituted or unsubstituted O-alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl;R6, R7, R8and R9are independent from each other and selected from the group formed by hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, and substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl; or R6and R7or R8and R9together with their respective connecting carbon or nitrogen atom may form a cycloalkylic or heterocyclic 4 to 7-membered ring;and wherein W, X, Y and Z are selected from carbon, nitrogen, or oxygen while W—X—Y—Z are forming together with the bridging C-atom, that is connected to the core scaffold, a 5-membered heterocyclic ring,or wherein

In one related and also preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formula I wherein the compound is a compound according to Formula II as described, W, X, Y and Z are—while all other radicals remain identically defined—selected from carbon, nitrogen, or oxygen while W—X—Y—Z are forming together with the bridging C-atom, that is connected to the core scaffold, a 5-membered heterocyclic ring.

In one embodiment one or more of the following provisos apply:with the proviso that if V1, V3, V4and V5are carbon and either X or Y is

with n=0 and R3being CH3, then R1may not be CH3;with the proviso that if V1, V3, V4and V5are carbon and either X or Y is

then R3may not be alkyl; and/orwith the proviso that if V1, V3, V4and V5are carbon and either X or Y is

then R5may not be OH.

In a preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formula II

is selected from:

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formula II

is selected from

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I or II the compound is a compound according to Formula III,

whereinm is 1 or 2;n is 0 or 1;V1is selected from nitrogen or carbon;R1is —COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R2is hydrogen, halogen, —NR8R9, —SR7, —OR7, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R3is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl; andR4is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R5is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, substituted or unsubstituted O-alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl;R6, R7, R8and R9are independent from each other and selected from the group formed by hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, and substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl; or R6and R7or R8and R9together with their respective connecting carbon or nitrogen atom may form a cycloalkylic or heterocyclic 4 to 7-membered ring;and

is selected from:

In one embodiment one or more of the following provisos apply:with the proviso that if V1is carbon and

then R3may not be alkyl;with the proviso that if V1is carbon and

then R5may not be OH; and/orwith the proviso that if V1is carbon and

with n=0 and R3being CH3, then R1may not be CH3;
and/orwith the proviso that the compound is not 3-Piperidinol, 4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1-[(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl].

In a preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formula III

is selected from:

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I or II the compound is a compound according to Formula Ib

whereinm is 1 or 2;n is 0 or 1;one of V1, V2and V3is selected from nitrogen or carbon while the others are carbon;R1is —COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R2is hydrogen, halogen, —NR8R9, —SR7, —OR7, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R3is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl; andR4is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R5is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, substituted or unsubstituted O-alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl; andR6, R7, R8and R9are independent from each other and selected from the group formed by hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, and substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl; or R6and R7or R8and R9together with their respective connecting carbon or nitrogen atom may form a cycloalkylic or heterocyclic 4 to 7-membered ring;
optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding salt thereof or a corresponding solvate thereof.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I or II the compound is a compound according to Formula IV,

whereinm is 1 or 2;n is 0 or 1;V1is selected from nitrogen or carbon;R1is —COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R2is hydrogen, halogen, —NR8R9, —SR7, —OR7, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R3is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl; andR4is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R5is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, substituted or unsubstituted O-alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl;R6, R7, R8and R9are independent from each other and selected from the group formed by hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, and substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl; or R6and R7or R8and R9together with their respective connecting carbon or nitrogen atom may form a cycloalkylic or heterocyclic 4 to 7-membered ring;and W, Y and Z are independently from one another selected from N or CH with only 1 or 2 of them being CH;optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formula IV above

is selected from:

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, and III the compound is a compound according to Formula IV,

whereinm is 1 or 2;n is 0 or 1;V1is selected from nitrogen or carbon;R1is —COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R2is hydrogen, halogen, —NR8R9, —SR7, —OR7, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R3is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl; andR4is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;R5is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, substituted or unsubstituted O-alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl;R6, R7, R8and R9are independent from each other and selected from the group formed by hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, and substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl; or R6and R7or R8and R9together with their respective connecting carbon or nitrogen atom may form a cycloalkylic or heterocyclic 4 to 7-membered ring;and

is selected from:

In a preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV R1is —COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, whereinthe aryl is selected from phenyl, naphtyl, or anthracene; preferably is napthyl and phenyl; more preferably is phenyl;and/orthe heterocyclyl is a heterocyclic ring system of one or more saturated or unsaturated rings of which at least one ring contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring; preferably is a heterocyclic ring system of one or two saturated or unsaturated rings of which at least one ring contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring, more preferably is selected from imidazole, oxadiazole, tetrazole, pyridine, pyrimidine, piperidine, indene, 2,3-dihydroindene, benzofuran, benzimidazole, indazole, benzothiazole, indoline, furan, triazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, thiophene, benzothiophene, pyrrole, pyrazine, quinoline, isoquinoline, phthalazine, benzo-1,2,5-thiadiazole, indole, benzotriazole, benzodioxolane, benzodioxane, carbazole and quinazoline;and/orthe alkyl is selected from C1-8alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl; preferably is C1-6alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl; more preferably is C1-4alkyl, like methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl;and/orthe cycloalkyl is selected from C3-8cycloalkyl; preferably is C3-7cycloalkyl; more preferably is selected from cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV R1is —COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl like C1-4-alkyl or CH3, C2H4OCH3, C3H6OCH3,

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV R2is hydrogen, halogen, —NR8R9, —SR7, —OR7, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, whereinthe aryl is phenyl, naphtyl or anthracene; preferably is napthyl and phenyl; more preferably is phenyl;and/orthe heterocyclyl is a heterocyclic ring system of one or more saturated or unsaturated rings of which at least one ring contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring; preferably is a heterocyclic ring system of one or two saturated or unsaturated rings of which at least one ring contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring; more preferably is selected from imidazole, oxadiazole, tetrazole, pyridine, pyrimidine, piperidine, indene, 2,3-dihydroindene, benzofuran, benzimidazole, indazole, benzothiazole, indoline, furan, triazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, thiophene, benzothiophene, pyrrole, pyrazine, quinoline, isoquinoline, phthalazine, benzo-1,2,5-thiadiazole, indole, benzotriazole, benzodioxolane, benzodioxane, carbazole and quinazoline;and/orthe alkyl is C1-8alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, or octyl; preferably is C1-6alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, or hexyl; more preferably is C1-4alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl;and/orthe alkenyl is C2-10-alkenyl or C2-8-alkenyl like ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene, heptylene or octylene; preferably id C1-6-alkenyl like ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, or hexylene; more preferably from C1-4-alkenyl, like ethylene, propylene, or butylene;and/orthe alkynyl is C2-10-alkynyl or C2-8-alkynyl like ethyne, propyne, butyene, pentyne, hexyne, heptyne, or octyne; preferably is C2-6-alkynyl like ethyne, propyne, butyene, pentyne, or hexyne; more preferably is C2-4-alkynyl like ethyne, propyne, butyene, pentyne, or hexyne;and/orthe cycloalkyl is C3-8cycloalkyl like cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, or cyclooctyl; preferably is C3-7cycloalkyl like cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, or cycloheptyl; more preferably from C3-6cycloalkyl like cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl;and/orhalogen is any of fluorine, chlorine, iodine or bromine, preferably chlorine or fluorine.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV R2is selected from hydrogen, halogen like fluorine, or C1-4alkyl like CH3or CF3,

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV R3is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, whereinthe aryl is phenyl, naphtyl or anthracene; preferably is napthyl and phenyl; more preferably is phenyl;and/orthe heterocyclyl is a heterocyclic ring system of one or more saturated or unsaturated rings of which at least one ring contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring; preferably is a heterocyclic ring system of one or two saturated or unsaturated rings of which at least one ring contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring; more preferably is selected from imidazole, oxadiazole, tetrazole, pyridine, pyrimidine, piperidine, indene, 2,3-dihydroindene, benzofuran, benzimidazole, indazole, benzothiazole, indoline, furan, triazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, thiophene, benzothiophene, pyrrole, pyrazine, quinoline, isoquinoline, phthalazine, benzo-1,2,5-thiadiazole, indole, benzotriazole, benzodioxolane, benzodioxane, carbazole and quinazoline, especially is pyridine, imidazole, indene, 2,3-dihydroindene, benzofuran, pyrimidine;and/orthe alkyl is C1-8alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, or octyl; preferably is C1-6alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, or hexyl; more preferably is C1-4alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl or R3is not alkyl;and/orthe alkenyl is C2-10-alkenyl or C2-8-alkenyl like ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene, heptylene or octylene; preferably id C1-6-alkenyl like ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, or hexylene; more preferably from C1-4-alkenyl, like ethylene, propylene, or butylene;and/orthe alkynyl is C2-10-alkynyl or C2-8-alkynyl like ethyne, propyne, butyene, pentyne, hexyne, heptyne, or octyne; preferably is C2-6-alkynyl like ethyne, propyne, butyene, pentyne, or hexyne; more preferably is C2-4-alkynyl like ethyne, propyne, butyene, pentyne, or hexyne;and/orthe cycloalkyl is C3-8cycloalkyl like cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, or cyclooctyl; preferably is C3-7cycloalkyl like cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, or cycloheptyl; more preferably from C3-6cycloalkyl like cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, especially cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV R3is selected from substituted or unsubstituted alkyl like propyl or butyl, from substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl like cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, or from substituted or unsubstituted aryl, like phenyl, or from substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, like pyridine, imidazole, indene, 2,3-dihydroindene, benzofuran, pyrimidine.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV R3is not alkyl. In such a preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV R3is selected from substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl like cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, or from substituted or unsubstituted aryl, like phenyl, or from substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, like pyridine, imidazole, indene, 2,3-dihydroindene, benzofuran, pyrimidine.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV R4is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, whereinthe aryl is phenyl, naphtyl or anthracene; preferably is napthyl and phenyl; more preferably is phenyl;and/orthe heterocyclyl is a heterocyclic ring system of one or more saturated or unsaturated rings of which at least one ring contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring; preferably is a heterocyclic ring system of one or two saturated or unsaturated rings of which at least one ring contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring; more preferably is selected from imidazole, oxadiazole, tetrazole, pyridine, pyrimidine, piperidine, indene, 2,3-dihydroindene, benzofuran, benzimidazole, indazole, benzothiazole, indoline, furan, triazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, thiophene, benzothiophene, pyrrole, pyrazine, quinoline, isoquinoline, phthalazine, benzo-1,2,5-thiadiazole, indole, benzotriazole, benzodioxolane, benzodioxane, carbazole and quinazoline, especially is pyridine, imidazole, indene, 2,3-dihydroindene, benzofuran, pyrimidine;and/orthe alkyl is C1-8alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, or octyl; preferably is C1-6alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, or hexyl; more preferably is C1-4alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl;and/orthe alkenyl is C2-10-alkenyl or C2-8-alkenyl like ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene, heptylene or octylene; preferably id C1-6-alkenyl like ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, or hexylene; more preferably from C1-4-alkenyl, like ethylene, propylene, or butylene;and/orthe alkynyl is C2-10-alkynyl or C2-8-alkynyl like ethyne, propyne, butyene, pentyne, hexyne, heptyne, or octyne; preferably is C2-6-alkynyl like ethyne, propyne, butyene, pentyne, or hexyne; more preferably is C2-4-alkynyl like ethyne, propyne, butyene, pentyne, or hexyne;and/orthe cycloalkyl is C3-8cycloalkyl like cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, or cyclooctyl; preferably is C3-7cycloalkyl like cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, or cycloheptyl; more preferably from C3-6cycloalkyl like cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, especially cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV R4is selected from hydrogen or from substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl like CH3or CH2OH.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV R5is selected from hydrogen or hydroxyl.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV R6, R7, R8and R9are independent from each other and selected from the group formed by hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, and substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl, or R6and R7or R8and R9together with their respective connecting carbon or nitrogen atom may form a cycloalkylic or heterocyclic 4 to 7-membered ring, whereinthe aryl is phenyl, naphtyl or anthracene; preferably is napthyl and phenyl; more preferably is phenyl;and/orthe alkyl-aryl is C1-4-alkyl-aryl; preferably is benzyl;and/orthe heterocyclyl is a heterocyclic ring system of one or more saturated or unsaturated rings of which at least one ring contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring; preferably is a heterocyclic ring system of one or two saturated or unsaturated rings of which at least one ring contains one or more heteroatoms from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur in the ring; more preferably is selected from imidazole, oxadiazole, tetrazole, pyridine, pyrimidine, piperidine, indene, 2,3-dihydroindene, benzofuran, benzimidazole, indazole, benzothiazole, indoline, furan, triazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, thiophene, benzothiophene, pyrrole, pyrazine, quinoline, isoquinoline, phthalazine, benzo-1,2,5-thiadiazole, indole, benzotriazole, benzodioxolane, benzodioxane, carbazole and quinazoline, especially is pyridine, imidazole, indene, 2,3-dihydroindene, benzofuran, pyrimidine;and/orthe alkyl is C1-8alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, or octyl; preferably is C1-6alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, or hexyl; more preferably is C1-4alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl;and/orthe alkenyl is C2-10-alkenyl or C2-8-alkenyl like ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene, heptylene or octylene; preferably id C1-6-alkenyl like ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, or hexylene; more preferably from C1-4-alkenyl, like ethylene, propylene, or butylene;and/orthe alkynyl is C2-10-alkynyl or C2-8-alkynyl like ethyne, propyne, butyene, pentyne, hexyne, heptyne, or octyne; preferably is C2-6-alkynyl like ethyne, propyne, butyene, pentyne, or hexyne; more preferably is C2-4-alkynyl like ethyne, propyne, butyene, pentyne, or hexyne;and/orthe cycloalkyl is C3-8cycloalkyl like cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, or cyclooctyl; preferably is C3-7cycloalkyl like cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, or cycloheptyl; more preferably from C3-6cycloalkyl like cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, especially cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl;and/orwhen R6and R7or R8and R9together with their respective connecting carbon or nitrogen atom form a cycloalkylic or heterocyclic ring this ring is 5 or 6 membered, preferably R6and R7together with their respective connecting carbon atom form a saturated cycloalkylic ring of 5 or 6 members, more preferably R6and R7together with their respective connecting carbon atom form saturated, unsubstituted cyclohexyl;

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV R6, R7, R8and R9are independently from each other selected from hydrogen, from substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl, from substituted or unsubstituted aryl like phenyl, from substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl like pyrrolidine, or from substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl like benzyl, or R6and R7together with their connecting carbon atom form a cycloalkylic 5 or 6-membered ring like cyclohexyl.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IVV1is selected from nitrogen or carbon;m is 1 or 2;n is 0 or 1;R1is —COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl like C1-4-alkyl or CH3, C2H4OCH3, C3H6OCH3;R2is selected from hydrogen, halogen like fluorine, or C1-4alkyl like CH3or CF3;R3is selected from substituted or unsubstituted alkyl like propyl or butyl, from substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl like cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, or from substituted or unsubstituted aryl, like phenyl, or from substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, like pyridine, imidazole, indene, 2,3-dihydroindene, benzofuran, pyrimidine;R4is selected from hydrogen or from substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl like CH3or CH2OH;R5is selected from hydrogen or hydroxy; andR6, R7, R8and R9are independently from each other selected from hydrogen, from substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl, from substituted or unsubstituted aryl like phenyl, from substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl like pyrrolidine, or from substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl like benzyl,or R6and R7together with their connecting carbon atom may form a cycloalkylic 5 or 6-membered ring like unsubstituted cyclohexyl;

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV (wherein R3is not alkyl)V1is selected from nitrogen or carbon;m is 1 or 2;n is 0 or 1;R1is —COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl like C1-4-alkyl or CH3, C2H4OCH3, C3H6OCH3;R2is selected from hydrogen, halogen like fluorine, or C1-4alkyl like CH3or CF3;R3is selected from substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl like cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, or from substituted or unsubstituted aryl, like phenyl, or from substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, like pyridine, imidazole, indene, 2,3-dihydroindene, benzofuran, pyrimidine;R4is selected from hydrogen or from substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl like CH3or CH2OH;R5is selected from hydrogen or hydroxy; andR6, R7, R8and R9are independently from each other selected from hydrogen, from substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl like methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl, from substituted or unsubstituted aryl like phenyl, from substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl like pyrrolidine, or from substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl like benzyl,or R6and R7together with their connecting carbon atom may form a cycloalkylic 5 or 6-membered ring like unsubstituted cyclohexyl.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV the compound is having a general formula V,

whereinm is 1 or 2, preferably is 1;n is 0 or 1;R1is —COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl, preferably is —COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, —CH3, —C2H4OCH3, or —C3H6OCH3;R2is hydrogen, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl, preferably is hydrogen;R3is substituted or unsubstituted aryl or substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, preferably is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or substituted or unsubstituted pyridine;R4is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl, preferably is hydrogen or —CH2OH;R5is hydrogen, halogen or hydroxyl, preferably is hydrogen;R6, R7, R8and R9are independent from each other and selected from the group formed by hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl or substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, or R6and R7together with their connecting atom might form an unsubstituted 5- or 6-membered saturated cycloalkylic ring; preferably R6, R7, R8and R9are independent from each other selected from hydrogen, —CH3, —CHCOOH, —C2H5, —C3H7, —CH(NH2)C3H7, —CH(COOH)C3H7, substituted phenyl, unsubstituted pyrrolidine, unsubstituted benzyl, or R6and R7together with their connecting carbon atom form an unsubstituted cyclohexyl;optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof.

In a parallel preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III or IV the compound is having a general formula Va (which only differs from formula V by allowing V1 being also nitrogen),

whereinV1is selected from nitrogen or carbon, preferably is carbon;m is 1 or 2, preferably is 1;n is 0 or 1;R1is —COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl, preferably is —COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, —CH3, —C2H4OCH3, or —C3H6OCH3;R2is hydrogen, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl, preferably is hydrogen;R3is substituted or unsubstituted aryl or substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, preferably is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or substituted or unsubstituted pyridine;R4is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl, preferably is hydrogen or —CH2OH;R5is hydrogen, halogen or hydroxyl, preferably is hydrogen;R6, R7, R8and R9are independent from each other and selected from the group formed by hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-4alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl or substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, or R6and R7together with their connecting atom might form an unsubstituted 5- or 6-membered saturated cycloalkylic ring; preferably R6, R7, R8and R9are independent from each other selected from hydrogen, —CH3, —CHCOOH, —C2H5, —C3H7, —CH(NH2)C3H7, —CH(COOH)C3H7, substituted phenyl, unsubstituted pyrrolidine, unsubstituted benzyl, or R6and R7together with their connecting carbon atom form an unsubstituted cyclohexyl;
optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of a compound of general formula V (but also for formula Va with V1being selected from nitrogen or carbon) abovem is 1;and/orn is 0 or 1;and/orR1is —COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, —CH3, —C2H4OCH3, or —C3H6OCH3;and/orR2is hydrogen;and/orR3is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or substituted or unsubstituted pyridine;and/orR4is hydrogen or —CH2OH;and/orR5is hydrogen;and/orR6, R7, R8and R9are independent from each other selected from hydrogen, —CH3, —CHCOOH, —C2H5, —C3H7, —CH(NH2)C3H7, —CH(COOH)C3H7, substituted phenyl, unsubstituted pyrrolidine, unsubstituted benzyl, or R6and R7together with their connecting carbon atom form an unsubstituted cyclohexyl.

In another preferred embodiment of a compound of general formula V abovem is 1;n is 0 or 1;R1is —COR6, —CONR8R9, —COCR6R7NR8R9, —CH3, —C2H4OCH3, or —C3H6OCH3;R2is hydrogen;R3is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or substituted or unsubstituted pyridine;R4is hydrogen or —CH2OH;R5is hydrogen; andR6, R7, R8and R9are independent from each other selected from hydrogen, —CH3, —CHCOOH, —C2H5, —C3H7, —CH(NH2)C3H7, —CH(COOH)C3H7, substituted phenyl, unsubstituted pyrrolidine, unsubstituted benzyl, or R6and R7together with their connecting carbon atom form an unsubstituted cyclohexyl.

In both these embodiment general formula V can be written as formula Va:

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III, IV and V (thus then applying to all definitions of all radicals R1to R9of the compounds of general formulas I, II, III, IV and V)any aryl which is substituted is substituted by one or more of halogen (F, Cl, I, Br), —OH, —NH2, —SH, —C(O)OH, —OC1-4alkyl being unsubstituted or substituted by one or more of OH or halogen (F, Cl, I, Br), —CN, or —C1-4alkyl being unsubstituted or substituted by one or more of OH or halogen (F, Cl, I, Br),any cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl which is substituted is substituted by one or more of halogen (F, Cl, I, Br), —OH, —NH2, —SH, ═O, —C(O)OH, —OC1-4alkyl being unsubstituted or substituted by one or more of OH or halogen (F, Cl, I, Br), —CN, or —C1-4alkyl being unsubstituted or substituted by one or more of OH or halogen (F, Cl, I, Br), andany alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or O-alkyl which is substituted is substituted by one or more of halogen (F, Cl, I, Br), —OH, —NH2, —SH, —C(O)OH, or —OC1-4alkyl being unsubstituted or substituted by one or more of OH or halogen (F, Cl, I, Br).

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III, IV or V the compound is selected from3-(1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl ethylcarbamate,1-((1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)piperidine,3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl acetate,4-((3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenylpyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenoxy)carbonylamino)benzoic acid,3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl isobutyrate,(S)-3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate,4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidine,3-(1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl dimethylcarbamate,3-(1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl acetate,4-(3-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenyl)-1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidine,4-(3-(3-methoxypropoxy)phenyl)-1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidine,2-((4-((4-(3-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine,(S)-3-methyl-2-((3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenylpyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenoxy)carbonylamino)butanoic acid,2-((3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenylpyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenoxy)carbonylamino)acetic acid,3-fluoro-2-((4-((4-(3-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine,5-fluoro-2-((4-((4-(3-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine,2-(4-((4-(3-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-2-phenylethanol,(S)-3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl pyrrolidine-2-carboxylate,(S)-3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl 2-amino-3-phenylpropanoate, and3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl 1-aminocyclohexanecarboxylate;
optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III, IV or V the compound is selected from3-(1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl ethylcarbamate,1-((1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)piperidine,3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl acetate,4-((3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenylpyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenoxy)carbonylamino)benzoic acid,3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl isobutyrate,(S)-3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl 2-amino-3-methylbutanoate,4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidine,3-(1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl dimethylcarbamate,3-(1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl acetate,4-(3-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenyl)-1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidine,4-(3-(3-methoxypropoxy)phenyl)-1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidine,2-((4-((4-(3-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine,3-fluoro-2-((4-((4-(3-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine,5-fluoro-2-((4-((4-(3-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine,2-(4-((4-(3-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-2-phenylethanol,(S)-3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl pyrrolidine-2-carboxylate,(S)-3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl 2-amino-3-phenylpropanoate, and3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl 1-aminocyclohexanecarboxylate;
optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof.

In another very preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III, IV or V the compound is selected from3-(1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl ethylcarbamate,3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl acetate,4-((3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenylpyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenoxy)carbonylamino)benzoic acid,3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl isobutyrate,(S)-3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl 2-amino-3-methylbutanoate,4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidine,3-(1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl dimethylcarbamate,3-(1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl acetate,4-(3-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenyl)-1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidine,4-(3-(3-methoxypropoxy)phenyl)-1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidine,(S)-3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl pyrrolidine-2-carboxylate,(S)-3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl 2-amino-3-phenylpropanoate, and3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl 1-aminocyclohexanecarboxylate;
optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III, IV or V the compound is selected from3-(1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl ethylcarbamate,3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl acetate,4-((3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenylpyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenoxy)carbonylamino)benzoic acid,3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl isobutyrate,(S)-3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl 2-amino-3-methylbutanoate,4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidine,3-(1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl dimethylcarbamate,3-(1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl acetate,4-(3-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenyl)-1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidine,4-(3-(3-methoxypropoxy)phenyl)-1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidine,
optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof.

In another highly preferred embodiment of the compound according to the invention according to general formulas I, II, III, IV or V the compound is selected from3-(1-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl acetate, and3-(1-((1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl acetate;
optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof.

As this invention is aimed at providing a compound or a chemically related series of compounds which act as dual ligands of the σ1 receptor and the μ-opiod receptor it is a very preferred embodiment in which the compounds are selected which act as dual ligands of the σ1 receptor and the μ-opiod receptor and especially compounds which have a binding expressed as Kiwhich is <100 nm for both receptors.

In the following the phrase “compound of the invention” is used. This is to be understood as any compound according to the invention as described above according to general formulas I, II, III, IV, or V.

The compounds of the invention represented by the above described formula (I) may include enantiomers depending on the presence of chiral centres or isomers depending on the presence of multiple bonds (e.g. Z, E). The single isomers, enantiomers or diastereoisomers and mixtures thereof fall within the scope of the present invention.

In general the processes are described below in the experimental part. The starting materials are commercially available or can be prepared by conventional methods.

A preferred aspect of the invention is also a process for the production of a compound according to formula I,

wherein R1, R2, R5, V1, V2, V3, W, X, Y, Z and m are as defined for formula (I) or for a compound according to formula Ia (below)

wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, V1, V2, V3, W, X, Y, Z, n and m are as defined for formula I,wherein a compound of formula X or its suitable salt like the hydrochloride

wherein R1, R2, R5, V1, V2, and V3are as defined for formula I, is reacted with a compound according to formula XI (for a compound according to formula I) or according to formula XIa (for a compound according to formula Ia) under the conditions of Step 1

wherein R3, R4, W, X, Y, Z and n are as defined for formula I, leading to a compound according to formula (I) or formula (Ia) respectively,wherein the reductive amination reaction of the compounds of formula (X) and (XI or XIa) of Step 1 is carried out with a reductive reagent in an aprotic solvent in the presence of an organic base.

Preferably in the reaction of Step 1 above the reductive reagent is sodium triacetoxyborohydride, the aprotic solvent is dichloroethane and/or the organic base is diisopropylethylamine.

Another preferred aspect of the invention is a process for the production of a compound according to the invention, wherein a the compound is a compound of formula V

or a compound according to claim1according to formula I with

being

wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, V1, V2, V3, W, X, Y, Z, n and m are as defined for formula V or formula I, respectively,wherein a compound of formula VI or its suitable salt like the hydrochloride

wherein R1, R2, R5and V1are as defined for formula V or formula I, respectively, is reacted with a compound according to formula VIII under the conditions of Step 2

wherein m is as defined for formula V or formula I, leading to a compound according to formula VII,

wherein R1, R2, R5, V1and m are as defined for formula V or formula I, respectively.

Preferably this is followed by reacting said compound according to formula VII with a compound according to formula IX under the conditions of Step 3

wherein R3, R4and n are as defined for formula V or formula I, respectively, under the conditions of Step 3, leading to a compound according to formula (V),wherein X is a leaving group like a halogen or sulphate like chlorine,wherein the reaction of Step 2 of said compounds of general formula (VI) with said compounds of formula (VIII) is carried out in the presence of a base in an aprotic solvent;wherein the reaction of Step 3 of said compounds of general formula (VII) with said compounds of formula (IX) is carried out in the presence of a copper salt and sodium ascorbate in a mixture of protic organic solvent and water.

Preferably in the reaction of Step 2 above the base is Et3N, the aprotic solvent is tetrahydrofurane (THF) and/or the reaction is preferably carried out at a temperature range of 25-75° C. The temperature may be raised by conventional methods or by use of microwave.

Preferably in the reaction of Step 3 above the copper salt is CuSO4.5H2O and the mixture of protic organic solvent and water is a mixture of t-BuOH:H2O 1:1 and/or the reaction is preferably carried out at room temperature.

Another preferred aspect of the invention is a process for the production of a compound according to the invention, wherein the compound is a compound of formula V

wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, n and m are as defined for formula V above,wherein a compound of formula VI or its suitable salt like the hydrochloride

wherein R1, R2, and R5are as defined for formula V above, is reacted with a compound according to formula VIII under the conditions of Step 2

wherein m is as defined for formula V above, leading to a compound according to formula VII,

wherein R1, R2, R5and m are as defined for formula V above.

Preferably this is followed by reacting said compound according to formula VII with a compound according to formula IX under the conditions of Step 3

wherein R3, R4and n are as defined for formula V above, under the conditions of Step 3, leading to a compound according to formula (V),wherein X is a leaving group like a halogen or sulphate like chlorine,wherein the reaction of Step 2 of said compounds of general formula (VI) with said compounds of formula (VIII) is carried out in the presence of a base in an aprotic solvent;wherein the reaction of Step 3 of said compounds of general formula (VII) with said compounds of formula (IX) is carried out in the presence of a copper salt and sodium ascorbate in a mixture of protic organic solvent and water.

Preferably in the reaction of Step 2 above the base is Et3N, the aprotic solvent is tetrahydrofurane (THF) and/or the reaction is preferably carried out at a temperature range of 25-75° C. The temperature may be raised by conventional methods or by use of microwave.

Preferably in the reaction of Step 3 above the copper salt is CuSO4.5H2O and the mixture of protic organic solvent and water is a mixture of t-BuOH:H2O 1:1 and/or the reaction is preferably carried out at room temperature.

In summary, this gives the following Scheme:

Another preferred aspect of the invention is a process for the production of a compound according to the invention, wherein the compound is a compound of formula Ib

wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, V1, V2, V3, n and m are as defined for formula Ib,wherein a compound of formula Via or its suitable salt like the hydrochloride

wherein R1, R2, R5, V1, V2and V3are as defined for formula Ib, is reacted with a compound according to formula VIII under the conditions of Step 2

wherein m is 1 or 2, leading to a compound according to formula VIIa,

Preferably this is followed by reacting said compound according to formula VIIa with a compound according to formula IX under the conditions of Step 3

(IX)wherein R3, R4and n are as defined as for formula Ib, under the conditions of Step 3, leading to a compound according to formula Ib,wherein X is a leaving group like a halogen or sulphate like chlorine,wherein the reaction of Step 2 of said compounds of general formula (VIa) with said compounds of formula (VIII) is carried out in the presence of a base in an aprotic solvent;wherein the reaction of Step 3 of said compounds of general formula (VIIa) with said compounds of formula (IX) is carried out in the presence of a copper salt and sodium ascorbate in a mixture of protic organic solvent and water.

Preferably in the reaction of Step 2 above the base is Et3N, the aprotic solvent is tetrahydrofurane (THF) and/or the reaction is preferably carried out at a temperature range of 25-75° C. The temperature may be raised by conventional methods or by use of microwave.

Preferably in the reaction of Step 3 above the copper salt is CuSO4.5H2O and the mixture of protic organic solvent and water is a mixture of t-BuOH:H2O 1:1 and/or the reaction is preferably carried out at room temperature.

In summary, this gives the following Scheme:

The obtained reaction products may, if desired, be purified by conventional methods, such as crystallisation and chromatography. Where the above described processes for the preparation of compounds of the invention give rise to mixtures of stereoisomers, these isomers may be separated by conventional techniques such as preparative chromatography. If there are chiral centers the compounds may be prepared in racemic form, or individual enantiomers may be prepared either by enantiospecific synthesis or by resolution.

One preferred pharmaceutically acceptable form of a compound of the invention is the crystalline form, including such form in pharmaceutical composition. In the case of salts and also solvates of the compounds of the invention the additional ionic and solvent moieties must also be non-toxic. The compounds of the invention may present different polymorphic forms, it is intended that the invention encompasses all such forms.

Another aspect of the invention refers to a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound according to the invention as described above according to general formulas I, II, III, IV, or V or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or steroisomer thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant or vehicle. The present invention thus provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of this invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomers thereof together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or vehicle, for administration to a patient.

Examples of pharmaceutical compositions include any solid (tablets, pills, capsules, granules etc.) or liquid (solutions, suspensions or emulsions) composition for oral, topical or parenteral administration.

In a preferred embodiment the pharmaceutical compositions are in oral form, either solid or liquid. Suitable dose forms for oral administration may be tablets, capsules, syrops or solutions and may contain conventional excipients known in the art such as binding agents, for example syrup, acacia, gelatin, sorbitol, tragacanth, or polyvinylpyrrolidone; fillers, for example lactose, sugar, maize starch, calcium phosphate, sorbitol or glycine; tabletting lubricants, for example magnesium stearate; disintegrants, for example starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium starch glycollate or microcrystalline cellulose; or pharmaceutically acceptable wetting agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate.

The solid oral compositions may be prepared by conventional methods of blending, filling or tabletting. Repeated blending operations may be used to distribute the active agent throughout those compositions employing large quantities of fillers. Such operations are conventional in the art. The tablets may for example be prepared by wet or dry granulation and optionally coated according to methods well known in normal pharmaceutical practice, in particular with an enteric coating.

The pharmaceutical compositions may also be adapted for parenteral administration, such as sterile solutions, suspensions or lyophilized products in the appropriate unit dosage form. Adequate excipients can be used, such as bulking agents, buffering agents or surfactants.

The mentioned formulations will be prepared using standard methods such as those described or referred to in the Spanish and US Pharmacopoeias and similar reference texts.

Administration of the compounds or compositions of the present invention may be by any suitable method, such as intravenous infusion, oral preparations, and intraperitoneal and intravenous administration. Oral administration is preferred because of the convenience for the patient and the chronic character of the diseases to be treated.

Generally an effective administered amount of a compound of the invention will depend on the relative efficacy of the compound chosen, the severity of the disorder being treated and the weight of the sufferer. However, active compounds will typically be administered once or more times a day for example 1, 2, 3 or 4 times daily, with typical total daily doses in the range of from 0.1 to 1000 mg/kg/day.

The compounds and compositions of this invention may be used with other drugs to provide a combination therapy. The other drugs may form part of the same composition, or be provided as a separate composition for administration at the same time or at different time.

Another aspect of the invention refers to the use of a compound of the invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or isomer thereof in the manufacture of a medicament.

Another aspect of the invention refers to a compound of the invention according as described above according to general formulas I, II, III, IV, or V or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or isomer thereof, for use as a medicament for the treatment of pain. Preferably the pain is medium to severe pain, visceral pain, chronic pain, cancer pain, migraine, inflammatory pain, acute pain or neuropathic pain, allodynia or hyperalgesia. This may include mechanical allodynia or thermal hyperalgesia.

Another aspect of the invention refers to the use of a compound of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of pain.

In a preferred embodiment the pain is selected from medium to severe pain, visceral pain, chronic pain, cancer pain, migraine, inflammatory pain, acute pain or neuropathic pain, allodynia or hyperalgesia, also preferably including mechanical allodynia or thermal hyperalgesia.

Another aspect of this invention relates to a method of treating or preventing pain which method comprises administering to a patient in need of such a treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound as above defined or a pharmaceutical composition thereof. Among the pain syndromes that can be treated are medium to severe pain, visceral pain, chronic pain, cancer pain, migraine, inflammatory pain, acute pain or neuropathic pain, allodynia or hyperalgesia, whereas this could also include mechanical allodynia or thermal hyperalgesia.

The present invention is illustrated below with the aid of examples. These illustrations are given solely by way of example and do not limit the general spirit of the present invention.

EXAMPLES

General Experimental Part (Methods and Equipment of the Synthesis and Analysis

All solvents used for synthesis were p. a. quality.

Method I

A process is described for the preparation of compounds of general formula (Iex) where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, A, B, C, D, W, n and m have the meanings as defined above (with “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” being “X”, “Y”, “Z”, “W” in the above description, respectively, and “W” being “V1” in the above description), comprising the reaction of compound of formula (IIex), or its suitable salt, such as hydrochloride, with a compound of general formula (IIIex) as described in scheme 1:

The reductive amination reaction of compounds of formula (IIex) and (IIIex) is preferably carried out with a reductive reagent, preferably sodium triacetoxyborohydride, in an aprotic solvent, preferably dichloroethane, in the presence of an organic base, preferably diisopropylethylamine.

Method II

A process is described for the preparation of compounds of general formula (Iaexand Ibex) where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, W, n and m have the meanings as defined above (with “W” being “V1” in the above description), comprising the reaction of a compound of formula (IIex) with a compound of formula (IVex), where X is a suitable leaving group such as a halogen or sulfonate, and the reaction of the resulting intermediate (Vex) with convenient reagents such as (VIex), (VIIex) or (VIIIex) to give the triazoles (Iaex) and (Ibex). As indicated in Scheme 2 different methods can be used in the practical realization of these two reactions. In some cases, the intermediate (Vex) can be isolated but in other cases the two steps may be carried out one-pot. The compounds of formula (IVex) and the reagents of formula (VIex), (VIIex) or (VIIIex) are either commercially available or can be prepared following conventional methods reported in the literature. Alternately, some of the azides can be prepared in situ.

In Method IIA the reaction of compounds of general formula (IIex) with compounds of formula (IVex) where X is a suitable leaving group, such as halogen or sulfonate, is carried out in the presence of a base, preferably Et3N, in an aprotic solvent such as tetrahydrofurane (THF) at a temperature range of 25-75° C., using conventional heating or a microwave reactor.

In Method IIB the reaction of compounds of formula (Vex) with azides of general formula (VIex) is carried out in the presence of a copper salt, preferably CuSO4.5H2O and sodium ascorbate, in a mixture of protic organic solvent and water, preferably a mixture of t-BuOH:H2O 1:1 at room temperature.

In Method IIC the azide is generated in situ. The precursor of the azide (VIIex), where X is a suitable leaving group such as halogen or sulfonate, is treated with sodium azide and a copper salt, preferably CuI, in an organic solvent, preferably dimethylformamide, at 100° C. using microwave irradiation. Alternatively, some additives such as N1,N2-dimethylethane-1,2-diamine (DMEDA) and sodium ascorbate can be added to the reaction mixture.

In Method IID the precursor of the azide of general formula (VIIex) is treated with sodium azide in a mixture of a protic organic solvent and water, preferably a mixture of t-BuOH:H2O 1:1, at 100° C. using microwave irradiation for a suitable time, such as 1 h or until completed reaction. The in situ formed azide is then treated with compounds of general formula (Vex) in the presence of a copper salt, preferably CuSO4.5H2O and sodium ascorbate at room temperature.

In Method IIE the intermediates of general formula (Iaex) are prepared in a one-pot procedure comprising the reaction of compounds of general formula (IIex) and propargyl bromide in the presence of a base, preferably Et3N, in water at room temperature for 1 h or until completed reaction, after which compounds of general formula (VIex) are added in the presence of a copper salt, preferably CuI, at room temperature (Tetrahedron2005, 61, 9331-9337).

If desired, racemic intermediates of general formula (IIex) or final compounds of general formula (Iex) may be resolved into their enantiomers by conventional resolution methods as for example, chiral chromatography, crystallization of the diastereomeric salts, etc.

Thus, the obtained reaction products may, if desired, be purified by conventional methods, such as crystallisation and chromatography. Where the above described processes for the preparation of compounds of the invention give rise to mixtures of stereoisomers, these isomers may be separated by conventional techniques such as preparative chromatography. If there are chiral centers the compounds may be prepared in racemic form, or individual enantiomers may be prepared either by enantiospecific synthesis or by resolution.

Method III

The process for the preparation of intermediates of formula (Idex-hex) where R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, A, B, C, D, W, m and n have the meanings as defined above (with “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” being “X”, “Y”, “Z”, “W” in the above description, respectively, and “W” being “V1” in the above description), according to scheme 3, which comprises the reaction of compounds of formula (Icex) with a compound of formula (IXaex-dex), where X is a suitable leaving group such as halogen, in the presence of a base, preferably pyridine, Et3N, NaH, K2CO3or Cs2CO3, alternatively in the presence of 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine, at a range of temperature of 0 to 120° C., in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as dichloromethane, acetone, acetonitrile or THF; alternatively, the reactions can be carried out in a microwave reactor.

Alternatively, compounds (Igex) can be prepared by reaction of compounds (Icex) with a carboxylic acid of formula (IXeex) in the presence of an activating agent, preferably N-Ethyl-N′-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC-HCl), and 4-dimethylaminopyridine as additive, in an organic solvent, preferably dichloromethane.

In some cases, an additional final deprotection step was needed to obtain compounds of formula (Ieex) and (Igex), preferably in an acidic medium, preferably HCl in an organic solvent, preferably 1,4-dioxane, or trifluoroacetic acid.

Synthesis of Intermediates of General Formula (IIex)

In some cases, compounds of formula (IIex) are commercially available or they can be obtained by conventional methods. Alternatively compound of formula (IIex) can be obtained following different methods:

Method IV

The process for the preparation of intermediates of general formula (IIbex-fex) where W, R2, R5, R6, R7, have the meanings as defined above (with “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” being “X”, “Y”, “Z”, “W” in the above description, respectively, and “W” being “V1” in the above description), according to the reaction sequence shown in scheme 4, which comprises:a) The reaction of compounds of formula (Xaex) with a compound of formula (IXaex-dexand fex), where X is a suitable leaving group, such as halogen, in the presence of a base, preferably pyridine, Et3N, NaH, K2CO3or CS2CO3, alternatively in the presence of 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine, at a range of temperature of 0 to 120° C., in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as dichloromethane, toluene, acetone, acetonitrile, THF or DMF; alternatively, the reactions can be carried out in a microwave reactor. Alternatively, compounds (IIeex) can be prepared by reaction of compounds (Xaex) with a carboxylic acid of formula (IXeex) in the presence of an activating agent, preferably N-Ethyl-N′-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC-HCl), and 4-dimethylaminopyridine as additive, in an organic solvent, preferably dichloromethaneb) The deprotection of the resulting compounds (Xbex-fex) in an acidic medium, preferably HCl in an organic solvent, preferably 1,4-dioxane.
Method V

The process for the preparation of intermediates of general formula (IIgex) where W, R1and R2have the meanings as defined above (with W being V1above), according to the reaction sequence shown in scheme 5 and comprises:a) The coupling reaction of an aromatic bromide of general formula (XIex) with 3,6-dihydro-2H-pyridine-1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-4-boronic acid pinacol ester in the presence of a palladium catalyst, such as Pd(PPh3)4and an inorganic base, preferably K2CO3or Na2CO3in a mixture of organic solvents and water, preferably a mixture of dimethoxyethane/ethanol/water or dioxane/ethanol/water at a temperature range of 90-160° C. Alternatively, the reaction can be carried out in a microwave reactor. The bromides of general formula (XIex) are commercially available or can be prepared by conventional methods.b) The reduction of compounds of formula (XIIex), by any suitable method such as hydrogenation using a palladium catalyst, preferably Pd(OH)2, in a protic solvent preferably MeOH.c) The deprotection of the resulting compounds of formula (XIIex) in an acidic medium, preferably HCl in an organic solvent preferably 1,4-dioxane.

Synthesis of Intermediates of General Formula IIIex

The aldehydes of general formula (IIIex) where R3, R4, A, B, C, D and n have the meanings as defined above (with “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” being “X”, “Y”, “Z”, “W” in the above description, respectively), are commercially available or can be prepared by methods described in the bibliography (for example, WO2010046780 A2, WO2008157844 A1) or by the methods described below and summarized in Scheme 6.

Method VI involves the oxidation of compounds of general formula (XIVex), using a suitable oxidizing reagent, such as MnO2, in an aprotic solvent such as dichloromethane.

Method VII involves the reduction of compounds of general formula (XVex) with a suitable reducing agent such as DIBAL-H at −78° C. in an aprotic solvent, preferably dichloromethane.

Method VIII, which is exemplified for the preparation of compounds of formula (IIIaex), comprises the reaction between compounds of formula (XVIex) with compounds of general formula (VIIex) where X is a suitable leaving group as halogen or sulfonate, in the presence of an inorganic base, preferably an aqueous solution of NaOH and a phase transfer catalyst, preferably tetra-n-butylammonium bromide, in an aprotic solvent preferably toluene at room temperature.

Method IX, which is exemplified for the preparation of compounds of formula (IIIbex), comprises the reaction between the compounds of general formula (XVIIex) with POCl3in DMF as solvent at 90-110° C.

Synthesis of Intermediates of General Formula XIVex

The alcohols of general formula (XIVex) where R3, R4, A, B, C, D and n have the meanings as defined above, are commercially available or can be prepared by methods described in the bibliography (for exampleJ. Org. Chem.2010, 75, 6540-6548, WO2010080864, Org. Lett.2009, 21, 4954-4957, J. Med. Chem. 2011, 54, 5988-5999). In particular, alcohols of formula XIVaexand XIVbexcan be prepared by the methods outlined in Scheme 7.

Method X comprises the cycloaddition reaction of an azide of general formula (VIex) with propargyl alcohol in the presence of a copper salt as catalys. The azides of general formula (VIex) are commercially available or may be prepared following conventional methods reported in the literature; alternately, some of the azides can be prepared in situ. The reaction is performed in the presence of a copper salt, preferably CuSO4.5H2O and sodium ascorbate in a mixture of protic organic solvent and water, preferably a mixture of t-BuOH:H2O 1:1 at room temperature Alternatively, CuI can be used as copper salt in a polar solvent as dimethylformamide at 100° C. using microwave irradiation or Cu(OAc)2can be used as copper salt in a polar solvent, such as methanol at room temperature. The reaction can also be effected using a one-pot procedure, in which case it is performed with sodium azide in a mixture of protic organic solvent and water, preferably a mixture of t-BuOH:H2O 1:1, heating at 100° C. using microwave irradiation for 1 h or until completed reaction, followed by the reaction with propargyl alcohol in the presence of a copper salt, preferably CuSO4.5H2O and sodium ascorbate at room temperature. Alternatively, CuI is used as copper salt in a polar solvent, such as dimethylformamide and at 90° C. using microwave irradiation.

Compounds of general formula (XIVbex), where R3, R4, and n have the meanings as defined above can be prepared using Method XI. This process comprises:a) The reaction between compound of formula (XVIIIex) with a compound of general formula (VIIex) where X is a suitable leaving group such as halogen or sulfonate, in the presence of a base, preferably K2CO3, in a polar solvent, preferably acetone at 60° C.b) The reduction of the resulting compound (XVbex) with a suitable hydride reagent, preferably LiAlH4at 0° C., in an aprotic solvent, preferably THF.

Synthesis of Intermediates of General Formula XVex

The esters of general formula (XVex), where R3, R4, A, B, C, D and n have the meanings as defined above, are commercially available or can be prepared by methods described in the bibliography (Synthesis,1975, 9, 609-610; WO2011098904; Org. Lett.2010, 12, 9, 2166-2169)

The esters of general formula (XVaex), where R3, R4, and n have the meanings as defined above, can be prepared by Method XII, which involves the cycloaddition reaction of an azide of general formula (VIex) with ethyl propiolate in the presence of a copper salt as catalyst, preferably Cu(OTf)2.C6H6in an aprotic solvent, preferably toluene, at 70-100° C. (Scheme 8).

Method XII

SYNTHESIS OF INTERMEDIATES

Example of Preparation of an Intermediate of Formula (IICe), Method IV

Example of Preparation of an Intermediate of Formula (IIdex), Method IV

Synthesis of 4-(3-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenyl)piperidine

4-(3-(2-Methoxyethoxy)phenyl)piperidine: To a solution of tert-Butyl 4-(3-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenyl)piperidine-1-carboxylate (80 mg, 0.23 mmol) in dioxane (0.5 mL), a solution of 4M HCl in dioxane (0.89 mL, 3.5 mmol) was added and stirred at rt overnight. The mixture was concentrated to dryness to afford the titled compound (60 mg, 95% yield) as hydrochloride that was used directly in the next step.

Example of Preparation of an Intermediate of Formula (IIfex), Method IV

Example of Preparation of an Intermediate of Formula (Vex), Method IIA

Synthesis of 3-(1-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)piperidin-4-yl)phenol

Example of Preparation of an Intermediate of Formula (IIIex), Method VI

Synthesis of 1-(3-fluoropyridin-2-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbaldehyde

Example of Preparation of an Intermediate of Formula (XIVaex), Method X

Synthesis of (1-((3-fluoropyridin-2-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methanol

Example of Preparation of an Intermediate of Formula (Ice), Method IIB

Synthesis of 3-(1-((1-Pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenol

SYNTHESIS OF EXAMPLES

Preparation of Compounds of General Formula (Iex), Method I

This method was used for the preparation of examples 1, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17.

Preparation of Compounds of General Formula (Iex), Method IIF

This method was used for the preparation of the examples of formula (I) 2, 7.

Preparation of Compounds of General Formula (Idex), Method III

This method was used for the preparation of examples of formula (I) 3, 9.

Preparation of Compounds of General Formula (Ieex), Method III

This method was used for the preparation of examples of formula (I) 4, 13, 14.

Preparation of Compounds of General Formula (Iqex), Method III

To a solution of 3-(1-((1-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenol (200 mg, 0.57 mmol) in anhydrous THF (10 mL) at 0° C., Et3N (160 μl, 1.15 mmol) and isobutyryl chloride (91 mg, 0.86 mmol) were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 10 min and then at rt for 4 h. The reaction mixture was cooled again at 0° C. and additional amount of isobutyryl chloride (45 mg, 0.43 mmol) was added and stirred at rt for 2 h until completed reaction. NaHCO3saturated solution was added and extracted with DCM, washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated to afforded the title product (209 mg, 87% yield). HPLC retention time: 5.67 min; HRMS: 420.2395 (M+H).

This method was used for the preparation of examples of formula (I) 5.

Preparation of Compounds of General Formula (Iqex), Method III

(S)-3-(1-((1-Pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl 2-amino-3-methylbutanoate: To a solution of (S)-3-(1-((1-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-4-yl)phenyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino-3-methylbutanoate (540 mg, 0.98 mmol) in dioxane (3 mL), ), a solution of 4M HCl in dioxane (3.7 mL, 14.7 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness to afford the title product (455 mg, 89% yield) as hydrochloride. HPLC retention time: 4.28 min; MS: 471.3 (M+Na).

This method was used for the preparation of examples of formula (I) 6, 18, 19, 20.

Table of Examples with Results of HRMS and Binding to the μ-opioid Receptor and the σ1-Receptor:

Source type: ESI; Ion Polarity: Positive or Negative

To investigate binding properties of σ1receptor ligands to human σ1receptor, transfected HEK-293 membranes and [3H](+)-pentazocine (Perkin Elmer, NET-1056), as the radioligand, were used. The assay was carried out with 7 μg of membrane suspension, 5 nM of [3H](+)-pentazocine in either absence or presence of either buffer or 10 μM Haloperidol for total and non-specific binding, respectively. Binding buffer contained Tris-HCl 50 mM at pH 8. Plates were incubated at 37° C. for 120 minutes. After the incubation period, the reaction mix was then transferred to MultiScreen HTS, FC plates (Millipore), filtered and plates were washed 3 times with ice-cold 10 mM Tris-HCL (pH7.4). Filters were dried and counted at approximately 40% efficiency in a MicroBeta scintillation counter (Perkin-Elmer) using EcoScint liquid scintillation cocktail

Human μ-Opioid Receptor Radioligand Assay

To investigate binding properties of μ-opioid receptor ligands to human μ-opioid receptor, transfected CHO-K1 cell membranes and [3H]-DAMGO (Perkin Elmer, ES-542-C), as the radioligand, were used. The assay was carried out with 20 μg of membrane suspension, 1 nM of [3H]-DAMGO in either absence or presence of either buffer or 10 μM Naloxone for total and non-specific binding, respectively. Binding buffer contained Tris-HCl 50 mM, MgCl2 5 mM at pH 7.4. Plates were incubated at 27° C. for 60 minutes. After the incubation period, the reaction mix was then transferred to MultiScreen HTS, FC plates (Millipore), filtered and plates were washed 3 times with ice-cold 10 mM Tris-HCL (pH 7.4). Filters were dried and counted at approximately 40% efficiency in a MicroBeta scintillation counter (Perkin-Elmer) using EcoScint liquid scintillation cocktail.

As this invention is aimed at providing a compound or a chemically related series of compounds which act as dual ligands of the σ1receptor and the μ-opiod receptor it is a very preferred embodiment in which the compounds are selected which act as dual ligands of the σ1receptor and the μ-opiod receptor and especially compounds which have a binding expressed as Kiwhich is preferably <1000 nM for both receptors, more preferably <500 nM, even more preferably <100 nM.

The following scale as been adopted for representing the binding to the σ1receptor and the μ-opiod receptor expressed as Ki:+ Both Ki-μ and Ki-σ1>=500 nM++ One Ki<500 nM while the other Kiis >=500 nM+++ Both Ki-μ and Ki-σ1<500 nM++++ Both Ki-μ and Ki-σ1<100 nM

All compounds prepared in the present application exhibit binding to the σ1receptor and the μ-opiod receptor, in particular the following binding results are shown: