# Patent

## Title
Compounds for the treatment of hepatitis C

## Abstract

The disclosure provides compounds of formula I, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts, as well as compositions and methods of using the compounds. The compounds have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be useful in treating those infected with HCV.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/774,028, filed Mar. 7, 2013, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The disclosure generally relates to the novel compounds of formula I including pharmaceutically acceptable salts, which have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and are useful in treating those infected with HCV. The disclosure also relates to compositions and methods of using these compounds.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronically infects an estimated 170 million people worldwide, with 3 to 4 million infected individuals in the United States alone (Boyer, N. and Marcellin, P. J. Hepatology. 2000, 32:98-112; Alter, M. J., et al. Engl. J. Med. 1999, 341:556-562). Prior to the mid 1990s, transfusion with infected blood products was the main route of HCV transmission. Following the introduction of blood screening methods, transmission via injection drug use became the primary risk factor. Chronic infection often leads to the development of severe liver complications, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV infection is also the leading cause of orthotopic liver transplantation in the United States. The degree to which disease progression is related to viral and cellular factors is not completely understood.
Considerable heterogeneity is found within the nucleotide and encoded amino acid sequence of the HCV genome (Simmonds, P. J. Gen. Virology. 2004, 85:3173-3188). Based on this sequence diversity, six major genotypes and multiple associated subtypes have been described. The genotypes of HCV differ in their worldwide distribution, and the clinical significance of the genetic heterogeneity of HCV remains elusive despite numerous studies of the possible effect of genotypes on pathogenesis and therapy.
Medical treatment for HCV is limited by the lack of a vaccine or approved therapies that specifically target the virus. Currently, patients undergo treatment with a combination of parenterally administered pegylated alpha-interferon and oral ribavirin. Genotype 1 HCV is the most difficult to treat and elimination of the virus (sustained virologic response) is achieved for only approximately 50% of patients (Fried, M. W. et al. N. Engl. J. Med. 2002, 347:975-982; Zeumzem, S. Nature Clinical Practice. 2008, 5:610-622). This poor treatment response, combined with often severe side effects induced by therapy, highlight a need for improved antiviral drugs with better efficacy and safety profiles.
HCV is a member of the Flaviviridae family of viruses with a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome. Following infection of host cells, the 9.6 Kb genome is translated into a polyprotein precursor of approximately 3,000 amino acids (reviewed in Lindenbach, B. D. and Rice, C. M. Nature. 2005, 436:933-938; Moradpour, D, Penin, F., and Rice, C. M. Nature Reviews. 2007, 5:453-463). Post-translational processing by both cellular and viral proteases results in the generation of at least 10 separate viral proteins. The structural proteins (which by definition are found in mature virions) include core, E1, E2, and possibly p7, and originate from the amino-terminal region of the polyprotein. The core protein assembles into the viral nucleocapsid. The E1 and E2 glycoproteins form heterodimers that are found within the lipid envelope surrounding the viral particles, and mediate host cell receptor binding and entry of the virus into cells. It is unclear if p7 is a structural protein, and its role in replication has yet to be defined. However p7 is believed to form an ion channel in cellular membranes, preventing acidification of intracellular compartments in which virions are assembled, and it has been shown to be essential for viral replication and assembly. The nonstructural proteins NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A, and NS5B are produced through maturational cleavages of the carboxy-terminal region of the polyprotein. NS2 along with the amino terminus of NS3 form the NS2-3 metalloprotease which cleaves at the NS2-NS3 junction. Additionally, NS2 is involved in assembly and egress of nascent virions. The NS3 protein contains both a serine protease in its amino-terminal region, and a nucleotide-dependent RNA helicase in its carboxy-terminal region. NS3 forms a heterodimer with the NS4A protein, constituting the active protease which mediates cleavages of the polyprotein downstream of NS3, both in cis, at the NS3-NS4A cleavage site, and in trans, for the remaining NS4A-NS4B, NS4B-NS5A, NS5A-NS5B sites. The complex formation of the NS3 protein with NS4A seems necessary to the processing events, enhancing the proteolytic efficiency at all of the sites. The NS3 protein also exhibits nucleoside triphosphatase and RNA helicase activities. The NS4B protein has been shown to be important for localization of HCV proteins into replication complexes in altered membranous structures within the cell. NS5B encodes an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase that is involved in the replication of HCV.
Subgenomic HCV replicons, containing the untranslated regions 5′ and 3′ to the coding sequence fused to the nonstructural proteins or the full-length polyprotein, are competent for translation, viral protein expression, and replication within cultured cells (Lohmann, V. et al. Science. 1999, 285:110-113; Moradpour, D, Penin, F., and Rice, C. M. Nature Reviews. 2007, 5:453-463). The replicon system has proven valuable for the identification of inhibitors targeting the nonstructural proteins associated with these functions. However, only limited subsets of HCV genotypes have been used to generate functional replicons.
Other systems have been used to study the biology of the HCV structural proteins that mediate the entry into host cells. For example, virus-like-particles made in recombinant baculovirus-infected cells with the HCV core, E1 and E2 proteins have also been used to study the function of the HCV E1 and E2 proteins (Barth, H., et al. J. Biol. Chem. 2003, 278:41003-41012). In addition, pseudotyping systems where the E1 and E2 glycoproteins are used to functionally replace the glycoproteins of retroviruses have been developed (Bartosch, B., Dubuisson, J. and Cosset, F.-L. J. Exp. Med. 2003, 197:633-642; Hsu, M. et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 2003, 100:7271-7276). These systems yield HCV pseudoparticles that bind to and enter host cells in a manner which is believed to be analogous to the natural virus, thus making them a convenient tool to study the viral entry steps as well as to identify inhibitors block this process.
Recently, a full-length genotype 2a HCV clone, JFH1, was isolated and demonstrated the ability to replicate in vitro. Through repeated passage and adaptation in cell culture increased titers of infectious virus were produced (Lindenbach, B. D., et al. Science. 2005, 309:623-626; Wakita, T. et al. Nature Med. 2005, 11:791-796). In contrast to the HCV replicon or pseudotyping systems, the infectious virus is useful for studying the complete HCV replication cycle, including identifying inhibitors of not only the replication proteins, but those involved in early steps in virus infection (entry and uncoating) and production of progeny viruses (genome packaging, nucleocapsid assembly, virion envelopment and egress).
Triazines have been disclosed. See WO 2009/091388 and US 2009/0286778.
The invention provides technical advantages, for example, the compounds are novel and are effective against hepatitis C. Additionally, the compounds provide advantages for pharmaceutical uses, for example, with regard to one or more of their mechanism of action, binding, inhibition efficacy, target selectivity, solubility, safety profiles, or bioavailability.


DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I




where

Y1, Y2, and Y3 are N, Y1 and Y2 are N and Y3 is CH, Y1 and Y3 are N and Y2 is CH, or Y2 and Y3 are N and Y1 is CH;

R1 is alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxycycloalkyl, alkoxycycloalkyl, halocycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, benzyl, indanyl, or alkylcarbonyl;

R2 is





where ring A is a 4 to 7 membered alkylene ring substituted with L;

R3 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, (alkyl)cycloalkyl, ((alkyl))cycloalkyl)alkyl, or Ar2, and is substituted with 0-4 substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, benzyloxy, CO2R5, N(R6)(R7), tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, and Ar3;

R4 is hydrogen or alkyl;

or R3 and R4 taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached is azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, or tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkyl, alkylcarbonyl, and alkoxycarbonyl;

R5 is hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ((hydroxyalkyl)alkoxy)alkoxy, or ((alkoxy)alkoxy)alkoxy;

R6 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, or alkoxycarbonyl;

R7 is hydrogen or alkyl;

or R6 and R7 taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached is azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, or morpholinyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkyl, alkylcarbonyl, and alkoxycarbonyl;

R8 is hydrogen, alkyl, (amino)alkyl, (alkylamino)alkyl, (dialkylamino)alkyl, ((alkylcarbonyl)amino)alkyl, ((haloalkylcarbonyl)amino)alkyl, ((alkoxycarbonyl)amino)alkyl, ((benzyloxycarbonyl)amino)alkyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, or dialkyaminocarbonyl;

R9 is hydrogen, alkyl, (amino)alkyl, (alkylamino)alkyl, or (dialkylamino)alkyl;

Ar1 is phenyl or pyridinyl substituted with 1 R2;

Ar2 is phenyl, indanyl, fluorenyl, biphenyl, terphenyl, pyridinyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, triazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, indolinyl, or dibenzofuranyl, and is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, alkenyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, (CO2R5)alkyl, (CO2R5)alkenyl, (CON(R6)(R7))alkyl, phenyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, alkylcarbonyl, CO2R5, and CON(R6)(R7);

or Ar2 is phenyl substituted with 1 substituent selected from benzyl, tetrazolyloxy, thiazolyl, phenylpyrazolyl, methyloxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, methyltriazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyridinyl, and dimethoxypyrimdinyl; and

Ar3 is phenyl, indanyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, isochromanyl, benzodioxolyl, pyridinyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, or triazolyl and is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, alkyenyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, and haloalkoxy, N(R6)(R7), and alkylCO;

L is alkylene, cycloalkylene, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, (alkyl)cycloalkyl, or alkyl(cycloalkyl)alkyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkoxy, hydroxy, CO2R5 and CONR6R7;

Q is an alkylene or alkenylene chain containing 0-6 groups selected from the group consisting of O, NR8, S, S(O), S(O2), C(O)O, C(O)NR9, OC(O)NR9, NR9C(O)NR9, and Z, provided that any O or S atom does not directly bond to another O or S atom, such that ring A is 13-36 membered; and where the alkylene or alkenylene chain is substituted with 0-6 substituents selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylene, hydroxy, and alkoxy;

X is O, CH2, CO, CO2, or C(O)NR9; and

Z is C3-7 cycloalkylene or phenylene;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where Y1, Y2, and Y3 are N; R1 is haloalkyl; R2 is




R3 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, (alkyl)cycloalkyl, ((alkyl))cycloalkyl)alkyl, or Ar2, and is substituted with 0-4 substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, benzyloxy, CO2R5, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, and Ar3; R4 is hydrogen or alkyl; or R3 and R4 taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached is azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, or tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkyl, alkylcarbonyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; R5 is hydrogen or alkyl; Ar1 is phenyl or pyridinyl substituted with 1 R2; Ar2 is phenyl, indanyl, fluorenyl, biphenyl, terphenyl, pyridinyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, triazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, indolinyl, or dibenzofuranyl, and is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, alkenyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, (CO2R5)alkyl, (CO2R5)alkenyl, phenyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, alkylcarbonyl, and CO2R5; L is alkylene, cycloalkylene, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, (alkyl)cycloalkyl, or alkyl(cycloalkyl)alkyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkoxy, hydroxy, and CO2R5; Q is an alkylene or alkenylene chain containing 0-2 groups selected from the group consisting of O and Z, such that ring A is 13-36 membered; X is O; and Z is phenylene; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where Y1, Y2, and Y3 are N; R1 is haloalkyl; R2 is




R3 is hydrogen or alkyl; R4 is hydrogen or alkyl; R5 is hydrogen or alkyl; Ar1 is phenyl substituted with 1 R2; L is alkylene substituted with 0-1 CO2R5 substituents; Q is an alkylene or alkenylene chain containing 0-2 groups selected from the group consisting of O and Z, such that ring A is 13-36 membered; X is O; and Z is phenylene; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where Y1, Y2, and Y3 are N.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where Y1 and Y2 are N and Y3 is CH.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where Y1 and Y3 are N and Y2 is CH.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where Y2 and Y3 are N and Y1 is CH.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where R1 is alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxycycloalkyl, alkoxycycloalkyl, halocycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, benzyl, indanyl, or alkylcarbonyl.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where R1 is haloalkyl.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where R2 is




where ring A is a 4 to 7 membered alkylene ring substituted with L.

Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where R2 is




Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where R2 is




Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where R3 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, (alkyl)cycloalkyl, ((alkyl))cycloalkyl)alkyl, or Ar2, and is substituted with 0-4 substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, benzyloxy, CO2R5, N(R6)(R7), tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, and Ar3.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where R4 is hydrogen or alkyl.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where R3 and R4 taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached is azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, or tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkyl, alkylcarbonyl, and alkoxycarbonyl.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where R5 is hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ((hydroxyalkyl)alkoxy)alkoxy, or ((alkoxy)alkoxy)alkoxy.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where R6 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, or alkoxycarbonyl.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where R7 is hydrogen or alkyl.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where R6 and R7 taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached is azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, or morpholinyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkyl, alkylcarbonyl, and alkoxycarbonyl.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where R8 is hydrogen, alkyl, (amino)alkyl, (alkylamino)alkyl, (dialkylamino)alkyl, ((alkylcarbonyl)amino)alkyl, ((haloalkylcarbonyl)amino)alkyl, ((alkoxycarbonyl)amino)alkyl, ((benzyloxycarbonyl)amino)alkyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, or dialkyaminocarbonyl.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where R9 is hydrogen, alkyl, (amino)alkyl, (alkylamino)alkyl, or (dialkylamino)alkyl.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where Ar1 is phenyl or pyridinyl substituted with 1 R2.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where Ar2 is phenyl, indanyl, fluorenyl, biphenyl, terphenyl, pyridinyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, triazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, indolinyl, or dibenzofuranyl, and is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, alkenyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, (CO2R5)alkyl, (CO2R5)alkenyl, (CON(R6)(R7))alkyl, phenyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, alkylcarbonyl, CO2R5, and CON(R6)(R7).
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where Ar2 is phenyl substituted with 1 substituent selected from benzyl, tetrazolyloxy, thiazolyl, phenylpyrazolyl, methyloxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, methyltriazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyridinyl, and dimethoxypyrimdinyl.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where Ar3 is phenyl, indanyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, isochromanyl, benzodioxolyl, pyridinyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, or triazolyl and is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, alkyenyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, and haloalkoxy, N(R6)(R7), and alkylCO.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where L is alkylene, cycloalkylene, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, (alkyl)cycloalkyl, or alkyl(cycloalkyl)alkyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkoxy, hydroxy, CO2R5 and CONR6R7.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where L is




where R12 is hydrogen or alkyl.

Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where Q is an alkylene or alkenylene chain containing 0-6 groups selected from the group consisting of O, NR8, S, S(O), S(O2), C(O)O, C(O)NR9, OC(O)NR9, NR9C(O)NR9, and Z, provided that any O or S atom does not directly bond to another O or S atom, such that ring A is 13-36 membered; and where the alkylene or alkenylene chain is substituted with 0-6 substituents selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylene, hydroxy, and alkoxy.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where X is O, CH2, CO, CO2, or C(O)NR9.
Another aspect of the invention is a compound of formula I where Z is C3-7 cycloalkylene or phenylene.
Any scope of any variable, including R, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, L, Q, X, and Z, can be used independently with the scope of any other instance of a variable.
Unless specified otherwise, these terms have the following meanings. “Alkyl” means a straight or branched alkyl group composed of 1 to 6 carbons. “Alkenyl” means a straight or branched alkyl group composed of 2 to 6 carbons with at least one double bond. “Cycloalkyl” means a monocyclic ring system composed of 3 to 7 carbons. “Alkylene” means a straight or branched divalent alkyl group composed of 1 to 6 carbons. “Alkenylene” means a straight or branched divalent alkyl group composed of 2 to 6 carbons with at least one double bond. For ring A, X is an alkylene or alkenylene chain with sufficient carbons and optionally other defined groups to form a 13-36 membered ring. “Cycloalkylene” means a divalent cycloalkane moiety composed of 3 to 7 carbons and includes gem-divalency (for example 1,1-cyclopropanediyl) as well as non-gem-divalency (for example, 1,4-cyclohexanediyl). “Alkylidinyl” means a divalent alkene substituent where the divalency occurs on the same carbon of the alkene. Phenylene means a divalent benzene ring. “Hydroxyalkyl,” “alkoxy” and other terms with a substituted alkyl moiety include straight and branched isomers composed of 1 to 6 carbon atoms for the alkyl moiety. “Haloalkyl” and “haloalkoxy” include all halogenated isomers from monohalo substituted alkyl to perhalo substituted alkyl. “Aryl” includes carbocyclic and heterocyclic aromatic substituents. Parenthetic and multiparenthetic terms are intended to clarify bonding relationships to those skilled in the art. For example, a term such as ((R)alkyl) means an alkyl substituent further substituted with the substituent R.
The substituents described above may be attached at any suitable point of attachment unless otherwise specified. However, it is understood that the compounds encompassed by the present invention are those that are chemically stable as understood by those skilled in the art. Additionally, the compounds encompassed by the present disclosure are those that are suitably stable for use as a pharmaceutical agent.
The invention includes all pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms of the compounds. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are those in which the counter ions do not contribute significantly to the physiological activity or toxicity of the compounds and as such function as pharmacological equivalents. These salts can be made according to common organic techniques employing commercially available reagents. Some anionic salt forms include acetate, acistrate, besylate, bromide, camsylate, chloride, citrate, fumarate, glucouronate, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, hydroiodide, iodide, lactate, maleate, mesylate, nitrate, pamoate, phosphate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, tosylate, and xinofoate. Some cationic salt forms include ammonium, aluminum, benzathine, bismuth, calcium, choline, diethylamine, diethanolamine, lithium, magnesium, meglumine, 4-phenylcyclohexylamine, piperazine, potassium, sodium, tromethamine, and zinc.
Some of the compounds of the invention possess asymmetric carbon atoms (see, for example, the structures below). The invention includes all stereoisomeric forms, including enantiomers and diastereomers as well as mixtures of stereoisomers such as racemates. Some stereoisomers can be made using methods known in the art. Stereoisomeric mixtures of the compounds and related intermediates can be separated into individual isomers according to methods commonly known in the art. The use of wedges or hashes in the depictions of molecular structures in the following schemes and tables is intended only to indicate relative stereochemistry, and should not be interpreted as implying absolute stereochemical assignments.
The invention is intended to include all isotopes of atoms occurring in the present compounds. Isotopes include those atoms having the same atomic number but different mass numbers. By way of general example and without limitation, isotopes of hydrogen include deuterium and tritium. Isotopes of carbon include 13C and 14C. Isotopically-labeled compounds of the invention can generally be prepared by conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art or by processes analogous to those described herein, using an appropriate isotopically-labeled reagent in place of the non-labeled reagent otherwise employed. Such compounds may have a variety of potential uses, for example as standards and reagents in determining biological activity. In the case of stable isotopes, such compounds may have the potential to favorably modify biological, pharmacological, or pharmacokinetic properties.
Biological Methods
Infection Assays.
HCV pseudoparticles, produced using standardized methodology (Bartosch, B., Dubuisson, J. and Cosset, F.-L. J. Exp. Med. 2003, 197:633-642) were made via a liposome-based transfection procedure of 293T cells with plasmids expressing the murine leukemia virus capsid and polymerase proteins, an MLV genome encoding the luciferase reporter gene, and envelope glycoproteins from either HCV or vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). The genotype 1a HCV E1 and E2 envelope coding sequences were derived from the H77C isolate (GenBank accession number AF009606). Media containing pseudoparticles was collected 3 days following transfection, filtered, and stored at −20° C. as a viral stock. Infections were performed in 384-well plates by mixing pseudovirus with 1×104 Huh7 cells/well in the presence or absence of test inhibitors, followed by incubation at 37° C. Luciferase activity, reflecting the degree of entry of the pseudoparticles into host cells, was measured 2 days after infection. The specificity of the compounds for inhibiting HCV was determined by evaluating inhibition of VSV pseudoparticle infection.
Compounds and Data Analysis.
Test compounds were serially diluted 3-fold in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to give a final concentration range in the assay of 50.0 μM to 0.04 pM. Maximum activity (100% of control) and background were derived from control wells containing DMSO but no inhibitor or from uninfected wells, respectively. The individual signals in each of the compound test wells were then divided by the averaged control values after background subtraction and multiplied by 100% to determine percent activity. Assays were performed in duplicate and average EC50 values (reflecting the concentration at which 50% inhibition of virus replication was achieved) were calculated. Compound EC50 data is expressed as A: =0.1-100 nM; B=100-1000 nM; C=1000-5000 nM). Representative data for compounds are reported in Tables 1.










TABLE 1







EC50
EC50




(nM)
(nM)




1a
1a


Example
Structure
(H77C)
(H77C)







1001




A
0.624


 


1002




A



 


1003




A



 


1004




A



 


1005




A
2.468









Pharmaceutical Compositions and Methods of Treatment
The compounds demonstrate activity against HCV NS5B and can be useful in treating HCV and HCV infection. Therefore, another aspect of the invention is a composition comprising a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
Another aspect of the invention is a composition further comprising a compound having anti-HCV activity.
Another aspect of the invention is a composition where the compound having anti-HCV activity is an interferon. Another aspect of the invention is where the interferon is selected from interferon alpha 2B, pegylated interferon alpha, consensus interferon, interferon alpha 2A, and lymphoblastoid interferon tau.
Another aspect of the invention is a composition where the compound having anti-HCV activity is a cyclosporin. Another aspect of the invention is where the cyclosporin is cyclosporin A.
Another aspect of the invention is a composition where the compound having anti-HCV activity is selected from the group consisting of interleukin 2, interleukin 6, interleukin 12, a compound that enhances the development of a type 1 helper T cell response, interfering RNA, anti-sense RNA, Imiqimod, ribavirin, an inosine 5′-monophospate dehydrogenase inhibitor, amantadine, and rimantadine.
Another aspect of the invention is a composition where the compound having anti-HCV activity is effective to inhibit the function of a target selected from HCV metalloprotease, HCV serine protease, HCV polymerase, HCV helicase, HCV NS4B protein, HCV entry, HCV assembly, HCV egress, HCV NS5A protein, IMPDH, and a nucleoside analog for the treatment of an HCV infection.
Another aspect of the invention is a composition comprising a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, an interferon and ribavirin.
Another aspect of the invention is a method of inhibiting the function of the HCV replicon comprising contacting the HCV replicon with a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
Another aspect of the invention is a method of inhibiting the function of the HCV NS5B protein comprising contacting the HCV NS5B protein with a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
Another aspect of the invention is a method of treating an HCV infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In another embodiment the compound is effective to inhibit the function of the HCV replicon. In another embodiment the compound is effective to inhibit the function of the HCV NS5B protein.
Another aspect of the invention is a method of treating an HCV infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in conjunction with (prior to, after, or concurrently) another compound having anti-HCV activity.
Another aspect of the invention is the method where the other compound having anti-HCV activity is an interferon.
Another aspect of the invention is the method where the interferon is selected from interferon alpha 2B, pegylated interferon alpha, consensus interferon, interferon alpha 2A, and lymphoblastoid interferon tau.
Another aspect of the invention is the method where the other compound having anti-HCV activity is a cyclosporin.
Another aspect of the invention is the method where the cyclosporin is cyclosporin A.
Another aspect of the invention is the method where the other compound having anti-HCV activity is selected from interleukin 2, interleukin 6, interleukin 12, a compound that enhances the development of a type 1 helper T cell response, interfering RNA, anti-sense RNA, Imiqimod, ribavirin, an inosine 5′-monophospate dehydrogenase inhibitor, amantadine, and rimantadine.
Another aspect of the invention is the method where the other compound having anti-HCV activity is effective to inhibit the function of a target selected from the group consisting of HCV metalloprotease, HCV serine protease, HCV polymerase, HCV helicase, HCV NS4B protein, HCV entry, HCV assembly, HCV egress, HCV NS5A protein, IMPDH, and a nucleoside analog for the treatment of an HCV infection.
Another aspect of the invention is the method where the other compound having anti-HCV activity is effective to inhibit the function of target in the HCV life cycle other than the HCV NS5B protein.
“Therapeutically effective” means the amount of agent required to provide a meaningful patient benefit as understood by practitioners in the field of hepatitis and HCV infection.
“Patient” means a person infected with the HCV virus and suitable for therapy as understood by practitioners in the field of hepatitis and HCV infection.
“Treatment,” “therapy,” “regimen,” “HCV infection,” and related terms are used as understood by practitioners in the field of hepatitis and HCV infection.
The compounds of this invention are generally given as pharmaceutical compositions comprised of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and may contain conventional excipients. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are those conventionally known carriers having acceptable safety profiles. Compositions encompass all common solid and liquid forms including for example capsules, tablets, losenges, and powders as well as liquid suspensions, syrups, elixers, and solutions. Compositions are made using common formulation techniques, and conventional excipients (such as binding and wetting agents) and vehicles (such as water and alcohols) are generally used for compositions. See, for example, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 17th edition, 1985.
Solid compositions are normally formulated in dosage units and compositions providing from about 1 to 1000 mg of the active ingredient per dose are preferred. Some examples of dosages are 1 mg, 10 mg, 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, and 1000 mg. Generally, other agents will be present in a unit range similar to agents of that class used clinically. Typically, this is 0.25-1000 mg/unit.
Liquid compositions are usually in dosage unit ranges. Generally, the liquid composition will be in a unit dosage range of 1-100 mg/mL. Some examples of dosages are 1 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, and 100 mg/mL. Generally, other agents will be present in a unit range similar to agents of that class used clinically. Typically, this is 1-100 mg/mL.
The invention encompasses all conventional modes of administration; oral and parenteral methods are preferred. Generally, the dosing regimen will be similar to other agents used clinically. Typically, the daily dose will be 1-100 mg/kg body weight daily. Generally, more compound is required orally and less parenterally. The specific dosing regime, however, will be determined by a physician using sound medical judgement.
The invention also encompasses methods where the compound is given in combination therapy. That is, the compound can be used in conjunction with, but separately from, other agents useful in treating hepatitis and HCV infection. In these combination methods, the compound will generally be given in a daily dose of 1-100 mg/kg body weight daily in conjunction with other agents. The other agents generally will be given in the amounts used therapeutically. The specific dosing regime, however, will be determined by a physician using sound medical judgement.
Some examples of compounds suitable for compositions and methods are listed in Table 2.









TABLE 2






Type of Inhibitor or



Brand Name
Target
Source Company







Omega IFN
IFN-ω
Intarcia Therapeutics


BILN-2061
serine protease
Boehringer Ingelheim



inhibitor
Pharma KG, Ingelheim,




Germany


Summetrel
antiviral
Endo Pharmaceuticals




Holdings Inc., Chadds




Ford, PA


Roferon A
IFN-α2a
F. Hoffmann-La Roche




LTD, Basel, Switzerland


Pegasys
PEGylated IFN-α2a
F. Hoffmann-La Roche




LTD, Basel, Switzerland


Pegasys and Ribavirin
PEGylated IFN-
F. Hoffmann-La Roche



α2a/ribavirin
LTD, Basel, Switzerland


CellCept
HCV IgG
F. Hoffmann-La Roche



immunosuppressant
LTD, Basel, Switzerland


Wellferon
lymphoblastoid IFN-
GlaxoSmithKline plc,



αn1
Uxbridge, UK


Albuferon-α
albumin IFN-α2b
Human Genome




Sciences Inc., Rockville,




MD


Levovirin
ribavirin
ICN Pharmaceuticals,




Costa Mesa, CA


IDN-6556
caspase inhibitor
Idun Pharmaceuticals




Inc., San Diego, CA


IP-501
antifibrotic
Indevus Pharmaceuticals




Inc., Lexington, MA


Actimmune
INF-γ
InterMune Inc.,




Brisbane, CA


Infergen A
IFN alfacon-1
InterMune




Pharmaceuticals Inc.,




Brisbane, CA


ISIS 14803
antisense
ISIS Pharmaceuticals




Inc, Carlsbad, CA/Elan




Phamaceuticals Inc.,




New York, NY


JTK-003
RdRp inhibitor
Japan Tobacco Inc.,




Tokyo, Japan


Pegasys and Ceplene
PEGylated IFN-α2a/
Maxim Pharmaceuticals



immune modulator
Inc., San Diego, CA


Ceplene
immune modulator
Maxim Pharmaceuticals




Inc., San Diego, CA


Civacir
HCV IgG
Nabi



immunosuppressant
Biopharmaceuticals Inc.,




Boca Raton, FL


Intron A and Zadaxin
IFN-α2b/α1-thymosin
RegeneRx




Biopharmiceuticals Inc.,




Bethesda, MD/




SciClone




Pharmaceuticals Inc,




San Mateo, CA


Levovirin
IMPDH inhibitor
Ribapharm Inc., Costa




Mesa, CA


Viramidine
Ribavirin Prodrug
Ribapharm Inc., Costa




Mesa, CA


Heptazyme
ribozyme
Ribozyme




Pharmaceuticals Inc.,




Boulder, CO


Intron A
IFN-α2b
Schering-Plough




Corporation,




Kenilworth, NJ


PEG-Intron
PEGylated IFN-α2b
Schering-Plough




Corporation,




Kenilworth, NJ


Rebetron
IFN-α2b/ribavirin
Schering-Plough




Corporation,




Kenilworth, NJ


Ribavirin
ribavirin
Schering-Plough




Corporation,




Kenilworth, NJ


PEG-Intron/Ribavirin
PEGylated IFN-
Schering-Plough



α2b/ribavirin
Corporation,




Kenilworth, NJ


Zadazim
Immune modulator
SciClone




Pharmaceuticals Inc.,




San Mateo, CA


Rebif
IFN-β1a
Serono, Geneva,




Switzerland


IFN-β and EMZ701
IFN-β and EMZ701
Transition Therapeutics




Inc., Ontario, Canada


Batabulin (T67)
β-tubulin inhibitor
Tularik Inc., South San




Francisco, CA


Merimepodib
IMPDH inhibitor
Vertex Pharmaceuticals


(VX-497)

Inc., Cambridge, MA


Telaprevir
NS3 serine protease
Vertex Pharmaceuticals


(VX-950, LY-570310)
inhibitor
Inc., Cambridge, MA/




Eli Lilly and Co. Inc.,




Indianapolis, IN


Omniferon
natural IFN-α
Viragen Inc., Plantation,




FL


XTL-6865 (XTL-002)
monoclonal antibody
XTL




Biopharmaceuticals




Ltd., Rehovot, Isreal


HCV-796
NS5B Replicase
Wyeth/Viropharma



Inhibitor


NM-283
NS5B Replicase
Idenix/Novartis



Inhibitor


GL-59728
NS5B Replicase
Gene Labs/Novartis



Inhibitor


GL-60667
NS5B Replicase
Gene Labs/Novartis



Inhibitor


2′C MeA
NS5B Replicase
Gilead



Inhibitor


PSI 6130
NS5B Replicase
Roche



Inhibitor


R1626
NS5B Replicase
Roche



Inhibitor


SCH 503034
serine protease
Schering Plough



inhibitor


NIM811
Cyclophilin Inhibitor
Novartis


Suvus
Methylene blue
Bioenvision


Multiferon
Long lasting IFN
Viragen/Valentis


Actilon (CPG10101)
TLR9 agonist
Coley


Interferon-β
Interferon-β-1a
Serono


Zadaxin
Immunomodulator
Sciclone


Pyrazolopyrimidine
HCV Inhibitors
Arrow Therapeutics Ltd.


compounds and salts


From WO-


2005047288


26 May 2005


2′C Methyl adenosine
NS5B Replicase
Merck



Inhibitor


GS-9132 (ACH-806)
HCV Inhibitor
Achillion/Gilead









Synthetic Methods
The compounds may be made by methods known in the art including those described below and including variations within the skill of the art. Some reagents and intermediates are known in the art. Other reagents and intermediates can be made by methods known in the art using readily available materials. The variables (e.g. numbered “R” substituents) used to describe the synthesis of the compounds are intended only to illustrate how to make the compounds and are not to be confused with variables used in the claims or in other sections of the specification. The following methods are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Abbreviations used in the schemes generally follow conventions used in the art. Chemical abbreviations used in the specification and examples are defined as follows: “NaHMDS” for sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide; “DMF” for N,N-dimethylformamide; “MeOH” for methanol; “NBS” for N-bromosuccinimide; “Ar” for aryl; “TFA” for trifluoroacetic acid; “LAH” for lithium aluminum hydride; “BOC”, “DMSO” for dimethylsulfoxide; “h” for hours; “rt” for room temperature or retention time (context will dictate); “min” for minutes; “EtOAc” for ethyl acetate; “THF” for tetrahydrofuran; “EDTA” for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; “Et2O” for diethyl ether; “DMAP” for 4-dimethylaminopyridine; “DCE” for 1,2-dichloroethane; “ACN” for acetonitrile; “DME” for 1,2-dimethoxyethane; “HOBt” for 1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate; “DIEA” for diisopropylethylamine, “Nf” for CF3(CF2)3SO2—; and “TMOF” for trimethylorthoformate.
Abbreviations are defined as follows: “1×” for once, “2×” for twice, “3×” for thrice, “° C.” for degrees Celsius, “eq” for equivalent or equivalents, “g” for gram or grams, “mg” for milligram or milligrams, “L” for liter or liters, “mL” for milliliter or milliliters, “μL” for microliter or microliters, “N” for normal, “M” for molar, “mmol” for millimole or millimoles, “min” for minute or minutes, “h” for hour or hours, “rt” for room temperature, “RT” for retention time, “atm” for atmosphere, “psi” for pounds per square inch, “conc.” for concentrate, “sat” or “sat'd” for saturated, “MW” for molecular weight, “mp” for melting point, “ee” for enantiomeric excess, “MS” or “Mass Spec” for mass spectrometry, “ESI” for electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, “HR” for high resolution, “HRMS” for high resolution mass spectrometry, “LCMS” for liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, “HPLC” for high pressure liquid chromatography, “RP HPLC” for reverse phase HPLC, “TLC” or “tlc” for thin layer chromatography, “NMR” for nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, “1H” for proton, “δ” for delta, “s” for singlet, “d” for doublet, “t” for triplet, “q” for quartet, “m” for multiplet, “br” for broad, “Hz” for hertz, and “α”, “β”, “R”, “S”, “E”, and “Z” are stereochemical designations familiar to one skilled in the art.
LC/MS Method (i.e., Compound Identification).
All Liquid Chromatography (LC) data were recorded on a Shimadzu LC-10AS or LC-20AS liquid chromatograph using a SPD-10AV or SPD-20A UV-Vis detector and Mass Spectrometry (MS) data were determined with a Micromass Platform for LC in electrospray mode.
HPLC Method (i.e., Compound Isolation).
Compounds purified by preparative HPLC were diluted in methanol (1.2 mL) and purified using a Shimadzu LC-8A or LC-10A or Dionex APS-3000 or Waters AcquityTM automated preparative HPLC system.
Synthesis of Compound 1001




TBTU (26 mg) was added into a solution of 2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoacetic acid (8.9 mg), iPr2NEt (24 mg) and Compound In-01 (40 mg) in DMF (1 mL) at room temperature and the reaction was stirred for 4 hours at room temperature. Compound 1001 was isolated by preparative HPLC.










Compound 1001
















MS (M + H)+ Calcd.
733.3


MS (M + H)+ Observ.
733.2


Retention Time
4.30 min







LC Condition








Solvent A
90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA


Solvent B
10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA


Start % B
0


Final % B
100


Gradient Time
4 min


Flow Rate
0.8 mL/min


Wavelength
220


Solvent Pair
Water-Methanol-TFA


Column
PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 × 50 mm 3 um









Synthesis of Compound 1002





TBTU (26 mg) was added into a solution of 2-(methylamino)-2-oxoacetic acid (7.8 mg), iPr2NEt (24 mg) and Compound In-01 (40 mg) in DMF (1 mL) at room temperature and the reaction was stirred for 4 hours at room temperature. Compound 1002 was isolated by preparative HPLC.










Compound 1002
















MS (M + H)+ Calcd.
719.3


MS (M + H)+ Observ.
719.2


Retention Time
4.29 min







LC Condition








Solvent A
90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA


Solvent B
10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA


Start % B
0


Final % B
100


Gradient Time
4 min


Flow Rate
0.8 mL/min


Wavelength
220


Solvent Pair
Water-Methanol-TFA


Column
PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 × 50 mm 3 um









Synthesis of Compound 1003





TBTU (26 mg) was added into a solution of 2-amino-2-oxoacetic acid (6.8 mg), iPr2NEt (24 mg) and Compound In-01 (40 mg) in DMF (1 mL) at room temperature and the reaction was stirred for 4 hours at room temperature. Compound 1003 was isolated by preparative HPLC.










Compound 1003
















MS (M + H)+ Calcd.
705.3


MS (M + H)+ Observ.
705.2


Retention Time
4.27 min







LC Condition








Solvent A
90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA


Solvent B
10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA


Start % B
0


Final % B
100


Gradient Time
4 min


Flow Rate
0.8 mL/min


Wavelength
220


Solvent Pair
Water-Methanol-TFA


Column
PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 × 50 mm 3 um









General Procedure of Hydrolysis of Ester:

LiOH, NaOH, KOH, Li2CO3, Na2CO3 or K2CO3 was added into the solution of the starting material in water and THF or acetone or methanol (v/v=1/1). The reaction was carried out at room temperature to 1115° C. for 5 minutes to 16 hours. Then 1N HCl was added dropwise to adjust acidity to pH2. Aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layer was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated to give a residue which was purified by preparative HPLC to provide the desired product.
Synthesis of Compound 1004




By following the general procedure of hydrolysis of ester, hydrolysis of Compound 1001 led to the formation of Compound 1004.










Compound 1004


















MS (M + H)+ Calcd.
719.3



MS (M + H)+ Observ.
719.4



Retention Time
2.24 min







LC Condition










Solvent A
5% ACN:95% Water:10 mM Ammonium




Actetate



Solvent B
95% ACN:5% Water:10 mM Ammonium




Actetate



Start % B
0



Final % B
100



Gradient Time
4 min



Flow Rate
0.8 mL/min



Wavelength
220



Solvent Pair
ACN:Water:Ammonium Actetate



Column
Phenomenex LUNA C18, 50 × 2, 3u










Synthesis of Compound 1005





By following the general procedure of hydrolysis of ester, hydrolysis of Compound 1002 led to the formation of Compound 1005.










Compound 1005


















MS (M + H)+ Calcd.
705.3



MS (M + H)+ Observ.
705.4



Retention Time
2.25 min







LC Condition








Solvent A
5% ACN:95% Water:10 mM Ammonium



Actetate


Solvent B
95% ACN:5% Water:10 mM Ammonium



Actetate


Start % B
0


Final % B
100


Gradient Time
4 min


Flow Rate
0.8 mL/min


Wavelength
220


Solvent Pair
ACN:Water:Ammonium Actetate


Column
Phenomenex LUNA C18, 50 × 2, 3u









It will be evident to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing illustrative examples, and that it can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential attributes thereof. It is therefore desired that the examples be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing examples, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

## Claims

1. A compound selected from the group consisting of







or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

2. A composition comprising a compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.