BENZOIC ACID DERIVATIVES

Abstract: 2-(4-Substituted phenyl)-2-benzoic acid derivatives, methods for their preparation, pharmaceutical formulations containing the compounds and the use thereof in the reduction or control of blood lipids in animals, including man, are disclosed. Preferred compounds are esters of 2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzoic acid.

Description: SUBSTITUTED BIPHENYL COMPOUNDS The present invention relates to derivatives of benzoic acid, to pharmaceutical formulations containing them, to processes for their preparation and to the use thereof in human and veterinary medicine. More specifically the invention relates to 2-(substituted phenyl)-benzoic acid derivatives and their use in the control or lowering of blood lipids. Atherosclerosis is a pathological condition which is a major cause of the occlusive vascular diseases resulting in myocardial infarction and stroke. This condition is associated with a deposition of blood lipids in the wall of major arteries and is known to occur more frequently in subjects whose blood lipids levels are elevated from established norms. The distribution of lipids in the various lipoprotein components of blood determines the degree of risk/benefit of these materials. High levels of cholesterol in the "low" and "very-low" density lipoprotein are associated with enhanced risk of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease while high levels of the "high density" lipoprotein-cholesterol are associated with reduced risks of this disease. Elevation in blood triglyceride levels has also been implicated as a factor which increases the risk of developing these vascular diseases. The strong association between the elevation of specific components of blood lipids and these major cardiovascular diseases has led to attempts to control blood lipid levels by management of diet and through drug intervention. It has been found that certain compounds, those of formula (I) below, are effective in reducing the amount of these lipoprotein components in blood which have been associated with atherosclerosis. The invention accordingly provides, in a first aspect, compounds of formula (I) below, together with pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof for use in human and veterinary medicine. Compounds of formula (I) are: Arl -Ar2 (I) Wherein EMI2.1 R1 is selected from C15 alkyl, halogen, perhalo-C1-4 alkyl (such as trihalomethyl), C1-4 alkoxy, phenyl, C1-4 acyl, C1-6 alkoxy carbonyl, amino, hydroxy, SO2NR4R5, SCF3 or SOR6; Rê is hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl; R3 is hydrogen or C1-4 alkoxy; R4 and R5 are the same or different and can be C1-4 alkyl; R6 is straight or branched C1-6 alkyl; EMI3.1 Alk is C16 alkyl and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Preferred compounds within the scope of formula (I) are those of formula (IA) or (IB): EMI4.1 wherein A is as defined in formula (I) above and R7 is C15 alkyl, halogen, perhalo-Cl 4 alkyl, (such as trihalomethyl), C1-4 alkoxy, phenyl, C1-4 acyl, C1-6 alkoxy carbonyl, amino or hydroxy. 7 Preferably, R is selected from C1-5 alkyl, halogen, C1-4 alkoxy, phenyl or trihalomethyl. In particular, compounds in which R7 is selected from C25 alkyl or trihalomethyl are considered advantageous. When A is CO2Alk, Alk is preferably C1-4 alkyl, for example methyl or ethyl. Compounds wherein a is C02 Et, EMI4.2 form one particular sub-class of compounds of formula (I). Specific compounds within the scope of formula (I) include for example: Methyl 2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzoate; Ethyl 2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzoate; 3-Pyridylmethyl 2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl) benzoate; and 5-(4'-Trifluoromethylphenyl-2-biphenyl)-tetrazole Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts include, for example, those derived from the alkali metals (such as sodium or potassium) or alkaline earth metals (such as calcium or magnesium) and ammonium salts (such as wherein R is hydrogen or C1 4alkyl, eg NH+4). The compounds of formula (I) are useful In the treatment or prophylaxis of any condition in which the underlying aetiology is associated with elevated blood lipid levels. Thus the compounds of formula (I) are useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of atherosclerosis, reclusive vascular diseases and for the reduction or control of levels of blood lipids such as the triglycerols and cholesterol. The amount of active compound required for use in the above conditions will vary both with the route of administration, the condition under treatment and the mammal undergoing treatment, and is ultimately at the discretion of the physician. A suitable oral dose of the active compound for a mammal is in the range of from 1 to 40 mg per kilogram body weight per day; preferably in the range of 2 to 10 mg/kg bodyweight, a typical dose for a human recipient being about 4 mg/kg bodyweight per day. The desired dose Is preferably presented as from one to three sub-doses administered at appropriate intervals throughout the day. Where two sub-doses are employed, each will preferably lie in the range of from 1 to 100 mg/kg bodyweight; a typical sub-dose for a human recipient being about 2 mg/kg bodyweight. While it is possible that the compounds of formula (I) may be administered as the raw chemical it is preferable to present the active ingredient as a pharmaceutical or veterinary formulation. Pharmaceutical formulations comprise the active compounds together with one or more pharmacetically acceptable carriers therefor and optionally other therapeutic and/or prophylactic ingredients. The carrier(s) must be 'acceptable in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof. The invention thus provides in a further aspect a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. The active compound(s) may conveniently be presented (as a pharmaceutical formulation) in unit dosage form. A convenient unit dose formulation contains the active ingredient compound(s) in an amount of from 1 mg to 10 mg. Pharmaceutical formulations include those suitable for oral, rectal or parenteral (including intramuscular and intravenous) administration, although oral is the preferred route. The formulations may, where appropriate, be conveniently presented in discrete dosage units and may be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy. All methods include the step of bringing into association the active compound with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers of both and then, if necessary, shaping the product into the desired formulation. There is thus provided in a further aspect a method for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a compound of formula I (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) together with a pharmacetically acceptable carrier therefor, which method comprises bringing into association the active compound of formula (I) and the carrier therefor. Pharmaceutical formulations suitable for oral administration wherein the carrier is a solid are most preferably presented as unit dose formulations such as boluses, capsules, cachets or tablets each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient. A tablet may be made by compression or moulding, optionally with one or more accessory ingredients. Compressed tablets may be prepared by compressing in a suitable machine the active compound in a free-flowing form such as a powder or granules optionally mixed with a binder, lubricant, inert diluent, lubricating, surface active or dispersing agent. Moulded tablets may be made by moulding an inert liquid diluent. Tablets may be optionally coated and, if uncoated, may optionally scored. Capsules may be prepared by filling the active compound, either alone or in admixture with one or more accessory ingredients, into the capsule cases and then sealing then in the usual manner. Cachets are analogous to capsules wherein the active ingredient together with any accessory ingredient(s) is sealed in a rice paper envelope. Pharmaceutical formulations suitable for oral administration wherein the carrier is a liquid may be presented as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or a non-aqueous liquid, or as an oil-in-water or water-in-oil liquid emulsion. Pharmaceutical formulations suitable for rectal administration wherein the carrier is a solid are most preferably presented as unit dose suppositories. Suitable carriers include cocoa butter and other materials commonly used in the art, and the suppositories may be conveniently formed by admixture of the active compound with the softened or melted carrier(s) followed by chilling and shaping moulds. Pharmaceutical formulations suitable for parenteral administration include sterile solutions or suspensions of the active compound in aqueous or oleaginous vehicles. Such preparations are conveniently presented in unit dose or multidose containers which are sealed after introduction of the formulation until required for use. It should be understood that in addition to the aforementioned carrier ingredients the pharamceutical formulations described above may include, as appropriate, one or more additional carrier ingredients such as diluents, buffers, flavouring agents, binders, surface active agents, thickeners, lubricants, preservatives (including anti-oxidants) and the like, and substances included for the purpose of rendering the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient. Compounds of formula (I) and their salts may be prepared by any method well known in the art for preparation of compounds of analogous structure. For example, compounds of formula (I) may be prepared by derivatisation of the corresponding carboxylic acid. The carboxylic acids themsleves may be obtained by methods known in the art, for example European Patent Application Publication No 0059983 (which is incorporated herein by reference). Compounds of formula (I) wherein A is a tetrazole residue may also be prepared by reaction of the corresponding nitrile with an appropriate reagent, for example azide. The following Examples illustrate the invention: Example 1 Preparation of Ethyl 2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzoate A solution of 2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzoic acid (3.0 g, 0.0113 mole) and 15 drops concentrated sulfuric acid in 250 ml absolute ethanol was heated to reflux in a Soxhlet extractor filled with dry 3AO Molecular Sieve (Mallinckrodt) for 7 days. The pH of the reaction mixture was brought to i7 with the addition of 1N NaOH and the mixture was evaporated to a residue. The residue was dissolved in ether and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to an oil. The oil was chromatographed using petroleum ether:ethyl acetate to afford ethyl-2-(4 trifluoromethylphenylbenzoate as an oil (yield 75%). Elemental Analysis: Calculated for C16H13F302: C, 65.30; H, 4.45. Found: C, 65.10; H, 4.55. TLC (lined tank), 1:1::methylene chloride:petroleum ether, 1 spot, Rf 0.55, Silica Gel 60 (Trade Name) plate. Example 2 By the method of Example 1, methyl 2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl) benzoate, was also prepared, ffi èuQ . Example 3 Preparation of 3-Pyr idylme thyl-2-(4-tr ifluoromethylphenyl)benzoate A solution of 2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzoic acid (2.6 g 0.01 mole) in 100 mL thionyl chloride was stirred at room temperature for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was evaporated under vacuum to an oil. The oil was dissolved in 100 mL toluene to which was added 3-pyridylcarbinol (1.6 g, 0.015 mole) and triethylamine (1 mL). The reaction mixture was heated and stirred under nitrogen for 16 hr. The solution was then cooled, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure to an oil. The oil was chromatographed in 20% ethyl acetate:petroleum ether to afford 3-pyridylmethyl-2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-benzoate as an oil (yield 86%). Elemental Analysis: Calcualted for C20H14N02F3: C, 67.22;H, 3.95; N, 3.92. Found: C, 66.96; H, 4.00; N; 3.85. TLC (lined tank), 1:1: ethyl acetate:petroleum ether, 1 spot, Rf 0.55, Silica Gel 60 (Trade Name) plate. Example 4: 5-(4-Trifluoromethyl-2-biphenyl) tetrazole. (a) Preparation of 2-(4-Trifluoromethylphenyl)benzamide A solution of 2-(4-Trifluoromethylphenyl)benzoic acid (3.0 g, 0.011 mole) in 100 mL thionyl chloride was stirred at room temperature for 2 hr. The reaction mixture was evaporated, under reduced pressure, with heating, to a residue. The residue was dissolved in 250 mL aqueous ammonium hydroxide and stirred for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was filtered to afford 2-(4trifluoromethylphenyl) benzamide as a white solid (yield 90%, m.p. 134 1370). Elemental Analysis: Calculated for C14H10NOF3 : C, 63.40; H, 3.80; N, 5.28. Found: C, 63.09; H, 3.70; N, 5.31. TLC (lined tank), 10% methanol/chloroform, 1 spot Rf = 0.65, Silica Gel 60 (Trade Name). (b) Preparation of 2-(4-Trlfluoromethylphenyl)benzonitrile A solution of thionyl chloride (6 g, 0.05 mole) and dimethylformamide (3.6 g, 0.05 mole) was stirred at 00 for 20 minutes. 2-(4-Trifluoromethylphenyl)- benzamide (1.5 g, 0.0057 mole) was then added and the reaction stirred at Oc for 2 hr. The reaction was then allowed to warm to room temperature and stirring was continued overnight. The reaction was then poured over ice and filtered to afford 2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzonitrile as a solid (yield 100%). Infrared Analysis: sharp peak at 2210cm-1. (c) Preparation of 5-(4 -Trifluoromethyl-2-biphenyl)te trazole A mixture of 2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzonitrile (3.0 g, 0.012 mole), lithium chloride (1.0 g, 0.024 mole), sodium azide (1.74 g, 0.0266 mole) and aniline hydrochloride (0.32 g, 0.0024 mole) in 15 mL dimethylformamide was heated to 1000 for 12 days. The reaction was then evaporated, under reduced pressure, to a residue. The residue was dissolved in 100 mL water and extracted twice with 100 mL methylene chloride. The organic extracts were combined and washed once with 100 ml brine, then dried with sodium sulfate and evaporated, under reduced pressure, to an oil. The oil was chromatographed in 1:1:ethyl acetate:petroleum ether to yield a solid which was recrystallized in ether/petroleum ether to afford 5-(4-trifluoromethyl-2biphenyl) tetrazole (yield 51%,m.p. 125127O). Elemental Analysis: Calculated for C14HgF3N4 C, 57.93; H, 3.12; N; 19.30. Found: C, 57.83; H, 3.15; N,19.32. TLC (lined tank), 10% methanol/chloroform, 1 spot, Rf = 0.29, Silica Gel 60 (Trade Name) plate. Example 5 Effect of Compounds of formula (IA) on Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels in rats. Various compounds of formula (IA) were assessed for their ability to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats as follows: Hypercholesterolemia was produced in male rats after 3 days in a diet of0.4% cholesterol and 0.2% sodium cholate. Each group contained 4 rats. Compounds tested were given orally twice daily for 3 days and once on day 4. Control animals received the vehicle, methyl cellulose. The cholesterol-containing diet and compound treatment were started at the same time. Animals were bled before dietary and compound treatment and 3 hr after the last dose of compound on day 4. All bleedings were after a 4 hr fast. Total serum cholesterol, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were determined by the procedure and test kit supplied by Dow Diagnostics (Trademark of the Dow Chemical Co. Laboratories, Indianapolis, IN). Very low and low density lipoprotein (VLDL de LDL) cholesterol were determined by the difference between total and HDL cholesterol. The compounds were compared in efficacy to clofibrate. The results are shown in Table I. TABLE (I) Compound of formula (IA) Cholesterol lowering Triglyceride lowering A CF3 CO2Me CF3 C02Et 3556 at 25mg/kg bid 39% at 25mg/kg bid Example 6 Pharmaceutical Formulation a. Capsule Compound of formula (I) 150.0 mg Corn Starch 45.0 mg Stearic Acid 12.0 mg Lactose 93.0 mg b. Syrup Compound of formula (I) 162.4 mg Glycerin 500.0 mg Sucrose 3,500.0 mg Flavouring Agent q.s. Colouring Agent q.s. Preserving Agent 0.1% Purified Water q.s. to 5.0 ml c. Tablet Compound of formula (I) 162.4 mg Corn Starch 30.0 mg Lactose 87.6 mg Magnesium Stearate 3.0 mg Polyvinylpyrrolidone 6.0 mg Stearic Acid 12.0 mg d. Tablet Compound of formula (I) 150.0 mg Corn Starch 30.0 mg Lactose 100.0 mg Magnesium Stearate 2.0 mg Polyvinylpyrrolidone 6.0 mg Stearic Acid 12.0 mg

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A compound of the formula (I) ArÚ - Ar2 (I) wherein: - Arl is selected from EMI13.1 Ar2 is selected from EMI13.2 and R1 is selected from C1-5 alkyl, halogen, perhalo-C1-4 alkyl (such as trihalomethyl), C1 4 alkoxy, phenyl, C14 acyl, C1-6 alkoxy carbonyl, amino, hydroxy, SO2NR4R5, SCF3 or SOR6; R2 is hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl; R is hydrogen or C1-4 alkoxy; R4 and R5 are the same of different and can be C1-4 alkyl; R6 is straight or branched C16 alkyl; A is -C02 Alk, -CO2CH2 Alk is C16 alkyl, EMI14.1 or EMI14.2 ;and and pharmaceutically acceptable salts therof. 2. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein A is EMI14.3 EMI14.4 3. A compound of formula (I) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 which compound is a compound of formula (IA), EMI14.5 wherein A is as defined in claim 1 and R7 is C1-5 alkyl, halogen, perhalo C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, phenyl, C1-4 acyl, C1-6 alkoxycarbonyl, amino or hydroxy. 4. A compound of formula (I) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 which compound EMI14.6 wherein A is as defined in claim 1 and R7 is C15 alkyl, halogen, perhalo-C 14alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, phenyl, C1 4acyl, C1-6 alkoxy carbonyl, amino or hydroxy. 5. A compound is claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein R7 is selected from C15 alkyl, halogen, C1-4 alkoxy, phenyl or trihalomethyl. 6. A compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein R1 is C2 5alkyl or trihalomethyl. 7. A compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the compound is a C1-6 alkyl ester of 2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzoic acid. 8. A compound of formula (I) selected from, Methyl 2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzoate, Ethyl 2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzoate, 3-pyridylmethyl 2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzoate, 5-(4 - trifluoromethyl-2-biphenyl)-tetrazole. 9. A pharmaceutical formulation as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising in a compound of formula (I) together with pharmaceutically acceptable carrier there for. 10. A compound of formula (I) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8 for use in therapy.

Inventors: BELL, LAWRENCE NATHANIEL, BURKE, MICHAEL THOMAS, HODGSON, GORDON LEWIS, JR., SHUMAKER, THOMAS KEVIN
Applicants: THE WELLCOME FOUNDATION LIMITED
Application year: 1983
Main classification: C07C69
IPC codes: C07C311, A61K31, C07C69, C07D213, C07D257, A61P3, A61P9, C07C301, C07C321, C07C211, C07C313, C07C67