ANTIVIRAL COMPOUNDS

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain 5-substituted pyrimidine nucleosides and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof of formula (I) wherein X represents a vinylene or ethynylene group; R¹ represents an oxo or imino group; R₂ represents hydrogen, a C 1-2 alkyl or a C 3-4 branched or cycloalkyl group e.g. isopropyl or cyclopropyl; R³ represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl e.g. C 1-4 alkanoyl or benzoyl group optionally substituted for example by one or more halogen, alkyl, hydroxy or alkoxy substituents; and R⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxy group; providing that (a) when X is ethynyl R², R³ and R⁴ each represents a hydrogen atom, R¹ does not represent an oxo group, and (b) when X represents a vinylene group and R² represents hydrogen, R³ represents an acyl group; or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, in the treatment and prophylaxis of varicella zoster virus, cytomegalovirus and Epstein Barr virus infections. Also provided are pharmaceutical formulations and process for the preparation of the compounds according to the invention.

Description: The present invention relates to a pyrimidine nucleoside and its use in medical therapy particularly for the treatment of prophylaxis of herpes virus infections. Of the DNA viruses, the herpes group is the source of the most common viral illnesses in man. The group consists of herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a herpesvirus which causes chicken-pox and shingles. Chicken-pox is the primary disease produced in a host without immunity and in young children is usually a mild illness characterised by a vesicular rash and fever. Shingles or zoster is the recurrent form of the disease which occurs in adults who were previously infected with varicella-zoster virus. The clinical manifestions of shingles are characterised by neuralgia and a vesicular skin rash that is unilateral and dermatomal in distribution. Spread of inflammation may lead to paralysis or convulsions. Coma can occur if the meninges become affected. In immunodeficient patients VZV may disseminate causing serious or even fatal illness. VZV is of serious concern in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs for transplant purposes or for treatment of malignant neoplasia and is a serious complication of AIDS patients due to their impaired immune system. Attention has focussed on nucleoside analogues for the treatment of herpes viral infections. One compound, originally of interest as a useful intermediate, is 2′-deoxy-5-ethynyluridine, the synthesis of which is disclosed by Barr et al . (J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. I (1978), 1263). This compound was tested for antiviral activity in vitro against vaccinia and herpes simplex for example as described by Walker et al . (Nucleic Acid Res., Special Pub. No. 4, 1978) and in UK Patent Specification No. 1 601 020 but did not demonstrate any effect of use in human medicinal chemotherapy. European Patent Application No. 86305297 describes and claims the use of 2′- deoxy-5-ethynyluridine and its pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives in the treatment or prophylaxis of human virus infections caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) or varicella zoster virus (VZV). We have no surprisingly discovered that a certain pyrimidine nucleoside characterised by the presence of an unsaturated grouping in the 5-position is of particular value in medical therapy particularly for the treatment of certain viral infections as described below. This compound also has the advantage that it has been found to possess a relatively low level of toxicity as determined by cell culture toxicity experiments in vitro . 1-(B-D-Arabinofuranosyl)-5-propynyluracil described hereinafter for its use in the treatment of VZV, CMV and EBV infections has previously been described in J. Med. Chem. (1983), 26(5), 661-6. The pyrimidine nucleoside referred to above may be represented by the following formula (I): It will be appreciated that the compound of formula (I) may exist in its tautomeric form. The above-mentioned pyrimidine nucleoside also includes the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compound, The above pyrimidine nucleoside of formula (I) and its salts will be hereinafter referred to as the compound according to the invention. The present invention further includes: a) a compound according to the invention for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of a VZV, infection; b) use of a compound according to the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of a VZV, infection. Examples of the clinical conditions caused by VZV infections which may be treated in accordance with the invention include those referred to above. Salts according to the invention which may be conveniently used in therapy include physiologically acceptable base salts, eg derived from an appropriate base, such as alkali metal (e.g. sodium), alkaline earth metal (e.g. magnesium) salts, ammonium and NX + / 4 (wherein X is C₁-₄ alkyl) salts. The compound according to the invention may be administered by any route appropriate to the condition to be treated, suitable routes including oral, rectal, nasal, topical (including buccal and sublingual), vaginal and parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intradermal, intrathecal and epidural). It will be appreciated that the preferred route may vary with, for example, the condition of the recipient. For each of the above-indicated utilities and indications the amount required of the individual compounds according to the invention (active ingredients) will depend upon a number of factors including the severity of the condition to be treated and the identity of the recipient and will ultimately be at the discretion of the attendant physician. In general, however, for each of these utilities and indications, a suitable, effective dose will be in the range 0.1 to 250 mg per kilogram body weight of recipient per day, preferably in the range 1 to 100 mg per kilogram body weight per day and most preferably in the range 5 to 30 mg per kilogram body weight per day; an optimum dose is about 15 mg per kilogram body weight per day (unless otherwise indicated all weights of active ingredient are calculated as the parent compound; for salts and esters thereof the figures would be increased proportionately.) The desired dose may if desired be presented as two, three four or more sub-doses administered at appropriate intervals throughout the day. These sub-doses may be administered in unit dosage forms, for example, containing 10 to 1000 mg, preferably 20 to 500 mg and most preferably 100 to 400 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage form. While it is possible for the compounds to be administered alone it is preferable to present them as pharmaceutical formulations. The formulations of the present invention comprise at least one active ingredient together with one or more acceptable carriers thereof and optionally other therapeutic 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 recipients thereof. The formulations include those suitable for oral, rectal, nasal, topical (including buccal and sublingual), vaginal or parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intradermal, intrathecal and epidural) administration. The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy. Such methods include the step of bringing into association the active ingredient with the carrier which constitutes one or more accessory ingredients. In general the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into association the active ingredient with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both, and then, if necessary shaping the product. Formulations of the present invention suitable for oral administration may be presented as discrete units such as capsules, cachets or tablets each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient; as a powder or granules; as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or a non-aqueous liquid, or as an oil-in-water liquid emulsion or a water-in-oil liquid emulsion. The active ingredient may also be presented as a bolus, electuary or paste. 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 ingredient in a free-flowing form such as a powder or granules, optionally mixed with a binder (e.g. povidone, gelatin, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose), lubricant, inert diluent, preservative, disintegrant (e.g. sodium starch glycollate, cross-linked povidone, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose), surface-active or dispersing agent. Moulded tablets may be made by moulding in a suitable machine a mixture of the powdered compound moistened with an inert liquid diluent. The tablets may optionally be coated or scored and may be formulated so as to provide slow or controlled release of the active ingredient therein using, for example, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in varying proportions to provide desired release profile. For infections of the eye or other external tissues, e.g., mouth and skin, the formulations are preferably applied as a topical ointment or cream containing the active ingredient in an amount of, for example, 0.075 to 20% w/w, preferably 0.2 to 15% w/w and most preferably 0.5 to 10% w/w. When formulated in an ointment, the active ingredients may be employed with either a paraffinic or a water-miscible ointment base. Alternatively, the active ingredients may be formulated in a cream with an oil-in-water cream base. If desired, the aqueous phase of the cream base may include, for example, at least 30% w″w of a polyhydric alcohol, i.e. an alcohol having two or more hydroxyl groups such as propylene glycol, butane-1,3-diol, mannitol, sorbitol glycerol and polyethylene glycol and mixtures thereof. The topical formulations may desirably include a compound which enhances absorption or penetration of the active ingredient through the skin or other affected areas. Examples of such dermal penetration enhancers include dimethylsulphoxide and related analogues. The oily phase of the emulsions of this invention may be constituted from known ingredients in a known manner. While this phase may comprise merely an emulsifier (otherwise known as an emulgent), it desirably comprises a mixture of at least one emulsifier with a fat or an oil or with both a fat and an oil. Preferably, a hydrophilic emulsifier is included together with a lipophilic emulsifier which acts as a stabilizer. It is also preferred to include both an oil and a fat. Together, the emulsifer(s) with or without stabilizer(s) make up the so-called emulsifying wax, and the wax together with the oil and/or fat make up the so-called emulsifying ointment base which forms the oily dispersed phase of the cream formulations. Emulgents and emulsion stabilizers suitable for use in the formulation of the present invention include Tween 60®, Span 80®, cetostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, glyceryl mono-stearate and sodium lauryl sulphate. The choice of suitable oils or fats for the formulation is based on achieving the desired cosmetic properties, since the solubility of the active compound in most oils likely to be used in pharmaceutical emulsion formulations is very low. Thus the cream should preferably be a non-greasy, non-staining and washable product with suitable consistency to avoid leakage from tubes or other containers. Straight or branched chain, mono- or dibasic alkyl esters such as di-isoadipate, isocetyl stearate, propylene glycol diester of coconut fatty acids, isopropyl myristate, decyl oleate, isopropyl palmitate, butyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate or a blend of branched chain esters known as Crodamol CAP® may be used, the last three being preferred esters. These may be used alone or in combination depending on the properties required. Alternatively, high melting point lipids such as white soft paraffin and/or liquid paraffin or other mineral oils can be used. Formulations suitable for topical administration to the eye also include eye drops wherein the active ingredient is dissolved or suspended in a suitable carrier, especially an aqueous solvent for the active ingredient. The active ingredient is preferably present in such formulations in a concentration of 0.5 to 20%, advantageously 0.5 to 10% particularly about 1.5% w/w. Formulations suitable for topical administration in the mouth include lozenges comprising the active ingredient in a flavoured basis, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth; pastilles comprising the active ingredient in an inert basis such as gelatin and glycerin, or sucrose and acacia; and mouth-washes comprising the active ingredient in a suitable liquid carrier. Formulations for rectal administration may be presented as a suppository with a suitable base comprising for example cocoa butter or a salicylate. ® denotes a registered trademark. Formulations suitable for nasal administration wherein the carrier is a solid include a coarse powder having a particle size for example in the range 20 to 500 microns which is administered in the manner in which snuff is taken, i.e. by rapid inhalation through the nasal passage from a container of the powder held close up to the nose. Suitable formulations wherein the carrier is a liquid, for administration as for example a nasal spray or as nasal drops, include aqueous or oily solutions of the active ingredient. Formulations suitable for vaginal administration may be presented as pessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams or spray formulations containing in addition to the active ingredient such carriers as are known in the art to be appropriate. Formulations suitable for parenteral administration include aqueous and non-aqueous sterile injection solutions which may contain anti-oxidants, buffers, bacteriostats and solutes which render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient; and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions which may include suspending agents and thickening agents. The formulations may be presented in unit-dose or multi-dose containers, for example sealed ampoules and vials, and may be stored in a freeze-dried (lyophilized) condition requiring only the addition of the sterile liquid carrier, for example water for injections, immediately prior to use. Extemporaneous injection solutions and suspensions may be prepared from sterile powders, granules and tablets of the kind previously described. Preferred unit dosage formulations are those containing a daily dose or unit, daily sub-dose, as herein above recited, or an appropriate fraction thereof, of an active ingredient. It should be understood that in addition to the ingredients particularly mentioned above the formulations of this invention may include other agents conventional in the art having regard to the type of formulation in question, for example those suitable for oral administration may include flavoring agents. The compounds according to the invention may be prepared by any of the methods known in the art for the preparation of the same or similar compounds e.g. see UK Patent Specification No. 1 601 020, or Robins M.J., and Barr, P.J., J.Org. Chem. (1983) 48 , 1854-1862, and in particular the processes described in the Examples given hereinafter. The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of a compound according to the invention which comprises:- A. condensing a compound of formula (wherein R¹ a represents a protected hydroxy group and M¹ represents a hydroxy protecting group) with a compound of formula (wherein Y represents a halogen atom, M² and M³ each represent a hydroxy-protecting group and R⁴ a represents a protected hydroxy group); B. reacting a compound of formula wherein R¹,M²,M³ and R⁴ a are as defined above and Z is a leaving group, with a compound capable of providing the grouping of formula -C≡CCH₃; and, optionally thereafter or simultaneously therewith, performing either or both of the following, in any desired order: i) removing any remaining protecting groups; ii) where the resulting compound is a compound of formula (I), converting it into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or, where the resulting compound is pharmaceutically acceptable salt, converting it into a different pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a compound of formula (I). With regard to process A), the starting materials may be protected with conventional protecting groups such as acyl groups, e.g. alkanoyl or aroyl groups such as p-toluoyl, or triakylsilyl groups such as the trimethylsilyl group, the M¹ and R¹ a protecting groups being generally silyl protecting groups. The halogen group Y of the sugar residue (formula (III)) is conveniently chlorine and the reaction carried out in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst, for example stannic chloride, in a appropriate solvent, such as 1,2-dichloroethane. The parent compound can then be obtained, following anomeric separation, by treatment with alcoholic base, such as sodium methoxide in methanol. This process is also described by Barr, et al ., in J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans 1 (1978), 1263 et seq . The protecting groups can subsequently be removed by acid or base hydrolysis, acyl groups being advantageously removed by base hydrolysis and silyl groups by acid hydrolysis. Regarding process B), this is exemplified by Robins, M.J., and Barr, P.J., in J. Org. Chem. (1983), 48 , 1854 et seq . A 5-halogenated nucleoside such as 2′-deoxy-5-iodouridine in a suitably protected form, for example with the protecting groups referred to above, can be subjected to a catalyst, with an appropriate protected acetylene, such as trimethylsilylacetylene, in the presence of an organic base, such as triethylamine, and another metal catalyst, for example a copper (I) salt, at an elevated temperature such as 50°C to give the protected acetylenic nucleoside. A preferred palladium catalyst is bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium dichloride and a preferred copper catalyst is cuprous iodide. The parent compound can readily be obtained by removal of any protecting groups for example by treatment with alcoholic base, such as sodium methoxide in methanol. The above-mentioned starting materials may be prepared in conventional manner from known compounds using techniques that are known in the art for example as described in Nucleic Acid Chemistry: Improved New Synthetic Procedures, Methods and Techniques. Ed.L.B. Townsend and R.S. Tipson, Wiley Interscience (1978) and Nucleoside Analogues: Chemistry, Biology and Medical Applications, Ed. R.T. Walker, E de Clercq and F. Eckstein, NATO Advanced Study Institute, Plenum Press (1979). Examples of methods for the preparation of the starting materials are described below. In process B), the compound of formula (IV) particularly wherein Z represents a halogen atom such as iodine and R⁴ a represents a protected hydroxy group can be prepared for example by methods analogous to those described by Schinazi et al, J.Med.Chem, 1979,22(20) 1273. Salts according to the invention may also be prepared in conventional manner for example by reaction of the parent compound with an appropriate base to form the corresponding base salt. Other derivatives according to the invention can also be prepared in conventional manner. The following examples illustrate the present invention. Example a) O ² ,2'-Anhydrouridine Uridine (10g, 0.04mole) was dissolved in 20ml of warm, dry dimethylformamide, and 11.4g of diphenylcarbonate (0.06m) and 0.2g of sodium bicarbonate were added. The solution was stirred and heated at 150°C until evolution of carbon dioxide ceased (30min approx). After cooling the solution was poured into 200 ml of ether with rapid stirring. The resulting solid was filtered off, washed with ether, and recrystallised from methanol to give 7.2g (80%) of the title compound, as white crystals, melting at 235-40°C. b) 1-(β-D-Arabinofuranosyl)uracil The product of Stage a) (7.0 g, 0.03mole) was dissolved in 585ml of ethanol/water (1:1) and 41ml of 1M sodium hydroxide was added. After stirring at room temperature for 2.0hr the solution was acidified to pH4-5 by portionwise addition of Dowex 50(H) ion exchange resin. The resin was filtered off and washed with 100ml of ethanol/water (1:1). The filtrate was evaporated to dryness, and the residue recrystallised from ethanol, to give 5.51g (75%) of the title compound, as white crystals, melting at 220-3°C. c) 1-(B-D-Arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodouracil The product of Stage b) (3.0 g, 12.3mmole), 3.0g of iodine (11.8mmole), 15ml of chloroform, and 30ml of 1M nitric acid were vigorously stirred and refluxed together for 2.0hr. After cooling, a crystalline solid separated, which was filtered off, and washed thoroughly with ether to remove excess iodine. The solid was recrystallised from water to give 2.55g (56%) of the title compound as white crystals melting at 191°-3°C (decomp). d) 5-Iodo-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-acetyl-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)uracil Acetic anhydride (1.04 ml, 11 mmol) was added to a solution of 1 g of 1-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodouracil from stage (c)(2.7 mmol) in 10 ml of dry pyridine. After stirring for 3 hours at room temperature, the solvent was evaporated and the residue was co-evaporated with CH₂Cl₂ several times. The residue was triturated with ethanol, the solid filtered and dried to give 1.25 g (93%) of the title compound, melting at 175-9°C. e) 5-Propynyl-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-acetyl-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)uracil A suspension of product of stage d) (1.16 g, 2.3 mmol), 35 mg of cuprous iodide and 35 mg of bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (II) chloride in 95 ml of dry triethylamine was stirred under dry N₂ for 15 mins. Propyne gas was then bubbled through the mixture for 15 mins and the mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of N₂ at 50°C for 1 hr. The solution was filtered and the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The residue was taken up in CH₂Cl₂ (30 ml) washed with 2x25 ml portions of 2% aqueous disodium ethylenediamine tetracetic acid solution and 50 ml of water. The organic solution was dried (Na₂SO₄) and evaporated and recrystallisation of the residue from ethanol gave 0.38 g (40%) of the title compound melting at 150-157°C. CHN calc. C, 52.94; H, 4.902; N, 6.863% found C, 52.86; H, 4.827; N, 6.784% f) 1-(β-D-Arabinofuranosyl)-5-propynyluracil 5-Propynyl-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-acetyl-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)uracil from stage e) (0.3 g, 0.73 mmol) was dissolved in 20 ml of dioxan/880 ammonia/water (3:2:1) and left standing at room temperature for 18 hours. The solvent was evaporated and co-evaporated with ethanol and final recrystallisation of the residue from ethanol afforded 0.17 g of the title compound (82%) melting at 225-227°C. CHN calculated C, 51.06; H, 4.964; N, 9.93% found C, 50.8; H, 5.055; N, 9.8% The following examples illustrate pharmaceutical formulations according to the invention in which the active ingredient is a compound of formula (I). Example A Tablet Active ingredient 100 mg Lactose 200 mg Starch 50 mg Polyvinylpyrrolidone 5 mg Magnesium stearate 4 mg 359 mg Tablets are prepared from the foregoing ingredients by wet granulation followed by compression. Example B Ophthalmic Solution Active ingredient 0.5 Sodium chloride, analytical grade 0.9 g Thiomersal 0.001 g Purified water to 100 ml pH adjusted to 7.5 Example C : Tablet Formulations The following formulations A and B are prepared by wet granulation of the ingredients with a solution of povidone, followed by addition of magnesium stearate and compression. The following formulations, D and E, are prepared by direct compression of the admixed ingredients. The lactose used in formulation E is of the direct compression type. Formulation F (Controlled Release Formulation) The formulation is prepared by wet granulation of the ingredients (below with a solution of povidone followed by the addition of magnesium stearate and compression. Drug release takes place over a period of about 6-8 hours and was complete after 12 hours. Example D: Capsule Formulations Formulation A A capsule formulation is prepared by admixing the ingredients of Formulation D in Example C above the filling into a two-part hard gelatin capsule. Formulation B ( infra ) is prepared in a similar manner. Capsules are prepared by melting the Macrogol 4000 BP, dispersing the active ingredient in the melt and filling the melt into a two-part hard gelatin capsule. Capsules are prepared by dispersing the active ingredient in the lecithin and arachis oil and filling the dispersion into soft, elastic gelatin capsules. Formulation E (Controlled Release Capsule) The following controlled release capsule formulation is prepared by extruding ingredients a, b, and c using an extruder, followed by spheronisation of the extrudate and drying. The dried pellets are then coated with release- controlling membrane (d) and filled into a two-piece, hard gelatin capsule. Example E: Injectable Formulation Active ingredient 0.200 g Sterile, pyrogen free phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) to 10 ml The active ingredient is dissolved in most of the phosphate buffer (35-40°C), then made up to volume and filtered through a sterile micropore filter into a sterile 10ml amber glass vial (type 1) and sealed with sterile closures and overseals. Example F: Intramuscular injection Active Ingredient 0.20 g Benzyl Alcohol 0.10 g Glucofurol 75® 1.45 g Water for Injection q.s. to 3.00 ml The active ingredient is dissolved in the glycofurol. The benzyl alcohol is then added and dissolved, and water added to 3 ml. The mixture is then filtered through a sterile micropore filter and sealed in sterile 3 ml glass vials (type 1). Example G : Syrup Suspension Active ingredient 0.2500 g Sorbitol Solution 1.5000 g Glycerol 2.0000 g Dispersible Cellulose 0.0750 g Sodium Benzoate 0.0050 g Flavour, Peach 17.42.3169 0.0125 ml Purified Water q.s. to 5.0000 ml The sodium benzoate is dissolved in a portion of the purified water and the sorbitol solution added. The active ingredient is added and dispersed. In the glycerol is dispersed the thickener (dispersible cellulose). The two dispersions are mixed and made up to the required volume with the purified water. Further thickening is achieved as required by extra shearing of the suspension. Example H : Suppository mg/suppository Active Ingredient (63µm) 250 Hard Fat, BP (Witepsol H15 - Dynamit NoBel)® 1770 2020 One-fifth of the Witepsol H15 is melted in a steam-jacketed pan at 45°C maximum. The active ingredient is sifted through a 200µm sieve and added to the molten base with mixing, using a silverson fitted with a cutting head, until a smooth disperson is achieved. Maintaining the mixture at 45°C, the remaining Witepsol H15 is added to the suspension and stirred to ensure a homogenous mix. The entire suspension is passed through a 250µm stainless steel screen and, with continuous stirring, is allowed to cool to 40°C. At a temperature of 38°C to 40°C 2.02g of the mixture is filled into suitable plastic moulds. The suppositories are allowed to cool to room temperature. Example I : Pessaries The above ingredients are mixed directly and pessaries prepared by direct compression of the resulting mixture. Antiviral and Toxicity Testing Varicella zosler virus (VZV) is assayed in monolayers of either MRC5 cells (human embryonic lung) in multiwell trays. Activity of compounds is determined in the plaque reduction assay, in which a cell monolayer is infected with a suspension of VZV. Plaque numbers of each concentration are expressed as precentage of the control and a dose-response curve is drawn. From this curve the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) is estimated. Cell toxicity is assessed in a cell growth inhibition assay. Subconfluent cultures of Vero cells grown on 96-well microtiter dishes are exposed to different dilutions of drug, and cell viability determined daily on replicate cultures using uptake of a tetrazolium dye (MTT). The concentration required for a 50% inhibition of cell vaibility at 96 hours is termed CCID₅₀.

Claims: Claims for the following Contracting States : AT, BE, CH, DE, FR, GB, IT, LI, LU, NL, SE 1-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-propynyluracil for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of a varicella zoster virus infection. 1-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-propynyluracil for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of chicken pox. 1-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-propynyluracil for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of shingles. Use Of 1-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-propynyluracil in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of a varicella zoster virus infection. Use of 1-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-propynyluracil in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of chicken pox. Use of 1-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-propynyluracil in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of shingles. Use of 1-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-propynyluracil according to any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the medicament is in the form of a tablet or capsule. Use of 1-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-propynyluracil according to any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the medicament is in the form of a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or a non-aqueous liquid. Use of 1-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-propynyluracil according to any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the medicament is presented in a unit dosage form, each unit dosage containing 100-400mg of 1-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-propynyluracil. A pharmaceutically acceptable salt of 1-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-propynyluracil for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of a varicella zoster virus infection. A pharmaceutically acceptable salt of 1-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-propynyluracil for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of chicken pox. A pharmaceutically acceptable salt of 1-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-propynyluracil for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of shingles. Use of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of 1-(β-D-arabinofurano syl)-5-propynyluracil in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of a varicella zoster virus infection. Use of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of 1-(β-D-arabinofurano syl)-5-propynyluracil in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of chicken pox. Use of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of 1-(β-D-arabinofurano syl)-5-propynyluracil in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of shingles. Use of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of 1-(β-D-arabinofurano syl)-5-propynyluracil according to any of claims 13 to 15 wherein the salt is the sodium salt. Use of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of 1-(β-D-arabinofurano syl)-5-propynyluracil according to any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the medicament is in the form of an aqueous or non-aqueous sterile injection solution. Use of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of 1-(β-D-arabinofurano syl)-5-propynyluracil according to claim 17 wherein the medicament is stored in a freeze-dried condition for subsequent formation of the aqueous or non-aqueous sterile injection solution. Claim for the following Contracting States : ES, GR A process for preparing a pharmaceutical formulation containing a compound of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which comprises preparing said compound of formula (I) by a process comprising: (1), A) condensing a compound of formula (II), (wherein R¹ a represents a protected hydroxy group and M¹ represents a hydroxy protecting group) with a compound formula (III), (wherein Y represents a halogen atom, M² and M³ each represent a hydroxy-protecting group and R⁴ a represents a protected hydroxy group); B) reacting a compound of formula (IV), wherein M², M³, R⁴ a are as defined above and Z is a leaving group, with a compound capable of providing the necessary grouping of formula -C≡CCH₃; and optionally thereafter or simultaneously therewith, performing either or both of the following, in any desired order : i) removing any remaining protecting groups; ii) where the resulting compound is a compound of formula (I), converting it into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or, where the resulting compound is pharmaceutically acceptable salt, converting it into a different pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or a compound of formula (I): and (2) bringing the resulting compound of formula (I) into association with at least one pharmaceutical excipient to form said pharmaceutical formulation.

Inventors: PURIFOY, DOROTHY JANE MARTIN, RAHIM, SAAD GEORGE
Applicants: THE WELLCOME FOUNDATION LIMITED
Application year: 1987
Main classification: C07H19
IPC codes: A61K31, A61P31, C07H19