Benzopyran[4,3-d]-thiazole-derivatives with anti-allergic, anti-anaphylactic and anti-arthritic activity and compositions containing them

Abstract: Compounds of formula (wherein R and R₁ have the meanings reported in the specification) and their preparation are described. The compounds of formula I have anti-allergic, anti-anaphylactic and anti-arthritic activity and are useful in pharmaceutical field. Compositions for pharmaceutical use containing a compound of formula I as active ingredient are described too.

Description: The present invention relates to compounds with anti-allergic, anti-anaphylactic and anti-arthritic activity and, more particularly, relates to derivatives of oxamic acid, their preparation and their use in pharmaceutical field. The compound known as Cromolyn (Merck Index 10th Ed. no. 2580, page 371) or as disodium cromoglycate (described in U.K. Patent no. 1.144.906 - Fisons) has the characteristic of preventing the release of the autacoids formed during allergic reactions and induced by antigen-antibody interactions. For this characteristic disodium cromoglycate is used in therapy as anti-allergic drug especially in asthmatic diseases. However said compound is not absorbed after oral administration and this disadvantage limits its application considerably. In order to attempt to overcome this disadvantage many other compounds were prepared which modified little by little the structure of disodium cromoglycate so that compounds structurally and chemically different from the parent compound were obtained. Among these compounds the derivatives of phenyloxamic acid [J. Med. Chem., 21 (9), 930, (1978)] and of 4-aryl-2-thiazolyl-oxamic acid (U.K. Patent Application no. 2.023.580 - Boehringer Ingelheim and European Patent no. 44442 - BASF) may be cited. US 4,517,196 (BASF Aktiengesellschaft) describes tricyclic thiazolyl oxamic acid derivatives like indeno-[1,2d]-thiazol-2-yl-oxamic acid, benzo[5,6]-cyclohexano-[1,2d]-thiazol-2-yl-oxamic acid and benzo[6,7]-cycloheptano-[1,2d]-thiazol-2-yl-oxamic acid derivatives endowed with anti-allergic activity. Chemical Abstracts 101 :171241n (JP 59/70,676 - Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals) describes symmetrical thiazolyloxamides prepared by condensing the appropriate 4-phenyl-2-amino-thiazoles with oxalyl dichloride; the compounds are endowed with immunity regulator and anti-arthritic activity. H. Cousse et al. in Arzneim. Forsch/Drug Res. 36(11), No. 9, 1391-1393, (1986) describe some arylthiazole oxamate derivatives showing anti-allergic activity. Hargrave K.D. et al. in J. Med. Chem. 1983, 26 , 1158-1163 describe a series of N-(4-substituted-thiazolyl)oxamic acid derivatives as orally active anti-allergic agents. We have now found and they are the object of the present invention, compounds of formula wherein R represents hydroxy, a hydrogen or a halogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl or alkoxy; R₁ represents a group; R₃ and R₄, which are the same or different, represent a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl, a benzyl, a phenyl, or R₃ and R₄, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a 1-piperidinyl, 1-piperazinyl, 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl radical. Furthermore, object of the present invention are the salts of the compounds of formula I wherein R₁ contains a basic function, with non-toxic organic or inorganic acids suitable for pharmaceutical use. Examples of suitable acids are hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid, benzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid and succinic acid. If it is not otherwise specified, the radicals representing the meanings of the substituents in general formula I are preferably: alkyl = linear or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl, alkoxy = C₁-C₄ alkoxy, halogen = fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom. Examples of compounds comprised in formula I are the following: wherein X represents the group and wherein R has the same above reported meanings but preferably it represents a hydrogen atom, a chlorine or bromine atom, hydroxy, a methoxy or ethoxy group. Preferred meanings of R₃ and R₄, the same or different, are hydrogen, methyl or ethyl or R₃ and R₄, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, are a 1-piperidinyl, 1-piperazinyl or 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl radical. The compounds of formula I are endowed with anti-allergic, anti-anaphylactic and anti-arthritic activity and they can be used in pharmaceutical field. The preparation of the compounds of formula I is carried out by using methods already known in organic chemistry. Useful starting materials are the compounds of formula (wherein R has the above reported meanings). 2-amino-4H-[1]-benzopyran[4,3-d]-thiazoles of formula II are known compounds [S. Kempter et al., Z. Chem., 10 , 460, (1970)] or they can be easily prepared according to known methods. The reaction of the compounds of formula II with derivatives of oxalic acid of formula (wherein R₂ represent a C₁-C₆ alkyl, a benzyl, a group of formula -(CH₂-CH₂-O) n -R₅ wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 4 and R₅ represents a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₄ alkyl) carried out in the presence of an organic or inorganic base and of a solvent that may be the organic base itself, gives the esters corresponding to formula I wherein R₁=OR₂. From these esters, the compounds of formula I are prepared by means of known reactions. For instance, the hydrolysis of the esters corresponding to formula I wherein R₁=OR₂ gives the corresponding acids (R₁=OH). Both the compounds corresponding to formula I wherein R₁=OR₂ or R₁=OH are intermediates for the preparation of the compounds of formula I (R₁=R₃-N-R₄). The reaction of the compounds of formula I wherein R₁=OR₂, with ammonia or with a suitable amine gives the compounds of formula I wherein R₁=NH₂ or respectively. Such compounds, in case they contain basic groups, can be salified, then, by reaction with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid. The compounds object of the present invention have interesting anti-allergic, anti-anaphylactic and anti-arthritic properties. On the other hand the compounds of formula I wherein R₁ is a group are particularly preferred as far as their anti-arthritic activity is concerned. Anti-allergic and anti-anaphylactic activity With reference to the anti-allergic and anti-anaphylactic properties, the pharmacological screening carried out on the compounds of formula I showed that they are endowed with the property of interfering with the appearance of the allergic pathology experimentally induced in the experimental animal. This interference resulted to be remarkable and highly selective. In the experimental animal, after treatment with the compounds of this invention with even large dosages, no important variations were recorded in the principal regulatory functions studied, such as for example the cardiocirculatory and the respiratory functions. Besides, the coordination functions peculiar to the central nervous system were not influenced and no effect of excitatory or sedative type appeared. Finally, neither in vitro nor in vivo any direct antagonistic pharmacological action towards humoral and tissue autacoids known in allergic pathology, such as histamine, serotonin, bradykinin and SRS-A was noted. The pharmacological action of the compounds of this invention was shown by a dual series of independent experiments in which: a) a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis experimental model; b) an experimental model of systemic sensibilizaton appropriate for the appearance of bronchoconstriction by inhalation of the specific antigen; was induced in the experimental animals. The first test was performed in the rat in accordance with Goose J. and Blair A.M.J.N. [Immunology, 16 , 749, (1969)] and Binaghi R.A. and Benacerraf B. [J. Immunol., 92 , 920, (1964)]; the production of the homocytotropic serum necessary for the accomplishment of the test was obtained according to the method set forth by Mota I. [Immunology, 7 , 681, (1964)]. The second test was accomplished on guinea-pig, sensitized for 4-5 weeks by parenteral administration of ovalbumin as allergen and adjuvant. The trigger reaction was induced following aerosol inhalation of the allergen until appearance of the characteristic signs of bronchoconstriction. In these two tests the specific inhibitory activity of the compounds of this invention proved to be dose-dependent and clearly reproducible by the three selected administration ways: oral, peritoneal (i.p.) and venous (i.v.). Anti-arthritic activity Anti-arthritic activity was evaluated using the test for Freund experimental arthritis induced in the rat by a subplantar injection of a 0.5% solution of killed Butyricum mycobacteria in paraffin oil as described by Newbould B.B. (Brit. J. Pharmacol., 1963, 21 , 127). Compounds found to be active in Freund's experimental arthritis were shown to have considerable clinical usefulness in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The experimental model of Freund's arthritis used for the pharmacological investigation of the compounds of this invention makes it possible not only to evaluate the pharmacological activity but to acquire indications on the mechanism of the action of the tested compounds. In this experimental model, in fact, two stages may be considered: the stage sustained predominantly by a specific inflammatory mechanism (primary stage) and the stage sustained principally by an immunity mechanism (secondary stage). The pharmacological investigation of the compounds of this invention was carried out by administering peritoneally to the experimental animal a dosage of 0.06 mmol/Kg/day for a period of 21 consecutive days beginning the day before inoculation of the mycobacteria. The pharmacological activity was measured by determining both the velocity of erythrosedimentation (VES) and the change in volume of the hind limbs. The limb which was the seat of the inoculation represents the primary stage while the contra-lateral limb, where the onset of the pathological process takes place about the 12th day after inoculation, represents the secondary stage. Treatment of the mycobacteria-inoculated animals, for example with [4H-[1]-benzopyrano[4,3-d]thiazol-2-yl]oxamide led to a 22% inhibition of VES and to a 39% inhibition of volume growth in the contra-lateral limb (secondary stage). The compound known as Cromolyn did not show any antiarthritic activity in the same test. The ratio between pharmacological dose and tolerated dose proved to be highly favourable in all the compounds for the anti-allergic and anti-anaphylactic activity as well as for anti-arthritic activity. Suitable therapeutic doses can be considered between the range from 5 to 500 mg/day depending on the formulation. The therapeutic uses of the compounds of the present invention are in the treatment of the syndromes which accompany the arthritic and rheumatic processes and in the treatment of anaphylaxis reactions and of other various pathological syndromes having a recognized allergic nature, with localization either in the upper respiratory tracts such as, for example, hay fever and bronchial asthma or in the cutaneous tissues and in superficial mucous membranes such as, for example, urticaria, dermatitis eczematoides, itching and allergic conjunctivitis. Another object of the present invention are the pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds of formula I or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof as active ingredient. These compositions can contain the active ingredient together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier which may be a solid or liquid, organic and inorganic pharmaceutical excipient and they are suitable for topical, oral, parenteral and rectal administration or for inhalation. The pharmaceutical preparations can be solid, such as for example tablets, pills, capsules, powders, granules, suppositories, or liquid such as for example solutions, suspensions, emulsions, or semiliquids such as creams and ointments. They can be also prepared in such a way that the release of the drug after administration is prolonged. In addition to the excipients they may contain preservatives, stabilizing agents, wetting agents, emulsifying agents, salts to regulate osmotic pressure, buffers, colouring agents and flavouring agents. They are prepared according to known methods and can also contain other compatible therapeutic ingredients. In order to better illustrate the present invention the following examples are now given. Example 1 Preparation of 2-ethoxyethyl [4H-[1]-benzopyran[4,3-d]thiazol-2-yl]oxamate. To a suspension of 2-amino-4H-[1]-benzopyran[4,3-d]thiazole (6.2 g; 30.4 mmols) in pyridine (60 ml), kept under stirring at the temperature of 5°C, 2-ethoxyethyl-oxalyl chloride (6.3 g; 34.9 mmol) was added dropwise. At the end of the addition, the reaction mixture was kept under stirring for a night at room temperature, then it was poured into ice. The mixture was acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid and was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic extract was washed with water, dried on sodium sulphate and evaporated. A solid residue (10.1 g) was obtained which was crystallized from ethanol (750 ml) giving 7.5 g (71% yield) of 2-ethoxyethyl [4H-[1]-benzopyran[4,3-d]thiazol-2-yl]oxamate with m.p. 171-174°C. ¹H-NMR (60 MHz, DMSO-d₆): delta (ppm): 1.1 (t, 3H); 3.5 (q, 2H); 3.7 (m, 2H); 4.4 (m, 2H); 5.5 (s, 2H); 6.9-8.0 (m, 4H). Example 2 Preparation of [4H-[1]-benzopyran[4,3-d]thiazol-2-yl]oxamide. A suspension of 2-ethoxyethyl [4H-[1]-benzopyran[4,3-d]thiazol-2-yl]oxamate (6 g; 17.2 mmols), prepared as described in example 1, in a solution (90 ml) of ammonia at 16% in methanol was kept under stirring for a night at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated and the solid residue (4.4 g), was crystallized from acetic acid (130 ml). The crystalline product was filtered and suspended in warm methanol (100 ml) for some minutes. After filtration, 3.3 g (70% yield) of [4H-[1]-benzopyran [4,3-d]thiazol-2-yl]oxamide, white solid with m.p. 210°C (dec.), were obtained. ¹H-NMR (60 MHz, DMSO-d₆): delta (ppm): 5.5 (s, 2H); 6.8-8.0 (m, 4H). Example 3 Preparation of [4H-[1]-benzopyrano[4,3-d]thiazol-2-yl]oxamic acid. A suspension of 2-ethoxyethyl[4H-[1]-benzopyrano[4,3-d]thiazol-2-yl]oxamate (0.2 g; 0.574 mmols), prepared as described in example 1, in NaOH 0.1N (8.6 ml) was stirred vigorously at 40°C till complete dissolution (45 minutes). After cooling and filtration, the solution was acidified with HCl 1N. The precipitate was filtered and washed with water till negative halide test. [4H-[1]-benzopyrano[4,3-d]thiazol-2-yl]oxamic acid (0.135 g; 85% yield) was obtained as yellow solid with m.p. 235-236°C (dec.). ¹H-NMR (60 MHz, DMSO-d₆): delta (ppm): 5.5 (s, 2H); 6.8-7.9 (m, 4H). Example 4 1) Capsules containing [4H-[1]-benzopyrano[4,3-d]thiazol-2-yl]oxamide A mixture of 100 g of active ingredient, 100 g of lactose, 60 g of corn starch, 40 g of crystalline cellulose and 6 g of magnesium stearate was mixed and filled into hard capsules in an amount of 200 mg for capsule by using an encapsulating machine. 2) Inhalation Aereosol Preparation containing [4H-[1]-benzopyrano[4,3-d]thiazol-2-yl]oxamide The active ingredient (1 to 20 parts), soya lecithin (0.20 to 4 parts) and mixture of propellant gases ("Freon" 11, 12 and 14; "Freon" is a trademark of the Company Du Pont) up to 100 parts was filled into aerosol containers with metering valve. The single dose can be adjusted to provide 1 to 20 mg of active substance.

Claims: A compound of formula wherein R represents hydroxy, a hydrogen or a halogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl or C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R₁ represents a group; R₃ and R₄, which are the same or different, represent a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl, a benzyl, a phenyl, or R₃ and R₄, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a 1-piperidinyl, 1-piperazinyl, 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl radical; and salts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable acids or bases. A compound, according to claim 1, wherein R represents a hydrogen, a chlorine or bromine atom, hydroxy, a methoxy or ethoxy group. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R₃ and R₄, the same or different, represent hydrogen, methyl or ethyl or together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded form a 1-piperidinyl, 1-piperazinyl or 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl radical. A process for the preparation of the compounds of formula I comprising the reaction of a compound of formula wherein R has the meanings reported in claim 1, with a compound of formula wherein R₂ represents a C₁-C₆ alkyl, a benzyl, a group of formula -(CH₂-CH₂-O) n -R₅ wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 4 and R₅ represents a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₄ alkyl, in the presence of an organic or inorganic base and of a solvent that may be the organic base itself, in order to obtain compounds of formula I wherein R₁=OR₂; from these by reaction with ammonia or with a suitable amine the compounds of formula I are obtained. A pharmaceutical composition containing an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 5, for the treatment of arthritis containing a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to claim 1, with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Inventors: CARENZI ANGELO, CHIARINO DARIO, FRIGENI VIVIANA, GRANCINI GIAN CARLO, CARENZI, ANGELO, CHIARINO, DARIO, FRIGENI, VIVIANA, GRANCINI, GIAN CARLO
Applicants: ZAMBON SPA, ZAMBON GROUP S.P.A.
Application year: 1988
Main classification: C07D513
IPC codes: A61K31, A61P29, A61P37, C07D513