NOVEL PIPERIDINE DERIVATIVES WITH PAF ANTAGONIST ACTIVITY

Abstract: Compounds of general formula (I) and their salts and solvates are PAF antagonists and as such are useful in the treatment of various diseases or disorders mediated by PAF. Pharmaceutical compositions including these compounds and processes for their preparation are also provided.

Description: Novel piperidine derivatives with PAF antagonist activity. Field of the invention. The present invention relates to new piperidine derivatives which are potent platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists. The invention also relates to a process for their preparation, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them and to their use in the treatment of diseases in which PAF is involved. Description of the prior art. Platelet activating factor (PAF) or (l-0-alkyl-2-acetyl-sπ-glyceryl-3- phosphorylcholine), also called acetyl glyceryl ether phosphorylcholine (AGEPC) or PAF-acether, is a natural phospholipid synthesized by different cells (basophiles, macrophages, neutrophiles, platelets) and tissues (heart, lung and kidney) of the organism. PAF was described for the first time as a potent platelet aggregating agent. Later on it was demonstrated to have other biological activities in vivo, such as peripheral vasodilatation, increase of the vascular permeability, induction of bronchoconstriction and hyperreactivity of the respiratory tract. PAF also produces immediate hypotension followed by pulmonary and renal hypertension in rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and dogs, and it has been rated as the most potent ulcerogenic agent described until now. Consequently, PAF is a mediator that is implicated in a large set of pathological processes such as asthma, septic shock, transplant rejection, thrombosis, ulceration, inflammation and renal diseases. The closest prior art from the structural point of view is believed to be EP 441226, which discloses pyridylcyanomethylpiperazines and piperidines having PAF antagonistic activity, different from the compounds of the present invention. Description of the invention. The present invention relates to new piperidine derivatives of general formula I wherein: m represents 0, 1 or 2; a, b and c represent CR, wherein each R independently represents hydrogen or Cι-4 alkyl; R 1 represents C alkyl or C3-7 cycloalkyl; A represents -CO, -SO2-, - HCO- or -OCO-; B represents a group of formula (i), and when A represents -CO- or -SO2-, then B can also represent a group of formula (ii) or (iii) n represents 0, 1, 2 or 3; one of R 2 or R 3 represents C alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl or aryl, and the other represents hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, C haloalkyl, C 3 . 7 cycloalkyl, CM alkoxy-Cι- 4 alkyl , aryl or aryl-C 1 _ 4 alkyl ; Z represents hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, -CH2-OR 4 , -COOR 4 or -CONR 4 R 5 , and when A represents -CO- or -SO2-, then Z can also be hydroxy, -NR 4 R 5 , -NR*C(=0)OR 4 , -NR 6 C(=0)R 4 , -NR<>C(=0)NR R5, -N(OH)C(=0)NR R 5 or or Z and R 3 together form a C2-5 polymethylene chain in which case R 2 represents C 1 - alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl or aryl; R 4 represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, aryl or aryl-Cι- 4 alkyl; R 5 and R 6 independently represent hydrogen or C alkyl; R 7 represents Cμ alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl- . 4 alkyl or bisaryl-C M alkyl; Y represents hydrogen, C alkyl, aryl, aryl-Ci- 4 alkyl, -C(=0)OR 4 , -C(=0)R 4 , -C(=0)NR R 5 , or -SO2R 4 ; aryl, whenever appearing in the above definitions, represents phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 groups independently selected from halogen, C 1 - 4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, hydroxy, C haloalkyl, CM haloalkoxy, cyano, nitro, amino, CM alkylamino, CM dialkylamino, CM alkylcarbonyl, Ci- 4 alkylcarbonyloxy, CM alkoxycarbonyl, CM alk lsulfonyl, CM alkylsulfinyl, CM alkylthio, CM alkylcarbonylamino or CM alkoxycarbonylamino; and their salts and solvates. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition which comprises an effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable exάpient. The invention further provides the use of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of diseases mediated by PAF. Preferred is the use for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of ischemia and shock states such as septic shock, anaphylactic shock, hemorrhagic shock and myocardial ischemia; pancreatitis; and diseases related with allergy and inflammation such as asthma, dermatitis, urticaria, arthritis and psoriasis. The invention also provides the use of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof for the treatment or prevention of diseases mediated by PAF. Preferred is the use for the treatment or prevention of ischemia and shock states such as septic shock, anaphylactic shock, hemorrhagic shock and myocardial ischemia; pancreatitis; and diseases related with allergy and inflammation such as asthma, dermatitis, urticaria, arthritis and psoriasis. The invention further provides a method of treating or preventing diseases mediated by PAF in a mammal, which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. Preferred is a method of treating or preventing ischemia and shock states such as septic shock, anaphylactic shock, hemorrhagic shock and myocardial ischemia; pancreatitis; and diseases related with allergy and inflammation such as asthma, dermatitis, urticaria, arthritis and psoriasis in a mammal in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. The invention still further provides a process for preparing a compound of formula I which comprises: (A) reacting a compound of formula II, π wherein a, b, c, m and R 1 have the previously described meaning, with an acid of formula BCOOH (III) or a suitable derivative thereof such as the acid chloride or the anhydride, a sulfonyl chloride of formula BSO2CI (IN), a compound of formula BOC(=0)G (N), a compound of formula BΝHC(=0)G (VI) or a compound of formula BΝ=C=0 (VII), wherein B has the previously described meaning and G represents a good leaving group such as chloro or -OPh; or (B) converting in one or a plurality of steps a compound of formula I into another compound of formula I; and (C) if desired, after steps A or B, reacting a compound of formula I with an add to give the corresponding add addition salt. The invention yet further provides novel intermediates of formula II π wherein a, b, c, m and R 1 have the meaning described above for the compounds of formula I. The compounds of formula II are valuable intermediates in the preparation of the compounds of the present invention. Compounds of formula I may have one or more aymmetric centers, which can give rise to stereoisomers. The present invention covers each of the individual stereoisomers as well as their mixtures. Moreover, some compounds of the present invention may show άs/trans isomery. The present invention covers each of the geometric isomers and the mixtures thereof. In the above definitions, the term C alkyl, as a group or part of a group, means a linear or branched alkyl group that contains from one to four carbon atoms. Therefore, it includes methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, and terf-butyl. The term CM alkoxy, as a group or part of a group, means a group derived from the union of a C alkyl group like the above mentioned to an oxygen atom of an ether functional group. Examples include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, and tørt-butoxy. A halogen group or its abbreviation halo represents fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo. A group C 3 - 7 cycloalkyl represents cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cydopentyl, cydohexyl or cycloheptyl. A group C2-5 polymethylene represents ethylene, propylene, butylene and pentylene. A CM haloalkyl group means a group resulting from the substitution of one or more hydrogen atoms of a C alkyl group by one or more halogen atoms (i.e. fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine), which can be the same or different. Examples include trifluoromethyl, fluoromethyl, chloroethyl, fluoroethyl, iodoethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyI, pentafluoroethyl, fluoropropyl, chloropropyl, 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl, heptafluoropropyl, fluorobutyl, and nonafluorobutyl. A CM haloalkoxy group means a group resulting from the substitution of one or more hydrogen atoms of a CM alkoxy group by one or more halogen atoms, which can be the same or different. Examples include trifluoromethoxy, fluoromethoxy, chloroethoxy, fluoroethoxy, iodoethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy pentafluoroethoxy, fluoropropoxy, chloropropoxy, 2,2,3,3,3- pentafluoropropoxy, heptafluoropropoxy, fluorobutoxy, and nonafluorobutoxy. A Cι-4 alkylamino or C dialkylamino group represents a group resulting from the substitution of one or two hydrogen atoms, respectively, of an amino group by one or two CM alkyl groups, which can be the same or different. Examples include methylamino, dimethylamino, ethylamino, diethylamino, ethylmethylamino, propylamino, dipropylamino, isopropylamino and diisopropylamino. A CM alkylcarbonyl group represents a group resulting from the union of a CM alkyl group to a carbonyl group. Examples include acetyl, propionyl, isopropionyl, and butanoyl. A CM alkylcarbonyloxy group represents a group resulting from the union of a CM alkylcarbonyl group to an oxygen atom of an ether functional group. Examples include acetyloxy, propionyloxy, isopropionyloxy, and butanoyloxy. A CM alkoxycarbonyl group represents a group resulting from the union of a C1-4 alkoxy group to a carbonyl group. Examples include methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, sec-butoxycarbonyl and terf-butoxycarbonyl. A CM alkylsulfonyl group represents a group resulting from the union of a CM alkyl group to a sulfonyl group. Examples include methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, propylsulfonyl, isopropylsulfonyl, butylsulfonyl, isobutylsulfonyl, sftr-butylsulfonyl, and tert-butylsulfonyl. A CM alkylsulfinyl group represents a group resulting from the union of a CM alkyl group to a sulfinyl group. Examples indude methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl, uropylsulfinyl, isopropylsulfinyl, butylsulfinyl, isobutylsulfinyl, sec-butylsuifinyl, and tert-butylsulfinyl. A CM alkylthio group represents a group resulting from the union of a CM alkyl group to a sulphur atom of a thioether funtional group. Examples include methylthio, ethylthio, propylthio, isopropylthio, butylthio, isobutylthio, sec-butylthio, and tørf-butylthio. A CM alkylcarbonylamino group represents a group resulting from the substitution of a hydrogen atom of an amino group by a CM alkylcarbonyl group. Examples indude acetamido, propanamido and isopropanamido. A C alkoxycarbonylamino group represents a group resulting from the substitution of a hydrogen atom of an amino group by a C 1 - 4 alkoxycarbonyl group. Examples include methoxycarbonylamino, ethoxycarbonylamino, propoxycarbonylamino, isopropoxycarbonylamino, butoxycarbonylamino, isobutoxycarbonylamino, sec-butoxycarbonylamino and terf-butoxycarbonylamino. A C alkoxyCι- 4 alkyl group represents a group resulting from the substitution of a hydrogen atom of a CM alkyl group by a CM alkoxy group. Examples include among others methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, propoxymethyl, isopropoxymethyl, butoxymethyl, isobutoxymethyl, sec- butoxymethyl, ferf-butoxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 2-ethoxyethyl, 2- propoxyethyl, 2-isopropoxyethyl, 2-butoxyethyl, 2-isobutoxyethyl, 2-sec- butoxyethyl, 2-tert-butoxyethyl, 1-methoxy ethyl, 1-ethoxyethyl, 1-propoxyethyl, 1-isopropoxyethyl, 1 -butoxyethyl, 1-isobutoxyethyl, 1-sec-butoxyethyl, and 1- tørt-butoxyethyl. An aryl-Cι- 4 alkyl group represents a group resulting from the substitution of one hydrogen atom of a CM alkyl group by an aryl group as defined above. Examples indude among others, benzyl, 1-phenylethyl, 3- phenylpropyl, 2-phenylpropyl, 1-phenylpropyl, 4-phenylbutyl, 3-phenylbutyl, 2-phenylbutyl and 1-phenylbutyl, wherein the phenyl groups can be substituted as described above in the definition of an aryl group. A bisaryl-Cι- 4 alkyl group represents a group resulting from the substitution of two hydrogen atoms of a CM alkyl group by two aryl groups as defined above, which can be the same or different. Examples include among others, diphenylmethyl, 2,2-diphenylethyl, 1,1-diphenylethyl, 1,2- diphenylethyl, 3,3-diphenylpropyl, 2,2-diphenylpropyl, 1,1-diphenylpropyl, 3,2- diphenylpropyl, 1,3-diphenylpropyl, and 1,2-diphenylpropyl, wherein the phenyl groups can be substituted as described above in the definition of an aryl group. Preferred compounds include those in which, independently or in any compatible combination: m represents 1 or 2; SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 7 n represents 0, 1 or 2; A represents -CO- or -SO2-; A represents -NHCO- or -OCO-; B represents a group of formula (i); B represents a group of formula (ii); B represents a group of formula (iii) Z represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, -CH2-OR 4 , -COOR 4 , or -CONR 4 R 5 , and when A represents -CO- or -SO2-, Z can also represent hydroxy, -NR 6 C(=0)OR 4 , -NR 6 C(=0)R 4 or -NR 6 SO2R 4 ; Z and R 3 together form a C2-5 polymethylene chain; R 7 represents C alkyl, C3.7 cydoalkyl or aryl; aryl represents phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 groups independently selected from halogen, C 1 . 4 alkyl, CM alkoxy, hydroxy, C haloalkyl, CM haloalkoxy or amino. Accordingly, a preferred class of compounds of formula I is that wherein: m represents 1 or 2; a, b and c represent CR, wherein each R independently represents hydrogen or CM alkyl; R 1 represents CM alkyl or C3-7 cydoalkyl; A represents -CO- or -SO2-; B represents a group of formula (i), (ii) or (iii) n represents 1 or 2; one of R 2 or R 3 represents C alkyl, C 3 -7 cycloalkyl or aryl, and the other represents hvdrogen, alkyl, CM haloalkyl, C 3 .7 cydoalkyl, CM alkoxy-CM alkyl , aryl or aryl-C.,_ 4 alkyl ; Z represents hydrogen, C1.4 alkyl, -CH 2 -OR 4 , -COOR 4 , -CONR R 5 , hydroxy, -NR 6 C(=0)OR 4 , -NR 6 C(=0)R 4 or -NR 6 SO2R 4 ; or Z and R 3 together form a C2-5 polymethylene chain in which case R 2 represents CM alkyl, C3.7 cydoalkyl or aryl; R 4 represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, aryl or aryl-Cι-4 alkyl; R 5 and R 6 independently represent hydrogen or CM alkyl; R 7 represents CM alkyl, C3-7 cydoalkyl or aryl; Y represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, aryl, aryl-Cι- 4 alkyl, -C(=0)OR 4 , -C(=0)R 4 , -C(=0)NR 4 R 5 , or -SO2R 4 ; and aryl in the above definitions represents phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 groups independently selected from halogen, C 1 - 4 alkyl, C alkoxy, hydroxy, CM haloalkyl, CM haloalkoxy or amino. A preferred group of compounds within this dass is that wherein: B represents a group of formula (i) or (iii); one of R 2 or R 3 represents C alkyl, C 3 .7 cydoalkyl or aryl, and the other represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, CM haloalkyl, C3.7 cydoalkyl, CM alkoxy-CM alkyl , aryl or aryl-C 1 _ 4 alkyl ; Z represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, -CH2-OR 4 , -COOR 4 or hydroxy; or Z and R 3 together form a C2-5 polymethylene chain in which case R 2 represents CM alkyl, C3-7 cydoalkyl or aryl; R 4 represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, aryl or aryl-C M alkyl; R 7 represents C alkyl, C 3 -7 cydoalkyl or aryl; and Y represents CM alkyl, aryl, or -SO2R 4 . Another preferred group of compounds within this class is that wherein: B represents a group of formula (ii); and one of R 2 or R 3 represents CM alkyl or aryl, and the other represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, CM alkoxy-CM alkyl , aryl or aryl C,_ 4 alkyl. Another preferred class of compounds of formula I is that wherein: m represents 1 or 2; a, b and c represent CR, wherein each R independently represents hydrogen or CM alkyl; R 1 represents CM alkyl or C3-7 cydoalkyl; A represents -NHCO- or -OCO-; B represents a group of formula (i); (i) n represents 0 or 1; one of R 2 or R 3 represents C alkyl, C3.7 cycloalkyl or aryl, and the other represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, CM haloalkyl, C3.7 cydoalkyl, CM alkoxy-CM alkyl . aryl or aryl-C 1 _ 4 alkyl ; Z represents nydrogen, CM alkyl, -CH 2 -OR 4 , -COOR 4 , or -CONR 4 R 5 ; or Z and R 3 together form a C2-5 polymethylene chain in which case R 2 represents C - 4 alkyl, C 3 .7 cydoalkyl or aryl; R 4 represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, aryl or aryl-CM alkyl; R5 represents hydrogen or CM alkyl; and aryl in the above definitions represents phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 groups independently selected from halogen, C alkyl, C alkoxy, hydroxy, CM haloalkyl, CM haloalkoxy or amino. The formulae of some specific compounds are represented below, together with the number corresponding to the example in which their preparation is described: The compounds of formula I contain basic nitrogen atoms and, consequently, they can form salts with adds, which are also included in the present invention. There is no limitation on the nature of these salts, provided that, when used for therapeutic purposes, they are pharmaceutically acceptable, which, as is well-known in the art, means that they do not have reduced activity (or unacceptable reduced activity) or increased toxidty (or unacceptable increased toxicity) compared with the free compounds. Examples of these salts indude: salts with an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric add, hydrobromic add, hydriodic add, nitric add, perchloric add, sulfuric add or phosphoric add; and salts with an organic acid, such as methanesulfonic add, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic add, benzenesulfonic add, p- toluenesulfonic add, fumaric acid, oxalic acid, maleic add, dtric add, succinic add, tartaric acid; and other mineral and carboxylic adds well known to those skilled in the art. The salts are prepared by reacting the free base with a suffident amount of the desired acid to produce a salt in the conventional manner. Free bases and their salts differ in certain physical properties, such as solubility, but they are equivalent for the purposes of the invention. The compounds of the present invention can exist in unsolvated as well as solvated forms, induding hydrated forms. In general, the solvated forms, with pharmaceutically acceptable solvents such as water, ethanol and the like, are equivalent to the unsolvated forms for the purposes of the invention. Some compounds of the present invention can exist as different diastereoisomers and/or optical isomers. Diastereoisomers can be separated by conventional techniques such as chromatography or fractional crystallization. The optical isomers can be resolved using any of the conventional techniques of optical resolution to give optically pure isomers. Such a resolution can be performed in any chiral synthetic intermediate as well as in the products of general formula I. The optical resolution techniques include separation by chromatography on a chiral phase or formation of a diastereoisomeric pair, resolution and subsequent recovery of the two enantiomers. The optically pure isomers can also be individually obtained using enantiospedfic synthesis. The present invention covers both the individual isomers and their mixtures (e.g. racemic mixtures), whether as obtained by synthesis or by physically mixing them up. Furthermore, some of the compounds of the present invention may present cis/ trans isomery. The geometric isomers can be separated by conventional techniques such as chromatography or recrystallization. Such a separation can be performed either upon the products of formula I or upon any synthetic intermediate thereof. The individual isomers can also be obtained using stereospedfic synthesis. The present invention covers each of the geometric isomers and the mixtures thereof. The compounds of formula I may be prepared using the methods described below. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the precise method used for the preparation of a given compound may vary depending on its chemical structure. The reactions are performed in a solvent appropriate to the reagents and materials employed and suitable for the transformation being efferted. Moreover, in some of the processes described below it will be desirable or necessary to protect reactive or labile groups using conventional protecting groups, for example the groups described below. Both the nature of these protecting groups and the procedures for their introduction and removal are well known in the art (see, e. g. Greene T. W., "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis", John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1981). The compounds of formula I can be obtained in general from amines of formula II by reaction with an add chloride of formula BCOCl (VIII), a sulfonyl chloride of formula BSO2CI (IV), a compound of formula BOC(=0)G (V), a compound of formula BNHC(=0)G (VI) or a compound of formula BN=C=0 (Nil): O 96/14317 PC17EP95/03487 1 7 Bcoci (VΠD (ID wherein B, a, b, c, m and R 1 have the previously described meaning and G represents a good leaving group such as chloro or -OPh. This reaction is carried out in the presence of a proton scavenger a ine such as triethylamine or pyridine in a suitable solvent, or using the base as solvent. Examples of suitable solvents include halogenated hydrocarbons, such as dichloromethane and chloroform; ethers, such as diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran and dioxane; and aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene and toluene. The reaction is carried out at a temperature preferably between 0 β C and the boiling point of the solvent. As an alternative to the acid chloride, the anhydride can be employed. Isocyanate derivatives of formula VII may have been previously prepared or may be generated in situ from the corresponding add derivative of formula BCO2H (III) by known procedures such as for example by treatment with diphenylphosphorylazide in the presence of triethylamine. As it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, a compound of formula I wherein A represents -NHCO- may also be prepared by inverting the functionality of the reactive groups involved, i.e. by reacting an amine of formula BNH2 (IX) with a reactive carbamate derivative of amine II, for example its phenylcarbamate derivative, which derivative can be prepared from amine II by conventional procedures such as treatment with phenyl chioroformate under standard conditions. Alternatively, compounds of formula I wherein A represents -CO- can also be prepared by a dehydration procedure between amines of formula II and a carboxylic add of formula BCOOH (III). This process can be carried out using any conventional reaction of amide bond formation, such as reacting an amine with an acid in the presence of an appropriate condensing agent such as a diimide, e.g. dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, alone or in combination with 1- hvdroxvbenzotriazole. This reaction is carried out in an inert solvent such as a halogenated hydrocarbon, for example dichloromethane or chloroform; an ether, for example tetrahydrofuran or dioxane; acetonitrile, or dimethylformamide. The reaction is carried out at a temperature preferably comprised between 0 and 60°C during a reaction time preferably from 6 to 24 hours. Moreover, a compound of formula I may also be obtained by interconversion from another compound of formula I. Thus, for example, the compounds of formula I in which B represents a group of formula (i) wherein Z represents -NR 6 C(=0)OR 4 , -NR 6 C(=0)R 4 , -NR 6 C(=0)NR 4 R 5 or - 6 Sθ2R or a group of formula (iii) wherein Y is different from hydrogen can be prepared from the corresponding compounds of formula I in which B represents a group of formula (i) wherein Z represents -NHR 6 or a group of formula (iii) wherein Y= H, respectively, by conventional reactions, which are well known to those skilled in the art, as shown in Scheme 1. Examples thereof indude alkylations, acylations, preparation of sulfonamides, carbamates and ureas. These reactions are widely described in the literature and are carried out in accordance with the usual conditions employed in organic chemistry for such transformations. These compounds of formula I in which B represents a group of formula (i) wherein Z represents -NHR 6 or a group of formula (iii) wherein Y= H can be prepared by the general procedures described above for the preparation of compounds I but starting from an add of formula III (or the corresponding acid chloride or anhydride) or a sulfonyl chloride of formula IV wherein the amino group is blocked with an amino protecting group (P), as shown in Scheme 1. As amino protecting groups it is possible to use any amino protecting group known in the art, such as for example a tert- butoxycarbonyl group. In this case, it will be necessary a subsequent step for removing the protecting group in order to obtain a compound of formula I. Deprotection is carried out using conventional procedures, such as the procedures described below. Scheme 1 L: wherein a, b, c, R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 6 , R 7 , m and n have the previously described meaning; A represents -CO- or -SO2-; P represents an amino protecting group, such as a fert-butoxycarbonyl group and Q represents a group CO2H (thus giving rise to adds of formula III) or a group SO 2 CI (thus giving rise to sulfonyl chlorides of formula IV). Another example of interconversions between compounds of formula I is the reduction of a nitro group in a compound of formula I to an amino group. This reduction can be carried out by using any known redudng agent for aromatic nitro groups which is compatible with the other functional groups present in the molecule. Examples of suitable redudng agents indude: Zn under a wide range of pH conditions in a suitable solvent such as ethanol- water mixtures at a temperature preferably between room temperature and that of the boiling point of the solvent, more preferably between 50 and 60°C; Na 2 S 2 θ 4 in a suitable solvent such as mixtures of water and an organic solvent, for example tetrahydrofuran, ethanol or pyridine; SnCl 2 under a wide range of pH conditions in a suitable organic solvent such as ethanol; Sn or Fe under a wide range of pH conditions; NaBH 4 in the presence of a suitable catalyst such as a Sn, Co or Pd salt in a suitable organic solvent such as ethanol; and formic acid or ammonium formate in the presence of Pd/C. Alternatively, the reduction can be carried out by hydrogenation in the presence of a catalyst such as palladium on carbon in a suitable solvent such as an alcohol at a temperature preferably between room temperature and that of the boiling point of the solvent, at a pressure preferably between atmospheric pressure and 10 atmospheres and during a reaction time preferably between 1 and 48 h. As it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the interconversion of the substituents as described above can be effected either upon the final compounds of formula I or upon any synthetic intermediate thereof. The salts of the compounds of formula I can be prepared by conventional procedures by treatment for example with an acid such as hydrochloric add, sulfuric add, nitric add, oxalic acid or fumaric add. Amines of formula II can be prepared following the process described in Scheme 2, which is shown below: Scheme 2 (II) wherein a, b, c, m and R 1 have the previously described meaning; P represents an amino protecting group such as a rr-butoxycarbonyl group and L represents halogen or Cι- 6 alkoxy. In a first step (step A), a compound of formula X is allowed to react with a compound of formula XI in the presence of a proton scavenger amine such as triethylamine in a suitable solvent such as a halogenated hydrocarbon, for example chloroform, at a suitable temperature, preferably between room temperature and that of the boiling point of the solvent, to give a compound of formula XII. The reduction of a compound of formula XII (step B) leads to a compound of formula XIII. This reduction can be carried out by hydrogenation in the presence of a catalyst such as palladium on carbon in a suitable solvent such as an alcohol at a temperature preferably between room temperature and that of the boiling point of the solvent, at a pressure preferably between atmospheric pressure and 10 atmospheres and during a reaction time preferably between 1 and 48 h. Alternatively, this reduction may be carried out using a suitable redudng agent such as Na 2 S2θ 4 in a suitable solvent such as mixtures of water and an organic solvent, for example tetrahydrofuran, ethanol or pyridine. In step C, a compound of formula XIII is allowed to react with an imino ether salt of formula R 1 C(=NH)OR 8 .HX (XV, wherein R 1 has the previously described meaning, R 8 represents -6 alkyl and X represents halogen) in a suitable solvent such as an alcohol, for example ethanol, to give a compound of formula XIV. This reaction is carried out at a temperature preferably between room temperature and that of the boiling point of the solvent, during a reaction time preferably between 6 and 48 h. Alternatively, instead of an imino ether it is possible to use a carboxylic acid of formula R*COOH (XVI), an add halide of formula RtøX (XVII), an anydride of formula (RϊCOhO (XVIII) or a trialkylorthoester of formula (XIX), wherein R 1 , X and R 8 have the previously described meaning. Finally, deprotection of the piperidinic nitrogen atom of a compound of formula XIV (step D) leads to a compound of formula II. The agent used for this deprotection and the reaction conditions employed will depend upon the nature of the protecting group present. Thus, if the protecting group is a tert- butoxycarbonyl group, deprotection can be carried out by treatment with an add (for example an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid, phosphoric add, sulfuric acid or the like or an organic acid such as toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic add, acetic add, or trifluoroacetic add) in a suitable solvent such as water, an alcohol (e.g. methanol), an ether (e.g. tetrahydrofuran or dioxane) or a halogenated hydrocarbon (e.g. dichloromethane), at a temperature preferably between 0°C and room temperature. The above reactions are all per se known ones and are carried out in accordance with the described procedures. Adds of formula III and sulfonyl chlorides of formula IV are commerdally available, widely described in the literature or can be prepared by procedures known to those skilled in the art, starting from commerdally available products or products which have already been reported in the literature. Examples of these reactions include alkylations, acylations, conjugated additions to double bonds, Wittig reaction for the preparation of double bonds, preparation of sulfonamides, reductive animations, and the like. All these I reactions are known per se and are carried out in accordance with the reported conditions. Compounds of formulae BOC(=0)G (V) and BNHC(=0)G (VI) can be readily prepared from the corresponding alcohols and amines of formulae BOH and BNH2, respectively, by conventional procedures, for example by treatment with phenyl chloroformate. Isocyanates of formula BN=C=0 (VII) can be prepared from adds of formula BCOOH (III) using a sequence which comprises the following steps: conversion of the acid to an acylazide by treatment for example with diphenylphosphorylazide; and subsequent Curtius rearrangement of said acylazide to give an isocyanate. This sequence for preparing isocyanates from carboxylic adds is widely described in the literature and can be carried out in accordance with the reported conditions. The compounds of formulae X, XI, XV, XVI, XVII, XVIH and XIX, as well as alcohols of formula BOH and amines of formula BNH 2 are commerdally available, widely described in the literature or can be prepared by methods analogous to those known in the art starting from commercially available products. Compounds of general formula I, being potent PAF antagonists, are useful as a preventive and therapeutic drugs for the treatment of circulatory diseases where PAF is involved, such as thrombosis, cerebral apoplexy ( e.g. cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral thrombosis), angina pectoris, thrombotic phlebitis, thromboritopenic purple, nephritis (e.g. glomerular nephritis), diabetic nephrosis, pancreatitis; ischemia and shock states (e.g. septic shock observed after severe infection or postoperatively, intravascular agglutination syndrome caused by endotoxin, anaphylactic shock, hemorrhagic shock, myocardial infarction); digestive tract diseases wherein PAF is involved (e.g. gastric ulcer, inflamatory bowel disease); diseases related to allergy and inflammation (e.g. asthma, dermatitis, urticaria, arthritis, psoriasis); pneumonia; rejection due to increased PAF production after implantations of organs; postoperative organodysfunction (e.g. in heart, liver and kidney) and any other condition in which PAF is implicated. They may also be used for contraception of female mammals by suppressing cell division and /or ovoimplantation on the uterus, in the treatment of endometriosis and in the prevention or treatment of hyperendothelinemia induced by excess secretion of endothelin. According to the activity of the compounds disclosed, the present invention further provides compositions that comprise a compound of the invention together with an exdpient and optionally other auxiliary agents, if necessary. The compounds of the present invention can be administered in different pharmaceutical preparations, the precise nature of which will depend, as it is well known, upon the chosen route of administration and the nature of the pathology to be treated. Thus, solid compositions according to the present invention for oral administration indude compressed tablets, dispersible powders, granules and capsules. In tablets, the active component is admixed with at least one inert diluent such as lactose, starch, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose or caldum phosphate; granulating and disintegrating agents for example corn starch, gelatine, microcrystalline cellulose or polyvinylpyrrolidone; and lubricating agents for example magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc. The tablets may be coated by known techniques to delay disintegration and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and, thereby, provide a sustained action over a longer period. Gastric film-coated or enteric film-coated tablets can be made with sugar, gelatin, hydroxypropylcellulose, or acrylic resins. Tablets with a sustained action may also be obtained using an exdpient which provides regressive osmosis, such as the galacturonic acid polymers. Formulations for oral use may also be presented as hard capsules of absorbable material, such as gelatin, wherein the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent and lubricating agents, or pasty materials, such as ethoxylated saturated glycerides. Soft gelatin capsules are also possible, wherein the active ingredient is mixed with water or an oily medium, for example peanut oil, liquid paraffin or olive oil. Dispersible powders and granules suitable for the preparation of a suspension by the addition of water provide the active ingredient in admixture with dispersing or wetting agents, suspending agents, such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl- cellulose, sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gum tragacanth, xantham gum, gum acada, and one or more preservatives, sud as methyl or π-propyl- p-hydroxybenzoate. Additional exdpients, for example sweetening, flavouring and colouring agents may also be present. Liquid compositions for oral administration include emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs containing commonly used inert diluents, such as distilled water, ethanol, sorbitol, glycerol, or propylene glycol. Such compositions may also comprise adjuvants such as wetting agents, suspending agents, sweetening, flavouring, perfuming, preserving agents and buffers. Other compositions for oral administration indude spray or aerosol compositions, which may be prepared by known methods. These compositions, which can disperse the active ingredient in the form of drops of a solution or suspension or in the form of a powder, will contain a suitable propellent. Preparations for injection, according to the present invention, for parenteral administration by bolus injection or continuous infusion include sterile aqueous or non-aqueous solutions, suspensions or emulsions, in a non-toxic parentally-acceptable diluent or solvent. Examples of aqueous solvents or suspending media are distilled water for injection, Ringer's solution, and isotonic sodium chloride solution. Examples of non-aqueous solvents or suspending media are propyiene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils such as olive oil, or alcohols such as ethanol. These compositions may also include adjuvants such as wetting, preserving, emulsifying and dispersing agents. They may be sterilized by any known method or manufactured in the form of sterile solid compositions which can be dissolved in sterile water or some other sterile injectable medium immediately before use. When all of the components are sterile, the injectables will maintain sterility if they are manufactured under a sterile environment. A compound of the invention may also administered in the form of suppositories or enemas (which include aqueous or oily solutions as well as suspensions and emulsions) for rectal administration of the drug. Such compositions are prepared following conventional procedures; for example, suppositories can be prepared by mixing the active ingredient with a conventional suppository base such as cocoa butter or other glycerides. Compositions for topical administration of a compound of the present invention include creams, ointments, pastes, lotions, gels, sprays, foams, aerosols, solutions, suspensions or powders. Such compositions are conventional formulations and can be prepared by procedures known in the art. When the compounds of the present invention are to be administered to the eye, they can be formulated into solutions or suspensions in suitable sterile aqueous or non-aqueous solvents. These compositions may also indude buffers and preservatives. The dosage and frequency of dose may vary depending upon symptoms, age and body weight of the patient, as well as upon the route of administration, but, in general, the compounds of the invention may be administered orally in a daily dose of from 1-1000 mg for an adult, preferably a dosage from 5-250 mg, which may be administered either as a single dose or as divided doses. A preferred dosage for human patients is from 0.005 to 20 mg/kg of body weight, more preferably from 0.05 to 5 mg/kg of body weight The compositions for topical administration will typically contain 0.5- 10% by weight of a compound of formula I. Following are some representative preparations for tablets, capsules, syrups, aerosols, injectables and creams. They can be prepared following standard procedures and they are useful in the treatment of PAF-mediated conditions. Tablets Compound of formula I 100 mg Dibasic caldum phosphate 125 mg Sodium starch glycolate 10 mg Talc 125 mg Magnesium stearate 25 mg 250.0 mg Hard gelatin capsules Compound of formula I 100 mg Lactose 197 mg Magnesium stearate 3 mg 300 mg Syrup Compound of formula I 0.4 g Sucrose 45 g Havouring agent 0.2 g Sweetening agent 0.1 g Water to 100 mL Aerosol Compound of formula I 4 g Flavouring agent 0.2 g Propylene glycol to 100 ml Suitable propellent to 1 unit TnjPftahlP preparation Compound of formula I 100 mg Benzvlic alcohol 0.05 ml Propylene glycol 1 ml Water to 5 ml Compound of formula I 2 g Dimethyl acetamide 2 g White paraffin 25 g Stearic alcohol 22 g Propylene glycol 12 g Sodium lauryl sulfate 15 g Methylparabene 03 g Purified water 31.6 g The following pharmacological tests explain the activity of the compounds of the present invention in more detail. PHARMACOLOGICAL TEST 1 Inhibition of platelet aggregation induced bv PAF. Platelet aggregation studies were done by the method of Born (/. PhysioL, 1962. 162. 67). Blood was collected in 3.16% sodium dtrate (1 volume per 9 volumes of blood) by cardiac puncture from male New Zealand rabbits (2-2.5 Kg body weight). Platelet rich plasma 0?RP) was prepared by centrifuging the blood at 250xg for 10 min. at 4°C. The PRP was diluted with platelet-poor plasma (PPP) obtained by further centrifuging at 3000xg for 10 min. The platelet count was adjusted to 3x10 5 cells /mm 3 . Platelet aggregation was induced by Cig-PAF (15 nM) and measured with a dual-channel aggregometer Chrono-log 560. Activity was expressed as the IC50 value, that is to say the concentration of drug required to inhibit platelet aggregatory response by 50%. The results are shown in table I below. TABLE I Compound IC50 (μM) No. 1 0.0076 16 0.0092 17a 0.018 17b 0.0050 21 0.0069 23 0.011 32 0.011 39 0.016 40 0.012 41 0.0067 44 0.019 47 0.036 50 0.013 59 0.017 60 0.017 61 0.0062 70 0.034 PHARMACOLOGICAL TEST 2 Inhibition of PAF-induced hypotension in normotensive rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 180-220 g, were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (50 mg/Kg i.p.). Blood pressure was recorded from the left carotid artery using a Statham pressure transducer coupled to a Beckman R611 recorder. Right and left femoral veins were catheterized to inject test compounds and PAF (0.5 μg/Kg). Test compounds were administered by intravenous injection (1 mL/Kg, dissolved in saline) 3 min. before PAF. Blood pressure was monitored and percent inhibition of PAF-induced hypotension with respect to controls was calculated. The results were expressed as ID50 values, that is to say the dose of test compound required to inhibit hypotension by 50%. Results are shown in Table II. TABLE II Compound ID5 0 (mg/Kg) No. 1 0.0086 17a 0.029 17b 0.01-0.025 21 0.043 30 0.015 32 0.0079 40 0.033 41 0.012 47 0.013 50 0.017 59 0.021 60 0.019 70 0.014 The following examples illustrate, but do not limit, the scope of the present invention: REFERENCE EXAMPLE 1 l-t v ert-Butoxycarbonyl-4-(aminomethyl)piperidine To a cooled (0 °C) solution of 4-(aminomethyl)piperidine (40 g, 0.35 mol) in CHCI 3 (300 mL) was added a solution of di-terr-butyl dicarbonate (39.2 g, 0.17 mol) in CHCI3 (300 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h. The resulting solution was washed with H2O and the aqueous phase was reextracted with CHCI 3 . The combined organic phases were dried and concentrated to a crude product (54.1 g), which was directly used in the next step as obtained. IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 4.11 (broad d, J- 13.4 Hz, 2H), 2.69 ( , 4H), 1.45 (s, 9H), 1.8-0.8 (complex signal, 7H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 2 4-[[l-(ferf-Butoxycarbonyl)-4-piperidyl]methylamino]-3-nitropyridine To a cooled (0 °C) solution of 4-chloro-3-nitropyridine (83.7 g, 0.53 mol) in CHCI 3 (700 mL) a solution of the product obtained in reference example 1 (140 g, 0.65 mol) and Et3N (110 mL) in CHCI3 (500 mL) was added and the mixture heated at reflux for 18 h. It was then evaporated, and the residue was partitioned between IN NaOH and EtOAc. The aqueous phase was reextracted twice with EtOAc, and the combined organic extracts were dried and concentrated to a total volume of 400 mL. After cooling (-20 °C) overnight, a yellow solid was collected and dried (115 g, 64%). mp 131-138 °C; lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) 5 (TMS): 9.20 (s, IH), 8.30 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 8.19 (m, IH), 6.72 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 4.18 (broad d, J- 13.4 Hz, 2H), 3.26 (t, J= 5.9Hz, 2H), 2.72 (broad t, J= 12.7Hz, 2H), 1.46 (s, 9H), 1.8-0.8 (complex signal, 5H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 3 3-Ammo-4-[ri-(ferf-butoxycaj:bonyl)-4-piperidyl]methylaπιino]pyridine A mixture of the product obtained in reference example 2 (26.2 g, 0.077 mol) and Pd/C 10% (3.83 g) in MeOH (500 mL) was hydrogenated at atmospheric pressure for 18 h. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate concentrated to a crude product (22.9 g, 96%), which was directly used in the next step as obtained. ΪH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 7.65 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.64 (s, IH), 6.59 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 4.10 (broad d, J= 13.4 Hz, 2H), 3.9 (s, 3H), 3.25 (d, J= 6.5Hz, 2H), 2.74 (broad t, J= 12.0Hz, 2H), 1.46 (s, 9H), 1.8-0.8 (complex signal, 5H). Alternatively, the title compound was prepared as follows: To a solution of the product obtained in reference example 2 (82.2 g, 0.244 mol) in pyridine (400 mL) was added a solution of Na2S2θ 4 (170 g, 0.976 mol) in H2O (500 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 h, then partitioned between EtOAc (800 mL) and 5N NaOH (450 mL). The organic phase was separated, dried and evaporated to give a yellow solid (101 g), which still contained pyridine. REFERENCE EXAMPLE 4 l-[[l-(terf-Butoxycarbonyl)-4-piperidyllmethyI]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5- clpyridine To a solution of the product obtained in reference example 3 (22.9 g, 0.07 mol) in EtOH (350 mL) was added ethyl acetimidate hydrochloride (9.2 g, 0.074 mol) and the mixture was refluxed for 4 h. A second equivalent of ethyl acetimidate hydrochloride was added (9.2 g, 0.074 mol) and the mixture was further refluxed for 18 h. Finally, a third equivalent of ethyl acetimidate hydrochloride was added (9.2 g, 0.074 mol) and the mixture was heated for 4 h more. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between CHCI 3 and 0.5N NaOH. The organic phase was dried and concentrated to a residue (30 g), which was purified by chromatography on silica gel (CHClyMeOH, 10%) to afford the title compound as a yellow solid (23.4 g, 95%). IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.98 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.22 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 4.10 (broad d, J= 13.4 Hz, 2H), 3.96 (d, J= 7.3Hz, 2H), 2.64 (broad t, J= 12.7Hz, 2H), 2.63 (s, 3H), 1.46 (s, 9H), 2.2-1.0 (complex signal, 5H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 5 l-[(4-Piperidyl)methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazol4,5-c]pyridine To a cooled (0 °C) solution of the product obtained in reference example 4 (23.1 g, 0.07 mol) in MeOH (200 mL) was added dropwise 6.5N HCl( g )/ dioxane solution (44 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h and evaporated to dryness. The residue was cooled (0 °C), IN NaOH was added and the resulting solution was extracted with CHCI3 (3x). The combined organic extracts were dried and concentrated to a yellow solid (15.8 g, 98%). SUBSTITUTE SHEET (R ! »= lH NMR (80MHz, CDC1 3 ) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.35 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.20 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 3.95 (d, J= 7.3Hz, 2H), 3.06 (broad d, J= 12.0 Hz, 2H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 251 (broad t, J= 12.7Hz, 2H), 2.2-1.0 (complex signal, 6H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 6 l-(4-Piperidyl ) -lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine, hydrochloride Following the procedure described above in reference examples 1-5, but starting from 4-aminopiperidine instead of 4-(aminomethyl)piperidine, the title compound was obtained (56%). IH NMR (80MHz, CD3OD) δ (TMS): 952 (s, IH), 8.82 (d, J= 55 Hz, IH), 8.62 (d, J= 5.5 Hz, IH), 5.17 (s, IH), 3.9-2.2 (complex signal, 9H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 7 3,3-Diphenyl-3-ethoxycarbonylpropionic add a ) Ethyl diphenyiacetate To a solution of diphenylacetic add (20 g, 0.094 mol) in EtOH (70 mL), was added toluene (70 mL). Next, H2SO 4 (3 mL) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 18 h. Then, H2O and EtOAc were added, the layers were separated, and the organic phase was washed with saturated NaHCθ 3 solution (3x), dried and concentrated to a white solid (23.2 g), which was directly used in the next step as obtained. lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 7.28 (m, 10H), 5.00 (s, IH), 4.19 (q, J= 7Hz, 2H), 1.22 (t, J= 7Hz, 3H). b) Terr-butyl 3,3-diphenyl-3-ethoxycarbonylpropionate To a solution of NaH (60% suspension in parafine, 4.25 g) in DMF (100 mL), was added a solution of the product obtained in reference example 7a (23.2 g, 0.965 mol) in DMF (50 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. Terr-butyl bromoacetate (135 mL, 0.965 mol) was added dropwise and the mixture was stirred at 60°C for 18 h. The resulting solution was treated with H 2 O (1 mL) and the solvents were removed. More H2O was added and then it was extracted with EtOAc, at basic pH. The organic phase was dried and concentrated to a dark oil. IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 7.26 (s, 10H), 4.21 (q, J= 7.2Hz, 2H), 3.43 (s, 2H), 1.30 (s, 9H), 1.16 (t, J= 7.2Hz, 3H). c) Title compound To a cooled (0 °C) solution of the product obtained in reference example 7b (6 g, 0.017 mol) in CH2CI2 (20 mL) was added dropwise trifluoroacetic add (2.6 mL) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h. The title compound was then obtained by evaporating the resulting solution to dryness (85%). lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 11.26 (broad s, IH), 7.25 (s, 10H), 4.21 (q, J= 7.1Hz, 2H), 3.54 (s, 2H), 1.17 (t, J= 7.1Hz, 3H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 8 3-Phenyl-3- ( phenylamino)propionic add To a solution of aniline hydrochloride (3.37 g, 26 mmol) and ethyl benzoylacetate (5 mL, 26 mmol) in MeOH (70 mL) was added NaBHsCN (1.75 g) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h. The solvent was removed and the residue partitioned between 0.5N HC1 and Et2θ. The aqueous phase was made basic with IN NaOH and extracted with CHCI 3 . The organic phase was dried and concentrated to a residue. Purification by chromatography on silica gel (hexane : EtOAc, 5%) afforded ethyl 3-phenyl-3- (phenylamino)propionate (4.3 g , 62%). This compound was then hydrolized under basic conditions to give the title compound as a white solid, mp: 110-111°C; ! H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) 5 (TMS) 7.10 (m, 8H), 6.63 (m, 2H), 4.85 (t, J * 6.3Hz, IH), 4.05 (m, 2H), 2.85 (d, J = 6.5 Hz, 2H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 9 3- ( 4-Nitrophenyl ) amino-3-phenylpropionic acid A mixture of trα πs-dnnamic add (2 g, 13 mmol) and HBr (30% solution in AcOH, 40 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 18 h and then evaporated to dryness. The resulting solid was taken up in 2-butanone (100 mL) and p-nitroaniline (5 g, 36 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 18 h, allowed to cool and partitioned between CHCI3 and IN HC1. The organic phase was dried and concentrated to a residue. This was purified by chromatography on silica gel (hexane : EtOAc, 50%), to afford the title compound as a yellow solid (0.78 g, 21%). ! H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS) 7.99 (d, J= 9.2 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (m, 5H), 656 (d, J= 9.2 Hz, 2H), 4.92 (t, J = 6.3Hz, IH), 3.44 (m, 2H), 2.82 (d, J = 65 Hz, 2H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 10a and 10b cis- and rrαns-3-(4-Nitrophenyl)-3-phenylpropenoic acid To a cooled (0°C) suspension of 50% NaH (24.66 g, 051 mol) in THF (375 mL) was added dropwise triethyl phosphonoacetate (88.2 L, 0.44 mol). The mixture was stirred for 45 min and 4-nitrobenzophenone (102 g, 0.45 mol) in THF (525 mL) was added. The resulting mixture was refluxed for 18 h under an argon atmosphere, and then allowed to cool and partitioned between H2O and EtOAc. The organic phase was dried and concentrated to a residue (115 g). This crude material was dissolved in MeOH (600 mL), a solution of K2CO3 (87.2 g) in H2O (288 mL) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 4 h. MeOH was removed, water was added and the solution extracted with hexane. The aqueous solution was then brought up to acid pH with 5N HC1 and extracted with CHCI3. Evaporation of the solvent afforded a brown solid as a ds/trans mixture. Pure ds isomer (10a) can be obtained by reαystallization from EtOAc (34 g, 30%). *H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.23 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (m, 7H), 6.70 (m), 6.44 (s, IH). Pure trans isomer (10b) can be obtained as follows: A mixture of ethyl frΛTjs-cinnamate (4.4g, 27 mmol), 4-bromonitrobenzene (6 g, 29.7 mol), tiiphenylphosphine (0.26 g), tributylamine (8 mL), and palladium acetate (57 mg) in acetonitrile (20 mL) was heated under argon at reflux for two days. The cooled mixture was partitioned between 0.5 N NaOH and CHCI3, the organic phase separated, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (Hexane:EtOAc, 20%) to afford a white solid (2.4 g, 31%). *H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.18 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (m, 8H), 6.39 (s, IH). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 11 3-Hydroxy-3-phenyl-3-trifluoromethylpropionic add To a cooled (0 °C) solution of n-butyl lithium (1.6M in hexanes, 40 mL) in dry THF (90 mL), was added dropwise diisopropylamine (9.45 mL) and the mixture was stirred for 5 min. Keeping the temperature at 0°C, AcOH (1.92 mL, 0.0336 mol) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture was stirred for 10 min and then heated at 50°C for 30 min. The resulting solution was allowed to cool, a solution of 2,2,2-trifluoroacetophenone (4.76 mL (0.0336 mol) in dry THF (15 mL) was added at 0 °C and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Finally, Et2θ (150 mL) and H2O (50 mL) were added, the aqueous phase was separated, addified with HC1 and extracted with EtOAc (3x). The organic phase was dried and concentrated to afford the title compound as an orange solid (3.88 g, 49%). l H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 9.0 (complex signal, 2H), 7.38 (m, 5H), 3.2 (s, 2H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 12 3,3-Diphenylpropenoic add Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 10, but using benzophenone instead of 4-nitrobenzophenone, the title compound was obtained. *H NMR (80MHz, CDCI 3 ) δ (TMS): 7.31 (m, 10H), 6.33 (s, IH), 5.9 (m, IH). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 13 3-(4-Nitrophenyl)butanoic acid To cooled (0 °C) concentrated H2SO 4 (30 mL) was added 3-phenyIbutyric add (15 g, 91 mmol). Then, a cooled solution of HNO3 (5 mL) in H 2 SO 4 (10 mL) was added dropwise and the mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 30 min and then at room temperature for 30 min more. The mixture was poured into ice and the resulting solution allowed to stand in the refrigerator overnight. The predpitate was filtered, washed with H2O and dried to give a crude product (28.3 g). This was purified by chromatography on silica gel (CHCl3:MeOH, 10%) to afford the title compound (4.1 g, 21%). IH NMR (80MHz, CDC1 3 +CD30D) δ (TMS): 8.14 (d, J= 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 4.77 (s, IH), 3.36 (quint, J= 7.6 Hz, IH), 2.61 (d, J= 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.31 (d, J= 7.0 Hz, 3H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 14 3-Ethoxycarbonyl-3-(4-nitrophenyl)propionic acid Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 7b, but starting from ethyl 4-nitrophenylacetate instead of ethyl diphenylacetate, and hydrolizing then the terf-butyl ester using p-toluenesulfonic acid in benzene at reflux instead of using trifluoroacetic acid, the title compound was obtained. Η NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 9.61 (s, IH), 8.19 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 2H), 4.16 (q, J= 7.3 Hz, 2H), 4.14 (m, IH), 3.30 (dd, J= 17.5 Hz, J= 9.0 Hz, IH), 2.76 (dd, J= 17.3 Hz, J= 6.1 Hz, IH), 1.20 (t, J= 7.3 Hz, 3H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 15 3-Ethoxycarbonyl-3-phenylpropionic acid Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 14, but starting from ethyl phenylacetate, the title compound was obtained. IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 9.49 ( , IH), 7.28 (s, 5H), 4.13 (m, 3H), 3.25 (dd, J= 17.2 Hz, J= 9.8 Hz, IH), 2.67 (dd, J= 17.1 Hz, J= 5.3 Hz, IH), 1.17 (t, J= 7.3 Hz, 3H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 16 cis and rr ns-3-(3-Nitrophenyl)-3-phenylpropenoic acid Following the procedure described in reference example 10, but starting from 3-nitrobenzophenone, the title compound was obtained as a yellow solid. IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.11 (m, 2H), 7.25 (m, 7H), 6.37 (s, 0.67H), 6.34 (s, 0.33H), 6.12 (s, IH). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 17 3-[N-(Ethoxycarbonyl)amino]-3-(4-nitrophenyl)propionic add Following the procedure described in reference example 13, but starting from 3-[N-(ethoxycarbonyl)amino]-3-phenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained. *H NMR (80MHz, CDC1 3 ) δ (TMS): 9.66 (s, IH), 8.17 (d, J= 6.5 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J= 6.5 Hz, 2H), 6.2 (m, IH), 5.22 (q, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 4.11 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.91 (d, J= 6.2 Hz, 2H), 1.20 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 18 3-Hydroxy-3-(2-methylpropyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid Following the procedure described in reference example 11, but using 2,6-dimethyl-4-heptanone instead of 2,2,2-trifluoroacetophenone, the title compound was obtained (56%). IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 6.8 (m, 2H), 2.25 (s, 2H), 1.7 ( , 2H), 0.95 (m, 16H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 19 3-MethyI-3-phenylbutanoic acid. a ) 3-Methyl-3-phenylbutyronitriIe A mixture of l-chloro-2-methyl-2-phenyipropane (150 g, 0.889 mol) and NaCN (54.46 g) in DMSO (250 mL) was heated at 100 °C for 3 weeks. The solution was concentrated to half the initial volume, H 2 O (400 mL) was added and it was extracted with Et2θ (3x). The combined organic extracts were dried and concentrated to a crude product (115.1 g), which was directly used in the next step as obtained. b) Title compound To the product obtained in a) above was added slowly H 2 O (375 mL) and H2SO 4 (300 mL), and the mixture was refluxed for 48 h. Then, H2O was added and the resulting solution was extracted with CHCI3. The organic phase was washed with 2N NaOH (3x), and the aqueous phase was acidified with 5N HC1 and extracted with CHCI3. The combined organic extracts were dried and concentrated to afford the title compound. H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 10.8 (m, IH), 7.29 (s, 5H), 2.61 (s, 2H), 1.43 (s, 6H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 20 N-Methyl-N-phenylaminoacetic acid To a solution of N-phenylglydne (5 g, 33 mmol) and formaldehyde (37% aqueous solution, 20 mL) in acetonitrile (100 mL) was added NaBH3CN (6.8 g) and AcOH (2 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Vola tiles were removed in vacua, the residue was addified to pH=3-4 and extrarted with CHCI3 several times. The combined organic extracts were dried and concentrated to afford a crude produrt (5.73 g), which was purified by chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc) to afford the title compound (3.96 g, 73%). *H NMR (80MHz, CDC1 3 ) δ (TMS): 8.82 (s, IH), 7.38 (m, 2H), 6.75 (m, 3H), 4.05 (s, 2H), 3.03 (s, 3H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 21 3-Methyl-3-(4-nitrophenyl)butanoic acid Following the procedure described in reference example 13, but starring from the compound obtained in reference example 19, the title compound was obtained (47%). ! H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.16 (d, J= 6.5 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (d, J= 65 Hz, 2H), 35 (m, IH), 2.70 (s, 2H), 1.50 (s, 6H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 22 cis and rr ns-3-(4-Nitrophenyl)-2-butenoic acid Following the procedure described in reference example 10, but using 4- nitroacetophenone instead of 4-nitrobenzophenone, the title compound was obtained. IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.8 (m, IH), 8.23 (d, J= 6.4 Hz, 2H), 7.64 (d, J= 6.4 Hz, 2H), 6.21 (d, J= 1.3 Hz, 0.7H), 6.07 (d, J= 1.3 Hz, 0.3H), 2.62 (d, J= 1.3 Hz, 3H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 23 N-Ethoxycarbonyl-N-(4-nitrophenyl)aminoacetic acid To a cooled (0 °C) suspension of 4-nitroaniline (10 g, 0.072 mol) and Et3N (10 mL) in CHCI 3 (120 mL), was added dropwise ethyl chloroformate (6.9 mL) and the mixture was stirred under an argon atmosphere at room temperature overnight. CHCI3 was added and the resulting solution was washed with IN HC1. The layers were separated, the aqueous phase was washed with CHCI 3 and the combined organic extracts were dried and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (hexane:EtOAc, 30%) to afford N- (ethoxycarbonyl)-4-nitroaniline (1.7 g). This product was dissolved in THF (5 mL) and was then added dropwise to a cooled (0 °C) suspension of NaH (0.48 g, 10 mmol) in dry THF (10 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min and then ethyl bromoacetate (0.89 mL, 8 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 48 h and then refluxed for 24 h. The residue was taken up in CHCI3 and phosphate buffer, and extracted with CHCI3 (2x). Evaporation of the solvent gave the title compound as the ethyl ester (1.54 g). This product was dissolved in MeOH (35 mL), a solution of K2CO3 (1.33 g) in H2O (18 mL) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 3 h. Volatiles were removed in vacuo and the resulting solution was extracted with hexane. The aqueous phase was made acid and extracted with CHCI3. The organic extracts were dried and concentrated to afford the title compound. IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.21 (d, J= 6.5 Hz, 2H), 750 (d, J= 6.5 Hz, 2H), 5.89 (broad s, IH), 4.45 (s, 2H), 4.16 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.26 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 24 trans -3-Phenyl-2-pentenoic add Following the procedure described in reference example 10, but using propiophenone instead of 4-nitrobenzophenone, the title compound was obtained. Η NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 10.68 (m, IH), 7.42 (m, 5H), 6.05 (s, IH), 3.12 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.09 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 25 2-Methyl-2-phenylpropylsulfonyl chloride In a flask under argon were placed magnesium turnings (0.8 g, 0.036 mol), dry THF (10 mL) and a iodine crystal. Then, l-chloro-2-methyl-2- phenylpropane (5 mL, 0.031 mol) in THF (15 mL) was added slowly and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 30 min. It was then allowed to cool to room temperature and finally it was cooled to -70 °C and sulfuryl chloride (25 mL, 0.031 mol) in THF (10 mL) was added dropwise. The reaction was allowed to warm up to room temperature and was stirred at this temperature overnight. The resulting solution was poured into diluted phosphate buffer and extracted with EtOAc (3x). Evaporation of the solvent afforded the title compound (4.6 g, 65%). I H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 7.30 (m, 5H), 359 (s, 2H), 1.39 (s, 6H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 26 rN-(2-MethoxyphenyI )-N-methylamino]acetic acid, a ) N- ( 2-Methoxyphenyl)aminoacetic add. To a cooled (0 °C) solution of 2-methoxyaniline (13.2 g, 0.108 mol) in CHCI 3 (100 mL) was added ethyl bromoacetate (6 mL, 0.05 mol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The resulting solution was washed with 0.5N NaOH and the organic phase was concentrated to a crude product. This was purified by chromatography on silica gel (hexane- EtOAc, 10%) to afford ethyl N-(2-methoxyphenyl)aminoacetate (4.2 g, 40%). This compound was dissolved in MeOH (80 mL), a solution of K2CO3 (4.4 g) in H2O (50 mL) was added and the mixture was refluxed overnight. MeOH was removed and the resulting aqueous solution was extracted with hexane. The aqueous phase was acidified with 5N HC1 and extracted with CHCI3 (3x). Evaporation of the solvent afforded the title compound. *H NMR (80MHz, CDCI 3 + CD30D) δ (TMS): 6.83 (m, 3H), 6.56 (m, IH), 3.91 (s, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.62 (s, 2H). b)Title compound Following the procedure described in reference example 20, but starting from the compound obtained in reference example 26a, the title compound was obtained (76%). H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.78 (broad s, IH), 6.87 (m, 4H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.71 (s, 2H), 2.88 (s, IH). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 27 rr ns-3-(Methoxymethyl)-3-phenylpropenoic add. Following the procedure described in reference example 10, but using 2- methoxyacetophenone instead of 4-nitrobenzophenone, the title compound was obtained (30%). IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 11.13 (broad s, IH), 7.23 (s, 5H), 6.49 (s, IH), 3.66 (s, 3H), 3.52 (s, 2H). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 28 N-Isobutyl-N-(4-nitrophenylsulfonyl)aminoacetic add a) N-Isobutyl-N-(4-nitrophenylsulfonyl)amine To a solution of isobutylamine (5 mL, 0.052 mol) in CH2CI2 (100 mL) was added Et 3 N (5.07 mL) and 4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl diloride (11.7 g, 0.052 mol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The resulting solution was washed with H2O (3x), dried and concentrated to afford the desired product (9.41 g, 70%). ! H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.38 (d, J= 6.5 Hz, 2H), 8.08 (d, J= 65 Hz, 2H), 5.12 (t, J= 6.4 Hz, IH), 2.83 (t, J= 6.5 Hz, 2H), 1.75 (hept, J= 6.5 Hz, IH), 0.89 (d, J= 65 Hz, 6H). b) Title compound Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 26a, but starting from the compound obtained in section a) above, the title compound was obtained (3.20 g, 28%). ] H NMR (80MHz, CDCI 3 ) δ (TMS): 8.36 (d, J= 6.5 Hz, 2H), 8.03 (d, J= 6.5 Hz, 2H), 4.09 (s, 2H), 3.80 (s, IH), 3.10 (d, J= 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.87 (hept, J= 65 Hz, IH), 0.91 (d, J= 65 Hz, 6H). EXAMPLE 1 l-[[l-(3,3-Diphenylpropionyl)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-me ylimidazo[4,5- cjpyridine To a cooled (0 °C) mixture of the product obtained in reference example 5 (0.5 g, 2.17 mmol), 3,3-diphenylpropionic acid (0.49 g, 2.17 mmol) and 1- hydroxybenzotriazole (0.26 g) in DMF (25 mL), was added under a nitrogen atmosphere dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.4 g) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h. The solvents were removed in vacuo, the resulting residue was stirred with EtOAc and the insoluble material was filtered off. The organic solution was washed with saturated NaHCθ3 solution, H2O and brine, dried and concentrated. The residue (1.44 g) was purified by chromatography on silica gel (CHCl 3 :MeOH, 10%) to afford the title compound as a white solid (0.59 g, 62%). mp 79-84°C (C28H30N4O); I H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.35 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.23 (m, 1 IH), 4.66 (t, J= 7.3Hz, IH), 4.65 (m, IH), 3.83 (d, J= 7.2Hz, 2H), 3.81 (m, IH), 3.01 (dd, J= 7.8Hz, J= 3.2Hz, 2H), 2.57 (s, 3H), 3-0.5 (complex signal, 7H); 13C NMR (20.15MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 169.25, 153.17, 143.78, 143.37, 140.85, 140.71, 139.84, 138.97, 127.93, 127.58, 127,19, 125,87, 104.74, 48.62, 47.11, 44.90, 40.88, 38.00, 36.32, 29.66, 29.03, 13.37. The trihydrochloride was prepared by treatment of a solution of the product (0.28 g) in a 1: 1 mixture of EtOAc and CH 2 CI2 with a solution of HCKg) in E 2θ. The mixture was cooled for 1 h at -20°C and the solid was collected by filtration to afford the desired salt (0.3 g, 85%). mp 128-134°C (C2 8 H3 0 N4O.3HCI). The hemifumarate was prepared by treatment of a solution of the product (0.87 g) in EtOH with a solution of fumaric add (0.46g) in EtOH. The mixture was cooled for 1 h at -20°C, the solid was collected by filtration and recrystallized again in EtOH to afford the desired salt (0.308 g, 30%). mp 190-194°C (C28H30N4O.I /2 C 4 H 4 O 4 . H 2 0). EXAMPLE 2 l-[l-(3,3-Diphenylpropionyl)-4-piperidyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but starting from the compound obtained in reference example 6, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (45%). mp: 95-100°C (C27H28N 4 O); IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.97 (s, IH), 8.33 (d, J= 5.3Hz, IH), 7.29 (m, 10H), 7.08 (d, J= 5.3Hz, IH), 4.83 (m, IH), 4.74 (t, J= 7.5Hz, IH), 4.30 (m, 2H), 3.10 (m, 3H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 3-1.5 (complex signal, 5H). EXAMPLE 3 l-[[l-[3-[N-(Methoxycarbonyl)amino]-3-phenylpropionyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]- lH-2-methylύnidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3-[N- (methoxycarbonyl)amino]-3-phenylpropionic acid instead of 3,3- diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (51%). mp: 97-100 β C (C 24 H2 9 N5O 3 .I /2H 2 0); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI 3 ) δ (TMS): 8.95 (s, IH), 8.35 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.30 (m, 6H), 6.50 (m, IH), 5.08 (m, IH), 4.60 (m, IH), 3.87 (m, 3H), 3.63 (s, 3H), 2.58 (s, 3H), 3-0.5 (complex signal, 9H). EXAMPLE 4 l-[l-[3-[N-(Methoxycarbonyl)amino]-3-phenylpropionyl]-4-piperidyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but starting from the compound obtained in reference example 6 and 3-[N- (methoxycarbonyl)amino]-3-phenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (56%). mp: 102-105°C (C2 3 H27N5O 3 .H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.32 (d, J= 5.4Hz, IH), 7.36 (m, 5H), 7.08 (d, J =5.4 Hz, IH), 6.30 (m, IH), 5.19 (m, IH), 4.87 (m, IH), 4.30 (m, 2H), 3.66 (s, 3H), 2.63 (s, 3H), 3.3-1.6 (complex signal, 8H). EXAMPLE S l-[[l-[3-Phenyl-3-[N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino]propionyl]-4-piperidyIlmethyl]- lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3-phenyl-3- [N-(terf-butoxycarbonyl)amino]propionic acid instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic add, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (40%). IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI 3 ) δ (TMS): 8.97 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.30 (m, 6H), 6.30 (m, IH), 5.08 (m, IH), 4.60 (m, IH), 3.87 (m, 3H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 3-05 (complex signal, 9H), 1.40 (s, 9H). EXAMPLE 6 l-[[l-[3-[N-(4-aminobenzoyl)amino]-3-phenylpropionyI]-4-piperidyI]methyl]- lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine a) l-[[l-(3-Amino-3-phenylpropionyl)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in reference example 5, but starting from the compound obtained in example 5, the desired product was obtained as a colourless oil. *H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.97 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5Hz, IH), 7.31 (m, 6H), 4.70 (m, IH), 4.51 (t, J= 7.3Hz, IH), 3.91 (m, 3H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 3.0-0.7 (complex signal, 11H). b) Title compound Following the procedure described in example 1, but starting from 4- aminobenzoic acid and the compound obtained in example 6a, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (75%). mp: 132-142°C (C29H32N6O2.H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.97 (s, IH), 8.45 (m, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, 1H), 7.72 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.34 (m, 6H), 6.65 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 2H), 550 (m, IH), 4.64 (m, IH), 3.80 (m, 5H), 2.57 (s, 3H), 3-0.5 (complex signal, 9H). EXAMPLE 7 l-[[l-rN-(Diphenylmethyl)aminoacetyl]-4-piperidylϊmethyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using [N- (diphenylmethyl)amino]acetic acid instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (65%). mp: π-79°C (C 2 8H 31 N5O.I/2H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.97 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.29 (m, 11H), 4.84 (s, IH), 4.65 (m, IH), 3.94 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.50 (m, IH), 3.36 (s, 2H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 3.0-1.0 (complex signal, 8H). EXAMPLE 8 l-[[l-(3 ^ 3-DiphenyI-3-hydroxypropionyl)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3,3-diphenyl- 3-hydroxypropionic acid instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (61%). mp: 210-211°C (C 2 8H30N4O2.I/2H2O); H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 9.20 (s, IH), 8.60 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.56 (m, 10H), 7.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 6.79 (m, IH), 4.82 (m, IH), 4.12 (d, J= 7.2H, 2H), 4.05 (m, IH), 3.42 (s, 2H), 2.81 (s, 3H), 3.3-1.0 (complex signal, 7H). EXAMPLE 9 l-[[l-(2-Amino-2,2-diphenylacetyl)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 2-amino-2,2- diphenylacetic acid instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (88%). lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.93 (s, IH), 8.36 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.34 (m, lOH), 7.03 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 4.29 (m, 2H), 3.75 (d, J= 7.2H, 2H), 2.49 (s, 3H), 2.8-1.0 (complex signal, 9H). EXAMPLE 10 l-[[l-[2-(N-acetylamino)-2,2-diphenylacetyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine A solution of the compound obtained in example 9 (0.3 g, 0.68 mmol) in pyridine (3 mL) and Ac2θ (1 mL) was heated at 65 °C for 18 h. The solvents were removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between CHCI 3 and 0.5N NaOH. The organic phase was dried and concentrated to a residue (0.38 g), which was purified by chromatography on silica gel (CHCl3:MeOH 5%) to afford the title compound (0.3 g, 92% ). mp: 138-148°C (C29H 3 ιN5θ2); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.93 (s, IH), 8.35 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 8.27 (s, IH), 7.60 (m, 4H), 7.30 (m, 6H), 7.00 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 4.45 (m, 2H), 3.72 (d, J= 7.2Hz, 2H), 2.48 (s, 3H), 2.7-0.4 (complex signal, 7H), 1.69 (s, 3H). EXAMPLE 11 l-[[l-[3-Phenyl-3-(phenylamino)propionyll-4-piperidyl]methyll-lH-2- methylimidazo(4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3-phenyl-3- (phenylamino)propionic acid (obtained in reference example 8) instead of 3,3- diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (55%). mp: 82-91 °C (C2 8 H3 1 N5O.I /2H 2 0); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.95 (s, IH), 8.35 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.32 (m, 7H), 7.06 (t, J= 8.0Hz, 2H), 6.57 (t, J= 8.0Hz, 2H), 5.40 (m, IH), 4.77 (m, 2H), 3.77 (d, J= 7.1H, 2H), 3.70 (m, IH), 253 (s, 3H), 3.0-0.3 (complex signal, 9H). EXAMPLE 12 l-[[l-[3-[(4-Nitrophenyl)amino]-3-phenylpropionyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3-(4- nitrophenyl)amino-3-phenylpropionic acid (obtained in reference example 9) instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (90%). mp: 230-232°C (C 28 H 30 N6O3.I/2H2O); H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.98 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.97 (d, J= 9Hz, 2H), 7.35 (m, 5H), 7.12 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 6.95 (m, IH), 6.42 (d, J= 9.0Hz, 2H), 4.76 (m, 2H), 3.75 (m, 3H), 2.58 (s, 3H), 3.0-0.3 (complex signal, 9H). EXAMPLE 13 l-[[l-[3-[(4-Aminophenyl)amino]-3-phenylpropionyll-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine To a solution of the product obtained in example 12 (226 mg, 0.4 mmol) in EtOH (5 mL) and H2O (0.6 mL) was added a solution of CaC (33.6 mg) in H2O (0.26 mL) and powdered zinc (0.58 g). The resulting mixture was heated at 50°C for 45 min, filtered through celite and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (CHC^.-MeOH 10%), to afford the title compound as a white solid (0.17 g, 91%). IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI 3 ) δ (TMS): 8.93 (s, IH), 8.34 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.31 (m, 6H), 6.44 (broad s, 4H), 4.62 (m, 2H), 3.80 (d, J= 7.0Hz, 2H), 352 (m, 4H), 255 (s, 3H), 3.0-0.5 (complex signal, 9H). A solution of the title compound in CHCI 3 was treated with a solution of HCKg) in Et2θ, to afford the hydrochloride of the title compound, mp: 189-195°C (C 2 8H32N 6 0.4Hα.2H 2 0). EXAMPLE 14 l-[[l-(2^-Dicydohexylacetyl)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5- dpyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 2,2- dicyclohexylacetic acid instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (23%). mp: 161-164°C (C27H40N 4 O.3/4H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.97 (s, IH), 8.37 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.19 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 4.82 (m, IH), 4.03 (m, IH), 3.98 (d, J= 7.2Hz, 2H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 3.0-0.5 (complex signal, 30H). EXAMPLE 15 l-[[l-(3^-Diphenylpropenoyl)-4-piperidyl]methyI]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5- cϊpyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3,3- diphenylpropenoic acid (obtained in reference example 12) instead of 3,3- diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (85%). mp: 85-92°C (C28H2 8 N4O.H2O); Ϊ H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.95 (s, IH), 8.37 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.32 (m, 10H), 7.09 (d, J=5.4Hz, IH), 6.27 (s, IH), 4.65 (m, IH), 3.82 (m, IH), 3.77 (dd, T= 6.7Hz, J= 2.2Hz, 2H), 254 (s, 3H), 2.8-0.5 (complex signal, 7H). EXAMPLE 16 cis and trans -l-[[l-[3-(4-Nitrophenyl)-3-phenylpropenoyl]-4-piperidyl]methyI]- lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using a cis /trans mixture of 3-(4-nitrophenyl)-3-phenylpropenoic acid (obtained in reference example 10) instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic add, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (85%). . mp: 106-112°C (C28H27N5O3.I /2H 2 0); lH NMR (80MHz, CDC1 3 ) δ (TMS): 8.95 (s, IH), 8.37 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 8.18 (dd, J= 8.6Hz, J= 3.2 Hz, 2H), 737 (m, 8H), 6.49 (s, 05H), 6.40 (s, 05H), 4.66 (m, IH), 3.84 (m, 3H), 2.57 (s, 3H), 2.8-0.5 (complex signal, 7H). EXAMPLE 17a and 17b a) cis -l-[[l-[3-(4-Aminophenyl)-3-phenylpropenoyl]-4-piperidyl]methyll-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine b) trans -l-[[l-[3-(4-Aminophenyl)-3-phenylpropenoyl]-4-piperidyl]methylMH- 2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in reference example 3, but starting from the compound obtained in example 16, the title compound was obtained as a ds/ trans mixture of isomers, which were separated by chromatography on silica gel (CHCl 3 :MeOH, 10%). Slower eluting, isomer cis (example 17a)(54%): mp: 121-135°C (C2 8 H2 9 N5O.3/2H2O); ] H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.95 (s, IH), 8.36 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.29 (s, 5H), 7.07 (m, 3H), 6.65 (d, J= 6.5Hz, 2H), 6.07 (s, IH), 4.70 (m, IH), 3.82 (m, 3H), 2.57 (s, 3H), 2.8-0.5 (complex signal, 9H). Faster eluting, isomer trans (example 17b) (22%): mp: 223-224°C (C28H29N5O.I/2H2O); H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.30 (s, 5H), 7.05 (m, 3H), 6.60 (d, J= 6.5Hz, 2H), 6.17 (s, IH), 4.60 (m, IH), 3.81 (m, 3H), 255 (s, 3H), 2.8-0.5 (complex signal, 9H). Following the same procedure described in example 16 but using pure cis or pure trαπs-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-3-phenylpropenoic acid (described in reference example 10a and 10b respectively) instead of a cis /trans mixture and then redudng the resulting compounds as described above, the title compound was obtained in pure cis or trans form. Alternatively, the pure cis isomer was obtained as follows: To a solution of SnCl2-2H2θ (21 g) in HC1 (21 mL) was added a solution of cis 1-[[1- [3-(4-nitrophenyl)-3-phenylpropenoyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimida- zo[45-c]pyridine (10 g, 20.7 mmol) in AcOH (35 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight, and was then made basic with cooled aqueous NaOH and extracted with CHCI 3 (3x), whereupon a solid predpitated in the organic phase. This solid was collected and the organic solution was dried and concentrated to give 8 g of the desired product. The first predpitate and the aqueous phase were combined and then treated with more NaOH solution and extracted with CHCI 3 (3x). Evaporation of the solvent afforded 1.73 g more of the title product. EXAMPLE 18 H[l-(3,3-Dicydohexyl-3-hydroxypropionyl)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylunidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3,3- dicyciohexyl-3-hydroxypropionic add instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic add, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (27%). mp: 75-81 °C (C28H42N4O2.5/4H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.95 (s, IH), 8.37 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.24 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 6.09 (s, IH), 4.69 (m, IH), 4.04 (d, J= 7.2Hz, 2H), 3.96 (m, IH), 2.64 (s, 3H), 3.0-0.5 (complex signal, 31H). EXAMPLE 19 l-[[l-[3^-Diphenyl-3-(ethoxycarbonyl)propionyI]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methyIimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3,3-diphenyl- 3-ethoxycarbonylpropionic acid (obtained in reference example 7) instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (60%). mp: 79-89°C (C3 1 H 34 N 4 O 3 .H2O); Ϊ H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.98 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.28 (m, 11H), 4.62 (m, IH), 4.22 (q, J= 7.3Hz, 2H), 3.85 (d, J= 7.2Hz, 2H), 3.81 (m, IH), 3.48 (m, 2H), 2.59 (s, 3H), 3-0.5 (complex signal, 7H), 1.17 (t, J= 7.2Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 20 (R)-l-[[l-r2-(Methoxycarbonylamino)-2-phenylaceryl]-4-piperidyI]methyll-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using (R)-2- (methoxycarbonylamino)-2-phenylacetic acid instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic add, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (94%). mp: 108-113°C (C2 3 H27N5O3.I/2H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.95 (s, IH), 8.35 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.37 (m, 5H), 7.01 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 6.28 (m, IH), 5.57 (m, IH), 4.70 (m, IH), 3.80 (m, 3H), 3.63 (s, 3H), 3-1 (complex signal, 10H). EXAMPLE 21 l-[[l-(3-Hydroxy-3-phenylbutanoyl)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3-hydroxy-3- phenylbutanoic add instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic add, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (41%). mp: 199-200°C (C2 3 H2 8 N4O2.I/4H2O); H NMR (80MHz, CDC1 3 ) δ (TMS): 8.90 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.22 (m, 6H), 6.0 (m, IH), 4.60 (m, IH), 3.91 (m, 3H), 2.57 (s, 3H), 3-0.5 (complex signal, 9H), 159 (s, 3H). EXAMPLE 22 l-[[l-[3-(4-NitrophenyI)butanoyl]-4-piperidyllmethyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5- cjpyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3-(4- nitrophenyDbutanoic add (obtained in reference example 13) instead of 3,3- diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (53%). mp: 75-77°C (C23H27N5O3.I /2H 2 0); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.92 (s, IH), 836 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 8.28 (d, J= 9.5Hz, 2H), 7.42 (d, J= 9.5Hz, 2H), 7.12 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 4.60 (m, IH), 3.93 (m, 3H), 3.50 (m, IH), 2.61 (s, 3H), 3-0.5 (complex signal, 9H), 136 (d, J= 6.9Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 23 l-[[l-[3-(4-Aminophenyl)butanoyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in reference example 3, but starting from the compound obtained in example 22, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (35%). mp: 116-117°C (C23H2 9 N5O.3/2H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDC1 3 +CD30D) δ (TMS): 8.88 (s, IH), 8.33 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.30 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.02 (d, J= 9.0Hz, 2H), 6.67 (d, J= 9.0Hz, 2H), 4.64 (m, IH), 3.93 (m, 3H), 3.80 (m, 2H), 3.20 (m, IH), 2.63 (s, 3H), 3-05 (complex signal, 9H), 1.31 (d, J= 6.9Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 24 l-[[l-[2-(4-Nitrophenyl)propionyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5- clpyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 2-(4- nitrophenyDpropionic add instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic add, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (12%). mp: 82-87°C (C 22 H 2 5N5O3.I/2H2O); ΪH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.94 (s, IH), 833 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 8.16 (d, J= 9.5Hz, 2H), 7.44 (d, J= 95Hz, 2H), 7.12 (m, IH), 4.73 (m, IH), 4.0 (m, 4H), 2.55 (s, 3H), 3-0.5 (complex signal, 7H), 1.46 (d, J= 6.9Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 25 l-[[l-[2-(4-Aminophenyl)propionyll-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in reference example 3, but starting from the compound obtained in example 24, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (34%). mp: 91-95°C (C22H27N5O.H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.05 (m, IH), 6.99 (d, J= 9.5Hz, 2H), 6.61 (d, J= 9.5Hz, 2H), 4.74 (m, IH), 3.77 (m, 4H), 2.53 (s, 3H), 3-0.5 (complex signal, 9H), 1.37 (d, J= 6.9Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 26 H[l-f3-Ethoxycarbonyl-3-(4-nitrophenyl)propionyl]-4-piperidyI]methylI-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3- ethoxycarbonyl-3-(4-nitrophenyI)propionic add (obtained in reference example 14) instead of 3,3-diphenyl-propionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (18%). mp: 81-84°C (C25H29N5O5.2H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.95 (s, IH), 8.35 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 8.16 (d, J= 95Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J= 9.5Hz, 2H), 7.22 (m, IH), 4.63 (m, IH), 4.03 (m, 6H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 3.3-1 (complex signal, 9H), 1.19 (t, J= 6.5Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 27 l-[[l-[3-(4-Aminophenyl)-3-ethoxycarbonylpropionyl]-4-piperidyI]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in reference example 3, but starting from the compound obtained in example 26, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (90%). mp: 204-205°C (C25H31N5O 3 .H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.98 (s, IH), 8.41 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.26 (m, IH), 7.07 (d, J= 9.5Hz, 2H), 6.62 (d, J= 9.5Hz, 2H), 4.65 (m, IH), 3.98 (m, 6H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 3.3-1 (complex signal, 11H), 1.19 (t, J= 6.5Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 28 l-[[l-(3-Ethoxycarbonyl-3-phenylpropionyl)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazol4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3- ethoxycarbonyl-3-phenylpropionic acid (obtained in reference example 15) instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic add, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (38%). mp: 173-174°C (C25H30N4O3.H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.99 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.30 (m, 6H), 4.66 (m, IH), 4.13 (m, 6H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 35-1 (complex signal, 9H), 1.19 (t, J= 7.12Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 29 cis and trans -l-[[l-[3-(3-Nitrophenyl)-3-phenylpropenoyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]- lH-2-methyIimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using cis and trans- 3-(3-nitrophenyl)-3-phenylpropenoic acid (obtained in reference example 16) instead of 33-diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (95%). mp: 99-103°C (C28H27N5O3.I/2H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI 3 ) δ (TMS): 8.97 (s, IH), 8.39 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 8.27 (m, 2H), 730 (m, 8H), 6.54 (s, 0.66H), 6.39 (s, 0.34H), 4.62 (m, IH), 3.98 (m, 3H), 2.63 (s, 3H), 3.1-0.7 (complex signal, 7H). EXAMPLE 30 cis and trans -l-[[l-[3-(3-Aminophenyl)-3-phenylpropenoyl]-4- piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in reference example 3, but starting from the compound obtained in example 29, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (14%). mp: 122-133°C (C28H29N5O.H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.94 (s, IH), 833 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.28 (m, 8H), 6.63 (m, 2H), 6.20 (s, 0.4H), 6.16 (s, 0.6H), 4.67 (m, IH), 3.78 (m, 3H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 2.8-0.1 (complex signal, 9H). EXAMPLE 31 l-[[l-[3-(4-Aminophenyl)-3-[N-(ethoxycarbonyl)amino]propionyl]-4- piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3-[N- (ethoxycarbonyl)amino]-3-(4-nitrophenyl)propionic acid (obtained in reference example 17), and hydrogenating the compound thus obtained according to the procedure described in reference example 3, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (15%). mp: 113-116°C (C25H32N6O3.I /2H 2 0); ! H NMR (80MHz, CDCI 3 ) δ (TMS): 8.94 (s, IH), 8.35 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.21 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.07 (d, J= 9.5Hz, 2H), 6.63 (m, 3H), 4.95 (m, IH), 4.60 (m, IH), 4.06 (q, J = 7.2Hz, 2H), 3.88 (m, 3H), 2.59 (s, 3H), 3.6-0.5 (complex signal, 11H), 1.19 (t, J= 7.2Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 32 l-[[l-(3-Phenylhexanoyl)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5- clpyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3- phenylhexanoic add instead of 33-diphenylpropionic add, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (51%). mp: 39-55°C (C25H32N4O.I /2H 2 0); *H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.36 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.24 (m, 6H), 4.60 (m, IH), 3.84 (m, 3H), 3.18 (m, IH), 258 (s, 3H), 2.8-0.5 (complex signal, 13H), 0.97 (t, J= 6.9Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 33 l-[Il-[3-Hydroxy-3-(2-methylpropyI)-5-methylhexanoyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH- 2-methyIunidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3-hydroxy-3- (2-methylpropyI)-5-methylhexanoic acid (obtained in reference example 18) instead of 33-diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (25%). mp: 38-51°C (C24H38N4O2.I /4H 2 0); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.98 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.21 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 4.98 (s, IH), 4.69 (m, IH), 4.01 (d, J= 7.2Hz, 2H), 3.85 (m, IH), 2.63 (s, 3H), 3.1-1.1 (complex signal, 15H), 1.00 (broad s, 12H). EXAMPLE 34 l-[[l-[3-[N-(4-Aminobenzenesulfonyl)amino]-3-phenylpropionyl]-4- piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3-[N-(4- nitrobenzenesulfonyDaminoJpropionic acid, and hydrogenating the compound thus obtained according to the procedure described in reference example 3, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (22%). mp: 126-134°C (C 2 8H32N 6 O3S.H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDC1 3 +CD30D) δ (TMS): 8.86 (s, IH), 832 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.53 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (m, 7H), 6.86 (d, J- 8.3 Hz, 2H), 4.65 (m, IH), 4.55 (m, IH), 4.00 (m, 5H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 3-0.5 (complex signal, 9H). Alternatively, the compound obtained in example 6a was reacted with 4- nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine to give l-[[l-[3- [N-(4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl)amino]-3-phenylpropionyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]- lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine, which was hydrogenated according to the procedure described in reference example 3 to give the title compound. EXAMPLE 35 l-[Il-[(N-Ethoxycarbonyl ' N-phenylamino)acetyl]-4-piperidyl]methyI]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using N- ethoxycarbonyl-N-phenylglydne (prepared from N-phenylglycine and ethyl chloroformate) instead of 33-diphenylpropionic add, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (41%). mp: 130-137 β C (C24H29N5O3.H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.35 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.31 (m, 6H), 4.43 (m, IH), 4.40 (m, 2H), 4.15 (q, J= 7.2Hz, 2H), 3.96 (d, J=6.9Hz, 2H) 3.90 (m, IH), 2.61 (s, 3H), 3-1.2 (complex signal, 7H), 1.19 (t, J= 7.2Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 36 (S -[[l-[[N-(l-Ethoxycarbonyl-3-methylbutyl)amino]carbonyl]-4- piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylύnidazo[4,5-c]pyridine A solution of the compound obtained in reference example 5 (0.5 g, 2.1 mmol) and N-phenoxycarbonyl-L-Leurine ethyl ester (0.78 g, 2.7 mmol, prepared from L-Leudne ethyl ester and phenyl chloroformate) in pyridine (15 mL) was refluxed for 18 h. The solvent was removed in vacua and the residue partitioned between CHCI3 and 0.5N NaOH. The organic phase was dried and concentrated to a residue (1.33 g), which was purified by chromatography on silica gel (CHC MeOH, 5%) to afford the title compound as a white solid (0.22 g, 44%). mp: 60-63°C (C 2 2H3 3 N5O 3 .3/4H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.36 (m, IH), 7.26 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 5.30 (d, J= 8.17Hz, IH), 4.51 (q, J = 8.12Hz, IH), 4.18 (q, J= 6.5Hz, 2H), 4.15 (m, IH), 4.00 (d, J= 7.3Hz, 2H), 2.70 (m, 3H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 2.1-1.4 (complex signal, 8H), 1.27 (t, J= 6.5Hz, 3H), 0.93 (d, J= 5.5 Hz, 6H). EXAMPLE 37 (S)-l-[[l-[[N-[l-Ethoxycarbonyl-2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl]amino]carbonyl]-4- piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methyIimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 36, but using N- phenoxycarbonyl-4-nitro-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester instead of N- phenoxycarbonyl-L-Leudne ethyl ester, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (54%). mp: 85-89°C (C25H30N6O5.I /2H 2 0); IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.94 (s, IH), 8.35 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 8.11 (d, J= 9.2Hz, 2H), 7.32 (d, J= 9.2Hz, 2H), 7.20 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 5.32 (d, J= 8.17Hz, IH), 4.81 (q, J « 8.12Hz, IH), 4.18 (q, J= 6.5Hz, 2H), 4.00 (m, IH), 3.98 (d, J= 7.3Hz, 2H), 3.23 (d, J= 5.8Hz, 2H), 2.70 (m, 3H), 2.63 (s, 3H), 2.1-1.4 (complex signal, 5H), 1.25 (t, J= 65Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 38 (S)-l-[[l-[[N-[2-(4-Am ophenyl)-l-€thoxycarbonylethyl]amino]carbonyl]-4- piperidyl]methyll-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in reference example 3, but starting from the compound obtained in example 37, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (94%). mp: 87-96°C (C25H32N6O3.H2O); J H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.36 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.20 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 6.88 (d, J= 9.2Hz, 2H), 6.57 (d, J= 9.2Hz, 2H), 4.97 (d, J= 8.1Hz, IH), 4.65 (q, J = 8.12Hz, IH), 4.18 (q, J= 6.5Hz, 2H), 4.00 (m, IH), 3.98 (d, J= 7.3Hz, 2H), 2.98 (d, J= 5.8Hz, 2H), 2.80 (m, 5H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.1-1.4 (complex signal, 5H), 1.25 (t, J= 65Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 39 (S)-l-[[l-r[N-(l-Ethoxycarbonyl-l-phenylmethyI)amino]carbonyl]-4- piperidyI]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 36, but using N- phenoxycarbonyl-L-phenylglydne ethyl ester (prepared from L-phenylglydne ethyl ester and phenyl chloroformate) instead of N-phenoxycarbonyl-L- Leudne ethyl ester, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (61%). mp: 153-154°C (C24H29N5O3.I/2H2O); Ϊ H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.37 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.33 (m, 5H), 7.20 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 5.51 (m, 2H), 4.18 (q, J= 6.5Hz, 2H), 4.00 (m, IH), 3.98 (d, J= 7.3Hz, 2H), 2.72 (m, 3H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.1-1.4 (complex signal, 5H), 1.20 (t, J= 6.5Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 40 l-[[l-(3-Phenylbutanoyl)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5- cjpyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3- phenylbutanoic add instead of 33-diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (38%). mp: 38-41°C (C23H28N4O.H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.87 (s, IH), 8.28 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.16 (m, 6H), 4.60 (m, IH), 3.76 (m, 3H), 3.30 (m, IH), 2.50 (s, 3H), 3-05 (complex signal, 9H), 1.25 (d, J= 6.9Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 41 l-[[l-(3-Methyl-3-phenylbutanoyl)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methyIimidazo[4,5- c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3-methyl-3- phenylbutanoic acid (obtained in reference example 19) instead of 3,3- diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (58%). mp: 37-45°C (C2 4 H30N 4 O.I/2H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDC1 3 ) δ (TMS): 8.95 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.26 (m, 6H), 4.65 (m, IH), 3.86 (d, J= 7.1Hz, 2H), 3.50 (m, IH), 2.58 (s, 3H), 3-05 (complex signal, 9H), 1.25 (s, 6H). EXAMPLE 42 l-[[l-[(N-methyl-N-phenylamino)acetyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using N-methyl-N- phenylaminoacetic acid (obtained in reference example 20) instead of 3,3- diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (39%). mp: 74-78°C (C22H27N5O.H2O); IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.36 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.21 (m, 3H), 6.71 (m, 3H), 4.60 (m, IH), 4.05 (s, 2H), 3.92 (d, J= 7.1Hz, 2H), 3.80 (m, IH), 2.99 (s, 3H), 2.59 (s, 3H), 3-1 (complex signal, 7H). EXAMPLE 43 l-[[l-[3-Methyl-3-(4-nitrophenyl)butanoyl]-4-piperidyI]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3-methyl-3- (4-nitrophenyl)butanoic add (obtained in reference example 21) instead of 33- diphenylpropionic add, the title compound was obtained as an oil (28%). ΪH RMN (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.37 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 8.11 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.51 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 4.55 (m, IH), 3.95 (d, J= 7.1Hz, 2H), 3.83 (m, IH), 2.59 (s, 3H), 3-0.5 (complex signal, 9H), 1.50 (s, 6H). EXAMPLE 44 l-[[l-[3-(4-Aminophenyl)-3-methylbutanoyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylύnidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in reference example 3, but starting from the compound obtained in example 43, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (57%). mp: 172-173°C (C24H31N5O.3/4H2O); ! H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 838 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.18 (m, 3H), 6.62 (d, J= 55Hz, 2H), 4.65 ( , IH), 3.86 (d, J= 7.1Hz, 2H), 3.63 (m, 2H), 3.50 (m, IH), 2.59 (s, 3H), 3-0.5 (complex signal, 9H), 1.25 (s, 6H). EXAMPLE 45 l-[[l-[[N-(Diphenylmethyl)amino]carbonyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 36, but using N- phenoxycarbonyl-N-(diphenyImethyl) amine (prepared from aminodiphenyimethane and phenyl chloroformate) instead of N- phenoxycarbonyl-L-Leudne ethyl ester, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (26%). mp: 212-218°C (C27H29N5O.H2O); Ϊ H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.35 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.27 (m, 11H), 6.14 (d, J= 7.0Hz, IH), 5.12 (d, J= 7.0Hz, IH), 4.00 (m, IH), 3.96 (d, J= 7.3Hz, 2H), 2.70 (m, 2H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.1-1.1 (complex signal, 6H). EXAMPLE 46 l-[[l-[[N-(4-Aminobenzoyl)-N-methylamino]acetyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyτidine a) l-[[l-[(N-methyl-N-ferf-butoxycarbonylamino)acetyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH- 2-methylimidazof4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using N-(tert- butoxycarbonyl)-N-methylamino]acetic acid instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic add, the desired product was obtained (63%). b) l-[[l-[N-methylaminoaceryl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5- cjpyridine Following the procedure described in reference example 5, but starting from the compound obtained in section a), the desired product was prepared (quantitative yield). c) Title compound Following the procedure described in example 6b, but using the compound obtained in example 46b instead of the compound obtained in example 6a, the title compound was obtained (32%). mp: 120-124°C (C2 3 H28N6Q2.H2O); Ϊ H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.97 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.25 (m, 3H), 6.61 (d, J= 9.0Hz, 2H), 4.64 (m, IH), 4.01 (m, 2H), 3.98 (d, J= 7.1Hz, 2H), 3.10 (s, 3H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 3.3-1 (complex signal, 10H). EXAMPLE 47 l-[[l-(3-Hydroxy-3-phenyl-3-trifluoromethylpropionyl)-4-piperidyllmethyIl-lH- 2-methylimidazo(4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3-hydroxy-3- phenyl-3-trifluoromethylpropionic acid (obtained in reference example 11) instead of 33-diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (15%). mp: 210-211°C (C23H25F3N4O2.I /2H2O); Ϊ H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.90 (s, IH), 8.36 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.35 (m, 6H), 4.68 (m, IH), 4.60 (m, IH), 3.94 (m, 3H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 3-0.5 (complex signal, 9H). EXAMPLE 48 rr ns -l-[[l-[3-(4-Ajninophenyl)-2-butenoyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3-(4- nitrophenyl)-2-butenoic acid (obtained in reference example 22), and hydrogenating the compound thus obtained according to the procedure described in reference example 3, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (22%). mp: 106-110°C (C23H27N5O.I /2H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.98 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.27 (m, 3H), 6.60 (d, J= 8.5Hz, 2H), 6.17 (s, IH), 4.67 (m, IH), 3.90 (d, J= 7.2Hz, 2H), 3.81 (m, IH), 2.63 (s, 3H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 3.1-0.5 (complex signal, 9H). EXAMPLE 49 l-[[l-[(Phenylamino)acetyl]-4-piperidyl]methyI]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5- cjpyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using N-tert- butoxycarbonyl-N-phenylglydne instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic add, and then subjecting the resulting compound to the procedure described in reference example 5, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (49%). mp: 219-220 °C (C2 1 H25N5O.H2O); !H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 9.00 (s, IH), 8.40 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.20 (m, 4H), 6.66 (m, 2H), 4.72 (m, 2H), 3.89 (m, 5H), 2.63 (s, 3H), 3.2-1 (m, 7H). EXAMPLE 50 (R)-l-[[l-[(l-Phenylethylamino)carbonyl]-4-piperidyl]methyll-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 36, but using (R)-N- phenoxycarbonyl-1-phenylethylamine (prepared from (R)-l-phenylethylamine and phenyl chloroformate) instead of N-phenoxycarbonyl-L-Leucine ethyl ester, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (37%). mp: 80-84 °C (C 22 H 2 7N5O.I/2H2O); H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.97 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.30 ( , 5H), 7.20 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 5.01 (quint, J= 6.8 Hz, IH), 4.70 (broad d, J= 7.1 Hz, IH), 4.02 ( , IH), 3.97 (d, J= 7.3Hz, 2H), 2.68 (broad t, J= 12.7Hz, 2H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 1.48 (d, J= 65 Hz, 3H), 2.1-13 (m, 6H). EXAMPLE 51 (S)-l-[[l-[(l-Phenylethylamino)carbonylJ-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 36, but using (S)-N- phenoxycarbo yl-1-phenylethylamine (prepared from (S)-l-phenylethylamine and phenyl chloroformate) instead of N-phenoxycarbonyl-L-Leucine ethyl ester, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (41%). mp: 79-83 °C (C22H27N5O.I/2H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.98 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.26 (m, 5H), 7.20 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 5.01 (quint, J= 6.8 Hz, IH), 4.68 (broad d, J= 7.1 Hz, IH), 4.02 (m, IH), 3.97 (d, J= 7.3Hz, 2H), 2.68 (broad t, J= 12.7Hz, 2H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 1.48 (d, J= 6.5 Hz, 3H), 2.1-1.3 (m, 6H). EXAMPLE 52 l-[[l-r(N-Benzoyl-N-phenylamino)aceryl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine To a cooled (0 °C) solution of the compound obtained in example 49 (0.3 g, 0.824 mmol) and Et3N (0.11 mL) in CH2CI2 (6 mL), was added dropwise a solution of benzoyl chloride (0.09 mL) in CH2CI2 (0.2 L) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The resulting solution was treated with 05N NaOH and extracted with CH2CI2 (3x). The organic phase was dried and concentrated to a residue that was purified by chromatography on silica gel (CHC -MeOH, 8%) to afford the title compound (70%). H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (m, IH), 8.38 (m, IH), 7.16 (m, 11H), 4.68 (m, 3H), 3.92 ( , 3H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 3.2-1.2 (m, 7H). The hydrochloride was prepared following the procedure described in example 13. mp: 145-152 °C (C2sH29N5O2.3Ha.H2O). EXAMPLE 53 l-[[l-[[N-methyl-N-(4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl)amino]acetyl]-4-piperidyI]methyl]- lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 52, but starting from the compound obtained in example 46b) and using 4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride instead of benzoyl chloride, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (48%). mp: 98-104 °C (C22H26N6O5S.H2O); IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.99 (s, IH), 8.39 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 8.36 (d, J= 6.9 Hz, 2H), 7.99 (d, J= 6.9 Hz, 2H), 7.22 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 4.52 (m, IH), 3.97 (m, 5H), 2.89 (s, 3H), 2.64 (s, 3H), 3.2-1.3 (m, 7H). EXAMPLE 54 l-[[l-[[N-Ethoxycarbonyl-N-(4-nitrophenyl)amino]acetyl]-4-piperidyIJmethyl]- lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using N- ethoxycarbonyl-N-(4-nitrophenyl)aminoacetic acid (obtained in reference example 23) instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (64%). lH NMR (80MHz, CDC1 3 ) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.37 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 8.13 (d, J= 7.05Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J= 7.05Hz, 2H), 7.21(d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 4.65 (m, IH), 4.51 (d, J= 4.3 Hz, 2H), 4.22 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2H), 4.02 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.80 (m, IH), 2.63 (s, 3H), 3.1-1.3 (m, 7H), 1.24 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 55 l-[[l-[[N- ( 4-Aminophenyl ) -N-ethoxycarbonylamino]acetyI]-4-piperidyl]methyl]- lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in reference example 3, but starting from the compound obtained in example 54, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (74%). mp: 137-138 °C (C24H30N6O3.H2O); *H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.98 (s, IH), 8.40 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.20 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.10 (d, J= 7.05Hz, 2H), 6.60 (d, J= 7.05Hz, 2H), 4.65 (m, IH), 4.30 (m 2H), 4.10 (m, 4H), 3.80 (m, 3H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 3.1-1.3 (m, 7H), 1.17 (t, J= 6.9 Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 56 rrαπs -l-[[l- ( 3-Phenyl-2-pentenoyl ) -4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using trans-3- phenyl-2-pentenoic acid (obtained in reference example 24) instead of 33- diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (74%). mp: 59-62 °C (C24H2 8 N4O.I/2H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.99 (s, IH), 8.40 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.36 (m, 5H), 7.20 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 6.09 (s, IH), 4.75 (m, IH), 4.05 (m, IH), 4.01 (d, J= 7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.72 (q, J= 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.64 (s, 3H), 3.1-1.3 (m, 7H), 1.02 (t, J= 7.4 Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 57 l-[[l-[[N- ( 2-Methoxybenzyl ) amino]carbonyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 36, but using N- phenoxycarbonyl-N- ( 2-methoxybenzyl)amine (prepared from 2- methoxybenzylamine and phenyl chloroformate) instead of N- phenoxycarbonyl-L-Leudne ethyl ester, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (17%). mp: 76-85 β C (C22H27N5O2); H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.35 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.25 (m, 3H), 7.89 (t, J= 7.2Hz, 2H), 5.14 (t, J= 5.3 Hz, IH), 4.40 (d, J= 5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.91 (m 4H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 2.8-1.3 (m, 7H). EXAMPLE 58 (R)-l-[[l-[r(l-Ethoxycarbonyl-l-phenyl)methylamino]carbonyI]-4- piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazor4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 36, but using (R)-N- phenoxycarbonyl-2-phenylglycine ethyl ester (prepared from (R)-2- phenylglycine ethyl ester and phenyl chloroformate) instead of N- phenoxycarbonyl-L-Leudne ethyl ester, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (27%). mp: 78-80 °C (C2 4 H29N5O3.I/2H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.35 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.33 (s, 5H), 7.19 (d, J=55Hz, IH), 5.52 (m, 2H), 4.13 (m, 6H), 2.71 (m 2H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 2.10 (m, IH), 1.45 (m, 4H), 1.19 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 59 l-[[l-[(l-Phenyl-l-cydopropylamino)carbonyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methyIimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine To a solution of 1-phenyl-l-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (1.62 g, 0.01 mol) and Et3N (1.14 mL) in benzene (40 mL) was added dropwise diphenylphosphorylazide (2.14 mL). The mixture was heated at 90 °C for 2 h. The compound obtained in reference example 5 (1.6 g, 6.8 mmol) was then added and the mixture was heated at 90 °C overnight. After cooling, IN NaOH was added and it was extracted with EtOAc (3x). The organic phase was dried and concentrated to a residue which was purified by chromatography on silica gel (CHC -MeOH, 10%) to afford the title compound as a white solid (1.24 g, 47%). mp: 227-228 °C (C23H27N5O); *H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.98 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.23 (s, 6H), 5.44 (s, IH), 4.02 (m, 2H), 3.97 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 2H), 2.64 (m 2H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 2.10 (m, IH), 155 (m, 4H), 1.22 (s, 4H). EXAMPLE 60 (S)-l-[[l-[(2-Ethoxy-l-phenylethylamino)carbonyl]-4-piperidyl]methyI]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyτidine Following the procedure described in example 36, but using (S)-N- phenoxycarbonyl-2-phenylglydnol ethyl ether (prepared from 2-phenylglydnol ethyl ether and phenyl chloroformate) instead of N-phenoxycarbonyl-L- Leudne ethyl ester, the titie compound was obtained as a white solid (24%). mp: 68-70 °C (C2 4 H3 1 N5O2); Ϊ H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.97 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.29 (s, 5H), 7.21 (d, J=55Hz, IH), 5.36 (d, J= 6.4 Hz, IH), 5.01 (q, J= 5.4 Hz, IH), 4.05 (m, 2H), 3.96 (d, J= 7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.54 ( , 4H), 2.75 (m, 2H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.10 (m, IH), 1.45 (m, 4H), 1.15 (t, J= 6.9 Hz, 3H). EXAMPLE 61 l-[[l-r(2-Methyl-2-phenylpropyl)suIfonyll-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-clpyridine To a solution of the compound obtained in reference example 5 (1 g, 4 mmol) and Et3N (0.6 mL) in CHCI 3 (20 mL), was added 2-methyl-2- phenylpropylsulfonyl chloride (2.32 g, 10 mmol, obtained in reference example 25) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The resulting solution was diluted with CHCI 3 , washed with 0.5N NaOH, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (CHC -MeOH, 5%) to afford a solid which was recrystallized from hot EtOAc. The titie compound was obtained as a white solid (0.4 g, 25%). mp: 165-166 °C (C2 3 H 30 N 4 O2S); ] H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.98 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.32 (m, 5H), 7.17 (d, J=55Hz, IH), 3.94 (d, J= 6.9 Hz, 2H), 3.65 (broad d, J= 12.0 Hz, 2H), 3.16 (s, 2H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 2.18 (broad t, J= 12.0 Hz, 2H), 1.58 (s, 6H), 1.48 (m, 5H). EXAMPLE 62 l-[[l-(3-Phenylpropionyl)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5- clpyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3- phenylpropionic acid instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid, mp: 52-58 °C (C2 2 H26N4O.3 4H2O); ] H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.23 (m, 6H), 4.71 (broad d, J= 13.6 Hz, IH), 3.94 (d, J= 7.21 Hz, 2H), 3.56 (broad d, J= 13.6 Hz, IH), 2.80 (m, 2H), 2.62 (m, 2H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.7-0.8 (m, 7H). EXAMPLE 63 l-[[l-[[l-(4-Nitrophenyl)ethylamino]carbonyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 59, but using 2-(4- nitrophenyDpropionic add instead of 1-phenyl-l-cydopropanecarboxylic add, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (57%). *H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.95 (s, IH), 8.35 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 8.22 (d, J= 9.1 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, J= 9.1 Hz, 2H), 7.20 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 5.03 (m, 2H), 4.05 (m, 2H), 3.96 (d, J= 7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.71 (m, 2H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 1.48 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H), 2.2-1.0 (m, 5H). EXAMPLE 64 O 96/14317 PCΪYEP95/03487 5 9 l-Hl-[[l-(4^Ammophenyl)ethylamino]carbonyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine A solution of the compound obtained in example 63 (0.8 g, 1.89 mmol) and SnCl2.2H2θ (2.128 g, 9.4 mmol) in EtOH (25 mL) was heated at 60 °C and then a solution of NaBH 4 (0.035 g, 0.94 mmol) in EtOH (15 mL) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was heated at 60 °C for 1 h and was then cooled to 10 °C, made basic and extracted with CHCI3, washing with water. The organic phase was dried and concentrated to a residue which was chromatographed on silica gel (CHCl3:MeOH:NH3, 60:20:0.2) to afford the title compound (27 mg, 4%). mp: 122-128 °C (C22H28 6O.3/2H2O); ] H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.36 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.18 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.11 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.62 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 2H), 4.90 (quint, J= 6.7 Hz, IH), 3.96 (d, J= 6.4 Hz, IH), 3.96 (m, 4H), 2.64 (m, 2H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.10 (m, IH), 1.43 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H), 1.26 (m, 6H). EXAMPLE 65 fr πs -l-[[l-[3-(4-AminophenyI)propenoyl]-4-piperidyl]methyI]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using trans-4- aminodnnamic add hydrochloride instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (71%). mp: 115-120 °C (C22H25N5O.I/2H2O); Ϊ H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.99 (s, IH), 8.40 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.62 (d, J= 15.3Hz, IH), 7.32 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.20 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 6.64 (d, J= 15.3 Hz, IH), 6.63 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 2H), 4.40 (m, IH), 4.00 (d, J= 7.3 Hz, 2H), 3.94 (m, IH), 2.80 (m, 2H), 2.64 (s, 3H), 2.4-1.2 (m, 7H). EXAMPLE 66 l-[[l-[[N-(2-Methoxyphenyl)-N-methylamino]acetyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using [N-(2- methoxyphenyl)-N-methylamino]acetic acid (obtained in reference example 26) instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (71%). mp: 59-64 °C (C23H2 9 N5O2.I/2H2O); ] H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.98 (s, IH), 838 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.20 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.06 (m, 3H), 4.45 (m, IH), 4.42 (m, IH), 3.97 (m, 4H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 2.87 (s, 3H), 2.63 (m, 3H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 2.4-1.2 (m, 5H). EXAMPLE 67 l-[[l-[[4-(tert-Butoxycarbonylamino)phenylmethylamino]carbonyl]-4- piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 59, but using 4-(N-tert- butoxycarbonylamino)phenylacetic acid instead of 1 -phenyl-l- cydopropanecarboxylic add, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (94%). mp: 125-130 °C (C 26 H34N6O3.I/2H2O); !H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.36 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.28 (m, 5H), 6.90 (s, IH), 5.05 (m, IH), 4.31 (d, J= 5.2 Hz, 2H), 4.03 (m, 2H), 3.96 (d, J= 7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.62 (m, 2H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 2.1-1.2 (m, 5H), 1.50 (s, 9H). EXAMPLE 68 l-[[l-[(4-Aminophenyhnethylamino)carbonyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in reference example 5, but starting from the compound obtained in example 67, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (70%). mp: 104-109 °C (C2 1 H26N6O.H2O); !H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.92 (s, IH), 8.34 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.19 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.05 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2H), 6.58 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2H), 5.05 (m, IH), 4.26 (d, J= 5.2 Hz, 2H), 4.08 (m, 2H), 3.96 (d, J= 7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.40 (m, 2H), 2.60 (m, 2H), 259 (s, 3H), 2.1-1.2 (m, 5H). EXAMPLE 69 l-[[l-[3-(2-Methoxyphenyl)propionyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using 3-(2- methoxyphenyDpropionic acid instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic add, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (20%). mp: 54-56 °C (C23H28N4O2.I/2H2O); IH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.97 (s, IH), 8.37 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.15 (m, 3H), 6.86 (m, 2H), 4.71 (broad d, J= 13.6 Hz, IH), 3.94 (d, J= 7.21 Hz, 2H), 3.81 (m, IH), 3.80 (s, 3H), 2.97 (m, 2H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 2.61 (m, 4H), 2.3-0.8 (m, 5H). EXAMPLE 70 l-[[l-[[(l-Phenyl-l-cyclopropyl)methoxy]carbonyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 36, but using phenyl (1- phenyl-l-cyclopropyl)methyl carbonate (prepared from 1-phenyl-l- cyclopropanemethanol and phenyl chloroformate) instead of N- phenoxycarbonyl-L-Leudne ethyl ester, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (23%). mp: 138-140 °C (C24H28N 4 O2.I/2H2O ; H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.97 (s, IH), 8.37 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.27 (s, 5H), 7.19 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 4.16 (s, 2H), 4.15 (broad d, J= 13.6 Hz, 2H), 3.94 (d, J= 7.21 Hz, 2H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 2.60 (m, 2H), 2.3-0.8 (m, 5H), 0.92 (s, 4H). EXAMPLE 71 frΛ«s-l-[[l-[3-(Methoxymethyl)-3-phenylpropenoyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazor4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using trans-3- (methoxymethyI)-3-phenylpropenoic add (obtained in reference example 27) instead of 33-diphenylpropionic add, the title compound was obtained as a white solid. mp: 63-67 °C (C 24 H28N 4 O2.H2O); Ϊ H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.98 (s, IH), 8.40 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.27 (m, 5H), 7.18 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 6.39 (s, IH), 4.60 (m, IH), 3.98 (m, IH), 3.96 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.54 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 3.1-1.3 (m, 7H). EXAMPLE 72 l-[[l-[[N-(4-Nitrophenylsulfonyl)-N-phenylamino]acetyll-4-piperidyl]methyl]- lH-2-methyIimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine To a solution of the compound obtained in example 49 (25 g, 6.9 mmol) in pyridine was added 4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride (154 g) and the resulting mixture was heated at 60 β C for 18 h. The solvent was removed and the residue partitioned between 0.5 N NaOH and CHCI 3 . The organic phase was dried and concentrated to a residue which was chromatographed on silica gel (CHCl 3 .-MeOH, 10%) to afford the titie compound as a yellow solid (2.93 g, 78%). mp: 110-115 °C (C27H28N6O5S.I/2H2O); ] H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 9.00 (s, IH), 8.40 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 8.26 (d, J= 8.8Hz, 2H), 7.84 (d, J= 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.27 (m, 5H), 7.18 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 4.70 (m, IH), 452 (s, 2H), 4.00 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.80 (m, IH), 2.64 (s, 3H), 3.1-1.3 (m, 7H). EXAMPLE 73 l-[[l-[[N-(4-Aminophenylsulfonyl)-N-phenylamino]acetyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]- lH-2-methyIimidazof4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in reference example 3, but starting from the compound obtained in example 72, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (78%). mp: 147-157°C (C27H30N 6 O3S.H2O); J H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.79 (s, IH), 8.38 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.45 (d, J= 8.8Hz, 2H), 7.26 ( , 6H), 6.94 (d, J= 8.8Hz, 2H), 4.36 ( , IH), 4.35 (s, 2H), 4.00 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.98 (m, IH), 2.63 (s, 3H), 3.3-1.0 (m, 9H). EXAMPLE 74 l-[[l-[(2-Methyl-2-phenylpropylamino)carbonyl]-4-piperidyl]methyll-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 59, but using 3-methyl-3- phenylbutanoic add (obtained in reference example 19) instead of 1-phenyl-l- cydopropanecarboxylic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (36%). mp: 66-69 °C (C24H31N5O.I/2H2O); lH NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.98 (s, IH), 8.39 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 7.25 (m, 5H), 7.18 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 4.08 (m, IH), 3.94 (d, J= 7.3 Hz, 2H), 3.78 (broad d, J= 16.0 Hz, ZH), 3.43 (d, J= 5.7 Hz, 2H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.60 (m, 2H), 2.1-0.8 (m, 5H), 1.33 (s, 6H). EXAMPLE 75 l-[[l-[[N-Isobutyl-N-(4-nitrophenylsulfonyl)amino]acetyl]-4-piperidyl]methyll- lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in example 1, but using N-isobutyl- N-(4-nitrophenylsulfonyl)aminoacetic add (obtained in reference example 28) instead of 3,3-diphenylpropionic acid, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (71%). ! H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.98 (s, IH), 8.40 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 8.31 (d, J= 8.8 Hz, 2H), 8.00 (d, J= 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.21 (d, J= 5.5Hz, IH), 4.50 (m, IH), 4.16 (s, 2H), 4.01 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (m, IH), 3.08 (d, J= 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.63 (s, 3H), 3.1- 1.2 (m, 8H), 0.87 (d, J= 6.5 Hz, 6H). EXAMPLE 76 l-[[l-[[N-(4-Aminophenylsulfoπyl)-N-isobutylamino]acetyl]-4- piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Following the procedure described in reference example 3, but starting from the compound obtained in example 75, the title compound was obtained as a white solid (67%). mp: 112-116 °C (C25H34N6O3S.3/2H2O); Ϊ H NMR (80MHz, CDCI3) δ (TMS): 8.96 (s, IH), 8.39 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 7.51 (d, J= 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.20 (d, J= 55Hz, IH), 6.63 (d, J= 8.8 Hz, 2H), 4.50 (m, 3H), 3.89 (m, 5H), 3.00 (m, 2H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 3.1-1.2 (m, 8H), 0.84 (d, J= 6.5 Hz, 6H).

Claims: CLAIMS 1.- A compound of formula I: I wherein: m represents 0, 1 or 2; a, b and c represent CR, wherein each R independently represents hydrogen or CM alkyl; R 1 represents CM alkyl or C3. 7 cydoalkyl; A represents -CO-, -SO2-, -NHCO- or -OCO-; B represents a group of formula (i), and when A represents -CO- or -S 2-, then B can also represent a group of formula (ii) or (iii) n represents 0, 1, 2 or 3; one of R 2 or R 3 represents C alkyl, C 3 .7 cycloalkyl or aryl, and the other represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, C haloalkyl, C3.7 cydoalkyl, CM alkoxy-CM alkyl , aryl or aryl-C 1 _ 4 alkyl ; Z represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, -CH 2 -OR 4 , -COOR 4 or -CONR 4 R 5 , and when A represents -CO- or -SO2-, then Z can also be hydroxy, -NR 4 R 5 , -NR 6 C(=0)OR 4 , -NR 6 C(=0)R 4 , -NR6C(=0)NR 4 R5, -N(OH)C(=0)NR 4 R5 or -NR 6 SO2R 4 ; or Z and R 3 together form a C2-5 polymethylene chain in which case R 2 represents C alkyl, C3.7 cydoalkyl or aryl; R 4 represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, aryl or aryl-C M alkyl; R 5 and R 6 independently represent hydrogen or CM alkyl; R 7 represents CM alkyl, C3.7 cydoalkyl, aryl, aryl-CM alkyl or bisaryl-CM alkyl; Y represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, aryl, aryl-CM alkyl, -C(=0)OR 4 , -C(=0)R 4 , -C(=0)NR R5, or -S0 2 R 4 ; aryl, whenever appearing in the above definitions, represents phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 groups independently selected from halogen, CM alkyl, CM alkoxy, hydroxy, CM haloalkyl, CM haloalkoxy, cyano, nitro, amino, C alkylamino, C dialkylamino, C alkylcarbonyl, C 1 - 4 alkylcarbonyloxy, CM alkoxycarbonyl, CM alkylsulfonyl, CM alkylsulfinyl, C \ . 4 alkylthio, CM alkylcarbonylamino or CM alkoxycarbonylamino; and the salts and solvates thereof. 2.- A compound as daimed in daim 1 wherein m represents 1 or 2. 3.- A compound as claimed in daim 1 or 2 wherein A represents -CO- or -SO2-. 4.- A compound as daimed in daim 1 or 2 wherein A represents -NHCO- or -OCO-. 5.- A compound as claimed in any one of daims 1 to 4 wherein B represents a group of formula (i). 6.- A compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein n represents 0, l or 2. 7.- A compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein B represents a group of formula (ii). 8.- A compound as daimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein B represents a group of formula (iii). 9.- A compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein Z represents hydrogen, C 1 - 4 alkyl, -CH 2 -OR 4 , -COOR 4 , or -CONR R 5 , and when A represents -CO- or -SO2-, Z can also represent hydroxy, -NR 6 C(=0)OR 4 , -NR 6 C(=0)R 4 or -NR 6 Sθ2R 4 ; or Z and R 3 together form a C 2 -5 polymethylene chain. 10.- A compound as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 8 wherein R 7 represents CM alkyl, C3.7 cycloalkyl or aryl. 11.- A compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein aryl represents phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 groups independently selected from halogen, C alkyl, C alkoxy, hydroxy, CM haloalkyl, C haloalkoxy or amino. 12.- A compound as claimed in any one of daims 1 or 2 wherein: A represents -CO- or -SO 2 -; B represents a group of formula (i), (ii) or (iii); n represents 1 or 2; one of R 2 or R 3 represents C alkyl, C 3 .7 cycloalkyl or aryl, and the other represents hydrogen, C alkyl, C 1 - 4 haloalkyl, C 3 .7 cycloalkyl, C alkoxy-CM alkyl , aryl or aryl-C 1 -4 -alkyl ; Z represents hydrogen, C alkyl, -CH2-OR 4 , -COOR 4 , -CONR 4 R 5 , hydroxy, -NR<>C(=0)OR 4 , -NR6C(=0)R 4 or -NR 6 SO2R 4 ; or Z and R 3 together form a C 2 -5 polymethylene chain in which case R 2 represents C alkyl, C3.7 cydoalkyl or aryl ; R 7 represents C alkyl, C 3 .7 cydoalkyl or aryl; and aryl represents phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 groups independently selected from halogen, C 1 . 4 alkyl, C 1 - 4 alkoxy, hydroxy, CM haloalkyl, CM haloalkoxy or amino. 13.- A compound as daimed in any one of daims 1 or 2 wherein: A represents -NHCO- or -OCO-; B represents a group of formula (i); n represents 0 or 1; and aryl represents phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 groups independently selerted from halogen, CM alkyl, CM alkoxy, hydroxy, CM haloalkyl. CM haloalkoxy or amino. 14.- A compound as daimed in daim 12 wherein: B represents a group of formula (i) or (iii); one of R 2 or R 3 represents alkyl, C3.7 cydoalkyl or aryl, and the other represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, C haloalkyl, C3- 7 cydoalkyl, C alkoxy-CM alkyl , aryl or aryl-C, . alkyl ; Z represents hydrogen, C alkyl, -CH2-OR 4 , -COOR 4 or hydroxy; or Z and R 3 together form a C2-5 polymethylene chain in which case R 2 represents CM alkyl, C 3 -7 cydoalkyl or aryl; R 4 represents hydrogen, CM alkyl, aryl or aryl-CM alkyl; R 7 represents CM alkyl, C 3 .7 cydoalkyl, or aryl; and Y represents CM alkyl, aryl or -SO2R 4 . 15.- A compound as daimed in daim 12 wherein: B represents a group of formula (ii); and one of R 2 or R 3 represents CM alkyl or aryl, and the other represents hydrogen, CM alkyl. CM alkoxy-CM alkyl , aryl or aryl-C^ alkyl. 16.- A compound according to daim 1 selected from: l-[[l- ( 33-diphenylpropionyl ) -4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[45- cjpyridine; l-[[l-[3-[N-(4-aminobenzoyl)amino]-3-phenylpropionyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]- lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine; ris-l-[[l-[3-(4-aminophenyl)-3-phenylpropenoyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[45-c]pyridine; frβπs-l-[[l-[3-(4-aminophenyl)-3-phenyIpropenoyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine; l-[[l-(3-hydroxy-3-phenylbutanoyI)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo- [45-c]pyridine; l-[[l-[2-(4-aminophenyl)propionyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo- [45-c]pyridine; l-[[l-(3-phenylhexanoyl)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyri- dine; (S)-l-[[l-[[N-(l-ethoxycarbonyl-l-phenylmethyl)amino]carbonyl]-4-piperidyl]- methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[45-c]pyridine; l-[[l-(3-phenylbutanoyl)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimidazo[45-c]pyri- dine; 1 -[ [1 -(3-methyl-3-phenylbutanoyl)-4-piperidyl]me thy 1]-1 H-2-methy limidazo[4,5- c]pyridine; l-[[l-[3-(4-aminophenyl)-3-methylbutanoyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methyl- imidazo[45-c]pyridine; l-f[l-(3-hydroxy-3-phenyl-3-trifluoromethylpropionyl)-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH- 2-methylimidazo[45-c]pyridine; rø-l-[[l-[(l-phenylethyiamino)carbonyI]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methylimi- dazo[45-c]pyridine; l-[[l-[(l-phenyl-l-cydopropyiamino)carbonyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2-methyl- imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine; (S)-l-[[l-[(2-ethoxy-l-phenylethylamino)carbonyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine; l-[[l-[[N-(2-methoxyphenyl)-N-methylamino]acetyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine; l-[[l-[[(l-phenyl-l-cydopropyl)methoxy]carbonyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine; l-[[l-[[N-(4-aminophenylsulfonyl)-N-phenylamino]acetyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]- lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine; l-[[l-[[N-(4-aminophenylsulfonyl)-N-isobutylamino]acetyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl]- lH-2-methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine; or a salt or solvate thereof. 17.- A pharmaceutical composition which comprises an effective amount of a compound of formula I as claimed in any one of daims 1 to 16 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable exdpient. 18.- The use of a compound of formula I as claimed in any one of daims 1 to 16 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of diseases mediated by PAF. 19.- A process for preparing a compound of formula I as defined in daim 1 whid comprises: (A) reacting a compound of formula II, O 96/14317 PC17EP95/03487 67 wherein a, b, c, m and R 1 are as defined in daim 1, with an add of formula BCOOH (III) or a suitable derivative thereof sud as the add chloride or the anhydride, a sulfonyl chloride of formula BSO2CI (IN), a compound of formula BOC(=0)G (V), a compound of formula BΝHC(=0)G (VI) or a compound of formula BN=C=0 (VII), wherein B is as defined in daim 1 and G represents a good leaving group such as chloro or -OPh; or (B) converting in one or a plurality of steps a compound of formula I into another compound of formula I; and (O if desired, after steps A or B, reacting a compound of formula I with an add to give the corresponding add addition salt. 20.- A compound of formula II wherein a, b, c, m and R 1 are as defined in daim 1. 21.- A compound according to claim 20 which is l-[(4-piperidyl)methyl]-lH-2- methylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine.

Inventors: ALMANSA CARMEN, BARTROLI JAVIER, CARCELLER ELENA, JIMENEZ PERE J, RECASENS NURIA, SALAS JORDI, ALMANSA, CARMEN, BARTROLI, JAVIER, CARCELLER, ELENA, JIMENEZ, PERE, J., RECASENS, NURIA, SALAS, JORDI
Applicants: ALMANSA CARMEN, BARTROLI JAVIER, CARCELLER ELENA, JIMENEZ PERE J, RECASENS NURIA, SALAS JORDI, URIACH & CIA SA J, ALMANSA, CARMEN, BARTROLI, JAVIER, CARCELLER, ELENA, J. URIACH & CIA. S.A., JIMENEZ, PERE, J., RECASENS, NURIA, SALAS, JORDI
Application year: 1995
Main classification: C07D471
IPC codes: A61K31, A61P1, A61P9, A61P11, A61P17, A61P37, A61P43, C07D471