THIAZOLE AND IMIDAZO [4,5-B] PYRIDINE COMPOUNDS AND THEIR PHARMACEUTICAL USE

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically-acceptable and -cleavable esters thereof and acid addition salts thereof, wherein the symbols are as defined are MAP kinase inhibitors, useful pharmaceutically for treating TNF alpha and IL-1 mediated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diseases of bone metabolism, e.g. osteoporosis.

Description: THIAZOLE AND IMIDAZO [4, 5 -B] PYRIDINE COMPOUNDS AND THEIR PHARMACEUTICAL USE This invention relates to heterocyclic compounds, in particular to thiazoles and imidazopyridines and to their use for treating TNFα and IL-1 mediated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diseases of bone metabolism, e.g. osteoporosis. Accordingly the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein Nu is a heterocyclic nucleus selected from a thiazole in which the Ri, R 2 and R 3 substituents are disposed as indicated below and an imidazo[4,5-b]pyrid_ne in which the Ri, R 2 and R 3 substituents are disposed as indicated below wherein Ri is pyrimidyl or pyridyl; X is -NR -Y-, -O- or -S-, where Re is H, Ci-Qalkyl, C 3 -C 8 cycloalkyl, C 3 -C 8 cycloalkylCι-C 3 alkyl, C 6 - Ci 8 aryl, C 3 -Cι 8 heteroaryl, C 7 -Ci 9 aralkyl or C 4 -Cι 9 heteroaralkyl, and -Y- is Cι-C 4 alkylene or a direct bond; R 2 is phenyl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents, each of which is independently selected from halo, CF 3 , cyano, amido or thioamido which is optionally mono- or di-N-substituted by Cι-C alkyl or the N atom of which forms a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring optionally containing an additional hetero atom selected from O, S or N which N is optionally Cι-C 4 alkyl Cι-C 4 a_kylcarbonyl or C_-C 4 alkylthiocarbonyl substitued, carboxylate or thiocarboxylate optionally in the form of an optionally halo- substituted Ci-Cioalkoxy, C 2 -Cι 0 a_kenoxy, C 2 -Cιoalkynoxy, C 3 -C 7 cyclalkoxy, C 5 - cycloalkenoxy, aryloxy, arylalkoxy, heteroaryloxy or heteroarylalkoxy ester, optionally mono- or di-Cι-C alkyl-substituted-Co-Cιalkyl optionally Cι-C alkyl- or C 3 -C 5 cycloalkyl-substituted-carbonyl or -thiocarbonyl, optionally halo-substituted-Cι-C 4 alkoxy, C2-C alkenoxy, C 2 -C a_kynoxy, C 3 - Cscycloalkoxy or Cs-Cscyclothioalkoxy, optionally halo substituted Cι-C 4 alkyl, oxycarbonyl or optionally N-Cι-C alkyl-substituted aminocarbonyl both of which are optionally Cι-C 4 alkyl or C 3 -C 5 cycloalkyl substituted (including thiocarbonyl analogues thereof), optionally mono- or di-Cι-C 4 alkyl-substituted-Co-Cιalkylamine which is optionally mono-or di-N-Cι-C alkyl substituted, optionally mono- or di-Cι-C alkyl-substituted-Co-Cι alkyl optionally N-Cι-C a_kyl- substituted amino-carbonyl or -thiocarbonyl, optionally N- - alkyl-substituted amino-sulphinyl or -sulphonyl optionally substituted by optionally mono- or di-N-Cι-C 4 alkyl-substituted amino, a nitrogen atom which form a heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 members optionally containing an additional heteroatom selected from O, S or N which N is optionally Cι-C 4 alkyl Cι-C 4 alkylcarbonyl or d- alkylthiocarbonyl substitued, or sulphinyl or sulphonyl optionally substituted by optionally halo-substituted-C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 2 -C 4 alkenyl, C 2 -C 4 alkynyl, optionally mono- or di-Cι-C 4 alkyl-substituted amino, a nitrogen atom which form a heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 members optionally containing an additional heteroatom selected from O, S or N which N is optionally C_-C 4 alkyl Cι-C 4 alkylcarbonyl or d- alkylthiocarbonyl substitued; R 3 is H, amino, Cι-C 10 a_kyl, C 3 -Cι 0 cycloalkyl, C 3 -C 18 heterocycloa_kyl, C 6 -Cι 8 aryl, or C 3 - Ci 8 heteroaryl each of which is optionaUy substituted by up to 4 substituents separately selected from Cι-C 4 alkyl, halogen, halo-substitued-Cι-C 4 alkyl, hydroxy, Cp alkoxy, C_- C 4 alkylthio, C 6 -Cι 8 aryl, C 3 -Cι 8 heteroaryl, Cβ-CisarylCi- alkyl, C 3 -C 18 heteroarylCi- C 4 alkyl, C 3 -Cι 8 heterocycloalkyl or optionally mono- or di-Cι-C alkyl substituted amino or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionally a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N, all of which are further optionally substituted halo, hydroxy, Ci- alkyl, d- alkoxy or Cι-C 4 alkoxycarbonyl; t is Ci-Cioalkyl, C 6 -Cι 8 aryl, C 3 -Cι 8 heteroaryl, or C 3 -Cι 2 cycloa_kyl optionally substituted by up to 3 substituents separately selected from Cι-C 4 alkyl, halogen, halo-substitued- Ci- C alkyl, hydroxy, Cι-C 4 alkoxy, Ci-Qalkylthio, optionally mono- or di-Cι-C 4 a]kyl substituted amino, or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionally containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N, and pharmaceutically-acceptable and -cleavable esters thereof and acid addition salts thereof . Above and elsewhere in the present description the terms halo or halogen denote I, Br, CI or F. Above and elsewhere in the present description the terms such as "C 3 -Cι 8 heteroaryl, C 4 - C ^heteroaralkyl and C 3 -Ci 8 heterocycloalkyl" denote heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl or heterocycloalkyl substituents comprising at least 3 ring atoms, at least one of which is a hetero atom, e.g.N, O or S, and which in the case of C 4 -Ci 9 _ιeteroaralkyl groups are attached via an alkylene moiety comprising at least 1 carbon atom. In particular embodiments the invention provides a compound of formula II wherein Z is N or CH; X is -NR<;-Y-, -O- or -S-, where R* is H, C C 4 alkyl, C 3 -C 8 cycloalkyl, C 3 -C 8 cycloalkylCι-C 3 alkyl, C 6 - Cι 8 aryl, C 3 -Ci 8 heteroaryl, C 7 -Ci 9 ara_kyl or C 4 -Ci 9 heteroaralkyl, and -Y- is Cι-C 4 alkylene or a direct bond ; R 2 is phenyl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents, each of which is independently selected from halo, CF 3 , cyano, amido or thioamido, carboxylate or thiocarboxylate, Cι-C 4 alkoxy, Cι-C alkyl, or NH 2 which is optionally mono-or di-Cι-C 4 alkyl substituted; R 3 ' is H, Ci-Cioalkyl, C 3 -C 10 cycloalkyl, C 3 -Ci 8 heterocycloalkyl, C 6 -Cι 8 aryl, or C 3 - Ciβheteroaryl each of which is optionally substituted by up to 4 substituents separately selected from Cι-C 4 alkyl, halogen, halo-substitued-Cι-C 4 alkyl, hydroxy, Cι-C 4 alkoxy, C_- C 4 alkylthio, or optionally mono-or di-Cι-C 4 aJkyl substituted amino, or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionally containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N; » is C 6 -Cι_aryl, C 3 -Cι 8 heteroaryl, or C 3 -Cι 2 cycloalkyl each of which is optionally substituted by up to 4 substituents separately selected from halogen, halo- substitued-Cι -4 alkyl, hydroxy, C^alkoxy, C alkylthio, or optionally mono-or di-Cι-C 4 alkyl substituted amino, or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionally containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N, and pharmaceutically-acceptable and -cleavable esters thereof and acid addition salts thereof . When R 3 is aryl, it is preferably heteroaryl, e.g. pyridyl (e.g. 4-pyridyl) or pyrazyl, each optionally substituted, e.g. by 2 substituents, separately selected from Cι-C alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, Cι-C 4 alkoxy, or optionally mono-or di-Cι-C alkyl substituted amino. When R 3 is cycloalkyl it is preferably C 3 -C 8 , especially d-Cβcycloalkyl (e.g. cyclohexyl), optionally substituted, e.g. by 1 or 2 substituents, separately selected from d- alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, Cι-C 4 alkoxy, or optionally mono-or di-Cι-C 4 alkyl substituted amino. When R 3 is heterocycloalkyl it is preferably N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionally containing a further hetero atom, e.g. N or O, and is optionally substituted, e.g. by 1 or 2 substituents, separately selected from Ci-Qalkyl, halogen, hydroxy, d-C alkoxy, or optionally mono-or di-Cι-C 4 a_kyl substituted amino. When R_ t is aryl it is preferably phenyl. When R' 4 is cycloalkyl, it is preferably C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyl, e.g. cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl. R' 4 may be unsubstituted or substituted, conveniently mono-substituted, e.g. phenyl conveniently meta or para substituted, by halogen, Cι-C 4 alkyl, halo-substituedCι-C 4 alkyl, Cι-C alkoxy, hydroxy or optionally mono- or di- d-C alkyl substituted amino, or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionally containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N. When Y is d-C 4 alkylene, it is preferably d-C 2 alkylene, and is optionally substituted, e.g. by Cι-C alkyl (e.g. methyl), halogen, hydroxy, Cι-C 4 alkoxy, or amino. More preferably R' 2 is phenyl substituted, preferably mono- or di-substituted, by halogen or a halogen-containing group, e.g. 4-fluorophen-l-yl, or 3-CF 3 , 3-Cl, or 3,4-difluoro substituted phenyl. More preferably R' 3 is H, d-Cβalkyl, phenyl, pyridyl, morpholinyl, piperidyl, piperazyl, or optionally mono- or di-C alkyl substituted amino, each of which is optionally substituted, e.g. by up to 2 substituents, separately selected from d-C 4 alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, Cι-C 4 alkoxy, or optionally mono-or di-Cι-C 4 alkyl substituted amino. Preferably X is -NH-Y'-, -O- or -S-, where Y * is -CH 2 -, -CH 2 -CH 2 -, -CH(CH 3 )- or a direct bond Thus in preferred embodiments the invention provides a compound of formula II' wherein Rt" is phenyl or C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyl each of which is optionally mono-substituted by halogen, d-C 4 alkyl, d-C 4 alkoxy, hydroxy, trihalomethyl or optionally mono-or di-Cι-C 4 alkyl substituted amino, or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionally containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N; Rio is halogen, cyano, amido, thioamido, amino or C . -Qalkyl; R 3 " is H, Cι-C alkyl, phenyl, pyridyl, morpholinyl, piperidyl, piperazyl, or optionally mono- or di-C alkyl substituted amino, each of which is optionally substituted, e.g. by up to 2 substituents, separately selected from Cι-C 4 alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, Cι-C 4 alkoxy, or optionally mono-or di-Cι-C 4 alkyl substituted amino; Z is N or CH and X" is -NH-Y'-, -O- or -S-, where Y' is -CH 2 -, -CH 2 -CH 2 -, -CH(CH 3 )- or a direct bond, and pharmaceutically-acceptable and -cleavable esters thereof and acid addition salts thereof . Preferably t" is unsubstituted or monosubstituted by halogen, Cι-C 4 alkyl (e.g. methyl), Cι-C alkoxy (e.g. methoxy), hydroxy or CF 3 . Preferably Rio is halogen, e.g. F. Preferably X" is -NH-Y' where Y' is -CH(CH 3 )-. The Invention includes the following compounds: 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2-[ 1 -(S)-phenylethyl]am o-4-pyrimidinyl)-2-(4-methyl-piperidine- 1 - yl)thiazole; 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2-[l-(S)-phenylethyl]ammo-4-pyrimidinyl)-2-(4-NH-piperidine-l- yl)thiazole; 4-(4-Huorophenyl)-2-(4-methylpiperidine-l-yl)-5-(2-[cyclopropyl-methyl]amino-4- pyridinyl)thiazole and 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(4-NH-piperidine- 1 -yl)-5-(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4- pyridinyl)thiazole; The novel thiazoles of the invention, in particular the compounds of formulae II and II' and the specific compounds listed above are hereinafter referred to "Agents of the Invention". Agents of the Invention of formula II" wherein R 3 ", R 5 ", Rio and Z are as previously defined and X'" is -NH-, may be prepared by reacting the corresponding precursor compound of formula III or HP wherein R 3 " and Rio are as previously defined, with the corresponding Rt"-NH 2 derivative. For example, the reaction may be carried out by refluxing the reactants in an organic solvent, e.g. dichloroethane, e.g. in the presence of diethoxytrifluoroborane. Thereafter, if desired, the compound of Formula II" obtained may be converted into a further compound of Formula II" or otherwise treated as required. The precursor compound of formula HI may be prepared by controlled oxidation of the corresponding 5(2-methyltWo-4-pyrimidinyl)-4-phenythiazole, e.g. employing an oxidising agent such as mCPBA (meta chloroperbenzoic acid), conveniently in an organic solvent such as methylene chloride. The corresponding 5(-4-pyrimid-nyl/pyridinyl)-4-phenylthiazole compound may be prepared by contacting the corresponding acetophenone precursor compound of formula IV or IV' wherein Rio is as defined above, with a corresponding thioamide of formula R 3 'C(S)NH 2 , typically at elevated temperature. The compounds of formula IV and IV' may be prepared by bromination of the corresponding acetophenone, e.g. 2-(2-methylthio-4-pyrimidinyl)acetophenone. The acetophenone precursor may be prepared by reacting the corresponding N-methoxy-N- methylbenzamide with the corresponding pyrimidine, e.g. 4-methyl-2-(methylthio) pyrimidine, for instance in a THF containing organic solvent with cooling. Thus in a further aspect the invention includes a process for the preparation of a compound of formula II" wherein R 3 ", Rt", Rio and Z are as previously defined and X'" is -NH-, which comprises reacting the corresponding precursor compound of formula DI or HP wherein R 3 " and Rio are as previously defined, with the corresponding R 4 "-NH 2 amine, and thereafter, if desired, converting the compound of formula H" obtained into a further compound of formula ϋ" or a pharmaceutically-acceptable and -cleavable ester thereof or acid addition salt thereof. In further particular embodiments the invention provides a compound of formula V wherein Rn is pyrimidyl; X is -NR^-Y-, -O- or -S-, where R* is H, Cι-C 4 alkyl, C 3 -C 8 cycloalkyl, d-QcycloalkylCi-Qalkyl, C 6 - Cι 8 aryl, C 3 -Cι 8 heteroaryl, C 7 -Ci9aralkyl or C -Ci 9 heteroaralkyl, and -Y- is or a direct bond ; R1 2 is phenyl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents, each of which is independently selected from halo, CF 3 , cyano, amido or thioamido which is optionally mono- or di-N-substituted by Cι-C 4 alkyl or the N atom of which forms a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring optionally containing an additional hetero atom selected from O, S or N which N is optionally Cι-C alkyl Ci-Qalkylcarbonyl or C C alkylthiocarbonyl substitued, carboxylate or thiocarboxylate optionally in the form of an optionally halo- substituted Cι-Cιoalkoxy, C 2 -Cι 0 a_kenoxy, d-Cioalkynoxy, C 3 -C 7 cyclalkoxy, C 5 - C 7 cycloalkenoxy, aryloxy, arylalkoxy, heteroaryloxy or heteroarylalkoxy ester, optionally mono- or di-Cι-C 4 alkyl-substituted-Co-Cιa_kyl optionally Cι-C 4 alkyl- or C 3 -C 5 cycloalkyl-substituted-carbonyl or -thiocarbonyl, optionally halo-substituted-Cι-C alkoxy, C2-C 4 alkenoxy, C 2 -C alkynoxy, C 3 - Cscycloalkoxy or Q-Cscyclothioalkoxy, optionally halo substituted Cι-C 4 alkyl, oxycarbonyl or optionally N-Cι-C 4 alkyl- substituted aminocarbonyl both of which are optionally Cι-C 4 a_kyl or C 3 -C 5 cycloalkyl substituted (including thiocarbonyl analogues thereof), optionally mono- or di-Cι-C alkyl-substituted-Co-Cιalkylamine which is optionally mono-or di-N-Cι-C 4 alkyl substituted, optionally mono- or di-Cι-C 4 alkyl-substituted-Co-Cι alkyl optionally N-Cι-C alkyl- substituted amino-carbonyl or -thiocarbonyl, optionally N-Cι-C 4 alkyl-substituted amino-sulphinyl or -sulphonyl optionally substituted by optionally mono- or di-N-Cι-C 4 alkyl-substituted amino, a nitrogen atom which form a heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 members optionally containing an additional heteroatom selected from O, S or N which N is optionally Cι-C 4 alkyl Cι-C 4 alkylcarbonyl or Ci- Gjalkylthiocarbonyl substituted, or sulphinyl or sulphonyl optionally substituted by optionally halo-substituted-Cι-C alkyl, C 2 -C 4 alkenyl, C 2 -C 4 alkynyl, optionally mono- or di-N-Cι-C 4 alkyl-substituted amino, a nitrogen atom which form a heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 members optionally containing an additional heteroatom selected from O, S or N which N is optionally Cι-C alkyl Ci-Qalkylcarbonyl or d- Qalkylthiocarbonyl substituted; Ri 3 is H, amino, Cι-Cι 0 alkyl, C 3 -Cι 0 cycloa_kyl, C 3 -Cι 8 heterocycloalkyl, C 6 -Cι 8 aryl, or C 3 - Cι 8 heteroaryl all optionally substituted by up to 4 substituents separately selected from d- C alkyl, halogen, halo-substitued-Cι-C 4 alkyl, hydroxy, Cι-C 4 alkoxy, C C alkylthio, C 6 - Cι 8 aryl, C 3 -Cι 8 heteroaryl, C 6 -Cι 8 arylCι-C 4 alkyl, C 3 -C 18 heteroarylCι-C 4 alkyl, C 3 - Cisheterocycloalkyl or optionally mono- or di-N-Cι-C 4 alkyl substituted amino all of which are optionally substituted by halo, hydroxy, Cι-C alkyl, Cι-C 4 alkoxy or d- Qalkoxycarbonyl; Rι 4 is Ci-Cioalkyl, Q-Cisaryl, C 3 -Cι 8 heteroaryl, or C 3 -Cι 2 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by up to 3 substituents separately selected from Cι-C alkyl, halogen, halo-substitued-Ci- Qalkyl, hydroxy, Cι-C alkoxy, d-Qalkylthio, optionally mono- or di-N-Cι-C 4 alkyl substituted amino, or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionally containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N, and pharmaceutically-acceptable and -cleavable esters thereof and acid addition salts thereof . Ri i is preferably 4-pyrimidyl. When Rj 3 is alkyl it is Ci-Cioalkyl, preferably d-Qalkyl, optionally substituted, preferably with one or two substituents separately selected from hydroxy, Cι-C 4 alkoxy, amino optionally mono-or disubstituted by Cι-C 4 alkyl or N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring and optionally containing a further hetero atom (e.g. O, S or N). When R13 is aryl or heteroaryl either of which is optionally substituted by up to 4 substituents, Rι 3 may comprise one of the customary aryl or heteroaryl substituents in the art and may be substituted as is customary in the art; for instance as defined for the substituent R 3 of WO 93/03297. For instance, Rι 3 may comprise a phenyl, pyridyl or pyrimidyl, substituent optionally substituted by up to 5 substituents separately selected from Cι-C 4 alkyl, halogen, halo-substituted Cι-C alkyl, hydroxy, Ci-Qalkoxy, or optionally mono- or di-Cι-C 4 alkyl substituted amino. When R13 is substituted amino it may be substituted by one or two substitutents independently selected from Cι-C alkyl, Q-Ciβaryl, C 3 -d 8 heteroaryl, CVCiβarylCi-Qalkyl, C 3 - Cis heteroarylCι-C 4 alkyl, aU of which are optionaUy substituted by halo, hydroxy, Cι-C alkyl, d- C 4 alkoxy or Cι-C 4 alkoxycarbonyl. When Ri 3 is cycloalkyl it is preferably C 3 -C 8 , especiaUy Q-Cβcycloalkyl (e.g. cyclohexyl), optionaUy substituted, preferably with up to 2 substituents separately selected from Ci-Qalkyl, halogen, hydroxy, Cι-C alkoxy, or optionaUy mono- or di-Cι-C alkyl substituted amino. When Rι 3 is heterocycloalkyl it is preferably N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionaUy containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N, optionaUy substituted, e.g. by up to 2 substituents, selected from halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, or optionaUy mono- or di-Cι-C 4 alkyl substituted amino. For instance, Rι 3 may be an optionaUy substituted morpholino, piperazyl or piperidyl substituent. When Rι is aryl it is preferably phenyl. When Rι 4 is cycloalkyl, it is preferably C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyl, e.g. cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl. Rj 4 may be unsubstituted or substituted, conveniently mono-substituted, e.g. phenyl conveniently meta or para substituted, by halogen, Ci-Qalkyl, halo-substitued Cι-C alkyl, C C alkoxy, hydroxy, optionaUy mono- or di-N- Ci-Qalkyl substituted amino, or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionaUy containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N. When -Y- is Cι-C 4 alkylene, it is preferably Cι-C 2 alkylene, and is optionaUy substituted, e.g. by Cι-C alkyl (e.g. methyl), halogen, hydroxy, Cι-C 4 alkoxy, or amino. Preferably Rπ is phenyl substituted with 1-3 substituents, preferably mono-substituted, selected from halogen, CN, halo-substituted alkyl, e.g. CF 3 , Cι-C alkyl, or Cι-C alkoxy. Most preferably R 2 is phenyl mono-substituted by halogen, e.g. 4-flurophenyl. In particular embodiments Rι 3 is pyridyl, pyrimidyl, piperazyl, piperidyl, -NR 9 Rι 0 , -CH 2 OH, -CH 2 NRi 5 Ri6, -CH2CH2R15R16, or Het-C alkyl-, wherein R 9 and Rι 0 are separately selected from H, C C alkyl, C 6 -Cι 8 aryl, C 3 -Cι 8 heteroaryl, C 6 - Ci 8 arylC C alkyl, C3-Cι 8 heteroarylCι-C alkyl aU of which are optionaUy substituted by halo, Cι-C alkyl, C C 4 alkoxy, Cι-C 4 alkoxycarbonyl, Ris and Riβ are separately selected from H or C C alkyl, and Het is N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionaUy containing a further hetero atom (e.g. O, S or N). Preferably X is -NH-Y'-, -O- or -S-, where Y' is -CH 2 -, -CH 2 -CH 2 -, -CH(CH 3 )- or a direct bond. Most preferably X is NH-Y"-, where Y" is -CH(CH 3 )- or a direct bond. Thus in preferred embodiments the invention provides a compound of formula V wherein Rι 4 ' is phenyl or Q-dcycloalkyl each of which is optionaUy mono-substituted by halogen, Ci-Qalkyl, Cι-C 4 alkoxy, hydroxy, trihalomethyl optionaUy mono- or di-N-Cι-C 4 alkyl substituted amino, or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionaUy containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N; Rio is halogen, CF 3 , Cι-C 4 alkyl or C C 4 alkoxy; Rι 3 ' is pyridyl, pyrimidyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, NR 9 Rι 0 , -CH 2 OH, CH 2 NR 15 R 16 , - CH2CH2R15R16, or Het-Cι-C 4 alkyl-, wherein R 9 and Rio are separately selected from H, Cι-C alkyl, Q-Cisaryl, C 3 -Cι 8 heteroaryl, C6-Cι 8 arylCι-C alkyl, C3-Cι 8 heteroarylCι-C alkyl aU of which are optionaUy substituted by halo, hydroxy, Cι-C 4 alkyl, Cι-C 4 alkoxy, Cι-C 4 alkoxycarbonyl, Rn and R l2 are separately selected from H or C C 6 alkyl, and Het is N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionaUy containing a further hetero atom (e.g. O,S or N) X" is -NH-Y'-, -O- or -S-, where Y' is -CH 2 -, -CH 2 -CH 2 -, -CH(CH 3 )- or a direct bond, and pharmaceuticaUy-acceptable and -cleavable esters thereof and acid addition salts thereof . Preferably Rι ' is phenyl or cyclopentyl, cyclobutyl or cyclopropyl. Preferably Rio is halogen. Preferably X" is -NH-Y" where Y" is -CH(CH 3 )- or a direct bond. The Invention includes the foUowing compounds: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(piperidino-N-2-ethyl)imidazo [4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(N,N-diethylamino-N-2- ethyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluoropr_enyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylan___no-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(morpholino-N-2-ethyl)imidazo [4,5- bjpyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrin_udinyl)-5-(isopropylamino-N-2- ethyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Huorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrinMdinyl)-5-(py_τoUdino-N-2-ethyl)imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-IHuorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylam_no-4-pyrinddinyl)-5-(3-pyridyl)imidazo[4,5-b] pyridine; 2-(4-Ruorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylam_no-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)imidazo[4,5-b] pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-( 1 -(SJ-phenylethylJamino^-pyrimidiny -S-aminoimidazo^.S-blpyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-ammoiιradazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)aπ_ino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-NH- 1 -piperazinyl) imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylam_no-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-NH- 1 -piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5- bjpyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclobutylamino-4-pyriπ_idinyl)-5-(4-NH- 1 -piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopropylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-NH- 1 -piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5- bjpyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)amino -4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl) imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrimidiny_)-5-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclobutylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-methyl- 1 -p_perazinyl)imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Huorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopropylamino-4-pyrimidmyl)-5-(4-methyl-l-piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-(2-hydroxy-2- methyl)propyl-l-piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl)propyl- 1 - piperazinyl)imidazo [4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclobutylan-ino-4-pyrimid_nyl)-5-(4-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl)propyl- 1 - piperazinyl)imidazo [4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopropylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl)propyl- 1 - piperazinyl)imidazo [4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-piperidinyl) imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylam_no-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-( 1 -methyl-4-piperidinyl)imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-( 1 -(2-hydroxy-2-methyl)propyl-4- piperidinyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(benzylamino) imidazo [4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyr_midinyl)-5-(morpholino) 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(3-fluorophenyl amino)imidazo [4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylam_no-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(pyridyl-4-amino)imidazo [4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-( 1 -ethoxycarbonyl piperidine-4- amino)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, and 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylarnino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(piperidine-4-amino)imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine. The novel imidazopyridines of the invention, in particular the compounds of formulae V and V and the specific compounds Usted above are hereinafter also referred to as "Agents of the Invention". It wiU be appreciated that certain Agents of the Invention may contain at least 1 assymetric carbon atom; for instance when Y is substituted alkylene, e.g. when Y" is -CH(CH 3 )- for the compounds of formula π' or V above. The resulting diastereomers and enantiomers are encompassed by the instant invention. Preferably, however, e.g. for pharmaceutical use in accordance with the invention, the compounds of formula I, are provided in pure or substantiaUy pure epimeric form, e.g. as compositions in which the compounds are present in a form comprising at least 90%, e.g. preferably at least 95% of a single epimer (i.e. comprising less than 10%, e.g. preferably less than 5% of other epimeric forms). Preferred epimeric compounds of formula I are described hereinafter in the Examples. The Agents of the Invention which comprise free hydroxyl groups may also exist in the form of pharmaceuticaUy acceptable, physiologicaUy cleavable esters, and as such are included within the scope of the invention. Such pharmaceuticaUy acceptable esters are preferably prodrug ester derivatives, such being convertible by solvolysis or cleavage under physiological conditions to the corresponding Agents of the Invention which comprise free hydroxyl groups. Suitable pharmaceuticaUy acceptable prodrug esters are those derived from a carboxyUc acid, a carbonic acid monoester or a carbamic acid, advantageously esters derived from an optionaUy substituted lower alkanoic acid or an arylcarboxyUc acid. Agents of the Invention may also exist in the form of pharmaceuticaUy acceptable salts, and as such are included within the scope of the invention. PharmaceuticaUy acceptable salts include acid addition salts with conventional acids, for example, mineral acids, e.g., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric or phosphoric acid, or organic acids, for example, a phatic or aromatic carboxyUc or sulfonic acids, e.g., acetic, propionic, succinic, glycoUc, lactic, maUc, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, maleic, fumaric, hydroxymaleic, pyruvic, pamoic, methanesulfonic, toluenesulfonic, naphthalenesulfonic, sulfani c or cyclohexylsulfamic acid; also amino acids, such as arginine and lysine. For compounds of the invention having acidic groups, for example, a free carboxy group, pharmaceuticaUy acceptable salts also represent metal or ammonium salts, such as alkaU metal or alkaline earth metal salts, e.g., sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium salts, as weU as ammonium salts, which are formed with ammonia or suitable organic amines. Agents of the Invention of Formula V" wherein Rn, Rι 2 , Rι 4 and X are as previously defined and Rι 3 " is -CH 2 -CH 2 NR 15 R 16 or CH 2 -CH 2 -Het wherein R1 5 , Rι 6 and Het are as defined above may be prepared by reacting a corresponding vinyl precursor compound of formula VI wherein R u , R12, Rι and X are as previously defined, with the corresponding amine of formula HNR15R16 or N-heterocycloalkyl ring compound. For instance the reaction may be carried out by refluxing the reactants, e.g. in acetic acid, foUowed by treatment with a mUd base, e.g. Na 2 CO 3 . The precursor compound of formula VI may be prepared by reacting the corresponding 5-chloro- imidazopyridine of formula VII wherein Rn, Rι 2 , Rι 4 and X as are as previously defined, with a vinylating agent. For instance the chloro compound of formula VII is reacted with vinyltributylstannane in the presence of PdCl 2 (PPh 3 ) 2 in xylene at elevated temperature, e.g. 160°C, under an inert atmosphere. Agents of the Invention of formula V, wherein R 1 3 is aryl or heteroaryl may be prepared from chloroprecursor compounds of formula VH, as defined above, by arylation or heteroarylation. For instance the compound of formula VH is heated with the corresponding trialkylstannyl-aryl or -heteroaryl, e.g. tributylstannylaryl- or trimethylstannyl-aryl or -heteroaryl, compound e.g. to about 150°C under an inert atmosphere. Agents of the Invention of formula V, wherein R 1 3 is -N-heterocycloalkyl, -NH-aryl, -NH- heteroaryl, -NH-heterocycloalkyl, -NH-(C C 4 alkyl)-heterocycloa_kyl, -NH-(C C 4 alkyl)-aryl, - NH-(d- C 4 alkyl)-heteroaryl, or -NH-(Cι- C 4 alkyl)-heterocycloalkyl may be prepared from chloroprecursor compounds of formula VH, as defined above, by coupling with the corresponding N-heterocycloalkyl compound or amine. The coupling reaction may carried out using Buchwald chemisty. For instance, to a solution of the chloroprecursor compound of formula VH and a suitable hgand, e.g. BINAP, in an inert organic solvent such as xylene is added the N- heterocycloalkyl compound or amine together with an organic base, e.g. sodium tertiary butylate, and the reaction mixture heated, e.g. to 160°C for 10 minutes under argon; after which the product may be recovered by pouring the reaction mixture onto water and solvent extraction, e.g. with TBME. The compounds of formula VII in which X is -NH- may be prepared by reacting the corresponding methylsulphinyl compound of formula VHI H wherein Ri i and Rn are as previously defined, with the corresponding amine of formula Rι 4 - NH 2 . For instance, the reactants are mixed and heated, e.g. to 80°C for lh. The methylsulphinyl compound of formula VIH prepared by oxidation of the corresponding methylthio compound of formula EX. wherein Ri i and R 12 are as previously defined; for instance, by treating the compound of formula IX in solution, e.g. CH 2 Cl 2 /HOAc solution, with mCPBA, e.g. at 0°C for 30 min., foUowed by treatment with mUd base, e.g. Na 2 CO3. The methylthio compound of formula IX may be prepared by coupling the corresponding 1- H-imidazopyridine compound of formula X wherein R 12 is as defined above, with 2-methylthio-4-iodopyrimidine. For instance, KN(TMS) 2 solution, e.g. in toluene, is added at 0°C to a solution of X, e.g. in DMF with mixing, and 2-methyl-4-iodopyrimidine solution e.g. in toluene, is added and the reaction mixture heated e.g. at 120°C for 20h. The compound of formula X may be prepared by coupling 2,3-diamino-6-chloropyridine with the corresponding acid of formula R12COOH; for instance, by treating a mixture of the reactants with polyphosphonic acid e.g. at 150°C for 6h, foUowed by neutrahsation e.g. with cold concentrated aqueous NH 3 . Compounds of formula V in which Rπ is NH 2 may be prepared by reacting the corresponding methyl sulphinyl compound of formula Vπi' wherein Rn and R 12 are as previously defined, with the corresponding amine of formula Rι 4 - NH 2 , for instance, as described above for the compound of formula VI. The compound of formula VIH' and precursors therefor may be prepared by analogy with the compound of formula VH! and the precursors thereof; for instance, as described above. Agents of the Invention which are 5-(4-NH-l-piperazyl)imidazopyridines of formula V in which R13 is piperazyl and precursors therefor may be prepared by analogy to the preparation of the compound of formula VHF and the precursors thereof. Conveniently the free nitrogen atom of the piperazine ring is protected e.g. with a tert. butoxycarbonyl residue, during precursor preparation as appropriate. 5-(4-NH-l-piperazyl)imidazopyridines of formula I may be converted to 5-(4-substituted piperazyl)imidazopyridine Agents of the Invention as desired; for instance, as hereinafter described in the Examples. Accordingly in a further aspect the invention provides a process for the production of (i) an Agent of the Invention of formula V" wherein Rn, R i2 , R (4 and X are as previously defined and R] 3 " is -CH 2 -CH 2 NR 15 R 16 or CH 2 -CH 2 -Het wherein R 15 , Riβ and Het are as previously defined comprising reacting a corresponding vinyl precursor of formula VI wherein Rn, R12, Rι 4 and X are as previously defined with the corresponding amine of formula HNR1 5 R1 6 or N-heterocycloalkyl ring compound; (ii) an Agent of the Invention of formula V wherein R 13 is aryl or heteroaryl comprising arylation or heteroarylation of a compound of formula VH wherein Rn, R12, Rι and X are as previously defined; (iii) an Agent of the Invention of formula V wherein R 13 is -N-heterocycloalkyl, -NH-aryl, -NH- heteroaryl, -NH-heterocycloalkyl, -NH-(C C alkyl)-heterocycloalkyl, -NH-(C C 4 alkyl)-aryl, - NH-(Cι- C alkyl)-heteroaryl, or -NH-(d- C 4 alkyl)-heterocycloalkyl comprising coupling a corresponding chloroprecursor compound of formula Vπ, as defined above, with the corresponding N-heterocycloalkyl compound or amine; (iv) an Agent of the Invention of formula V in which R B is -NH 2 , comprising reacting the corresponding methyl sulphinyl compound of formula VHP wherein Rn, and R J2 are as previously defined, with the corresponding amine of formula Rι 4 -NH 2 , and (v) an Agent of the Invention of formula V in which R 13 is piperazinyl , comprising reacting a corresponding methylsulphinyl compound of formula VHI" wherein Rn and R) 2 are as previously defined and P is an N protecting group, with the corresponding amine of formula Rι -NH 2 . The synthesis of Agents of the Invention is further described in the foUowing Examples. EXAMPLES Example 1 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(piperidin-4-yl)-5-(2-(l-(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4- pyrimidinvDthiazole a) N-Ethoxycarbonylpiperidine-4-thiocarboxamide N-Ethoxycarbonylpiperidine-4-carboxamide (6g 30mmol) in toluene (300ml) is treated with Lawesson's reagent (6.1g 15mmol) at room teperature for 18h. The reaction mixture is evaporated and purified by Siθ2 chromatography (acetone/cyclohexane 20/80) to yield the title compound, which is recrystaUised from hexanes (3.6g 52.5%) IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.28 (t, 3H); 1.72-1.83 (dq, 2H); 1.95 (d, 2H); 2.68-2.88 (m, 3H); 4.18 (q, 2H); 4.30 (bs, 2H); 6.92 (bs, IH, NH); 7.51 (bs, IH, NH) MS (m/z) CI: 217 (MH+, 50); 171 (100). b) 4-F-Uoro-2-(2-methylthio-4-pyrimidinyl)acetophenone n-BuLi (10 ml of a 1.6 M solution in hexane; 12 mmol) is added at -78°C to a solution of dϋsopropylamine (2.48 ml; 17 mmol) in THF (15 ml) and stirred for 5 min. 4-Methyl-2- (methylthio)pyrimidine (2g; 14.5 mmol) dissolved in THF (2 ml) is added dropwise and stirred for 30 min al -78 C. 4-Fluoro-N-methoxy-N-methylbenzamide (2.66 g; 14.5 mmol) is dissolved in THF (3 ml) and added slowly to the reaction mixture. The mixture is warmed to r.t. within 45 min. and poured on water and extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO and evaporated to dryness to yield 2.5 g (65%) of yeUow crystals after recrystallisation from tert.butyl methyl ether/hexane. IH-NMR (200 MHz CDC1 3 ): 3.00 (s, 3H); 6.30 (s, IH; vinyl-H of enol); 7.00 (d, IH); 7.50 (dd, 2H); 8.20 (dd, 2H); 8.7 (d, 2H). Due to pH-dependent keto-enol tautomery, signals may be duphcated. c) 4-Fluoro-2-bromo -2-(2-methylthio-4-pyrimidinyl)acetophenone Bromine (1.22g; 7.6 mmol) in acetic acid (5.6 ml) is added to a solution of 4-Fluoro-2-(2- methylthio-4-pyrimidinyl)acetophenone (2g; 7.6 mmol) in acetic acid (40 ml). The initiaUy thick precipitate is almost dissolved after 20 min., filtered and the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The residue is taken up in a saturated solution of NaHCO3 and extracted three times with tert.butyl methyl ether. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO 4 and evaporated to dryness to yield 2.6 g (100%) of a brown oU, which is used in the next step without purification. d) 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(l-ethoxycarbonylpiperidin-4-vi)-5-(2-(methylthio-4- pyrimidinvDthiazole Na 2 SO 4 (6.9g 40mmol) in DMF (100ml) is heated at 120°C for lOmin. N-Ethoxycarbonyl- piperidine-4-thiocarboxamide (8.6g 40mmol) is added as a soUd and heating continued for 5min. 2-Bromo-2-(2-methylthio-4-pyrimidinyl)-l-(4-fluorophenyl)ethanone (6.8g 20mmol) in DMF (20ml) is rapidly added within 3 seconds and stirring continued at 120°C for lOmin. The reaction mixture is poured on water and extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered, evaporated to dryness and purified by SiO 2 chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexanes 5/95 to 10/90) to yield the title compound as yeUow crystals (2.2g 24%) IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.31 (t, 3H); 1.78-1.92 (dq, 2H); 2.21 (bd, 2H); 2.58 (s, 3H); 2.91- 3.03 (bt, 2H); 3.18-3.28 (m, IH); 4.20 (q, 2H); 4.25-4.40 (bs, 2H); 6.75 (d, IH); 7.15 (t, 2H); 7.57 (dd, 2H); 8.31 (d, lH). MS (m/z) ESI: 459 (MH+,100). e) 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(l-ethoxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)-5-(2-(methylsul__inyl-4- pyrimidinvDthiazoIe 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(l-ethoxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)-5-(2-(methyltWo-4-pyrimidinyl)thiazole (4.0g 8.7mmol) in CH2C12 (80ml) is treated with mCPBA (70% 2.1g 8.7mmol) at 0°C for 15min. The reaction mixture is poured on 2N Na 2 CO 3 and extracted with CH 2 C1 2 three times. The combined organic phases were dried over Na2SO4, filtered, evaporated to dryness and purified by SiO 2 chromatography (acetone/hexanes 20/80 to 50/80) to yield the title compound (2.2g 53%) as a white foam. IH-NMR (400MHz; CDCI3): 1.31 (t, 3H); 1.78-1.92 (dq, 2H); 2.21 (bd, 2H); 3.00 (s, 3H); 2.90-3.02 (m, 2H); 3.20-3.30 (bt, IH); 4.18 (q, 2H); 4.25-4.40 (bs, 2H); 7.15 (d, IH); 7.20 (t, 2H); 7.56 (dd, 2H); 8.63 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 475 (MH+). f) 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(l-ethoxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)-5-(2-(l-(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4- pyrimidinvDthiazole 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(l-ethoxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)-5-(2-(methylsulfinyl-4- pyrimidinyl)thiazole (2.2g 4.6mmol) and l-(S)-phenylethylamine (2.2ml) are heated at 100°C for lh. Purification over SiO 2 (acetone/cyclohexane 10/90 to 20/80) yielded the title compound as a pale yeUow foam (2.4g 95%). IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.31 (t, 3H); 1.51 (d, 3H); 1.75-1.88 (bq, 2H); 2.18 (bd (2H); 2.97 (bt, 2H); 3.20 (tt, IH); 4.20 (q, 2H); 4.30 (bs, 2H); 5.17 (m, IH); 5.46 (d, IH, NH); 6.35 (d, IH); 7.12 (t, 2H); 7.30-7.45 (m, 5H); 7.55 (dd, 2H); 8.08 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 523 (MH+, 100). g) 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(piperidin-4-yl)-5-(2-(l-(S)-phenylethvI)amino-4-pyrimidinvπ thiazole 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-( 1 -ethoxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)-5-(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4- pyrimidinyl)thiazole (2.4g 4.5mmol) was dissolved in CHC1 3 (45ml) and treated with Me 3 SiI (1.8ml 13.5mmol) at 60°C for 6h. The reaction mixture was combined with 6M HCl in propanol (18.5ml), homogenized by vigorous stirring, poured on 2N NaOH and extracted twice with CH 2 C1 2 . The combined organic phases were dried over Na2SO 4 , filtered, evaporated to dryness and purified by SiO 2 chromatography (tert.butyl methyl ether /MeOH/NH3conc. 95/4.5/0.5 to 80/18/2) to yield the title compound (1.8g 87%) as a white foam. IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.51 (d, 3H); 1.75-1.88 (bq, 2H); 2.18 (bd (2H); 2.82 (dt, 2H); 3.18 (tt, IH); 3.25 (d, 2H); 5.17 (m, IH); 5.45 (d, IH, NH); 6.32 (d, IH); 7.12 (t, 2H); 7.30-7.47 (m, 5H); 7.56 (dd, 2H); 8.07 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 460 (MH+, 100). Example 2: 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(l-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-5-(2-(l-(S)-phenylethvπamino-4- pyrimidinyl) thiazole 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(piperidin-4-yl)-5-(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)_ r__no-4-pyrimidinyl) thiazole (575mg 1.25mmol) is dissolved in MeOH (12ml) and treated with an aqueous 36%-solution of formaldehyde (0.2ml 2.5mmol) and NaBHt (95mg 2.5mmol), which is added as a soUd in 3 portions. After 30min at room temperature the reaction mixture is poured on water and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered, evaporated to dryness and purified by SKD 2 chromatography (tert.butyl methyl ether /MeOH / NH 3 conc. 95/4.5/0.5 to 90/9/1) to yield the title compound (600mg 85%) as pale yeUow foam. IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.51 (d, 3H); 1.88-2.01 (m, 2H); 2.08-2.25 (m, 4H); 2.48 (s, 3H); 2.97-3.08 (m, 3H); 5.18 (m, IH); 5.48 (d, IH, NH); 6.33 (d, IH); 7.12 (t, 2H); 7.30-7.47 (m, 5H); 7.56 (dd, 2H); 8.05 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 474 (MH+, 100). Example 3 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(piperidin-4-yl).5-(2-(l-(S)-phenylethyl amino-4- pyridinvPthiazole a) 4-Fluoro-2-(2-fluoropyridin-4-yl)acetophenone Dusopropylamine (0.93 ml; 6.55 mmol) in THF (6 ml) is cooled to -78 C and treated with nBuLi (3.8 ml; 6.08 mmol of a 1.6 M solution in hexane). 2-Fluoro-4-methylpyridine (620 mg; 5.4 mmol) is added dropwise and stirred under argon for 30 min. 4-Fluoro-N-methoxy-N- methylbenzamide (1 g; 5.46 mmol) is added dropwise in THF (0.5 ml) and the reaction mixture aUowed to warm up to room temperature within 10 min. then poured on a saturated solution of NaCl and extracted with TBME three times. The combined organic phases are washed with water, dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered and evaporated to dryness to yield the title compound as pale yeUow crystals. Purification by recrystaUisation from hot TBME rendered the desired compound as white soUd (630 mg; 50 %). IH-NMR (200 MHz; CDC1 3 ): 4.35 (s, 2H); 6.88 (s, IH); 7.08-7.30 (m, 3H); 7.99-8.15 (dd, 2H); 8.20 (d, IH). MS (e/z) ESI: 233 (M+, 5); 123 (100). b) 4-Fluoro-2-bromo-(2-fluoropyridin-4-yl)acetophenone 4-Fluoro-2-(2-fluoropyrid_n-4-yl)acetophenone (0.5 g; 2.1 mmol) dissolved in acetic acid (4 ml) is treated with bromine (0.34 g; 2.1 mmol) in acetic acid (1 ml) at room temperature for 2.5 h under stirring. The Ught brown solution is evaporated to dryness, dissolved in ether and extracted three times with diethyl ether.The combined organic phases are washed with a saturated solution of NaHCO 3 , dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered and evaporated to dryness to yield the title compound as pale yeUow oU (0.67 g; 100%). IH-NMR (200 MHz; CDC1 3 ): 6.15 (s, IH); 7.10-7.38 (m, 4H); 8.08 (dd, 2H); 8.23 (d, IH). MS (e/z) ESI: 232 (M-Br); 204 (10); 203 (12); 123 (100). c) 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(l-ethoxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)-5-(2-fluoro-4-pyridinyl)thiazole 2-Bromo-2-(2-fluoro-4-pyridyl)-l-(4-fluorophenyl)ethanone (2.5g 8.0mmol) and N- ethoxycarbonyl-piperidine-4-thiocarboxamide (2.1g 9.6mmol) are heated at 60°C in DMF (4ml) for 30min. The reaction mixture is poured on water and extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered, evaporated to dryness and purified by SiO 2 chromatography (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane 20/80 to 100/0) to yield the title compound as an oU (2.5g 70%) MS (m/z) ESI: 430 (MH+) d) 4-(4-FIuorophenyl)-2-(l-ethoxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)-5-(2-(l-(S)-phenylethyl amino-4- pyridinyDthiazole 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-( 1 -ethoxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)-5-(2-fluoro-4-pyridinyl)thiazole (2.4g 5.5mmol) and l-(S)-phenylethylamine (5.5ml) are heated to 195°C for 5h. The reaction mixture is evaporated and purified by Siθ2 chromatography (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane 20/80 to 30/70) to yield the title compound as a white foam (2.0g 67.3%) IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.31 (t, 3H); 1.55 (d, 3H); 1.72-1.87 (m, 2H); 2.17 (d, 2H); 2.98 (bt, 2H); 3.15-3.23 (m, IH); 4.18 (q, 2H); 4.30 (bs, 2H); 4.56 (m, IH); 5.01 (d, IH. NH); 6.15 (s, IH); 6.50 (d, IH); 6.95 (dd, 2H); 7.22-7.46 (m, 5H); 7.45 (dd, 2H); 8.03 (d, IH). MS (m/z) CI: 531 (MH+, 100). e) 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(piperidin-4-vπ-5-(2-(l-(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4-pyridinyl)thiazole 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-( 1 -ethoxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)-5-(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4- pyridinyl)thiazole (2g 3.7mmol) is dissolved in CHC1 3 (37ml) and treated with Me 3 SiI (1.5ml 11. lmmol) at 60°C for 5h. A second portion of Me3SiI (0.75ml 5.55mmol) was added and stirring continued for another 3h at 60°C. The reaction mixture was combined with 6M HCl in propanol (15ml), homogenized by vigorous stirring, poured on 2N NaOH and extracted twice with CH 2 C1 2 . The combined organic phases were dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered, evaporated to dryness and purified by SiO 2 chromatography (tert.butyl methyl ether /MeOH / NH 3 conc. 80/18/2) to yield the title compound (1.2g 71%) as a white foam. IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.53 (d, 3H); 1.77 (bs, 3H); 2.17 (bd, 2H); 2.78 (bt, 2H); 3.15 (bt, IH); 3.35 (bd, 2H); 4.55 (m, IH); 5.00 (d, IH, NH); 6.17 (s, IH); 6.50 (d, IH); 6.97 (bt, 2H); 7.20-7.37 (m, 5H); 7.45 (bt, 2H); 8.02 (d, IH). MS (m/z) CI: 459 (MH+) Example 4: 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(l-methylpiperidin-4-yI)-5-(2-(l-(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4- pyridinyDthiazole 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(4-piperidinyl)-5-(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4-pyridinyl)thiazole (500mg 1.09mmol) is dissolved in MeOH (11ml) and treated with an aqueous 36%-solution of formaldehyde (0.17ml 2.18mmol) and NaBH, (83mg 2.18mmol), which is added as a soUd in 3 portions. After 30min at room temperature the reaction mixture is poured on water and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases are dried over Na SO 4 , filtered, evaporated to dryness and purified by Siθ 2 chromatography (tert.butyl methyl ether /MeOH / NH 3 conc. 95/4.5/0.5) to yield the title compound (550mg 86%) as pale yeUow foam. IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.53 (d, 3H); 1.83-1.98 (m, 2H); 2.07-2.20 (m, 4H); 2.35 (s, 3H); 2.98 ( bd, 3H); 4.55 (m, IH); 4.98 (d, IH, NH); 6.15 (s, IH); 6.50 (d, IH); 6.98 (t, 2H); 7.22- 7.35 (m, 5H); 7.45 (dd, 2H); 8.02 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 473 (MH+) Example 5: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinvD-5-(piperidino-N-2- ethyl)imidazo-r4.5-b1pyridine a) 5-ChIoro-2-(4-fluorophenyl)imidazo.4.5-b1pyridine 2,3-Diamino-6-chloropyridine (Davos-Bulk suppUer, 2.25g 15.6mmol) and 4-fluorobenzoic acid (2.62g 18.7mmol) are treated with polyphosphoric acid (56.4g) at 150°C for 6h. The reaction mixture is poured on ice-water/NH 3 conc. and extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO , filtered and evaporated to dryness to yield the crude product, which is purified by recrystaUisation from ethyl acetate/tert.butyl methyl ether to yield the title compound (1.8g 44%) as grey crystals. IH-NMR (400MHz; DMSO-d6): 7.32 (d, IH); 7.47 (t, 2H); 8.08 (bd, IH); 8.28 (q, 2H); 13.6 (s, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 247 (MH+; 100). b) 5-CMoTO-2-(4-fluorophenyI)-l-(2-methylthio-4-pyrimidinyl)imidazor4.5-b1pyridine KN(TMS) 2 (1.42g 7.16mmol) in toluene (7ml) is added at 0°C to a solution of 5-Chloro-2-(4- fluorophenyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (1.9g 6.66mmol) in DMF (25ml). After stirring lh at room temperature, 2-methyltWo-4-iodopyrimid_ne (1.8g 7.1 mmol) in toluene (7ml) is added dropwise and heated for 20h at 120°C. The reaction mixture is poured on water and extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO , filtered and evaporated to dryness to yield the crystalline crude product, which after recrystaUisation from ethyl acetate yields the title compound as colorless crystals (1.76g 67%). IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 2.58 (s, 3H); 6.57 (d, IH); 7.18 (t, 2H); 7.36 (d, IH); 7.68 (q, 2H); 8.17 (d, lH); 8.53 (d, IH) MS (m/z) ESI: 372 (MH+; 100); 352 (10); 336 (20). The correct regiochemistry is demonstrated 2 steps later on the cyclopentylamine (d) analogue by ROESY. c) 5-Chloro-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-(2-methylsulfinyl-4-pyrimidinyl)imidazor4.5-blpyridine 5-Chloro-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-(2-methyltWo-4-pyriιrύd_nyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyrid_ne (372mg lmmol) is dissolved in CH 2 CI 2 /HOAC (7ml 5/2) and treated with mCPBA (270mg 70% 1.1 mmol) at 0°C for 30min. The reaction mixture is poured on 2N Na 2 CO 3 and extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered, evaporated to dryness and purified by SiO 2 chromatography (ethyl acetate) to yield the title compound (400mg 100%) as yellow foam. IH-NMR (400MHz; CDCI3): 3.08 (s, 3H); 6.92 (d, IH); 7.25 (t, 2H); 7.42 (d, IH); 7.68 (q, 2H); 8.55 (d, IH); 8.78 (bs, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 388 (MH+, 100); 352 (30). d) 5-Chloro-2-(4-fluorophenvI)-l-(2-cvclopentylan ino-4-pyrimidinyl)iιι idazof4.5- blpyridine 5-Chloro-2-(4-fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-methylsulfmyl-4-pyriir_id_nyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (200mg 0.52mmol) and cyclopentylamine (1ml) are heated to 80°C for lh, evaporated and purified by SiO 2 chromatography (acetone/cyclohexane 10/90 to 20/80) to yield the title compound as white crystals (50mg 24%). IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.43-1.86 (m, 6H); 1.95-2.20 (bs, 2H); 4.08-4.42 (bs, IH); 5.30- 5.52 (bs, IH, NH); 6.20 (bs, IH); 7.17 (t, 2H); 7.33 (d, IH); 7.71 (q, 2H); 8.10 (d, IH); 8.28 (d, IH). The correct regiochemistry is demonstrated by ROESY. MS (m/z) ESI: 409 (MH+, 100) e) 2-(4-F1uorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-vinylimidazof4.5-b1pyridine 2-(4-Huorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyrin_ dinyl)-5-cMoroimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (50mg 0.12mmol), vinyltributylstannane (4.3ml 0.15mmol) and PdCl 2 (PPh 3 ) 2 (8.6mg O.Olmmol) are dissolved in xylene (1ml) and heated to 160°C for lh under argon. The reaction mixture is purified over Siθ2 (acetone/hexanes 15/85) to yield the title compound as colorless crystals (42mg 86%) IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.45-1.86 (m, 6H); 1.93-2.20 (bs, 2H); 4.06-4.48 (bs, IH); 5.35 (bs, IH, NH); 5.53 (d, IH); 6.21 (bs, IH); 6.44 (d, IH); 6.95 (q, IH); 7.18 (t, 2H); 7.48 (d, IH); 7.73 (q, 2H); 8.08 (d, IH); 8.30 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 399 (M-H). f) 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(piperidino-N-2- ethyl)imidazo-r4.5-b1pyridine 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-vinylin_idazo[4,5-b]pyridine (50mg 0.13mmol) and piperidine (0.3ml 3mmol) are refluxed in HOAc (1ml) for 1.5h, poured on a saturated solution of Na 2 CO 3 and extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The combined organic phases are dried over Na2SO 4 , filtered, evaporated to dryness and purified by Siθ 2 chromatography (tert.butyl methyl ether/MeOH/NH 3 conc. 85/15/1) to yield the title compound (60mg 98%) as yeUow crystals. IH-NMR (400MHz; DMSO, 120°C): 1.40-1.90 (m, 14H); 2.55 (bs, 2H); 2.75-2.91 (m, 4H); 3.08 (t, 2H); 4.03 (m, IH); 6.43 (d, IH); 6.97 (bs, IH, NH); 7.28 (t, 3H); 7.69 (dd, 2H); 8.00 (d, IH); 8.38 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 486 (MH+; 100) Example 6: 2-(4-Fluorophenvπ-l-(2-cvclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(N.N-diethyl- amino-N-2-ethyl)imidazor4.5-blpyridine The crystalline title compound (48mg 50%) is prepared by analogy to the previous example. IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.12 (bt, 6H); 1.46-2.20 (m, 8H); 2.71 (bd, 4H); 2.97-3.20 (bd, 4H); 4.05-4.38 (bs, IH); 5.35 (bs, IH, NH); 6.18 (bs, IH); 7.12 (t, 2H); 7.20 (d, IH); 7.71 (dd, 2H); 8.03 (d, IH); 8.29 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 474 (MH+, 100). Example 7: 2-(4-FIuorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(morpholino-N-2- ethyl)imidazo.4.5-blpyridine The crystalline title compound (78mg 66%) is prepared by analogy to the previous example. IH-NMR (400MHz; CDCI3): 1.45-1.85 (m, 6H); 1.93-2.13 (bs, 2H); 2.59 (bs, 4H); 2.95 (t, 2H); 3.18 (t, 2H); 3.78 (t, 4H); 4.03-4.41 (bs, IH); 5.35 (bs, IH, NH); 6.20 (bs, IH); 7.15 (t, 2H); 7.20 (d, IH); 7.72 (dd, 2H); 8.05 (d, IH); 8.30 (d, IH). MS (m z) ESI: 488 (MH+, 100); Example 8; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(isopropylamino- N-2-ethyl)imidazor4.5-b1pyridine The crystalline title compound (30mg 33%) is prepared by analogy to the previous example. IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.15 (d, 6H); 1.45-2.15 (m, 8H); 2.95 (m, IH); 3.21 (s, 4H); 4.08- 4.35 (bs, IH); 5.38 (bs, IH, NH); 6.20 (bs, IH); 7.16 (t, 2H); 7.22 (d, IH); 7.73 (dd, 2H); 8.05 (d, 2H); 8.29 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 460 (MH+, 100). Example 9: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvcIopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(pyrrolidino-N-2- ethγl)imidazor4,5-blpyridine The crystalline title compound (34mg 36%) is prepared by analogy to the previous example. IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.45-2.18 (m, 12H); 2.65 (bs, 4H); 3.03 (m, 2H); 3.23 (m, 2H); 4.20 (bs, IH); 5.35 (bs IH, NH); 6.18 (bs, IH); 7.14 (t, 2H); 7.22 (d, IH); 7.74 (dd, 2H); 8.04 (d, IH); 8.28 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 472 (MH+, 100). Example lO: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclopentylan-ino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(3- pyridyl)imidazo-f4.5-blpyridine 5-Chloro-2-(4-fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyrimidmyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (2g 4.9mmol), 3-tributylstannylρyridine (3.6g 9.8mmol) and PdCl 2 (PPh 3 ) 2 (340mg 0.48mmol) are heated in xylene (50ml) for 3h at 150°C under argon. The reaction mixture is filtered at 60°C and chromatographed over SiO∑ (acetone/hexanes 3/7 to 6/4) to yield pale yeUow crystals (1.3g). RecrystaUisation from THF/hexanes renders the title compound as colorless crystals (985mg 45%). IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.45-1.90 (m, 6H); 1.95-2.20 (bs, 2H); 4.08-4.45 (bs, IH); 5.41 (bs, IH, NH); 6.25 (bs, IH); 7.18 (t, 2H); 7.48 (m, IH); 7.78 (dd, 2H); 7.86 (d, IH); 8.25 (d, IH); 8.33 (d, IH); 8.60 (d, IH); 8.68 (d, 1H).9.38 (s, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 450 (M-H). Example 11; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclopentylaιmno-4-pyrimidinvπ-5-(4- pyridyl)imida_-or4.5-b1pyridiιιe The white crystaUine title compound (1.3g 70%) is obtained by analogy to the previous example with the exception that 4-trimethylstannylpyridine was used in the coupling reaction. . IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.45-1.90 (m, 6H); 1.95-2.20 (bs, 2H); 4.08-4.45 (bs, IH); 5.41 (bs, IH, NH); 6.25 (bs, IH); 7.18 (t, 2H); 7.78 (dd, 2H); 7.88 (d, IH); 8.12 (d, 2H); 8.28 (d, IH); 8.33 (d, IH); 8.80 (d, 2H). MS (m/z) ESI: 452.3 (MH+, 100). Example 12; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-(l-(S)-phenylethvπamino-4-pyrimidinyl -5- aminoimidazo.4,5-blpyridine a) 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-aminoimidazor4.5-blpyridine 2,3,6-Triaminopyridine (Austin Products; 372mg 3mmol) and 4-fluorobenzoic acid (420mg 3mmol) are treated with polyphosphoric acid (30g) at 150°C for lh. The reaction mixture is poured on ice-water/NH 3 conc. and extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO , filtered and evaporated to dryness to yield the crude product, which is purified by SiO 2 chromatography (acetone/cyclohexane 20/80 to 50/80) and rendered the title compound as pale yeUow crystals (200mg 29%) IH-NMR (400MHz; DMSO): 5.92 (bs, 2H, NH2); 6.40 (d, IH); 7.35 (t, 2H); 7.65 (d, IH); 8.13 (dd, 2H); 12.80 (bs, IH, NH). MS (m/z) ESI: 229 (MH+, 100). b) 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-methylthio-4-pyrimidinvI)-5-aminoimidazof4.5-b1pyridine KN(TMS) 2 (688mg 3.65mmol) in toluene (3.5ml) is added at 0°C to a solution of 2-(4- fluorophenyl)-5-aminoimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (684mg 3mmol) in DMF (10ml). After stirring lh at room temperature, 2-methylthio-4-iodopyrimidine (832mg 3.3mmol) in toluene (3.3ml) is added dropwise and heated for 18h at 120°C. The reaction mixture is poured on water and extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO , filtered and evaporated to dryness to yield the crude product, which is purified by SiO 2 chromatography (acetone/cyclohexane 20/80 to 60/40) and renders the title compound as a yeUow foam (300mg 27%) IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 2.58 (s, 3H); 4.60 (bs, 2H, NH2); 6.55 (d, IH); 6.59 (d, IH); 7.16 (t, 2H); 7.63 (dd, 2H); 8.00 (d, IH); 8.48 (d, IH). The correct regiochemistry was demonstrated by ROESY. MS (m/z) ESI: 353 (MH+, 100). c) 2-(4-FluorophenylVl-(2-(l-(S)-phenylethv0amino-4-pyriM^ blpyridine 0.31mmol) is dissolved in CH ∑ Cfe/HOAc 1:1 (6.2ml), combined at 0°C with mCPBA (84mg 70%, 0.34mmol) and stirred for 30min. The reaction mixture is poured on 2N Na CO 3 and extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered and evaporated to dryness to yield the crude sulfoxide (1 lOmg). 50mg are dissolved in 1-(S)- phenylethylamine (0.5ml) and heated to 120°C for lh. Purification over RP18 (CH 3 CN/Water 70/30 to 10/90) yielded the title compound as Ught brown foam (30mg 52%) IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.60 (d, 3H); 4.50 (bs, 2H, NH2); 5.10 (bs, IH); 5.78 (bs, IH); 6.08 (d, IH); 6.25 (bs, IH); 7.11 (t, 2H); 7.37 (m, IH); 7.41 (m, 5H); 7.63 (dd, 2H); 8.22 (d, IH). MS (m/z) El: 425 (M+, 70); 410 (40). Example 13; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5- aminoimidazo.4-5-b1pyridine The title compound is prepared from the sulfoxide (60mg 0.16mmol) in the above procedure and cyclopentylamine (0.8ml) by heating to 120°C for lh and purifying over RP18 (CH 3 CN/Water 70/30 to 10/90). The title compound is obtained as a yeUow powder (30mg 44%) IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.47-2.15 (m, 8H); 4.20 (bs, IH); 4.55 (s, 2H; NH2); 5.34 (bs, IH); 6.15 (s, IH, NH); 6.54 (d, IH); 7.12 (t, 2H); 7.68 (dd, 2H); 7.93 (d, IH); 8.25 (d, IH). MS (m/z) El: 389 (M+, 100). Exam p le 14: 2- ( 4-FluoroDhenyl ) -l-f2- ( l-fS ) -phenylethyl.amino.4-nyrimidinyl -5-(4-NH-l- piperazJnvD imidazor4.5-b1pyridine a) 5-Nitro-6-amino-2-(4-ethoxycarbonyl-l-pipera_dnyl)pyridine 6-Amino-2-chloro-5-nitropyridine (Acros, 3.66g 21mmol) and 1-ethoxycarbonylpiperazine (6.36g 42mmol) in isopropanol (85ml) are refluxed for 3h. The reaction mixture with a yeUow precipitate is poured on water/Na 2 CO3 and extracted twice with methylene chloride. The combined organic phases are dried over Na SO , filtered and evaporated to dryness to yield the title compound as yeUow crystals, which are purified by recrystaUisation from tert.-butyl methyl ether (5.5g 89%). IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.23 (t, 3H); 3.51 (m, 4H); 3.66 (m, 4H); 4.12 (q, 2H); 6.00 (d, lH); 8.15 (d, IH). MS (m/z) El: 295 (M+, 60); 193 (50); 167 (100). b) 5,6-Diamino-2-(4-ethoxycarbonyl-l-piperazinyl)pyridine 5-Nitro-6-amino-2-(4-ethoxycarbonyl-l-piperazinyl)pyridine (4.5g 15.2mmol) in EtOH (200ml) is hydrogenated at 1 atm over 10% Pd/C (1.5g), filtered after hydrogen uptake was complete (2.5h), combined with 4-fluorobenzoic acid (2.13g 15.2mmol) in EtOH (50ml), evaporated to dryness and used without further purification in the foUowing step. c) 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-NH-l-piperazinvπimidazof4.5-b1pyridine The mixture of 5,6-Diamino-2-(4-ethoxycarbonyl-l-piperazinyl)pyridine from the previous hydrogenation (4.5g, 15.2mmol) and 4-fluorobenzoic acid (2.13g 15.2mmol) is treated with polyphosphoric acid (76g) at 150°C for lh 15min. The reaction mixture is poured on ice- water/Na2CO3 and extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered and evaporated to dryness to yield the title compound as brownish crystals (1.6g, 35%). IH-NMR (400MHz; DMSO): 2.73 (m, 4H); 3.43 (m, 4H); 6.78 (d, IH); 7.35 (t, 2H); 7.80 (d, lH); 8.18 (dd, 2H). MS (m/z) C 298 (MH+, 100); 278 (20). d) 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-tert.butoxycarbonyl-l-piperazinyl)imidazor4.5-b1pyridine 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-NH-l-piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (1.57g, 5.3mmol) in THF (53ml) is treated with (BOC) 2 O (1.27g, 5.83mmol) for 30min. at room temperature, poured on water and extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The combined organic phases are washed with brine, dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered and evaporated to dryness. Purification over SiO 2 (acetone/hexanes 10/80 to 50/50) yields the title compound (1.6g, 74.5%) as brownish crystals. IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.52 (s, 9H); 3.52-3.73 (bs, 8H); 6.71 (d, IH); 7.18 (t, 2H); 7.93 (bs, IH); 8.07 (bt, 2H), 10.70 (bs, IH, NH). MS (m/z) El: 397 (M+, 100); 341 (90); 241 (100). e) 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-methylthio-4-pyrimidinvI)-5-(4-tert.butoxycarbonyl-l- piperazinyl) imidazof4.5-b1pyridine KN(TMS) 2 (812mg, 3.85mmol) in toluene (3.85ml) is added at 0°C to a solution of 2-(4- Huorophenyl)-5-(4-tert.butoxycarbonyl-l-piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (1.4g, 3.5mmol) in DMF (7ml). After stirring at room temperature for 30min., 4-iodo-2-methylthiopyrimidine (970mg, 3.85mmol)in toluene (3.85ml) is added and the reaction stirred at room temperature for lh. Toluene is evaporated, the reaction mixture heated to 120°C for 18h, poured on water and extracted with ethyl acetate (containing 5% EtOH) three times. The combined organic phases are washed with brine, dried over Na2SO 4 , filtered and evaporated to dryness. Purification over SiO 2 (acetone/hexanes 20/80) renders the title compound (950mg, 52%) as colorless foam. IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.51 (s, 9H); 2.55 (s, 3H); 3.61 (m, 4H); 3.69 (m, 4H); 6.55 (d, IH); 6.77 (d, IH); 7.15 (t, 2H); 7.65 (dd, 2H); 8.06 (d, IH); 8.47 (d, IH). The correct regiochemistry was demonstrated by ROESY. MS (m/z) ESI: 522 (MH+, 100). f) 2-f4-Fluorophenvn-l-(2-(l-(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4- tert.butoxycarbonyl-l-piperazinγl)imidazof4.5-b1pyridine 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-methylthio-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-tert.butoxycarbonyl- 1 -piperazinyl) imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (106mg, 0.2mmol) is dissolved in CH ∑ CVHOAc 1:1 (10ml), combined with mCPBA (113mg 70%, 0.24mmol) and stirred for 15min. The reaction mixture is poured on water and extracted with CH2CI2 three times. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO , filtered and evaporated to dryness to yield the crude sulfoxide (lOOmg), which is dissolved in l-(S)-phenylethylamine (0.2ml) and heated to 120° C for lh. Purification over SiO 2 (acetone/hexanes 1:1) yielded the title compound as colorless foam (45mg 35%) IH-NMR (400MHz; CDCI3): 1.51 (s, 9H); 1.62 (d, 3H); 3.58-3.67 (m, 8H); 5.10 (bs, IH); 5.75 (bs, IH); 6.08 (d, IH); 6.45 (bs IH, NH); 7.11 (t, 2H); 7.33-7.43 (m, 6H); 7.65 (dd, 2H); 8.22 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 595 (MH+, 100). g) 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-(l-(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-NH-l- piperazinyl) imidazor4.5-b1pyridine 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4-pyriπ_idinyl)-5-(4-tert.butoxycarbonyl- 1 - piperazinyl)iιnidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (280mg, 0.67mmol) is dissolved in EtOH/HClconc 1/1 (9.4ml) and stirred at room temperature for 30min. The reaction mixture is poured on a saturated solution of Na 2 CO 3 and extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered and evaporated to dryness. Purification over SiO 2 (tert.-butyl methyl ether/MeOH/NH 3 conc 90/9/1) yields the title compound as a yeUow foam (200mg, 86%) IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.61 (d, 3H); 1.89 (bs, IH); 3.06 (bt, 4H); 3.62 (bt, 4H); 5.10 (bs, IH); 5.75 (bs, IH); 6.09 (d, IH); 6.45 (bs, IH); 7.05 (bs, IH); 7.11 (t, 2H); 7.32-7.46 (m, 5H); 7.66 {dd, 2H); 8.21 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 495 (MH+, 100). The compounds of Examples 15-17 are simUarly prepared: Example 15; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentyla__-uno-4-pγιH-midinyl)-5-(4-NH-l- piperazinyl)imidazo.4,5-b.pyridine: IH-NMR (400MHz; DMSO-d6, 120°C): 1.43-1.58 (m, 4H); 1.65-1.75 (m, 2H); 1.80-1.90 (m, 2H); 3.10 (t, 4H); 3.73 (t, 4H); 4.00-4.08 (m, IH); 6.38 (d, IH); 6.90 (d, IH); 6.95 (bd, IH, NH); 7.26 (t, 2H); 7.68 (dd, 2H); 7.96 (d, IH); 8.34 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 459.3 (MH+, 100). Example 16: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclobutylamino-4-pyrinMdinvπ-5-(4-NH-l- piperaziny-)imidazo.4-5-blpyridine: IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC13): 1.65-1.89 (m, 4H); 1.91-2.05 (m, 2H); 2.43 (bs, IH); 3.06 (t, 4H); 3.67 (t, 4H); 4.40 (bs, IH, NH); 5.50 (bd, IH, NH); 6.17 (bd, IH); 6.75 (d, IH); 7.11 (t, 2H); 7.68 (dd, 2H); 7.97 (d, IH); 8.23 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 445.3 (MH+, 100). Example 17: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclopropylaπύno-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-NH-l- piperazinyl)imidazo.4,5-b1pyridine: IH-NMR (400MHz; DMSO-d6): 0.47 (bs, 2H); 0.62 (bs, 2H); 2.33 (bs, IH); 2.83 (bt, 4H); 3.47 (bt, 4H); 6.34 (bs, IH); 6.92 (d, IH, NH); 7.36 (t, 2H); 7.65 (dd, 2H); 7.85 (bd, IH); 8.10 (bs, IH); 8.36 (bd, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 431.2 (MH+, 100). Example lS: 2- ( 4-Fluoro p henyl ) -l-(2-(l-(S -nhenylethyl)amino-4-p\rimidinyl -5-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl) imidazor4,5-b1pyridine 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl) imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (50mg, 0.1 mmol) is dissolved in MeOH (2.5ml). An aqueous 36%- solution of formaldehyde (15.8ml, 0.2mmol) is added and stirred for 30min. NaBHj (7.5mg, 0.2mmol) is added and stirring continued for 30min. The reaction mixture is poured on water and extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO , filtered and evaporated to dryness. Purification over Siθ2 (tert.-butyl methyl ether/MeOH/NH 3 conc 90/9/1) yields the title compound as a yeUow powder (35mg 68%) IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.61 (d, 3H); 2.40 (s, 3H); 2.60 (bt, 4H); 3.68 (bt, 4H); 5.12 (m., IH); 5.76 (bs, IH, NH); 6.08 (d, IH); 6.48 (bs IH); 7.10 (t, 2H); 7.35-7.46 (m, 6H); 7.66 (dd, 2H); 8.21 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 509 (MH+, 100). The compounds of Examples 19-21 are simUarly prepared: Example 19: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclopeptylamino-4-pyrimidinvI)-5-(4-methyl-l- piperazinvDimidazo.4,5-b1pyridine: 1H-NMR (400MHz; DMSO-d6): 1.45-1.58 (m, 2H); 1.61-1.83 (m, 4H); 1.97-2.13 (m, 2H); 2.38 (s, 3H); 2.59 (t, 4H); 3.71 (t, 4H); 4.10-4.31 (m, IH); 5.33 (bd, IH, NH); 6.16 (bs, IH); 6.75 (d, IH); 7.11 (t, 2H); 7.68 (dd, 2H); 7.97 (d, IH); 8.23 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 473.3 (MH+, 100). Example 20: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclobutγIamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-methyl-l- piperazinyl)imidazo.4,5-b.pyridine: IH-NMR (400MHz; DMSO-d6): 1.45-2.12 (m, 6H); 2.20 (m, IH); 2.25 (s, 3H); 2.45 (bt, 4H); 3.55 (bt, 4H); 6.95 (bs, IH); 7.32 (t, 2H); 7.62 (bs, 2H); 7.93 (bd, 2H); 8.33 (bs, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 459.3 (MH+, 100). Example 21 : 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclopropylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-methyl-l- piperazinyl)imidazo.4.5-blpyridine: IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC13): 0.64 (m, 2H); 0.88 (m, 2H); 2.38 (s, 3H); 2.58 (t, 4H); 2.82 (bs, IH); 3.72 (t, 4H); 5.58 (s, IH, NH); 6.19 (d, IH); 6.74 (d, IH); 7.13 (t, 2H); 7.71 (dd, 2H); 8.12 (bs, IH); 8.28 (bs , IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 445 (MH+, 100). Example 22: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl) -(2-(l-(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-(2- hvdroxy-2-methyl)propyl-l-piperazinyl)imidazor4.5-blpyridine 2-(4-Huorophenyl)- 1 -(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-NH- 1 -piperazinyl)imidazo [4,5-b]pyridine (60mg, 0.12 mmol) and isobutyleneoxide (43.5ml O.όmmol) in EtOH (6ml) are heated at 80°C for 3h. The reaction mixture is evaporated and purified by SiO 2 chromatography (tert.-butyl methyl ether/MeOH/NH 3 conc. 97/2.7/0.3) to yield the title compound as a yeUow foam (40mg 60%). IH-NMR (400MHz; DMSO, 120°C): 1.18 (s, 6H); 1.48 (d, 3H); 2.43 (s, 2H); 2.72 (dd, 4H); 3.58 (dd, 4H); 5.10 (m, IH); 6.32 (d, IH); 6.73 (d, IH); 7.21 (t, 2H); 7.28-7.38 (m, 5H); 7.43 (bd, IH, NH); 7.62 (dd, 2H); 7.65 (d, IH); 8.32 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 567 (MH+, 100). The compounds of Examples 23-25 are simUarly prepared: Example 23: 2-(4-Fluorophenv -l-(2-cvclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-(2-hvdroxy-2- methyl)propyl-l-piperazinyl)imidazor4.5-b1pyridine IH-NMR (400MHz; DMSO): 1.24 (s, 6H); 1.52 (bs, 2H); 1.67 (bs, 2H); 1.79 (bs, 2H); 2.08 (bs, 2H); 2.42 (s, 2H); 2.82 (bt, 4H); 3.20 (bs, IH, OH); 3.70 (bt, 4H); 4.22 (bs, IH); 5.35 (bd, IH, NH); 6.17 (bs, IH); 6.74 (d, IH); 7.12 (t, 2H); 7.70 (dd, 2H); 7.97 (d, IH); 8.23 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 531.3 (MH+, 100). Example 24: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclobutγlamino-4-pγrimidinyl)-5-(4-(2-hvdroxy-2- methγl)propyl-l-piperazinγl)imidazof4.5-b1pγridine IH-NMR (400MHz; DMSO): 1.25 (s, 6H); 1.56-2.03 (m, 6H); 2.43 (s, 2H); 2.82 (t, 4H); 3.15 (bs, IH, OH); 3.70 (t, 4H); 4.40 (bs, IH, NH); 5.50 (bd, IH, NH); 6.15 (bs, IH); 6.74 (d, IH); 7.12 (t, 2H); 7.69 (dd, 2H); 7.98 (d, IH); 8.25 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 517.4 (MH+, 35). Example 25: 2-(4-Fluorophenγl)-l-(2-cvclopropylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-(2-hvdroxy-2- methyl)propyl-l-pipera_dnyl)imidazor4.5-blpyridine IH-NMR (400MHz; DMSO): 0.64 (m, 2H); 0.88 (m, 2H); 1.25 (s, 6H); 2.42 (s, 2H); 2.83 (m, 5H); 3.17 (s, IH, OH); 3.70 (bt, 4H); 5.57 (s, IH, NH); 6.20 (d, IH); 6.73 (d, IH); 7.13 (t, 2H); 7.71 (dd, 2H); 8.12 (bs, IH); 8.29 (bs, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 503.3 (MH+, 40). Example 26: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-piperidinyl) imidazof4.5-b1pyridine 2-(4-Ruorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-pyridinyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (example 7; lOOmg; 0.22mmol) is dissolved in HOAc (120ml) and hydrogenated over Pd/C (10%, 200mg) in a Parr apparatus for 48h at room temperature. The reaction mixture is filtered and evaporated to dryness deUvering the title compound as yeUow crystals, which are recrystaUised from MeOH and gave the title compound as colorless crystals (70mg; 65%). IH-NMR (400MHz; DMSO-d6, 120°C): 1.49 (m, 4H); 1.68 (m, 2H); 1.83 (m, 2H); 2.10 (m, 4H); 3.05 (dt, 4H); 3.18 (m, IH); 3.48 (m, 4H); 4.03 (m, IH); 6.45 (d, IH); 7.05 (bd, IH, NH); 7.30 (m, 2H); 7.70 (m, 2H); 8.08 (d, IH); 8.40 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 458.3 (MH+; 100). Example 27: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvcIopentylamino-4-pyrimidinvI)-5-(l-methyl-4- piperidinyl)imidazor4.5-b1pyridine The title compound is prepared in analogy to Example 18. MS (m/z) ESI: 472.4 (MH+, 100). Example 28: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclopentγlamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(l-(2-hvdroxy-2- methγl)propyl-4-piperidinyl)imidazor4.5-b1pyridine The title compound is prepared in analogy to Example 22. IH-NMR (400MHz; DMSO-d6, 120°C): 1.21 (s, 6H); 1.43-1.83 (m, 8H); 1.95-2.18 (m, 5H); 2.41 (s, 2H); 2.56 (bt, 2H); 2.88 (bt, IH); 3.08 (bd, 2H); 5.37 (bs, IH, NH); 6.21 (bs, IH); 7.13 (t, 2H); 7.21 (d, IH); 7.72 (dd, 2H); 8.06 (d, IH); 8.28 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 530 (MH+, 100) Example 29: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvcIopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(benzylamino) imidazo[4.5-bl pyridine 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrimid_nyl)-5-(cMoro)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (lOOmg; 0.25mmol), R-(+)-BINAP (lOmg; 0.016mmol), Pd 2 (dba) 3 (22mg; 0.024mmol) are suspended in xylene (16ml), benzylamine (0.53ml; 4.9mmol) is added, foUowed by NaOtBu (47mg; 0.49mmol) and heated to 160°C for 10 min. under argon. The reaction mixture is poured on water (100ml) containing HOAc (2ml) and extracted with TBME three times. The combined organic phases are washed with 2N Na 2 CO 3 , dried over Na 2 SO 4 and evaporated to dryness. Purification via SiO 2 chromatography (TBME/hexane 6:4 to 10:0) and recrystaUisation from TBME yields the title compound as colorless crystals (50mg: 50%). IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.45-1.85 (m, 6H); 1.95-2.13 (m, 2H); 4.25 (bs, IH); 4.72 (d, IH); 4.86 (bt, IH, NH); 5.31 (bd, IH, NH); 6.15 (, bs, IH); 6.43 (d, IH); 7.11 (t, 2H); 7.28 (m, 3H); 7.35 (t, 2H); 7.45 (d, IH); 7.68 (dd, 2H); 7.89 (d, IH); 8.23 (d, IH). MS (m z) ESI: 480 (MH+, 100). Example 30: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(morpholino) imidazor4.5-blpyridine 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyr_midinyl)-5-(cWoro)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (lOOmg; 0.25mmol), R-(+)~BINAP (lOmg; 0.016mmol), Pd 2 (dba) 3 (22mg; 0.024mmol) are suspended in xylene (16ml), morpholine (0.43ml; 4.9mmol) is added, foUowed by NaOtBu (47mg; 0.49mmol) and heated to 160°C for 10 min. under argon. The reaction mixture is poured on water (100ml) containing HOAc (2ml) and extracted with TBME three times. The combined organic phases are washed with 2N Na 2 CO 3 , dried over Na 2 SO 4 and evaporated to dryness. Purification via Siθ 2 chromatography (TBME hexane 7:3 to 10:0) and recrystaUisation from TBME yields the title compound as colorless crystals (22mg: 19%). IH-NMR (400MHz; CDC1 3 ): 1.47-1.84 (m, 6H); 1.97-2.17 (bs, 2H); 3.65 (m, 4H); 3.88 (m, 4H); 4.22 (bs, IH); 5.33 (bs, IH, NH); 6.16 (bs, IH); 6.72 (d, IH); 7.11 (t, 2H); 7.69 (dd, 2H); 8.00 (d, IH); 8.25 (bd, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 460 (MH+, 100). Example 31 : 2-(4-Fluorophenvπ-l-(2-cvclopentylamino-4-pγrimidinyl)-5-(3-fluorophenyl amino)imidazor4.5-blpyridine The title compound is prepared in analogy to Example 29 IH-NMR (400MHz, CDC1 3 ): 1.48-1.87 (m, 6H); 1.95-2.18 (m, 2H); 4.22 (s, IH); 5.37 (bs, IH, NH); 6.15 (bs, IH); 6.72 (bs, 2H); 6.86 (d, IH); 7.15 (t, 2H); 7.28 (m, 2H); 7.53 (d, IH); 7.70 (dd, 2H); 8.03 (d, IH); 8.27 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 484 (MH+, 100). Example 32; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cvclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(pyridyl-4- amino)imidazor4.5-b1pyridine The title compound is prepared in analogy to Example 29. IH-NMR (400MHz, CDCI3): 1.47-1.93 (m, 6H); 1.97-2.20 (m, 2H); 4.22 (m, IH); 5.40 (d, IH, NH); 6.17 (bs, IH); 6.93 (d, IH); 7.18 (m, 2H); 7.71 (m, 4H); 8.12 (d, IH); 8.28 (d, IH); 8.42 (d, 2H). MS (m/z) ESI: 467 (MH+, 100). Example 33: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(l-ethoxycarbonyl piperidine-4-amino)imidazor4.5-b1pyridine The title compound is prepared in analogy to Example 29 IH-NMR (400MHz, CDC1 3 ): 1.31 (t, 3H); 1.38-1.85 (m, 10H); 1.93-2.13 (bs, IH); 2.21 (bd, 2H); 3.05 (bt, 2H); 4.03-4.39 (m, 4H); 5.33 (bs, IH, NH); 6.15 (bs, IH); 6.40 (d, IH); 7.11 (t, 2H); 7.66 (dd, 2H); 7.88 (d, IH); 8.23 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 545 (MH+, 100). Example 34: 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cγclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(piperidine-4- amino)imidazof4.5-b1pyridine 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-( 1 -ethoxycarbonylpiperidine-4- amino)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (58mg; O.lmmol) is dissolved in CHC1 3 (2ml) and treated with trimethylsUyUodide (0.3ml; 2.2mmol) in a sealed vessel at 60°C for 5h. 6N HCl in isopropanol is added to the reaction mixture, which is then poured on 2N Na 2 CO 3 / 2N NaOH and extracted with CH2CI2 three times. The combined organic phases are dried over Na 2 SO and evaporated to dryness to yield the crude title compound, which is purified via recrystaUisation from THF/TBME (44mg; 88%). IH-NMR (400MHz, CDC1 3 ): 1.35-1.82 (m, 8H); 2.06 (bs, 2H); 2.22 (bd, 2H); 2.82 (bt, 2H); 3.15 (bd, 2H); 4.06-4.32 (m, 3H); 4.39 (d, IH, NH); 5.32 (bd, IH, NH); 6.14 (bs, IH); 6.38 (d, IH); 7.10 (t, 2H); 7.66 (dd, 2H); 7.87 (d, IH); 8.23 (d, IH). MS (m/z) ESI: 473.1 (MH+, 100). The Agents of the Invention, as defined above, e.g., of formula I, II and V particularly as exemplified, in free or pharmaceuticaUy acceptable acid addition salt form, exhibit pharmacological activity and are useful as pharmaceuticals, e.g. for therapy, in the treatment of diseases and conditions as hereinafter set forth. In particular Agents of the Invention possess p38 MAP kinase (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase) inhibiting activity. Thus the Agents of the Invention act to inhibit production of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-1, and also to potentiaUy block the effects of these cytokines on their target ceUs. These and other pharmacological activities of the Agents of the Invention as may be demonstrated in standard test methods for example as described below: p38 MAP kinase Assay The substrate (GST-ATF-2; a fusion protein comprising amino acids 1-109 of ATF-2 and the GST protein obtained by expression in E. coU) is coated onto the weUs of microtiter plates (50 μl/weU; 1 μg/ml in PBS/0.02% Na azide) overnight at 4 °C. The foUowing day, the microtiter plates are washed four times with PBS/0.5% Tween 20/0.02% Na azide and are blocked with PBS/2% BSA/0.02% Na Azide for 1 h at 37 °C. Plates are washed again 4 times with PBS/0.5% Tween 20/0.02% Na azide. The kinase cascade reaction is then started by adding the foUowing reactants in 10 μl aϋquots to a final reaction volume of 50 μl. 1. Agents of the Invention titrated from 10 to 0.001 μM in 10-fold dUutions or solvent (DMSO) or H 2 O. 2. Kinase buffer (5x); pH 7.4; 125 mM Hepes (Stock at IM; Gibco #15630-056), 125 rnM β- glycerophosphate (Sigma #G-6251):125 mM MgCl 2 (Merck #5833); 0.5 mM Sodium orthovanadate (Sigma #5-6508), 10 mM DTT (Boehringer Mannheim #708992). The (5x) kinase buffer must be prepared fresh the day of the assay from 5x stock solutions kept at RT. DTT is kept at -20 °C and is added as the last reagent. 3. His-p38 MAP kinase (10 ng/weU; Novartis - a fusion protein comprising fuU length murine p38 MAP kinase and a His tag, obtained by expression in E. coU) 4. cold ATP (final concentration 120 μM; Sigma #A-9187) 5. Water After lh at 37 °C the kinase reaction is terminated by washing the plates four times as previously described. Phosphorylated GST-ATF-2 is then detected by adding: 1. the PhosphoPlus ATF-2 (Thr71) Antibody (50 μl/weU; 1/1000 final dUution in PBS/2% BSA/0.02% Na Azide; New England Biolabs #922 IL) for 90 min at RT. 2. Biotin labeUed goat-anti-rabbit IgG (50 μl/weU; 1/3000 final dUution in PBS/2% BSA/0.02% Na Azide; Sigma #B-9642) for 90 min at RT. 3. Streptavidin-alkaline phosphatase (50 μl/weU; 1/5000 dUution in PBS/2% BSA/0.02% Na Azide: Jackson Immunoresearch #016-050-084 ) for 30 min at RT. 4. Substrate (100 μl/weU; Sigma 104 Phosphatase substrate tablets, 5 mg/tablet; #104-105; 1 mg/ml in substrate buffer, Diethanolamine (97 ml/1; Merck #803116) + MgCl .6H 2 0 (100 mg/1; Merck #5833) + Na Azide (0.2 g/1) + HCl IM to pH 9.8) 30 min at RT. After step 1,2 and 3 the microtiter plates are washed four times with PBS/0.5% Tween 20/0.02% Na azide. After step 4, the plates are read in a Bio-Rad microplate reader in a dual wavelength mode (measurement filter 405 nm and reference filter 490 nm). The bachground value (without ATP) is subtracted and IC50 values are calculated using the Origin computer program (4 parameter logistic function). Agents of the Invention typicaUy have IC 50 S for p38 MAP kinase inhibition in the range from about 100 nM to about 5 nM or less when tested in the above assay. Assay for Inhibition of TNF-α release from hPBMCs Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) are prepared from the peripheral blood of healthy volunteers using ficoU-hypaque density separation according to the method of HanseU et al., J. Imrα Methods (1991) 145: 105. and used at a concentration of 10 5 cells/weU in RPMI 1640 plus 10% FCS. Cells are incubated with serial dilutions of the test compounds for 30 minutes at 37°C prior to the addition of IFNg (100 U/ml) and LPS (5 mg ml) and subsequently further incubated for three hours. Incubation is terminated by centrifugation at 1400 RPM for 10 min. TNF-α in the supernatant is measured using a commercial ELISA (Innotest hTNFa, avaUable from Innogenetics N.V., Zwijnaarde, Belgium). Agents of the Invention are tested at concentrations of from 0 to 10 mM. Exemplified Agents of the Ivention typicaUy suppress TNF release in this assay with an IC 50 of from about ? nM to about ? nM or less when tested in this assay. Assay for Inhibition of TNF-α Production in LPS stimulated mice Injection of Upopolysaccharide (LPS) induces a rapid release of soluble tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) into the periphery. This model is be used to analyse prospective blockers of TNF release in vivo. LPS (20 mg/kg) is injected i.v. into OF1 mice (female, 8 week old). One (1) hour later blood is withdrawn from the animals and TNF levels are analysed in the plasma by an ELISA method using an antibody to TNF-α. Using 20 mg/kg of LPS levels of up to 15 ng of TNF-α / ml plasma are usuaUy induced. Compounds to be evaluated are given either oraUy or s.c. 1 to 4 hours prior to the LPS injection. Inhibition of LPS-induced TNF-release is taken as the readout. Agents of the Invention typicaUy inhibit TNF production to the extent of up to about 50% or more in the above assay when administered at 10 mg/kg p.o. As indicated in the above assays Agents of the Invention are potent inhibitors of TNF-α release. Accordingly, the Novel Compounds have pharmaceutical utUity as foUows: Agents of the Invention are useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases or pathological conditions mediated by cytokines such as TNFα and IL-1, e.g., inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, severe infections, and organ or tissue transplant rejection, e.g. for the treatment of recipients of heart, lung, combined heart-lung, Uver, kidney, pancreatic, skin or corneal transplants and for the prevention of graft- versus-host disease, such as foUowing bone marrow transplants. Agents of the Invention are particularly useful for the treatment, prevention, or ameUoration of autoimmune disease and of inflammatory conditions, in particular inflammatory conditions with an aetiology including an autoimmune component such as arthritis (for example rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis chronica progrediente and arthritis deformans) and rheumatic diseases. Specific auto-immune diseases for which Agents of the Invention may be employed include autoimmune haematological disorders (including e.g. hemolytic anaemia, aplastic anaemia, pure red ceU anaemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenia), systemic lupus erythematosus, polychondritis, sclerodoma, Wegener granulamatosis, dermatomyositis, chronic active hepatitis, myasthenia gravis, psoriasis, Steven- Johnson syndrome, idiopathic sprue, autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease (including e.g. ulcerative coUtis and Crohn's disease), endocrine ophthabnopathy, Graves disease, sarcoidosis, multiple sclerosis, primary biUary cirrhosis, juvemle diabetes (diabetes meUitus type I), uveitis (anterior and posterior), keratoconjunctivitis sicca and vernal keratoconjunctivitis, interstitial lung fibrosis, psoriatic arthritis and glomerulonephritis (with and without nephrotic syndrome, e.g. including idiopathic nephrotic syndrome or minimal change nephropathy). Agents of the Invention are also useful for the treatment, prevention, or ameUoration of asthma, bronchitis, pneumoconiosis, pulmonary emphysema, and other obstructive or inflammatory diseases of the airways. Agents of the Invention are useful for treating undesirable acute and hyperacute inflammatory reactions which are mediated by TNF, especiaUy by TNFα, e.g., acute infections, for example septic shock (e.g., endotoxic shock and adult respiratory distress syndrome), meningitis, pneumonia; and severe burns; and for the treatment of cachexia or wasting syndrome associated with morbid TNF release, consequent to infection, cancer, or organ dysfunction, especiaUy AIDS -related cachexia, e.g., associated with or consequential to HTV infection. Agents of the Invention are also useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, acute encepha tis, brain injury, multiple sclerosis including demyelation and oUgiodendrocyte loss in multiple sclerosis and inflammatory nervous system diseases, such as neuroinflammatory and stroke. Agents of the Invention are particularly useful for treating diseases of bone metaboUsm including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and other inflammatory arthritides. For the above indications the appropriate dosage wiU, of course, vary depending, for example, on the particular Agent of the Invention employed, the subject to be treated, the mode of administration and the nature and severity of the condition being treated. However, in general, satisfactory results in animals are obtained at daUy dosages of from about 1 to about lOmg/kg/day p.o.. In larger mammals, for example humans, an indicated daUy dosage is in the range of from about 50 to about 750mg of an Agent of the Invention administered oraUy once or, more suitably, in divided dosages two to four times/day. The Agents of the Invention may be administered by any conventional route, e.g. oraUy, for example in the form of solutions for drinking, tablets or capsules or parenteraUy, for example in the form of injectable solutions or suspensions. NormaUy for systemic administration oral dosage forms are preferred, although for some indications the Agents of the Invention may also be administered topicaUy or dermaUy, e.g. in the form of a dermal cream or gel or like preparation or. for the purposes of appUcation to the eye, in the form of an ocular cream, gel or eye-drop preparation; or may be administered by inhalation, e.g., for treating asthma. Suitable unit dosage forms for oral administration comprise e.g. from 25 to 250mg of Agent of the Invention per unit dosage. In accordance with the foregoing the present invention also provides in a further series of embodiments: A. A method of inhibiting production of soluble TNF, especiaUy TNFα, or of reducing inflammation in a subject (i.e., a mammal, especiaUy a human) in need of such treatment which method comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of an Agent of the Invention, or a method of treating any of the above mentioned conditions, particularly a method of treating an inflammatory or autoimmune disease or condition, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, or aUeviating one or more symptoms of any of the above mentioned conditions. B. An Agent of the Invention for use as a pharmaceutical, e.g. for use as an immunosuppressant or antiinflammatory agent or for use in the prevention, ameUoration or treatment of any disease or condition as described above, e.g., an autoimmune or inflammatory disease or condition. C. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an Agent of the Invention in association with a pharmaceuticaUy acceptable dUuent or carrier, e.g., for use as an immunosuppressant or anti- inflammatory agent or for use in the prevention, ameUoration or treatment of any disease or condition as described above, e.g., an autoimmune or inflammatory disease or condition. D. Use of an Agent of the Invention in the manufacture of a medicament for use as an immunosuppressant or anti-inflammatory agent or for use in the prevention, ameUoration or treatment of any disease or condition as described above, e.g., an autoimmune of inflammatory disease or condition.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A compound of formula I \ X wherein Nu is a heterocyclic nucleus selected from thiazole in which the Rj, R 2 and R 3 substituents are disposed as indicated below or imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine in which the Ri, R2 and R 3 substituents are disposed as indicated below wherein Ri is pyrimidyl or pyridyl; X is -NR«-Y-, -O- or -S-, where Re is H, Ci-Qalkyl, Q-Qcycloalkyl, Q-QcycloalkylCi-Qalkyl, C 6 - Ci 8 aryl, C 3 -Cι 8 heteroaryl, C 7 -Cι 9 aralkyl or Q-Cι 9 heteroara]kyl, and -Y- is Ci-Qalkylene or a direct bond; R2 is phenyl, optionaUy substituted by one or more substituents, each of which is independently selected from halo, CF 3 , cyano, amido or thioamido which is optionaUy mono- or di-N-substituted by Ci-Qalkyl or the N atom of which forms a 5-7 membered heterocycUc ring optionaUy containing an additional hetero atom selected from O, S or N which N is optionaUy Ci-Qalkyl Ci-Qalkylcarbonyl or Ci-Qalkylthiocarbonyl substitued, carboxylate or thiocarboxylate optionaUy in the form of an optionaUy halo- substituted Ci-Cioalkoxy, d-Cioalkenoxy, C 2 -Cιoalkynoxy, C 3 -C 7 cyclalkoxy, C 5 - C 7 cycloalkenoxy, aryloxy, arylalkoxy, heteroaryloxy or heteroarylalkoxy ester, optionaUy mono- or di-Ci-Qalkyl-substituted-Co-Cialkyl optionaUy Ci-Qalkyl- or C 3 -C 5 cycloalkyl-substituted-carbonyl or -thiocarbonyl, optionaUy halo-substituted-d-Qalkoxy, C2-C alkenoxy, Q-Qalkynoxy, C 3 - Qcycloalkoxy or C 3 -C 5 cyclothioalkoxy, optionaUy halo substituted d-Q alkyl, oxycarbonyl or optionaUy N-Q-Qalkyl-substituted aminocarbonyl both of which are optionaUy Ci-Qalkyl or Q-Qcycloalkyl substituted (including thiocarbonyl analogues thereof), optionaUy mono- or di-Ci-Qalkyl-substituted-Q-Cialkylamine which is optionaUy mono-or di-N-d-Q alkyl substituted, optionaUy mono- or di-Ci-Qalkyl-substituted-Q-Cialky] optionaUy N-Ci-Qalkyl- substituted amino-carbonyl or -thiocarbonyl, optionaUy N-Cι-C 4 alkyl-substituted amino-sulphinyl or -sulphonyl optionaUy substituted by optionaUy mono- or di-N-Ci-Qalkyl-substituted amino, a nitrogen atom which form a heterocycUc ring of 5 to 7 members optionaUy containing an additional heteroatom selected from O, S or N which N is optionaUy Ci-Qalkyl Ci-Qalkylcarbonyl or d- Qalkylthiocarbonyl substitued, or sulphinyl or sulphonyl optionaUy substituted by optionaUy halo-substituted-Ci-Qalkyl, Q-Q alkenyl, C 2 -Q alkynyl, optionaUy mono- or di-Cι-C alkyl-substituted amino, a nitrogen atom which form a heterocycUc ring of 5 to 7 members optionaUy containing an additional heteroatom selected from O, S or N which N is optionaUy Ci-Qalkyl Ci-Qalkylcarbonyl or d- Qalkylthiocarbonyl substitued; R 3 is H, amino, Ci-Cioalkyl, C 3 -Cι 0 cycloalkyl, C 3 -Cι 8 heterocycloalkyl, Q-Cι 8 aryl, or C 3 - Cisheteroaryl each of which is optionaUy substituted by up to 4 substituents separately selected from Ci-Qalkyl, halogen, halo-substitued-Ci-Qalkyl, hydroxy, Ci-Qalkoxy, d- Qalkylthio, Q-Cι 8 aryl, C 3 -Cι 8 heteroaryl, C6-Cι 8 arylCι-C alkyl, C 3 -Cι 8 heteroarylCi- C 4 alkyl, C 3 -Cι 8 heterocycloalkyl or optionaUy mono- or di-Ci-Qalkyl substituted amino or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionaUy a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N, aU of which are further optionaUy substituted halo, hydroxy, Q- Qalkyl, Ci-Qalkoxy or Ci-Qalkoxycarbonyl; R t is Ci-Cioalkyl, Q-Cι 8 aryl, Q-Cisheteroaryl, or Q-C^cycloalkyl optionaUy substituted by up to 3 substituents separately selected from Ci-Qalkyl, halogen, halo-substitued- Q- Qalkyl, hydroxy, Ci-Qalkoxy, Ci-Qalkylthio, optionaUy mono- or di-Ci-Qalkyl substituted amino, or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionaUy containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N, and pharmaceuticaUy-acceptable and -cleavable esters thereof and acid addition salts thereof 2. A compound according to claim 1 of formula II wherein Z is N or CH; X is -NR^-Y-, -O- or -S-, where R <> is H, Ci-Qalkyl, Q-Qcycloalkyl, Q-Qcycloalkyld-Qalkyl, Q- Cι 8 aryl, C 3 -Cι 8 heteroaryl, C 7 -Cι aralkyl or Q-Cι 9 heteroaralkyl, and -Y- is Cι-C 4 alkylene or a direct bond ; R 2 is phenyl, optionaUy substituted by one or more substituents, each of which is independently selected from halo, CF 3 , cyano, amido or thioamido, carboxylate or thiocarboxylate, Ci-Qalkoxy, Q-Qalkyl, or NH2 which is optionaUy mono-or di-Q-Q alkyl substituted; R 3 is H, Ci-Cioalkyl, Q-Ciocycloalkyl, C3-Cι 8 heterocycloalkyl, C6-Cι 8 aryl, or Q- Cisheteroaryl each of which is optionaUy substituted by up to 4 substituents separately selected from Ci-Qalkyl, halogen, halo-substitued-Ci-Qalkyl, hydroxy, Ci-Qalkoxy, d- C 4 alkylthio, or optionaUy mono-or di-Ci-Qalkyl substituted amino, or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionaUy containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N: R» is Q-Cι 8 aryl, Q-Ciβheteroaryl, or Q-Cucycloalkyl each of which is optionaUy substituted by up to 4 substituents separately selected from halogen, halo- substitued-CM-dkyl, hydroxy, or optionaUy mono-or di-C C 4 alkyl substituted amino, or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionaUy containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N, and pharmaceuticaUy-acceptable and -cleavable esters thereof and acid addition salts thereof. 3. A compound according to claim 2 of formula II' wherein IV is phenyl or Q-Qcycloalkyl each of which is optionaUy mono-substituted by halogen, Ci-Qalkyl, Ci-Qalkoxy, hydroxy, trihalomethyl or optionaUy mono-or di-Ci-Qalkyl substituted amino, or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionaUy containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N; Rio is halogen, cyano, amido, thioamido, amino or Ci-Qalkyl; R 3 " is H, Q-Qalkyl, phenyl, pyridyl, morpholinyl, piperidyl, piperazyl, or optionaUy mono- or di-Q^a-kyl substituted amino, each of which is optionaUy substituted, e.g. by up to 2 substituents, separately selected from Ci-Qalkyl, halogen, hydroxy, Q-Qalkoxy, or optionaUy mono-or di-Q-Qalkyl substituted amino; Z is N or CH and X" is -NH-Y'-, -O- or -S-, where Y' is -CH 2 -, -CH 2 -CH 2 -, -CH(CH 3 )- or a direct bond, and pharmaceuticaUy-acceptable and -cleavable esters thereof and acid addition salts thereof. 4. A compound according to claim 2 selected from: 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2-[ 1 -(S)-phenylethyl]an___no-4-pyrimidinyl)-2-(4-methyl-piperidine- 1 - yl)thiazole; 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2-[l-(S)-phenylethyl]ammo-4-pyriιmdmyl)-2-(4-NH-piperidine-l- yl)thiazole; 4-(4-Huorophenyl)-2-(4-methylpiperidine-l-yl)-5-(2-[cyclopropyl-methyl]amino-4- pyridinyl)thiazole and 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(4-NH-piperidine- 1 -yl)-5-(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4- pyridinyl)thiazole; and pharmaceuticaUy-acceptable and -cleavable esters thereof and acid addition salts thereof. 5. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula II' ' wherein R 3 ", Rj", Rio and Z are as defined in claim 3 and X'" is -NH-, which comprises reacting the corresponding precursor compound of formula HI or HI' with the corresponding R "-NH 2 amine, wherein R 3 ", R 4 " and Rio are as defined in claim 3, and thereafter, if desired, converting the compound of formula II" obtained into a further compound of formula II" or a pharmaceuticaUy-acceptable and -cleavable ester thereof or acid addition salt thereof. 6. A compound according to claim 1 of formula V wherein Rn is pyrimidyl; where Re is H, Q-Qalkyl, Q-Cι 8 aryl, Q-Qsheteroaryl, C 7 -Cι 9 aralkyl or Q-C ^heteroaralkyl, and -Y- is Cι-C 4 alkylene or a direct bond ; R1 2 is phenyl, optionaUy substituted by one or more substituents, each of which is independently selected from halo, CF 3 , cyano, amido or thioamido which is optionaUy mono- or di-N-substituted by Ci-Qalkyl or the N atom of which forms a 5-7 membered heterocycUc ring optionaUy containing an additional hetero atom selected from O, S or N which N is optionaUy Ci-Qalkyl Ci-Qalkylcarbonyl or Q-Qalkylthiocarbonyl substitued, carboxylate or thiocarboxylate optionaUy in the form of an optionaUy halo- substituted Q-Qoalkoxy, Q-Qoalkenoxy, Q-Cioalkynoxy, Q-Qcyclalkoxy, Q- Qcycloalkenoxy, aryloxy, arylalkoxy, heteroaryloxy or heteroarylalkoxy ester, optionaUy mono- or di-Ci-Qalkyl-substituted-Q-Ciaikyl optionaUy Ci-Qalkyl- or C 3 -C 5 cycloalkyl-substituted-carbonyl or -thiocarbonyl, optionaUy halo-substituted-Ci-Qalkoxy, C 2 -Calkenoxy, C 2 -Calkynoxy, Q- Qcycloalkoxy or Q-Qcyclothioalkoxy, optionaUy halo substituted Q-Q alkyl, oxycarbonyl or optionally N-Q-Qalkyl-substituted aminocarbonyl both of which are optionaUy Q-Qalkyl or Q-Qcycloalkyl substituted (including thiocarbonyl analogues thereof), optionaUy mono- or di-Ci-Qalkyl-substituted-Q-Cialkylamine which is optionaUy mono-or di-N-Ci-Q alkyl substituted, optionaUy mono- or di-Q-Qalkyl-substituted-Q-Qalkyl optionaUy N-Q-Qalkyl- substituted amino-carbonyl or -thiocarbonyl, optionaUy N-Q-Qalkyl-substituted amino-sulphinyl or -sulphonyl optionaUy substituted by optionaUy mono- or di-N-Q-Qalkyl-substituted amino, a nitrogen atom which form a heterocycUc ring of 5 to 7 members optionaUy containing an additional heteroatom selected from O, S or N which N is optionaUy Q-Qalkyl -Qalkylcarbonyl or Q- Qalkylthiocarbonyl substituted, or sulphinyl or sulphonyl optionaUy substituted by optionaUy halo-substituted-Q-Qalkyl, Q-Q alkenyl, Q-Q alkynyl, optionaUy mono- or di-N-Ci-Qalkyl-substituted amino, a nitrogen atom which form a heterocycUc ring of 5 to 7 members optionaUy containing an additional heteroatom selected from O, S or N which N is optionaUy Q-Qalkyl Q-Qalkylcarbonyl or Q- Qalkylthiocarbonyl substitued; Rn is H, amino, Cι-Q 0 alkyl, Q-Qocycloalkyl, Q-Qβheterocycloalkyl, Q-Cι 8 aryl, or Q- Qsheteroaryl aU optionaUy substituted by up to 4 substituents separately selected from Q- Qalkyl, halogen, halo-substitued-Q-Qalkyl, hydroxy, Ci-Qalkoxy, Cι-C alkylthio, Q- Q 8 aryl, C 3 -Cι 8 heteroaryl, Q-Q 8 arylCι-C 4 alkyl, Q-Q 8 heteroarylCι-Qalkyl, Q- Qsheterocycloalkyl or optionaUy mono- or di-N-Q-Qalkyl substituted amino aU of which are optionaUy substituted by halo, hydroxy, Q-Qalkyl, Q-Qalkoxy or Q- C 4 alkoxycarbonyl; R J4 is Q-Qoalkyl, Q-Q 8 aryl, C 3 -Cι 8 heteroaryl, or C3-Cι 2 cycloalkyl optionaUy substituted by up to 3 substituents separately selected from Q-Qalkyl, halogen, halo-substitued-Q- Qalkyl, hydroxy, Q-Qalkoxy, Q-Qalkylthio, optionaUy mono- or di-N-Q-Qalkyl substituted amino, or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionaUy containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N, and pharmaceuticaUy-acceptable and -cleavable esters thereof and acid addition salts thereof. A compound according to claim 6 of formula V wherein Rι 4 ' is phenyl or Q-Qcycloalkyl each of which is optionaUy mono-substituted by halogen, Q-Qalkyl, Ci-Qalkoxy, hydroxy, trihalomethyl optionaUy mono- or di-N-Ci-Qalkyl substituted amino, or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionaUy containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N; Rio is halogen, CF 3 , Q-Qalkyl or Q-Qalkoxy; Rn' is pyridyl, pyrimidyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, NR9R10, -CH 2 OH, CH 2 NR 15 R 16 , - CH2CH2R15R16, or Het-Q-Qalkyl-, wherein R 9 and Rι 0 are separately selected from H, Q-Qalkyl, Q-Cι 8 aryl, Q-Q 8 heteroaryl, Q-Q 8 arylQ-Qalkyl, Q-QsheteroarylQ-Qalkyl aU of which are optionaUy substituted by halo, hydroxy, Q-Qalkyl, Q-Qalkoxy, Q-Qalkoxycarbonyl, Rn and R12 are separately selected from H or Q-Qalkyl, and Het is N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionaUy containing a further hetero atom (e.g. O,S or N) X" is -NH-Y'-, -O- or -S-, where Y' is -CH 2 -, -CH 2 -CH 2 -. -CH(CH 3 )- or a direct bond, and pharmaceuticaUy-acceptable and -cleavable esters thereof and acid addition salts thereof. 8. A compound according to claim 6 selected from: 2-(4-Huorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylam o-4-pyrin_ dinyl)-5-(piperid_no-N-2-ethyl)imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(N,N-diethylamino-N-2- ethyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylanci_no-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(morpholino-N-2-ethyl)imidazo [4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Huorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyriπ_idinyl)-5-(isopropylamino-N-2- ethyl)imidazo [4,5-b]pyridine ; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(pyrroUdino-N-2-ethyl)imidazo [4,5- bjpyridine; 2-(4-Huorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyrimid yl)-5-(3-pyridyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Ruoroρhenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyrimidmyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)ammo-4-pyrimidmyl)-5-ammoirnidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Huorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylaπ_ino-4-pyriπ_id_nyl)-5-aminoimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-NH- 1 -piperazinyl) imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Ruorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyrimidmyl)-5-(4-NH-l-piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Huorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclobutylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-NH-l-piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5- bjpyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopropylammo-4-pyrimidmyl)-5-(4-NH-l-piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)amino -4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl) imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- l-(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclobutylaπ__no-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-methyl- 1 -piperaz_nyl)imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopropylammo-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-( 1 -(S)-phenylethyl)amino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-(2-hydroxy-2- methyl)propyl-l-piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylan__no-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl)propyl- 1 - piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclobutylan___no-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-(2-hydroxy-2-rnethyl)propyl- 1 - piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopropylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(4-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl)propyl- 1 - piperazinyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylaπ__no-4-pyrim_dinyl)-5-(4-piperidinyl) imidazo [4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-( 1 -methyl-4-piperidinyl)imidazo[4,5- bjpyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-( 1 -(2-hydroxy-2-methyl)propyl-4- piperidinyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Ruorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyrimidmyl)-5-(beιιzylamino) imidazo [4,5- bjpyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(morpholino) imidazo [4,5-b]pyridine; 2-(4-Huorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylamino-4-pyrimidmyl)-5-(3-fluorophenyl arnmo)imidazo[4,5- bjpyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyiirudinyl)-5-(pyridyl-4-amino)_midazo [4,5- b]pyridine; 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)- 1 -(2-cyclopentylan___no-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-( 1 -ethoxycarbonyl piperidine-4- amino)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, and 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-l-(2-cyclopentylammo-4-pyrimidinyl)-5-(piperidine-4- amino)imidazo [4,5b]pyridine. 9. A process for the production of (i) an Agent of the Invention of formula V" wherein Rn, Rι 2 , Rι and X are as previously defined and R i3 " is -CH 2 -CH 2 NR 15 R 16 or - CH 2 -CH 2 -Het wherein R1 5 , Riβ and Het are as previously defined comprising reacting a corresponding vinyl precursor of formula VI wherein Rn, R 12 , Rι and X are as previously defined with the corresponding amine of formula HNR 15 R 16 or N-heterocycloalkyl ring compound; (ii) an Agent of the Invention of formula V wherein R1 3 is aryl or heteroaryl comprising arylation or heteroarylation of a compound of formula VII wherein Rn, R12, 14 and X are as previously defined; (iii) an Agent of the Invention of formula V wherein R 13 is -N-heterocycloalkyl, -NH-aryl, -NH- heteroaryl, -NH-heterocycloalkyl, -NH-(Q-Qalkyl)-heterocycloalkyl, -NH-(Q-Qalkyl)- aryl, -NH-(Q-Qalkyl)-heteroaryl, or -NH-(Q-Qalkyl)-heterocycloalky] comprising coupUng a corresponding chloroprecursor compound of formula VII, as defined above, with the corresponding N-heterocycloalkyl compound or amine; (iv) an Agent of the Invention of formula V in which Rι 3 is -NH 2 , comprising reacting the corresponding methyl sulphinyl compound of formula VIII' wherein Rn, and Rn are as previously defined, with the corresponding amine of formula Rι 4 -NH 2 , and (v) an Agent of the Invention of formula V in which R 1 3 is piperazinyl , comprising reacting a corresponding methylsulphinyl compound of formula VIH" wherein Rn and R12 are as previously defined and P is an N protecting group, with the corresponding amine of formula Rι 4 -NH 2 . 10. A method of inhibiting production of soluble TNF, especiaUy TNFα, or of reducing inflammation in a subject (i.e., a mammal, especiaUy a human) in need of such treatment which method comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 11. A compound according to claim 1 for use as a pharmaceutical, e.g. for use as an immunosuppressant or antiinflammatory agent or for use in the prevention, ameUoration or treatment of any disease or condition as described above, e.g., an autoimmune or inflammatory disease or condition. 12. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 1 in association with a pharmaceuticaUy acceptable dUuent or carrier, e.g., for use as an immunosuppressant or anti-inflammatory agent or for use in the prevention, ameUoration or treatment of any disease or condition as described above, e.g., an autoimmune or inflammatory disease or condition. 13. Use of a compound according to claim 1 in the manufacture of a medicament for use as an immunosuppressant or anti-inflammatory agent or for use in the prevention, ameUoration or treatment of any disease or condition as described above, e.g., an autoimmune or inflammatory disease or condition.

Inventors: REVESZ LASZLO, REVESZ, LASZLO
Applicants: NOVARTIS AG, NOVARTIS ERFIND VERWALT GMBH, REVESZ LASZLO, NOVARTIS-ERFINDUNGEN VERWALTUNGSGESELLSCHAFT M.B.H., REVESZ, LASZLO
Application year: 2000
Main classification: C07D417
IPC codes: A61K31, A61P19, A61P29, A61P37, C07D417, C07D471