Abstract:
The present invention provides novel compounds of formula I  
                         
 
     wherein R 1 , R 2 , W, Z and R 5  to R 9  are defined more fully in the description. The compounds are useful in the treatment of ailments and disorders where a reduction of the blood glucose is beneficial, such as diabetes.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 of U.S. provisional application No. 60/085,869 filed May 18, 1998 and of Danish application no. 0638/98 filed May 5, 1998, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, methods for preparing the compounds and their use as medicaments. More specifically, compounds of the invention can be utilized in the treatment of conditions mediated by nuclear receptors, in particular the Retinoid X Receptor (RXR) family. The compounds of the invention can also be used in combination with ligands for other nuclear receptors which are known to form dimeric complexes with RXR receptors, for example the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) family.  
           [0003]    The present compounds reduce blood glucose and triglyceride levels and are accordingly useful for the treatment of ailments and disorders such as diabetes and obesity.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM, type II diabetes) is a condition characterized by abnormal and ineffective insulin action and secretion. The entry of glucose from the blood into the cells of liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue is promoted by insulin action. In the diabetic, tissues dependent on insulin are unable to assimilate glucose normally (insulin resistance), the result being an accumulation of glucose within the blood (hyperglycemia).  
           [0005]    Type II diabetes typically afflicts people over 40, and obesity is often a contributing factor. Regulation of diet and exercise can reduce to some extent the problems associated with NIDDM, but commonly insulin therapy or other oral hypoglycemic agents are the treatments of choice.  
           [0006]    In addition to the range of insulin formulations, the most widely used hypoglycemic agents to date are sulphonylureas but in respective cases potentially fatal hyperinsulinemia or hypoglycemia can develop, and additional problems involving the cardiovascular, renal, neural and visual systems can also ensue.  
           [0007]    More recently, a class of compounds termed thiazolidinediones (e.g. ciglitazone, pioglitazone, englitazone, troglitazone and BRL 49653), have been shown to reduce hyperglycemia by promoting insulin action without additional insulin secretion, and without causing undesirable hypoglycemia, even at elevated doses. Their effect is proposed to be a result of agonism at the PPAR receptor.  
           [0008]    Even more recently, it has been reported that RXR agonists such as LGD 1029 and LG 100268 activate RXR/PPAR heterodimers, causing reduction in glucose, insulin and triglyceride levels in ob/ob and db/db mice (Mukherjee et al.,  Nature  1997, 386, 407-410, Heyman and Mukherjee WO 97/10819). This effect is due to activation at the RXR part of the heterodimer. In turn these RXR/PPAR heterodimers can also be activated by PPAR agonists (e.g. thiazolidinediones) to give a similar effect, and it has been shown that at submaximal levels of either the RXR or PPAR agonist, addition of the complimentary agonist provides an additive and possibly synergistic response, and results in enhanced transcription and subsequently additional lowering of hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia. It has therefore been proposed that compounds acting as agonists at the RXR receptor can be used as insulin sensitizers for the treatment of type II diabetes and related symptoms, either solely or in combination with PPAR agonists.  
         DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    The present invention relates to retinoids of formula I  
                         
 
           [0010]    wherein  
           [0011]    R 1  and R 2  are independently hydrogen or C 1-6  alkyl;  
           [0012]    W is  
                         
 
           [0013]    O, N—R 3 , S, SO or SO 2  wherein R 3  and R 4  are independently hydrogen or C 1-6  alkyl;  
           [0014]    R 5  is hydrogen, C 1-6  alkyl, halogen, OR 11 , SR 11 , OCOR 11 , NH 2 , NHR 11 , NR 11 R 12 , NHCOR 11 , NR 11 —COR 12  where R 11  and R 12  are independently C 1-6  alkyl, phenyl or alkyl phenyl;  
           [0015]    R 6  is hydrogen, or taken together with R 7  forms a double bond, or taken together with R 7  is methylene to form a cyclopropyl ring;  
           [0016]    R 7  is hydrogen, or taken together with R 6  forms a double bond, or taken together with R 6  is methylene to form a cyclopropyl ring, or taken together with R 9  forms a double bond, or taken together with R 9  is methylene to form a cyclopropyl ring;  
           [0017]    R 8  is hydrogen, or taken together with R 9  forms a double bond, or taken together with R 9  is methylene to form a cyclopropyl ring  
           [0018]    R 9  is hydrogen, hydroxy, OR 13 , OCOR 13 , or taken together with R 7  forms a double bond, or taken together with R 7  is methylene to form a cyclopropyl ring, or taken together with R 8  forms a double bond, or taken together with R 8  is methylene to form a cyclopropyl ring, where R 13  is C 1-6  alkyl, phenyl or alkyl phenyl;  
           [0019]    Z is X—Y—R 10 , wherein X is a valence bond, phenyl or pyridyl, optionally substituted with C 1-3  alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, C 1-3  alkoxy, C 1-3  acyloxy, C 1-3  alkyl halide, thiol, C 1-3  substituted thiol, Y is C 1-6 -alkyl, C 2-6  alkenyl or C 2-6  alkynyl and R 10  is CO 2 H, tetrazole, PO 3 H, SO 3 H, CO 2 R 15 , CONR 16 R 17 , CH 2 OH, CHO, CH 2 OR 18 , CH(OR 19 ) 2 , HC(OR 20 O), COR 21 , CR 20 (OR 19 ) 2 , CR 21 (OR 20 O), wherein R 15  is C 1-6  alkyl, phenyl or alkyl phenyl; or  
           [0020]    Z is ═Y—R 10 , wherein Y is CR 14 , CR 14 —C 1-6  alkyl, CR 14 phenyl, CR 14 pyridyl, CR 14 C 1-3 alkylaryl, CR 14 —C 2-5  alkenyl or CR 14 —C 2-5  alkynyl, wherein R 14  is H or C 1-3  alkyl and R 10  is CO 2 H, tetrazole, PO 3 H, SO 3 H, CO 2 R 15 , CONR 16 R 17 , CH 2 OH, CHO, CH 2 OR 18 , CH(OR 19 ) 2 , HC(OR 20 O), COR 21 , CR 20 (OR 19 ) 2 , CR 21 (OR 20 O), wherein R 15  is C 1-6  alkyl, phenyl or alkyl phenyl;  
           [0021]    R 16  and R 17  are independently hydrogen, C 1-6 -alkyl, C 5-8  cycloalkyl, phenyl or C 1-6 -alkyl phenyl; R 18  is C 1-6 -alkyl, phenyl or C 1-6 -alkyl phenyl; R 19  is C 1-6  alkyl; R 20  is C 2-4  alkyl; R 21  is C 1-6  alkyl phenyl or C 3-6  cycloalkyl;  
           [0022]    or a salt thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base, or any optical isomer or mixture of optical isomers, including a racemic mixture, or any tautomeric forms.  
           [0023]    In the above structural formulas and throughout the present specification, the following terms have the indicated meaning:  
           [0024]    The term aryl represents e.g. phenyl, pyridyl, and the like.  
           [0025]    The terms “C 1-n′ -alkyl” wherein n′ can be from 2 through 15, as used herein, represent a branched or straight alkyl group having from one to the specified number of carbon atoms. Typical C 1-6 -alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, iso-pentyl, hexyl, iso-hexyl and the like.  
           [0026]    The terms “C 2-n′ -alkenyl” wherein n′ can be from 3 through 15, as used herein, represents an olefinically unsaturated branched or straight group having from 2 to the specified number of carbon atoms and at least one double bond, preferably from one to two double bonds. Examples of such groups include, but are not limited to, vinyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, allyl, isoproppenyl, 1,3-butadienyl, 1-butenyl, hexenyl, pentenyl, and the like.  
           [0027]    The terms “C 2-n′ -alkynyl” wherein n′ can be from 3 through 15, as used herein, represent an unsaturated branched or straight group having from 2 to the specified number of carbon atoms and at least one triple bond, preferably from one to two triple bonds. Examples of such groups include, but are not limited to, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl and the like.  
           [0028]    The term cycloalkyl represents e.g. cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and the like.  
           [0029]    The term “halogen” means fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.  
           [0030]    Certain of the above defined terms may occur more than once in the above formula I, and upon such occurrence each term shall be defined independently of the other.  
           [0031]    The compounds of the present invention may have one or more asymmetric centers and it is intended that stereoisomers (optical isomers), as separated, pure or partially purified stereoisomers or racemic mixtures thereof are included in the scope of the invention.  
           [0032]    Preferred compounds of the present invention are:  
           [0033]    [5-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidene]-acetic acid  
           [0034]    [5-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6;7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidene]-acetic acid  
           [0035]    4-[5-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidenemethyl]-benzoic acid  
           [0036]    4-[5-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidenemethyl]-benzoic acid  
           [0037]    6-[5-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidenemethyl]-nicotinic acid  
           [0038]    6-[5-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidenemethyl]-nicotinic acid  
           [0039]    4-{2-[5-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidene]-ethyl}-benzoic acid  
           [0040]    4-{2-[5-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidene]-ethyl}-benzoic acid  
           [0041]    6-{2-[5-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidene]-ethyl}-nicotinic acid  
           [0042]    6-{2-[5-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidene]-ethyl}-nicotinic acid  
           [0043]    4-[5-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-en-2-yl]-benzoic acid  
           [0044]    4-[5-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-en-2-yl]-benzoic acid  
           [0045]    6-[5-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-en-2-yl]-nicotinic acid  
           [0046]    6-[5-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-en-2-yl]-nicotinic acid  
           [0047]    3-[5-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-en-2-yl]-acrylic acid  
           [0048]    3-[5-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-en-2-yl]-acrylic acid  
           [0049]    [5-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-en-2-yl]-propynoic acid  
           [0050]    [5-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-en-2-yl]-propynoic acid  
           [0051]    [3-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentylidene]-acetic acid  
           [0052]    [3-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentylidene]-acetic acid  
           [0053]    4-[3-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentylidenemethyl]-benzoic acid  
           [0054]    4-[3-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentylidenemethyl]-benzoic acid  
           [0055]    6-[3-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentylidenemethyl]-nicotinic acid  
           [0056]    6-[3-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentylidenemethyl]-nicotinic acid  
           [0057]    4-{2-[3-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentylidene]-ethyl}-benzoic acid  
           [0058]    4-{2-[3-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentylidene]-ethyl}-benzoic acid  
           [0059]    6-{2-[3-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentylidene]-ethyl}-nicotinic acid  
           [0060]    6-{2-[3-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentylidene]-ethyl}-nicotinic acid  
           [0061]    3-Methyl-4-[5-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidene]-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0062]    3-Methyl-4-[5-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidene]-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0063]    3-Methyl-4-[3-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentylidene]-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0064]    3-Methyl-4-[3-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentylidene]-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0065]    3-{4-[5-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-en-2-yl]-phenyl}-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0066]    3-{4-[5-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-en-2-yl]-phenyl}-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0067]    3-{6-[5-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-en-2-yl]-pyridin-3-yl}-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0068]    3-{6-[5-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-en-2-yl]-pyridin-3-yl}-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0069]    3-{4-[4-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-1-enyl]-phenyl}-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0070]    3-{4-[4-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-1-enyl]-phenyl}-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0071]    3-{6-[4-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-1-enyl]-pyridin-3-yl}-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0072]    3-{6-[4-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-1-enyl]-pyridin-3-yl}-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0073]    4-[3-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-benzoic acid  
           [0074]    4-[3-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-benzoic acid  
           [0075]    6-[3-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-nicotinic acid  
           [0076]    6-[3-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-nicotinic acid  
           [0077]    3-{4-[3-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-phenyl}-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0078]    3-{4-[3-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-phenyl}-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0079]    3-{6-[3-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-pyridin-3-yl}-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0080]    3-{6-[3-(5,5,8,8-Tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-pyridin-3-yl}-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0081]    4-[1-Methoxy-3-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentyl]-benzoic acid  
           [0082]    4-[1-Methoxy-3-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentyl]-benzoic acid  
           [0083]    6-[1-Methoxy-3-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentyl]-nicotinic acid  
           [0084]    6-[1-Methoxy-3-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentyl]-nicotinic acid  
           [0085]    [1-Methoxy-3-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentyl]-propynoic acid  
           [0086]    [1-Methoxy-3-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentyl]-propynoic acid  
           [0087]    3-[1-Methoxy-3-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentyl]-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0088]    3-[1-Methoxy-3-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopentyl]-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0089]    4-[2-Methoxy-5-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-yl]-benzoic acid  
           [0090]    4-[2-Methoxy-5-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-yl]-benzoic acid  
           [0091]    6-[2-Methoxy-5-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-yl]-nicotinic acid  
           [0092]    6-[2-Methoxy-5-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-yl]-nicotinic acid  
           [0093]    [2-Methoxy-5-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-yl]-propynoic acid  
           [0094]    [2-Methoxy-5-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-yl]-propynoic acid  
           [0095]    3-[2-Methoxy-5-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-yl]-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0096]    3-[2-Methoxy-5-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-yl]-but-2-enoic acid  
           [0097]    4-[1-Methoxy-3-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-benzoic acid  
           [0098]    4-[1-Methoxy-3-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-benzoic acid  
           [0099]    6-[1-Methoxy-3-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-nicotinic acid  
           [0100]    6-[1-Methoxy-3-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-nicotinic acid  
           [0101]    [1-Methoxy-3-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-propynoic acid  
           [0102]    [1-Methoxy-3-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-propynoic acid  
           [0103]    alkenyl alkene  
           [0104]    3-[1-Methoxy-3-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-but-2-enoic acid, and  
           [0105]    3-[1-Methoxy-3-(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enyl]-but-2-enoic acid,  
           [0106]    or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.  
           [0107]    Pharmaceutically accepted salts of the above invention include pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts, pharmaceutically acceptable metal salts, or optionally alkylated ammonium salts, such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, phosphoric, sulphuric, trifluoroacetic, trichloroacetic, oxalic, maleic, pyruvic, malonic, succinic, citric, mandelic, benzoic, cinnamic, methanesulphonic, ethane sulphonic, picric and the like, and include acids related to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts listed ( Journal of Pharmaceutical Science  1997, 66, 2) and incorporated herein by reference, or lithium sodium, potassium, magnesium and the like.  
           [0108]    The compounds of this invention show a high degree of selectivity towards the RXR receptor family, and in particular have utility for the treatment of symptoms associated with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, either alone or in conjunction with PPAR selective agonists, e.g. thiazolidinediones.  
           [0109]    In accordance with the present invention compounds of formula I can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula II, wherein W, R 1 , R 2  and R 5  have the meanings as defined for formula I, and where A is a suitable borate known in the art, such as a dihydroxy, dialkyl or catechol borate, or a trialkyltin or dialkyl zinc group,  
                         
 
           [0110]    with a cyclopentenone of formula  
                         
 
           [0111]    where D represents a group (for example halide, methoxy or ethoxy) which undergoes oxidative addition and cross coupling under palladium catalysis (Hegedus in  Organometallics in Synthesis , Chapter 5, Wiley 1994) to give product of formula IV wherein W, R 1 , R 3  and R 5  have the meanings as defined for formula I.  
                         
 
           [0112]    Hydrogenation of a compound of formula IV over a palladium catalyst or cyclopropanation with, for example, dimethyloxosulphonium methylide (Corey et al.  J. Am. Chem. Soc.  1963, 1353-1364) form compounds of formula V, wherein W, R 1 , R 2  and R 5  to R 7  have the meanings as defined for formula I.  
                         
 
           [0113]    Preparation of, for example, the enol triflate (Ritter  Synthesis,  1993, 735) or other group (for example, vinyl halide) capable of participating in a palladium metal mediated cross coupling reaction, of a compound of formula V using triflic anhydride and a suitable base e.g. 2,6-dimethyl pyridine, forms a compound of formula VI where E is OSO 2 CF 3  (or alternatively halogen), and where W, R 1 , R 2  and R 5  to R 7  have the meanings as defined for formula I.  
                         
 
           [0114]    Palladium catalyzed coupling of a compound of formula VI, with a suitably metallated (for example zinc, boron, tin or magnesium) vinyl, aryl, alkynyl or alkyl group according to procedures known in the art provides a compound of general formula VII, where W X, Y, R 1 , R 2 , R 5  to R 7  and R 10  have the meanings as defined for formula I.  
                         
 
           [0115]    Hydrogenation of a compound of formula VII with hydrogen gas over a palladium catalyst or cyclopropanation of a compound of formula VII with, for example, zinc and diiodomethane according to procedures known in the art forms a compound of formula I, where W, X, Y, R 1 , R 2 , R 5  to R 7  and R 10  have the meanings as defined for formula I.  
           [0116]    A compound of formula V, wherein W, R 1 , R 2  and R 5  to R 7  have the meanings as defined for formula I, can undergo a Wittig (for example with a ylide), Horner-Emmons (for example, with a phosphonate) or Reformatsky reaction (for example, with an organozinc reagent) according to procedures known in the art to give a compound of formula VIII  
                         
 
           [0117]    wherein X represents a single bond joining Y to the cycopentane ring and R 9  represents an additional bond to Y, Y is CR 14 —C 0-6  alkyl, CR 14 phenyl, CR 14 pyridyl, CR 14 C 1-3  alkylaryl, CR 14 —C 2-5  alkenyl having one or two double bonds or CR 14 —C 2-5  alkynyl having one or two triple bonds, where R 14  is H or C 1-3  alkyl and wherein W, X, Y, R 1 , R 2 , R 5  to R 7 , R 9 , R 10  and R 14  have the meanings as defined for formula I.  
           [0118]    Reaction of a compound of formula V with a Grignard reagent gives a compound of formula IX  
                         
 
           [0119]    where W, X, Y, R 1 , R 2 , R 5  to R 7 , R 9  and R 10  have the meanings as defined for formula I.  
           [0120]    Hydroxy alkylation of a compound of formula IX with base (for example, sodium hydride) and an alkyl, aryl halide or acid chloride gives a compound of formula I, where W, X, Y, R 1 , R 2 , and R 5  to R 10  have the meanings as defined for formula I.  
           [0121]    Alcohols can be prepared by reduction of carboxylic acids and derivatives (for example esters, acid chlorides) with metal hydrides. Aldehydes can be prepared by oxidation of alcohols (for example, with tetrapropyammonium perruthenate or dimethylsulphoxide/oxalyl chloride) or reduction of carboxylic acid esters (for example with diisobutyl aluminium hydride). Ketones can be prepared by reaction of carboxylic acid derivatives such as N-methyl-N-methoxy amides with Grignard reagents (Weinreb  Tet. Lett.  1981, 22, 3815-3819). Ethers can be prepared from alcohols under standard Williamson conditions. Carboxylic acids can be prepared by oxidation of alcohols or aldehydes using mild oxidizing agents (for example pyridinium dichromate in dimethylformamide).  
           [0122]    In cases where a reaction may be inhibited by a reactive functional group contained in the molecule, for example alcohols, aldehydes, ketones or acids, the corresponding silyl ethers, acetals, ketals or esters can be prepared can be later removed using standard protection/deprotection protocols known in the art. (Kocienski,  Protecting Groups , Thieme 1994). In the case of R 5  being an amino group, protection as an amide by reaction with an activated acyl group is possible, alternatively it is possible to prepare the amino group at a later stage from the corresponding aryl halide by reactions known in the art.  
           [0123]    Molecular Biology Characterization of RXR Activating Compounds  
           [0124]    Competitive Binding Assay  
           [0125]    The method involves direct interaction between ligand and RXR and was analyzed by displacement of RXR bound [ 3 H] 9-cis RA (retinoic acid) in a competition assay essentially as described (Levin et al.  Nature  1992, 355, 359-361 and Heyman et al.  Cell  1992, 68, 397-406). Briefly, extracts of infected baculovirus cells expressing recombinant RXRa is used as source of binding activity. The compound of interest is incubated in the presence of [ 3 H] 9-cis RA with RXRa containing extract. Bound probe is separated from unbound through sephadex G50 chromatography. The amount of remaining bound [ 3 H] 9-cis RA was quantitated by scintillation counting.  
           [0126]    RXR Transcriptional Activation  
           [0127]    The activation potential of a given compound was studied in a transient trans-activation assay, essentially as described (Heyman et al.  Cell  1992, 68, 397-406 and Tate et al.  Mol. Cel. Biol.  1994, 14, 2323-2330). Expression plasmids encoding RXRa and a DR5 (direct repeat N 5 ) driven luciferase reporter plasmid was cotransfected into eucaryotic cells. Transfections also contained a plasmid constitutively expressing b-galactosidase (pCMVbgal) and carrier DNA (pGEM). 48 h after transfection cells were washed in PBS and re-fed medium containing ligand or vehicle (DMSO or Ethanol). Following overnight incubation cells were lysed and assayed for luciferase activity. Activation is expressed as the relative amount of luciferase activity (normalized to b-galactosidase activity) in treated versus untreated samples.  
           [0128]    To determine the specificity of the ligands all were assayed on several nuclear receptors, most notably on RAR. For example, 9-cis retinoic acid (RA) activates both RXR and RAR whereas all-trans RA displays selectivity for RAR, (Heyman et al.  Cell  1992, 68, 397-406).  
         Pharmaceutical Compositions  
         [0129]    In another aspect, the present invention includes within its scope pharmaceutical compositions comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one of the compounds of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.  
           [0130]    Pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of the present invention may be prepared by conventional techniques, e.g. as described in  Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy,  19 th  Ed., 1995. The compositions may appear in conventional forms such as, for example, capsules, tablets, aerosols, solutions, suspensions or topical applications.  
           [0131]    Typical compositions include a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, associated with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient which may be a carrier or a diluent or be diluted by a carrier, or enclosed within a carrier which can be in the form of a capsule, sachet, paper or other container. In making the compositions, conventional techniques for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions may be used. For example, the active compound will usually be mixed with a carrier, or diluted by a carrier, or enclosed within a carrier which may be in the form of a ampule, capsule, sachet, paper, or other container. When the carrier serves as a diluent, it may be solid, semi-solid, or liquid material which acts as a vehicle, excipient, or medium for the active compound. The active compound can be adsorbed on a granular solid container for example in a sachet. Some examples of suitable carriers are water, salt solutions, alcohols, polyethylene glycols, polyhydroxyethoxylated castor oil, peanut oil, olive oil, gelatin, lactose, terra alba, sucrose, cyclodextrin, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, agar, pectin, acacia, stearic acid or lower alkyl ethers of cellulose, silicic acid, fatty acids, fatty acid amines, fatty acid monoglycerides and diglycerides, pentaerythritol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene, hydroxymethylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Similarly, the carrier or diluent may include any sustained release material known in the art, such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone or mixed with a wax. The formulations may also include wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, preserving agents, sweetening agents or flavoring agents. The formulations of the invention may be formulated so as to provide quick, sustained, or delayed release of the active ingredient after administration to the patient by employing procedures well known in the art.  
           [0132]    The pharmaceutical compositions can be sterilized and mixed, if desired, with auxiliary agents, emulsifiers, salt for influencing osmotic pressure, buffers and/or coloring substances and the like, which do not deleteriously react with the active compounds.  
           [0133]    The route of administration may be any route, which effectively transports the active compound to the appropriate or desired site of action, such as oral, nasal, pulmonary, transdermal or parenteral, e.g. rectal, depot, subcutaneous, intravenous, intraurethral, intramuscular, intranasal, ophthalmic solution or an ointment, the oral route being preferred.  
           [0134]    If a solid carrier is used for oral administration, the preparation may be tabletted, placed in a hard gelatin capsule in powder or pellet form or it can be in the form of a troche or lozenge. If a liquid carrier is used, the preparation may be in the form of a syrup, emulsion, soft gelatin capsule or sterile injectable liquid such as an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid suspension or solution.  
           [0135]    For nasal administration, the preparation may contain a compound of formula I dissolved or suspended in a liquid carrier, in particular an aqueous carrier, for aerosol application. The carrier may contain additives such as solubilizing agents, e.g. propylene glycol, surfactants, absorption enhancers such as lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) or cyclodextrin, or preservatives such as parabens.  
           [0136]    For parenteral application, particularly suitable are injectable solutions or suspensions, preferably aqueous solutions with the active compound dissolved in polyhydroxylated castor oil.  
           [0137]    Tablets, dragees, or capsules having talc and/or a carbohydrate carrier or binder or the like are particularly suitable for oral application. Preferable carriers for tablets, dragees, or capsules include lactose, corn starch, and/or potato starch. A syrup or elixir can be used in cases where a sweetened vehicle can be employed.  
           [0138]    A typical tablet which may be prepared by conventional tabletting techniques may contain:  
                                                           Core:                   Active compound (as free compound or salt thereof)   5   mg           Colloidal silicon dioxide (AEROSIL)   1.5   mg           Cellulose, microcryst. (AVICEL)   70   mg           Modified cellulose gum (AC-DI-SOL)   7.5   mg           Magnesium stearate   Ad.           Coating:           HPMC approx.   9   mg           *Mywacett 9-40 T approx.   0.9   mg                                  
 
           [0139]    The compounds of the invention may be administered to a mammal, especially a human in need of such treatment, prevention, elimination, alleviation or amelioration of diseases related to the regulation of blood sugar. Such mammals include also animals, both domestic animals, e.g. household pets, and non-domestic animals such as wildlife.  
           [0140]    The compounds of the invention are effective over a wide dosage range. For example, in the treatment of adult humans, dosages from about 0.05 to about 100 mg, preferably from about 0.1 to about 100 mg, per day may be used. A most preferable dosage is about 0.1 mg to about 70 mg per day. In choosing a regimen for patients it may frequently be necessary to begin with a dosage of from about 2 to about 70 mg per day and when the condition is under control to reduce the dosage to as low as from about 0.1 to about 10 mg per day. The exact dosage will depend upon the mode of administration, on the therapy desired, form in which administered, the subject to be treated and the body weight of the subject to be treated, and the preference and experience of the physician or veterinarian in charge.  
           [0141]    Generally, the compounds of the present invention are dispensed in unit dosage form comprising from about 0.1 to about 100 mg of active ingredient together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier per unit dosage.  
           [0142]    Usually, dosage forms suitable for oral, nasal, pulmonal or transdermal administration comprise from about 0.001 mg to about 100 mg, preferably from about 0.01 mg to about 50 mg of the compounds of formula I admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.  
           [0143]    In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of treating and/or preventing type I or type II diabetes.  
           [0144]    In a still further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of one or more compounds of formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of type I or type II diabetes.  
           [0145]    Any novel feature or combination of features described herein is considered essential to this invention. 
       
    
    
     EXAMPLES  
       [0146]    The process for preparing compounds of formula I and preparations containing them is further illustrated in the following examples, which however, are not to be construed as limiting.  
         [0147]    The structures of the compounds are confirmed by either elemental analysis (MA) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or mass spectrometry (MS). NMR shifts (d) are given in parts per million (ppm) and only selected peaks are given. mp is melting point and is given in ° C. Column chromatography was carried out using the technique described by W. C. Still et al., J. Org. Chem. 1978, 43, 2923-2925 on Merck silica gel 60 (Art 9385). Compounds used as starting materials are either known compounds or compounds which can readily be prepared by methods known per se.  
                                             Abbrevations:                                    TLC:   thin layer chromatography           DMSO:   dimethylsulfoxide           CDCl 3 :   deutorated chloroform           DMF:   N,N-dimethylformamide           min:   minutes                      
 
         [0148]    h: hours  
       Example 1  
     3-[5-(3,5,5,8,8-Pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidenemethyl]-benzoic Acid  
       [0149]    Step 1  
         [0150]    To a mixture of dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) (220 mg, 0.3 mmol), sodium acetate (2.1 g , 15 mmol) and 3-chloro-cyclopentpent-2-enone (1.2 g, 10.3 mmol) in methanol (35 mL) at room temperature under nitrogen was added 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-2-naphthaleneboronic acid (2.7 g, 11 mmol) and the mixture heated at reflux for 3 h, cooled to room temperature and filtered through a plug of Celite. Concentration under reduced pressure gave a residue which was purified by flash chromatography to give 3-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enone (2.0 g, 73%).  
         [0151]    [0151] 1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): 1.27 (12H, s), 1.65 (4H, s), 2.47 (3H, s), 2.53 (2H, m), 3.03 (2H, m), 6.32 (6H, m), 7.18 (1H, s), 7.42 (1H, s).  
         [0152]    [0152] 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): 209.9, 175.7, 147.1, 142.8, 133.3, 132.5, 131.6, 129.6, 125.6, 34.9, 34.2, 34.0, 31.9, 31.8, 31.6, 21.6.  
         [0153]    MS Calcd for C 20 H 26 O: 282.4. Found: 282.8.  
         [0154]    Step 2  
         [0155]    To a stirred solution 3-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enone (6.5 g, 23 mmol) in methanol (175 mL) at ice bath temperature was added cerium chloride heptahydrate (12.3 g, 33 mmol) and the whole stirred for 5 min. Sodium borohydride (1.3 g, 33 mmol) was then added in one portion and the reaction stirred for 15 min. Diethyl ether (15 mL) and a mixture of brine (5 mL) and dilute HCl (1 mL) was added and the organic phase recovered. The aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether and the combined organic layers dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated to give a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (eluant 4 hexane:1 ethyl acetate) to give 3-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enol (4.1 g, 63%).  
         [0156]    [0156] 1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): 1.25 (12H, d), 1.55 (1H, s), 1.62 (4H, s), 1.65-1.8 (1H, m), 2.39 (3H, s), 2.32-2.48 (1H, m), 2.51-2.70 (1H, m), 2.83-2.95 (1H, m), 4.99 (1H, bs), 5.82 (m), 7.10 (1H, s), 7.13 (1H, s).  
         [0157]    Step 3  
         [0158]    To a stirred solution of diethylzinc (0.59 mL, 5.2 mmol) dichloroethane (15 mL) in an ice bath was added, dropwise, chloroiodoethane (0.76 mL, 10.4 mmol) forming a white suspension. After 10 min 3-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-cyclopent-2-enol (1.0 g, 3.5 mmol) in dichloroethane (5 mL) was added and the reaction stirred at this temperature for 5 min. The reaction mixture was diluted with diethyl ether and saturated ammonium chloride (8 mL) was added. The ether phase was washed with water and dried over sodium sulphate, and concentrated to give a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (eluant 4 hexane:1 ethyl acetate) to give 5-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-ol (0.51 g, 49%).  
         [0159]    [0159] 1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): 0.73 (1H, q), 1.12 (1H, t), 1.26 (12H, s), 1.64 (4H, s), 1.69-2.10 (6H, m), 2.32 (3H, s), 4.72-4.85 (1H, m), 7.02 (1H, s), 7.15 (1H, s).  
         [0160]    [0160] 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): 144.5, 143.6, 140.2, 136.1, 129.5, 129.1, 75.8, 36.6, 35.3, 33.6, 33.4, 33.3, 33.2, 32.9, 31.7, 31.2, 24.0, 15.6.  
         [0161]    Step 4  
         [0162]    A mixture of 5-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-ol (610 mg, 2 mmol), pyridinium chlorochromate (880 mg, 4 mmol) and dichloromethane (40 mL) was stirred for 1 h at ice bath temperature. Removal of solvent under reduced pressure gave a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (eluant 4 hexane:1 ethyl acetate) to give 5-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-one (590 mg, 97%).  
         [0163]    [0163] 1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): 1.71 (12H, d), 1.47 (1H, t), 1.50-1.53 (1H, m), 1.65 (4H, s), 2.03 (1H, q), 2.10-2.40 (4H, m), 2.33 (3H, s), 7.07 (1H, s), 7.11 (1H, s).  
         [0164]    [0164] 13  C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): 124.8, 144.3, 142.8, 136.8, 134.6, 128.6, 127.6, 37.7, 35.2, 34.1, 33.7, 32.0, 29.7, 20.6, 19.1.  
         [0165]    Step 5  
         [0166]    To a stirred suspension of sodium hydride (180 mg of 60% in mineral oil, 4.5 mmol) in THF (5 mL) under nitrogen at ice bath temperature was added 3-(diethoxy-phosphorylmethyl)-benzoic acid methyl ester (1.3 g, 4.5 mmol) in THF (3 mL) and the mixture stirred for 20 min. A mixture of 5-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-one (270 mg, 0.9 mmol) and 15-crown-5 (0.9 mL, 4.5 mmol) was added and the reaction stirred for 1 h. Ice water was added and the aqueous phase extracted with diethyl ether, the combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulphate, and concentrated to give a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (eluant 10 hexane:1 ethyl acetate) to give a mixture of 3-[5-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidenemethyl]-benzoic acid methyl ester and 3-[5-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidenemethyl]-benzoic acid ethyl ester (390 mg) which were used directly in the next step.  
         [0167]    Step 6  
         [0168]    A mixture of 3-[5-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidenemethyl]-benzoic acid methyl ester and 3-[5-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ylidenemethyl]-benzoic acid ethyl ester (390 mg) and aqueous potassium hydroxide (1 mL of 6M) in methanol (5 mL) was heated at reflux for 1 h. Dilute hydrochloric acid was added and a precipitate formed. The aqueous solvent was removed and the residue triturated with water. Recrystallization from methanol gave the title compound (40 mg).  
         [0169]    [0169] 1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): 1.18 (12H, m), 1.4 (1H, m), 1.61 (4H, s), 1.90-2.10 (2H, m), 2.21 (3H, s), 2.30-2.75 (4H, m), 6.35 (1H, s), 6.99 (1H, s), 7.12 (1H, s), 7.39 (1H, t), 7.63 (1H, d), 7.89 (1H, d), 8.16 (1H, s).