AU2003201363B2 - Benzimidazole analogs as down-regulators of IgE - Google Patents

Description

19- 3-03; 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 9/ 53

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 DIVISIONAL APPLICATION NAME OF APPLICANT Avanir Pharmacenticals ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys 1 Little Collins Street Melbourne, 3000.

INVENTION TITLE: "Benzimidazole analogs as down-regulators of IgE" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: 19- 3-03: 5!10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE iPAust Secure fax 1 9/ 53 BENZ1MIDAZOLE ANALOGS AS DOWN-REGULATORS OF IgE Backround of the invention This is a divisional of Australian patent application No. 754943 (43120/99), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This invention relates to small molecule inhibitors of the IgE response to allergens that are useful in the treatment of allergy and/or asthma or any diseases where IgE is pathogenic.

An estimated 10 million persons in the United States have asthma, about 5% of the population. The estimated cost of asthma in the United States exceeds $6 billion. About of patients with asthma who seek emergency care require hospitalization, and the largest single direct medical expenditure for asthma has been inpatient hospital services (emergency care), at a cost of greater than $1.6 billion. The cost for prescription medications, which increased 54% between 1985 and 1990, was close behind at 1.1 billion (Kelly, Pharmacotherapy 12:13 9-2 IS (1997)).

According to the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, asthma accounts for 1% of all ambulatory care visits, and the disease continues to be a significant cause of missed school days in children. Despite improved understanding of the disease process and better drugs, asthma morbidity and mortality continue to rise in this country and worldwide Department of Health and Human Services; 1991, publication no. 91- 3042). Thus, asthma constitutes a significant public health problem.

The pathophysiologic processes that attend the onset of an asthmatic episode can be broken down into essentially two phases, both marked by bronchoconstriction, that causes wheezing, chest tightness, and dyspnea. The first early phase asthmatic response is triggered by allergens, iritants, or exercise. Allergens cross-link imnmunoglobulin E (IgE) molecules bound to receptors on mast cells, causing them to release a number of preformed inflammatory mediators, including histamine. Additional triggers include the osmotic

F

changes in airway tissues following exercise or the inhalation of cold, dry air. The second, late phase response that follows is characterized by infiltration of activated 1 19- 3-03; 5:1OPM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 10/ 53 eosinophils and other inflammatory cells into airway tissues, epithelial desquamonon, and by the presence of highly viscous mucus within the airways. The damage caused by this inflammatory response leaves the airways "primed" or sensitized, such that smaller triggers are required to elicit subsequent asthma symptoms.

A number of drugs are available for the palliative treatment for the palliative treatment of asthma; however, their efficacies vary markedly. Short-acting P2-adrenergic agonists, terbutaline and albuterol, long the mainstay of asthma treatment act primarily during the early phase as bronchodilators. The newer long-acting p2-agonists, salmeterol and formoterol, may reduce the bronchoconstrictive component of the late response.

However, because the 2-agonists do not possess significant antiinflammatory activity, they have no effect on bronchial hyperreactivity.

Numerous other drugs target-specific aspects of the early or late asthmatic responses. For example, antihistamines, like loratadine, inhibit early histamine-mediated inflammatory responses. Some of the newer antihistamines, such as azelastine and ketotifen, may have both antiinflammatory and weak bronchodilatory effects, but they currently do not have any established efficacy in asthma treatment. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors, like theophylline/xanthines, may attenuate late inflammatory responses, but there is no evidence that these compounds decrease bronchial hyperreactivity.

Anticholinergics, like ipratopium bromide, which are used in cases of acute asthma to inhibit severe bronchoconstriction have no effect on early or late phase inflammation, no effect on bronchial hyperreactivity, and therefore, essentially no role in chronic therapy.

The corticosteroid drugs, like budesonide, are the most potent antiinflammatory agents. Inflammatory mediator release inhibitors, like cromolyn and nedocromil, act by stabilizing mast cells and thereby inhibiting the late phase inflammatory response to allergen. Thus, cromolyn and nedocromil, as well as the corticosteroids, all reduce bronchial hyperreactivity by minimizing the sensitizing effect of inflammatory damage to the airways. Unfortunately, these antiinflammatory agents do not produce bronchodilation.

19- 3-03B 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 11/ 53 Several new agents are currently being developed that inhibit specific aspects of asthmatic inflammation. For instance, leukotriene receptor antagonists (ICI-204, 219, accolatc), specifically inhibit leukotriene-mediated actions. The leukotrienes have been implicated in the production of both airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction.

Thus, while numerous drugs are currently available for the treatment of asthma, these compounds are primarily palliative and/or have significant side effects.

Consequently, new therapeutic approaches which target the underlying cause rather than the cascade of symptoms would be highly desirable. Asthma and allergy share a common dependence on IgE-mediated events. Indeed, it is known that excess IgE production is the underlying cause of allergies in general and allergic asthma in particular (Duplantier and Cheng, Ann. Rep. Med. Chem. 29:73-81 (1994)). Thus, compounds that lower IgE levels may be effective in treating the-underlying cause of asthma and allergy.

None of the current therapies eliminate the excess circulating IgE. The hypothesis that lowering plasma IgE may reduce the allergic response, was confirmed by recent clinical results with chimeric anti-IgE antibody, CGP-51901, and recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody, rhuMAB-E25. Indeed, three companies, Tanox Biosystems, Inc., Genentech Inc., and Novartis AG are collaborating in the development of a humanized anti-IgE antibody (BioWorld® Today, February 26, 1997, p. 2) which will treat allergy and asthma by neutralizing excess IgE. Tanox has already successfully tested the anti- IgE antibody, COP-51901, which reduced the severity and duration of nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis in a 155-patient Phase II trial (Scrip #2080, Nov 24, 1995, p.26).

Genentech recently disclosed positive results from a 536 patient phase II/II trials of its recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody, rhuMAB-E25 (BioWorld® Today, November 10, 1998, p. The antibody, rhuMAB-E25, administered by injection (highest dose 300 mg every 2 to 4 weeks as needed) provided a 50% reduction in the number of days a patient required additional "rescue" medicines (antihistamines and decongestants), compared to placebo. An NDA filing for this product is projected to be PA\OPERWA2\2O6\203201363 amid pagc5 do-2210/6 in the year 2000. The positive results from anti-IgE antibody trials suggest that therapeutic strategies aimed at IgE down-regulation may be effective.

Summary of the Invention According to one embodiment of the present invention there is provided compounds, or salts thereof, which are useful for treating or preventing an allergic reaction associated with increased IgE levels in a mammal and are characterised with the following Structure 1(A):

X

H N 0 R2 N- I N Structure 1(A) R2 R1 Y H O

R

wherein X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, substituted aryl, hydroxy, halogen, amino, alkylamino, nitro, cyano, CF3,

OCF

3

CONH

2 CONHR and NHCORi; wherein R is selected from the group consisting of H, CH 3

C

2

H

5

C

3

H

7

C

4

H

9

CH

2 Ph, and CH 2

C

6

H

4 and wherein R, and R 2 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, multi-ring cycloalkyl, fused-ring aliphatic, cyclopropyl, substituted cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, substituted cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, substituted cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, substituted cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, substituted cycloheptyl, bicycloheptyl, bicyclooctyl, bicyclononyl, substituted bicycloalkenyl, adamantyl, and substituted adamantyl, heterocyclic rings, and substituted heterocyclic rings; wherein the substituents on said substituted alkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted cyclopropyl, substituted cyclobutyl, substituted cyclopentyl, substituted cyclohexyl, substituted cycloheptyl, substituted bicycloalkenyl, substituted adamantyl, and substituted heterocyclic ring are selected from the group consisting of alkyl, acyl, aryl,

CF

3

CH

3

OCH

3 OH, CN, COOR, COOH, and heterocyclic ring; and wherein at least one of RI, R 2 or said substituents is a heterocyclic ring.

-4- P:\OPER\Ma2006\2003201363 amoid paga.doc28/O6 In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more compounds of Structure 1(A).

In another aspect of the invention there is provided use of a compound of Structure 1(A) in the preparation of a medicament for treatment of a disease condition associated with excess IgE.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a method for treating or preventing an allergic reaction in a mammal wherein said reaction is caused by an increase in IgE levels comprising administering an IgE-suppressing amount of at least one compound of Structure 1(A).

The compound of Structure 1(A) may for example be selected from N 0

O

Or or3H H

N-

H H

F

3 C- o 0 19- 3-03; 511OPM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 14/ 53 PW~e!R'&W6WWv Wi'i2"wihWe4 H N NH0d N2

\>RO

0 HMJy~ N-0 o H HHCOt and

CN

NN

N

0 H In a still further embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of preparing a compound or salt thereof having the formula: x H N N0

NN

Y H 0 R wherein X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of H, allyl, alkoxy, aryl, substituted aryl, hydroxy, halogen, amino alkyamino, nitro, cyano, CF,

OCF

3 CONH, CONHR and NHCORi; wherein R is selected from the group consisting of H, C 3 C2H5, 3

H

7

C

4

H

9 CHzPh, and CH 2 C6H-F(p-); and wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cysloalkyl, multi-ring cycloalkyl, fused-ring aliphatic, cyclopropyl, substituted cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, substituted cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, substituted cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, substituted cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, substituted cycloheptyl, bicycloheptyl, bicyclooctyl, bicyolononyl. substituted bicycloalkenyl, adamantyl, and substituted adamantyl, heterocyclic rings, and substituted heterocyclic rings; wherein the substituents on said substituted alkyl, substituted cycloalcyl, substituted cyclopropyl, substituted cyclobutyl, substituted cyclopentyl, substituted cyclohexyl, substituted cycloheptyl, substituted bicycloalkenyl, substituted adamrnantyl, and 6 19- 3-03; 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 15/ 53 substituted hterocyclic ring are selected from the group consisting of alkyl, acyl, aryl,

CF

3 CH3, OCH3, OH, CN, COOR, COOH, and heterocyclic ring; and wherein at least one of Ri, R 2 or said substituents is a heterocyclic ring; wherein the method comprises: reacting a diaminonitrobenzene with an aminobenzoic acid to yield a first intermediate or salt thereof; and acylating said first intermediate or salt thereof to yield a second intermediate or salt thereof; reducing said second intermediate or salt thereof to yield a third intermediate or salt thereof; and acylating said third intermediate or salt thereof to obtain said compound or salt thereof.

In a variation of the above disclosed method, at least one additional active ingredient may be administered in conjunction with the administration of the compound.

The additional active ingredient may be combined with said compound in a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent and co-administered to the mammal. The additional active ingredient may be a short-acting 82-adrenergic agonist selected from the group consisting of terbutaline and albuterol. In a variation, the additional active ingredient may be a long-acting B2-adrenergic agonist selected from the group consisting of salmeterol and formoterol or an antihistamine selected from the group consisting of loratadine, azelastine and ketotifen. In another variation, the additional active ingredient may be a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, an anti-cholinergic agent, a corticosteroid, an inflammatory mediator release inhibitor or a leukotriene receptor antagonist.

The next page is page 28 19- 3-03; 5:!IOPM:DAVIES COLLISON CAVE tPAust Secure fax 16/ 53 The compound is preferably administered at a dose of about 0.01 mg to about 100 mg per kg body weight per day in divided doses of said compound for at least two consecutive days at regular periodic intervals.

Other variations within the scope of the present invention may be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment The present invention is directed to small molecule inhibitors of IgE (synthesis and/or release) which are useful in the treatment of allergy and/or asthma or any diseases where IgE is pathogenic. The particular compounds disclosed herein were identified by their ability to suppress IgE levels in both ex vivo and in vivo assays. Development and optimization of clinical treatment regimens can be monitored by those of skill in the art by reference to the ex vivo and in vivo assays described below.

Fx -vivo Assay This assay begins with in vivo antigen priming and measures secondary antibody responses in vitro. The basic protocol was documented and optimized for a range of parameters including: antigen dose for priming and time span following priming, number of cells cultured in vitro, antigen concentrations for eliciting secondary IgE (and other Ig's) response in vitro, fetal bovine serum (FBS) batch tat will permit optimal IgE response in vitro, the importance of primed CD4+ T cells and hapten-specific B cells, and specificity of the ELISA assay for IgE (Marcelletti and Katz, Cellular Immunology 13 5:471-489 (1991); incorporated herein by reference).

The actual protocol utilized for this project was adapted for a more high throughput analyses. BALB/cByj mice were immunized i.p. with 10 pg DNP-KLH adsorbed onto 4 mg alum and sacrificed after 15 days. Spleens were excised and homogenized in a tissue grinder, washed twice, and maintained in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS, 100 U/ml penicillin, 100 pg/ml streptomycin and 0.0005% 2-mercaptoetbanol. Spleen cell cultures were established (2-3 million cells/ml, 0.2 ml/well in quadruplicate, 96-well plates) in the presence or absence of DNP-KLH (10 ng/ml). Test compounds (2 pg/ml 19- 3-03; 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 17/ 53 and 50 ng/ml) were added to the spleen cell cultures containing antigen and incubated at 37' C for 8 days in an atmosphere of 10% CO 2 Culture supernatants were collected after 8 days and Ig's were measured by a modification of the specific isotype selective ELISA assay described by Marcelletti and Katz (Supra). The assay was modified to facilitate high throughput. ELISA plates were prepared by coating with DNP-KLH overnight. After blocking with bovine serum albumin (BSA), an aliquot of each culture supernatant was diluted (1:4 in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) with BSA, sodium azide and Tween 20), added to the ELISA plates, and incubated overnight in a humidified box at 4' C. IgE levels were quantitated following successive incubations with biotinylated-goat antimouse IgE (b-GAME), APstreptavidin and substrate.

Antigen-specific IgGO was measured similarly, except that culture supernatants were diluted 200-fold and biotinylated-goat antimouse IGGI (b-GAMG1) was substituted for b-GAME. IgG2a was measured in ELISA plates that were coated with DNP-KLH following a 1:20 dilution of culture supernatants and incubation with biotinylated-goat antimouse IgG2a (b-GAMO2a). Quantitation of each isotype was determined by comparison to a standard curve. The level of detectability of all antibody was about 200- 400 pg/ml and there was less than 0.001% cross-reactivity with any other Ig isotype in the ELISA for IgE.

In Vivo Assay Conpounds found to be active in the ex vivo assay (above) were further tested for their activity in suppressing IgE responses in vivo. Mice receiving low-dose radiation prior to immunization with a carrier exhibited an enhanced IgE response to sensitization with antigen 7 days later. Administration of the test compounds immediately prior to and after antigen sensitization, measured the ability of that drug to suppress the IgE response.

The levels of IgE, IgGI and IgG2a in serum were compared, Female BALB/cByj mice were irradiated with 250 rads 7 hours after initiation of the daily light cycle. Two hours later, the mice were immunized i.p. with 2 ipg of K.LH in 4 mg alum. Two to seven consecutive days of drug injections were initiated 6 days later on either a once or twice daily basis. Typically, i.p. injections and oral gavages 19- 3-03; 5!10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 19/ 53 were administered as suspensions (150 pl/injection) in saline with 10% ethanol and 0.25% methylceilulose. Each treatment group was composed of 5-6 mice. On the second day of drug administration, 2 s.g of DNP-KLH was administered i.p. in 4 mg alum, immediately following the morning injection of drug. Mice were bled 7-21 days following DNP-KLH challenge.

Antigen-specific IgE, IgGI and IgG2a antibodies were measured by ELISA.

Periorbital bleeds were centrifuged at 14,000 rpm for 10 min, the supematants were diluted 5-fold in saline, and centrifuged again. Antibody concentrations of each bleed were determined by ELISA of four dilutions (in triplicate) and compared to a standard curve: anti-DNP IgE (1:100 to 1:800), anti-DNP IgG2a (1:100 to 1:800), and anti-DNP IgGI (1:1600 to 1:12800).

Diacyl Benzimidazole Inhibitors of IgE Several species embraced by the following generic formula were synthesized and evaluated for their effectiveness in down-regulating IgE in the ex vivo and in vivo assays.

0 R

RX

N N

Y

X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, substituted aryl, hydroxy, halogen, amino, alkylamino, nitro, cyano, CF 3 OCF3,

CONH

2 CONHR and NHCORI.

R is selected from the group consisting of H, CH 3 C2H5, C3H7, C4H CHPh, and

CH

2 CH4-F(p-).

RI and R 2 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl substituted cycloalkyl, multi-ring cycloalkyl, fused-ring aliphatic, cyclopropyl, substituted cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, substituted cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, substituted 1 19- 3-03: 5:1PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 19/ 53 cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, substituted cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, substituted cycloheptyl, bicycloheptyl, bicyclooctyl, bicyclononyl, substituted bicycloalkenyl, adamanty), substituted adamantyl and the like. Substitutions are alkyl, aryl, CF3, CH 3 OCH3, OH, CN, COOR, COOH and the like.

Another related genus is the monoacylated variation illustrated below: x

N

S-124 N N R1 Y I H O0

R

X is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, substituted ary), hydroxy, halogen, amino, alkylamino, nitro, cyano, CF 3

OCF

3

CONH

2 CONHR and NHCORI. Y is selected from the group consisting of mono, di, and tri substituted H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, substituted aryl, hydroxy, halogen, amino, alkylamino, nitro, cyano, CF3, OCF3, CONH 2 CONHR and NHCOR.I, R is selected from the group consisting of H, CH, C2Hs, CHfr, C 4 H, CH 2 Ph, CH2Ci-F(p). RI is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl substituted cycloalkyl, multi-ring cycloalkyl, fused-ring aliphatic, cyclopropyl, substituted cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, substituted cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, substituted cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, substituted cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, substituted cycloheptyl, bicycloheptyl, bicyclooctyl, bicyclononyl, substituted bicycloalkenyl, adamantyl, substituted adamantyl and the like. Substitutions are alkyl, aryl, CF, CH3, OCH,, OH, CN, COOR, COOH and the like.

Synthesis of the Combinatorial Library The diacyl benzimidazole compounds of the present invention were prepared using the following synthesis reactions, wherein the desired acid chlorides are selected from the RI and R2 groups provided in the Table I 19- 3-03; 5110PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 20/ 53 1

HO

2 POCl

WN-A#

O N N H2

M

RCO

eCOCI pyritne refx ~tQ~O~NSR1 r&~ H o H

O

6 Synthesis of3 4-Nitro-1,2-phenylenediamine (10g, 65.3 mmol) and 4aminobenzoic acid (8.95 g, 65.3 mmol) were taken in a round bottomed flask and phosphorus oxychloride (95 ml) was added slowly. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir under reflux conditions. After 18 h, the reaction was allowed to cool and then poured slowly into an ice water mixture in an Erlenmeyr flask with vigorous stirring. Greenish yellow precipitate fell out which wasthen filtered and washed with copious amounts of water. The residue was then dried to obtain 16.9 g of crude desired product. Mass spectrum analysis (positive ion) indicated presence of 3.

Synthesis of4 Benzimidazole 3 (800 mg, 3.14 mmol) was dissolved in dry pyridine (5 ml) in a scintillation vial and the desired acid chlorides (1.1 eq) were added slowly. The reactions were carried out in an oven at 60C. After 16h, the reaction was cooled to RT and DI water was added. Precipitation took place, which was filtered off, washed with water and air dried. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (6 x ml), dried over anhydrous Na 2 SO4 and the solvent was removed in vacuo to result in a colored solid. By positive ion MS the desired monoacylated product was found to be t9- 3-03; 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 21/ 53 present in the initial precipitate as well as in the organic layer. Hence the solid residues obtained were combined and used as such for the reduction step.

Reduction of 4 Crude monoacylated nitro benzinidazole 4 (1.22 g, 3.40 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (20 ml) and minimum amount of THF was added for complete dissolution to occur. Catalytic amount of 10% Pd on C was added and the solution was degassed and allowed to stir at 3.4 aun pressure under H2 atmosphere for 4 h. Upon completion of reaction as observed via TLC, the reaction mixture was filtered through celite and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford 979 mg of crude residue.

19- 3-03: 5'10PM:DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 22/ 53 19- 3-03; 5l10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 23/ 53 General Organic Analyses HPLC/MS data was obtained using a Gilson semi-prep HPLC with a Gilson 170 Diode Array UV detector and PE Sciex API 100LC MS based detector. A Waters 600E with a Waters 490E UV detector was also used for recording HPLC data. The compounds were eluted with a gradient of CH 3 CN (with 0.0035% TFA) and H20 (with 0.01% TFA). Both HPLC instruments used Advantage CIS 60A 5p 50mm x 4.6mm columns from Thomson Instrument Company. Mass spectra were obtained by direct injection and electrospray ionization on a PE Sciex API 100LC MS based detector. Thin layer chromatography was performed using Merck 60F-254 aluminum backed pre-coated plates. Flash chromatography was carried out on Merck silica gel 60 (230-400 mesh) purchased from EM Scientific.

Syntheses of Symmetrical Diamides The symmetrical diacyl benzimidazole compounds of the present invention were generally prepared from 2-(4-aminophenyl)-5-aminobenzimidazole, which was obtained by reduction of 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-6-nitrobenzimidazole.

19- 3-03; 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 24/ 53

H

S-125 J NO 2 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-6-nitrobenzimidazole The dinitro benzimidazole was prepared as follows: a mixture of 4nitrophenylenediamine (6.4g, 41.83 mmol) and 4-nitrobenzoic acid (7.86 g, 47 mmol) was dissolved in POCI3 (250 ml) and heated to reflux for 2 h. The reaction mixture was cooled, poured on to ice, and stirred for 30 min. The resulting solid was filtered and washed with methanol and sodium bicarbonate to remove unreacted acid and allowed to dry overnight to give the desired product as a brown solid The product was characterized by electrospray mass spectroscopy (mp >3000 C).

H

S-126 "HNNH 2 2-(4-aminophenyl)-5-aminobenzimidazole 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-5-aminobenzimidazole was prepared by suspending the above solid (75 g) in THF (75 ml), to which was added Pd-C (10% Pd by weight). The flask was purged with hydrogen and stirred under a balloon of hydrogen overnight. TLC and MS showed starting material was still present so the reaction was allowed to continue over the weekend. TLC indicated complete reaction, the reaction was filtered through celite and washed with methanol. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give a dark brown solid (0.37 g) that was used without further purification.

Alternatively, the 2-(4-aminophenyl)-5-aminobenzimidazole was prepared by the following reduction: 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-6-nitrobenzimidazole (8.9 g, 31 mmole) was suspended in concentrated HCI (100 ml) to which was added stannous chloride (42.3 g 180 mmole). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 5 hrs. The mixture was 19- 3-03; 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 25/ 53 cooled to RT and the HC1 salt of the desired product was precipitated by the addition of ethanol. The resulting solid was filtered, re-dissolved in water and the solution made basic by the addition of concentrated ammonium hydroxide. The resulting precipitate was filtered and dried overnight under vacuum to yield the desired product as a gray solid (6.023 g, 26.9 mmole, The product was characterized by electrospray mass spectroscopy and HPLC (mp. 222-227' C).

H

S-127 10 NNO 2 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-mcthoxy benzimidazole 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-5-methoxy benzimidazole was synthesized from 2-(4benzimidazole, which was prepared as follows: 1,2-diamino-4methoxybenzene (1.26 g, 10.0 mmole) was mixed with 4-nitrobenzoic acid (1.67 g, 9.8 mmole) and dissolved in POCI 3 (10 ml) and heated to reflux for 2.5 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and cautiously poured onto ice. The resulting solid was filtered, washed with NaHCO and used with out further purification.

19- 3-03; 510PM:;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 26/ 53

H

0 2

N

S-128 O 2-(4-aminophenyl)-5-methoxy benzimidazole 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-5-methoxy benzimidazoe was prepared by dissolving 1.0 g of the above nitrobenzimidazole in 30% NazS-9H20 (20 mi) with stirring at RT for 21 b.

The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum. The product was characterized by mass spectroscopy.

H

8-129 C X> 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-5,6-dichlor benzimidazole 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-5,6-dichloro benzimidazole was synthesized from 2-(4nitopbenyl)-5,6-dichlor benzimidazole, which was prepared as follows: 1,2-diamino- (1.68 g, 10.0 mmole) was mixed with 4-nitrobenzoic acid (1.58 g, 9.3 mmole), dissolved in POCb (10 ml), and heated to reflux for 2.5 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and cautiously poured onto ice. The resulting solid was filtered, washed with NaHCO 3 and used without further purification.

19- 3-03; 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 27/ 53

H

S-130 I %(NH 2 CI

N

2-(4-Aminophenyl)-5,6-dichloro benzimidazole 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-5,6-dichloro benzimidazole was prepared by dissolving 1.0 g of the above nitrobenzimidazole in 30% Na 2 S9H 2 0 (20 ml) with stirring at RT for 21 h.

The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum. The product was characterized by mass spectroscopy.

S-131 NO 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-7-methyl benzimidazole 2-(4-aminophenyl)-7-methyl benzimidazole was synthesized from 2-(4nitrophenyl)-7-methyl benzimidazole, which was prepared by mixing 1,2-diamino-3methylbenzene (1.24 g, 10.0 mmole) with 4-nitrobenzoic acid (1.69 g, 9.8 mmole), dissolved in POC13 (10 ml), and heated to reflux for 2.5 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and cautiously poured onto ice. The resulting solid was filtered, washed with NaHC03 and used without further purification.

19- 3-03; 5t1OPM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 28/ 53 5-132N NH2 2-(4-aminophenyl)-7-methylbenzimidazole 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-7-methyl beuzimidazole was synthesized by dissolving 1.0 g of the above nitrobenzimidazole in 30% Na 2 S'9H 2 0 (20 ml) with stirring at RT for 4.5 b. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum. The product was characterized by mass spectroscopy.

H

S-133 NO 2 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-6-methylbnzimidazole 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-6-methylbenzimidazole was synthesized from 2-(4-nitrophenyl)- 6-methylbenzimidazole, which was prepared by mixing 1,2-dianino-4-methylbenzene (1.24 g, 9.80 mmol) with 4-nitrobenzoic acid (1.6 g, 9.9 mmole) and dissolved in POC3 ml) and heated to reflux for 2.5 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and cautiously poured onto ice. The resulting solid was filtered, washed with NaHCO 3 and used without further purification.

1 19- 3-03: 5:10PMDAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 29/ 53

H

S-134 N-a 2-(4-aminophenyl)-6-methylbenzimidazole 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-6-methylbenzimidazole was synthesized by dissolving 1.0 g of the above nitrobenzimidazole in 30% Na 2 S9H 2 0 (20 mi) with stirring at RT for 4.5 b.

The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum. The product was characterized by mass spectroscopy.

H

NO

2 S-135 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-5,6-dimethylbezimidazole 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole was synthesized from 2-(4nitophenyl)-5,6-dimcthybenzinidazole, which was prepared by mixing 1,2-diamino-4,5dimethylbnzene (1.38 g, 10.1 mmole) with 4-nitrobenzoic acid (1.69 g, 9.9 mmole) and dissolved'in POCl 3 (10 mi) and heated to reflux for 2.5 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and cautiously poured onto ice. The resulting solid was filtered, washed with NaHCO 3 and used without further purification.

19- 3-03; 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 30/ 53 S-136 X CN 2-(4-aminophenyl)-5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole was synthesized by dissolving g of the above nitrobenzimidazole in 30% Na 2 S9H 2 0 (20 ml) with stirring at RT for h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum. The product was characterized by mass spectroscopy.

The subsequent preparation of symmetrical diamides was accomplished by one of the following methods: Method A: 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-6-aminobenzimidazole (1.0 mmole) was suspended in THF (5 ml) to which was added DIEA (2.5 mmole) and the mixture cooled to -78° C. To the above cooled mixture was added the acid chloride (2.5 mmole) and let warm to RT overnight. Water (2.0 ml) was added to the reaction and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were combined washed with NaHCO 3 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified on silica gel (hexanes/EtOAc or MeOH/CH 2 Cl2 or reverse phase HPLC (CH3CN/H 2 0).

Method B: 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-6-aminobenzimidazole (1.0 mmole) and DMAP (cat) was dissolved in pyridine (5 ml). To the above solution was added the acid chloride (2.5 mmole) and the reaction stirred overnight at 600 C. The reaction was cooled to room temperature and water added to precipitate the product. The resulting solid was collected by filtration with the solid being washed with hexanes and water and NaHCOa The resulting residue was purified on silica gel (hexanes/EtOAc or MeOH/CH2Cl 2 or reverse phase HPLC (CH 3

CN/H

2 0).

19- 3-03; 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 31/ 53 Method C: 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-6-aminobenzimidazole (1.0 mmole) was suspended in THF (10 mi) to which was added K2CO3 (2.5 mmole) in water (0.5 ml). and the mixture cooled to -78° C. To the above cooled mixture was added the acid chloride mmole) and let it warm to RT overnight. Water (10 ml) was added to the reaction and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were combined, washed with NaHCO 3 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified on silica gel (hexanes/EtOAc or McOH/CH 2 CIa) or reverse phase HPLC (CH3CN/H 2 0).

Method D: The carboxylic acid (2.2 mmole), EDC (2.2 mmole) and DMAP (cat.) was dissolved in hot pyridine. To the above solution was added 2-(4-aminophenyl)-6aminobenzimidazole (1.0 mmole) and heated to 60°C overnight. The cooled reaction mixture was partitioned between water and EtOAc. The organic layer was washed with NaHCO 3 dried over Na 2 SO4 and concentrated under vacuum. The resulting residue was purified on silica gel (hexanes/EtOAc or MeOH/CH 2 CI) or reverse phase HPLC (CH3CN/H 2 0).

Diacyl Benzimidazole Species The following species encompassed within the disclosed generic fonnula were synthesized and tested for their ability to suppress IgE. The species are numbered below.

0N s-1 0

H

(1) 2-(N-Cyclohexylcarbonyl-4'-aminophenyl)-6-cyclohexylcarbonylamino)benzimidazole was prepared by Method A from 2-(4-aminophenyl)-6aminobenzimidazole (0.195 g, 0.87 mmole) and cyclohexylcarbonyl chloride (0.291 ml, 0.319 g, 2.175 mmole). The resulting solid (76.7 mg) was purified by preparative HPLC.

1 19- 3-03: 510PM;DAViES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 32/ 53

HO

5-2 AOHN H (2) Bis-t-butylacetyl benzimidazole was prepared by Method A from. 2-(4aminophenyl)-6-amino-benzimidazole (0.195 g, 0.87 mmole) and r-butylacetyl chloride (0.302 nml, 0.292 g, 2.175 mmol). The resulting solid (42.3 mg) was purified by preparative HPLC.

H 0 5-3 H (3) Bis-cyclopentylcarbonyl benzimidazole was prepared by Method A from 2- (4-aminophenyl)-6-amino-benzimidazole (0.195 g, 0.87 mmole) and cyclopentylcarbonyl chloride (0.227 ml, 0.228 g, 2.175 mmol). The resulting solid (42.3 mg) was purified by preparative HPLC.

H

NHN

N>

5-28 H H (4) Bis-adamantylcarbonyl benzimidazole was prepared by Method C from 2- (4-aminophenyl)-6-amino-benzimidazole (0.500 g, 2.23 mmole) and adamantylcarbonyl chloride (1.063 5.35 mmol). The resulting solid was purified by preparative HPLC to give about 100 mg of 97% pure material.

1 19- 3-03: 5:O10PM:DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 33/ 53

H

8-29 N H Bis-cyclopropylcarbonyl benzimidazole was prepared by Method C from 2-(4-aminophenyl)-6-amino benzimidazole (0.500 g, 2.23 mmole) and cyclopropylcarbonyl chloride (0.485 ml, 0.559 g, 5.35 mmol). The resulting solid was purified on silica gel MeOH in CH 2 C2). HPLC shows product is 94% pure.

,X M O 4

NH

0N H (6) Bis-cyclobutylcarbonyl benzimidazole was prepared by Method C from 2- (4-aminophenyl)-6-amino benzimidazole (0.500 g, 2.23 mmole) and cyclobutylcarbonyl chloride (0.610 ml, 0.634 g, 5.35 mmol). The resulting solid was purified on silica gel MeOH in CH2C2). HPLC shows product is 97.4% pure.

0

NI-I

S-137 H (7) Bis-trimethylacetyl benzimidazole was prepared by method C from 2-(4aminopheayl)-6-amino benzimidazole. .(0.500 g, 2.23 mmole) and trimethylacetyl chloride (0.610 ml, 0.634 g, 5.35 mmol). The resulting solid was purified by recrystallization (acetone/hexane) and shown to be 95% pure by HPLC.

0 t 19- 3-03; 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 34/ 53 H 0 S S N N P\ S-4

NH

H (8) Bis-2-thiopheneacetyl bcnzimidazole was prepared by method C from 2-(4aminophenyl)-6-amino benzimidazole (0.500 g, 2.23 mmole) and thiopheneacetyl chloride (0.660 ml, 0.860 g, 5.35 mmol). The resulting solid was purified on silica gel MeOH in CH 2

CI

2 HPLC shows the product is 92% pure.

S 5 14' Oa N H (9) Bis-cycloheptaaecarbonyl benzimidazole was prepared by method C from 2--(4-aminophenyl)-6-amino benzimidazole (0.500 g, 2.23 mmole) and cycloheptanecarbonyl chloride (0.610 ml, 0.634 g, 5.35 mmol). The resulting solid was purified .by preparative HPLC. to give a solid that was 98.8% pure. The cycloheptanecarbonyl chloride was synthesized as follows: cycloheptane carboxylic acid (1.37 ml, 1.42 g, 10 mmole) was added to a dried 25 ml round bottom flask and purged with N 2 To the flask was added oxalyl chloride (7.5 ml, 2 M in CH2CI2) via syringe followed by one drop DMF. The reaction was stirred at RT overnight and the reaction concentrated under vacuum. Methylene chloride (5 ml) was added and concentrated under vacuum to remove residual oxalyl chloride (repeated 5 times).

19- 3-03:* 510P1;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax :135/ 53 -7 0a H F 3 C 0(10) Bis-(N-trifluoroacetylproline) benzimidazole was prepared by methiod A except that CH 2 C1 2 used as solvent from 2-(4-anwinophenyl)-6-amnino benzimidazole (0.448 mg, 2.0 mmole) and (s)-(-)-N-trifluoraacetylproline chloride (42.0 ml, 0.1 M in

CH

2 Cl). The resulting solid was purified on silica gel MaCH in CH 2 Clz). HPLC showed the product was 98.5% pure.

0

-NHHN)

N (11) (11) Bis-proline benzimidazolc, was synthesized by dissolving the bistrifluoroacetyl. derivative in MeOli (5 ml) to which was added a LiOf solution (0.210 g in 5 mlwater). The above mixtue was hated to42 0 "C for 2hours. The reaction mixture was extracted withi CH 2 Ch2 (5 x 15 ml). The combined organic extracts were concentrated wnder vacuum to give a solid which was 95.6%A pure by HIPLC.

H 12 (12) Bis-tran-2-phenyi-cyclopropeneeabonyl benzixnidazole was prepared by method C from 2-(4-amninophenyl)-6-amino benziniidazole (0.500 g, 2.23 mmole) and trans-2-phenyl-cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride (0.83 1 ml, 0.966 g, 5.35 mmole). The 19- 3-03: 5.10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 36/ 53 resulting solid was purified on silica gel MeOH in CH 2

CI

2 HPLC showed the product was 95.5% pure.

S-9 0 O NH H (13) (13) Bis-4-t-butylcyclohexyl carbonyl benzimidazole was prepared by method C from 2-(4-aminophenyl)-6-amino benzimidazole (0.425g, 1.89 mmole) and 4butyl cyclohexylcarbonyl chloride (0.814 g, 4.25 mmole). The resulting solid was purified on silica gel MeOH in CH 2 Ci). HPLC showed the product was 90% pure.

I I

NH

H (14) (14) Bis-1-phenylcyclohexyl carbonyl benzimidazole was prepared by method C from 2-(4-aminophenyl)-6-amino benzimidazolc (0.467 g, 2.08 mmole) and 1-phenylcyclohexylcarbonyl chloride (1.046 The resulting solid was purified on silica gel MeOH in CHClz). HPLC showed the product was 93.3% pure.

I 19- 3-03; 5!10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 37/ 53 S-11 00 H Bis-trans-4-pentylcyclohexylcarbonyl benzimidazole was synthesized as follows: oxaly chloride (1.07 ml, 2 M in CI2Cl2) was added to trans-4-pentylcyclohexyl carboxylic acid (0.424 g, 2.14 mmole) followed by one drop DMF. The mixture was allowed to react at RT for I hour. To the above solution was added 2-(4-amninophenyl)-6amnino-benzimidazole (0.200 g, 0.89 mmole) in pyridine (2 ml). The reaction was heated to 600 C overnight The reaction was cooled and the precipitate filtered and washed with NaHCO and hexanes. The resulting solid was purified by preparative HPLC to yield a solid which was >99% pure.

H 0 5-12 o NH H (16) (16) Bis-l-phenylcyclopropane carbonyl benzimidazole was prepared by method C from 2-(4-aminophenyl)-6-amino benzimidazole (0.530 g, 2.36 mmole) and 1phenyl-cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride (0.9625 g, 5.3 mmole). The resulting solid was purified on silica gel MeOH in CH 2 Cl). HPLC showed the product was 93.4% pure.

19- 3-03; 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 38/ 53 H (17) (17) Bis-(2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropane) carbonyl benzimidazole was synthesized as follows: oxalyl chloride (1.07 ml, 2 M in Ci 2

CI

2 was added to 2,2,3,3tetramethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (0.305 g, 2.14 mmole) followed by one drop DMF. The mixture was allowed to react at RT for 1 hour. To the above solution was added 2-(4-aminophenyl)-6-amino benzimidazole (0.200 g, 0.89 mmole) in pyridine (2 ml). The reaction was heated to 60° C overnight. The reaction was cooled and the precipitate filtered and washed with NaHCO3 and hexanes. The resulting solid was purified by preparative HPLC to yield a solid that was >99% pure, S-54 H (18) (18) Bis-4-methylcyclohexyl carbonyl benzimidazole was prepared by method D from 2-(4-aminophenyl)-6-amino benzimidazole (0.100g, 0.44 mmole) and 4methylcyclohexylcarboxylic acid (0.138 g, 0.96 mmole). The resulting solid was purified on silica gel MeOH in CH 2 Cl 2 HPLC showed the product was 94.5% pure, q lH 0 S-58 H (19) (19) Bis-1-methyleyclohexyl carbonyl benzimidazole was synthesized as follows: oxalyl chloride (1.07 ml, 2 M in CH2C1 2 was added to 1-methyl-cyclobexane 19- 3-03: 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 39/ 53 carboxylic acid (0.305 g, 2.14 mmole) followed by one drop DMF. The mixture was allowed to react at RT for 1 hour. To the above solution was added 2-(4-aminophenyl)-6amino-benzimidazole (0.200 g, 0.89 mmole) in pyridine (2 ml). The reaction mixture was heated to 600C overnight. The reaction was cooled and the precipitate filtered and washed with NaHCO 3 and hexanes. The resulting solid was purified by preparative HPLC to give. a solid that was >99% pure.

S-17 H Bis-bicyclo[2:2:l]heptane-2-carbonyl benzimidazole was prepared as follows: oxalyl chloride (1.07 ml, 2 M in CH 2 Cl 2 was added to bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane carboxylic acid (0.305 g, 2.14 mmole) followed by one drop DMF. The mixture was allowed to react at RT for 1.0 hour. To the above solution was added 2-(4-aminophenyl)- 6-amino-benzimidazole (0.200 g, 0.89 mmole) in pyridine (2 ml). The reaction was heated to 60°C overnight. The reaction was cooled and the precipitate filtered and washed with NaHCO3 and hexanes. The resulting solid was purified by preparative HPLC to give a solid that was 68% pure.

S-56 (21) 19- 3-03; 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 40/ 53 (21) Bis-4-methoxyclohexyl carbonyl benzimidazole was synthesized as follows: Oxalyl chloride, (1.07. ml, 2 M in CH 2 C1 2 was added to 4-methoxycyclohexane carboxylic acid (0.338 g, 2.14 mmole) followed by one drop DMF. The mixture was allowed to react at RT for 1.0 hour. To the above solution was added 2-(4aminophenyl)-6-amino-bcnzimidazole (0.200 g, 0.89 mmole) in pyridine (2 ml). The reaction was heated to 60"C overnight The reaction was cooled and the precipitate filtered and washed with NaHCO 3 and hexanes.

S-13 0 N N NH H (22) (22) Bis-3-thiopheneacetyl benzimidazole was produced as follows: Oxaly) chloride (1.07 ml, 2 M in CH 2 C2) was added to 3-thiopheneacetic acid (0.338 g, 2.14 mmole) followed by one drop DMF. The mixture was allowed to react at RT for hour. To the above solution was added 2-(4-aminophenyl)-6-amino-benzimidazole (0.200 g, 0.89 mmole) in pyridine (2 ml). The reaction was heated to 60C overnight The reaction was cooled and the precipitate filtered and washed with NaHCO and hexanes.

HNCKH 0%( S-14 HN W NN NH H (23) (23) Bis-4-nipecotamide benzimidazole was produced as follows: Bis-N-Boc- 4-nipecotamide benzimidazole (0.400 g) was dissolved in 1:1 TFA-CH2C 2 (4 ml) at overnight The solvent was removed under vacuum and water added, frozen on dry ice and lyophilized to dryness. The Boc-protected benzimidazole was synthesized as follows: Oxalyl chloride (2.82 ml, 2 M in CH 2

CI

2 was added to N-Boc-nipecotic acid (1.293 g, 5.64 mmole) followed by one drop DMF. The mixture was allowed to react at 19- 3-03; 5:1PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 41/ 53 RT for 1 hour. To the above solution was added. 2-(4-aminophenyl)-6-aminobenzimidazole (0.500 g, 2.24 mmole) in pyridine (5 ml). The reaction was heated to overnight The reaction was cooled and the precipitate filtered and washed with NaHCO 3 and hexanes. The resulting solid was found to be >99% pure by HPLC.

Monoacy Benzimidazole Inhibitors of IE A family of IgE inhibitors related to the diacyl compounds described above are asymmetrical monoacylated benzimidazole compounds. Several monoacyl variations were synthesized; these are disclosed below: 2-(N-Cyclohexanecarbonyl-4-aminophenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl enzimidazole was synthesized from the following series of benzimidazole intermediates: 1) 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl benzimidazole (designated 1.1) and 2) 2-(4benzimidazole (designated 1.2).

H (1.1) 2-(4-Nitrophenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl benzimidazole was synthesized as follows: 1,2-diamino-4-trifluoromethylbenzene (1.76 g, 10.0 mmole) was mixed with 4nitrobenzoic acid (1.67 g, 9.8 mmole), dissolved in POC 3 (12 mi), and heated to reflux for 2.5 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and cautiously poured onto ice. The resulting solid was filtered, washed with NaHCO, and used without further purification.

19- 3-03: 5:1OPM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 42/ 53 H (1.2) 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl benzimidazle was produced from 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-trifluoromethy benzimidazole see above). The crude 2-(4benzimidazole filtrate was dissolved in conc. HCI (15 mi) to which was added SnCl H 2 0 (13.5 g, 59 mmol) and heated to teflux for 16 h. The reaction was cooled and the HCI salt precipitated by the additibn of EtOH (75 mi). The solid was filtered, washed with ethanol, and dissolved in water. The salt was neutralized by the addition of cone. ammonium hydroxide and the free base isolated by filtration.

The product was characterized by mass spectroscopy.

0 F3C,,, N -0 S-138 N c H (1) 2-(N-Cyclohexanecarbonyl-4-aminophenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl benzimidazole was prepared from the amine, 2-(4-aminophenyl)-5-trifluaromethyl benzimidazole (1.2 see above). The amine (0.239 g, 0.86-mmol) was dissolved in THF:H20 (5 ml, 1:1) followed by K 2 CO3 (0.1213 g, 0.88 mmol) and cyclohexyl carbonyl chloride (130 pL, 0.95 mmol). The reaction mixture was shaken for 23 h at room temperature. Sodium chloride was added to the reaction and the mixture extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with water, dried over NaSO and concentrated under vacuum. The resulting solid was purified by preparative TLC (100/% MeOH in CH2Clz).

The next species 2-(N-cyclohexanccarbonyl-4-aminophenyl)-5-fluoro benzimidazole was synthesized from the following series of benzimidazole intermediates: 1) 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-fluoro benzimidazole (designated 2.1) and 2) 2-(4-aminophenyl)benzimidazole (designated 22).

19- 3-03; 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE 1PAust Secure fax 43/ 53 H (2.1) 2-(4-Nitrophenyl)-5-fluoro benzimidazole was synthesized as follows: 1,2-diamino-4-fluorobenzene (126 g, 10.0 mmole) was mixed with 4-nitrobenzoic acid (1.67 g, 9.8 mmole) and dissolved in POC13 (10 ml) and heated to reflux for 2.5 hours.

The reaction mixture was cooled and cautiously poured onto ice. The resulting solid was filtered, washed with NaHCO 3 and used without further purification.

F N H (2.2) 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-5-fluoro benzimidazole was prepared by dissolving g of the above nitrobenzimidazole in 30% Na 2 S-9H 2 0 (20 ml) with stirring at RT for 24h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum. The product was characterized by mass spectroscopy.

0 F

U:^O

N H S-139 H (2) 2-(N-Cyclohexanecarbonyl-4-aminophenyl)-5-fluoro benzimidazole was prepared by dissolving 0.100 g (0.44 mmol) of the above amine in pyridine (1.0 ml) followed by cyclohexanecarbonyl chloride (63.2 pl) and heated to 60°C overnight. The reaction was diluted with water (8 ml) and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic 1 19- 3-03; 5:10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 44/ 53 fractions were dried (Na 2

SO

4 and concentrated under vacuum. The resulting solid was purified by flash chromatography MeOH-CH 2

CI

2 The next species 2-(N-3',4'-dichlorobenzoyl-4-aminophenyf)-3,.4-dimethyl benzimidazole was synthesized from the following series of benzimidazole intermediates: 1) 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-4,5-dimethyl benzimidazole (designated 3.1) and 2) 2-(4benzimidazole (designated 3.2).

NO

(3.1) 2-(4-Nitrophenyl)-4,5-dimethyl benzimidazole was prepared by mixing 1,2-diamino-3,4-dimethylbenzene (1.36 g, 9.8 mmole) with 4-nitrobenzoic acid (1.67 g, 9.8 mmole) and dissolved in POCl 3 (10 ml) and heated to reflux for 2.5 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and cautiously poured onto ice. The resulting solid was filtered, washed with NaHCO 3 and used without further purification.

r-O NH2 H (3.2) 2-(4-Aminophenyl)-4,5-dimethyl benzimidazole was synthesized by dissolving 1.0 g of the above nitrobenzimidazole in 30% Na2S-9H 2 0 (20 ml) and stirring at RT for 2.5h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum. The product was characterized by mass spectroscopy.

19- 3-03; 5'10PM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 45/ 53 S-140 H (3) 2-(N-Cyclohexanecarbonyl-4-aminophenyl)-3,4-dimethyl benzimidazole was prepared by dissolving 0.0954 g (0.402 mmol) of the above amine in 1.0 ml of pyridine followed by cyclohexanecarbonyl chloride (57.6 pl) and heated to overnight. The reaction was diluted with water (8 ml) and extracted with EtOAc.

The combined organic fractions were dried (NazSO 4 and concentrated under vacuum.

The resulting solid was purified by flash chromatography MeOH/CH2Clz).

Suppression of IgE Response The inhibitory activity of the small molecules of the present invention were assayed using both the ex vivo and in vivo assays as described above. All of the compounds presented above were active in suppressing the IgE response. In the ex vivo assay, compounds produced 50% inhibition at concentrations ranging from 1 pM to 10 pM. In the in vivo assay, the compounds were effective at concentrations ranging from less than about 0.01 mg/kg/day to about 25 mg/kg/day, when administered in divided doses two to four times daily) for at least two to seven consecutive days. The diacyl benzimidazole compounds were generally more potent than the monoacyl compounds.

Thus, the small molecule inhibitors of the present invention are disclosed as being useful in lowering the antigen-induced increase in IgE concentration, and consequently, in the treatment of IgE-dependent processes such as allergies in general and allergic asthma in particular.

Treatment Regimens The amount of the IgE inhibitor compound which may be effective in treating a particular allergy or condition will depend on the nature of the disorder, and can be determined by standard clinical techniques. The precise dose to be employed in a given situation will also depend on the choice of compound and the seriousness of the condition, and should be decided according to the judgement of the practitioner and each 19- 3-03, 52'10PM:DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 46/ 53 patient' s circumstances. Appropriate dosages can be determined and adjusted by the practitioner based on dose response relationships between the patienfs IgE levels as well as standard indices of pulmonary and heinodynamic changes. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that dose ranges can be determined without undue experimentation by following the protocol(s) disclosed herein for ex vivo and in vivo screening (Sec for example H-asegawa et al., J Med Chen 40: 395-407 (1997) and Obniori et al., int J Immunopharmacot 15:573-579 (1993); employing similar ax vivo and in vivo assays for determining doseresponse relationships for IgE suppression by naplithalene derivatives; incorporated herein by reference)- Intially, suitable dosages of the compounds will generally range from about 0.001 mg to about 300 mg per kg body weight per day in divided doses, more preferably, between about 0.01 mg and lO0 mg per kg body weight per day in divided doses. The compounds arm preferably administered systemically as pharmaceutical formulations appropriate to such routes as oral, aerosol, intravenous, subcutaneously, or by any other route which may be effective in providing systemic dosing of the active compound. The compositions of pharmaceutical formulations are well known in the art. The treatment regimen prefetrably involves periodic administration. Moreover, long-term therapy may be indicated where allergic reactions appear to be triggered by continuous exposure to the allergen(s). Daily or twice daily administration has been effective in suppressing the ISE response to a single antigen challenge in animals when caried out continuously from a period of two to seven consecutive days. Thus, in a preferred embodiment the compound is administered for at least two consective days at regular periodic intervals. However, the treatment regimen, including frequency of dosing and duration of treatment may be determined by the skilled practitioner, and modified as needed to provide optimal 1gE down-regulation, depending on nature of the allergen, the dose, frequency, and duration of the allergen exposure, and the standard clinical indices.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an 1gB-suppressing compound may be administered in conjunction with one or more of the other small molecule inhibitors disclosed, in order to produce optimal down-regulation. of the patient's ISE response.

Further, it is envisioned that one or more of the compounds of the present invention may be administered in combination with other drugs already known or later discovered for 19- 3-03; 5:1DPM;DAVIES COLLISON CAVE IPAust Secure fax 47/ 53 59 treatment of the underlying cause as well as the acute symptoms of allergy or asthma. Such combination therapies envisioned within the scope of the present invention include mixing of one or more of the small molecule IgE-inhibitors together with one or more additional ingredients, known to be effective in reducing at least one symptom of the disease condition. In a variation, the small molecule IgB-inhibitors herein disclosed may be administered separately from the additional drugs, but during the same course of the disease condition, wherein both the IgE-inhibitor(s) and the palliative compounds are administered in accordance with their independent effective treatment regimens.

While a number of preferred embodiments of the invention and variations thereof have been described in detail, other modifications and methods of use will be readily apparent to those of skill in the at. Accordingly, it should be understood that various applications, modifications and substitutions may be made of equivalents without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the claims.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Tliroughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims (12)

1. A compound or salt thereof having the formula: X H rZS- N 0 R2 N' 2 N N R, Y v H O R wherein X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, substituted aryl, hydroxy, halogen, amino, alkylamino, nitro, cyano, CF 3 OCF 3 CONH 2 CONHR and NHCORi; wherein R is selected from the group consisting of H, CH 3 C 2 H 5 C 3 H 7 C 4 H 9 CH 2 Ph, and CH 2 C 6 H 4 and wherein RI and R 2 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, multi-ring cycloalkyl, fused-ring aliphatic, cyclopropyl, substituted cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, substituted cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, substituted cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, substituted cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, substituted cycloheptyl, bicycloheptyl, bicyclooctyl, bicyclononyl, substituted bicycloalkenyl, adamantyl, and substituted adamantyl, heterocyclic rings, and substituted heterocyclic rings; wherein the substituents on said substituted alkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted cyclopropyl, substituted cyclobutyl, substituted cyclopentyl, substituted cyclohexyl, substituted cycloheptyl, substituted bicycloalkenyl, substituted adamantyl, and substituted heterocyclic ring are selected from the group consisting of alkyl, acyl, aryl, CF 3 CH 3 OCH 3 OH, CN, COOR, COOH, and heterocyclic ring; and wherein at least one of R, R 2 or said substituents is a heterocyclic ring.

2. A pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more compounds of formula: PNOPEROIU06\2O3201363 d pg. do.28/0206 x H 0 R2N Y H 0 R wherein X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, substituted aryl, hydroxy, halogen, amino, alkylamino, nitro, cyano, CF 3 OCF 3 CONH 2 CONHR and NHCORI; wherein R is selected from the group consisting of H, CH 3 C 2 H 5 C 3 H 7 C 4 H 9 CH 2 Ph, and CH 2 C 6 H 4 and wherein RI and R 2 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, multi-ring cycloalkyl, fused-ring aliphatic, cyclopropyl, substituted cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, substituted cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, substituted cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, substituted cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, substituted cycloheptyl, bicycloheptyl, bicyclooctyl, bicyclononyl, substituted bicycloalkenyl, adamantyl, and substituted adamantyl, heterocyclic rings, and substituted heterocyclic rings; wherein the substituents on said substituted alkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted cyclopropyl, substituted cyclobutyl, substituted cyclopentyl, substituted cyclohexyl, substituted cycloheptyl, substituted bicycloalkenyl, substituted adamantyl, and substituted heterocyclic ring are selected from the group consisting of alkyl, acyl, aryl, CF 3 CH 3 OCH 3 OH, CN, COOR, COOH, and heterocyclic ring; and wherein at least one of RI, R 2 or said substituents is a heterocyclic ring.

3. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Claim 1 or salt thereof, and at least one additional ingredient which is active in reducing at least one symptom associated with an allergic reaction.

4. A pharmaceutical composition of Claim 3, wherein said at least one additional ingredient is selected from the group consisting of short-acting 2 P-adrenergic agonist, a long-acting 2 -adrenergic agonist, an antihistamine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, an anticholinergic agent, a corticosteroid, an inflammatory mediator release inhibitor, and a leukotriene receptor antagonist. -61 P:\OPER\Ma1\200(U003201363 amend pages doc-2802/06 Use of a compound of Claim 1 or salt thereof, in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a disease condition associated with excess IgE.

6. A method for treating or preventing an allergic reaction in a mammal wherein said reaction is caused by an increase in IgE levels comprising administering an IgE- suppressing amount of at least one compound of Claim 1.

7. A method for treating or preventing an allergic reaction in a mammal wherein said reaction is caused by an increase in IgE levels comprising administering an IgE- suppressing amount of at least one compound of Claim 1 and at least one additional ingredient which is active in reducing at least one symptom associated with an allergic reaction.

8. The method of Claim 7, wherein said additional ingredient is selected from the group consisting of short-acting 3 2 -adrenergic agonist, a long-acting p 2 -adrenergic agonist, an antihistamine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, an anticholinergic agent, a corticosteroid, an inflammatory mediator release inhibitor, and a leukotriene receptor antagonist.

9. A method for treating or preventing asthma in a mammal comprising administering an IgE-suppressing amount of at least one compound of Claim 1. A method for treating or preventing asthma in a mammal comprising administering an IgE-suppressing amount of at least one compound of Claim 1 and at least one additional ingredient which is active in reducing at least one symptom associated with an allergic reaction.

11. The method of Claim 10, wherein said additional ingredient is selected from the group consisting of short-acting P 2 -adrenergic agonist, a long-acting 3 2 -adrenergic agonist, an antihistamine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, an anticholinergic agent, a corticosteroid, an inflammatory mediator release inhibitor, and a leukotriene receptor antagonist.

12. A compound of Claim 1 or a salt thereof, wherein the compound is selected form the group consisting of: -62- P!%OPER6.aI206U2OO32OI 363 mo~d pagc,.doc2812106 F 3 0- H" N NN 0H H N _0 NT N NN H H H V

13. A method of preparing a compound or salt thereof having the formula: x R 2 y N 0 RH wherein X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, substituted aryl, hydroxy, halogen, amino, alkylamino, nitro, cyano, CF 3 OCF 3 CONH 2 CONHR and NHCORI; 63 P:\OPER\Mal2006UO(}3201363 amesd pages doc-28a/OZA6 wherein R is selected from the group consisting of H, CH 3 C 2 H 5 C 3 H 7 C 4 H 9 CH 2 Ph, and CH 2 C 6 H 4 and wherein RI and R 2 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, multi-ring cycloalkyl, fused-ring aliphatic, cyclopropyl, substituted cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, substituted cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, substituted cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, substituted cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, substituted cycloheptyl, bicycloheptyl, bicyclooctyl, bicyclononyl, substituted bicycloalkenyl, adamantyl, and substituted adamantyl, heterocyclic rings, and substituted heterocyclic rings; wherein the substituents on said substituted alkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted cyclopropyl, substituted cyclobutyl, substituted cyclopentyl, substituted cyclohexyl, substituted cycloheptyl, substituted bicycloalkenyl, substituted adamantyl, and substituted heterocyclic ring are selected from the group consisting of alkyl, acyl, aryl, CF 3 CH 3 OCH 3 OH, CN, COOR, COOH, and heterocyclic ring; and wherein at least one of R, R 2 or said substituents is a heterocyclic ring; wherein the method comprises: reacting a diaminonitrobenzene with an aminobenzoic acid to yield a first intermediate or salt thereof; and acylating said first intermediate or salt thereof to yield a second intermediate or salt thereof; reducing said second intermediate or salt thereof to yield a third intermediate or salt thereof; and acylating said third intermediate or salt thereof to obtain said compound or salt thereof.

14. A pharmaceutical combination for treating and/or preventing asthma or an allergic reaction in a mammal wherein the reaction is caused by an increase in IgE levels, said combination comprising, at least one compound as defined in Claim 1 or a salt thereof, and at least one additional ingredient which is active in reducing at least one symptom associated with an allergic reaction, wherein the combination is suitable for separate administration. -64- PAOPERWaXO06\2003201363 =mid pages doc-28102A)6 A compound or salt thereof according to claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described. DATED this 2 8 1h day of February, 2006 Avanir Pharmaceuticals By DAVIES COLLIS ON CAVE Patent Attorneys for the Applicant 65