[0001] The 5-HT
1A receptor is structurally, pharmacologically and functionally the serotoninergic receptor
that is best characterized. Its involvement in the pathophysiology of numerous disorders
and psychiatric illnesses is well known (
Curr Drug Targets CNS Neurol Dis. 2004, 3, 1;
Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 1990, 14, 35). For example, clinical trials on compounds with agonist activity for serotoninergic
receptors of sub-type 5-HT
1A have shown that the 5-HT
1A agonists are effective in the treatment of anxiety (
J. Clin. Psychiatry 1987, 48, 3S) and depression (
Int. J. Neuropsychopharmacology 1998, 1,18). In addition, in animals, the 5-HT
1A agonists have shown neuroprotective properties (
Arch. Int. Pharmacodyn. 1995, 329, 347) and analgesic properties (
Behav. Brain Res. 1995, 73, 1/2, 69).
[0002] Having regard to the major therapeutic potential of compounds with agonistic activity
for the serotoninergic receptors of sub-type 5-HT
1A, the discovery of novel compounds having said activity is highly desirable.
[0003] Although a very high number of compounds have been described as 5-HT1
A agonists, only two are clinically available (i.e. buspirone: Europe and United States
and tandospirone: Japan). These two compounds belong to the same chemical family however
(i.e., arylpiperazine) and have a relatively similar pharmacological profile: limited
affinity for the 5-HT
1A receptors and insufficient level of activity in depression and pain models.
[0005] The subject of the present invention is a novel family of compounds derived from
aryl-{4-halogeno-4-[aminomethyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone, which has the following
general formula (1):

in which
R1 is:
- a hydrogen atom, or a halogen e.g. a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom
or an iodine atom,
- a straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl group e.g. a straight or branched C1-C3 alkyl group, or a C1-C3 fluoroalkyl group e.g. a fluoromethyl or difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl group,
- a straight or branched C1-C6 alcoxy group e.g. a straight or branched C1-C3 alcoxy group,
- a carbamyl group, N-substituted or not by one or two, straight or branched C1-C3 alky groups, or
- a cyano group (CN)
R2 is a hydrogen atom or a straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl group e.g. a straight or branched C1-C3 alkyl group,
Hal1, Hal2 and Hal3 are:
- a halogen, for example a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom or an iodine
atom,
their addition salts with pharmaceutically acceptable mineral acids or organic acids,
and their enantiomer forms.
[0006] According to the invention, the compounds of general formula (1) are those in which:
Hal1 and Hal3 are:
and Hal2 is:
[0007] In one particular embodiment of the invention, the formula (1) compounds are those
in which:
R1 is:
- a hydrogen atom, or a chlorine atom or a fluorine atom,
- a straight or branched C1-C3 alkyl group, or a fluoromethyl, or difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl group,
- a straight or branched C1-C3 alcoxy group,
a carbamyl group (CONH2) N-substituted or not by one or two, straight or branched
C1-C3 alkyl groups, or
- a cyano group (CN)
R2 is a hydrogen atom, or a straight or branched C1-C3 alkyl group,
Hal1 and Hal3 are:
and Hal2 is:
their addition salts with pharmaceutically acceptable mineral acids or organic acids,
and their enantiomer forms.
[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, the formula (1) compounds are those in which:
R1 is:
- a hydrogen atom, or a chlorine atom, or a fluorine atom
- a methyl group (CH3)
- a methoxy group (O-CH3)
- a non-substituted carbamyl group (CONH2) or
- a cyano group (CN)
R2 is:
- a hydrogen atom or a methyl group
Hal1 and Hal3 are:
Hal2 is:
their addition salts with pharmaceutically acceptable mineral acids or organic acids,
and their enantiomer forms.
[0009] According to the invention, the compounds of general formula (1) are those in which:
- R1 is chosen from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, and a carbamyl group N-substituted
or not by one or two, straight or branched C1-C3 alkyl groups.
[0010] According to the invention, the compounds of general formula (1) are those in which:
[0011] According to the invention, the compounds of general formula (1) are those in which:
- R1 and R2 are: a hydrogen atom.
[0012] The invention also concerns the mineral or organic salts of the formula (1) compounds
with pharmaceutically acceptable mineral acids or organic acids and their enantiomer
forms.
[0013] The compounds of the invention contain an asymmetric carbon atom in their structure.
On this account they exist in enantiomer form. The invention concerns both each pure
enantiomer i.e. associated with less than 5 % of the other enantiomer, and the racemic
or non-racemic mixtures. However, among the compounds of formula (1), the enantiomer
whose carbon atom of the dihydro-benzoxazine methanamine fragment is of absolute configuration
(S) is preferred.
[0015] By « halogen atom », in the meaning of the present invention, is meant a chlorine
atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom or an iodine atom.
[0016] By « alkyl group », in the meaning of the present invention, is meant a straight
or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain comprising the indicated number
of carbons.
[0017] By « alcoxy group », in the meaning of the present invention, is meant a straight
or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain bound to an oxygen atom (O-alkyl)
and comprising the indicated number of carbons.
[0018] By « fluororalkyl group », in the meaning of the present invention, is meant a straight
or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain in which one or more hydrogen
atoms have been replaced by a fluorine atom and which comprises the indicated number
of carbons.
[0019] By « carbamyl group (CONH2) N-substituted or not by one or two, straight or branched
C
1-C
3 alkyl groups », in the meaning of the present invention, is meant the CONH
2 group in which the nitrogen atom can be substituted by one or two, straight or branched
C
1-C
3 alkyl groups.
[0020] A further subject of the invention concerns pharmaceutical compositions containing,
as active ingredient, at least one compound of general formula (1) or one of its pharmaceutically
acceptable salts with pharmaceutical acceptable mineral acids or organic acids, or
one of its enantiomers in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable
excipients, adjuvants or vehicles. As an example, mention may be made of inclusion
complexes in particular those formed by the compounds of the invention and cyclodextrins.
[0021] The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be compositions which can be
administered via oral, nasal, sublingual, rectal or parenteral route. It is generally
advantageous to formulate said pharmaceutical compositions in unit dose form. Each
dose then contains a predetermined quantity of active ingredient associated with the
suitable vehicles, excipients and/or adjuvants, calculated to obtain a given therapeutic
effect. As an example of unit dose form which can be administered via oral route,
mention may be made of tablets, capsules, granules, powders and oral solutions or
suspensions.
[0023] It is known that dosage varies from one person to another, depending on the type
and intensity of the disorder, the chosen route of administration, the weight, age
and sex of the patient. Therefore, the efficient doses are to be determined in relation
to these parameters by specialists in the matter. By way of indication, the efficient
doses could range from 0.001 mg/Kg to 100 mg/Kg/day.
[0024] The compounds of general formula (1) may exist in several tautomer forms. Said tautomer
forms, although not explicitly reported in the present application to simplify formula
representation, are nonetheless included in the field of application of the invention.
[0025] A further subject of the present invention is a compound of formula (1) or one of
its pharmaceutically acceptable salts with pharmaceutically acceptable mineral acids
or organic acids, or one of its enantiomers for its use as medicinal product.
[0026] A further subject of the invention is a compound of formula (1) or one of its pharmaceutically
acceptable salts with pharmaceutically acceptable mineral acids or organic acids,
or one of its enantiomers for its use as medicinal product intended for the treatment
of depression.
[0027] The subject of the present invention is a formula (1) compound or one of its pharmaceutically
acceptable salts with pharmaceutically acceptable mineral acids or organic acids,
or one of its enantiomers for its use as medicinal product intended to treat pain.
[0028] The subject of the present invention also consists of a formula (1) compound or one
of its pharmaceutically acceptable salts with pharmaceutically acceptable mineral
acids or organic acids, or one of its enantiomers for its use as medicinal product
intended to treat pathological pain and/or physiological pain.
[0029] The invention also extends to the synthesis intermediates of formula (2)

in which:
R1 is:
- a hydrogen atom,
- a chlorine or fluorine atom, or a straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl group, or a fluoromethyl or difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl group,
- a straight or branched C1-C6 alcoxy group, or
- a carbamyl group N-substituted or not by one or two, straight or branched C1-C3 alkyl groups,
R2 is a hydrogen atom, or a straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl group,
used for the preparation of compounds of general formula (1).
[0030] The invention extends to the method to prepare compounds of general formula (1):

characterized in that it uses the condensation between an intermediate of type 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine
of formula (2) and cyanohydrine of formula (3) :

in the presence of a reducing agent and optionally a base.
[0031] The formula (1) compounds were prepared following the reaction sequence indicated
in scheme A.

[0032] Cyanohydrine (3) is prepared as described in patent
WO 02/064585. The fragment 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine of formula (2a) [102908-68-9]
is prepared following the method reported in the literature (
J. Med. Chem. 1998, 41, 3142). Regarding the novel intermediates of formula (2), these were prepared following
the reaction sequence illustrated in scheme B.

[0033] Therefore 2-aminophenol of formula (6) is condensed with ethyl 2,3-dibromo-propionate
in a basic medium following the method described in
J. Med. Chem. 2003, 16, 1338, to give the ester of formula (5). Compound (5) is then converted to the amide (4)
by treatment with ammonia according to a protocol well known to those skilled in the
art. The formed amide of formula (4) is then reduced to the expected amine (2) using
aluminium lithium hydride in aprotic medium, by analogy with the method described
in
Archiv der Pharmazie, 1982, 315, 538.
[0034] The following examples illustrate the invention but do not in any way limit the invention.
[0035] In the examples below:
- (i) the progress of the reactions is monitored by thin layer chromatography (TLC)
and therefore the reaction times are only given by way of indication.
- (ii) different crystalline shapes may give different melting points, the melting points
given in the present application are those of products prepared following the described
method and are not corrected.
- (iii) the structure of the products obtained according to the invention is confirmed
by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, centesimal analysis, the purity of the
end products is verified by TLC.
- (iv) the NMR spectra are recorded in the indicated solvent. Chemical shifts (δ) are
expressed in parts per million (ppm) relative to tetramethylsilane. Signal multiplicity
is indicated by: s, singlet; d, doublet; t, triplet; q, quadruplet; m, multiplet.
- (v) the different unit symbols have their usual meaning: mg (milligram); g (gram);
mL (millilitre); cm (centimetre); °C (degree Celsius); mmol (millimole); min (minute).
- (vi) The abbreviations have the following meaning: MP (melting point); BP (boiling
point); Tr (retention time).
- (vii) By « ambient temperature » is meant a temperature of between 20°C and 25°C.
Intermediate 1
(+) and (-)-3,4-Dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2a)
[0036] The enantiomers of (±)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-Benzoxazine-2-methanamine (8,1g) are separated
by chiral phase chromatography, Chiralpack AD, using as eluting solvent a mixture
of hexane-ethanol-diethylamine (90:10:0.05).
(+)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-Benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2a1), 4,0g; Tr = 16.6 min ; [α]
D = +0.57° (c 0.93, MeOH).
(-)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-Benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2a2), 4,0g ; Tr = 21.3 min ; [α]
D = -0.67° (c .1.34 MeOH).
Intermediate 2
3,4-Dihydro-8-fluoro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-ethyl carboxylate (5b)
[0037] A mixture of 2-amino-6-fluorophenol (2g, 8.3 mmol), of ethyl 2,3-dibromopropionate
(1.46 mL, 9.96 mmol) and of K
2CO
3 (3.44g, 24.9 mmol) in acetone (80mL) is heated under reflux for 9 h 15 min. The mixture
is cooled and filtered. The filtrate is vacuum concentrated, the residue dissolved
in iced aqueous NaOH solution (1N, 10mL) and extracted with ethyl ether. The ethereal
phase is washed in water then saline water, dried over MgSO
4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue is purified by filtering though
silica gel using dichoromethane as eluting solvent. The title compound is obtained
in oil form (1.1 g, 59 %).
1H NMR (CDCl
3, 400 MHz) δ 1.26 (t, 3H), 3.61 (m, 2H), 3.87 (s, 1H), 4.26 (q, 2H), 4.88 (t, 1H),
6.37 (d, 1H), 6.53 (t, 1H), 6.67 (t, 1H).
Intermediate 3
3,4-Dihydro-8-fluoro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-carboxamide (4b)
[0038] To a solution of 5b (1.1 g, 4.89 mmol) in ethanol (20mL) an ammonia solution is added
(32 %, 5mL). The solution obtained is agitated 14 h at ambient temperature then 10mL
of ammonia are added and the mixture agitated for 48 h. The solution is concentrated
under reduced pressure and the residue is dissolved in petroleum ether. The formed
precipitate is filtered, washed in petroleum ether and vacuum dried (0.75g, 78%).
1H NMR (CDCl
3, 400 MHz) δ 1.42 (s, 2H), 3.50 (dd, 1H), 3.73 (dd, 1H), 4.69 (m, 1H), 5.60 (s, 1H),
6.41 (d, 1H), 6.52 (t, 1H), 6.71 (m, 1H).
Intermediate 4
Dihydro-8-fluoro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2b)
[0039] To a solution of 4b (0.75 g, 3.83 mmol) in anhydrous THF (20 mL) held at ambient
temperature in an inert atmosphere, is added dropwise a solution of LiAlH
4 in THF (13.4mL, 13.4 mmol). When addition is completed, the mixture is heated to
60°C for 11 h. The mixture obtained is cooled to 0°C then an aqueous solution of hydrochloric
acid (1N) is added slowly until a pH of 3 is reached. The mixture is concentrated
under reduced pressure then the residue is made alkaline through the addition of an
aqueous NaOH solution (1N). The mixture is extracted with ethyl acetate, the organic
phase is washed with water then with salt water, dried over MgSO
4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue is purified by silica gel chromatography
using a dichloromethane-methanol mixture (85:5) as eluting solvent. The title compound
is obtained in oil form (1.1 g, 59 %).
1H NMR (CDCl
3, 400 MHz) δ 1.42 (s, 2H), 2.98 (m, 2H), 3.26 (dd, 1H), 3.42 (dd, (1H), 3.80 (s, 1H),
4.12 (m, 1H), 6.35, (d, 1H), 6.47 (t, 1H), 6.64 (t, 1H).
Intermediate 5
Dihydro-8-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-carboxamide (4c)
[0040] This compound is obtained using the same experimental conditions as those used for
the synthesis of intermediate (4b) but replacing 3,4-dihydro-8-fluoro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-ethyl
carboxylate (5b) with 3,4-dihydro-8-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-ethyl carboxylate
(5c), [220120-58-1]. The title compound of formula (4c) is obtained.
1H NMR (CDCl
3, 400 MHz) δ 1.55 (s, 1H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 3.46 (dd, 1H), 3.67 (dd, 1H), 3.81 (s, 1H),
4.69 (m, 1H), 5.56 (s, 1H), 6.50 (d, 1H), 6.58 (d, 1H), 6.74 (t, 1H).
Intermediate 6
Dihydro-8-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2c)
[0041] This compound is obtained using the same experimental conditions as those used for
the synthesis of intermediate 2b but by replacing 3,4-dihydro-8-fluoro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-carboxamide
(4b) with 3,4-dihydro-8-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-carboxamide (4c). The title compound
of formula (2c) is obtained.
1H NMR (CDCl
3, 400 MHz) δ 1.6 (s, 2H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 2.92 (m, 2H), 3.19 (dd, 1H), 3.37 (dd, 1H),
4.11 (m, 1H), 6.17 (d, 1H), 6.54 (d, 1H), 6.67 (t, 1H).
Intermediate 7
Dihydro-8-chloro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-carboxamide (4d)
[0042] This compound is obtained using the same experimental conditions as those used for
the synthesis of intermediate 4b but replacing 3,4-dihydro-8-fluoro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-ethyl
carboxylate (5b) with 3,4-dihydro-8-chloro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-ethyl carboxylate
(5d), [73268-47-0]. The title compound of formula (4d) is obtained.
1H NMR (CDCl
3, 400 MHz) δ 3.60 (dd, 1H), 3.85 (dd, 1H), 4.87 (m, 1H), 5.36 (s, 1H), 6.70-6.90 (m,
2H), 6.73 (d, 1H), 7.20 (s, 2H).
Intermediate 8
Dihydro-8-chloro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2d)
[0043] This compound is obtained following the same experimental conditions as those used
for the synthesis of intermediate 2b but replacing 3,4-dihydro-8-fluoro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-carboxamide
(4b) with 3,4-dihydro-8-chloro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-carboxamide (4d). The title compound
of formula (2d) is obtained.
1H NMR (CDCl
3, 400 MHz) δ 3.10 (m, 2H), 3.31 (dd, 1H), 3.56 (dd, 1H), 4.16 (m, 1H), 5.11 (s, 2H),
5.28 (s, 1H), 6.70-6.90 (m, 2H), 6.73 (d, 1H).
Intermediate 9
Dihydro-8-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2e)
[0044] This compound is obtained using the same reaction sequence and the same experimental
conditions as those used for the synthesis of intermediate 2b but replacing 2-amino-6-fluorophenol
with 2-amino-6-methoxyphenol. This gives the title compound of formula (2e).
1H NMR (CDCl
3, 400 MHz) δ 2.98 (m, 2H), 3.23 (dd, 1H), 3.38 (dd, 1H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 4.14 (m, 1H),
4.67 (s, 2H), 6.26 (d, 1H), 6.34 (d, 1H), 6.70 (t, 3H).
Intermediate 10
Dihydro-8-cyano-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2f)
[0045] This compond is obtained using the same reaction sequence and the same experimental
conditions as those used for the synthesis of intermediate 2b but replacing 2-amino-6-fluorophenol
with 2-amino-6-cyanophenol. The title compound of formula (2f) is obtained.
1H NMR (CDCl
3, 400 MHz) δ 1.48 (s, 2H), 2.99 (m, 2H), 3.28 (dd, 1H), 3.46 (dd, 1H), 4.19 (s, 1H),
4.20 (m, 1H), 6.73-6.80 (m, 2H), 6.90 (d, 1H).
Intermediate 11
Dihydro-4-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2g)
[0046] This compound is obtained following the same experimental conditions as those used
for the synthesis of intermediate 2b but replacing 3,4-dihydro-8-fluoro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-carboxamide
(4b) with 3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-carboxamide (4g) [84831-37-8].
The title compound of formula (2g) is obtained.
1H NMR (CDCl
3, 400 MHz) δ 2.67-3.16 (m, 3H), 2.85 (s, 3H), 3.38 (d, 1H), 4.3 (s, 1H), 6.55 (t,
1H), 6.63 (d, 1H), 6.70-6.74 (m, 2H), 8.48 (s, 2H).
Intermediate 12
Dihydro-8-carbamoyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2h)
[0047] This compound is obtained following the same experimental conditions as those used
for the synthesis of intermediate (2b) but replacing 3,4-dihydro-8-fluoro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-carboxamide
(4b) with 3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-carboxamide (4h). The title compound
of formula (2h) is obtained.
1H NMR (DMSO, 400 MHz) δ 1.62 (s, 2H), 2.69-2.83 (m, 2H), 3.07 (dd, 1H), 3.40 (dd,
1H), 4.00 (m, 1H), 6.28 (s, 1H), 6.76-6.84 (m, 3H).
EXAMPLE 1: (-)-(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1a1)
[0048]

[0049] To a solution of (-)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2a2, 4.1 g, 25
mmol) in methanol (500mL) are successively added the compound of formula 3 (8.28 g,
26 mmol), iron sulphate (8.3 g, 30 mmol) and sodium cyanoborohydride (2.0 g, 32 mmol).
The mixture is heated 6 h at 50°C then cooled to ambient temperature, filtered and
concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue is dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed
with water then salt water, dried over MgSO
4 and filtered. The solvent is removed by vacuum evaporation and the product is purified
by silica chromatography using a dichloromethane-methanol mixture (95:5) as eluting
solvent. 1.6 g of the title compound (1a1) is obtained. Salification of this compound
with fumaric acid allows the oxalate to be obtained in the form of white crystals
(6.0 g).
C
22H
24ClF
2N
3O
2, C
4H
4O
4
MP: 185°C
[α]
D = -30.9 (0.4 EtOH).
1H NMR (DMSO d
6) δ 1.65-1.93 (m, 4H), 2.76-2.84 (m, 4H), 3.00 (dd, 1H), 3.32 (dd, 1H), 2.74-3.56
(m, 7H), 4.07 (m, 1H), 4.26 (s, 1H), 6.47 (t, 1H), 6.55 (d, 1H), 6.62-6.67 (m, 4H),
7.43-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.66 (d, 1H).
Theoretical % C 56.58, H 5.11, N 7.61
Actual % C 56.37, H 5.16, N 7.45.
EXAMPLE 2: (+)-(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1a2)
[0050]

[0051] Using (+)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2a1) instead of (-)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-Benzoxazine-2-methanamine
(2a2) the title compound is obtained which is salified with fumaric acid to give the
compound of formula (1a2).
C
22H
24ClF
2N
3O
2, C
4H
4O
4
MP: 185°C
[α]
D = +37.0 (0.41 MeOH).
1H NMR (DMSO d
6) δ 1.65-1.93 (m, 4H), 2.76-2.84 (m, 4H), 3.00 (dd, 1H), 3.32 (dd, 1H), 2.74-3.56
(m, 7H), 4.07 (m, 1H), 4.26 (s, 1H), 6.47 (t, 1H), 6.55 (d, 1H), 6.62-6.67 (m, 4H),
7.43-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.66 (d, 1H).
Theoretical % C 56.58, H 5.11, N 7.61
Actual % C 56.78, H 5.25, N 7.56.
EXAMPLE 3: (3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1a3)
[0052]

[0053] Using 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine, commercially available, instead
of (-)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-Benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2a2), the title compound is obtained
which is salified with hydrochloric acid to give the compound of formula (1a3).
C
22H
24ClF
2N
3O
2, H
2Cl
2
MP: 175°C
1H NMR (DMSO d
6) δ 1.68-2.14 (m, 4H), 3.12-3.21 (m, 4H), 3.37-3.50 (3, 7H), 4.32 (s, 1H), 4.58 (m,
1H), 6.59 (t, 1H), 6.71 (d, 1H), 6.74-6.77 (m, 2H), 7.44-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.70 (dd, 1H),
9.48 (s, 2H).
Theoretical % C 51.93, H 5.15, N 8.26
Actual % C 5.81, H 5.30, N 8.22.
EXAMPLE 4: (3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-8-fluoro-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1b)
[0054]

[0055] The same operating mode is used as for the preparation of (-)-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1a1) but by replacing (-)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2a2) with
(±)-dihydro-8-fluoro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2b). The compound obtained
is then salified to fumarate form.
C
22H
23ClFN
3O
2, C
9H
4O
4
MP: 100°C
1H NMR (DMSO d
6) δ 1.61-2.00 (m, 4H), 2.76-2.84 (m, 4H), 3.03-3.45 (m, 9H),4.06 (m, 1H), 4.23 (s,
1H), 5.96 (s, 1H), 6.34-6.38 (m, 2H), 6.59-6.63 (m, 2H), 7.43-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.67 (d,
1H).
Theoretical % C 54.79, H 4.77, N 7.37
Actual % C 54.57, H 4.88, N 7.13.
EXAMPLE 5: (3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-8-methyl-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1c)
[0056]

[0057] The same operating mode is followed as for the preparation of (-)-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1a1) but by replacing (-)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2a2) with
dihydro-8-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2c). The compound obtained is then
salified to dihydrochloride form.
C
23H
26ClF
2N
3O
2, H
2Cl
2
MP: 180°C
1H NMR (DMSO d
6) δ 1.85-2.08 (m, 4H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 3.09-3.46 (m, 10H), 4.31 (s, 1H), 4.59 (m, 1H),
6.50-6.55 (m, 2H), 6.63-6.67 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.69 (d, 1H), 9.52 (s, 2H).
Theoretical % C 52.84, H 5.40, N 8.04
Actual % C 53.55, H 5.67, N 7.65.
EXAMPLE 6: (3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-8-chloro-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1d)
[0058]

[0059] The same operating mode is used as for the preparation of (-)-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1a1) but by replacing (-)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2a2) with
dihydro-8-chloro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2d). The compound obtained is then
salified to dihydrochloride form.
C
22H
23Cl
2F
2N
3O
2, H
2Cl
2
MP: 136°C
1H NMR (DMSO d
6) δ 1.82-1.94 (m, 4H), 3.11-3.75 (m, 10H), 4.06 (m, 1H), 4.35 (s, 1H), 4.64 (m, 1H),
6.57-6.64 (m, 2H), 6.73 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.68 (d, 1H) , 9.59 (d, 2H).
Theoretical % C 48.63, H 4.64, N 7.73
Actual % C 48.57, H 4.54, N 7.42.
EXAMPLE 7: (3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-8-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1e)
[0060]

[0061] The same operating mode is followed as for the preparation of (-)-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1a1) but by replacing (-)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2a2) with
dihydro-8-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2e). The compound obtained is
the salified to dihydrochloride form.
C
23H
26ClF
2N
3O
3, H
2Cl
2
MP: 187°C
1H NMR (DMSO d
6) δ 1.75-2.10 (m, 4H), 3.09-3.70 (m, 10H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 4.27 (s, 1H), 4.59 (m, 1H),
6.31-6.36 (m, 2H), 6.68 (t, 1H), 7.46-7.53 (m, 2H), 7.69 (d, 1H), 9.86 (s, 2H).
Theoretical % C 51.26, H 5.24, N 7.79
Actual % C 51.15, H 5.37, N 7.53.
EXAMPLE 8: (3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-8-cyano-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1f)
[0062]

[0063] The same operating mode is followed as for the preparation of (-)-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1a1) but by replacing (-)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2a2) with
dihydro-8-cyano-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2f). The compound obtained is then
salified to dihydrochloride form.
C
23H
23ClF
2N
4O
2, H
2Cl
2
MP: 149°C
1H NMR (DMSO d
6) δ 1.72-2.13 (m, 4H), 3.14-3.63 (m, 10H), 4.26 (s, 1H), 4.72 (m, 1H), 6.87-6.94 (m,
3H), 7.45-7.64 (m, 2H), 7.67 (d, 1H), 9.60 (s, 2H).
Theoretical % C 51.75, H 4.72, N 10.50
Actual % C 51.36, H 4.71, N 10.28.
EXAMPLE 9: (3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-4-methyl-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1g)
[0064]

[0065] The same operating mode is followed as for the preparation of (-)-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1a1) but by replacing (-)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2a2) with
dihydro-4-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2g). The compound obtained is then
salified to fumarate form.
C
23H
26ClF
2N
3O
2, C
4H
4O
4
MP: 125°C
1H NMR (DMSO d
6) δ 1.60-2.08 (m, 4H), 2.81 (s, 3H), 2.76-3.51 (m, 10H), 4.22 (m, 2H), 6.56-6.76 (m,
4H), 7.46-7.65 (m, 2H), 7.67 (d, 1H).
Theoretical % C 48.80, H 5.34, N 7.42
Actual % C 48.72, H 5.42, N 7.33.
EXAMPLE 10: (3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-8-carbamoyl-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1h)
[0066]

[0067] The same operating mode is followed as for the preparation of (-)-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-{4-fluoro-4-[(3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamino)-methyl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone
(1a1) but by replacing (-)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2a2) with
dihydro-8-carbamoyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-2-methanamine (2h). The compound obtained is
then salified to dihydrochloride form.
C
23H
25ClF
2N
4O
3, H
2Cl
2
MP: 170°C
1H NMR (DMSO d
6) δ 1.80-2.12 (m, 4H), 3.12-3.73 (m, 10H), 4.45 (s, 1H), 4.64 (m, 1H), 6.87-6.93 (m,
3H), 7.45-7.66 (m, 2H), 7.68 (d, 1H), 9.40 (d, 2H).
Theoretical % C 50.06, H 4.93, N 10.15
Actual % C 4973, H 4.68, N 10.00.
PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE PRODUCTS OF THE INVENTION
[0068] The compounds of this invention were compared with buspirone (4-butyl-4-methyl-1-[4-(4-pydi
urid -2-yl-piperazin-1-yl)-butyl]-piperidine-2.6-dione) which is an agonist of 5-HT
1A receptors used clinically. The affinity of the compounds of the invention for the
rat 5-HT
1A receptor was measured conventionally from competitive experiments with a radiolabelled
5-HT
1A agonist. The antidepressant activity of the compounds of the invention and of buspirone
was assessed after oral administration in rats with the forced swimming test (
Eur. J. Pharmacol. 1978, 47, 379). This test is widely used since it is predictive of antidepressant action in man.
Analgesic activity was determined after intra-peritoneal administration to rats, both
with a physiological pain model and a pathological pain model. By physiological pain,
the inventors designate pain whose origin is a lesion and/or organic ill-function
such as pain caused by excessive nociceptive stimuli. On the contrary, by pathological
pain the inventors designate pain which has no apparent pathological cause and therefore
does not play a physiological role (e.g. alarm signal); this latter category includes
some pain of neuropathic origin for example.
[0069] The physiological pain model chosen by the inventors to determine the analgesic activity
of the compounds of the invention uses excess nociceptive stimuli (injection of formol)
to cause a painful sensation in animal (
Eur. J. Pharmacol. 2001, 421, 109). For the so-called pathological pain model in animal, the inventors chose to use
pain induced by the injection of a cytotoxic agent such as oxaliplatine (
Eur. J. Cancer 2007, 2658).
1- Measurement of the affinity of the compounds of the invention for the 5-HT1A receptors
PROTOCOL
[0070] The
in vitro affinity of the compounds of the invention for the 5-HT
1A receptors was determined by measuring the shift of (
3H) 8-OH-DPAT (agonist of 5HT1
A receptors labelled with tritium, TRK 850; 160-240 Ci/mmole).
[0071] The study on binding with the 5-HT
1A receptor was conducted as described in Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch. Pharmaco. 1991,
343, 106. For these experiments, rat cerebral cortices were used. After unfreezing
the brain in Tris-HCI buffer 50 mmol, pH = 7.40 at 25°C, the cerebral cortex is sampled
and homogenized in 20 volumes of buffer held at 4°C. The homogenate is centrifuged
at 39000 g for 10 min, the centrifuge residue is suspended in the same volume of buffer
and again centrifuged. After further suspension under the same conditions, the homogenate
is incubated for 10 min at 37°C then again centrifuged. The final residue is suspended
in cold reaction buffer Tris-HCl 50 mmol, pH = 7.40 at 25°C containing 10 mmol of
pargyline, 4 mmol of CaCl
2 and 0.10 % ascorbic acid. The final concentration of the tissue in the incubation
medium is 10 mg/tube.
[0072] The reaction tubes contain 0.10 mL of (
3H) 8-OH-DPAT (final 0.20 mmol), 0.10 mL of product to be tested 6-7 concentrations
and 0.80 mL of tissue. Non-specific binding is defined using 10 mmol of 5-HT. The
reaction tubes are incubated at 23°C for 30 min then their content is rapidly vacuum
filtered through Whatman GF/B filters, the tubes are rinsed with 2 x 5mL of Tris-HCl
buffer 50 mmol, pH = 7.4 at 25°C. Radioactivity is collected on the filter and analyzed
by liquid scintillation by adding 4mL of scintillating liquid (Emulsifier Safe, Packard).
All experiments were performed in triplicate.
[0073] The inhibition constants (Ki) of the products of the invention are estimated from
shift experiments using the non-linear regression programme RADLIG version 4 by EBDA
(
Equilibrium Binding Data Analysis Biosoft, Cambridge, UK, Mc Pherson, 1985). The dissociation constant of the radioactive ligand used for calculations is 0.31
mmol for (
3H)8-OH-DPAT. The values of pKi (-logKi) are given in the form mean ±SEM of at least
3 experiments.
2- Forced swimming test: antidepressant activity of the compounds of the invention
PROTOCOL
[0074] The rats (Male Sprague Dawley rats (ICO: OFA SD [IOPS], Iffa Credo, France), are
placed in a cylinder (45cm high and 20cm in diameter) filled with water at 25°C ±
0.5 up to a height of 17 cm. This depth allows rats to swim or float without their
tail touching the bottom of the cylinder.
[0075] 24 h before the test day, the rats are placed in the cylinder for 15 min, a lapse
of time after which they no longer attempt to escape and remain immobile. On the test
day the animals are replaced in the cylinder and the duration of animal immobility
is measured by direct observation followed by verification of an audiovisual recording
for 5 min. The products of the invention are administered by oral route 60 min before
the test. A rat is considered to be immobile if it allows itself to float and only
makes small movements to remain on the surface. Two rats are observed at the same
time.
3- Formol test: analgesic activity against so-called physiological pain
PROTOCOL
[0076] The rats (Male Sprague Dawley rats (ICO: OFA SD [IOPS], Iffa Credo, France) are placed
in plexiglass observation boxes above an angled mirror so as to facilitate observation
of the hind paws. After thirty minutes of habituation, the animals are given an injection
of formol diluted to 2.5% on the plantar surface of the right hind paw. The injection
of formol produces behavioural responses which occur in two phases:
- an acute phase, from 0 to 5 min after injection of the formol, corresponding to stimulation
of receptors specialized in the transmission of pain messages to the spinal cord.
- a late phase which occurs 20 to 30 min after the injection. This phase corresponds
to stimulation of receptors by inflammatory mediators and/or to hyper-excitability
of the dorsal horn induced during the first phase. This late phase therefore involves
central sensitization.
[0077] For the study of the compounds of the invention we selected two expressions of painful
behaviour and chose two periods of observation which correspond to the two pain phases
(i.e. 0-5 min and 22.5-27.5 min). During these two 5-min periods the animals are observed
every 30 seconds and are given scores for the following behaviours: paw licking or
not of the injected paw, and lifting or non-lifting of the injected paw. Ten observations
give a maximum score of 10 for each parameter for each of the 2 phases. The products
of the invention are administered via intraperitoneal route 15 min before the injection
of formol.
4- Oxaliplatine test: analgesic activity against so-called pathological pain
PROTOCOL
[0078] The rats (Male Sprague Dawley rats (ICO: OFA SD [IOPS], Iffa Credo, France) are tested
a first time on the Friday to determine their mechanical sensitivity threshold (von
Frey test). They are then given an intra-peritoneal injection (i.p.) of oxaliplatine
(anticancer treatment causing neuropathic pain in patients) at a dose of 8 mg/kg.
This dose in rat induces neuropathy which translates as mechanical hypersensitivity
(allodynia) which develops 3 days after the injection with a peak on day five. For
the study of the compounds of the invention, the animals are re-tested on day five,
15 min after administration of the compound via intra-peritoneal route.
STATISTICAL ANALYSES OF RESULTS
[0079] Quantification of the effect of the compounds of the invention on the forced swimming
tests and on the formol test is conducted by one-factor variance analysis between
groups (ANOVA analysis) followed by a multiple comparison test (Dunnett's test) versus
control animals. The ED
50 value is calculated using Litchfield and Wilcoxon analysis from the percentage of
responding animals.
FIGURES
[0080]
Figure 1 gives the results obtained during the forced swimming test after oral administration
(p.o.) of the compound of formula (1a1) or of buspirone, namely the observed time
of animal immobility (in seconds) compared with the logarithm of the dose of the administered
compound (in mg/kg).
Figure 2 gives the observed results (either for paw lifting or paw licking) for the
formol test after intra-peritoneal administration (i.p.) of the compound of formula
(1a1) or of buspirone. For this test, the animals are observed every 30 seconds during
two periods of 5 min. The following behaviours are noted: paw licking or not of the
injected paw, and paw lifting or not of the injected paw. Ten observations give a
maximum score of 10 for each parameter for each of the 2 phases, measuring either
paw lifting or paw licking. This test was also performed by comparison with administration
of the vehicle (veh) alone.
Figure 3 shows the results obtained with the von Frey test with oxaliplatine. For
each experiment, pressure is exerted on the paw of the animals, either non-treated
with oxaliplatine (basal), or treated with oxaliplatine and after intra-peritoneal
administration of a saline solution or of compound (1a1) (at a dose of 0.01, 0.04
or 0.16 mg/kg) or of buspirone (at a dose of 0.63 or 2.5 mg/kg). The pressure force
is then measured (in g) at which withdrawal of the paw of the animals is observed.
RESULTS
1) Measurement of the affinity of the compounds of the invention for the 5-HT1A receptors.
[0081] Table 1, as an example, gives the pKi values for some derivatives of the invention
compared with buspirone chosen as reference product.
Table 1
| Compound |
5-HT1A affinity (pKi) |
| 1a1 |
8.99 |
| 1b |
9.20 |
| 1c |
8.91 |
| 1d |
8.64 |
| 1e |
8.82 |
| 1f |
9.19 |
| 1g |
9.10 |
| 1h |
9.13 |
| buspirone |
7.65 |
[0082] The test results show that the compounds of formula (1) have strong affinity for
the serotoninergic receptors of sub-type 5-HT
1A. The 5-HT
1A affinity of the compounds of the invention is additionally much higher than that
of buspirone.
2) Forced swimming test: antidepressant activity of the compounds of the invention.
[0083] The forced swimming test (Figure 1), after oral administration in the rat, shows
that the compound of formula (1a1), representing the series, exerts central action.
For example, the formula (1a1) compound is capable of reducing the animal's immobility
time in dose-dependent fashion [F(7.50) = 43.67; P<0.001]. This compound is both very
powerful (ED
50 = 0.08 mg/Kg) and highly efficient since none of the animals remains immobile on
and after the dose of 10 mg/Kg. By comparison buspirone, even at a dose of 40 mg/Kg,
has no effect on animal immobility [F(5.61)= 0.51 P>0.05]. To conclude, compound (1a1),
and the compounds belonging to this chemical series in general, exhibit fully remarkable
antidepressant properties after administration via oral route.
3) Formol test: analgesic activity against so-called physiological pain.
[0084] The formol test (Figure 2), using administration via intra-peritoneal route, shows
that the formula (1a1) compound, representing this chemical series, exerts remarkable
analgesic activity against pain of physiological origin. The formula (1a1) compound
shows dose-dependent inhibition of the 2 measured parameters (paw lifting and paw
licking) for each of the 2 phases: [F(5.36) = 323.80; P<0.001], [F(5.36) = 41.13;
P<0.001], [F(5.36) = 50.19; P<0.001] and [F(5.36) = 39.67; P<0.0011, respectively.
[0085] The efficiency of the formula (1a1) compound and of the compounds of the invention
in general, is clearly apparent with regard to the paw lifting parameter. Compound
(1a1) not only proves to be very powerful (ED
50 = 0.05 mg/Kg) for inhibition of this parameter, but it is also very efficient insofar
as it prevents paw lifting in all the rats injected with formol on and after a dose
of 0.63 mg/Kg. Full analgesia is obtained irrespective of the pain phase under consideration
(acute or late) and is also expressed for the paw licking parameter. By comparison,
buspirone only affects the paw lifting parameter during the acute phase and late phase
on and after a dose of 2.5 mg/kg ([F(3.24) = 8.20; P<0.001] and [F(3,24) = 4.57; P=0.01]).
Buspirone inhibits paw licking on and after a dose of 0.63 mg/kgfor the acute phase
and 2.5 mg/kg for the late phase ([F(3.24) = 47.04; P<0.001] and [F(3.24) = 40.50;
P<0.001]). To conclude, compound (1a1), and the compounds belonging to this chemical
series in general, exhibit analgesic properties against physiological pain that are
fully remarkable after intra-peritoneal administration.
4-) Oxaliplatine test: analgesic activity against so-called pathological pain.
[0086] The test for oxaliplatine-induced pain (Figure 3), via intra-peritoneal administration,
shows that the formula (1a1) compound, representative of this chemical series, exerts
powerful analgesic activity against so-called pathological pain. For example the formula
(1a1) compound shows dose-dependent inhibition of allodynia developed by animals treated
with oxaliplatine. Full analgesia is obtained on and after a dose of 0.04 mg/kg of
compound 1a1. By comparison, buspirone does not produce any significant analgesia
even at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg.
[0087] To summarize, compound (1a1), and the compounds belonging to this chemical series
in general, display analgesic properties against pathological pain that are fully
remarkable after administration via i.p. route.
[0088] It arises from these tests that the compounds of the invention exhibit:
- affinity for the serotoninergic receptors of sub-type 5-HT1A that is greater than that of buspirone,
- antidepressant activity that is greater than that of buspirone,
- broad analgesic activity since it addresses pain of both physiological and pathological
origin. This analgesic activity proves to be greater than that of buspirone, a 5-HT1A agonist given human clinical use.
[0089] In this respect, the compounds of the invention are therefore potentially useful
for the treatment of pathologies involving serotoninergic ill-functioning, in particular
for the treatment of depression and pain for which therapeutic needs are considerable.
[0090] The administration of the compounds of the invention can use oral, nasal, sublingual,
rectal or parenteral routes. As a non-limiting example of formulations, one preparation
of the compounds of the invention is given below. The ingredients and other therapeutically
acceptable ingredients can be added in other proportions without modifying the scope
of the invention. The terms « active ingredient » used in the examples of formulation
given below refer to a compound of formula (1) or an addition salt or optionally to
a hydrate of an addition salt of the formula (1) compound with a pharmaceutically
acceptable mineral acid or organic acid or one of the enantiomers of the formula (1)
compound.
Example of pharmaceutical composition:
[0091] Formula to prepare 1000 tablets each containing 10 mg of active ingredient:
| Active ingredient |
10 g |
| Lactose |
100 g |
| Wheat starch |
10 g |
| Magnesium stearate |
3 g |
| Talc |
3 g |