Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention is comprised in compounds for use in therapeutic treatments
for polycystic liver diseases. Particularly, it relates to compounds for use in a
therapy combining, in one and the same molecule derived from ursodeoxycholic acid,
the capacity to increase intracellular Ca
2+ levels in polycystic human cholangiocytes and reduce the proliferation of said human
cholangiocytes, as well as selectively inhibit the activity of the HDAC6 enzyme, mechanisms
that are all involved in the development of the mentioned diseases.
Background
[0002] Polycystic liver diseases (also referred to by their abbreviation, PLDs) are a heterogeneous
group of dominantly inherited genetic disorders [autosomal dominant polycystic liver
disease (ADPLD: 1:100,000) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD:
1:1,000)] or recessively inherited genetic disorders [autosomal recessive polycystic
kidney disease (ARPKD: 1:20,000)] that are characterized by the progressive development
of multiple bile cysts (> 20) which are the main cause of morbidity and mortality
[
Gevers, T.J. et al., Nat. Rev. Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 2013, 10(2), 101-108;
Perugorria, M.J., et al., Nat. Rev. Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 2014, 11(12), 750-761]. Furthermore, a high percentage of these patients also develop polycystic kidney
disease (also referred to by its abbreviation, PKD).
[0003] The surgical and/or pharmacological treatments existing today fail to improve the
prognosis of these diseases, and liver transplant is presented as the only curative
option. Therefore, a detailed study of the molecular mechanisms controlling the pathogenesis
of polycystic liver diseases is key to enable identifying therapeutic targets at the
pharmacological level.
[0004] It has previously been demonstrated that cystogenesis in PLDs is characterized by
various functional alterations in polycystic bile duct cells (i.e., cholangiocytes)
[
Perugorria, M.J., et al., Nat. Rev. Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 2014, 11(12), 750-761], such as hyperproliferation [
Banales, J.M. et al., Hepatology, 2009, 49(1), 160-174;
Munoz-Garrido, P. et al., J. Hepatol., 2015, 63(4), 952-961], hypersecretion [
Banales, J.M. et al., Am. J. Pathol., 2008, 173(6), 1637-1646], increase in metalloproteolytic activity [
Urribarri, A.D. et al., Gut, 2014, 63(10), 1658-1667], change in the expression of microRNAs [
Lee, S.O. et al., J. Clin. Invest., 2008, 118(11), 3714-3724], and morphological and functional alterations of the primary cilium [
Masyuk, T.V. et al., Am. J. Pathol., 2014, 184(1), 110-121] (i.e., a specific sensory organelle of cholangiocytes in the liver) [
Gradilone, S.A. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2007, 104(48), 19138-19143;
Masyuk, A.I., et al., Am. J. Physiol. Gastrointest. Liver Physiol., 2008, 295(4),
G725-734;
Masyuk, A.I. et al., Am. J. Physiol. Gastrointest. Liver Physiol., 2013, 304(11),
G1013-1024;
Masyuk, A.I. et al., Am. J. Physiol. Gastrointest. Liver Physiol., 2010, 299(4), G990-999].
[0005] Furthermore, it has been proven that these pathological processes are intracellularly
mediated by an increase in the levels of cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)
and a decrease in calcium (Ca
2+), with the regulation thereof being considered potentially therapeutic [
Perugorria, M.J. et al., Nat. Rev. Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 2014, 11(12), 750-761;
Munoz-Garrido, P. et al., J. Hepatol., 2015, 63(4), 952-961;
Gradilone, S.A. et al., Gastroenterology, 201, 139(1), 304-314;
Masyuk, T.V. et al., Gastroenterology, 2007, 132(3), 1104-1116]. In this sense, it has recently been proven that normalization of intracellular
Ca
2+ levels in polycystic cholangiocytes with ursodeoxycholic acid (known by its abbreviation,
UDCA) is capable of partially blocking liver cystogenesis in various experimental
models of PLD [
Munoz-Garrido, P. et al., J. Hepatol., 2015, 63(4), 952-961].
[0006] UDCA is an endogenous bile acid with choleretic and hepatoprotective properties found
at a low concentration in the human body and the chronic administration thereof leads
to therapeutic benefits in cholestatic liver diseases, such as primary biliary cholangitis
(PBC) [
Beuers, U. et al., J. Hepatol., 2015, 62(1 Suppl), S25-37]. The oral administration of UDCA is well tolerated and safe, and is the only internationally
approved therapy for the chronic treatment of PBC. Based on all this data, an international,
multicenter, phase II clinical trial (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ NCT02021110)
was started, in which the therapeutic potential of the chronic treatment of PLD patients
with UDCA was evaluated. In that sense, it has recently been proven [
D'Agnolo HMA. et al., J. Hepatol., 2016, 65(3), 601-607] that UDCA inhibits the growth of liver cysts in patients with polycystic kidney
disease (i.e., ADPKD) that are highly symptomatic (total liver volume > 2.5 liters),
and furthermore causes a significant improvement in its symptomatology. Nevertheless,
the administration of UDCA does not seem to show any benefit in reducing the total
liver volume in patients with advanced polycystic liver disease (ADPLD). It is therefore
proposed that additional studies are required to determine if patients with ADPKD
and ADPLD respond differently to treatment with UDCA.
[0007] Given that UDCA has a partial therapeutic effect in animal models and patients with
PLD, the study of pharmacological therapies which act against different signaling
pathways involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases is key to thereby enable effectively
blocking their development and/or progression.
[0008] On the other hand, it has been proven that the growth of liver cysts in PLDs is mediated,
in part, by the cytoplasmic overexpression of HDAC6 (histone deacetylase 6), which
promotes the deacetylation of the structural protein, α-acetylated-tubulin, in the
primary cilia of cholangiocytes [
Gradilone, S.A. et al., Am. J. Pathol., 2014, 184(3), 600-608]. This causes structural and functional malformations of these organelles which promote
cell proliferation.
[0009] In that sense, it has been proven that chronic administration of pharmacological
HDAC6 inhibitors (i.e., tubastatin, tubacin, and ACY-1215) causes a decrease in the
proliferation of cholangiocytes derived from patients with ADPKD and partially blocks
the growth of liver cysts in experimental models (i.e.,
in vitro and
in vivo) of PLD.
[0010] Furthermore,
Wu, M. et al. [Kidney International, 2016, 90(1), 20-22] mention that the mutation of a gene in polycystic kidney disease leads to a decrease
in the intracellular Ca
2+ concentration, as well as an increase in cyclic AMP levels, which is linked to the
overexpression of HDAC6. Based on the foregoing, it is proposed that calcium and cyclic
AMP regulate HDAC6 expression and activity.
[0011] In this sense,
Cebotaru, L. et al. [Kidney International, 2016, 90(1), 90-97] observed that tubacin prevents the formation of cysts in MDCK cells (an
in vitro model of cystogenesis) and that treatment with said compound regulates cyclic AMP
levels, therefore inhibiting cell proliferation. It is furthermore observed in testing
with an animal model of ADPKD that tubacin reduces the growth of kidney cysts by means
of inhibiting the epithelial cells covering the cysts, improving kidney function.
[0012] Document
WO2015/061684 also describes HDAC6 inhibitors which respond to different structures, some of which
are previously known in the literature (
WO2011/091213), for the treatment of polycystic diseases, particularly those derived from ARPKD
(caused by the mutation of the Pkhd1 gene) and ADPKD disease (caused by the mutation
of the Pkd1 and Pkd2 genes) . Among the groups of patients to be treated with these
compounds, those with mutations in at least one of the ADPLD-causing PRKCSH and Sec63
genes are also included. Nevertheless, the examples provided were carried out in animal
models of ARPKD.
[0013] However, the clinical study of the therapeutic efficacy of these pharmacological
HDAC6 inhibitors is compromised by the peripheral toxicity of commercial HDAC6 inhibitors.
To that end, there is a need to search for new HDAC6 inhibitors having a more selective
vectorization towards the cells of the bile ducts and less peripheral toxicity.
Brief Description of the Invention
[0014] The authors of the present invention have developed new ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)
derivatives which maintain the intrinsic, beneficial calcium-regulating properties
of UDCA itself and act at the same time as selective HDAC6 inhibitors.
[0015] In that sense, the results of the experiments carried out with these new UDCA derivatives
have clearly shown that these derivatives increase intracellular Ca
2+ levels in polycystic human cholangiocytes in culture in a manner similar to UDCA,
but they furthermore induce a decrease in the proliferation of said human cholangiocytes
in a dose-dependent manner and at a higher magnitude than UDCA. On the other hand,
the chemical entities of this invention have shown a selective inhibition of HDAC6
activity that is at least comparable with other commercial HDAC inhibitors such as
trichostatin.
[0016] All this experimental data would clearly show that the administration of these new
compounds in patients with polycystic liver diseases may have significant therapeutic
value in the treatment thereof.
[0017] A first aspect of the present invention therefore relates to a compound of formula
(I):

where:
X is a -(CHR1)p group, where R1 is hydrogen, or a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a C6-C10 aryl group, and p is 0 or 1;
Y is selected from:
a single bond;
-(CH2)n, with n being 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5;
arylidene or heteroarylidene, connected with the rest of the molecule by means of
(1,3) or (1,4) bonds;
-C(O)-N(H)-CH2(Ar)-; and
-Ar-C(O)-N(H)-CH2-(Ar)-;
where Ar means arylidene;
q is 0 or 1;
Z is selected from OH, SH, and optionally substituted aryl,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or solvate thereof,
for use in the treatment of polycystic diseases.
[0018] A second aspect of the invention relates to a compound of formula (I'):

where:
X is hydrogen, a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a C6-C10 aryl group;
Y is selected from:
a single bond;
-(CH2)n, with n being 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5;
arylidene or heteroarylidene, connected with the rest of the molecule by means of
(1,3) or (1,4) bonds;
-C(O)-N(H)-CH2(Ar)-; and
-Ar-C(O)-N(H)-CH2-(Ar)-;
where Ar means arylidene;
and
Z is selected from OH and optionally substituted aryl,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or solvate thereof.
[0019] An additional aspect of the invention relates to a process for obtaining compounds
of formula (I') which comprises reacting ursodeoxycholic acid of formula (II):

with a compound of formula (III'):

where X and Y are as defined above and W is a precursor group of groups Z defined
above, and subsequently transforming groups W into the corresponding groups Z of formula
(I).
[0020] An additional aspect of the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising
a compound of formula (I') as defined above, or a salt or solvate thereof, and a pharmaceutically
acceptable excipient or vehicle.
[0021] The invention furthermore relates to a compound of formula (I') as defined above
or a salt or solvate thereof, for use as a medicinal product.
Description of the Drawings
[0022]
Figure 1 shows the representative immunoblot and relative quantification of the expression
of HDAC6 in normal and polycystic human cholangiocytes.
Figure 2 shows the dose-response curves of the inhibitory effect of compounds Ia,
Ib, and 4-(aminomethyl)-N-hydroxybenzamide on HDAC6.
Figure 3 shows the intracellular Ca2+ levels in polycystic human cholangiocytes.
Figure 4 shows the vectorization studies of compound Ia and the analysis of transporter
gene expression. A) Study of the transport of compound Ia through transporters OCT1
and OCT3. B) Gene expression levels of transporters OCT1 and OCT3 in normal human
cholangiocytes (NHC3) and polycystic human cholangiocytes (ADPKD).
Figure 5 shows the proliferation of polycystic human cholangiocytes cultured in the
presence of different doses of compound Ia.
Figure 6 shows the representative immunoblot of the levels of α-acetylated-tubulin
(α-Ac-tubulin) and lysine-9-acetylated histone 3 (H3K9) in polycystic human cholangiocytes
in culture treated with different doses of compound Ia.
Figure 7 shows the representative immunoblot of the acetylation levels of α-tubulin
and histone 3 after treatment with each of compounds Ia-Ij.
Figure 8 shows the quantitative analysis of the cilium length in cell cultures of
normal and polycystic human cholangiocytes.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0023] As mentioned above, a first aspect of the present invention relates to an ursodeoxycholic
acid derivative, specifically a compound of formula (I):

where:
X is a -(CHR1)p group, where R1 is hydrogen, or a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a C6-C10 aryl group, and p is 0 or 1;
Y is selected from:
a single bond;
-(CH2)n, with n being 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5;
arylidene or heteroarylidene, connected with the rest of the molecule by means of
(1,3) or (1,4) bonds;
-C(O)-N(H)-CH2(Ar)-; and
-Ar-C(O)-N(H)-CH2-(Ar)-;
where Ar means arylidene;
q is 0 or 1;
Z is selected from OH, SH, and optionally substituted aryl,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or solvate thereof,
for use in the treatment of polycystic diseases.
[0024] In the context of the present invention, the following terms have the meaning that
is described in detail below.
[0025] "C
1-C
6 alkyl" refers to a radical that has a linear or branched hydrocarbon chain consisting
of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, does not contain any unsaturation,
and is bound to the rest of the molecule by means of a single bond, for example, methyl,
ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, etc. The C
1-C
6 radical alkyl can optionally be substituted with one or more substituents, particularly,
with an aryl or heteroaryl terminal group.
[0026] "C
6-C
10 aryl" refers to a radical which has an aromatic ring comprising 6 to 10 carbon atoms,
even more, particularly 6 carbon atoms. According to a particular embodiment, aryl
is a phenyl, naphthyl, indenyl, phenanthryl, or anthracyl radical, preferably phenyl
or naphthyl radical. The radical aryl can optionally be substituted with one or more
substituents, particularly, with C(O)NHOH; linear or branched C
1-C
4 alkyl; SH; NH
2; C
6-C
10 aryl; C
5-C
6 heteroaryl.
[0027] "Arylidene" refers to an aromatic ring system which comprises 6 to 10 carbon atoms,
even more particularly 6 carbon atoms, and is bound to the molecule through two bonds.
According to a particular embodiment, arylidene is a phenylene, naphthylene, indenylene
group, preferably a radical phenylene group bound to the molecule by means of (1,3)
or (1,4) bonds.
[0028] "Heteroarylidene" refers to a stable, 3- to 10-membered, aromatic ring system, preferably
a 5- or 6-membered aromatic ring, comprising carbon atoms, and from one to five heteroatoms
selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur, preferably one
or two heteroatoms. The heteroarylidene group is bound to the molecule through two
bonds. Examples of such heteroarylidene include, but are not limited to, radicals
derived from benzimidazole, benzothiazole, furan, thiophene, pyrrole, pyridine, pyrimidine,
isothiazole, imidazole, indole, purine, quinoline, or thiadiazole. Preferably, it
is a radical derived from furan which is bound to the molecule by means of (1,3) bonds.
[0029] The compounds of formula (I) can be in the form of salts, preferably pharmaceutically
acceptable salts, or in the form of solvates.
[0030] The expression "pharmaceutically acceptable salts" refers to salts which, when administered
to the recipient, may (directly or indirectly) provide a compound like the one described
herein. "Pharmaceutically acceptable" preferably refers to compositions and molecular
entities which are physiologically tolerable and do not normally cause an allergic
reaction or a similar unfavorable reaction, such as upset stomach, dizziness, and
the like, when administered to a human being or animal. Preferably, the expression
"pharmaceutically acceptable" means that it is approved by a state or federal government
regulatory agency or included in the United States Pharmacopeia or another pharmacopeia
generally recognized for use in animals, and more particularly in human beings.
[0031] The salts can be prepared by means of methods known in the art. For example, the
pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds provided in the present document are
synthesized from the original compound containing basic residues by means of conventional
chemical methods. In general, such salts are prepared, for example, by reacting the
free base forms of these compounds with the suitable base or acid in water, or in
an organic solvent, or in a mixture of the two. In general, nonaqueous media such
as ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, isopropanol, or acetonitrile, are preferred. Examples
of acid addition salts include mineral acid addition salts such as, for example, hydrochloride,
hydrobromide, hydroiodide, sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, and organic acid addition
salts such as, for example, acetate, maleate, fumarate, citrate, oxalate, succinate,
tartrate, malate, mandelate, methanosulfonate, and p-toluenesulfonate salts. Examples
of base addition salts include inorganic salts such as, for example, sodium, potassium,
calcium, ammonium, magnesium, aluminum, and lithium, and organic salts such as, for
example, ethylenediamine, ethanolamine, N,N-dialkylenethanolamine, triethanolamine,
glucamine, and basic amino acid salts.
[0032] The term "solvate" according to this invention must be understood to mean any form
of the active compound according to the invention having another molecule (most probably
a polar solvent) bound thereto by means of a non-covalent bond. Examples of solvates
include hydrates and alcoholates, for example methanolate. The compounds of the invention
can be in crystalline form, as free compounds or solvates. Solvation methods are known
in the art.
[0033] In a particular embodiment, in the compounds of formula (I) p is 1. In another particular
embodiment, p is 0.
[0034] In a particular embodiment, in the compounds of formula (I) q is 1, and in another
particular embodiment, q is 0.
[0035] In a particular embodiment, in the compounds of formula (I) X is -(CH
2)
p-, where p is 1.
[0036] In another particular embodiment, X is CHR
1, where R
1 is a C
1-C
6 alkyl group or C
6-C
10 aryl group with an R or S configuration. More preferably, R
1 is a C
1-C
6 alkyl group with an R or S configuration, even more preferably it is a CH
3 group.
[0037] In another particular embodiment, in the compounds of formula (I) Y is a single bond.
More particularly, if Y is a single bond, then p is 0. Even more particularly, in
the event that Y is a single bond, p is 0 and q is 0.
[0038] In another particular embodiment, in the compounds of formula (I) Y is arylidene
or heteroarylidene, preferably a radical derived from furan.
[0039] In an even more particular embodiment, when Y is arylidene or heteroarylidene, p
is 1. Even more preferably, in the event that Y is arylidene or heteroarylidene, p
is 1 and R
1 is hydrogen.
[0040] In another particular embodiment, in the compounds of formula (I) Y is -(CH
2)
n, where n is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, preferably 1, 2, 3, or 4.
[0041] In another particular embodiment, q is 1.
[0042] In another particular embodiment, in the compounds of formula (I) Y is -(CH
2)
n- and q is 1. Even more preferably, in the event that Y is -(CH
2)
n-, q is 1 and Z is OH.
[0043] In another particular embodiment, in the compounds of formula (I) Z is OH, SH, or
an aryl optionally substituted by at least one of NH
2, SH, and a phenyl. In a more preferred embodiment, Z is OH.
[0045] The present invention also describes compounds for use in a method for the treatment
of polycystic disease which comprises administering a compound of formula (I) or a
salt or solvate thereof, to a patient in need of said treatment.
[0046] The term "treatment" or "treating" in the context of this specification means the
administration of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition according to the invention
to prevent, improve, or eliminate the disease or one or more symptoms associated with
said disease. "Treatment" also comprises preventing, improving, or eliminating the
physiological sequelae of the disease.
[0047] Polycystic disease must be understood as a disease characterized by the formation
of cysts.
[0048] Polycystic diseases may include cholangiopathies, a group of liver diseases of different
etiologies in which cholangiocytes are the target cells. Particularly, these diseases
present or are mediated by a decrease in intracellular Ca
2+ levels in said cholangiocytes, as well as an increase in the proliferation of said
cholangiocytes. The experimental data that was provided showed that the compounds
of formula (I) of the present invention allow regulating intracellular Ca
2+ levels in polycystic human cholangiocytes, and furthermore induce a decrease in the
proliferation of said cholangiocytes.
[0049] Therefore, the compounds of the invention can be used to inhibit the proliferation
of cholangiocytes.
[0050] In a particular embodiment, the cholangiopathy is polycystic liver disease. Said
disease may present alone or together with polycystic kidney disease.
[0051] Therefore, in a particular embodiment, the polycystic disease is selected from polycystic
kidney disease, polycystic liver disease, and a combination of both.
[0052] In a particular embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) are for use in in the treatment
of patients having one or more mutations in at least one of the PRKCSH (Protein Kinase
C Substrate 80K-H) and Sec63 genes. These mutations cause polycystic liver disease
without the kidney being involved. Said disease is commonly known as autosomal dominant
polycystic liver disease, abbreviated as ADPLD. Therefore, in a particular embodiment,
the polycystic disease is autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease.
[0053] In another particular embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) are for use in the
treatment of patients having one or more mutations in at least one of the Pkd1 and
Pkd2 genes which encode cilium-associated proteins polycystin-1 (PC1) and polycystin-2
(PC2), and cause cystic degeneration of the liver and kidneys in autosomal dominant
polycystic kidney disease, abbreviated as ADPKD. Therefore, in a particular embodiment,
the polycystic disease is autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
[0054] In another particular embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) are for use in the
treatment of patients having one or more mutations in the Pkhd1 gene which is associated
with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. Therefore, in a particular embodiment,
the polycystic disease is autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease.
[0055] An additional aspect of the invention relates to a compound of formula (I'):

where:
X is hydrogen, a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a C6-C10 aryl group;
Y is selected from:
a single bond;
-(CH2)n, with n being 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5;
arylidene or heteroarylidene, connected with the rest of the molecule by means of
(1,3) or (1,4) bonds;
-C(O)-N(H)-CH2(Ar)-; and
-Ar-C(O)-N(H)-CH2-(Ar)-;
where Ar means arylidene;
and
Z is selected from OH and optionally substituted aryl,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or solvate thereof.
[0056] In a particular embodiment, in the compounds of formula (I') X is hydrogen.
[0057] In another particular embodiment, X is a C
1-C
6 alkyl group or C
6-C
10 aryl group with an R or S configuration. More preferably, X is a C
1-C
6 alkyl group with an R or S configuration, even more preferably it is a CH
3 group.
[0058] In another particular embodiment, in the compounds of formula (I') Y is a single
bond.
[0059] In another particular embodiment, in the compounds of formula (I') Y is arylidene
or heteroarylidene, preferably a radical derived from furan.
[0060] In an even more particular embodiment, when Y is arylidene or heteroarylidene, X
is hydrogen.
[0061] In another particular embodiment, in the compounds of formula (I') Y is -(CH
2)
n, where n is 1, 2, 3, or 4.
[0062] In another particular embodiment, in the compounds of formula (I') Z is OH or an
aryl optionally substituted by at least one of NH
2 and a phenyl. In a more preferred embodiment, Z is OH.
[0064] An additional aspect of the invention relates to a process for obtaining a compound
of formula (I'), wherein said process comprises:
reacting ursodeoxycholic acid of formula (II):

with a compound of formula (III'):

where:
X is hydrogen, or a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a C6-C10 aryl group;
Y is selected from:
a single bond;
-(CH2)n, with n being 1, 2, 3, 4;
arylidene or heteroarylidene, connected with the rest of the molecule by means of
(1,3) or (1,4) bonds;
-C(O)-N(H)-CH2(Ar)-; and
-Ar-C(O)-N(H)-CH2-(Ar)-;
where Ar means arylidene;
and where W is a precursor group of groups Z defined above, and subsequently transforming
groups W into the corresponding groups Z of formula (I').
[0065] In a preferred embodiment, W is an alkoxy group such as, for example, methoxy, ethoxy,
or tert-butoxy, as well as the corresponding acids.
[0066] Another aspect of the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising
at least one compound of formula (I') as defined above, or a salt or solvate thereof,
and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or vehicle.
[0067] Examples of pharmaceutical compositions include any solid composition (tablets, pills,
capsules, granules, etc.) or liquid composition (solutions, suspensions, or emulsions)
for oral, topical, or parenteral administration.
[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are oral compositions.
The dosage forms suitable for oral administration may include tablets and capsules
and contain conventional excipients known in the art, such as binding agents, for
example, syrup, gum arabic, gelatin, sorbitol, tragacanth, or polyvinylpyrrolidone;
fillers, for example, lactose, sugar, cornstarch, calcium phosphate, sorbitol, or
glycine; lubricants for preparing tablets, for example, magnesium stearate; disintegrants,
for example, starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium starch glycolate, or microcrystalline
cellulose; or pharmaceutically acceptable wetting agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate.
[0069] The solid oral compositions can be prepared by means of conventional methods of mixing,
filling, or preparing tablets. Repeated mixing operations can be used to distribute
the active ingredient throughout all the compositions using large amounts of fillers.
Such operations are conventional in the art. The tablets can be prepared, for example,
by means of dry or wet granulation, and they can optionally be coated according to
methods that are well known in normal pharmaceutical practice, particularly with an
enteric coating.
[0070] The pharmaceutical compositions can also be adapted for parenteral administration,
such as sterile solutions, suspensions, or lyophilized products in the form of suitable
unit dose. Suitable excipients such as bulking agents, buffering agents, or surface
active agents can be used.
[0071] The mentioned formulations will be prepared using common methods such as those described
or referred to in the Spanish and United States Pharmacopeias and similar reference
texts.
[0072] In general, the effective administered amount of a compound of the invention will
depend on the relative efficacy of the chosen compound, the severity of the disorder
being treated, and the weight of the patient. However, the active compounds will usually
be administered one or more times a day, for example, 1, 2, 3, or 4 times a day, with
typical total daily doses in the range of 0.01 to 1000 mg/kg/day.
[0073] The compounds of the present invention can be used with at least one other drug to
provide a combination therapy. The at least one other drug can be part of the same
composition, or can be provided as a separate composition for administration at the
same time or at different times.
[0074] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a compound of general formula
(I'), or a salt or solvate, for use as a medicinal product.
Examples
[0075] The following methods A to C describe the processes for obtaining compounds used
in the invention.
Method A:
[0076] Method A represents a process for preparing compounds of general formula (I) or (I')
which comprises reacting a mixture made up of:
- a) ursodeoxycholic acid of formula (II):

- b) a compound of formula (III) or (III'):

where
q is 0 or 1;
X and Y for formula (III) are as defined above for formula (I);
X and Y for formula (III') are as defined above for formula (I');
W is a precursor group of groups Z defined for the compounds of formula (I) and (I');
- c) a carboxyl group activation reagent;
- d) an organic or inorganic base; and
- e) a tertiary amine, which is selected from cyclic or acyclic aliphatic amines with
between 1 and 10 C atoms, and aromatic alkanes with between 9 and 15 carbon atoms.
[0077] For the purpose of the invention, the reaction can be carried out by means of the
mixture formed by the five compounds [(a) to (e)] listed above and can be performed
by adding one of the components to the previous mixture of the other four compounds
in the organic solvent and at the temperature of -85°C to +25°C, preferably at temperatures
close to 0°C. After the last addition of one of the five components listed above,
the reaction is left to reach room temperature and the progression thereof is monitored
by means of TLC. Once the coupling reaction has ended, the final compound, an ester,
is reacted with HCl NaHCO
3 (saturated aqueous solution) and NaCl (saturated aqueous solution), and dried on
MgSO
4. Finally, the solvent is removed under vacuum. The product thus obtained is purified
by means of column chromatography.
Method B:
[0078] Method B represents a process for preparing compounds of general formula (I) also
from the five compounds mentioned in Method A. Likewise, the reaction mixture formed
by the elements listed above can be made by adding one of the components to the previous
mixture of the other components in an organic solvent and at the temperature of -85°C
to +25°C, preferably at temperatures close to 0°C. Once the addition has ended, the
reaction is left to reach room temperature. The progression of the reaction was followed
by thin layer chromatography. Once the coupling reaction is completed, the ester obtained
is dissolved in an organic solvent and reacted with the mixture of lithium or sodium
hydroxide, dimethoxyethane, and water, at temperatures comprised between -4°C and
+25°C, therefore yielding, after the corresponding treatment, compounds of general
formula (I).
Method C:
[0079] Method C represents a process for preparing compounds of general formula (I) also
from the five compounds mentioned in Method A. Likewise, the reaction mixture formed
by the elements listed above can be made by adding one of the components to the previous
mixture of the other components in an organic solvent and at the temperature of -85°C
to +25°C, preferably at temperatures close to 0°C. Once the addition has ended, the
reaction is left to reach room temperature. The progression of the reaction is followed
by thin layer chromatography. Once the coupling reaction is completed, the ester obtained
is added to a mixture of phenolphthalein and hydroxylamine hydrochloride in the presence
of excess sodium methoxide in methanol as a solvent. Once the reaction is completed,
the corresponding compounds of formula (I) are obtained, after the necessary treatment
in each case.
[0080] To facilitate understanding of the preceding ideas, several examples for carrying
out the present invention are described below. Said examples are merely illustrative.
Example 1: Preparation of methyl 4-(((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)methyl)benzoate.
[0081]

[0082] This compound was prepared following method A described above.
[0083] Methyl 4-(aminomethyl)benzoate hydrochloride (201.7 mg, 1 mmol), TBTU (385.3 mg,
1.2 mmol) were added to a solution of ursodeoxycholic acid (392.6 mg, 1 mmol) in DMF
(2.5 ml). The solution was cooled to 0°C in an inert atmosphere and a solution of
Et
3N in DMF (Et
3N (1.1 ml, 3.26 M)) was added dropwise. The progression of the reaction was followed
by thin layer chromatography. The reaction mixture was kept under stirring for 3 hours.
The solvent was then evaporated at reduced pressure, and the residue was dissolved
in ethyl acetate (20 ml) and the resulting solution was washed with HCl (3×10 ml solution),
NaHCO
3 (3 x 10 ml, saturated aqueous solution), and NaCl (2 x 10 ml, saturated aqueous solution),
and dried on MgSO
4. Finally, the solvent was removed under vacuum. The product thus obtained was purified
by means of column chromatography using a 10:1 (v/v) dichloromethane:methanol mixture
as mobile phase. White solid. Yield 84%; Melting point 114-116°C; IR 3293, 2927, 2862,
1720, 1650, 1277, 1106 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ: 8.39 (t,
J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (d,
J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (d,
J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 4.49 (d,
J = 4.4 Hz, 1H), 4.32 (dd,
J = 6.0, 2.7 Hz, 2H), 3.88 (d,
J = 6.7 Hz, 1H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.29 (s, 2H), 2.28 - 2.02 (m, 2H), 1.96 - 1.61 (m, 6H),
1.55 - 1.25 (m, 10H), 1.25 - 0.93 (m, 7H), 0.93 - 0.83 (m, 7H), 0.60 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 172.77, 166.06, 145.50, 129.16, 128.06, 127.26, 69.77, 69.48, 55.89, 54.77, 52.01,
43.10, 43.01, 42.22, 41.80, 39.86, 38.78, 37.74, 37.28, 34.93, 34.86, 33.76, 32.42,
31.67, 30.25, 28.20, 26.71, 23.32, 20.89, 18.44, 12.00; HRMS (ESI) for C
33H
49NO
5Na, calculated [M + Na]
+: 562.3509. Obtained: 562.3515.
Example 2: Preparation of methyl 4-((2-((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)acetamido)methyl)benzoate.
[0084]

[0085] This compound was prepared following method A described above.
[0086] Ursodeoxycholic acid (120 mg, 0.27 mmol), methyl 4-(aminomethyl)benzoate hydrochloride
(53.8 mg, 0.27), TBTU (104 mg, 0.32 mmol), and Et
3N (0.3 ml 3.26 M). White solid. Yield 63%; Melting point 145-147°C; IR 3354, 2932,
2861, 1720, 1654, 1281, 1111, 847 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 8.41 (t,
J = 6.1 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (t,
J = 5.9 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (d,
J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (d,
J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 4.45 (d,
J = 4.5 Hz, 1H), 4.35 (d,
J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.87 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.71 (d,
J = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.29 (2H), 2.25 - 1.96 (m, 2H), 1.95 - 1.59 (m, 5H), 1.55 - 1.25 (m,
9H), 1.25 - 0.93 (m, 7H), 0.93 - 0.85 (m, 7H), 0.60 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 173.14, 169.42, 166.12, 145.21, 129.17, 128.09, 127.31, 69.75, 69.49, 55.89, 54.79,
52.11, 43.11, 43.04, 42.19, 41.78, 38.75, 38.28, 37.76, 37.29, 35.02, 34.86, 33.79,
32.21, 31.46, 30.27, 28.22, 26.76, 23.35, 20.88, 18.53, 12.08. HRMS (ESI) for C
28H
47NO
4, calculated [[M + H] + [-H
2O]]
+:579.3798. Obtained: 579.3783.
Example 3: Preparation of methyl((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanoyl)-L-alaninate
[0087]

[0088] This compound was prepared following method A described above.
[0089] Ursodeoxycholic acid (392.6 mg, 1 mmol), L-alanine methyl ester hydrochloride (139.6
mg, 1 mmol), TBTU (385.3 mg, 1.2 mmol), and Et
3N (1.1 ml, 3.26 M). White solid. Yield 45%; Melting point 103-105°C; IR 3296, 2928,
2863, 1739, 1650, 1209, 1049 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 8.19 (d,
J = 7.0 Hz, 1H), 4.44 (d,
J = 4.5 Hz, 1H), 4.23 (p,
J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 3.87 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.60 (s, 3H), signal corresponding to 2H overlapping the signal of
water at 3.29 ppm (confirmed by COSY), 2.19 - 1.88 (m, 3H), 1.88 - 1.57 (m, 4H), 1.56
- 1.27 (m, 9H), 1.27 - 0.93 (m, 12H), 0.93 - 0.82 (m, 7H), 0.61 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 173.26, 172.52, 69.71, 69.45, 55.87, 54.71, 51.72, 47.41, 43.07, 43.01, 42.16,
38.71, 37.72, 37.27, 34.87, 34.82, 33.75, 31.94, 31.47, 30.24, 28.16, 26.71, 23.31,
20.84, 18.47, 16.93, 12.03; HRMS (ESI) for C
28H
48NO
5, calculated [M + H]
+: 478.3532. Obtained: 478.3531.
Example 4: Preparation of methyl 3-((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)propionate.
[0090]

[0091] This compound was prepared following method A described above.
[0092] Ursodeoxycholic acid (392.6 mg, 1 mmol), β-alanine methyl ester hydrochloride (153.6
mg, 1 mmol), TBTU (385.3 mg, 1.2 mmol), and Et
3N (1.1 ml 3.26 M). White solid. Yield 66%; Melting point 84-86°C; IR 3292, 2927, 2862,
1734, 1647, 1180, 1049 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 7.85 (t,
J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (d,
J = 4.6 Hz, 1H), 4.05 (q,
J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.86 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.29 (2H), 3.24 (q,
J = 6.5 Hz, 2H), 2.41 (t,
J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 2.12 - 1.89 (m, 4H), 1.89 - 1.59 (m, 4H), 1.53 - 1.25 (m, 9H), 1.24
- 0.90 (m, 11H), 0.87 (t,
J = 3.3 Hz, 7H), 0.61 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 172.63, 171.30, 69.70, 69.45, 59.86, 55.86, 54.69, 43.06, 43.00, 42.16, 38.71,
37.72, 37.26, 34.90, 34.82, 34.65, 33.90, 33.75, 32.29, 31.60, 30.24, 28.15, 26.70,
23.31, 20.84, 18.45, 14.08, 12.01; HRMS (ESI) for C
29H
50NO
5, calculated [M + H]
+:492.3689. Obtained: 492.3684.
Example 5: Preparation of methyl ((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)butanoate.
[0093]

[0094] This compound was prepared following method A described above.
[0095] Ursodeoxycholic acid (392.6 mg, 1 mmol), 4-aminobutyrate methyl ester hydrochloride
(153.6 mg, 1 mmol), TBTU (385.3 mg, 1.2 mmol), and Et
3N (1.1 ml 3.26 M). White solid. Yield 37%; Melting point 92-94°C; IR 3295, 2927, 2862,
1736, 1646, 1170, 1050 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 7.77 (t,
J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 4.42 (d,
J = 4.6 Hz, 1H), 3.85 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.58 (s, 3H), 3.02 (q,
J = 6.5 Hz, 2H), 2.29 (t,
J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 2.15-2.00 (m, 1H), 2.01 - 1.53 (m, 9H), 1.54 - 1.24 (m, 8H), 1.24
- 0.90 (m, 7H), 0.88 (d,
J = 7.4 Hz, 7H), 0.60 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 173.04, 172.45, 69.67, 69.41, 55.83, 54.66, 51.20, 43.03, 42.97, 42.13, 38.68,
37.69, 37.60, 37.23, 34.87, 34.79, 33.72, 32.38, 31.63, 30.65, 30.21, 28.14, 26.67,
24.52, 23.28, 20.80, 18.42, 11.96; HRMS (ESI) for C
29H
50NO
5, calculated [M + H]
+:492.3689. Obtained: 492.3686.
Example 6: Preparation of methyl 6-((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecanohydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)hexanoate
[0096]

[0097] This compound was prepared following method A described above.
[0098] Ursodeoxycholic acid (392.6 mg, 1 mmol), 6-aminohexanoate methyl ester hydrochloride
(181.7 mg, 1 mmol), TBTU (385.3 mg, 1.2 mmol), and Et
3N (1.1 ml 3.26 M). White solid. Yield 42%; Melting point 78-80°C; IR 3299, 2926, 2861,
1736, 1644, 1165, 1050 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 7.71 (t,
J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (d,
J = 4.5 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (d,
J = 6.7 Hz, 1H), 3.58 (s, 3H), 3.29 (2H), 2.99 (q,
J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.28 (t,
J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.14 - 1.56 (m, 10H), 1.56 - 0.91 (m, 20H), 0.88 (d,
J = 7.2 Hz, 8H), 0.60 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 173.26, 172.28, 69.70, 69.45, 55.87, 54.70, 51.15, 43.06, 43.00, 42.16, 38.71,
38.12, 37.71, 37.26, 34.90, 34.82, 33.75, 33.22, 32.44, 31.69, 30.24, 28.82, 28.16,
26.70, 25.84, 24.15, 23.30, 20.83, 18.45, 12.00; HRMS (ESI) for C
31H
54NO
5, calculated [M + H]
+:520.4002. Obtained: 520.3997.
Example 7: Preparation of methyl 5-(((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecanohydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)methyl)furan-2-carboxylate
[0099]

[0100] This compound was prepared following method A described above.
[0101] Ursodeoxycholic acid (145 mg, 0.37 mmol), 5-(aminomethyl)furan-2-carboxylate methyl
ester hydrochloride (70.9 mg, 0.37), TBTU (146.4 mg, 0.46 mmol), and Et
3N (0.41 ml 3.26 M). White solid. Yield 52%; Melting point 240-242°C; IR 3463, 3285,
2935, 1705, 1683, 1518, 1210, 763 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 8.38 (t,
J = 5.8 Hz, 1H), 7.23 (d,
J = 3.5 Hz, 1H), 6.40 (d,
J = 3.4 Hz, 1H), 4.42 (d,
J = 4.5 Hz, 1H), 4.29 (d,
J = 5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.79 (s, 3H), signal corresponding to 2H overlapping the signal of
water at 3.29 ppm (confirmed by COSY), 2.09 (m,
J = 39.5, 14.2, 7.9 Hz, 2H), 1.96 - 1.58 (m, 5H), 1.54 - 1.24 (m, 10H), 1.24 - 0.90
(m, 8H), 0.87 (d,
J = 6.5 Hz, 7H), 0.58 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 172.63, 158.23, 157.68, 142.62, 119.31, 109.11, 69.71, 69.45, 55.85, 54.69, 51.65,
43.06, 43.00, 42.16, 39.99, 38.71, 37.72, 37.27, 35.57, 34.86, 34.82, 33.75, 32.20,
31.54, 30.24, 28.15, 26.70, 23.30, 20.83, 18.42, 11.99; HRMS (ESI) for C
31H
51N
2O
6, calculated [M + NH
4]
+: 547.3745. Obtained: 547.3738.
Example 8: Preparation of 4-(((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecanohydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)methyl)benzoic
acid
[0102]

[0103] This compound was prepared following the processes described in method B. Methyl
4-(((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)methyl)benzoate
(1079 mg, 2 mmol) and NaOH (8.7 ml 0.5M). Yield 90%; Melting point 155-157°C; IR 3288,
2922, 2851, 1638, 1542, 1281, 1015 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 12.85 (s, 1H), 8.37 (t,
J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (d,
J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.34 (d,
J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 4.48 - 4.39 (m, 1H), 4.34 - 4.28 (m, 2H), 3.86 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.29 (2H) (confirmed by COSY), 2.24 - 2.01 (m, 2H), 1.98 - 1.60 (m,
6H), 1.53 - 1.26 (m, 10H), 1.26 - 0.93 (m, 7H), 0.93 - 0.85 (m, 7H), 0.61 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 172.67, 167.15, 145.01, 129.30, 129.19, 127.10, 69.73, 69.47, 55.88, 54.76, 43.09,
43.01, 42.18, 41.77, 39.84, 38.74, 37.73, 37.27, 34.89, 34.83, 33.76, 32.38, 31.65,
30.25, 28.19, 26.72, 23.32, 20.85, 18.44, 12.01; HRMS (ESI) for C
32H
48NO
5, calculated [M + H]
+: 525.3532. Obtained: 525.3538.
Example 9: Preparation of methyl ((4-(((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)methyl)benzamido)methyl)benzoate
[0104]

[0105] This compound was prepared following the processes described in method A. 4-(((4R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecanohydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)methyl)benzoic
acid (200 mg, 0.38 mmol), methyl 4-(aminomethyl)benzoate hydrochloride (76.6 mg 0.38
mmol), TBTU (146.4 mg 0.46 mmol), and Et
3N (0.42 ml 3.26 M). White solid. Yield 60%; Melting point 139-141°C; IR 3301, 2926,
2861, 1719, 1638, 1276, 1107, 1047 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 9.08 (t,
J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 8.36 (t,
J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (d,
J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.85 (d,
J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.44 (d,
J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.32 (d,
J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 4.55 (d,
J = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 4.45 (d,
J = 4.5 Hz, 1H), 4.36 - 4.15 (m, 2H), 3.87 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.29 (2H), 2.23 - 2.01 (m, 2H), 1.97 - 1.59 (m, 6H),
1.55 - 1.25 (m, 10H), 1.25 - 0.93 (m, 7H), 0.93 - 0.82 (m, 7H), 0.61 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 172.67, 166.11, 145.41, 143.37, 132.52, 129.25, 128.10, 127.29, 126.95, 69.73,
69.48, 55.88, 54.77, 52.06, 43.10, 43.02, 42.40, 42.18, 41.71, 38.73, 37.73, 37.28,
34.91, 34.84, 33.77, 32.41, 31.68, 30.25, 28.20, 26.73, 23.32, 20.86, 18.46, 12.04;
HRMS (ESI) for C
41H
57N
2O
6, calculated [M + H]
+:673.4216. Obtained: 673.4214.
Example 10 (Synthesis Ia): Preparation of 4-((2-((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)acetamido)methyl)-N-hydroxybenzamide
[0106]

[0107] This compound was prepared following method C described above.
[0108] A suspension of sodium methoxide in methanol (previously prepared 2.0 g, 37 mmol
solution) was added dropwise to a solution containing hydroxylamine hydrochloride
(694.9 mg, 10 mmol) and phenolphthalein (1 mg) under inert atmosphere and at 0°C until
a permanent color change from white to pink was observed. Next, methyl 4-(((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)methyl)benzoate
(539.4 mg, 1 mmol) dissolved in dry methanol (1 ml) was added. The reaction mixture
was left to reach room temperature, and its progression was monitored by thin layer
chromatography. The initial reagents were consumed after 90 hours. After this time
has lapsed, distilled water (10 ml) and the reaction medium were added, and it was
acidified with glacial acetic acid. The product was then extracted with diethyl ether
(3 × 20 ml). The combined organic fractions were dried on MgSO
4 and evaporated under reduced pressure. The product thus obtained was dissolved again
in methanol (1 ml) and precipitated with water. This precipitate was filtered and
the solvent was evaporated. The title product was thereby obtained as a white solid.
Yield 61%; Melting point 170-172°C; IR 3275, 2927, 2862, 1638, 1535, 1012 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 11.17 (s, 1H), 9.01 (s, 1H), 8.34 (t,
J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (d,
J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (d,
J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 4.44 (d,
J = 4.5 Hz, 1H), 4.28 (dd,
J = 5.9, 3.6 Hz, 2H), 3.87 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.29 (2H). 2.24 - 2.01 (m, 2H), 1.99 - 1.59 (m, 6H), 1.56 - 1.26 (m,
10H), 1.26 - 0.94 (m, 7H), 0.94 - 0.84 (m, 7H), 0.62 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 172.63, 163.99, 143.06, 131.18, 126.92, 126.83, 69.73, 69.47, 55.88, 54.76, 43.09,
43.02, 42.18, 41.71, 39.85, 38.73, 37.73, 37.27, 34.93, 34.84, 33.77, 32.38, 31.67,
30.25, 28.21, 26.73, 23.33, 20.86, 18.44, 12.04; HRMS (ESI) for C
32H
47N
2O
4, calculated [[M + H] + [-H
2O]]
+: 523.3536. Obtained: 523.3536.
Example 11 (Synthesis Ib): Preparation of 4-((2-((R)-4 ((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)acetamido)methyl)-N-hydroxybenzamide
[0109]

[0110] This compound was prepared following method C described above.
[0111] 4-((2-((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)acetamido)methyl)benzoate
(83.9 mg, 0.14 mmol), hydroxylamine hydrochloride (97.3 mg, 1.4 mmol), phenolphthalein
(1 mg), and sodium methoxide (previously prepared 2.0 mg, 37 mmol solution). White
solid. Yield 42%; Melting point 153-155°C; IR 3217, 2928, 2864, 1641, 1534, 1013 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 11.17 (s, 1H), 8.98 (s, 1H), 8.35 (t,
J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (t,
J = 5.9 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (d,
J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.30 (d,
J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 4.46 - 4.40 (m, 1H), 4.31 (d,
J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.86 (d,
J = 6.7 Hz, 1H), 3.71 (d,
J = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.29 (2H) , 2.11 (m,
J = 57.0, 14.2, 10.0, 5.6 Hz, 2H), 1.97 - 1.89 (m, 1H), 1.90 - 1.58 (m, 5H), 1.54 -
1.25 (m, 10H), 1.25 - 0.93 (m, 7H), 0.93 - 0.83 (m, 7H), 0.61 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 173.04, 169.24, 164.03, 142.70, 131.21, 126.94, 126.81, 69.71, 69.46, 55.87, 54.73,
43.07, 43.01, 42.17, 42.10, 41.71, 38.72, 37.72, 37.27, 34.98, 34.83, 33.76, 32.18,
31.42, 30.25, 28.18, 26.72, 23.31, 20.85, 18.51, 12.05; HRMS (ESI) for C
34H
52N
3O
6, calculated [M + H]
+: 598.3856. Obtained: 598.3857.
Example 12 (Synthesis Ic): Preparation of (R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecanohydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)-N-((S)-1-(hydroxy-amino)-1-aminopropan-2-yl)pentanamide
[0112]

[0113] This compound was prepared following the processes described in method C.
[0114] Methyl ((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanoyl)-L-alaninate,
hydroxylamine hydrochloride (278 mg, 4 mmol), phenolphthalein (1 mg), and sodium methoxide
(2.0 g, 37 mmol). The compound was isolated as a white solid. Yield 22%; Melting point
170-172°C; IR 3265, 2928, 2863, 1642, 1537, 1047 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 7.96 (d,
J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 4.44 (s, 1H), 4.17 (p,
J = 7.1 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (d,
J = 6.6 Hz, 1H),3.29 (2H) ), 2.13 (m,
J = 14.8, 10.2, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 2.04 - 1.89 (m, 2H), 1.89 - 1.55 (m, 4H), 1.54 - 1.24
(m, 10H), 1.22 - 0.93 (m, 11H), 0.88 (d,
J = 6.1 Hz, 7H), 0.61 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 172.19, 169.09, 69.71, 69.45, 55.87, 54.71, 45.74, 43.07, 43.01, 42.16, 38.72,
37.72, 37.26, 35.03, 34.83, 33.75, 32.10, 31.48, 30.24, 28.18, 26.72, 23.31, 20.84,
18.49, 12.04. HRMS (ESI) for C
27H
47N
2O
5, calculated [M + H]
+:479.3485. Obtained: 479.3483.
Example 13 (Synthesis Id): Preparation of (4R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecane-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)-N-(3-(hydroxyamino)-3-oxopropyl)pentanamide
[0115]

[0116] This compound was prepared following the processes described above in method C.
[0117] Methyl 3-((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)propionate
(298 mg, 0.61 mmol), hydroxylamine hydrochloride (424.5 mg, 6.1 mmol), phenolphthalein
(1 mg), and sodium methoxide (2.0 g, 37 mmol). The product was obtained as a white
solid. Yield 59%; Melting point 180-182°C;
[0118] IR 3271, 2927, 2862, 1638, 1542, 1047 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d
6) δ 7.82 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (s, 1H), 3.86 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.30 (s, 2H),
3.19 (q, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 2.11 (m, 2H), 1.99 - 1.56 (m, 8H), 1.54 - 1.24 (m, 8H),
1.23 - 0.90 (m, 9H), 0.87 (d, J = 4.4 Hz, 7H), 0.61 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d
6) δ 172.53, 167.03, 69.71, 69.45, 55.86, 54.70, 43.07, 43.01, 42.16, 39.99, 38.71,
37.72, 37.27, 35.27, 34.98, 34.83, 33.75, 32.53, 32.35, 31.59, 30.24, 28.17, 26.71,
23.31, 20.84, 18.47, 12.04; HRMS (ESI) for C
27H
47N
2O
5, calculated [M + H]
+:479.3485. Obtained: 479.3480.
Example 14 (Synthesis Ie): Preparation of (R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)-N-(4-(hydroxyamino)-4-oxobutyl)pentanamide
[0119]

[0120] This compound was prepared following the processes described in method C.
[0121] Methyl ((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)butanoate
(165 mg, 0.34 mmol), hydroxylamine hydrochloride (236.6 mg, 3.4 mmol), phenolphthalein
(1 mg), and sodium methoxide (previously prepared 2.0 mg, 37 mmol solution). The compound
was isolated as a white solid. Yield 54%; Melting point 165-167°C; IR 3269, 2928,
2862, 1643, 1550, 1047 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 7.81 (t,
J = 5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.46 (s, 1H), 3.88 (d,
J = 6.6 Hz, 1H), signal corresponding to 2H overlapping the signal of water at 3.29
ppm (confirmed by COSY), 3.00 (q,
J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.16 - 1.91 (m, 6H), 1.89 - 1.54 (m, 7H), 1.54 - 1.25 (m, 9H), 1.25-0.92
(m, 9H), 0.89 (d,
J = 7.8 Hz, 7H), 0.62 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 172.45, 168.69, 69.71, 69.45, 55.87, 54.70, 43.07, 43.01, 42.17, 38.72, 38.05,
37.72, 37.27, 34.97, 34.83, 33.76, 32.43, 31.67, 30.24, 29.91, 28.18, 26.72, 25.45,
23.31, 20.84, 18.48, 12.03; HRMS (ESI) for C
28H
49N
2O
5, calculated [M + H]
+:493.3641. Obtained: 493.3642.
Example 15 (Synthesis If): Preparation of 6-((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)-N-hydroxyhexanamide
[0122]

[0123] This compound was prepared following the process described in method C.
[0124] Methyl 6-((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecanohydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)hexanoate
(200 mg, 0.38 mmol), hydroxylamine hydrochloride (262.9, 3.8 mmol), phenolphthalein
(1 mg), and sodium methoxide (previously prepared 2.0 mg, 37 mmol solution). The compound
was isolated as a white solid. Yield 43%; Melting point 125-127°C;
[0125] IR 3269, 2927, 2861, 1642, 1547, 1047 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 10.32 (s, 1H), 8.64 (s, 1H), 7.71 (t,
J = 5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (d,
J = 4.5 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 1H),3.29 (2H) ), 2.98 (q,
J = 6.5 Hz, 2H), 2.06 (m,
J = 14.5, 9.7, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 2.00 - 1.53 (m, 9H), 1.55 - 1.26 (m, 14H), 1.26 - 0.90
(m, 9H), 0.88 (d,
J = 7.3 Hz, 7H), 0.61 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 172.28, 168.99, 69.71, 69.45, 55.87, 54.70, 43.07, 43.00, 42.16, 38.72, 38.27,
37.72, 37.26, 34.93, 34.82, 33.75, 32.43, 32.20, 31.69, 30.24, 28.93, 28.18, 26.71,
26.04, 24.88, 23.31, 20.84, 18.47, 12.02; HRMS (ESI) for C
30H
53N
2O
5, calculated [M + H]
+: 521.3954. Obtained: 521.3955.
Example 16 (Synthesis Ig): Preparation of 4-(((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecanohydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)
pentanamido)methyl)-N-(4-(hydroxycarbamoyl)benzyl)benzamide
[0126]

[0127] This compound was prepared following methodology C described above.
[0128] Methyl ((4-(((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)methyl)benzamido)methyl)benzoate
(133.7 mg, 0.2 mmol), hydroxylamine hydrochloride (139.2, 2 mmol), phenolphthalein
(1 mg), and sodium methoxide (previously prepared 2.0 mg, 37 mmol solution). The compound
was isolated as a white solid. Yield 60%; Melting point 187-189°C;
[0129] IR 3288, 2922, 2851, 1638, 1542, 1015 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 9.03 (t,
J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 8.35 (t,
J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (d,
J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.70 (d,
J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (dd,
J = 10.4, 8.0 Hz, 4H), 4.50 (d,
J = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 4.46 - 4.40 (m, 1H), 4.36 - 4.22 (m, 2H), 3.88 (s, 1H), 3.92 (2H)
, 2.28 - 1.99 (m, 2H), 1.99 - 1.56 (m, 5H), 1.54 - 1.25 (m, 9H), 1.25 - 0.94 (m, 8H),
0.94 - 0.84 (m, 8H), 0.61 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 172.63, 166.03, 164.08, 143.29, 142.96, 132.60, 131.26, 127.24, 126.99, 126.90,
69.71, 69.46, 55.86, 54.74, 43.08, 43.01, 42.35, 42.16, 41.69, 39.99, 38.71, 37.71,
37.27, 34.91, 34.82, 33.76, 32.38, 31.66, 30.24, 28.18, 26.72, 23.31, 20.84, 18.45,
12.03; HRMS (ESI) for C
40H
54N
3O
5, calculated [[M + H] + [-H
2O]]
+:656.4064. Obtained: 656.4054.
Example 17 (Synthesis Ih): Preparation of 5-(((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)
pentanamido)methyl)-N-hydroxyfuran-2-carboxamide
[0130]

[0131] This compound was prepared following methodology C described above.
[0132] Methyl 5-(((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecanohydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)methyl)furan-2-carboxylate
(79.4 mg, 0.15 mmol), hydroxylamine hydrochloride (104.4, 1.5 mmol), phenolphthalein
(1 mg), and sodium methoxide (previously prepared 2.0 mg, 37 mmol solution). The compound
was isolated as a white solid. Yield 47%; Melting point 149-151°C;
[0133] IR 3272, 2929, 2864, 1644, 1540, 1016 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 11.02 (s, 1H), 9.05 (s, 1H), 8.30 (t,
J = 5.6 Hz, 1H), 6.95 (d,
J = 3.3 Hz, 1H), 6.30 (d,
J = 3.4 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (d,
J = 4.6 Hz, 1H), 4.26 (d,
J = 5.5 Hz, 2H), 3.86 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.26 (d,
J = 5.2 Hz, 0H), 2.24 - 1.97 (m, 2H), 1.97 - 1.56 (m, 6H), 1.56 - 1.25 (m, 9H), 1.25
- 0.93 (m, 7H), 0.93 - 0.83 (m, 8H), 0.60 (s, 3H).;
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 172.57, 156.39, 154.91, 144.99, 113.56, 108.14, 69.71, 69.45, 55.86, 54.69, 43.07,
43.01, 42.16, 38.71, 37.72, 37.27, 35.62, 34.93, 34.83, 33.76, 32.18, 31.52, 30.24,
28.16, 26.71, 23.31, 20.84, 18.45, 12.03; HRMS (ESI) for C
30H
45N
2O
5, calculated [[M + H] + [-H
2O]]
+: 513.3329. Obtained: 513.3327.
Example 18 (Synthesis Ii): Preparation of N-(2-aminophenyl)-4-(((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)methyl)benzamide
[0134]

[0135] This compound was prepared following method A described above.
[0136] 4-(((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecanohydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)methyl)benzoic
acid (200 mg, 0.38 mmol), o-phenylenediamine (41.1 mg 0.38 mmol), TBTU (146.4 mg 0.46
mmol), and Et
3N (0.42 ml 3.26 M). The compound was isolated as a white solid. Yield 39%; Melting
point 168-170°C;
[0137] IR 3294, 2927, 2862, 1647, 1505, 1048, 745 cm
-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 9.61 (s, 1H), 8.38 (t,
J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (d,
J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.35 (d,
J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (d,
J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.04 - 6.92 (m, 1H), 6.78 (dd,
J = 8.0, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 6.69 - 6.49 (m, 1H), 4.88 (s, 2H), 4.42 (d,
J = 4.6 Hz, 1H), 4.37 - 4.25 (m, 2H), 3.86 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.29 (2H), 2.25 - 2.01 (m, 2H), 1.98 - 1.58 (m, 6H), 1.56 - 1.27 (m,
9H), 1.27 - 0.94 (m, 5H), 0.94 - 0.82 (m, 10H), 0.62 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 172.63, 165.05, 143.38, 143.11, 132.99, 127.74, 126.81, 126.66, 126.43, 123.32,
116.23, 116.11, 69.70, 69.46, 55.87, 54.75, 43.08, 43.01, 42.15, 41.71, 38.71, 37.71,
37.26, 34.91, 34.82, 33.75, 32.39, 31.69, 30.24, 28.19, 26.72, 23.31, 20.84, 18.45,
12.03; HRMS (ESI) for C
38H
54N
3O
4, calculated [M + H]
+:616.4114. Obtained: 616.4110.
Example 19 (Synthesis Ij): Preparation of N-(4-amino-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-yl)-4-(((R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)pentanamide)methyl)benzamide
[0138]

Process for preparing tert-butyl (3-amino-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbamate
[0139]

[0140] The synthesis of tert-butyl (3-amino-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbamate is described
below.
[0141] A catalytic amount of DMAP (4-dimethylamino pyridine) was added to a solution of
4-bromo-2-nitroaniline (A) (2.4 g, 11.05 mmol) and Boc-anhydride (di-tert-butyl dicarbonate)
(5.08 ml, 22.11 mmol) in THF (20 ml). The reaction was kept under stirring for 90
minutes at room temperature. The solvent was then evaporated at low pressure and the
oil obtained was dissolved in THF (10 ml). Next, NaOH (10 ml of a 2N solution) was
added and the reaction was kept under stirring for 18 hours at 65°C. After this time
has lapsed, NaOH (10 mmol) was added and the reaction was kept under stirring for
an additional 4 hours at 65°C. The progression of the reaction was followed by thin
layer chromatography. The solvent was removed under vacuum, giving rise to a solid
residue, which was filtered and washed with distilled water (2 x 20 ml), the desired
product being obtained as a yellow solid, which was used directly in the next reaction
step to obtain C.
[0142] Pd(PPh
3)
4 (10%, 0.346 mmol) was added to a reaction mixture in DME/H
2O (2:1, 5 ml) containing the corresponding previously obtained tert-butyl carbamate
(1 g, 3.15 mmol), phenylboronic acid (422.91 mg 3.46 mmol), and sodium carbonate (491.8
mg, 4.73 mmol), and it was kept under stirring for 20 hours at 110°C and an inert
atmosphere. After this reaction time has lapsed, water was added and the product was
extracted with ethyl acetate (3 × 20 ml). The organic phases were pooled and washed
with water (2 × 10 ml), the solvent was dried on magnesium sulfate, filtered, and
evaporated at reduced pressure. The yellow solid thus obtained was purified by means
of chromatography, the desired product C being obtained. The last step of the reaction
which consists of reducing the NO
2 group to NH
2 was carried out using a modular catalytic hydrogenator (H-Cube Pro by ThalesNano)
and a CatCart or a catalyst cartridge system, which in this case contains Ni/Ra supported
thereon. To carry out the reaction, compound (X) was dissolved in 500 ml of MeOH and
passed through the catalytic system at a flow rate of 1 ml/min, at 50°C, and a pressure
of 10 bars. The solvent was removed under vacuum giving rise to a white solid which
corresponds with the desired product D. Once the reaction has ended, the BOC protecting
group was released using acidic conditions (HCl, TFA, etc) to that end to give rise
to the desired compound as a white solid. Yield 22%; Melting point 163-165°C;
[0143] IR 3321, 2927, 2862, 1649, 1489, 1048, 760, 698 cm-1;
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 9.70 (s, 1H), 8.39 (t,
J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (d,
J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.59 - 7.49 (m, 3H), 7.45 - 7.29 (m, 5H), 7.25 (q,
J = 7.3, 6.6 Hz, 1H), 6.87 (d,
J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 5.08 (s, 2H), 4.43 (d,
J = 4.6 Hz, 1H), 4.33 (dd,
J = 5.9, 3.8 Hz, 2H), 3.86 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), signal corresponding to 2H overlapping the signal of water at 3.29
ppm (confirmed by COSY), 2.29 - 1.88 (m, 3H), 1.89 - 1.59 (m, 6H), 1.54 - 1.26 (m,
10H), 1.26 - 0.97 (m, 4H), 0.97 - 0.83 (m, 9H), 0.62 (s, 3H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-
d6) δ 172.66, 165.23, 143.46, 142.74, 140.17, 132.98, 128.78, 128.13, 127.81, 126.83,
126.00, 125.49, 124.75, 124.65, 123.60, 116.52, 69.71, 69.46, 55.88, 54.75, 43.09,
43.01, 42.16, 41.73, 38.72, 37.72, 37.27, 34.93, 34.83, 33.76, 32.41, 31.70, 30.24,
28.20, 26.73, 23.31, 20.85, 18.46, 12.04; HRMS (ESI) for C
44H
58N
3O
4, calculated [M + H]
+:692.4427. Obtained: 692.4414.
Example 20 (Synthesis Ik): Preparation of (R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecanohydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)-N-(2-mercaptoethyl)pentanamide
[0144]

[0145] This compound was prepared following method A described above.
[0146] Ursodeoxycholic acid (250 mg, 0.63 mmol) with 2-(tritylthio)ethan-1-amine hydrochloride
(202.3 mg, 0.63 mmol). To release the trityl group, trifluoroacetic acid (0.60 ml,
and triethylsilane (0.20 ml) were added, and the resulting mixture was stirred at
room temperature for 2 hours. After these two hours, NaHCO
3 (7.7 ml, saturated aqueous solution) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred
for 60 minutes. The organic phase was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted
with CH
2Cl
2 (3 x 15 ml). The organic fractions were combined and dried on Na
2SO
4, the solvent was filtered and removed at reduced pressure to obtain 103 mg of the
desired product as a white solid. Yield 36%; Melting point 116-117°C;
[0147] IR 3403, 3381, 3231, 1679, 1638, 1523, 1487, cm
-1 HRMS (ESI) for C
26H
45NO
3S, calculated [M + H]
+:451.3212. Obtained: 451.3214.
1H NMR (400 MHz, MeOD-
d4) δ 12.08 (s, 1H), 8.07 (s, 1H) 4.47 (s, 1H), 3.89 (d,
J = 6.6 Hz, 1H), 3.50 (m, 2H), 3.34 - 3.26 (m, 1H), 2.24 (m, 1H), 2.14 (m, 1H), 1.99
- 1.90 (m, 1H), 1.92 - 1.76 (m, 1H), 1.70 (dd,
J =, 7.9, 4.1 Hz, 3H), 1.46 (q,
J = 7.8, 6.5 Hz, 4H), 1.47 - 1.35 (m, 3H), 1.38 - 1.22 (m, 4H), 1.26 - 1.04 (m, 5H),
1.00 (dd,
J = 18.7, 9.4 Hz, 1H), 0.89 (d,
J = 6.6 Hz, 7H), 0.83 (s, 3H).
13C NMR (101 MHz,MeOD-d4) δ 174.88, 69.71, 69.44, 55.83, 54.66, 43.08, 42.99, 42.35,
42.16, 40.17, 39.97, 39.80, 38.71, 37.71, 37.25, 34.83, 33.74, 30.76, 30.23, 28.16,
27.60, 26.70, 23.30, 20.84, 18.29, 12.02.
Example 21 (Synthesis Il):(R)-4-((3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethylhexadecanohydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)-N-(2-mercaptophenyl)pentanamide
[0148]

[0149] This compound was prepared following method A described above and taking into account
the modifications described for the preceding example.
[0150] Ursodeoxycholic acid (250 mg, 0.63 mmol) with 2-(tritylthio)aniline hydrochloride
(302.09 mg, 0.63 mmol). Brown solid. Yield 42%; Melting point 157-158°C; IR: 3398,
3386, 3225, 1672, 1640, 1520, 1489 cm
-1; HRMS (ESI) for C
26H
45NO
3S, calculated [M + H]
+: 499.3214. Obtained: 499.3212.
1H NMR (400 MHz, MeOH-
d4) δ 9.89 (s, 1H), 8.16 (t,
J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 7 7.27 (m, 3H), 7.16 (d,
J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 4.42 (sb, 1H),, 3.86 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.29 (2H), 2.24 (m, 1H), 2.14 (m, 1H), 1.99 - 1.90 (m, 1H), 1.92 -
1.76 (m, 1H), 1.75 (dd,
J =, 7.9, 4.1 Hz, 3H), 1.46 (q,
J = 7.8, 6.5 Hz, 4H), 1.47 - 1.35 (m, 3H), 1.38-1.24 (m, 4H), 1.26 - 1.08 (m, 5H),
1.02 (dd,
J = 18.7, 9.4 Hz, 1H), 0.87 (d,
J = 6.6 Hz, 7H), 0.73 (s, 3H). C NMR (101 MHz, MeOH-
d4) δ 172.63, 145.00, 133.00, 127.70, 126.81, 125.65, 69.46, 55.87, 54.75, 43.08, 43.01,
42.15, 41.71, 38.71, 37.71, 34.82, 33.75, 32.39, 31.69, 30.24, 28.19, 26.72, 23.31,
20.84, 18.45, 12.03
Example 22. Analysis of the expression of different HDAC enzymes in cell cultures
and liver tissue of patients with polycystic liver disease and normal individuals
[0151] The expression of HDAC6 in normal and polycystic human cholangiocytes in culture
was analyzed using a specific primary antibody (HDAC6 (H-300) sc-11420, Santa Cruz)
and a peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibody (Sigma-Aldrich). Protein expression
was quantified using a chemiluminescence system (Amersham, GE Healthcare). The GAPDH
protein was used as loading control.
[0152] It has been confirmed by means of these immunoblot assays that the expression of
HDAC6 is increased in polycystic human cholangiocytes (ADPKD) in comparison with normal
human cholangiocytes (NHC3) (Figure 1).
Example 23. Evaluation of the inhibitory activity of compounds Ia and Ib on different
HDAC enzymes
Components of the assay:
[0153] Peptide substrates: all HDAC assays were performed using acetylated peptide substrates
labeled with 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (AMC):
- Substrate for isoforms HDAC1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 11, and HeLa nuclear extract assays: acetylated
fluorogenic peptide from p53 residues 379-382 (RHKKAc).
- Substrate for isoforms HDAC4, 5, 7, 9: fluorogenic Boc-L-Lys (s-trifluoroacetyl)-AMC.
- Substrate for HDAC8 assays: acetylated fluorogenic peptide from p53 residues 379-382
(RHKAcKAc).
[0154] Assay buffer. 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0, 137 mM NaCl, 2.7 mM KCl, 1 mM MgCl
2 (supplemented with 1 mg/ml of BSA for the dilution) (BioMol Cat. #KI-143).
Enzymes:
[0155]
- HDAC1 assay: 75 nM human HDAC1 (GenBank accession number NM_004964): full length with
GST C-terminal tag, MW = 79.9 kDa, expressed by a baculovirus expression system in
Sf9 cells (BioMol Cat. #SE-456).
- HDAC2 assay: 5 nM human HDAC2 (GenBank accession number Q92769): full length with
His C-terminal tag, MW = 60 kDa, expressed by a baculovirus expression system in Sf9
cells (BioMol Cat. #SE-500).
- HDAC3 assay: 2.3 nM human HDAC3/NcoR2 (GenBank accession number NM_003883 for HDAC3,
GenBank accession number NM_006312 for NcoR2): human HDAC3 complex, full length with
His C-terminal tag, MW = 49.7 kDa, and human NCOR2, GST N-terminal tag, MW = 39 kDa,
co-expressed in a baculovirus expression system (BioMol Cat. #SE-507).
- HDAC4 assay: 266 nM human HDAC4 (GenBank accession number NM_006037): amino acids
627-1085 with GST N-terminal tag, MW = 75.2 kDa, expressed in a baculovirus expression
system (BioMol, Hamburg, Germany).
- HDAC5 assay: 588 nM human HDAC5 (GenBank accession number NM_001015053): full length
with GST N-terminal tag, MW = 150 kDa, expressed by a baculovirus expression system
in Sf9 cells (BioMol, Hamburg, Germany).
- HDAC6 assay: 13 nM human HDAC6 (GenBank accession number BC069243): full length with
GST N-terminal tag, MW = 159 kDa, expressed by a baculovirus expression system in
Sf9 cells (BioMol Cat. #SE-508).
- HDAC7 assay: 962 nM human HDAC7 (GenBank accession number AY302468): amino acids 518
end with GST N-terminal tag, MW = 78 kDa, expressed in a baculovirus expression system
(BioMol, Hamburg, Germany).
- HDAC8 assay: 19 nM human HDAC8 (GenBank accession number NM018486): full length, MW
= 42 kDa, expressed in an E. coli expression system (BioMol Cat. #SE-145).
- HDAC9 assay: 986 nM human HDAC9 (GenBank accession number NM178423): Amino acids 604-1066
with His C-terminal tag, MW = 50.7 kDa, expressed in a baculovirus expression system
(BioMol, Hamburg, Germany).
- HDAC10 assay: 781 nM human HDAC10 (GenBank accession number NM_032019): Amino acids
1-631 with GST N-terminal tag, MW = 96 kDa, expressed by a baculovirus expression
system in Sf9 cells (BioMol Cat. #SE - 559).
- HDAC11 assay: 781 nM human HDAC11 (GenBank accession number NM_BC009676) with GST
N-terminal tag, MW = 66 kDa, expressed in a baculovirus expression system (BioMol
Cat. #SE-560).
- HeLa cell nuclear extract assay: 25 ng/µl nuclear extract from HeLa cells: prepared
by high-salt extraction of HeLa nuclei (HeLa being a human cervical cancer cell line),
this extract is a rich source of HDAC activity (BioMol Cat. #KI-140).
Assay procedure:
[0156] 50 µl of peptide substrate (see "peptide substrates" section above) and an optimal
concentration of the corresponding enzyme (see "enzymes" section above) in the assay
buffer at a final DMSO concentration of 1% were incubated in the presence of gradient
concentrations of inhibitors (10-dose IC50 mode with 3-fold serial dilution) at 30°C
for 2 hours. The reactions were carried out in a 96-well microplate for fluorometry
in a 50 µl reaction volume. After the deacetylation reaction, Fluor-de-Lys-Developer
(BioMol Cat. #KI-105) was added to each well to digest the deacetylated substrate,
thereby producing the fluorescent signal. The reaction was carried out for 45 minutes
at 30°C with 5% CO2; the fluorescent signal was then measured using an excitation
wavelength of 360 nm and an emission wavelength of 460 nm in a microplate-reading
fluorometer (GeminiXS, Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, CA). A curve of deacetylated
standard (Biomol, Cat. #KI-142; made from 100 µM with 1:2 dilution and 10 doses, 6
µl) allowed the conversion of the fluorescent signal into micromoles of deacetylated
product. All experiments were performed in triplicate. The IC50s were calculated by
fitting the experimental data to dose-response curve. DMSO was used as negative control;
Trichostatin A (Biomol Cat. #GR-309) was used as positive control inhibitor.
[0157] Enzymatic activity assays were carried out in 11 HDAC enzymes, including HDAC6.
[0158] The data obtained is shown in Table 1 and Figure 2.

[0159] This data indicates that compounds Ia, Ib, If, and Ig have high selectivity and inhibitory
capacity with respect to HDAC6 enzyme (nanomolar range) which is comparable with other
HDAC6 inhibitors such as trichostatin. This inhibitory capacity is lower with respect
to the rest of the HDAC enzymes (micromolar range) (Table 1), which demonstrates the
selectivity thereof for HDAC6. On the other hand, the results that are obtained show
that ursodeoxycholic acid has no inhibitory activity whatsoever on any HDAC in the
assayed concentration range (Table 1). In the case of 4-(aminomethyl)-N-hydroxybenzamide
(present in Ia, Ib, and Ig), although this compound showed certain inhibitory activity
on HDAC6 with an IC50 of 6.89E-07, said activity is considerably increased after the
coupling of this chemical entity to ursodeoxycholic acid (Ia) and glycoursodeoxycholic
acid (Ib).
ND.: Not determined
Example 24. Study of the effect of compounds Ia and Ib on intracellular Ca2+ levels in polycystic human cholangiocytes in vitro
[0160] As described previously [
Banales JM et al. Hepatology 2009;
Perugorria MJ et al. Nature Reviews G&H;
Munoz-Garrido P et al. Journal of Hepatology 2015], polycystic (human and rat) cholangiocytes are characterized by a decrease in intracellular
Ca
2+ levels, which promotes their proliferation. Furthermore, it has been proven that
chronic treatment with UDCA is capable of partially inhibiting the proliferation of
polycystic human cholangiocytes through the normalization of intracellular Ca
2+ levels in experimental models [
Munoz-Garrido P et al. Journal of Hepatology 2015] and patients [
D'Agnolo HMA, et al. Journal of Hepatology 2016] with PLD. To that end, it has been evaluated if the new chemical entities Ia and
Ib (Figure 3 only shows the result for Ia) maintain the intrinsic Ca
2+ regulatory properties of UDCA when their hydrocarbon backbone is not modified. To
that end, the "Fluo-4 AM" (Thermo Fisher Scientific) intracellular Ca
2+ measurement method was used. A Ca
2+ ionophore (i.e., A23187, Sigma) was used as positive control. The data that was obtained
indicated that the new chemical entities, compounds Ia and Ib, maintain the Ca
2+ modulatory properties of UDCA by increasing intracellular Ca
2+ levels in polycystic human cholangiocytes (Figure 3).
Example 25. Determination of the molecular uptake mechanisms (vectorization/transport)
of compound Ia in normal and polycystic human cholangiocytes in vitro
[0161] The bile acid and organic cation transporters expressed in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes
were overexpressed in HepG2 cells (OCT1) and CHO cells (OCT3). The efficacy of the
process was confirmed by means of measuring the abundance of mRNA (qPCR), protein
(WB), and the correct insertion in the plasma membrane (immunofluorescence). The uptake
studies included comparing the uptake efficiency of the compound with respect to dihydroethidium
(DHE) in the case of OCT3, and sorafenib in the case of OCT1 (positive controls),
as well as the sensitivity of the process to substrate inhibition induced by the joint
administration of the compound and quinine. The cell content of all the compounds
was determined by means of triple quadrupole HPLC-MS/MS after extraction thereof from
the cell system used in each case.
[0162] The analysis of transporter expression levels (mRNA) was carried out in normal and
polycystic human cholangiocytes in culture by means of qPCR using 7300 Real Time PCR
System (Applied Biosystem). To that end, corresponding (sense and antisense) primers
were used for amplifying specific cDNA fragments using the iQ
™ SYBR
® Green Supermix kit (BIO-RAD). The expression of the RPL22 gene was used as internal
loading control for normalizing the expression of each sample.
[0163] The data indicated that like the drug Sorafenib, compound Ia is specifically transported
through OCT1 in liver cells (Figure 4A), but not through ASBT or OATP1B1 (data not
shown), and said effect is inhibited by the presence of quinine (OCT1 inhibitor).
[0164] This was associated with an increase in OCT3 at the mRNA level in polycystic human
cholangiocytes (ADPKD) in comparison with normal human cholangiocytes (NHC) (Figure
4B,C); in contrast, changes in the expression of OATP2B1, NTCP, and ASBT were not
observed between both cell types (data not shown).
Example 26. Evaluation of the role of compound Ia in the proliferation of normal and
polycystic human cholangiocytes in vitro
[0165] The proliferation of polycystic human cholangiocytes at 48 hours in the absence or
presence of different doses of compound Ia (10, 50, 100, µM) in a quiescence culture
medium was analyzed. To that end, the CFSE proliferation protocol (Invitrogen) was
used using flow cytometry. The preliminary data that is obtained shows that the new
chemical entity Ia inhibits the proliferation of polycystic human cholangiocytes in
a dose-dependent manner (10, 50, 100 µM) and with a higher intensity than UDCA (100
µM) (Figure 5).
[0166] The data that is obtained shows that compound Ia inhibits the hyper-proliferation
of polycystic human cholangiocytes
in vitro in a dose-dependent manner (Figure 5).
[0167] The expression of α-acetylated-tubulin (Ac-α-tubulin) and lysine 9-acetylated histone
3 (Ac-H3K9) in polycystic human cholangiocytes in culture was analyzed using Ac-α-tubulin-specific
primary antibodies (1:2000, Sigma-Aldrich) and H3K9-specific primary antibodies (1:500,
Cell Signaling Technology) and a peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibody (1:5000,
Sigma-Aldrich). The expression of each protein was quantified using a chemiluminescence
system (Amersham, GE Healthcare). The GAPDH protein was used as loading control.
[0168] It has been proven by means of immunoblot that the expression of α-acetylated-tubulin
increases significantly and in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of compound
Ia (Figure 6).
[0169] Furthermore, the expression of α-acetylated-tubulin and acetylated histone 3 with
each of the compounds of the invention (Ia-Ij) has also been analyzed. Figure 7 shows
the acetylation levels of α-tubulin and histone 3 after treatment with each of the
compounds.
[0170] The expression of Ac-α tubulin and H3K9 was analyzed as described for Figure 6, with
the difference being that the protein β-actin was used in this case as loading control.
Example 27. Study of the biodistribution and hepatotropic properties of compound Ia
after the administration thereof to normal and PCK rats (animal model of PLD)
[0171] PCK rats were chronically treated (2 months) with compound Ia (7mg/kg/day). The data
indicated that chronic treatment with compound Ia significantly reduced the levels
of liver transaminase ALT, i.e., a liver damage marker which is increased at a basal
level in PCK rats. This data indicates that compound Ia may be promoting a hepatoprotective
effect in PCK rats.
Example 28. Analysis of the effect of compound Ia on the morphology of the primary cilia of polycystic human cholangiocytes in vitro
[0172] Cilium staining. Cells cultured on cover slips were washed with PBS, fixed with methanol,
and blocked for one hour in a blocking buffer at room temperature. The γ-tubulin primary
antibodies (1:100; Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, MO) and acetylated α -tubulin primary
antibodies (1:1000; Sigma-Aldrich) or IFT88 primary antibodies (1:100; ProteinTech,
Rosemont, IL, USA) were incubated overnight at 4°C. After washing, Alexa Fluor 594
and 488 secondary antibodies were combined with the primary antibodies (Life Technologies,
Carlsbad, CA, USA) and incubated for 2 hours at room temperature. The cover slips
were placed on slides with Prolong Gold Antifade with Dapi (Invitrogen, Carlsbad,
CA, USA). The slides were observed and images were taken using laser scanning confocal
microscopy with a 60X objective (NIKON C1si Confocal Spectral Imaging System, NIKON
Instruments Co., Melville, NY, USA). The field was magnified 4X to observe individual
cilia. The images were opened with EZ-C1 3.90 Freeviewer and a scale bar was added.
The images were converted to Tiff files and quantified using ImageJ Software. The
scale bar saved in the image was measured and the scale established. Using the freehand
tool, the cilia were traced and measurements taken.
[0173] On the other hand, it has been observed that the baseline length of the cilia of
normal human cholangiocytes (NHC3) is greater than that of the cilia present in polycystic
human cholangiocytes. This length is significantly increased after treatment of the
polycystic human cholangiocytes with compound Ia. On the other hand, treatment of
the normal human cholangiocytes with compound Ia did not lead to any significant variations
in the length of the cilia in these cells (Figure 8).