XANTHINE DERIVATIVES AND USES THEREOF AS INHIBITORS OF BROMODOMAINS OF BET PROTEINS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compound having the following formula (I): (I) wherein: R is a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; R is preferably H; Ar is a (C.sub.5-C.sub.12)arylene radical; X.sub.1 is C(O) or SO.sub.2; and R is chosen from the group consisting of possibly substituted (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, heteroaryl, (C.sub.5-C.sub.12)aryl, and (hetero)cycloalkyl groups, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or tautomeric form thereof, or its racemates, diastereomers or enantiomers

##STR00001##

Claims

1. A compound having the following formula (I): ##STR00181## wherein: R is a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; R is H or a group having the following formula (A): ##STR00182## wherein R.sub.1 is H or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; preferably H or a butyl group; Ar is a (C.sub.5-C.sub.12)arylene radical; X.sub.1 is C(O) or SO.sub.2; and R is chosen from the group consisting of: (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl groups, possibly substituted with one or several substituents selected from: (C.sub.5-C.sub.12)aryl, optionally substituted by a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, OR.sub.a, R.sub.a being selected from: H, and (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, R.sub.a being preferably H, NH.sub.2, NHC(O)O(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, and (hetero)cycloalkyl; heteroaryl groups, possibly substituted with one or several substituents selected from: (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, (C.sub.5-C.sub.12)aryl, and heteroaryl groups, optionally substituted by a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; (C.sub.5-C.sub.12)aryl groups, possibly fused with one heterocycloalkyl or heteroaryl group, optionally substituted with one or several substituents selected from: (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, and COR.sub.2, R.sub.2 being a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; said aryl group being possibly substituted with one or several substituents selected from: (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, (C.sub.5-C.sub.12)aryl, heteroaryl, optionally substituted by a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, halogen, CH.sub.2-heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, optionally fused with a phenyl group, NO.sub.2, OR.sub.a, R.sub.a being selected from: H, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, (C.sub.5-C.sub.12)aryl, optionally substituted with a substituent chosen from the halo(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl groups, in particular CF.sub.3, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, optionally substituted with a substituent chosen from the (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl groups, such as methyl, heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted with a substituent, in particular chosen from the (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl groups, such as methyl, and the (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-(C.sub.2-C.sub.6)alkynyl groups, and CH.sub.2(C.sub.5-C.sub.12)aryl, C(O)R.sub.e, R.sub.e being a heterocycloalkyl, NR.sub.bR.sub.c, R.sub.b and R.sub.c, being, independently of one another, H or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, and R.sub.b and R.sub.c, being preferably H, and NHC(O)R.sub.d, R.sub.d being a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group. (hetero)cycloalkyl groups, comprising 5 or 6 atoms and optionally one heteroatom, possibly substituted with one or several substituents selected from: (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, C(O)R.sub.d, R.sub.d being a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, OR.sub.d, R.sub.d being a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, CH.sub.2OR.sub.d, R.sub.d being a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, (C.sub.5-C.sub.12)aryl, C(O)OR.sub.d, R.sub.d being a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, CH.sub.2NHC(O)OR.sub.d, R.sub.d being a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, and NHC(O)OR.sub.d, R.sub.d being a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or tautomeric form thereof, or its racemates, diastereomers or enantiomers.

2. The compound of claim 1, having the following formula (II): ##STR00183## wherein R and R are as defined in claim 1.

3. The compound of claim 1, having the following formula (III): ##STR00184## wherein: Ar, R, and R are as defined in claim 1; R is chosen from the group consisting of: (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl groups, possibly substituted with one or several substituents selected from: (C.sub.5-C.sub.12)aryl, optionally substituted by a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, OR.sub.a, R.sub.a being selected from: H, and (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, R.sub.a being preferably H, NH.sub.2, NHC(O)O(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, and (hetero)cycloalkyl; heteroaryl groups, possibly substituted with one or several substituents selected from: (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, (C.sub.5-C.sub.12)aryl, and heteroaryl groups, optionally substituted by a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; (C.sub.5-C.sub.12)aryl groups, possibly fused with one heterocycloalkyl or heteroaryl group, optionally substituted with one or several substituents selected from: (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, and COR.sub.2, R.sub.2 being a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; said aryl group being possibly substituted with one or several substituents selected from: (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, (C.sub.5-C.sub.12)aryl, heteroaryl, optionally substituted by a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, halogen, CH.sub.2-heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, optionally fused with a phenyl group, NO.sub.2, OR.sub.a, R.sub.a being selected from: H, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, (C.sub.5-C.sub.12)aryl, optionally substituted with a substituent chosen from the halo(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl groups, in particular CF.sub.3, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, optionally substituted with a substituent chosen from the (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl groups, such as methyl, heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted with a substituent, in particular chosen from the (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl groups, such as methyl, and the (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-(C.sub.2-C.sub.6)alkynyl groups, and CH.sub.2(C.sub.5-C.sub.12)aryl, C(O)R.sub.e, R.sub.e being a heterocycloalkyl, NR.sub.bR.sub.e, R.sub.b and R.sub.c, being, independently of one another, H or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, and R.sub.b and R.sub.c, being preferably H, and NHC(O)R.sub.d, R.sub.d being a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group.

4. The compound of claim 1, wherein Ar is a phenylene (C.sub.6H.sub.4) radical.

5. The compound of claim 1, wherein R is H.

6. The compound of claim 1, wherein R is methyl or ethyl, preferably ethyl.

7. The compound of claim 1, having the following formula (IV): ##STR00185## wherein: R is methyl or ethyl, preferably ethyl, and X.sub.1 and R are as defined in claim 1.

8. The compound having the following formula (V): ##STR00186## wherein: X.sub.2 is a cycloalkylene, preferably a cyclohexylene, or phenylene group, and R.sub.2 is a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, substituted by a heteroaryl group, said heteroaryl group being optionally substituted by a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or tautomeric form thereof, or its racemates, diastereomers or enantiomers.

9. The compound of claim 1, for use as a medicament.

10. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising a compound according to claim 1, and also at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

11. The compound of claim 1, for use in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory disease, sepsis, autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular disorder, renal disorder, viral infection, or obesity.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0178] FIG. 1 Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) of 43c Thermogram (top) and non-linear least squares fit model of the integrated data (bottom) at 15 C. of Brd4(BD1) (200 M in the cell) vs 43c (20 M in the syringe) as a function of the molar ratio of ligand to the protein.

[0179] FIG. 2 Homogeneous Times Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF) selectivity assay of 43c on all BET members Excitation at 337 nm, energy transfer at 620 nm, and fluorescence emission at 665 nm Fluorescence data are normalized and plotted as a function of the ligand concentration.

[0180] FIG. 3 Thermal Shift Assay (TSA) of 43c. The evaluation was performed on 61 bromodomains A cut-off at +/35 C. was set 43c stabilizes only BRD4(BD1) and BRD3(BD1), with +45 C. and +525 C., respectively.

[0181] FIG. 4 Molecular mode of action of 43c in the N-acetylated binding pocket of Brd4(BD1) Three dimensional crystallographic structure of 43c (black stick representation) in complex with Brd4(BD1) showing some conserved residues (grey stick representation) Water molecules are presented as spheres Hydrogen bond and van der Waals interactions of 43c are shown as grey dashed lines.

EXAMPLES

[0182] Preparation of the Compounds According to the Invention

[0183] The compounds of the invention can be prepared from commercially available aminoacids or from N-protected (4-(bromomethyl)aryl)methanamines according to procedures described in following schemes 1 and 2 respectively

##STR00011##

##STR00012##

[0184] Starting from aminoacids, 0-protection reaction followed by sulfonylation with corresponding sulfonyl chlorides, commercially available or self-prepared, affords corresponding methylester sulfonamides Deprotection and subsequent amidation by various alkyl amines lead to the expected compounds of the invention of the formula 1c-18b Compounds of the formula 18c-19a can be prepared from trans-4-aminomethyl cyclohexane carboxylic acid using a sequence of N-protection, peptidic coupling and deprotection.

[0185] From N-protected (4-(bromomethyl)aryl)methanamines (scheme 2) the various sulfonamides and amides can be synthesized by a condensation with 7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione prepared by the typical procedure (WO2017114843(A1) followed by removal of the N-protecting group and sulfonylation/acylation of free amino-group with various sulfonyl chlorides, carboxylic acids and acyl chlorides.

[0186] N-protected (4-(bromomethyl)aryl) can be prepared by three different procedures, i) for compound of formula 19c-31b, 33a-42b from commercially available 4-(aminomethyl)benzoic acid through a sequence of reduction, nucleophilic substitution and Boc-protection reactions according to the scheme 3, ii) for the derivative of formula 31c from commercially available 1-methylnaphthalene through a sequence of radical bromination, protection by phtalimide and bromomethylation reactions according to the scheme 4, iii) for the derivative of formula 32a from commercially available 1,4-dimethoxybenzene through a sequence of bromomethylation and protection reactions according to the scheme 5.

##STR00013##

##STR00014##

##STR00015##

[0187] Sulfonamide derivatives of formula 32b-c can be prepared according to the sequence described below (scheme 6) Sulfonylation of 4-(aminomethyl)benzyl alcohol followed by nucleophilic substitution of the hydroxyl group by chloride leads to an intermediate which affords the expected derivatives through a condensation with N3-unsubstituted purine derivative prepared by debenzylation reaction from purines previously described in WO2017114843.

##STR00016##

[0188] Design and synthesis of compounds of the invention of formula 20b to 31b, 33a to 42b combines molecular modeling coupled to an automated synthesis robotic platform and a high throughput laboratory workstation (referred as DOTS) The in silico optimization strategy relies on 2 main steps, i) the design of a diversity-oriented target-focused chemical library using medicinal chemistry relevant reactions and a collection of commercially available building blocks ii) the virtual screening of this chemical library using S4MPLE, a conformational sampling tool, able to deal with hundreds of intra/intermolecular degrees of freedom in the context of one (conformer enumeration) or more molecules (docking) S4MPLE relies on a Lamarckian genetic algorithm and significant flexibility may be enabled (e.g. ligands, target side chains and backbone) Energy calculations are based on the AMBER force field and its generalized version GAFF for ligands.

[0189] A sulfonamide and amide chemical library of compounds of invention was generated using a sulfonylation or acylation reactions and a collection of building blocks About 60 building blocks were purchased to prepare a representative set of compounds from the top 1% The compounds have been synthesized using an automated robotic platform from Chemspeed by coupling previously described 3-(4-(aminomethyl)benzyl)-7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione with appropriate commercially available partner for sulfonylation or acylation (scheme 7) The Accelerator Synthesizer SLT100 allows the efficient synthesis of the focused library in 96 well plates that can be directly transferred to a Labcyte Access/Echo Laboratory Workstation to assess the compounds for their ability to disrupt bromodmain/histone complexes using the homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) technology (IC.sub.50 M).

##STR00017##

[0190] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. The present invention will now be illustrated using the following examples and figures, which are given by way of illustration, and are in no way limiting

[0191] General Synthesis of the Compounds According to the Invention

[0192] Commercially available reagents were used without additional purification Column chromatography was performed using Macherey-Nagel Kieselgel 60 (70-230 mesh) The petroleum spirit refers to the fraction with distillation range 40-70 C. .sup.1H and .sup.13C NMR spectra were recorded at room temperature in DMSO-d6, CD.sub.3OD or CDCl.sub.3 by using a Bruker AC400, AC250 or Agilent DD2 400 spectrometers Chemical shifts () are reported in parts per million (ppm) with internal reference TMS and coupling values (J) in hertz Abbreviations for peaks are, br: broad, s: singlet, d: doublet, t: triplet, q: quadruplet, quint: quintuplet, sex: sextuplet and m: multiplet. The spectra recorded are consistent with the proposed structures Reaction monitoring and purity of compounds were recorded by using analytical Agilent Infinity high performance liquid chromatography (Column Zorbax SB-C18 1.8 M (2150 mm); Mobile phase (A: 01% FA H.sub.2O B: 01% FA MeCN, Time/% B 0/10, 4/90, 7/90, 9/10, 10/10); Flow rate 0.3 mL/min; Diluent MeCOH) with DAD at 230 nM. All tested compounds yielded data consistent with a purity of 95%.

Example 1: 4-((2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonamido)methyl)-N-(2-(thiophen-2-yl)ethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (5b)

[0193] ##STR00018##

[0194] To a solution of 3b (50 mg, 013 mmol) in dimethylformamide (2 mL) were added BOP reagent (58 mg, 013 mmol) and 2-thiophenethylamine (15 L, 013 mmol) The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 min and triethylamine (36 L, 026 mmol) was injected. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours, then dimethylformamide was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was suspended in H.sub.2O (5 mL), the precipitate collected by filtration was generously washed with H.sub.2O and dried under reduced pressure to afford 4-((2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonamido)methyl)-N-(2-(thiophen-2-yl)ethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide 5b (51 mg, 80%) as a light-beige powder .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CD.sub.3D) 778-767 (m, 2H), 717 (dd, J=99, 67 Hz, 2H), 696-688 (m, 1H), 684 (d, J=26 Hz, 1H), 339 (dd, J=88, 50 Hz, 2H), 299 (t, J=69 Hz, 2H), 286 (t, J=66 Hz, 2H), 270 (d, J=67 Hz, 2H), 238-220 (m, 4H), 207 (t, J=122 Hz, 1H), 178 (d, J=101 Hz, 4H), 138 (dd, J=236, 112 Hz, 3H), 091 (q, J=125 Hz, 2H) .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d6+CD.sub.3OD) 177.83, 175.76, 143.37, 142.45, 138.00, 135.73, 129.17, 127.66, 127.01, 126.03, 124.51, 122.70, 49.74, 45.61, 41.43, 38.11, 33.74, 31.05, 30.48(2), 30.15, 29.71(2), 29.05 LCMS C.sub.24H.sub.31N.sub.3O.sub.4S.sub.2 Rt=5950, m/z=4896, purity >95%.

4-((2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonamido)methyl) cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (3b)

[0195] ##STR00019##

[0196] A solution of 1c (1 g, 254 mmol) in methanol (60 mL) was treated with 1M aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide (14 g, 254 mmol) and the resulting mixture was stirred at 60 C. for 4 hours. The mixture was allowed to cool down to room temperature and 30 mL of 1M solution of hydrochloric acid were added A precipitate formed was filtered off, generously washed with H.sub.2O and dried under reduced pressure to afford 4-((2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonamido)methyl) cyclohexanecarboxylic acid 3b (780 mg, 81%) as a white solid .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 773 (dd, J=99, 15 Hz, 2H), 717 (d, J=81 Hz, 1H), 287 (t, J=66 Hz, 2H), 271 (d, J=67 Hz, 2H), 239-209 (m, 5H), 196 (d, J=112 Hz, 2H), 180 (d, J=110 Hz, 2H), 145-121 (m, 3H), 092 (qd, J=129, 3.0 Hz, 2H) .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 176.72 (2), 143.66, 138.81, 136.31, 129.57, 127.43, 123.13, 50.11, 44.44, 38.65, 34.01, 31.46, 30.77(2), 29.79(2), 29.36.

Methyl 4-((2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonamido)methyl)cyclohexanecarboxylate (1c)

[0197] ##STR00020##

[0198] To a suspension of methyl 4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylate hydrochloric salt (660 mg, 3.18 mmol) in dichloromethane (25 mL) were added triethylamine (2.2 mL, 15.9 mmol) and 1 b (825 mg, 3.18 mmol), and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 hours. Then the reaction mixture was washed twice with 1M solution of HCl (30 mL) and NaHCO.sub.3 (30 mL). An organic layer was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford methyl 4-((2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonamido)methyl)cyclohexanecarboxylate 1c (1.25 g, 99%) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CD.sub.3OD+CDCl.sub.3) 7.68 (dd, J=6.0, 3.3 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 3.63 (s, 3H), 2.83 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.70 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 2.40-2.09 (m, 5H), 1.94 (d, J=12.4 Hz, 2H), 1.81 (d, J=11.1 Hz, 2H), 1.47-1.22 (m, 3H), 0.90 (dt, J=12.2, 10.1 Hz, 2H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CD.sub.3OD+CDCl.sub.3) 177.32, 176.09, 142.70, 137.79, 135.47, 129.05, 126.86, 122.51, 51.82, 49.47, 43.74, 37.86, 33.50, 31.03, 30.06(2), 28.93(2), 28.71.

Methyl 4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylate hydrochloric salt

[0199] ##STR00021##

[0200] Thionyl chloride (763 l, 10.5 mmol) was injected dropwise over 10 min to 5 mL of anhydrous MeOH at 10 C. To this solution was added 4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (500 mg, 3.18 mmol) at the same temperature, and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford methyl 4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylate hydrochloric salt (660 mg, 100%) as a yellowish solid. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 3.66 (s, 3H), 2.80 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.41-2.23 (m, 1H), 2.03 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 2H), 1.89 (d, J=11.9 Hz, 2H), 1.64 (s, 1H), 1.54-1.34 (m, 2H), 1.18-0.99 (m, 2H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 177.61, 52.07, 46.36, 43.99, 36.69, 30.27(2), 29.26(2).

2-Oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonyl chloride (1b)

[0201] ##STR00022##

[0202] Under argon, chlorosulfonic acid (7.22 mL, 109.8 mmol) was added dropwise under rigorous stirring to 1a (1.77 g, 11 mmol), and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. The flask was cooled down and cold H.sub.2O was added dropwise until a white precipitate was formed. The precipitate was filtered, carefully washed with cold H.sub.2O and dried under vacuum to afford 2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonyl chloride 1b (2.1 g, 75%) as a white powder. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) 9.56 (s, 1H), 7.47 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (dd, J=8.1, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.90 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 2.67 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 2.17-2.05 (m, 4H). .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO) 173.36, 144.17, 139.27, 132.89, 127.10, 124.58, 120.79, 33.00, 29.99, 28.02.

4,5-dihydro-1H-benzo[b]azepin-2(3H)-one (1a)

[0203] ##STR00023##

[0204] To a solution of -tetralone (5 g, 34.2 mmol) in toluene (40 mL) NaN.sub.3 (8.9 g, 137 mmol) was added at 10 C. and a mixture was cooled to 0 C. followed by injection of H.sub.2SO.sub.4conc (16 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 days. The solid obtained was filtered off and generously washed with toluene, dissolved in a mixture of EtOAc and H.sub.2O and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL3). An organic layer was washed with NaCl, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford 4,5-dihydro-1H-benzo[b]azepin-2(3H)-one 1a (5.1 g, 93%) as light yellow crystals. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 9.51 (s, 1H), 7.28-7.17 (m, 2H), 7.07 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 6.95 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 2.66 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.19-2.02 (m, 4H). .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d6) 173.58, 138.95, 133.82, 129.80, 127.31, 124.85, 121.72, 32.94, 29.98, 28.17.

Example 2: 4-(aminomethyl)-N-(2-(thiophen-2-yl)ethyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide hydrochloric salt (8b)

[0205] ##STR00024##

[0206] A solution of 18c (50 mg, 0.14 mmol) in dichloromethane (1 mL) was treated with trifluoroacetic acid (104 L, 1.4 mmol) and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. Then the solvent was removed under reduced pressure, a residue was dissolved in H.sub.2O and washed with EtOAc (10 mL3). Combined organic layers were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 4-(aminomethyl)-N-(2-(thiophen-2-yl)ethyl)cyclohexane-carboxamide hydrochloric salt 8b (35 mg, yield 66%) as a beige solid. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 7.19 (dd, J=5.1, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 6.91 (dd, J=5.1, 3.5 Hz, 1H), 6.88-6.81 (m, 1H), 3.40 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.00 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.78 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.16 (tt, J=12.0, 3.2 Hz, 1H), 1.95-1.77 (m, 4H), 1.72-1.57 (m, 1H), 1.47 (ddd, J=15.9, 13.5, 3.7 Hz, 2H), 1.15-0.95 (m, 2H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 178.73, 178.64, 142.55, 127.82, 126.31, 124.65, 46.17, 45.71, 41.97, 36.69, 30.44, 30.31(2), 29.72(2). LCMS C.sub.14H.sub.22N.sub.2OS Rt=7.321, m/z=266.8, purity 100%.

Tert-butyl ((4-((2-(thiophen-2-yl)ethyl)carbamoyl)cyclohexyl)methyl) carbamate (18c)

[0207] ##STR00025##

[0208] To a solution of 4-(((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)methyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (158 mg, 0.61 mmol) in dimethylformamide (6 mL) were added BOP reagent (271.4 mg, 0.61 mmol) and 2-aminoethylthiophene (71.9 L, 0.61 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 min and triethylamine (213.7 L, 1.53 mmol) was injected. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours, then dimethylformamide was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was suspended in H.sub.2O (3 mL), the precipitate collected by filtration was generously washed with H.sub.2O and dried under reduced pressure to afford tert-butyl ((4-((2-(thiophen-2-yl)ethyl)carbamoyl)cyclohexyl)methyl)carbamate 18c (199 mg, 89%) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 7.20 (dd, J=5.1, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 6.92 (dd, J=5.1, 3.5 Hz, 1H), 6.85 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 3.40 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.00 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.88 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 2.10 (t, J=12.2 Hz, 1H), 1.80 (d, J=11.2 Hz, 4H), 1.51-1.33 (m, 12H), 0.95 (dd, J=22.7, 12.2 Hz, 2H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 179.21, 158.71, 142.56, 127.81, 126.31, 124.65, 79.88, 47.47, 46.40, 41.96, 39.07, 30.90, 30.44(3), 30.17(2), 28.77(2).

4-(((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)methyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid

[0209] ##STR00026##

[0210] To 1M aqueous solution of NaOH (45.8 mg, 1.15 mmol) cooled in an ice bath was added trans-4-aminomethyl cyclohexane carboxylic acid (100 mg, 0.64 mmol). The solution was diluted with MeCN to 1 mL. Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (175 mg, 0.81 mmol) was added portion wise, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Solvents were removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was dissolved in H.sub.2O (2 mL). NaHSO.sub.4 was added to pH=3 and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (5 mL3), combined organic layers were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 4-(((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)methyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (160 mg, 98%) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 2.89 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 2.20 (dd, J=13.9, 10.5 Hz, 1H), 1.99 (d, J=13.3 Hz, 2H), 1.81 (d, J=11.1 Hz, 2H), 1.49-1.29 (m, 12H), 0.96 (dd, J=24.9, 10.3 Hz, 2H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 179.97, 158.70, 79.82, 47.46, 44.54, 39.13, 30.87(3), 29.89(2), 28.78(2).

Example 3: N-(4-((7-ethyl-2,6-dioxo-1,2,6,7-tetrahydro-3H-purin-3-yl)methyl)benzyl)-4-phenoxybenzenesulfonamide (30c)

[0211] ##STR00027##

[0212] Procedure A.

[0213] An automated sulfonylation was performed on a Chemspeed Accelerator automated parallel synthesis platform. The reactions were run in 2 mL LC glass vials. A stock solution of 3-(4-(aminomethyl)benzyl)-7-ethylxanthine trifluoroacetic salt (206.5 mg, 1 eq) and trietylamine (138.7 L, 2 eq) in anhydrous tetrahydrofurane (20 mL) was prepared and placed on the robotic deck. The robot automatically prepared the reaction mixtures by dispending the prepared solution (400 L) to the individual vials containing chlorosulfonyl derivatives (0.01 mmol) via the liquid handling tool. After 12 hours at room temperature samples were taken out and analyzed by LCMS to determine the percent of conversion. The product solutions were concentrated at 80 C., and residues were diluted with dimethylsulfoxide to afford a solution 5.10-2M of the expected compounds. Further LCMS analysis allowed rectifying the final concentration of the products precisely to 10-2M for further biological evaluations.

[0214] Procedure B.

[0215] To a solution of 20a (50 mg, 0.12 mmol) in tetrahydrofurane (5 mL) were injected triethyamine (84.5 L, 0.60 mmol) and 4-phenoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (32.2 mg, 0.12 mmol), and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and a crude product was purified by column chromatography (eluent 20:1, CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2:MeOH) to afford N-(4-((7-ethyl-2,6-dioxo-1,2,6,7-tetrahydro-3H-purin-3-yl)methyl)benzyl)-4-phenoxybenzenesulfonamide 30c (54.8 mg, 86%) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 7.89 (s, 1H), 7.69 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (dd, J=8.2, 7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.25-7.17 (m, 1H), 7.11 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.06-6.99 (m, 2H), 6.93 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 5.13 (s, 2H), 4.25 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 4.02 (s, 2H), 1.44 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). LCMS C.sub.27H.sub.25N.sub.5O.sub.5S Rt=6.594, m/z=531.6, purity>96%.

3-(4-(aminomethyl)benzyl)-7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione trifluoroacetic salt (20a)

[0216] ##STR00028##

[0217] A suspension of 19c (200 mg, 0.50 mmol) in dichloromethane (3 mL) was treated with trifluoroacetic acid (4500), and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and a crude product was purified by column chromatography (eluent 6:1:0.1, CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2:MeOH:NH.sub.3) to afford 3-(4-(aminomethyl)benzyl)-7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione trifluoroacetic salt 20a (207 mg, 100%) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 7.96 (s, 1H), 7.51 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 5.26 (s, 2H), 4.36 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.10 (s, 2H), 1.51 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 156.49, 152.88, 151.55, 143.21, 139.18, 133.97, 130.15(2), 129.78(2), 108.50, 46.22, 44.01, 43.42, 16.78.

Tert-butyl 4-((7-ethyl-2,6-dioxo-1H-purin-3(2H,6H,7H)-yl)methyl)benzylcarbamate (19c)

[0218] ##STR00029##

[0219] To a suspension of 7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione (180 mg, 1 mmol) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (151.8 mg, 1.1 mmol) in dimethylformamide (15 mL) tert-butyl 4-(bromomethyl)benzylcarbamate (300 mg, 1 mmol) was added portionwise, and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and a crude product was purified by column chromatography (eluent 40:1:0.1 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2:MeOH:NH.sub.3) to afford 4-((7-ethyl-2,6-dioxo-1H-purin-3(2H,6H,7H)-yl)methyl)benzylcarbamate 19c (202 mg, 51%) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8.07 (s, 1H), 7.30 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 5.09 (s, 2H), 4.25 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 4.09 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 1.47-1.31 (m, 12H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, DMSO-d6) 155.78, 154.65, 150.83, 149.72, 141.99, 139.36, 135.43, 127.58(2), 127.01(2), 106.49, 77.79, 44.55, 43.10, 41.57, 28.27(3), 16.26.

Tert-butyl 4-(bromomethyl)benzylcarbamate

[0220] ##STR00030##

[0221] To the solution of (4-(bromomethyl)phenyl)methanamine hydrobromic salt (1 g, 5 mmol) in a mixture of H.sub.2O and dioxane (40 mL, 1:1), di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (3.3 g, 15 mmol) was added at 0 C. Then NaHCO.sub.3 (0.87 g, 10 mmol) was added at the same temperature, and the resulting mixture was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature. The mixture was extracted with Et.sub.2O (3), combined organic layers were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting colorless oil was washed with petroleum ether and the precipitate formed was filtered off and dried under reduced pressure to afford tert-butyl 4-(bromomethyl)benzylcarbamate (1.1 g, 73%) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, DMSO-d6) 7.38 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.21 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 4.68 (s, 2H), 4.10 (d, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 1.39 (s, 9H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, DMSO-d6) 155.81, 140.51, 136.39, 129.27(2), 127.20(2), 77.86, 43.09, 34.55, 28.26(3).

(4-(bromomethyl)phenyl)methanamine hydrobromic salt

[0222] ##STR00031##

[0223] 4-(aminomethyl)benzyl alcohol (768 mg, 5.6 mmol) was dissolved in a mixture of H.sub.2O (8.5 mL) and HBr (46% aqueous solution, 13 mL). The resulting mixture was refluxed for 3.5 hours, then the solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and the solid obtained was washed with Et.sub.2O to afford (4-(bromomethyl)phenyl)methanamine hydrobromic salt as a grey powder (1 g, 89%). .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8.26 (brs, 2H), 7.48 (s, 4H), 4.71 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 4.03 (s, 2H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, DMSO-d6) 138.47, 134.07, 129.57(2), 129.37(2), 41.90, 34.03. 4-(aminomethyl)benzyl alcohol

##STR00032##

[0224] To a stirred suspension of 4-(aminomethyl)benzoic acid (10 g, 66.2 mmol) in tetrahydrofurane (100 mL) lithium aluminium hydride (10 g, 264.8 mmol) was added portionwise at 0 C. The mixture was heated to reflux and stirred overnight before cooling down again to 0 C. 10 mL of H.sub.2O were added, then 15 mL of 10% NaOH and 30 mL of H.sub.2O. The mixture was kept at 0 C. for 1 hour. Then the mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and washed with EtOAc. The filtrate was concentrated to afford 4-(aminomethyl)benzyl alcohol as a yellow oil that crystallized to a beige solid after several minutes. The solid obtained was washed with Et.sub.2O to afford 4-(aminomethyl)benzyl alcohol (8.8 g, yield 97%) as a light-beige powder. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 7.32 (s, 4H), 4.58 (s, 2H), 3.78 (s, 2H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 142.21, 141.50, 128.53(2), 128.26(2), 64.96, 46.32.

Example 4: N-(4-((7-ethyl-2,6-dioxo-1H-purin-3(2H,6H,7H)-yl)methyl)benzyl)-1-propyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (33c)

[0225] ##STR00033##

[0226] To 1-propyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (3.73 mg, 0.024 mmol) was injected a solution of 20a (10 mg, 0.024 mmol) and triethylamine (7 l, 0.048 mmol) in dimethylformamide (0.5 mL). A solution of BOP reagent (11 mg, 0.024 mmol) in dimethylformamide (0.5 mL) was added, and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 min, then dimethylformamide was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was suspended in H.sub.2O (2 mL) and the precipitate collected by filtration to afford N-(4-((7-ethyl-2,6-dioxo-1H-purin-3(2H,6H,7H)-yl)methyl)benzyl)-1-propyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide 33c (6.6 mg, 63%) as a light-beige powder. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 7.92 (s, 1H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 7.66 (s, 1H), 7.36 (d, J=9.7 Hz, 2H), 7.24 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 5.16 (s, 2H), 4.45 (s, 2H), 4.24-4.23 (m, 2H), 4.06 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.82 (dt, J=14.4, 7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.47 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 0.86 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H). LCMS C.sub.22H.sub.25N.sub.7O.sub.3 Rt=5.402 min, m/z=435.7, purity 99%.

Example 5: 3((4-(aminomethyl)naphthalen-1-yl)methyl)-7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione

[0227] ##STR00034##

[0228] Hydrazine hydrate (141.5 L, 2.94 mmol) was added to a suspension of 3-((4-((1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalen-1-yl)methyl)-7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione (200 mg, 0.42 mmol) in methanol (7 mL) and the resulting mixture was stirred at reflux for 4 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and the mixture was purified by column chromatography (eluent 15:1 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2:MeOH+NH.sub.3) to afford 3-((4-(aminomethyl)naphthalen-1-yl)methyl)-7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione as a white solid (90 mg, yield 62%). .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8.27 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 8.18 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.67-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.42 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.04 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 5.57 (s, 2H), 4.25 (dd, J=13.8, 6.8 Hz, 2H), 4.16 (s, 2H), 1.40 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, DMSO-d6) 154.80, 151.00, 149.97, 142.02, 131.10, 130.60(2), 125.98, 125.89, 124.40(2), 123.89, 123.65, 122.84, 106.67, 54.97, 42.99, 41.63, 16.29.

3-((4-((1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalen-1-yl)methyl)-7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione

[0229] ##STR00035##

[0230] A suspension of 7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione (321.2 mg, 1.78 mmol), 2-((4-(bromomethyl)naphthalen-1-yl)methyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (1.3 g, 1.78 mmol) and potassium carbonate (246.2 mg, 1.78 mmol) in dimethylformamide (5 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 2 days. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, H.sub.2O (5 mL) was added and a beige precipitate was filtered off, washed with H.sub.2O and dried under reduced pressure. The crude product was then purified by column chromatography (eluent CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, then 10:1 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2:MeOH) to achieve 3-((4-((1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalen-1-yl)methyl)-7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione as a beige solid (490 mg, yield 57%). .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) 7.65 (dddd, J=31.0, 15.0, 6.6, 4.1 Hz, 11H), 5.72 (s, 2H), 5.28 (s, 2H), 4.30 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.51 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) 168.30(2), 154.45, 150.95, 150.86, 140.97, 134.18(2), 132.12(2), 131.70, 131.55, 131.51, 131.41, 126.65, 126.57, 126.42, 124.32, 124.10, 124.01, 123.48(2), 107.43, 43.80, 42.63, 39.57, 16.50.

2((4-(Bromomethyl)naphthalen-1-yl)methyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione

[0231] ##STR00036##

[0232] To a suspension of 2-(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (1.5 g, 5.2 mmol) and (CH.sub.2O), (235 mg, 7.8 mmol) in acetic acid (5 mL) HBr (1.1 mL) was added dropwise and the resulting mixture was stirred at 120 C. for 2 days. H.sub.2O (5 mL) was added, and the mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (5 mL3), combined organic layers were collected, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to form a light-beige foam. The foam was dissolved in a mixture of dichloromethane and petroleum spirit to afford 2-((4-(bromomethyl)naphthalen-1-yl)methyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione as a beige precipitate (1.3 g, yield 66%) that was directly used in the next step without further purification.

2-(Naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione

[0233] ##STR00037##

[0234] Potassium phtalimide (2.55 g, 14 mmol) was suspended in dimethylformamide (30 mL), and the reaction mixture was heated to 90 C. A solution of 1-(bromomethyl)naphthalene (3 g, 14 mmol) in dimethylformamide (20 mL) was added, and the resulting mixture was stirred at 90 C. for 1.5 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, H.sub.2O (10 mL) was added, and a white precipitate formed was filtered off, washed with H.sub.2O and Et.sub.2O and dried to afford 2-(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione as a white powder (3 g, yield 76%). .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) 8.37 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.90-7.39 (m, 10H), 5.34 (s, 2H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) 168.39(2), 134.18(2), 133.89, 132.18(2), 131.47, 131.30, 128.86, 128.80, 127.43, 126.66, 125.96, 125.41, 123.60, 123.52(2), 39.65.

1-(Bromomethyl)naphthalene

[0235] ##STR00038##

[0236] The suspension of 1-methylnaphtalene (3 g, 21 mmol), NBS (3.76 g, 1 eq) and AlBN (0.35 g, 0.1 eq) in 50 mL of CCl.sub.4 was stirred under light overnight. CCl.sub.4 was removed under reduced pressure and the crude mixture was purified by column chromatography (eluent petroleum ether) to achieve 1-(bromomethyl)naphthalene (3 g, yield 64%) as a colorless oil. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) 8.17 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.93-7.81 (m, 2H), 7.68-7.48 (m, 3H), 7.45-7.37 (m, 1H), 4.98 (s, 2H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) 134.15, 133.38, 131.18, 129.95, 129.00, 127.90, 126.75, 126.38, 125.53, 123.86, 31.89.

Example 6: 3-(4-(aminomethyl)-2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione

[0237] ##STR00039##

[0238] To a suspension of 3-(4-((1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)methyl)-2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione (100 mg, 0.2 mmol) in methanol (10 mL) was added hydrazine (69.3 L, 1.43 mmol), and the resulting mixture was stirred at reflux for 7 hours. The solvent was removed, the residue was dissolved in dichloromethane and washed with 1N HCl to afford 3-(4-(aminomethyl)-2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione as a white powder (50 mg, yield 67%). .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) 7.55 (s, 1H), 6.80 (s, 1H), 6.65 (s, 1H), 5.26 (s, 2H), 4.31 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.82-3.80 (m, 5H), 3.68 (s, 3H), 1.52 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) 155.08, 151.39, 151.31, 151.10, 150.88, 140.89, 123.46(2), 112.21, 110.83, 107.31, 65.91, 56.36, 55.93, 42.49, 41.36, 16.45.

3-(4-((1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)methyl)-2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione

[0239] ##STR00040##

[0240] To a suspension of 7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione (100 mg, 0.62 mmol) and potassium carbonate (85 mg, 1.5 eq) in dimethylformamide (3 mL) was added 2-(4-(bromomethyl)-2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and the crude product was purified by column chromatography (eluent 30:1 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2:MeOH, then 20:1 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2:MeOH) to afford 3-(4-((1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)methyl)-2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-7-ethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione as a white powder (176 mg, yield 58%). .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) 7.85-7.80 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 6.82 (s, 1H), 6.62 (s, 1H), 5.21 (s, 2H), 4.83 (s, 2H), 4.29 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.68 (s, 3H), 1.50 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, DMSO-d6) 167.79 (2), 154.80, 150.99, 150.53, 150.38, 149.89, 141.95, 134.48(2), 131.74(2), 124.79, 123.79, 123.18(2), 111.69, 110.20, 106.53, 56.24, 56.21, 41.56, 41.07, 40.71, 16.27.

2-(4-(Bromomethyl)-2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione

[0241] ##STR00041##

[0242] A suspension of potassium phtalimide (572 mg, 3.1 mmol) in dimethylformamide (5 mL) was heated to 90 C., then a suspension of 1,4-bis(bromomethyl)-2,5-dimethoxybenzene (1 g, 3.1 mmol) in dimethylformamide (5 mL) was added. The resulting mixture was stirred at 90 C. for 8 hours and then at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the crude product was purified by column chromatography (eluent 3:1 PE:EtOAc) to afford 2-(4-(bromomethyl)-2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione as a light-beige solid (423 mg, yield 35%). .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) 7.86 (dd, J=5.5, 3.1 Hz, 2H), 7.72 (dd, J=5.4, 3.1 Hz, 2H), 6.84 (d, J=3.3 Hz, 2H), 4.87 (s, 2H), 4.52 (s, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.80 (s, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) 168.15(2), 151.37, 151.16, 134.10(2), 132.15(2), 126.07, 125.99, 123.42(2), 113.49, 113.10, 56.42, 56.30, 36.89, 28.98.

1,4-Bis(bromomethyl)-2,5-dimethoxybenzene

[0243] ##STR00042##

[0244] To a suspension of 1,4-dimethoxybenzene (4.1 g, 30 mmol) and (CH.sub.2O), (2 g, 66 mmol) in acetic acid (100 mL) HBr (33% solution in AcOH, 27 mL) was added dropwise, and the resulting mixture was stirred at 80 C. for 2 hours. The white precipitate formed was filtered off, washed with cold H.sub.2O and dried to afford 1,4-bis(bromomethyl)-2,5-dimethoxybenzene (6.3 g, yield 66%) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) 6.87 (s, 2H), 4.54 (s, 4H), 3.87 (s, 6H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) 151.38(2), 127.52(2), 113.93(2), 56.37(2), 28.75(2).

Example 7: N-(4-((8-(((6-butyl-5,7-dimethyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-2-yl)thio)methyl)-7-ethyl-2,6-dioxo-1,2,6,7-tetrahydro-3H-purin-3-yl)methyl)benzyl)-2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonamide (32c)

[0245] ##STR00043##

[0246] A suspension of 8-(((6-butyl-5,7-dimethyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-2-yl)thio)methyl)-7-ethyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione (10 mg, 0.023 mmol), N-(4-(chloromethyl)benzyl)-2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonamide (8.84 mg, 0.023 mmol) and potassium carbonate (9.7 mg, 0.069 mmol) in dimethylformamide (1 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 2 days. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and the crude product was purified by column chromatography (eluent 10:1 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2:MeOH) to afford N-(4-((8-(((6-butyl-5,7-dimethyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-2-yl)thio)methyl)-7-ethyl-2,6-dioxo-1,2,6,7-tetrahydro-3H-purin-3-yl)methyl)benzyl)-2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonamide 32c (8 mg, 45%) as a beige solid. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CD.sub.3OD+CDCl.sub.3) 7.56-7.48 (m, 1H), 7.21 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.10-6.90 (m, 4H), 5.08 (s, 2H), 4.68 (s, 2H), 4.49 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 4.04 (s, 2H), 2.75 (s, 6H), 2.66 (s, 3H), 2.26 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 5H), 1.45 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 7H), 0.98 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 176.57, 176.48, 165.50, 164.19, 155.79, 154.42, 152.09, 150.17, 145.00, 142.77, 138.00, 137.19, 136.29, 135.60, 129.22, 128.89(2), 128.62(2), 127.06, 123.07, 122.69, 108.52, 47.23, 45.94, 41.95, 33.52, 32.37, 30.99, 29.09, 28.39, 26.80, 23.73, 23.45, 16.75, 14.31, 14.09. LCMS C.sub.37H.sub.42N.sub.10O.sub.5S.sub.2Rt=6.450, m/z=770.4, purity >95%.

N-(4-(chloromethyl)benzyl)-2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonamide

[0247] ##STR00044##

[0248] Thionyl chloride (156 L, 2.15 mmol) was added to a solution of N-(4-(hydroxymethyl)benzyl)-2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonamide (155 mg, 0.43 mmol) in dichloromethane (2 mL). A resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The solvent was evaporated to afford N-(4-(chloromethyl)benzyl)-2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonamide (163 mg, 100%) as a white solid, that was directly use in the next step without purification. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 7.65 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.22 (dd, J=21.0, 8.0 Hz, 4H), 7.06 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.56 (s, 2H), 4.12 (s, 2H), 2.78 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 2.25 (dd, J=11.0, 5.7 Hz, 4H).

N-(4-(hydroxymethyl)benzyl)-2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonamide

[0249] ##STR00045##

[0250] Under argon to a solution of (4-(aminomethyl)phenyl)methanol (100 mg, 0.73 mmol) and DIPEA (254 L, 1.46 mmol) in tetrahydrofurane (6 mL) at 0 C. 1b (189 mg, 0.73 mmol) was added dropwise as a solution in tetrahydrofurane (4 mL). After stirring for 30 min at 0 C., the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 4 days. A white precipitate formed was filtered through Celite, the filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure to afford viscous yellow oil. Dichloromethane (1 mL) was added and a precipitate formed was filtered, washed with a small amount of dichloromethane and diethyl ether and dried under reduced pressure to afford N-(4-(hydroxymethyl)benzyl)-2-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]azepine-7-sulfonamide (155 mg, 59%) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 7.71-7.62 (m, 2H), 7.19 (q, J=8.2 Hz, 4H), 7.08 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 4.53 (s, 2H), 4.10 (s, 2H), 2.79 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 2.34-2.17 (m, 4H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 177.08, 143.49, 141.95, 138.82, 137.58, 136.23, 129.71, 128.96(2), 127.93(2), 127.50, 123.05, 64.77, 47.65, 33.87, 31.30, 29.53.

8-(((6-butyl-5,7-dimethyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-2-yl)thio)methyl)-7-ethyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione

[0251] ##STR00046##

[0252] To a suspension of 8-(((6-butyl-5,7-dimethyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-2-yl)thio)methyl)-3-(4-chlorobenzyl)-7-ethyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione (115 mg, 0.21 mmol) in toluene (5 mL) 1M solution of boron tribromide in dichloromethane (2.1 mL, 2.1 mmol) was injected dropwise. The resulting mixture was stirred at reflux for 2 hours. The solvent was removed, the residue was dissolved in methanol (7 mL), concentrated hydrochloric acid (1 mL) was injected followed by stirring at room temperature for 2 hours. Methanol was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was extracted with dichloromethane (5 mL). An aqueous layer was collected and dried under vacuum to give a product as a light orange solid (90 mg, 100%). .sup.1H NMR (250 MHz, CD.sub.3OD+CDCl.sub.3) 4.74 (s, 2H), 4.54 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.79 (s, 5H), 2.69 (s, 3H), 1.57-1.42 (m, 7H), 0.99 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (63 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) 169.17, 161.18, 156.58, 151.08, 148.68, 148.11, 147.42, 126.44, 108.56, 42.88, 32.23, 28.66, 26.78, 23.78, 23.72, 16.43, 14.41, 14.10.

[0253] By implementing the syntheses as described above, the compounds as disclosed in the below table have been prepared.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Exemplary compound, or tautomer, prodrug, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof a b c 1 [00047] [00048] [00049] 2 [00050] [00051] [00052] 3 [00053] [00054] [00055] 4 [00056] [00057] [00058] 5 [00059] [00060] [00061] 6 [00062] [00063] [00064] 7 [00065] [00066] [00067] 8 [00068] [00069] [00070] 9 [00071] [00072] [00073] 10 [00074] [00075] [00076] 11 [00077] [00078] [00079] 12 [00080] [00081] [00082] 13 [00083] [00084] [00085] 14 [00086] [00087] [00088] 15 [00089] [00090] [00091] 16 [00092] [00093] [00094] 17 [00095] [00096] [00097] 18 [00098] [00099] [00100] 19 [00101] [00102] [00103] 20 [00104] [00105] [00106] 21 [00107] [00108] [00109] 22 [00110] [00111] [00112] 23 [00113] [00114] [00115] 24 [00116] [00117] [00118] 25 [00119] [00120] [00121] 26 [00122] [00123] [00124] 27 [00125] [00126] [00127] 28 [00128] [00129] [00130] 29 [00131] [00132] [00133] 30 [00134] [00135] [00136] 31 [00137] [00138] [00139] 32 [00140] [00141] [00142] 33 [00143] [00144] [00145] 34 [00146] [00147] [00148] 35 [00149] [00150] [00151] 36 [00152] [00153] [00154] 37 [00155] [00156] [00157] 38 [00158] [00159] [00160] 39 [00161] [00162] [00163] 40 [00164] [00165] [00166] 41 [00167] [00168] [00169] 42 [00170] [00171] [00172] 43 [00173] [00174] [00175] 44 [00176] [00177] [00178] 45 [00179] [00180]

Activity of the Compounds According to the Invention

Example 1: HTRF Assay

[0254] HTRF assays were performed in white 384 Well Small Volume HiBase Polystyrene Microplates (Greiner) with a total working volume of 20 L. Compounds were dispensed, with 100 nL per well (0.5% final DMSO), from a concentration stock of 10 mM in 100% DMSO and with serial DMSO dilutions, using an Echo 550 robot from the Access Labcyte platform (Labcyte) and based on the transfer of liquid by acoustic wave. Then, 19.5 L of buffer is added, using a Multidrop Combi (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Finally, for each assay, 200 nL of master mix (protein+donor+acceptor) and 200 nL of peptide is added in the assay wells according to the final concentration and buffer described in Table 3, using the Echo 550 robot (Labcyte). The IC.sub.50 measurements were performed in triplicates (Table 2 and 3). All HTRF reagents (donor and acceptor) were purchased from CisBio Bioassays and reconstituted according to the supplier protocols. The peptide was purchased from Genic Bio Synthetic. The BRD4(1) protein was produced and purified in the laboratory. HTRF signals were measured, after a final incubation (3 h or 6 h or overnight at room temperature or 4 C., according to the bromodomain), using a PHERAstar FS (BMG Labtech) with an excitation filter at 337 nm and fluorescence wavelength measurement at 620 and 665 nm, an integration delay of 60 s and an integration time of 500 s. Results were analyzed with a two-wavelengths signal ratio: [intensity (665 nm)/intensity (620 nm)]*10.sup.4.

[0255] Percentage of inhibition was calculated using the following equation: % inhibition=[(compound signal)(min signal)]/[(max signal)(min signal)]*100, where max signal is the signal ratio with the compound vehicle alone (DMSO) and min signal the signal ratio without peptide. For IC.sub.50 measurements, values were normalized and fitted with Prism (GraphPad software) using the following equation: Y=100/(1+((X/IC50){circumflex over ()}Hill slope)).

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Effect of various compounds of invention on BRD4(BD1) activity.sup.a Cmpd Cmpd Cmpd Cmpd Cmpd Cmpd (IC.sub.50 M) (IC.sub.50 M) (IC.sub.50 M) (IC.sub.50 M) (IC.sub.50 M) (IC.sub.50 M) 1a (NA) 1b (NA) 1c (53) 2a (NA) 2b (NA) 2c (NA) 3a (NA) 3b (NA) 3c (NA) 4a (NA) 4b (NA) 4c (NA) 5a (>50) 5b(3.8) 5c (7.0) 6a (29) 6b(25) 6c (30) 7a (9.6) 7b (19) 7c (23) 8a (22) 8b (ND) 8c (18) 9a (16) 9b (NA) 9c (NA) 10a (NA) 10b (NA) 10c (NA) 11a (NA) 11b (>50) 11c (>50) 12a (NA) 12b (NA) 12c (NA) 13a (NA) 13b (NA) 13c (NA) 14a (>25) 14b (>25) 14c (>25) 15a (NA) 15b (46) 15c (7.8) 16a (11) 16b (NA) 16c (NA) 17a (NA) 17b (NA) 16c (NA) 18a (NA) 18b (NA) 18c (ND) 19a (ND) 19b (12) 19c (ND) 20a (27) 20b (4.3) 20c (3.6) 21a (2.9) 21b (5.2) 21c (1.4) 22a (4.5) 22b (7.5) 22c (1.4) 23a (3.5) 23b (1.7) 23c (1.3) 24a (2.7) 24b 24c (1.7) (0.846) 25a 25b 25c (1.6) 26a (2.2) 26b 26c (0.284) (0.779) (0.769) (0.817) 27a (1.3) 27b 27c 28a (1.3) 28b 28c (0.766) (0.283) (0.729) (0.687) 29a (1.6) 29b 29c 30a 30b 30c (0.450) (0.814) (0.600) (0.687) (0.510) 31a 31b 31c (3.5) 32a (13) 32b 32c (1.1) (0.355) (0.723) (0.964) 33a 33b (4.7) 33c (4.5) 34a (4.3) 34b (2.8) 34c (0.371) (0.749) 35a (2.8) 35b (7.0) 35c (1.8) 36a (2.2) 32b (2.7) 36c (3.1) 37a (2.0) 37b (4.9) 36c 38a (1.7) 38b (8.1) 38c (5.5) (0.229) 39a (6.8) 39b (2.3) 39c (1.5) 40a (18) 40b (32) 40c (13) 41a (>50) 41b (>50) 41c (>50) 42a (>50) 42b (32) 42c (0.750) 43a 43b 43c 44a (ND) 44b 44c (0.202) (0.096) (0.074) (0.123) (0.522) 45a (0.087) .sup.aDrug concentration that inhibits protein-protein interaction by 50%. ND abbreviation stands for Not Determined. NA abbreviation stands for Not Applicable (IC.sub.50 > maximal concentration of compound used).

Example 2: Brodomodomain BET Selectivity Profiles (HTRF Assay)

[0256] Selectivity profiles of bromodomain inhibitors were performed as described in HTRF screen section. Concentration of histone peptide was optimized to ensure sufficient signal to noise ratio, sufficient sensitivity for detection of weak inhibitors and comparable data from one bromodomain to another. HTRF detection reagents (EPIgeneous Binding Domain kits) were purchased from Cisbio Bioassays and used according to supplier's protocol. GST tagged bromodomain proteins were purchased from BPS Bioscience and histone peptide from Genic Bio Synthetic.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Selectivity profiles of compounds of invention towards the BET Ratio Bromodomain (IC.sub.50 nM).sup.a 4-1 3-1 2-1 Cmpd Brd4(8D1) Brd3(BD1) Brd2(BD1) Brdt(BD1) Brd4(BD2) Brd3(BD2) Brd2(BD2) ATAD2 vs 4-2 vs 3-2 vs 2-2 5b 3827 2380 6347 14580 NA NA NA NA >13 >21 >8 7a 9553 22190 16150 9157 20840 47190 7106 NA 2 2 0.4 9a 15700 5048 10350 9169 NA NA 33940 NA >3 >10 3 16a 10870 8622 8703 12460 NA NA NA NA >5 >6 >6 24b 846 1004 3334 6257 5848 11982 6050 NA 7 12 2 25a 284 507 2105 3471 4054 3168 3198 NA 14 6 2 25b 779 1536 1384 7437 12802 12360 10486 NA 16 8 8 25c 1595 4767 4177 14043 21185 17428 23514 NA 13 4 7 27b 766 940 3488 2150 8314 3031 5577 NA 11 3 2 27c 283 456 336 356 2779 3473 1605 NA 10 8 5 29b 450 897 3314 19659 17723 13538 15988 24647 39 15 5 29c 814 1596 5470 7440 12165 18931 14698 NA 15 12 3 30c 510 633 868 1179 4588 3157 2494 NA 9 5 3 31a 355 596 1456 8508 9708 13462 12771 NA 27 23 9 31c 3463 5711 4350 3357 4210 2133 3075 NA 1 0.4 0.7 32b 984 9598 4372 9541 28001 7275 3937 NA 29 0.8 0.9 32c 1079 4427 4674 18930 9151 4156 3357 NA 9 1 0.7 43a 202 258 367 474 4392 2436 2264 NA 22 10 >6 43b 96 130 260 1100 3300 2900 2400 NA 34 22 9 43c 74 132 183 352 2310 2167 1222 NA 31 16 7 44b 123 230 352 397 4241 3325 1962 NA 34 14 6 45a 87 161 321 432 2668 1636 1067 NA 31 10 3 .sup.aDrug concentration that inhibits protein-protein interaction by 50%. Data are the mean of three experiments. NA abbreviation stands for Not Applicable (IC.sub.50 > maximal concentration of compound used (50 M)). .sup.bATAD2 is used as a non-BET family member bromodomain control.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 HTRF selectivity experimental procedures.sup.a MIX 2 Protein MIX 1 Assay name (nM) Peptide name (nM) Donor name (nM) Acceptor name (nM) buffer.sup.b DMSO GST- 5 H4 KAc 5/8/12/16 15 MAb Anti GST-Keu 0.5 Streptavidin d2 1.875 Buffer A 0.5% BRD4(BD1) peptide GST- 5 H4 KAc 5/8/12/16 15 MAb Anti GST-Keu 0.5 Streptavidin d2 1.875 Buffer A 0.5% BRD3(BD1) peptide GST- 5 H4 KAc 5/8/12/16 15 MAb Anti GST-Keu 0.5 Streptavidin d2 1.875 Buffer A 0.5% BRD2(BD1) peptide GST- 5 H4 KAc 5/8/12/16 150 MAb Anti GST-Keu 0.5 Streptavidin 18.75 Buffer A 0.5% BRDT(BD1) peptide XL665 GST- 5 H4 KAc 5/8/12/16 150 MAb Anti GST-Keu 0.5 Streptavidin 18.75 Buffer A 0.5% BRD4(BD2) peptide XL665 GST- 5 H4 KAc 5/8/12/16 150 MAb Anti GST-Keu 0.5 Streptavidin 18.75 Buffer A 0.5% BRD3(BD2) peptide XL665 GST- 5 H4 KAc 5/8/12/16 150 MAb Anti GST-Keu 0.5 Streptavidin 18.75 Buffer A 0.5% BRD2(BD2) peptide XL665 GST- 5 H4 KAc 5/8/12/16 150 MAb Anti GST-KTb 0.5 Streptavidin 18.75 Buffer B 0.5% ATAD2 peptide XL665 .sup.aFor each bromodomain, concentrations of protein, peptide, donor and acceptor have been optimized and are presented in this summary table also indicating the donor and acceptor type as well as the final DMSO concentration and buffer composition. .sup.bBuffer A: 50 mM Hepes, pH7.5, 400 mM KF, BSA 0.1%.

Example 3: Brodomodomain Selectivity Profiles Using the Thermal Shift Assays (TSA)

[0257] TSA Bromoscan assays (Reaction Biology) were performed in 384 well RT-PCR plate (BioRad) with a total working volume of 15 L. The BromoMeIT, containing the 61 GST- or His-tagged-bromodomains, SYPRO Orange and a mix compounds as control, was purchased from Reaction Biology. For each point, 3 L of protein (1) and 12 L master mix (buffer+SYPRO Orange+compound at 25 M or control mix compounds or DMSO (0.5%)) were mixed in plate. The plate was placed in a CFX384 RTQPC (BioRad), and heated 10 seconds at 25 C., then the temperature was increased from 25 C. to 90 C., by increment of 0.5 C. every 30 seconds. The fluorescence was recorded using FRET filters.

[0258] The compounds 27c is pan-BET selective, 30c is BRD4(1) and BRD3(1) selective, 31a is not pan-BET selective.

Example 4: Isothermal Titration Calorimetry Assays

[0259] ITC was used to evaluate the thermodynamics parameters of the binding between BRD4(BD1) and the selected compounds. Titrations were carried out on a MicroCal ITC200 microcalorimeter (GE Healthcare, Piscataway, N.J.). Each experiment was designed using a titrant concentration (protein in the syringe generally between 100 and 400 M) set 10 to 15 times the analyte concentration (compound in the cell generally between 10 and 40 M) and using 13 injections at 25 C. A first small injection (generally 0.2 L) was included in the titration protocol in order to remove air bubbles trapped in the syringe prior titration. Raw data were scaled after setting the zero to the titration saturation heat value. Integrated raw ITC data were fitted to a one site non-linear least squares fit model using the MicroCal Origin plugin as implemented in Origin 7 (Origin Lab). Finally, G and TS values were calculated from the fitted H and K.sub.A values using the equations G=R.Math.T.Math.ln K.sub.A and G=HTS.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Binding affinity (Kd) to BRD4(1) determined by Isothermal Titration Calorimetry Compound (Kd M) 5b 5c 7a 7b 9a 15c 16a (2.2) (2.8) (3.5) (8.8) (3.4) (2.2) (5.8) 27c 29c 30c 31a 32c 33a 43b (0.129) (1.1) (0.641) (0.433) (2.1) (20.5) (0.11) 43c 44b 45a (0.090) (0.170) (0.060)

Example 5: Cell-Based Assays

[0260] Cells and Cell Culture

[0261] The human leukemia cell line Jurkat (ATCC TIB-152) and Molm14 was maintained in RPMI-1640 medium or MEM, respectively and supplemented both with 10% FBS at 37 C. and 5% CO.sub.2.

[0262] Cytotoxicity Experiments

[0263] In antiproliferative assays, compounds were assayed for their growth inhibiting activity towards the described cancer cell lines using the Cell Titer-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay as described by the manufacturer (Promega Corporation). Briefly, 10.000 cells were plated onto 96 well-plates (white with clear bottom (3610, Corning Costar)) in 90 L media per well immediately before assay. 10 L of compounds were added at different concentrations (ranging from 50 M to 6 nM) to each well and cell cultures were incubated 37 C. during 72 h. Vehicle (DMSO) was used as negative control, JQ1 (a pan-BET inhibitor) was used as positive control and all compounds were tested in constant percentage of DMSO (1%). After addition of 50 L Cell Titer-GLO, shaking 2 minutes and incubating at room temperature 10 minutes, the Luminescence was measured using a Centro luminometer LB960 (Berthold). Dose-response curves were generated and effective dose 50 values (EC.sub.50) were calculated using non-linear regression analysis (Graph Pad Prism).

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Effect of various compounds of invention on cell viability (Jurkat and Molm14 cells).sup.a Cell line (IC.sub.50 M).sup.a Compound Jurkat Molm 5b 9.3 ND 24b 14.2 10.2 25a 13.5 9.9 25b 5.2 11.1 25c 6.1 14.8 27b NA NA 27c 39.5 ND 29b 26.5 10.6 29c 6.9 8.9 30c 10.3 9.2 31a 19.4 1.8 32a 23.3 30.2 32c 32.5 ND 42c ND 12.2 43c 17.6 6.1 44b ND 23.7 44c ND 9.3 .sup.aDrug concentration that inhibits cell proliferation by 50%. Data are the mean of three experiments. ND abbreviation stands for Not Determined. NA abbreviation stands for Not Applicable (IC.sub.50 > maximal concentration of compound used).

Example 6: Brds(BD1) Selective Inhibition

[0264] Molecule 43c was selected for more circumstantial evaluation. 43c demonstrates the best affinity to Brd4(BD1) with 10.sub.50 value of 74 nM, determined by HTRF. This activity was further validated by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), as orthogonal assay, displaying KD of 90 nM (FIG. 1). 43c displayed 7 to 31-folds preferential binding toward the first bromodomain vs the second one, according to HTRF evaluation (FIG. 2). Its selectivity profile was confirmed by BROMOscan assays, revealed K.sub.D value of 32 nM for Brd4(BD1) as well as unforeseen selectivity ratio up to 313-fold to the first bromodomain. Selectivity of 43c was also studied against 61 bromodomains using a thermal melt stability assay (BromoMELT) (FIG. 3). 43c was found to stabilize only BET proteins with clear preference for Brd4(BD1) (Tm=+5.25 C.) and Brd3(BD1) (Tm=+4.5 C.).

[0265] Crystallographic structures of compound 43c in complex with Brd4(BD1) was resolved and compared to previously observed structures of 30c and 31a. As expected, the xanthine core of 43c forms canonical hydrogen bonds with N140 and Y97, found in all other complexes. Sulfonamide group establishes water mediated hydrogen bond with W81 as well as van der Waals interactions with amino acid residues of the WPF shelf (W81, P82 and F83). Comparison of van der Waals interactions provided by the phenyloxyoxane vs corresponding moieties of molecules 30c and 31a showed similar contacts with F79, D145, L148, and M149. The superimposition of structures revealed a perfect match of compounds at the xanthine-methylbenzylsulfonamide moiety as well as at the benzene-substituted fragment (FIG. 4).

[0266] Comparative analysis of protein/ligand interactions, including hydrophobic and hydrogen-bonding contacts, was carried out for selective inhibitors 30c, 31a and 43c (Table 7).

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Comparison of interactions in complexes 30c, 31a and 43c with Brd4(BD1) interaction residue xanthine benzenesulfonamide 30c Hydrogen N140 N140 31a bond N140 N140 43c N140 N140 30c Hydrogen W81, Q85, Y97, D145 Q85, Y97 W81, D145 31a bond W81, Q85, Y97 Q85, Y97 W81 43c mediated W81, Q85, Y97 Q85, Y97 W81 30c Van der F79, P82, F83, V87, P82, F83, F79, D145, L148, Waals L92, L94, D145, I146, V87, L92, M149 L148, M149 L94, I146 31a F79, P82, F83, V87, P82, F83, F79, D145, L92, L94, D145, I146, V87, L92, M149 M149 L94, I146 43c F79, W81, P82, F83, P82, F83, F79, D145, L148, V87, L92, L94, D145, V87, L92, M149 I146, L148, M149 L94, I146

[0267] All three molecules displayed significant van der Waals interactions with side chains of phenylalanine F79, aspartic acid D145 and methionine M149 on both sides of the WPF groove. 30c and 31a also interact with leucine L148 at the BC loop. Interestingly, three of four residues, F79, D145, and L148, are unique for the first bromodomains and replaced by corresponding tyrosine, glutamic acid and alanine in the second bromodomain. Supposedly, van der Waals interactions of benzenesulfonamide moiety with these BD1-conserved residues allow the preferential inhibition of BET-BD1 domains. This finding suggests a potential mechanism for the selectivity of BET bromodomains.

[0268] For additional evaluation of the effect of 43c in cell assays, an influence of the molecule on c-Myc expression was determined by c-Myc HTRF. c-Myc is a proto-oncogene that is often overexpressed in cancer. This leads to the increased expression of many genes, involved in cell proliferation, contributing to cancer development. Downregulation of c-Myc is considered as a promising approach for anticancer treatment. Most of known to date potent pan-BET inhibitors, such as JQ1 or I-BET151, display strong downregulation of c-Myc, whereas BD2-selective inhibitor RVX-208 has no significant effect on the expression of this proto-oncogene. BD1-selective inhibitor 43c was found to downregulate c-Myc on Jurkat and CEM cell lines at 2.4 and 2.6 M, respectively, those not only confirming cell efficiency of 43c, but also demonstrating a key role of the first bromodomain in c-Myc expression.

[0269] Thus, molecule 43c is, to date, the most potent and selective inhibitor of the BD1-domain, and has the necessary and sufficient criteria, including cellular activity, to further evaluation as a probe in more complex biological systems.