METHODS OF TREATING ELEVATED PLASMA CHOLESTEROL

Abstract

The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or formulations thereof. Compounds of Formula I increase significantly low density lipoprotein receptor and are useful for preventing and treating of elevated cholesterol.

Claims

1. A method of lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol level in the bloodstream of a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a LDL-lowering amount of a compound having the formula: ##STR00038## wherein Y—X is —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)N(R′)C(O)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)OC(O)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)N(R′)C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)S(O).sub.2C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —S(O).sub.2C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —O—C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —N(R′)C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; or —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)OC(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—, wherein each of R.sub.6, R.sub.6a, R.sub.7, and R.sub.7a, is, independently, selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle, R′ is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, benzyl, S(O).sub.2R″, and C(O)R″, and R″ is selected from C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; when Q is H, P and R.sub.3 are absent; when Q is CH.sub.3, P and R.sub.3 are absent; Q is CH.sub.2, or C(O); when P is H, R.sub.3 is absent; P is —O—, —N(R.sub.8)(R.sub.8a), or is absent, wherein the R.sub.8 and R.sub.8a are selected independently from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; R.sub.1 is absent, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkene, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), OH, —O—(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —O—(C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl), —C(O)(R.sub.9), —C(O)O(R.sub.9), —C(O)N(R.sub.9)(R.sub.9a), or —S(O).sub.2N(R.sub.9)(R.sub.9a), wherein R.sub.9 and R.sub.9a are selected independently from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; R.sub.2 is absent, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkene, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), OH, —O—(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —O—(C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl), —C(O)(R.sub.10), —C(O)O(R.sub.10), or —C(O)N(R.sub.10)(R.sub.10a), wherein R.sub.10 and R.sub.10a are selected independently from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are ortho substituents that together form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system; R.sub.3 is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, heterocycle, or is absent; R.sub.5 is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, or heterocycle; or R.sub.3 and R.sub.5 combine to form a heterocyclic ring system; R.sub.4 is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, or heterocycle; and m is 0 or 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein Q is CH.sub.2, P is —O—, R.sub.3 is H, Y—X is —CH.sub.2NHCH.sub.2— or —CH.sub.2NHC(O)—, R.sub.1 is selected from a halogen, —OH or —OCH.sub.3, R.sub.2 is absent or selected from —OH and a halogen, R.sub.4 is H or benzyl, and R.sub.5 is H or benzyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein Q is CH.sub.2, P is —O—, R.sub.3 is CH.sub.3, Y—X is —CH.sub.2O CH.sub.2—, R.sub.1 is selected from a halogen, —OH or —OCH.sub.3, R.sub.2 is absent or selected from —OH and a halogen, R.sub.4 is H or benzyl, and R.sub.5 is H or benzyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

4.-6. (canceled)

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject has been diagnosed with atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetic complications, dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, hypoalphalipoproteinemia, metabolic syndrome, stroke, vascular dimensia, chronic kidney disease, coronary heart disease, coronary artery disease, retinopathy, inflammation, thrombosis, peripheral vascular disease or congestive heart failure.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the hypercholesterolemia is heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the hypercholesterolemia is homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

10. A method of treating atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetic complications, dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, hypoalphalipoproteinemia, metabolic syndrome, stroke, vascular dimensia, chronic kidney disease, coronary heart disease, coronary artery disease, retinopathy, inflammation, thrombosis, peripheral vascular disease or congestive heart failure, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound having the formula: ##STR00039## wherein Y—X is —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)N(R′)C(O)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)OC(O)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)N(R′)C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)S(O).sub.2C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —S(O).sub.2C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —O—C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —N(R′)C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; or —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)OC(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—, wherein each of R.sub.6, R.sub.6a, R.sub.7, and R.sub.7a, is, independently, selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle, R′ is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, benzyl, S(O).sub.2R″, and C(O)R″, and R″ is selected from C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; when Q is H, P and R.sub.3 are absent; when Q is CH.sub.3, P and R.sub.3 are absent; Q is CH.sub.2, or C(O); when P is H, R.sub.3 is absent; P is —O—, —N(R.sub.8)(R.sub.8a), or is absent, wherein R.sub.8 and R.sub.8a are selected independently from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; R.sub.1 is absent, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkene, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), OH, —O—(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —O—(C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl), —C(O)(R.sub.9), —C(O)O(R.sub.9), —C(O)N(R.sub.9)(R.sub.9a), or —S(O).sub.2N(R.sub.9)(R.sub.9a), wherein R.sub.9 and R.sub.9a are selected independently from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; R.sub.2 is absent, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkene, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), OH, —O—(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —O—(C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl), —C(O)(R.sub.10), —C(O)O(R.sub.10), or —C(O)N(R.sub.10)(R.sub.10a), wherein R.sub.10 and R.sub.10a are selected independently from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are ortho substituents that together form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system; R.sub.3 is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, heterocycle, or is absent; R.sub.5 is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, or heterocycle; or R.sub.3 and R.sub.5 combine to form a heterocyclic ring system; R.sub.4 is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, or heterocycle; and m is 0 or 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

11.-18. (canceled)

19. A method of inducing low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression in a cell, the method comprising contacting the cell with an effective amount of a compound having the formula: ##STR00040## wherein Y—X is —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)N(R′)C(O)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)OC(O)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)N(R′)C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)S(O).sub.2C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —S(O).sub.2C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —O—C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —N(R′)C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; or —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)OC(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—, wherein each of R.sub.6, R.sub.6a, R.sub.7, and R.sub.7a, is, independently, selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle, R′ is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, benzyl, S(O).sub.2R″, and C(O)R″, and R″ is selected from C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; when Q is H, P and R.sub.3 are absent; when Q is CH.sub.3, P and R.sub.3 are absent; Q is CH.sub.2, or C(O); when P is H, R.sub.3 is absent; P is —O—, —N(R.sub.8)(R.sub.8a), or is absent, wherein R.sub.8 and R.sub.8a are selected independently from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; R.sub.1 is absent, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkene, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), OH, —O—(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —O—(C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl), —C(O)(R.sub.9), —C(O)O(R.sub.9), —C(O)N(R.sub.9)(R.sub.9a), or —S(O).sub.2N(R.sub.9)(R.sub.9a), wherein R.sub.9 and R.sub.9a are selected independently from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; R.sub.2 is absent, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkene, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), OH, —O—(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —O—(C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl), —C(O)(R.sub.10), —C(O)O(R.sub.10), or —C(O)N(R.sub.10)(R.sub.10a), wherein R.sub.10 and R.sub.10a are selected independently from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are ortho substituents that together form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system; R.sub.3 is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, heterocycle, or is absent; R.sub.5 is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, or heterocycle; or R.sub.3 and R.sub.5 combine to form a heterocyclic ring system; R.sub.4 is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, or heterocycle; and m is 0 or 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

20.-26. (canceled)

27. A method of modulating LDLR mRNA activity in a cell, the method comprising contacting the cell with an effective amount of a compound having the formula: ##STR00041## wherein Y—X is —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)N(R′)C(O)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)OC(O)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)N(R′)C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)S(O).sub.2C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —S(O).sub.2C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —O—C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —N(R′)C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; or —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)OC(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—, wherein each of R.sub.6, R.sub.6a, R.sub.7, and R.sub.7a, is, independently, selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle, R′ is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, benzyl, S(O).sub.2R″, and C(O)R″, and R″ is selected from C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; when Q is H, P and R.sub.3 are absent; when Q is CH.sub.3, P and R.sub.3 are absent; Q is CH.sub.2, or C(O); when P is H, R.sub.3 is absent; P is —O—, —N(R.sub.8)(R.sub.8a), or is absent, wherein the R.sub.8 and R.sub.8a are selected independently from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; R.sub.1 is absent, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkene, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), OH, —O—(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —O—(C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl), —C(O)(R.sub.9), —C(O)O(R.sub.9), —C(O)N(R.sub.9)(R.sub.9a), or —S(O).sub.2N(R.sub.9)(R.sub.9a), wherein R.sub.9 and R.sub.9a are selected independently from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; R.sub.2 is absent, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkene, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), OH, —O—(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —O—(C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl), —C(O)(R.sub.10), —C(O)O(R.sub.10), or —C(O)N(R.sub.10)(R.sub.10a), wherein R.sub.10 and R.sub.10a are selected independently from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle; or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are ortho substituents that together form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system; R.sub.3 is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, heterocycle, or is absent; R.sub.5 is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, or heterocycle; or R.sub.3 and R.sub.5 combine to form a heterocyclic ring system; R.sub.4 is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, or heterocycle; and m is 0 or 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

28.-32. (canceled)

33. The method of a of claim 1, wherein the compound is administered in combination with a statin.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the statin is atorvastatin.

35.-36. (canceled)

37. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering a second cholesterol lowering agent to the subject.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the second cholesterol lowering agent is a lipase inhibitor, a 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitor, a HMG CoA synthase inhibitor, a cholesterylester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor, a bile acid absorption inhibitor, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor, a squalene synthetase inhibitor, a squalene epoxidase or cyclase inhibitor or a combination of both, a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP)/Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) secretion inhibitor, a fibrate, niacin alone or in combination with lovastatin, an ion-exchange resin, an antioxidant, an acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitor and a bile acid sequestrant, an HMG-CoA reductase gene expression inhibitor, an HMG-CoA synthase gene expression inhibitor, or a proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the cholesterol synthesis inhibitor is a statin.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the statin is atorvastatin.

41. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject, prior to administration of the compound of Formula 1, was treated with a lipase inhibitor, a 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitor, a HMG CoA synthase inhibitor, a cholesterylester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor, a bile acid absorption inhibitor, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor, a squalene synthetase inhibitor, a squalene epoxidase or cyclase inhibitor or a combination of both, a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP)/Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) secretion inhibitor, a fibrate, niacin alone or in combination with lovastatin, an ion-exchange resin, an antioxidant, an acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitor and a bile acid sequestrant, an HMG-CoA reductase gene expression inhibitor, an HMG-CoA synthase gene expression inhibitor, or a proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the prior administration did not effectively lower the cholesterol level in the bloodstream of the subject.

43.-46. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] FIG. 1 is a synthetic scheme showing the synthesis of compound VI.

[0074] FIG. 2 is a synthetic scheme showing the synthesis of compound IX.

[0075] FIG. 3 is a synthetic scheme showing the synthesis of compound XI.

[0076] FIG. 4 is a synthetic scheme showing the synthesis of compound XIX.

[0077] FIG. 5 is a synthetic scheme showing the synthesis of compounds XXII and XXIII.

[0078] FIG. 6 is a synthetic scheme showing the synthesis of compound XXXII.

[0079] FIG. 7 is a synthetic scheme showing the synthesis of compound XXXV.

[0080] FIG. 8 is a synthetic scheme showing the synthesis of compound XXXIX.

[0081] FIG. 9 is a synthetic scheme showing the synthesis of compound XLV.

[0082] FIG. 10 is a synthetic scheme showing the synthesis of compound XLVII.

[0083] FIG. 11 is a synthetic scheme showing the synthesis of compound L.

[0084] FIG. 12 is a synthetic scheme showing the synthesis of compound LVI.

[0085] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C are a series of images and graphs showing: (A and B) Western blot analysis and relative quantitation of LDLR protein of Compounds 1, 2, 3, and 21, in the HepG2 cell line, (C) dose response effect of Compound 2 in HepG2 cells.

[0086] FIG. 14 is a series of images showing the immunofluorescence analysis of LDLR protein using confocal microscopy.

[0087] FIG. 15 is a series of graphs showing the effects of Compound 2 on LDLR protein levels by Western blot analyses in various cell types.

[0088] FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relative quantities of LDLR, HMGCR, and PCSK9 mRNA in cells treated with Compounds 1, 2, 3, and 21.

[0089] FIG. 17 is a series of graphs showing the effects of Compound 2 on LDLR promoter or LDLR 3′UTR of the Human LDLR gene.

[0090] FIG. 18 is a series of graphs showing the effects of Compound 2 on mRNA decay or the Human LDLR and Human GAPDH genes.

[0091] FIG. 19 is a series of graphs showing the effects of Compound 2 and different combined inhibitors on LDLR protein levels by Western blot analyses in HepG2 cells.

[0092] FIG. 20 is a series of graphs showing Pharmacokinetics of Compound 2 in adult Sprague-Dawley rats.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] The present disclosure describes methods for lowering LDL-cholesterol level in a subject. The methods can include administering to the subject a LDL-lowering amount of a compound of Formula I. Further, methods are provided for inducing low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression in a cell, e.g., a cell in a tissue or an organ), and for modulating LDLR mRNA or protein expression and LDLR activity in a cell by administering compound of Formula I.

[0094] Screening of available compound libraries yielded potent inducers of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in hepatic cells, selected from compounds described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,742,123 B.sub.2.

Compounds

[0095] One aspect of the invention provides a compound having the Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

##STR00006##

[0096] In some embodiments, Y—X is —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)N(R′)C(O)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)OC(O)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)N(R′)C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)S(O).sub.2C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —S(O).sub.2C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —O—C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; —N(R′)C(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—; or —C(R.sub.7)(R.sub.7a)OC(R.sub.6)(R.sub.6a)—. Each of R.sub.6, R.sub.6a, R.sub.7, and R.sub.7a, can be, independently, selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle, R′ can be selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, benzyl, S(O).sub.2R″, and C(O)R″, and R″ may be selected from C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, and heterocycle; In some embodiments, when Q is H, P and R.sub.3 are absent. In other embodiments, when Q is CH.sub.3, P and R.sub.3 are absent. In some embodiments, Q is CH.sub.2, or C(O).

[0097] In some embodiments, when P is H, R.sub.3 is absent. In other embodiments, P is —O—, —N(R.sub.8)(R.sub.8a), or is absent, where the R.sub.8 and R.sub.8a are selected independently from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, and heterocycle.

[0098] In some embodiments, R.sub.1 is absent, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkene, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), OH, —O—(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —O—(C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl), —C(O)(R.sub.9), —C(O)O(R.sub.9), —C(O)N(R.sub.9)(R.sub.9a), or —S(O).sub.2N(R.sub.9)(R.sub.9a). R.sub.9 and R.sub.9a can be selected independently from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl and heterocycle.

[0099] In some embodiments, R.sub.2 is absent, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkene, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), OH, —O—(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —O—(C.sub.1-6 branched alkyl), —C(O)(R.sub.10), —C(O)O(R.sub.10), or —C(O)N(R.sub.10)(R.sub.10a). R.sub.10 and R.sub.10a can be selected independently from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, and heterocycle, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 can be ortho substituents that together form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system.

[0100] In some embodiments, R.sub.3 is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, heterocycle, or is absent.

[0101] In some embodiments, R.sub.5 is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, or heterocycle; or R.sub.3 and R.sub.5 combine to form a heterocyclic ring system.

[0102] In some embodiments, R.sub.4 is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 fluoroalkyl, benzyl, phenyl, or heterocycle.

[0103] In some embodiments, m is 0 or 1.

[0104] In some embodiments, Q is CH.sub.2, P is —O—, R.sub.3 is H, Y—X is —CH.sub.2NHCH.sub.2— or —CH.sub.2NHC(O)—. In some embodiments, R.sub.1 is selected from a halogen, —OH or —OCH.sub.3, R.sub.2 is absent or selected from —OH and a halogen. In some embodiments, R.sub.4 is H or benzyl, and R.sub.5 is H or benzyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

[0105] In some embodiments, Q is CH.sub.2, P is —O—, R.sub.3 is CH.sub.3, Y—X is —CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2—. In some embodiments, R.sub.1 is selected from a halogen, —OH or —OCH.sub.3, R.sub.2 is absent or selected from —OH and a halogen. In some embodiments, R.sub.4 is H or benzyl, and R.sub.5 is H or benzyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

[0106] In some embodiments, the compound of Formula I is 5-[(4-fluoro-phenylamino)-methyl]-3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide. In some embodiments, the compound of Formula I is 5-(4-fluoro-phenoxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide. In some embodiments, the compound of Formula I is 5-[2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethyl]-3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

[0107] Pharmaceutical compositions contemplated herein include at least one compound of the present invention, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvate or formulation thereof, with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or vehicle. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles that may be used in the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention include, but are not limited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, serum proteins, such as human serum albumin, buffer substances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, partial glyceride mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids, water, salts or electrolytes, such as protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose-based substances, polyethyleneglycol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylates, waxes, polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, polyethylene glycol, liposomes, and wool fat.

[0108] Compounds of the present invention that are basic may be prepared as a salt using suitable methods known in the art, including treatment of the free base with an inorganic acid, such as hydrochloric acid; hydrobromic acid; sulfuric acid; nitric acid; phosphoric acid; and the like, or with an organic acid, such as acetic acid; maleic acid; succinic acid; mandelic acid; fumaric acid; malonic acid; pyruvic acid; oxalic acid; glycolic acid; salicylic acid; pyranosidyl acid, such as glucuronic acid or galacturonic acid; alpha-hydroxy acid, such as citric acid or tartaric acid; amino acid, such as aspartic acid or glutamic acid; aromatic acid, such as benzoic acid or cinnamic acid; sulfonic acid, such as p-toluenesulfonic acid or methanesulfonic acid, and the like.

[0109] It is understood by those skilled in the art that the compounds of the present invention, salts, or solvates thereof may exist in different crystal or polymorphic forms that are within the scope of the present invention and specified formulas.

[0110] Basic compounds of the present invention can form a variety of salts with various inorganic and organic acids. Although such salts must be pharmaceutically acceptable for administration to animals, it is common practice to first isolate the compound of the present invention as a pharmaceutically unacceptable salt and then convert to a free base compound by treatment with an alkaline reagent and subsequently convert the latter free base to a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt. The acid addition salts of the base compounds of this invention can be prepared by treating the base compound with a substantially equivalent amount of the selected mineral or organic acid in an aqueous solvent medium or in a suitable organic solvent, such as methanol or ethanol.

[0111] Compounds of the present invention that are acidic may be prepared as a salt using suitable methods known in the art, including treatment of the free acid with an inorganic or organic base, such as an amine (primary, secondary, or tertiary); an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide; or the like. Examples of suitable salts include organic salts derived from amino acids such as glycine and arginine; ammonia; primary, secondary, and tertiary amines; and cyclic amines, such as piperidine, morpholine, and piperazine; as well as inorganic salts derived from sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, aluminum, and lithium.

[0112] Acidic compounds of the present invention can form base salts with various pharmacologically acceptable cations. Examples of such salts include the alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal salts and particularly, the sodium and potassium salts, which can be prepared using conventional techniques. The chemical bases suitable as reagents in preparing the pharmaceutically acceptable base salts of this invention are those which form non-toxic base salts with the acidic compounds of the present invention. Such non-toxic base salts include those derived from such pharmacologically acceptable cations as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, etc. These salts can be prepared by treating the corresponding acidic compounds with an aqueous solution containing the desired pharmacologically acceptable cations, and then evaporating the resulting solution to dryness, preferably under reduced pressure. Alternatively, they may also be prepared by mixing lower alkanolic solutions of the acidic compounds and the desired alkali metal alkoxide together, and then evaporating the resulting solution to dryness in the same manner as before. In either case, stoichiometric quantities of reagents are preferably employed in order to ensure completeness of reaction and maximum yield of the desired final product.

[0113] To treat or prevent diseases or conditions caused or mediated by elevated cholesterol, a pharmaceutical composition, including at least one of the compounds of the present invention, is administered in a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation prepared by combining a therapeutically effective amount of the compound with one or more pharmaceutically suitable carriers including diluents, excipients and auxiliaries that facilitate processing of the active compounds into a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation. Carriers employed may be either solid or liquid. Exemplary solid carriers are lactose, sucrose, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin, acacia, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and the like. Exemplary liquid carriers are syrup, peanut oil, olive oil, water, and the like. Similarly, the inventive compositions may include time-delay or time-release material known in the art, such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate alone or with a wax, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylmethacrylate or the like. Further additives or excipients may be added to achieve the desired formulation properties. For example, a bioavailability enhancer, such: as Labrasol® (a nonionic oil-in-water surfactant), Gelucire® (a nonionic water-dispersible surfactant), or the like, or formulator, such as CHIC (carboxy-methylcellulose), PG (propyleneglycol), or PEG (polyethyleneglycol), may be added. Gelucire®, a semi-solid vehicle that protects active ingredients from light, moisture and oxidation, may be added, e.g., when preparing a capsule formulation.

[0114] If a solid carrier is used, the preparation can be tableted, placed in a hard gelatin capsule in powder or pellet form, or formed into a troche or lozenge. The amount of solid carrier may vary, but generally will be from about 25 mg to about 1 g. If a liquid carrier is used, the preparation may be in the form of syrup, emulsion, soft gelatin capsule, sterile injectable solution or suspension in an ampoule or vial or non-aqueous liquid suspension. The inventive compositions are prepared in unit-dosage form appropriate for the mode of administration, e.g., parenteral or oral administration.

[0115] To obtain a stable water-soluble dose form, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of the present invention may be dissolved in an aqueous solution of an organic or inorganic acid, such as 0.3 M solution of succinic acid or citric acid. If a soluble salt form is not available, the agent may be dissolved in a suitable co-solvent or combinations of co-solvents. Examples of suitable co-solvents include alcohol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 300, polysorbate 80, glycerin, and the like, in concentrations ranging from 0-60% of the total volume. In an exemplary embodiment, a compound of the present invention is dissolved in DMSO and diluted with water. The composition may also be in the form of a solution of a salt form of the active ingredient in an appropriate aqueous vehicle such as water or isotonic saline or dextrose solution.

[0116] Pharmaceutical preparations for oral use can be obtained using a solid excipient in an admixture with the active ingredient (agent), optionally grinding the resulting mixture, and processing the mixture of granules after adding suitable auxiliaries, if desired, to obtain tablets or dragee cores. Suitable excipients include: fillers such as sugars, including lactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol; and cellulose preparations, for example, maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, gelatin, gum, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). If desired, disintegrating agents may be added, such as crosslinked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, or alginic acid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate.

[0117] The pharmaceutical compositions, including the compounds of the present invention may also contain suitable solid- or gel-phase carriers, or excipients. These carriers and excipients may provide marked improvement in the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. Examples of such carriers or excipients include calcium carbonate, calcium, phosphate, sugars, starches, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, and polymers such as polyethylene glycols. Furthermore, additives or excipients such as Gelucire® (a nonionic water-dispersible surfactant), Capryol® (a nonionic water-insoluble surfactant), Labrafil® (a nonionic water-dispersible surfactant), Labrasol® (a nonionic oil-in-water surfactant), Lauroglycol® (a nonionic water-insoluble surfactant), Plurol® (a nonionic water-in-oil emulsifier), Peceol® (an oily liquid vehicle), Transcutol® (a high-purity solvent), and the like, may be used. Further, the pharmaceutical composition may be incorporated into a skin patch for delivery of the drug directly onto the skin.

[0118] The compounds of this invention may be modified by appending appropriate functionalities to enhance selective biological properties. Such modifications are known in the art and include those which increase biological penetration into a given biological system (e.g., blood, lymphatic system, central nervous system), increase oral bioavailability, increase solubility to allow administration by injection, alter metabolism or alter rate of excretion (Pharmacokinetic Optimization in Drug Research, Testa, B. et al, 2001, Wiley-VCH, VCHA).

[0119] The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be administered orally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally, or via an implanted reservoir and are preferably administered orally or parenterally. The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may contain any conventional non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants or vehicles. The term “parenteral” or “parenterally” as used herein includes subcutaneous, intracutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarticular, intrasynovial, intrasternal, intrathecal, intralesional, and intracranial injection or infusion techniques.

[0120] Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be in the form of a sterile injectable preparation, for example, as a sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according to techniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents (for example, Tween 80) and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent, for example, as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are mannitol, water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solutions. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose, any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. Fatty acids, such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives are useful in the preparation of injectables, as are natural pharmaceutically acceptable oils, such as olive oil or castor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions.

[0121] Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, and aqueous suspension and solutions. In the case of tablets for oral and carriers which are commonly used include lactose and corn starch. Lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate, are also typically added. For oral administration in a capsule form, useful diluents include lactose and dried corn starch. When aqueous suspensions are administered orally, the active ingredient is combined with emulsifying and suspending agents. If desired, certain sweetening and/or flavoring and/or coloring agents may be added.

[0122] Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may also be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration. These compositions can be prepared by mixing a compound of this invention with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid at room temperature but liquid at the rectal temperature and therefore will melt in the rectum to release the active components. Such materials include, but are not limited to, cocoa butter, beeswax, and polyethylene glycols.

[0123] The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be administered by nasal aerosol or inhalation. Such compositions are prepared according to techniques well known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation and may be prepared as solutions in saline employing benzyl alcohol or other suitable preservatives, absorption promoters to enhance bioavailability, fluorocarbons, and/or other solubilizing or dispersing agents known in the art.

Dosages

[0124] It will be appreciated that the actual dosages of the agents of this invention will vary according to the particular agent being used, the particular composition formulated, the mode of administration, and the particular site, host, and disease being treated. Those skilled in the art using: conventional dosage determination tests in view of the experimental data for a given compound may ascertain optimal dosages for a given set of conditions. For oral administration, an exemplary daily dose generally employed will be from about 0.001 to about 1000 mg/kg of body weight, with courses of treatment repeated at appropriate intervals, preferably between 0.01 and about 25 mg/kg body weight per day, and more preferably between about 0.5 and about 25 mg/kg body weight per day of the active ingredient compound are useful in the prevention and treatment of elevated cholesterol, including high circulating LDL.

[0125] Furthermore, the pharmaceutically acceptable formulations of the present invention may contain a compound of the present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in an amount of about 10 mg to about 2000 mg, or from about 10 mg to about 1500 mg, or from about 10 mg to about 1000 mg, or from about 10 mg to about 750 mg, or from about 10 mg to about 500 mg, or from about 25 mg to about 500 mg, or from about 50 to about 500 mg, or from about 100 mg to about 500 mg. Additionally, the pharmaceutically acceptable formulations of the present invention may contain a compound of the present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in an amount from about 0.5 w/w % to about 95 w/w %, or from about 1 w/w % to about 95 w/w %, or from about 1 w/w % to about 75 w/w %, or from about 5 w/w % to about 75 w/w %, or from about 10 w/w % to about 75 w/w %, or from about 10 w/w % to about 50 w/w %.

[0126] Typically, the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention will be administered from about 1 to about 5 times per day or alternatively, as a continuous infusion. Such administration can be used as a chronic or acute therapy. The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the patient treated and the particular mode of administration. A typical preparation will contain from about 5% to about 75% active compound (w/w). Preferably, such preparations contain from about 20% to about 50% active compound.

[0127] Upon improvement of a patient's condition, a maintenance dose of a compound, composition or combination of this invention may be administered if necessary. Subsequently, the dosage or frequency of administration, or both, may be reduced, as a function of the symptoms, to a level at which the improved condition is retained. When the symptoms have been alleviated to the desired level, treatment should cease, at least in principle. Patients may, however, require intermittent treatment on a long-term basis, upon any recurrence of disease symptoms, especially for high elevations of cholesterol.

[0128] As the skilled artisan will appreciate, precision medicine, lower or higher doses than those recited above may be required. Specific dosage and treatment regimen for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors, including the genetic background, activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health status, sex, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity and course of the infection, the patient's disposition to the infection and the judgment of the treating physician.

[0129] With respect to the compounds of the present invention, the particular pharmaceutical formulation, the dosage, and the number of doses given per day to a mammal requiring such treatment, are all choices within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art and can be determined without undue experimentation.

Treatment

[0130] The compounds of this invention are also useful as commercial reagents which effectively lower circulating cholesterol. As commercial reagent, the compounds of this invention, and their derivatives, may be derivatized to bind to a stable resin as a tethered substrate for affinity chromatography applications. These and other uses which characterize commercial cholesterol reducing agents will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0131] The compounds of the present invention can be used alone (i.e., monotherapy) or administered in combination with one or more other cholesterol reducing agents, in the treatment of, for example, atherosclerosis (lipid-associated cardiovascular disorders, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,220), hypercholesterolemia (lipid-associated cardiovascular disorder, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,220), hypertriglyceridemia (a high level of triglycerides in the blood, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,293,727), diabetic complications (include, for example, diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, resulting from abnormalities in microvascular function, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,281,619), dyslipidemia (an abnormally elevated cholesterol or lipids in the blood, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,630,450), hyperlipidemia (lipid-associated cardiovascular disorder, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,220), hypoalphalipoproteinemia (a high-density lipoprotein deficiency, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,147,089), metabolic syndrome (obesity associated with hypertension, glucose intolerance, atherosclerosis, and dyslipidemia, e.g., U.S. 2006/0211020), stroke (damage to the brain from interruption of its blood supply, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,940), vascular dementia (brain damage caused by multiple strokes, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,807), chronic kidney disease (longstanding disease of the kidneys leading to renal failure, e.g., U.S. 2009/0081713), coronary heart disease (damage or disease in the heart's major blood vessels, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,186), coronary artery disease (damage or disease in the heart's major blood vessels, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,857), retinopathy (a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,591), inflammation (a response triggered by damage to living tissues, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,839), thrombosis (formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,788), peripheral vascular disease (a circulatory condition in which narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,143,316), or congestive heart failure (heart's inability to pump blood sufficiently to maintain blood flow to meet the body's needs, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,924) in a mammal.

[0132] The compounds of this invention may be administered in combination with cholesterol reducing agents which target other steps in the cholesterol metabolism. These agents are, for example, a lipase inhibitor (a substance used to reduce the activity of lipases found in the intestine, e.g., orlistat, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,690), a 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitor (a statin that facilitates the prevention of cardiovascular disease by lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, e.g., atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin; e.g., Hong et al. Healthc. Inform. Res. 2017, 3, 199), a HMG CoA synthase inhibitor (inhibits the HMG-CoA synthase enzyme that is an intermediate in cholesterol synthesis and ketogenesis, e.g., Skaff et al. Biochemistry 2012, 51, 4713), a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor (inhibits the promotion of the transfer of cholesteryl esters from HDL to very low-density lipoprotein and LDL, e.g., anacetrapib, evacetrapib, dalcetrapib; e.g., Kosmas et al. Clin. Med. Insights Cardiol. 2016; 10, 37), a bile acid absorption inhibitor (reduces low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam; e.g., Kramer et at. Curr. Med. Chem. 2006, 13, 997), a cholesterol absorption inhibitor (prevents the uptake of cholesterol from the small intestine into the circulatory system, e.g., ezetimibe; e.g., Dujovne et al. Am. J. Cardiol. 2002, 90, 1092), a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, e.g., statins; e.g., Endo Atheroscler. Suppl. 2004, 3, 67), a squalene synthase inhibitor (decreases cholesterol synthesis and plasma triglyceride levels, e.g., zaragozic acids, 2,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives; e.g., Kourounakis et al. Curr. Med. Chem. 2011, 18, 4418), a squalene epoxidase (enzyme that oxidizes squalene to squalene epoxide; e.g., Ryder et al. Biochem.

[0133] J. 1985, 230, 765) or cyclase inhibitor (an enzyme that has a diverse role in cell regulation and activity; e.g., Wang et al. Sci. Transl. Med. 2011, 3, 65ra3) or a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) inhibitor or Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) secretion inhibitor, or a combination of both (inhibits lipoprotein assembly; e.g., Hussain et al. J. Lipid Res. 2003, 44, 22), a fibrate (a hypolipidemic agent, e.g., choline fenofibrate; e.g., Shepherd Postgrad. Med. J. 1993, 69, S34), niacin (lipid-lowering medication, e.g., Canner et al. J. Am. Col. Cardiol. 1986, 8, 1245) alone or in combination with lovastatin (a statin that treats high cholesterol and triglyceride levels; e.g., Downs et al. JAMA 1998, 279, 1615), an ion-exchange resin (e.g., colestyramine, is a bile acid sequestrant; e.g., Hashim et al. JAMA 1965, 192, 289), an antioxidant (used to reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol; e.g., Anderson et al. N. Engl J. Med. 1995, 332, 488), an acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitor (inhibits an intracellular enzyme that catalyzes the formation of cholesterol esters from cholesterol and fatty acyl-coenzyme; e.g., Chang et al. Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. 2009, 297, E1) and a bile acid sequestrant (polymeric resin that serve as ion-exchange resins used to bind components of bile in the gastrointestinal tract, e.g., colestipol; e.g., Ast et al. Clin. Pharmacol. 1990, 30, 99), an HMG-CoA reductase gene expression inhibitor, an HMG-CoA synthase gene expression inhibitor (SREBP2 inhibitors would strongly decrease gene expression of HMG-CoA reductase and synthase; Pandyra et al. Oncotarget. 2015, 6(29): 26909-26921; Pandyra et al. Cancer Res. 2014, 74(17): 4772-82; statins are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and, therefore, increase HMG-CoA reductase and synthase gene expression by a feedback mechanism (mediated by the transcription factor SREBP-2) but their major actions are via upregulation of LDLR mRNA (also by SREBP-2); a list of the suitable drugs for combination are listed in Table 1) or a proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor (decreases LDL blood levels, e.g., alirocumab, evolocumab; e.g., N. Engl. J. Med. 2015, 373, 1588) or combination with other lipid-lowering drugs such as inhibitors of APOCIII, ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, which increase lipoprotein lipase activity, gemecabene (Gemphire) or bempedoic acid (Esperio).

[0134] Combination therapies according to this invention exert an additive or combined effect on elevated cholesterol reduction because each therapeutic agent of the combination acts on a different site of cholesterol metabolism. The use of such combination therapies also advantageously enables a reduction in the dosage of each elevated cholesterol reducing agent, compared to administration of either agent alone as a monotherapy, while providing an equivalent or better therapeutic or prophylactic effect. Administration of lower doses of each therapeutic agent often reduces or even eliminates side effects or toxicity relative to monotherapy. Further, combination therapies reduce the potential for the development of undesired side effects to the agents administered compared to monotherapy.

[0135] Administration of the compounds of this invention in combination therapies with other agents to patients may be sequential or concurrent. Further, pharmaceutical or prophylactic compositions of this invention may include a combination of cholesterol reducing agent of this invention and another therapeutic or prophylactic agent. Additional examples of agents useful for treating elevated cholesterol and suitable for combination therapies with the compounds of this invention are listed in Table 1.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Drug Type Generic Name (brand name) Indication De novo cholesterol synthesis Atorvastatin (Lipitor ®), For Management as an adjunct inhibitors (statins or HMG-CoA Fluvastatin (Lescol ®, Lescol to diet to reduce elevated total- reductase inhibitors) XL), Lovastatin (Mevacor ®, C, LDL-C, apo B and TG levels Altropev ®), Pravastatin in patients with primary (Pravachol ®), Rosuvastatin hypercholesterolemia and (Crestor), Simvastatin mixed dyslipidemia. For (Zocor), Pitavastatin (Livalo ®) primary prevention of coronary heart disease and to slow progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with coronary heart disease. Inhibitors of intestinal Ezetimibe (Zetia ®), For use as adjunctive therapy cholesterol absorption Ezetimibe + simvastatin to diet for the reduction of (NPC1L1 inhibitors) (Vytorin ®) elevated total-C, LDL-C, and Apo B in patients with primary (heterozygous familial and non- familial) hypercholesterolemia PPAR agonists (Fibrates) Gemfibrozil (Lopid ®), For the treatment of primary Fenifibrate (Antara ®, Lofibra ®, hyperlipidaemia types Ila, lib, Tricor ®), Clofibrate (Atromid ®) III, IV, and V (Fredrickson classification) corresponding to groups I, II, and III of the European Atherosclerosis Society guidelines - when diet alone or improvements in lifestyle such as increases exercise or weight reduction do not lead to an adequate response. Also for the treatment of secondary hyperlipidaemias, e.g. severe hypertriglyceridemias, when sufficient improvement does not occur after correction of the underlying disorder (e.g. diabetes mellitus) Bile sequestrants (resins) Cholestyramine (Questran ®, Indicated as adjunctive therapy Prevalite ®), Colestipol to diet for the reduction of (Colestid ®, Flavored Colestid), elevated serum cholesterol in Colesevelam (Welchol ®) patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (elevated low density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol) who do not respond adequately to diet. Also for the relief of pruritus associated with partial biliary obstruction. PCSK9 inhibitors 1) Monoclonal antibodies: Indicated as an adjunct to diet MTP inhibitors Alirocumab and maximally tolerated statin (Praluent ®), therapy in adults who require Evolocumab additional LDL-cholesterol (Repatha ®) (LDL-C) lowering due to 2) Gene silencers: ALN- heterozygous familial PCSsc (Inclisiran) hypercholesterolemia or clinical 3) Vaccines: AT04A atherosclerotic cardiovascular Lomitapide (Juxtapid ®) disease. Used in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) patients to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), apolipoprotein B (apo B), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C). ApoB antisense Mipomersen (Kynamro ®) Used in patients with oligonucleotides homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia as an adjunct to diet and other lipid- lowering medications.

[0136] Compounds of the present invention may be administered in combination with an additional agent or pharmaceutical composition that increases the bioavailability or slows the metabolism of the compounds. Agents or pharmaceutical compositions that may increase the bioavailability or slow the metabolism of the compounds herein include inhibitors of at least one isoform of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, preferably CYP1A2, CYP2d6, CYP2C.sub.9, CYP2C.sub.19 and CYP3A4. Suitable agents that may be used to inhibit CYP3A4 include, but are not limited to, nefidipine and ritonavir.

[0137] Such combinations may be administered such that a compound or compounds of the present invention are present in a single formulation or in the form of separate formulations that may be administered sequentially with an appropriate period of time in between or simultaneously. The choice of whether to include the compound or compounds of the present invention in the same formulation as the additional agent or agents is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

Preparation of Intermediates and Compounds

[0138] In some embodiments, the first approach (FIG. 1) starts from pyridoxine which is modified to produce Intermediate I using methodologies described in Paul et al. (J. Med. Chem. 1977, 20, 745). Intermediate I may be modified to produce a protected hydroxamic acid (II) by ester displacement. The isopropylidene protecting group of II may be removed by mild hydrolysis with formic acid to give intermediate III. Selective oxidation of the 5-CH.sub.2OH group of III ca be performed using manganese dioxide (MnO.sub.2) and III can spontaneously cyclize to the corresponding lactone intermediate (IV). In some embodiments, IV is substituted with an amine, producing the corresponding amide V. Protecting groups can be removed using hydrogenolysis giving the desired product VI.

[0139] In some embodiments, the second approach (FIG. 2) commences with intermediate VIII. VIII can be obtained from Intermediate I, using steps 2 and 3 of FIG. 1: removal of the isopropylidene protecting group by hydrolysis (as step 2 of FIG. 1), followed by selective oxidation of 5-CH.sub.2OH with MnO.sub.2 (as step 3 of FIG. 1). VIII may be then hydrolyzed using potassium trimethylsilanoate to generate intermediate VII. VII may be transformed to intermediate IV using 0-protected hydroxylamine and aryl sulfonyl halide. In some embodiments, VI is substituted with an amine, producing the corresponding amide V. The protecting groups can be removed by hydrogenolysis (VI). In some embodiments, further hydrogenation yields the desired product IX.

[0140] In some embodiments, the third approach (FIG. 3) starts with the protected pyro as in FIG. 1 and generates lactol IV by controlled oxidation with MnO.sub.2. The lactol IV can be readily converted to the amine X through reductive amination and further reduction by catalytic hydrogenation generating compound XI.

[0141] In some embodiments, the fourth approach (FIG. 4) starts from pyridoxine and generates intermediate XIII in a manner similar to that described in Adamczyk M. et al. (Tetrahedron 2000, 56, 2379). XIII can then be oxidized selectively at the 2 methyl group through an N-oxide intermediate XIV followed by rearrangement to the alcohol XV. Further stepwise oxidation can yield an aldehyde XVI, followed by an ester XVII. In some embodiments, hydrolysis of the isopropylidene of XVII and displacement of the ester XVIII with hydroxylamine yields the desired product compound XIX.

[0142] In some embodiments, the fifth approach (FIG. 5), for synthesis of DENV RdRp inhibitor compounds of invention, starts from the intermediate XVII of FIG. 4. XVII can be hydrolyzed to the acid XX and XX is subsequently coupled to O-benzylhydroxylamine to give XXI. XXI may be subjected to hydrogenation, yielding the product compound XXIII, or to hydrolysis, yielding the product compound XXII.

[0143] In some embodiments, the sixth approach (FIG. 6) begins from 7-(benzyloxy)-6-methylfuro[3,4-c]pyridin-3(1H)-one, intermediate XXIV (Paul, B. et al. J. Het. Chem., 1976, 13, 701). XXIV can be reacted with an amine yielding intermediate XXV. XXV may then be alkylated to XXVI and oxidized selectively at the 2 position through an N-oxide rearrangement, as described in FIG. 4, to yield intermediate XXX. XXX may then be displaced and hydrogenated to yield the desired product compound XXXII.

[0144] In some embodiments, the seventh approach (FIG. 7) begins from an analogue of compound XVII of FIG. 5. 17e may be acidified in anhydrous conditions to yield product XXXIII. This product can be oxidized to give the intermediate aldehyde XXXIV and further oxidized, under controlled conditions, to give the carboxylic acid intermediate XXXV.

[0145] In some embodiments, the eighth approach (FIG. 8) consists of reductive amination of intermediate XXXIV with either a primary or secondary amines to obtain XXXVI or XXXVII respectively. XXXVII analogues may be obtained by another reductive amination of aldehydes with XXXVI. Treatment of XXXVI and XXXVII analogues with aqueous acids can yield the intermediate XXXVIII, which can be further reacted with hydroxylamine solutions to give product XXXIX.

[0146] In some embodiments, the ninth approach (FIG. 9) begins with intermediate XXXIII, which is reacted in a Mitsunobu reaction with phenols to yield ethers XLIV. These ethers may then be exposed to aqueous formic acid, and then reacted with hydroxylamine to yield products XLV.

[0147] In some embodiments, the tenth approach (FIG. 10) consists of acylation of compounds XXXVI by activated carboxylic acids, acyl halides, chloroformates isocyanates, and other electrophiles, to obtain compounds of the form XLVI. XLVI compounds can then be exposed to aqueous formic acid, and reacted with hydroxylamine to yield product XLVII.

[0148] In some embodiments, the eleventh approach (FIG. 11) begins with a Wittig reaction of intermediate XXXIV to yield alkenes of the form XLVII. XLVII may then be hydrogenated producing saturated alkanes, then further exposed to aqueous formic acid, and reacted with hydroxylamine to yield products L.

[0149] In some embodiments, the twelfth approach (FIG. 12) begins with intermediate XXXIII and reaction of XXXIII with methane sulfonyl chloride to yield the reactive intermediate alkyl chloride LI. In some embodiments, LI is immediately and cautiously reacted with a mercaptan to yield the thioether LII. Reaction of LII with excess peroxide mCPBA can yield a sulfone-N-oxide intermediate LIII, which upon exposure to trifluoroacetic anhydride can rearrange to products LIV. The intermediate alcohol may then be oxidized in a stepwise manner to LV esters, which are then exposed to aqueous formic acid and reacted with hydroxylamine to yield products LVI.

[0150] It can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above synthetic schemes are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all means by which the above compounds may be synthesized.

[0151] Further methods will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art.

General Procedures

[0152] General procedures can be found as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,742,123 B.sub.2.

EXAMPLES

[0153] The following examples are provided to illustrate, but are not limited to, the presently claimed invention.

Example 1. Preparation of 5-[(4-fluoro-phenylamino)-methyl]-3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide (Compound 1)

[0154] ##STR00007##

Step 1a. Preparation of methyl 5-((4-fluorophenyl-amino)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate (Compound 1 a): Acetic acid (50 μL, 0.87 mmol) was added to a mixture of 5-formyl-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylic acid methyl ester (J. Org. Chem. 1999, 64, 4537) (220 mg, 0.87 mmol) and 4-fluoroaniline (125 μL, 1.3 mmol) in dry methanol (4 mL) and stirred at room temperature for 15 min and sodium cyanoborohydride (72 mg, 1.3 mmol) was added. This mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h followed by evaporation of 90% of the methanol volume under reduced pressure. The residue was extracted with dichloromethane (3×25 mL) and the combined organic layers were dried (anh. Na.sub.2SO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by silica gel (methanol/dichloromethane, 0 to 10% methanol) to give 0.290 g of methyl 5-((4-fluorophenylamino)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate (Compound 1a) (96%) as a white solid MS-ESI m/z 347 [MI-1]+.
Step 1b. Preparation of 5-((4-fluorophenylamino)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)picolinate (Compound 1b): Formic acid (2 mL) was added to methyl 5(4-fluorophenylamino)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]py-ridine-8-carboxylate (180 mg, 0.5 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at room temperature for 2 h. Evaporation under reduced pressure afforded a residue 5-((4-fluoropheny-lamino)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl) picolinate (Compound 1b), which was triturated in acetonitrile. MS-ESI m/z 307 [MH]+.
Step 1c. Preparation of N5-(3,4-difluorobenzyl)-N.sup.2,3-dihydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine-2,5-dicarboxamide (Compound 1c): Diisopropylethylamine (142 μL, 0.8 mmol) and hydroxylamine hydrochloride (45 mg, 0.64 mmol) were added to a solution of 5-((4-fluorophenylamino)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)picolinate (Compound 1b) (50.0 mg, 0.16 mmol) in methanol (1.0 mL). The reaction mixture was heated to 55° C. for 16 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and a saturated solution of ammonium chloride was added. The reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×25 mL) and the combined organic layers were dried (anhydrous Na.sub.2SO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a solid residue which was recrystallized in acetonitrile to give Compound 1.

Example 2. Preparation of 5-(4-fluoro-phenoxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide (Compound 2)

[0155] ##STR00008##

Step 2a. Preparation of methyl 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate (Compound 2a): Triphenylphosphine (0.105 g, 0.40 mmol), followed by diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD) (0.06 mL, 0.40 mmol) were added to a solution of methyl 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate (0.102 g, 0.40 mmol) in 10 mL of THF, at room temperature under Argon (Ar). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 h and then concentrated. The crude residue was purified by chromatography (SiO.sub.2) with hexanes/ethyl acetate (1:1) as eluent to afford the title compound with a contaminant. LC-MS (M+H).sup.+ m/z 348.
Step 2b. Preparation of methyl 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)picolinate (Compound 2b): A solution of methyl 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate (Compound 2a) (0.129 g, 0.37 mmol) in 3 mL of formic acid was stirred at 23° C. for 2 h and then it was concentrated. The crude residue was purified by chromatography (SiO2) with hexanes/ethyl acetate (3:7) as eluent to afford the title compound as a white solid: LC-MS (M+H)+m/z 308; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6): 1.39 (s, 6H), 4.80 (s, 2H), 4.89 (s, 2H), 5.01 (s, 2H), 7.39-7.46 (m, 55 5H), 8.38 (s, 1H), 10.04 (s, 1H).
Step 2c. Preparation of Compound 2: Hydroxylamine hydrochloride (0.045 g, 0.65 mmol) and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (0.14 mL, 0.81 mmol) were added to a solution of methyl 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)picolinate (Compound 2b) (0.050 g, 0.16 mmol) in MeOH (3 mL) and heated to 70° C. for 5 h. The crude mixture was diluted with EtOAc and washed with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution and brine. The organic extract was dried (Na.sub.2SO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound (0.048 g, 96% yield): LC-MS (M+H).sup.+ m/z 309.

Example 3. Preparation of 5-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenoxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide (Compound 3)

[0156] ##STR00009##

Step 3a. Preparation of methyl 5-((3-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate (Compound 3a): Using similar procedure as described in the Example 2 of methyl 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3] dioxino[4, 5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate (Step 2a), obtained compound 3a: ESI-MS (M+H).sup.+ m/z 382.
Step 3b. Preparation of methyl 5-((3-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4(hydroxymethyl) picolinate (Compound 3b): Using similar procedure as described in Example 2, in the preparation of methyl 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)picolinate (Compound 2b), Compound 3b was obtained as a white solid (63% yield); LC-MS (M+H).sup.+ m/z 342.
Step 3c. Preparation of Compound 3: Using similar procedure as described in the Example 2, in the preparation of 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-N,.sup.3-dihydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)picolinamide, Step 2c, Compound 3 was obtained as a beige solid (98% yield); LC-MS (M+H)+ m/z 342.

Example 4. Preparation of N.SUP.5.-(3-chloro-4-fluorobenzyl)-N.SUP.2.,3-dihydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine-2, 5-dicarboxamide (Compound 4)

[0157] ##STR00010##

N.sup.2,3-bis(benzyloxy)-N.sup.5-(3-chloro-4-fluorobenzyl)-4-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine-2,5-dicarboxamide (0.03 g, 0.330 mmol) and 10% Pd/C catalyst (25 mg) were stirred in methanol (4.0 mL) under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 1 h. The catalyst was filtered and the reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum yielding 0.015 g of N.sup.5-(3-chloro-4-fluorobenzyl)N.sup.2,3-dihydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine-2,5-dicarboxamide as a white solid; .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm): 5 13.01 (s, 1H), 12.0 (s, 1H), 9.51 (s 1H), 9.02 (t 1H), 8.11 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d 1H), 7.40 (m, 2H), 4.68 (s, 2H), 4.48 (s, 2H); MS-ESI m/z 370 [MH].sup.+.

Example 5. Preparation of 5-{(1-3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)aminomethyl} 2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylic acid hydroxamide (Compound 5)

[0158] ##STR00011##

251 mg of 5-formyl-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylic acid methyl ester (J. Org. Chem. 1999, 64, 4537) (1 mmol) and 3-chloro-4-fluorobenzylamine (125 μL, 1.3 mmol) in dry methanol (4 mL) were stirred at room temperature for 15 min and sodium cyanoborohydride (72 mg, 1.3 mmol) was added. This mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h followed by evaporation of 90% of the methanol volume under reduced pressure. The residue was extracted with dichloromethane (3×25 mL) and the combined organic layers were dried (anh. Na.sub.2SO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by silica gel (methanol/dichloromethane, 0 to 10% methanol) to give 0.300 mg of 5-{(1-3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)aminomethyl} 2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylic acid hydroxamide. 50 mg of this compound was then dissolved in dry EtoAc and a solution of HCl in ether was added dropwise until precipitate was no longer seen to form. This precipitate was filtered and dried in a desiccator yielding 40 mg of a slightly hygroscopic material.

Example 6. Preparation of 5-[2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethyl]-3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxamide (Compound 6)

[0159] ##STR00012##

Compound 6 was synthesized by reaction of 5-formyl (0.751 g, 3 mmol) and 1000 mg (3.5 mmol) (4-fluorobenzyl) triphenyphosphonium bromide in THF at −78° C. then stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction was quenched with NH.sub.4Cl (saturated). The crude product was separated on silica gel to yield 417 mg (31% yield). This product was hydrogenated by catalytic hydrogenation over Pd/C 5% in EtOAc. Silica gel chromatography purification yielded 305 mg, which was reacted with hydroxylamine (excess) in ethanol (2 h, 80° C.). The compound was precipitated 1N HCl, filtered and redissolved in MeOH with the addition of 6 N HCl, stirred for 4 h, followed by evaporation, providing the desired product. MS-ESI m/z 307 [MH]+.

Example 7. Preparation of 5-(4-methoxy-benzyloxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (Compound 7)

[0160] ##STR00013##

0.05 g (0.15 mmol) of Compound 8 was dissolved in dry THF. 2 equiv (0.3 mmol) of potassium trimethylsilanoate was added and the mixture warmed forming a slurry. Rapid stirring overnight at 75° C. showed complete conversion. Concentration of the solution, resolvation in 25 mL EtoAc and acidification with 1.0 N HCl was done with the extraction of the compound into the organic phase. The organic phase was dried over brine then evaporated to dryness giving the desired compound.

Example 8. Preparation of 5-(4-methoxy-benzyloxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (Compound 8)

[0161] ##STR00014##

0.5 g (1.5 mmol) of methyl 3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-5-((4-ethoxybenzyloxy)methyl)picolinate was dissolved in 2 mL Ac.sub.2O and stirred for 2 h. 5 mL MeOH was added and the solvent was evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in 50 mL degassed, N.sub.2 flushed EtOAc. 0.25 g 10% Pd/C was added. H.sub.2 gas was bubbled in for 4 h and the mixture left to stir overnight. N.sub.2 was bubbled in and the solution filtered over a pad of silica gel. The clear solution was then evaporated to dryness and the resulting syrup crystallized to give the desired product quantitatively.

Example 9. Preparation of 5-((4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl)-2,2,8-trimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine (Compound 9)

[0162] ##STR00015##

Anhydrous THF (200 mL) was added to NaH (60%, 24 g, 600 mmol) at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. To this suspended mixture a solution of 2,2,8-trimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridin-5-yl)methanol (32.0 g, 150 mmol) in 400 mL of THF (J. Med. Chem., 1977, 20, 745) was added. The resulting mixture was refluxed for 30 min; a significant amount of precipitate accumulated during the reflux. After cooling to room temperature, p-methoxybenzyl chloride (23.5 g, 150 mmol) was introduced drop-wise and the resulting mixture was refluxed for another 8 h. The reaction was quenched carefully by adding ice-cold water to the viscous mixture at 0° C. and diluted with a saturated ammonium chloride solution followed by extraction with methylene chloride. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried (Na.sub.2SO.sub.4), and concentrated yielding a brown oil. The crude product was purified by chromatography (10% ethyl acetate/petroleum ether) yielding 25.0 g of Compound 9 (50% yield); LC-MS (M+H).sup.+ m/z 331.

Example 10. Preparation of methyl 5-((4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate (Compound 10)

[0163] ##STR00016##

Step 10a. 5-((4-Methoxybenzyloxy)methyl)-2,2,8-trimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine 7-oxide

##STR00017##

5-((4-Methoxybenzyloxy)methyl)-2,2,8-trimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine (50.0 g, 152 mmol, 1.0 equiv) was dissolved in dry CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (500 mL) and the solution was cooled to 0° C. To this solution was added m-chloroperbenzoic acid (85% purity of the reagent, 37.0 g, 182 mmol, 1.2 equiv). After being stirred at 23° C. for 12 h, the reaction mixture was extracted with Na.sub.2SO.sub.3 (10%, 2×200 mL), NaHCO.sub.3 (5%, 2×200 mL), H.sub.2O, dried (Na.sub.2SO.sub.4), filtered and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by chromatography (10% methanol/ethyl acetate) to afford the title compound as pale-yellow solid (35 g, 68%); LC-MS (M+H).sup.+ m/z 346.
Step 10b. (5-((4-Methoxybenzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridin-8-yl)methanol

##STR00018##

Trifluoroacetic anhydride (4.5 mL, 32 mmol) was added to a solution of 5-((4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl)-2,2,8-trimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine 7-oxide (21.2 g, 61 mmol) in dry CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (200 mL) at 0° C. and stirred for 5 min. An additional amount of trifluoroacetic anhydride (11.5 mL, 82.7 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at 23° C. Then, the reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and MeOH (150 mL) was added while stirring was continued. The solvents were evaporated and the resulting residue was dissolved in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and washed with Na.sub.2CO.sub.3 (20% aqueous) and H.sub.2O until pH was neutral. The organic phase was dried (Na.sub.2SO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was crystallized from EtOH—CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 to afford the title compound (17.5 g, 83%); LC-MS (M+H)+ m/z 346.
Step 10c. 5-((4-Methoxybenzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carbaldehyde

##STR00019##

To a solution of (5-((4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridin-8-yl)methanol (14.60 g, 42.3 mmol) in ethyl acetate (500 mL) was added IBX (35.5 g, 128 mmol) and the suspension was heated to reflux for 4 h. The precipitate was removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the title compound (14.0 g, 95%). The crude material was used for the next step without further purification: LC-MS (M+H).sup.+ m/z 344.
Step 10d. Methyl 5-((4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1, 3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate
To the solution of 5-((4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carbaldehyde (10.3 g, 30 mmol) in anhydrous MeOH (120 mL), KOH (85%, 5.3 g, 78 mmol) and iodine (9.9 g, 39 mmol) were added at 0° C. The reaction mixture was kept at 23° C. and stirred for 12 h until no starting material was detected by TLC. Then, the solution was treated with Na.sub.2SO.sub.3 (solid) and the pH was adjusted to 7. The solid was filtered and solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc and washed with water. The combined organic extracts were dried (Na.sub.2SO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was purified by chromatography (SiO.sub.2) with petroleum ether:ethyl acetate (5:1) as eluent to afford the title compound as pale-yellow solid (8.8 g, 78%): LC-MS (M+H).sup.+ m/z 374.

Example 11. Preparation of 5-(4-methoxybenzyloxymethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide (Compound 11)

[0164] ##STR00020##

Step 11a. Methyl 3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-5-((4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl)picolinate

##STR00021##

The solution of methyl 5-((4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate (8.8 g, 23.6 mmol) in 200 mL of HCl/MeOH was stirred at 23° C. for 24 h. MeOH (500 mL) was added to dissolve the suspension and NaHCO.sub.3 (solid) was added to neutralize the reaction mixture. The excess solid was filtered and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc and washed with water. The combined organic extracts were dried (Na.sub.2SO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a light yellow solid (6.0 g, 100%): LC-MS (M+H).sup.+ m/z 334.
Step 11b. N,3-Dihydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-5-((4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl)picolinamide To a solution of methyl 3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-5-((4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl)picolinate (0.050 g, 0.15 mmol) in MeCOH (3 mL) was added hydroxylamine hydrochloride (0.042 g, 0.60 mmol) and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (0.13 mL, 0.75 mmol). The resulting mixture was placed in the microwave and heated to 80° C. for 1.5 h. The crude mixture was diluted with EtOAc and washed with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution and brine. The organic extract was dried (Na.sub.2SO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound (0.039 g, 78%): LC-MS (M+H).sup.+ m/z 335.

Example 12. Preparation of methyl 5-((4-fluorophenylamino)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)picolinate (Compound 12)

[0165] ##STR00022##

Formic acid (2 mL) was added to methyl 5(4-fluorophenylamino)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate (180 mg, 0.5 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at room temperature for 2 h. Evaporation under reduced pressure afforded a residue 5-((4-fluorophenylamino)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl) picolinate, which was triturated in acetonitrile. MS-ESI m/z 307 [MH].sup.+.

Example 13. Preparation of N.SUP.5.-(2-N-methylcarboxamide-4-fluorobenzyl)-N.SUP.2.,3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine-2-methylcarboxylate, 5-carboxamide (Compound 13)

[0166] ##STR00023##

100 mg of 5-carboxyl-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylic acid methyl ester was dissolved in 2 mL DMF and 0.2 mL N-methylmorpholine was added with about 300 mg HBTU. 100 mg 2-N-methylcarboxamide-4-fluorobenzylamine was added to the solution after approximately 30 min. The mixture was stirred overnight after which it was quenched by addition to 20 mL 10% citric acid. 25 mL EtOAc was added and the organic phase was washed with citric acid (2×), K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (2×), and brine. Yield was 101 mg. LCMS (100%) MS-ESI m/z 432[MH].sup.+.

Example 14. Preparation of methyl 3-(benzyloxy)-5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-methylpicolinate (Compound 14)

[0167] ##STR00024##

Using a procedure similar to that described in the Example 2, step 2a, Compound 14 was prepared as a colorless oil: 72% yield. LC-MS (M+H)F m/z 382.

Example 15. Preparation of methyl 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate (Compound 15)

[0168] ##STR00025##

Triphenylphosphine (0.105 g, 0.40 mmol), followed by diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD) (0.06 mL, 0.40 mmol) were added to a solution of methyl 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate (0.102 g, 0.40 mmol) in 10 mL of THF, at room temperature under Ar. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 h and then concentrated. The crude residue was purified by chromatography (SiO.sub.2) with hexanes/ethyl acetate (1:1) as eluent to afford the title compound with a contaminant. LC-MS (M+H).sup.+ m/z 348.

Example 16. Preparation of methyl 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl) picolinate (Compound 16)

[0169] ##STR00026##

A solution of methyl 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate (0.129 g, 0.37 mmol) in 3 mL of formic acid was stirred at 23° C. for 2 h and then it was concentrated. The crude residue was purified by chromatography (SiO.sub.2) with hexanes/ethyl acetate (3:7) as eluent to afford the title compound as a white solid. LC-MS (M+H).sup.+ m/z 308; .sup.1H NMR (ppm, DMSO-d6): 1.39 (s, 6H), 4.80 (s, 2H), 4.89 (s, 2H), 5.01 (s, 2H), 7.39-7.46 (m, 55 5H), 8.38 (s, 1H), 10.04 (s, 1H).
The solid was then dissolved in THF containing 1 mmol KOTMS and refluxed for 1 h. The resulting slurry was dropped in cold hexanes and filtered off. The hygroscopic filtrated was dissolved in water and acidified with 90% formic acid to form the carboxylic acid. This was filtered off and dried in vacuo. Yield: 40 mg off-white powder (blue fluorescence under UV).

Example 17. Preparation of methyl 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4-methylpicolinate (Compound 17)

[0170] ##STR00027##

A solution of methyl 3-(benzyloxy)-5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-4-methylpicolinate (0.245 g, 0.64 mmol) in ethyl acetate (10 mL) was hydrogenated under 1 atm of hydrogen at 23° C. over 10% palladium on activated carbon for 1 h. The reaction mixture was filtrated and the solution was concentrated in vacuo to afford Compound 17 as a white solid (0.171 g, 92%). LC-MS (M+H).sup.+ m/z 292.

Example 18. Preparation of (3-chloro-4-fluoro-benzyl)-(5-hydroxy-6-hydroxycarbamoyl-4-hydroxymethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-carbamic acid benzyl ester (Compound 18)

[0171] ##STR00028##

70 mg of Compound 5 was dissolved in DCM (20 mL). Triethylamine (100 μL) was then added followed by benzylchloroformate (˜60 mg). The mixture was stirred for 4 h after which 20 mL 10% citric acid was added. The DCM phase was removed and further washed with K.sub.2CO.sub.3, dried over Mg.sub.2SO.sub.4 and evaporated to dryness. 1 mL formic acid (90%) was added and the solution warmed to 75° C. for 4 h. The solution was diluted with water forming a precipitate which was filtered and dried. The precipitate was taken up in 1 mL pyridine and 250 μL of 50% aq. hydroxylamine was added. The yellow solution was warmed to 80° C. for 8 h, after which the pyridine was removed in vacuo. Careful addition of cold 5% acetic acid yielded a precipitate which was filtered and washed with cold 5% acetic acid. Yield: 51 mg product. LC-MS (M+H).sup.F m/z 490.1.

Example 19. Preparation of 4-hydroxymethyl-3-methoxy-pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-(4-fluoro-benzylamide) 2-hydroxyamide (Compound 19)

[0172] ##STR00029##

3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-cyclohexylmethyl-amide 2-hydroxyamide (0.060 g, 0.137 mmol, 1 equiv) and 10% Pd/C (5 mg) in methanol (4.0 mL) were stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen 1 h. The catalyst was filtered and reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum to give 0.040 g of 53 (85%) as a white solid. MS-ESI m/z 350 [MH].sup.+.

Example 20. Preparation of 3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-dibenzylamide 2-hydroxyamide (Compound 20)

[0173] ##STR00030##

Procedure as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,742,123 B2 Example 55.

Example 21. Preparation of 5-benzenesulfonylmethyl-3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide (Compound 21)

[0174] ##STR00031##

550 mg of Compound I, of FIG. 1, was dissolved in 30 mL DCM was reacted with 2.5 equiv of methane sulfonyl chloride in the presence of 5 equiv triethylamine. Extraction was done with 5% citric acid, drying with Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, and evaporation yielded 500 mg of desired mesylate. This mesylate was immediately reacted with 400 mg of benzene sulfinic acid in DMF (2 mL). The product was isolated by precipitation in water and filtration. The crude was dissolved in CHCl.sub.3 (30 mL) and 400 mg mCPBA (70%) was added. After 1 h stirring, the reaction was extracted using K.sub.2CO.sub.3 and the organic phase dried over CaCO.sub.3 the evaporated. The residue was dissolved in 3 mL DCM and 3 mL trifluoroactetic anhydride was added. Stirring at reflux 45° C. for 20 h affording the rearranged product, isolated through evaporation of solvent. The residue was then added to a solution of MnO.sub.2 2 g in CHCl.sub.3 (30 mL) and stirred at reflux 1 h. Filtration and evaporation afforded the aldehyde (250 mg). This was placed in 10 mL MeOH with 1.2 equiv 12 and 3 equiv KOTMS. Stirring at room temperature for 1 h gave the ester in quantitative conversion. The product was purified on silica gel. 100 mg of the ester was reacted with excess (hydroxylamine 50% aquiv) in pyridine to give the hydroxamate. Dilution in EtOAc and extraction with 5% citric acid gave the desired intermediate. The final product was obtained by adding 50 mg of the above acetonide to neat 70% formic acid. After 15 min the reaction is complete, the formic acid is evaporated off and the residue triturated with water to give Compound 21 as a white powder. MS-ESI m/z 339 [MH].sup.+.

Example 22. Preparation of 5-((3-chloro4-fluorobenzylamino)methyl)-4-(hydroxymethyl)picolinhydroxamide (Compound 22)

[0175] ##STR00032##

25 mg of Compound 18 and 10% Pd/C catalyst (5 mg) were stirred in 4 mL of methanol under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 12 h. The catalyst was filtered and reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum yielding 0.018 g of Compound 22 as a white solid; MS-ESI m/z 356 [MH].sup.+.

Example 23. Preparation of 3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-(4-fluoro-benzylamide)2-(methoxy-amide) (Compound 23)

[0176] ##STR00033##

Formic acid (2 mL) was added to 2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-5,8-dicarboxylic acid 5-(4-fluoro-benzyla-mide)8-(methoxy-amide) (0.048 g, 0.123 mmol, 1 equiv). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature 10 min. Formic acid was concentrated under vacuum and solid was triturated with diethyl ether under to give 0.030 g of Compound 23 (71%) as a white solid. MS-ESI m/z 350 [MH].sup.+.

Example 24. Preparation of 5-(4-fluoro-benzyloxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide (Compound 24)

[0177] ##STR00034##

Procedure as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,742,123 B.sub.2, Example 34, or as in Compound 11, using 4-fluorobenzyl bromide in the initial step.

Example 25. Preparation of 2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-5,8-dicarboxylic acid 5-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-benzylamide)-8-(methyl ester) (Compound 25)

[0178] ##STR00035##

Prepared as in Example 13a using 3-chloro-4fluorobenzyl amine in the initial step.

Example 26. Preparation of 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]picoline (Compound 26)

[0179] ##STR00036##

2.09 g (3.5 mmol) of 5-hydroxymethyl2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]picoline was dissolved in 50 mL EtOAc then cooled to 0° C. 1 mL triethylamine was added followed by 1.15 g pf methane sulfonyl chloride. The mixture was stirred for 30 min. A solution of 1.12 g 4-fluorophenol in 5 mL DMF was cooled to 0° C. and 1.12 g potassium tert-butanoate was added to form a phenol salt. This solution was added to the other at which point a gel formed. This was stirred and allowed to warm to room temperature for 1 h. The solution was then quenched by addition of water and adjusting the pH to 4 with acetic acid. The organic phase was evaporated. The residue was then adsorbed on silica gel then washed over a pad of silica gel with DCM. The DCM was evaporated to yield 2.4 g of a clear oil which spontaneously crystallized.

Example 27. Preparation of 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)picoline (Compound 27)

[0180] ##STR00037##

50 mg of the compound from Example 26 was dissolved in 1 mL of 90% formic acid. The mixture was warmed to 75° C. for 4 h. The formic acid was removed by vaccum and the residue triturated in water to give an off-white powder suspension. This was filtered to give 26 mg of the desired compound.

Example 28. Cell Culture and Treatments

[0181] Human hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and Huh-7 were routinely cultivated in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM; catalog no. 319-005-CL, Wisent) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS; catalog no. 080-350, Wisent). For phenotypic screening of LDLR small molecule inducers Examples 1-27, cells were incubated overnight in conditioned media containing giving chemical compounds 1-27 resuspended in DMSO at concentration ranging from 100 μM to 10 μM. For sterol-regulated conditions, HepG2 cells were incubated in 5% LPDS, 50 μM mevastatin, and 50 μM mevalonolactone in the absence (−sterols) or presence of 1 μg/ml 25-hydroxycholesterol and 10 μg/ml cholesterol (+sterols). For inhibitor treatments HepG2 cells were treated with DMSO or 10 μM compounds 2 in combination with U0126 (25 μM, catalog no. 9903, Cell Signaling Technology), Cycloheximide (CHX; 20 μg/ml, catalog no. C7698, Sigma-Aldrich), PD153035 (20 μM, catalog no. 14879, Cayman Chemical), bisindolylmaleimide I (BIM; 10 μM, catalog no. 13298, Cayman Chemical), H-89 (10 μM, catalog no. 10010556, Cayman Chemical), Dorsomorphin (5 μM, catalog no. 11967, Cayman Chemical) or 5-Azacytidine (10 μM, catalog no. A2385, Sigma-Aldrich). FIG. 19 shows that CHX and U0126, and no other tested inhibitor, block increase of LDLR by Compound 2.

[0182] Human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK-293, catalog no. CRL-1573; ATCC) cells were cultivated in complete DMEM without sodium pyruvate (catalog no. 319-015-CL, Wisent) and human umbilical vein/vascular endothelium cells (HUVEC; catalog no CRL-1730, ATCC) in F12 K media (catalog no. 312-250-CL, Wisent) both supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS; catalog no. 080-350, Wisent).

Example 29. Western Blot Analysis

[0183] Treated cells from Example 28 were washed three times in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and lysed in radioimmune precipitation assay buffer (50 mM Tris/HCl, pH 8.0, 1% (v/v) Nonidet P-40, 0.5% sodium deoxycholate, 150 mM NaCl, and 0.1% (v/v) SDS) supplemented with a complete protease inhibitor mixture (catalog no. 11 697 498 001, Roche Applied Science). Proteins were separated by 8% SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, blotted on nitrocellulose membranes (Bio-Rad), and blocked for 1 h in Tris-buffered saline-Tween 20 (TBS-T; 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl, 0.1% Tween 20) containing 5% nonfat dry milk. Membranes were then incubated overnight in TBS-T supplemented with 1% nonfat milk and the indicated antibodies; goat anti-human LDLR (1:1000; catalog no. AF2148, R&D Systems), rabbit anti-actin (1:5000; catalog no. A2066, Sigma-Aldrich). Appropriate HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies (1:10,000; GE healthcare) were used for detection using the Western Lightning Ultra chemiluminescence kit (catalog no. NEI112001EA, PerkinElmer Life Sciences) and BioFlex EC Films (catalog no. CLEC810, InterScience). Unsaturated films were numerized using the high resolution CanoScan 9000F scanner and corresponding bands were quantified using the ImageJ software (NIH). Relative quantification of LDLR protein levels were normalized to that of actin and compared to vehicle (DMSO) herein determined as 1. Results are described in Table 2 and illustrated in FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Result of compound efficacy and cytotoxicity LDLR LDLR CC50 Fold Fold Ex. (μM) Change Change No. Chemical Name (MTT) 10 μM 10 nM 1 5-[(4-fluoro-phenylamino)-methyl]-3-hydroxy-4- 120 6.9 hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide 2 5-(4-fluoro-phenoxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl- 50 6.3 2 pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide 3 5-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenoxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-4- 11 5.6 hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide 4 N.sup.5-(3-chloro-4-fluorobenzyl)-N.sup.2,3-di hydroxy-4- 2.7 (hydroxymethyl)pyridine-2,5-dicarboxamide 5 5-{(1-3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)aminomethyl}-2,2-dimethyl- 2.4 4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8 carboxylic acid hydroxamide 6 5-[2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethyl]-3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl- 39 2.3 1.5 pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide 7 5-(4-methoxy-benzyloxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl- 1.9 1.7 pyridine-2-carboxylic acid 2-3 8 5-(4-Methoxy-benzyloxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl- 1.7 1.7 pyridine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester 9 Methyl 5-((4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H- 1.4 [1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate 10 5-((4-methoxy benzyloxy )methy l )-2,2,8-trimethyl-4H-[1,3] 1.2 1.7 dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine 11 5-(4-methoxybenzyloxymethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-pyridine- 2-3 2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide 12 5-((4-fluorophenylamino)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4- (hydroxymethyl)picolinate 13 5-(4-fluoro-benzyloxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl- pyridine-2-carboxylic acid methoxy-amide 14 Methyl 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4- methylpicolinate 15 Methyl 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4- (hydroxymethyl) picolinic acid 16 Methyl 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H- [1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-8-carboxylate 17 Methyl 3-(benzyloxy)-5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-4- methylpicolinate 18 (3-chloro-4-fluoro-benzyl)-(5-hydroxy-6-hydroxy carbamoyl- 4-hydroxymethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-carbamic acid benzyl ester 19 4-hydroxymethyl-3-methoxy-pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 6.6 5-(4-fluoro-benzylamide) 2-hydroxyamide 20 5-benzenesulfonylmethyl-3-hyd roxy-4-hydroxymethyl- pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide 21 3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-dibenzylamide-2-hydroxyamide 22 N,3-bis(benzyloxy)-5-((3-chloro4- fluorobenzylamino)methyl)-4-(hydroxymethyl) picolinamide 23 3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-(4-fluoro-benzylamide)2-(methoxy-amide) 24 5-(4-fluoro-benzyloxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl- pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydroxyamide 25 2,2-dimethyl-4H-[1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pyridine-5,8-dicarboxylic 1.9 acid 5-(3-chloro4-fluoro-benzylamide)-8-(methyl ester) 26 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4H- 1.5 1 [1,3]dioxino[4,5-c]pi coline 27 5-((4-fluorophenoxy)methyl)-3-hydroxy-4- 1.2 0.6 (hydroxymethyl)picoline

[0184] FIG. 15 shows the effects of Compound 2 on LDLR protein levels by Western blot analyses in HepG2, Huh7, HEK293, and HUVEC cells.

Example 30. Immunocytochemistry

[0185] Cells were permeabilized or not with 0.1% Triton X-100/PBS for 10 min, and incubated with 150 mM glycine (to stabilize the aldehydes), incubated for 30 min with 1% BSA (Fraction V, Sigma) containing 0.1% Triton X-100 or not, followed by overnight incubation at 4° C. with goat anti-human LDLR (1:100; R&D Systems, catalog no. AF2148). Afterward, cells were incubated for 60 min with corresponding Alexa Fluor-conjugated secondary antibodies (Molecular Probes) and mounted in 90% glycerol containing 5% 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (Sigma). Immunofluorescence analyses were performed with an Olympus FluoView FV10i confocal microscope. The visualization of increased expression of the Low density lipoprotein receptor can be seen in FIG. 14.

Example 31. Reverse Transcription and Quantitative Real-Time PCR

[0186] The integrity of total RNA samples, isolated using Ribozol RNA Extraction Reagent (catalog no. N.sup.580-100, Amresco), was verified by agarose gel electrophoresis or using an Agilent 2100 BioAnalyzer. cDNA was prepared using iScript cDNA Synthesis Kit according the manufacturer's instructions (catalog no. 1708891, Bio-Rad Laboratories). Quantitative Real-Time PCR was performed in a MX3000p real-time thermal cycler (Agilent) using the iTaq Universal SYBR Green Supermix, (catalog no. 1725121, Bio-Rad Laboratories). For each gene of interest, dissociation curves and agarose gel electrophoresis were performed to ensure unique PCR product. Arbitrary units were determined from PCR duplicates for each sample using the Homo sapiens TATA-box binding protein (hTBP) as a normalizer. Oligonucleotides sequences used were: Homo sapiens low-density lipoprotein receptor (hLDLR; SEQ ID NO 1: 5′-AGGAGACGTGCTTGTCTGTC, SEQ ID NO 2: 5′-CTGAGCCGTTGTCGCAGT), Homo sapiens 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A reductase (hHMGCR; SEQ ID NO 3: 5′-GTCACATGATTCACAACAGG, SEQ ID NO 4: 5′-GTCCTTTAGAACCCAATGC), Homo sapiens glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH; SEQ ID NO 5: 5′-GGTGTGAACCATGAGAAGTATGA, SEQ ID NO 6: 5′-GAGTCCTTCCACGATACCAAAG. Homo sapiens proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin 9 (hPCSK9) mRNA expression was evaluated on total cDNA using the TaqMan gene expression assay Hs00545399_m1 (catalog no. 4331182, ThermoFisher Scientific) and the TaqMan Fast Advanced Master Mix (catalog no. 4444557, ThermoFisher Scientific). Results of QPCR LDLR mRNA increase is illustrated in FIG. 16.

Example 32. Cell Viability Assay

[0187] Cells were seeded into 96-well plates and incubated at confluency overnight with 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 or 500 μM of given compounds in phenol red-free conditioned media (catalog no. 319-051-CL, Wisent). Following incubation, media was replaced and cells incubated for 4 h with 100 μL of phenol red-free DMEM containing 0.5 mg/mL of MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; thiazolyl blue; catalog no. M5655, Sigma-Aldrich). Afterwards, media was removed and converted dye solubilized with 100 μL acidic isopropanol (0.06 N) and absorbance measured at a wavelength of 570 nm with background subtraction at 650 nm. Arbitrary units of cell viability of a given example were determined relative to equal volume of DMSO (vehicle) for each concentration used. Results are shown in Table 2.

Example 33. Gaussia Luciferase Assay

[0188] Human LDLR (−1020 bp) proximal promoter and partial 3′UTR (nt 11131317-11132220 chromosome 9) were generated by PCR using genomic DNA from HepG2 cells as template and subcloned into pCMV-GLuc vector (catalog no. N.sup.8081 S, New England Biolabs) in order to replace the CMV promoter or the 3′UTR region of the vector. Selected clones were verified by DNA sequencing. Oligonucleotides used were: hLDLR promoter (SEQ ID NO 7: 5′-TGTACTAGTCTTATTCCTGGGGGAACCGC, SEQ ID NO 8: 5′-GCAAAGCTTGCTCG-CAGCCTCTG-CCAGGCAGTG and hLDLR 3′UTR (SEQ ID NO 9: 5′-TACGCGGCCGCACATCTGCCTGGAGTCCCGTC, SEQ ID NO 10: 5′-ACTTCTAGACCCATCCC-AACACACACGACAG). For transient experiments, HepG2 cells were seeded in 24-well plates at a density of 1.5 10.sup.5/well. 24 h later, cells were transfected in duplicate with the corresponding pGLuc construct using Lipofectamine 3000 (catalog no. L3000008, Thermo Fisher Scientific). After overnight incubation, cells were washed twice with DMEM and incubated in 0.5 mL of DMEM without or with given examples at various concentration for 24 h. 20 μL of conditioned media was loaded into black 96-well plates, and relative activity of secreted Gaussia luciferase was assessed by luminescence measurements using the BioLux kit (catalog no. E3300L, New England Biolabs) and the BioTek Synergy 2 microplate reader. High quality of HepG2 cells stability expressing pGLuc-LDLR-3′UTR were also generated following selection with 0.75 mg/mL G418 Sulfate antibiotic (catalog. 400-130-IG, Wisent). Results are displayed in FIG. 17.

Example 34. Measurements of mRNA Decay

[0189] HepG2 cells were incubated with DMSO or 10 μM of Compound 2 for 24 h. Following incubation, cells were washed twice with DMEM and incubated with 5 μg/ml actinomycin D for 0, 60, 120 and 240 min. LDLR and GAPDH relative mRNA levels were analyzed by Quantitative Real-Time PCR as described in Example 31. Results of QPCR LDLR mRNA stabilization is illustrated in FIG. 18.

Example 35. Microsomal Stability Assay

[0190] Pooled human liver microsomes (HLM; Cat #X008067 lot IHG) and pooled male Sprague Dawley rat liver microsomes (RLM; Cat #M00001 Lot NNK) were purchased from BioreclamationlVT, Baltimore, Md. NADPH (Cat #N.sup.1630, 95% HPLC) and DMSO (GC grade) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich, Canada. Potassium phosphate buffer (100 mM) with magnesium chloride pH 7.4 was prepared freshly. Potassium phosphate buffer (100 mM, pH 7.4, +2 mM MgCl2) containing human or rat liver microsomes (0.50 mg/ml) was pre-incubated separately with Compound 2 (1 μM) or positive control (loperamide, 1 μM) in a water bath with the temperature set at 37° C. for 5 min (N=2). Reactions were initiated by adding NADPH (final concentration 1 mM) in all the wells. Reactions without NADPH were also incubated (final point only) to rule out non-NADPH metabolism or chemical instability in the incubation buffer. Reactions were terminated at each time point (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45 and 60 min) by transferring 50 μL in a new 96 well plate and adding 100 μl of acetonitrile containing an internal standard (labetalol at 2 μM). The plates were centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 5 min, and an aliquot of supernatant was diluted with one volume of water+0.1% formic acid before analysis by LC-MS/MS. Reference samples were also prepared at concentrations between 0.002 and 2 μM in buffer containing microsomes, by adding the diluted solutions of the compound to the buffer containing microsomes quenched with 2 volume of acetonitrile containing the internal standard (whereas the incubation TO is obtained by quenching the microsomes containing the compound, then adding NADPH). Samples were monitored for parent compound disappearance in Multi Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode using LC-MS/MS. The peak area ratios of analyte versus internal standard compared to the calibration curve were used to calculate concentration at each time point. The elimination constant (ke, min-1) was obtained from the log-linear regression of the concentration (y) versus time (t). The half-life was calculated as T1/2 (min)=0.693/ke. The microsomal intrinsic clearance (Clint, μL/min/mg of protein) was calculated by the following equation:

[00001]$\mathrm{Clint}\left(\mu L/\min /\mathrm{mg}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{protein}\right)=\frac{V\times 0.693}{T1/2}=V\times \mathrm{Ke}$$\mathrm{Where}V\left(\mu L/\mathrm{mg}\right)=\frac{\mathrm{Volume}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{incubation}\left(\square L\right)}{\mathrm{Protein}\mathrm{in}\mathrm{the}\mathrm{incubation}\left(\mathrm{mg}\right)}$

Results are shown in Table 3.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3 Microsomal stability Microsomal stability Clint uL/ assay −k half life (min) min/mg pro Cmpd 2 (HLM) 7,03E-04 ± 1.9E-05 986 ± 27   1.17 ± 0.03 Cmpd 2 (RLM) 1,26E-03 ± 1.9E-04 404 ± 28   6.19 ± 0.42 Loperamide (HLM) 3.25E02 21 ± 1  54.07 ± 1.73 Loperamide (RLM) 7.53E-02  9 ± 0 270.99 ± 2.98

Example 36. Animal Studies

[0191] All animal studies were approved by the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) Animal Care and Ethical committee. Pharmacokinetic experiments were performed in collaboration at the Montreal Heart Institute in collaboration with the Platform of Biopharmacy at Universite de Montreal. Briefly, Compound 2 (formulation PG:H.sub.2O; 50:50 stock solution 2.5 mg/ml) was administered intravenously (iv) at 5 mg/kg (n=4) or by oral gavage (PO) at 25 mg/kg (n=4) in adult Sprague-Dawley male rats (˜200 g). Blood samples were collected at 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480, 1440 min for which 125 μL of precipitation solution (80% acetonitrile and 20% methanol containing IS Loperamide at 0.1 μM) were added. Samples were mixed and centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 5 min. 50 μL of supernatant were transferred to an HPLC plate, and 100 μL of water+0.1% formic acid were added. A 16-point calibration curve with example 2 was prepared in blank rat blood, ranging from 0.002 to 15 μM. Samples were analyzed in MRM mode using LC-MS/MS. The calibration curve was plotted using the ratio of the analyte peak area and the IS peak area, using a quadratic regression. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were calculated using Kinetica Software for PK/PD Data Analysis, Simulation and Reporting (Thermo Fisher), based on the blood concentrations of each animal. Results are described in Table 4 and illustrated in FIG. 20.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 4 Pharmacokinetic parameters Compound 2 (iv 5 mg/kg) Average StDev Parameter Unit (n = 4) (n = 4) AUCIast μM*h 31.84 12.78 AUCtot μM*h 31.90 12.83 MRT h 0.55 0.08 Lz 1/h 0.12 0.06 thalf h 6.60 2.67 T max h 0.08 0.00 Cmax μMolar 81.12 24.53 Clearance mL/min 2.20 0.88 Vss L 0.08 0.04 Compound 2 (PO 25 mg/kg) Average StDev Parameter Unit (n = 4) (n = 4) AUCIast μM*h 24.23 9.26 AUCtot μM*h 24.28 9.29 MRT h 3.44 1.42 Lz 1/h 0.24 0.02 thalf h 2.97 0.28 T max h 0.33 0.20 Cmax μMolar 7.09 3.46 Clearance mL/min 13.44 6.26 Vss L 2.43 0.55 % F % 15% 6%

[0192] For in vivo proof-of-concept animal studies, wild-type C57BL/6 male mice (˜25 g; obtained from Charles River Laboratories) or Golden Syrian (˜120 g obtained from Envigo++) were housed in the 12 hour light/12 hour dark cycle, temperature and humidity controlled MHI animal facility.

[0193] Following 5 days of acclimatization, animals were fed a chow or Western diet containing 48.5% w/w carbohydrate, 21.2% w/w fat, 17.3% w/w protein and 0.2% w/w cholesterol (catalog no. TD.88137, Envigo) for 14 days. Example 1, 2, and 6 were mixed in either ethanol/propylene glycol/water; 1:7:8 or 1:2:1 (v/v), or in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; catalog no. 311-010-CL, Wisent) containing 0.01% Tween 20 and administered by oral gavage at 5, 25 or 40 mg/kg/day for 3 or 10 days in mice maintained on chow or Western diet. Equivalent volume of vehicle containing corresponding formulations were orally administered to mice daily and designated as placebo (vehicle). Plasma lipoprotein cholesterol profiles were obtained from 100 μL of pooled plasma injected on a Superose 6 10/300 GL (catalog no. 17-5172-01, GE Life Sciences) and eluted with PBS at a flow rate of 0.1 mL per min at 4° C. mounted on a ÄKTA explorer system (GE Healthcare). Total cholesterol (catalog no. 439-17501, Wako) was quantified in total plasma and in each 0.3 mL collected fractions or in-line (Lipidomics Core of The Group on Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, University of Alberta) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Relative quantitation of AUC of total cholesterol corresponding to non-HDL lipoprotein positive fractions obtained from FPLC profiles are included in Table 3. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were measured by the Montreal Heart Institute biochemical clinical chemistry platform according to manufacturer's recommendations. Results are described in Table 5.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 5 Efficacy and Safety of Compound 2 in hypercholesterolemic animal models LDL-C (%) (FPLC TC) Dosage Duration (pooled ALT AST Model n Diet (mpk/d) (days) plasma) (3 × ULN) (3 × ULN) C57BL/6 3 Chow 25 3 −31 C57BL/6 4 HFD 40 10 −35 ± 2  0/4 0/4 C57BL/6 4 HFD 25 10 −28 ± 8  C57BL/6 4 HFD 5 10 −3 ± 8 Golden Syrian 3 HFD 40 10 −47 (n = 1) 0/3 0/3 Golden Syrian 3 Chow 40 10 −12 Golden Syrian 3 HFD 40 10 −26 ± 12 Golden Syrian 3 HFD 20 10 −40 ± 7  Golden Syrian 3 HFD 10 10 −15 ± 16 Golden Syrian 3 HFD 5 10 −21 ± 10

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0194] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, the descriptions and examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The disclosures of all patent and scientific literature cited herein are expressly incorporated in their entirety by reference.