NOVEL COMPOUNDS

Abstract

The invention relates to compounds of formula (Ia) and to their use in treating or preventing an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder:

##STR00001## wherein R.sup.A, R.sup.B, R.sup.C and R.sup.D, X, m and n are as defined herein.

Claims

1: A compound of formula (Ia): ##STR00095## wherein, R.sup.A is C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.2-10 alkenyl, C.sub.2-10 alkynyl, C.sub.3-10 cycloalkyl, phenyl or 5-10 membered heteroaryl; wherein R.sup.A is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more R.sup.1A, wherein each R.sup.IA is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, hydroxy, OC.sub.1-6 alkyl, OC.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, cyano, NR.sup.2AR.sup.3A, CO.sub.2H, CONR.sup.2AR.sup.3A and C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl; R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A are independently selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-6 alkyl; or R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring which is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more groups selected from C.sub.1-2 alkyl and oxo; R.sup.B is phenyl, phenyl fused to a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring, 5-10 membered heteroaryl, or 4-7 membered heterocyclyl; wherein R.sup.B is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more R.sup.1B, wherein each R.sup.1B is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-6 aminoalkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, hydroxy, OC.sub.1-6 alkyl, OC.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, cyano, NR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, CO.sub.2H, CONR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, S(O).sub.2NR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, S(O).sub.2C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl and oxo; R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B are independently selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-6 alkyl; or R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring which is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more groups selected from C.sub.1-2 alkyl and oxo; R.sup.C is H or C.sub.1-2 alkyl; R.sup.D is H, C.sub.1-2 alkyl, C.sub.1-2 hydroxyalkyl or C.sub.1-2 methoxyalkyl; X is CO, S(O).sub.1-2, CH.sub.2S(O).sub.1-2, S(O)(NH) or NHS(O).sub.2; n is 0 to 4 and m is 0 to 4, wherein n+m is 2, 3 or 4; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof.

2-3. (canceled)

4: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.A is C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.3-10 cycloalkyl, phenyl or 5-10 membered heteroaryl, and is optionally substituted on an available atom, e.g. a carbon or nitrogen atom, especially a carbon atom, by one or more R.sup.1A.

5-6. (canceled)

7: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 4, wherein R.sup.A is methyl, ethyl or n-propyl, and in particular is methyl.

8-14. (canceled)

15: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.A is unsubstituted.

16-20. (canceled)

21: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.B is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, phenyl fused to a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring, pyrrolyl, furanyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyradizinyl, pyrazinyl, furo[3,2-b]pyridinyl, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridinyl, pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridinyl, pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridinyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl, thieno[3,2-c]pyridinyl, indolyl, indazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzothiophenyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinazolinyl, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, tetrahydropyranyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, pyridone and pyridazinone; and is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more R.sup.1B.

22: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.B is phenyl optionally substituted on an available atom (by one or more R.sup.1B.

23: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.B is phenyl fused to a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring, such as 2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl, indolinyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolinyl, benzo-1,4-dioxanyl, 1,3-benzodiazole and 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine; and in particular is 2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl, benzo-1,4-dioxanyl or 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine, and is optionally substituted on an available atom (e.g. a carbon or nitrogen atom, in particular a carbon atom) by one or more R.sup.1B.

24: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.B is 5-10 membered heteroaryl such as selected from the group consisting of pyrrolyl, furanyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyradizinyl, pyrazinyl, furo[3,2-b]pyridinyl, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridinyl, pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridinyl, pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridinyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl, thieno[3,2-c]pyridinyl, indolyl, indazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzothiophenyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl and quinazolinyl; and in particular is selected from the group consisting of furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl and pyrimidinyl; and is optionally substituted on an available atom (e.g. a carbon or nitrogen atom, in particular a carbon atom) by one or more R.sup.1B.

25. (canceled)

26: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, wherein each R.sup.1B is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-6 aminoalkyl, C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, hydroxy, OC.sub.1-4 alkyl, OC.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, cyano, NR.sup.2BR.sup.3B CONR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, S(O).sub.2NR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, S(O).sub.2C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.3-5 cycloalkyl and oxo; and in particular is independently selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, methyl, ethyl, C.sub.1-2 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-2 aminoalkyl, C.sub.1-2 haloalkyl, hydroxy, OC.sub.1-2 alkyl, OC.sub.1-2 haloalkyl, cyano, NR.sup.2BR.sup.3B CONR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, S(O).sub.2NR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, S(O).sub.2C.sub.1-2 alkyl, C.sub.3-4 cycloalkyl and oxo, e.g. independently selected from the group consisting of F, methyl, C.sub.1-2 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-6 aminoalkyl, hydroxy, OCH.sub.3, cyano, NH.sub.2, CONH.sub.2, S(O).sub.2NH.sub.2, S(O).sub.2CH.sub.3, cyclopropyl and oxo.

27: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.B is unsubstituted.

28-29. (canceled)

30: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B are both H.

31-32. (canceled)

33: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.C is methyl or ethyl, and in particular is methyl.

34: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.D is H, methyl, ethyl, CH.sub.2OH or CH.sub.2OCH.sub.3.

35: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.D is H.

36: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, wherein X is CO, S(O).sub.2, CH.sub.2S(O).sub.2, S(O)(NH) or NHS(O).sub.2.

37-39. (canceled)

40: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, wherein X is S(O).sub.2.

41-42. (canceled)

43: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, wherein n is 2 and m is 1 and the compound of formula (Ia) is a compound of formula (IaA): ##STR00096## wherein R.sup.A, R.sup.B, R.sup.C, R.sup.D and X are as defined in claim 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof.

44-54. (canceled)

55: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, selected from the group consisting of: 3-((2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-((6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-(3-(1-hydroxyethyl)benzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-((1H-pyrazol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-(2-fluoro-3-methoxybenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-(2,6-difluoro-4-methoxybenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-(3-aminobenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 7-acetyl-3-(3-aminobenzyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-(3-aminobenzyl)-7-(cyclopropylsulfonyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-(3-aminobenzyl)-5-methyl-7-((2-methylthiazol-5-yl)sulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-(3-aminobenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; and 3-((1H-pyrazol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-((2-(hydroxymethyl)thiophen-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide; 3-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-(benzofuran-3-ylmethyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide; 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)benzenesulfonamide; 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3-((6-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-((1H-indazol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-(2-fluoro-4-methoxybenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-((7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide; 3-((2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)methyl)-7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-((2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-6-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; (S)-3-(3-(1-aminoethyl)benzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 7-((2-methoxyethyl)sulfonyl)-3-((6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; N-(2-methoxyethyl)-3-((6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4,5,6,8,9-hexahydro-7H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7-sulfonamide; 3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-7-((2-methoxyethyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4(5H)-one; (3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-N-ethyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-5,6,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7(4H)-sulfonamide; 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3-(3-(methylsulfonyl)benzyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-((1H-indazol-4-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-(3-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)benzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3-(thieno[3,2-c]pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; 3-((5-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4(5H)-one; 3-((6-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4(5H)-one; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate of any one thereof.

56: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable diluents or carriers.

57-59. (canceled)

60: A method of treating or preventing a disease, disorder or condition associated with the function of PK, in particular PKM2 and/or PKLR, which comprises administering a compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 1.

61-65. (canceled)

66: The method according to claim 60, wherein the inflammatory disease or disease associated with an undesirable immune response is, or is associated with, a disease selected from the group consisting of: psoriasis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, other atherosclerosis and/or atherothrombosis-related disorders, a mitochondrial and neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune paraneoplastic retinopathy, transplantation rejection, multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, ischaemia-reperfusion injury, AGE-induced genome damage, an inflammatory bowel disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), PSC-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), rheumatica, granuloma annulare, cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus nephritis, drug-induced lupus, autoimmune myocarditis or myopericarditis, Dressler's syndrome, giant cell myocarditis, post-pericardiotomy syndrome, drug-induced hypersensitivity syndromes, eczema, sarcoidosis, erythema nodosum, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) antibody-associated disorders (including MOG-EM), optic neuritis, CLIPPERS (chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids), diffuse myelinoclastic sclerosis, Addison's disease, alopecia areata, ankylosing spondylitis, other spondyloarthritides, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, autoimmune hemolytic anaemia, autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune inner ear disease, pemphigoid, linear IgA disease, Behet's disease, celiac disease, Chagas disease, dermatomyositis, diabetes mellitus type I, endometriosis, Goodpasture's syndrome, Graves' disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome and its subtypes, progressive inflammatory neuropathy, Hashimoto's disease, hidradenitis suppurativa, inclusion body myositis, necrotising myopathy, Kawasaki disease, IgA nephropathy, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), Evans' syndrome, interstitial cystitis, mixed connective tissue disease, undifferentiated connective tissue disease, morphea, myasthenia gravis, narcolepsy, neuromyotonia, pemphigus vulgaris, pernicious anaemia, psoriatic arthritis, polymyositis, primary biliary cholangitis (also known as primary biliary cirrhosis), rheumatoid arthritis, palindromic rheumatism, schizophrenia, autoimmune (meningo-)encephalitis syndromes, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, stiff person syndrome, polymylagia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis), Takayasu arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, Kawasaki disease, granulomatosis with polyangitis (GPA; formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA; formerly known as Churg-Strauss syndrome), microscopic polyarteritis/polyangiitis, hypocomplementaemic urticarial vasculitis, hypersensitivity vasculitis, cryoglobulinemia, thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease), vasculitis, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, vitiligo, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, adrenoleukodystrophy, Alexander's disease, Alper's disease, balo concentric sclerosis or Marburg disease, cryptogenic organising pneumonia (formerly known as bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia), Canavan disease, central nervous system vasculitic syndrome, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, childhood ataxia with central nervous system hypomyelination, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), diabetic retinopathy, globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe disease), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), hepatitis C (HCV) infection or complication, herpes simplex viral infection or complication, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or complication, lichen planus, monomelic amyotrophy, fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), lung sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, paediatric asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry eye, xerophthalmia, glaucoma, macular oedema, diabetic macular oedema, central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), macular degeneration, post-operative cataract inflammation, uveitis, iridocyclitis, scleritis, corneal graft and limbal cell transplant rejection, gluten sensitive enteropathy (coeliac disease), dermatitis herpetiformis, eosinophilic esophagitis, achalasia, autoimmune dysautonomia, autoimmune encephalomyelitis, autoimmune oophoritis, autoimmune orchitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, aortitis and periaortitis, autoimmune retinopathy, autoimmune urticaria, Behcet's disease, (idiopathic) Castleman's disease, Cogan's syndrome, IgG4-related disease, retroperitoneal fibrosis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, adult-onset Still's disease, ligneous conjunctivitis, Mooren's ulcer, pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA, also known as Mucha-Habermann disease), multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS), paraneoplastic syndromes, perivenous encephalomyelitis, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, relapsing polychondritis, sperm & testicular autoimmunity, Susac's syndrome, Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease, anti-synthetase syndrome, autoimmune enteropathy, immune dysregulation polyendocrinopathy enteropathy X-linked (IPEX), microscopic colitis, autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy syndrome (APEX), gout, pseudogout, amyloid, eosinophilic fasciitis (Shulman syndrome) progesterone hypersensitivity, amilial Mediterranean fever (FMF), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated periodic fever syndrome (TRAPS), hyperimmunoglobulinaemia D with periodic fever syndrome (HIDS), PAPA (pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, severe cystic acne) syndrome, deficiency of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (DIRA), deficiency of the interleukin-36-receptor antagonist (DITRA), cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), NLRP12-associated autoinflammatory disorders (NLRP12AD), periodic fever aphthous stomatitis (PFAPA), chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature (CANDLE), Majeed syndrome, Blau syndrome (also known as juvenile systemic granulomatosis), macrophage activation syndrome, chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome, mutant adenosine deaminase 2 and monogenic interferonopathies, Schnitzler syndrome; familial cylindromatosis, congenital B cell lymphocytosis, OTULIN-related autoinflammatory syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome, atherosclerotic disorders, and renal inflammatory disorders.

67-93. (canceled)

94: The compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof according to claim 66, for use in combination with a further therapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of a corticosteroid (glucocorticoid), retinoid, anthralin, vitamin D analogue, calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy or photochemotherapy or other form of ultraviolet light irradiation therapy, ciclosporine, a thiopurine, methotrexate, an anti-TNF agent, phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibition, anti-IL-17 agent, anti-IL12/IL-23 agent, anti-IL-23 agent, JAK (Janus Kinase) inhibitor, plasma exchange, intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), cyclophosphamide, anti-CD20 B cell depleting agent, anthracycline analogue, cladribine, sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator or sphingosine analogue, interferon beta preparation, glatiramer, anti-CD3 therapy, anti-CD52 targeting agent, leflunomide, teriflunomide, gold compound, laquinimod, potassium channel blocker, mycophenolic acid, mycophenolate mofetil, purine analogue, mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway inhibitor anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), IL-2 receptor (CD25) inhibitor, anti-IL-6 receptor or anti-IL-6 agent, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, tyrosine kinase inhibitor, ursodeoxycholic acid, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, B cell activating factor (BAFF, also known as BlyS, B lymphocyte stimulator) inhibitor, other B cell targeted therapy including a fusion protein targeting both APRIL (A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand) and BlyS, PI3K inhibitor including pan-inhibitor or one targeting the p110 and/or p110 containing isoforms, an interferon receptor inhibitor, T cell co-stimulation blocker, thalidomide and its derivatives, dapsone, clofazimine, a leukotriene antagonist, theophylline, anti-IgE therapy, an anti-IL-5 agent, a long-acting muscarinic agent, a PDE4 inhibitor, riluzole, a free radical scavenger, a proteasome inhibitor, a complement cascade inhibitor including one directed against C5, immunoadsor, antithymocyte globulin, 5-aminosalicylates and their derivatives, an anti-integrin agent including one targeting 41 and/or 47 integrins, an anti-CD11- agent, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) including a salicylate, a propionic acid, an acetic acid, an oxicam a fenamate, a selective or relatively selective COX-2 inhibitor, colchicine, an IL-4 receptor inhibitor, topical/contact immunotherapy, anti-IL-1 receptor therapy, IL-1 inhibitor, IL-1 neutralising therapy, chlorambucil, a specific antibiotic with immunomodulatory properties and/or ability to modulate NRF2, anti-androgenic therapy, pentoxifylline, ursodeoxycholic acid, obeticholic acid, fibrate, a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator, a VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) inhibitor, pirfenidone or mizoribine.

95-101: (canceled)

102: A process for preparing a compound of formula (Ia) as described in claim 1, or a salt, such as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof, which comprises reacting a compound of formula (IIa): ##STR00097## or a salt thereof; with a compound of formula (IIIa): ##STR00098## wherein R.sup.A, R.sup.B, R.sup.C, R.sup.D, X, m and n are defined according to claim 1, and LG.sup.1 is a leaving group such as halo, OMs or OTs.

103: A process for preparing a compound of formula (Ia) as described in claim 1, or a salt, such as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof, which comprises reacting a compound of formula (IVa): ##STR00099## or a salt thereof; with a compound of formula (Va): ##STR00100## wherein R.sup.A, R.sup.B, R.sup.C, R.sup.D, X, m and n are defined according to claim 1, and LG.sup.2 is a leaving group such as halo, OMs or OTs.

104: A compound of formula (IIa): ##STR00101## or a salt thereof; wherein R.sup.A, R.sup.C, X, m and n are defined according to claim 1; or A compound of formula (IVa): ##STR00102## or a salt thereof; wherein R.sup.B, R.sup.C, R.sup.D and n are defined according to claim 1.

105. (canceled)

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Compounds of formula (Ia)

[0028] In one embodiment, the compound of formula (Ia) is a compound of formula (I):

##STR00004##

wherein, [0029] R.sup.A is C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.2-10 alkenyl, C.sub.2-10 alkynyl, C.sub.3-10 cycloalkyl, phenyl or 5-10 membered heteroaryl; wherein R.sup.A is optionally substituted on an available carbon atom by one or more R.sup.1A, wherein R.sup.1A is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, hydroxy, OC.sub.1-6 alkyl, OC.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, cyano, NR.sup.2AR.sup.3A, CO.sub.2H, CONR.sup.2AR.sup.3A and C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl; [0030] R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A are independently selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-6 alkyl; or R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring which is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more groups selected from C.sub.1-2 alkyl and oxo; R.sup.B is phenyl, phenyl fused to a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring, 5-10 membered heteroaryl, or 4-7 membered heterocyclyl; wherein R.sup.B is optionally substituted on an available carbon atom by one or more R.sup.1B, wherein R.sup.1B is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, hydroxy, OC.sub.1-6 alkyl, OC.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, cyano, NR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, CO.sub.2H, CONR.sup.2BR3B, C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl and oxo; [0031] R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B are independently selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-6 alkyl; or R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring which is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more groups selected from C.sub.1-2 alkyl and oxo; [0032] R.sup.C is H or C.sub.1-2 alkyl; [0033] R.sup.D is H, C.sub.1-2 alkyl, C.sub.1-2 hydroxyalkyl or C.sub.1-2 methoxyalkyl; [0034] X is CO, S(O).sub.1-2, CH.sub.2S(O).sub.1-2, S(O)(=NH) or NHS(O).sub.2; [0035] n is 0 to 4 and m is 0 to 4, wherein n+m is 2, 3 or 4;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof.

[0036] In one embodiment, the compound of formula (Ia) is a compound of formula (Ib):

##STR00005##

wherein, [0037] R.sup.A is C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.2-10 alkenyl, C.sub.2-10 alkynyl, C.sub.3-10 cycloalkyl, phenyl or 5-10 membered heteroaryl; wherein R.sup.A is optionally substituted on an available carbon or nitrogen atom by one or more R.sup.1A, wherein each R.sup.1A is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, hydroxy, OC.sub.1-6 alkyl, OC.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, cyano, NR.sup.2AR.sup.3A, CO.sub.2H, CONR.sup.2AR.sup.3A and C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl; [0038] R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A are independently selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-6 alkyl; or R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring which is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more groups selected from C.sub.1-2 alkyl and oxo; [0039] R.sup.B is phenyl, phenyl fused to a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring, 5-10 membered heteroaryl, or 4-7 membered heterocyclyl; wherein R.sup.B is optionally substituted on an available carbon or nitrogen atom by one or more R.sup.1B, wherein each R.sup.1B is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, hydroxy, OC.sub.1-6 alkyl, OC.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, cyano, NR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, CO.sub.2H, CONR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl and oxo; [0040] R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B are independently selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-6 alkyl; or R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring which is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more groups selected from C.sub.1-2 alkyl and oxo; [0041] R.sup.C is H or C.sub.1-2 alkyl; [0042] R.sup.D is H, C.sub.1-2 alkyl, C.sub.1-2 hydroxyalkyl or C.sub.1-2 methoxyalkyl; [0043] X is CO, S(O).sub.1-2, CH.sub.2S(O).sub.1-2, S(O)(=NH) or NHS(O).sub.2; [0044] n is 0 to 4 and m is 0 to 4, wherein n+m is 2, 3 or 4;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof.

[0045] Embodiments and preferences set out herein with respect to the compound of formula (Ia) apply equally to the pharmaceutical composition, compound for use, use, method and process aspects of the invention, and apply equally to compounds of formula (I) and (Ib).

[0046] The term C.sub.1-10 alkyl refers to a straight or branched fully saturated hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The term encompasses methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, n-heptyl, n-hexyl and n-octyl. Other branched variants such as heptyl-CH(CH.sub.3) and hexyl-CH(CH.sub.3) are also included. C.sub.1-9 alkyl, C.sub.1-8 alkyl, C17 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-5 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-3 alkyl, C.sub.1-2 alkyl, C.sub.2-10 alkyl, C.sub.2-9 alkyl, C.sub.2-8 alkyl, C.sub.2-7 alkyl, C.sub.2-6 alkyl, C.sub.2-5 alkyl, C.sub.2-4 alkyl, C.sub.2-3 alkyl, C.sub.3-10 alkyl, C.sub.3-9 alkyl, C.sub.3-8 alkyl, C.sub.3-7 alkyl, C.sub.3-6 alkyl, C.sub.3-5 alkyl, C.sub.3-4 alkyl, C.sub.4-10 alkyl, C.sub.4-9 alkyl, C.sub.4-8 alkyl, C.sub.4-7 alkyl, C.sub.4-6 alkyl, C.sub.4-5 alkyl, C.sub.5-10 alkyl, C.sub.5-9 alkyl, C.sub.5-8 alkyl, C.sub.5-7 alkyl, C.sub.5-6 alkyl, C.sub.6-10 alkyl, C.sub.6-9 alkyl, C.sub.6-8 alkyl, C.sub.6-7 alkyl, C.sub.7-10 alkyl, C.sub.7-9 alkyl, C.sub.7-8 alkyl, C.sub.8-10 alkyl, C.sub.8-9 alkyl and C.sub.9-10 alkyl are as defined above but contain different numbers of carbon atoms. The term C.sub.1-10 alkyl also encompasses C.sub.1-10 alkylene which is a bifunctional straight or branched fully saturated hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Example C.sub.1-10 alkylene groups include methylene, ethylene, n-propylene, n-butylene, n-heptylene, n-hexylene and n-octylene.

[0047] The term C.sub.2-10 alkenyl refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and at least one carbon-carbon double bond. The term encompasses, CHCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2, CHCHCH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2, CHCHCH.sub.2CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CHCHCH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2, CHCHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CHCHCH.sub.2CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CHCHCH.sub.3, CHCHCHCHCH.sub.3 and CH.sub.2CHCHCHCH.sub.2. Branched variants such as CH(CH.sub.3)CHCH.sub.2 and CHC(CH.sub.3).sub.2 are also included. Other alkenyl groups, for example C.sub.2-9 alkenyl, C.sub.2-8 alkenyl, C.sub.2-7 alkenyl, C.sub.2-6 alkenyl, C.sub.2-5 alkenyl, C.sub.2-4alkenyl, C.sub.2-3 alkenyl, C.sub.3-10 alkenyl, C.sub.3-9 alkenyl, C.sub.3-8 alkenyl, C.sub.3-7 alkenyl, C.sub.3-6 alkenyl, C.sub.3-5 alkenyl, C.sub.3-4 alkenyl, C.sub.4-10 alkenyl, C.sub.4-9 alkenyl, C.sub.4-8 alkenyl, C.sub.4-7 alkenyl, C.sub.4-6 alkenyl, C.sub.4-5 alkenyl, C.sub.5-10 alkenyl, C.sub.5-9 alkenyl, C.sub.5-8 alkenyl, C.sub.5-7 alkenyl, C.sub.5-6 alkenyl, C.sub.6-10 alkenyl, C.sub.8-9 alkenyl, C.sub.6-8 alkenyl, C.sub.6-7 alkenyl, C.sub.7-10 alkenyl, C.sub.7-9 alkenyl, C.sub.7-8 alkenyl, C.sub.8-10 alkenyl, C.sub.8-9 alkenyl and C.sub.9-10 alkenyl are as defined above but contain different numbers of carbon atoms. The term C.sub.2-10 alkenyl also encompasses C.sub.2-10 alkenylene which is a bifunctional straight or branched hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and at least one carbon-carbon double bond. Example C.sub.2-10 alkenylene groups include ethenylene, n-propenylene, n-butenylene, n-heptenylene, n-hexenylene and n-octenylene.

[0048] The term C.sub.2-10 alkynyl refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. The term encompasses, CCH, CH.sub.2CCH, CCCH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CCH, CCCH.sub.2CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CCCH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CCH, CCCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CCCH.sub.2CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CCCH.sub.3, CCCCCH.sub.3 and CH.sub.2CCCCH. Branched variants such as CH(CH.sub.3)CCH are also included. Other alkynyl groups, for example C.sub.2-9 alkynyl, C.sub.2-8 alkynyl, C.sub.2-7 alkynyl, C.sub.2-6 alkynyl, C.sub.2-5 alkynyl, C.sub.2-4 alkynyl, C.sub.2-3 alkynyl, C.sub.3-10 alkynyl, C.sub.3-9 alkynyl, C.sub.3-8 alkynyl, C.sub.3-7 alkynyl, C.sub.3-6 alkynyl, C.sub.3-5 alkynyl, C.sub.3-4alkynyl, C.sub.4-10 alkynyl, C.sub.4-9 alkynyl, C.sub.4-8 alkynyl, C.sub.4-7 alkynyl, C.sub.4-6 alkynyl, C.sub.4-5 alkynyl, C.sub.5-10 alkynyl, C.sub.5-9 alkynyl, C.sub.5-8 alkynyl, C.sub.5-7 alkynyl, C.sub.5-6 alkynyl, C.sub.6-10 alkynyl, C.sub.6-9 alkynyl, C.sub.6-8 alkynyl, C.sub.6-7 alkynyl, C.sub.7-10 alkynyl, C.sub.7-9 alkynyl, C.sub.7-8 alkynyl, C.sub.8-10 alkynyl, C.sub.8-9 alkynyl and C.sub.9-10 alkynyl are as defined above but contain different numbers of carbon atoms. The term C.sub.2-10 alkynyl also encompasses C.sub.2-10 alkynylene which is a bifunctional straight or branched hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. Example C.sub.2-10 alkynylene groups include ethynylene, n-propynylene, n-butynylene, n-heptynylene, n-hexynylene and n-octynylene.

[0049] The term C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl (e.g. C.sub.1-5 haloalkyl, C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, C.sub.1-3 haloalkyl, C.sub.1-2 haloalkyl or C.sub.1 haloalkyl) refers to a straight or a branched fully saturated hydrocarbon group containing the specified number of carbon atoms and at least one halogen atom, such as fluoro or chloro, especially fluoro. An example of haloalkyl is CF.sub.3. Further examples of haloalkyl are CHF.sub.2 and CH.sub.2CF.sub.3.

[0050] The term C.sub.3-10 cycloalkyl (such as C.sub.3-4 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3-5 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3-9 cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-5 cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-6 cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-7 cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-9 cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-10 cycloalkyl, C.sub.5-6 cycloalkyl, C.sub.5-7 cycloalkyl, C.sub.5-8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl, C.sub.5-10 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-7 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-9 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-10 cycloalkyl, C.sub.7-8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.7-9 cycloalkyl, C.sub.7-10 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3-9 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3-10 cycloalkyl and C.sub.9-10 cycloalkyl) refers to a fully saturated cyclic hydrocarbon group having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms. The term encompasses cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl as well as bridged systems such as bicyclo[1.1.1]pentyl.

[0051] The term 4-7 membered heterocyclic ring refers to a non-aromatic cyclic group having 4 to 7 ring atoms, at least one of which is a heteroatom selected from N, O, S and B. The term heterocyclic ring is interchangeable with heterocyclyl. The term encompasses pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, tetrahydropyranyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl. Other heterocyclyl groups, for example, 5-7 membered heterocyclyl, 6-7 membered heterocyclyl, 5-6 membered heterocyclyl, 4-6 membered heterocyclyl, 4 membered heterocyclyl, 5 membered heterocyclyl, 6 membered heterocyclyl and 7 membered heterocyclyl are as defined above but contain different numbers of ring atoms. Bicyclic heterocyclic compounds are also encompassed, such as the following:

##STR00006##

[0052] In some cases, heterocyclic rings may be substituted on one or more ring carbon atoms by oxo. Examples of rings of this type include pyridone and pyridazinone. However, it should be noted that although pyridone and pyridazinone are defined herein as a heterocyclic ring, any aromatic tautomers of pyridone and pyridazinone are also encompassed, as shown below:

##STR00007##

[0053] The term 5-10 membered heteroaryl refers to a cyclic group with aromatic character having 5-10 ring atoms, at least one of which is a heteroatom independently selected from N, O and S. The term encompasses pyrrolyl, furanyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyradizinyl and pyrazinyl. Bicyclic heteroaryl compounds are also encompassed such as furo[3,2-b]pyridinyl, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridinyl and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl. Where a heteroaryl group contains more than one ring, not all rings must contain a heteroatom, and not all rings must be aromatic in character. Other heteroaryl groups, for example, 5-9 membered heteroaryl, 5-8 membered heteroaryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-10 membered heteroaryl, 6-9 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaryl, 6-7 membered heteroaryl, 5 membered heteroaryl, 6 membered heteroaryl, 7 membered heteroaryl, 8 membered heteroaryl, 9 membered heteroaryl and 10 membered heteroaryl are as defined above but contain different numbers of ring atoms. Further examples of heteroaryl include indolyl, indazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzothiophenyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl and quinazolinyl.

[0054] The term hydroxy (which may also be referred to as hydroxyl) refers to an OH group.

[0055] The term C.sub.1-6 hydroxyalkyl (e.g. C.sub.1-5 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-4 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-3 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-2 hydroxyalkyl or C.sub.1 hydroxyalkyl) refers to a straight or a branched fully saturated hydrocarbon group containing the specified number of carbon atoms and at least one OH group. Examples include CH.sub.2C(H)OH, C(H)OHCH.sub.3, C(H)OH, CH.sub.2OH and CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH.

[0056] The term C.sub.1-6 amino alkyl (e.g. C.sub.1-5 aminoalkyl, C.sub.1-4 aminoalkyl, C.sub.1-3 aminoalkyl, C.sub.1-2 aminoalkyl or C.sub.1 aminoalkyl) refers to a straight or a branched fully saturated hydrocarbon group containing the specified number of carbon atoms and at least one NH.sub.2 group. Examples include CH(NH.sub.2)CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2NH.sub.2, C(H)NH.sub.2 and CH.sub.2CH.sub.2NH.sub.2.

[0057] The term C.sub.1-2 methoxyalkyl refers to a straight or a branched fully saturated hydrocarbon group containing the specified number of carbon atoms and at least one methoxy (OCH.sub.3) group, for example CH.sub.2OCH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.3 or C(H)(OCH.sub.3)CH.sub.3.

[0058] The term oxo refers to a O substituent, whereby an oxygen atom is doubly bonded to carbon (e.g. CO) or another element (e.g. SO, S(O).sub.2). The carbon or other element is suitably an atom of an alkyl, cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl group.

[0059] The term halo refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. Particular examples of halo are fluorine and bromine, especially fluorine.

[0060] Where substituents are indicated as being optionally substituted in formulae (I), (Ia) and (Ib) in the embodiments and preferences set out below, the optional substituent is attached to an available atom (e.g. carbon or nitrogen atom), which typically means an atom which is attached to a hydrogen atom e.g. for a carbon atom, a CH or CH.sub.2 group or for a nitrogen atom, an NH group. The optional substituent replaces the hydrogen atom attached to the atom e.g. the carbon atom or nitrogen atom.

[0061] In one embodiment, R.sup.A is C.sub.1-10 alkyl optionally substituted on an available carbon atom by one or more R.sup.1A. Suitably, R.sup.A is C.sub.1-5 alkyl, for example methyl, ethyl or n-propyl, and in particular is methyl or ethyl, especially methyl. In alternative suitable compounds, R.sup.A is C.sub.1-5 alkyl, for example methyl, ethyl or n-propyl substituted by one or more R.sup.1A, as defined below. For example, R.sup.A is C.sub.1-5 alkyl substituted by OC.sub.1-4 alkyl, such as methoxy. In one embodiment, R.sup.A is methoxyethyl.

[0062] In some embodiments, R.sup.A is C.sub.3-10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted on an available carbon atom by one or more R.sup.1A. Suitably, R.sup.A is C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl, for example cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl or cyclopentyl, and in particular is cyclopropyl.

[0063] In some embodiments, R.sup.A is phenyl optionally substituted on an available carbon atom by one or more RIA.

[0064] In some embodiments R.sup.A is unsubstituted phenyl.

[0065] In some embodiments R.sup.A is phenyl substituted by one or more R.sup.1A, where each R.sup.1A is independently as defined above. For example, in one embodiment R.sup.A is phenyl substituted by OC.sub.1-6 alkyl, e.g. 4-methoxyphenyl.

[0066] In some embodiments, R.sup.A is 5-10 membered heteroaryl, and is optionally substituted on an available atom (e.g. a carbon or nitrogen atom) by one or more R.sup.1A. Suitably, R.sup.A is selected from the group consisting of pyrrolyl, furanyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyradizinyl, pyrazinyl, furo[3,2-b]pyridinyl, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridinyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl, indolyl, indazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzothiophenyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl and quinazolinyl, and in particular is thiazolyl. In one embodiment, R.sup.A is thiazolyl substituted by R.sup.1A, wherein R.sup.1A is methyl.

[0067] In some embodiments, R.sup.A is C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.3-10 cycloalkyl, phenyl or 5-10 membered heteroaryl, and is optionally substituted on an available atom (e.g. a carbon or nitrogen atom) by one or more R.sup.1A. In one embodiment, R.sup.A is C.sub.1-5 alkyl, C.sub.3-5 cycloalkyl, phenyl or 5-10 membered heteroaryl, and is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more R.sup.1A.

[0068] In some embodiments, R.sup.A is unsubstituted. In another embodiment, R.sup.A is substituted by one or more (such as one, two or three e.g. one) R.sup.1A. Suitably, R.sup.1A is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, hydroxy, OC.sub.1-6 alkyl, OC.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, cyano and NR.sup.2AR.sup.3A; and in particular is independently selected from halo, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, hydroxy, OC.sub.1-4 alkyl, OC.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, cyano and NR.sup.2AR.sup.3A; e.g. independently selected from F, Cl, methyl, ethyl, C.sub.1-2 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-2 haloalkyl, hydroxy, OC.sub.1-2 alkyl, OC.sub.1-2 haloalkyl and NH.sub.2. In one embodiment, R.sup.1A is independently selected from methyl and OCH.sub.3.

[0069] In some embodiments, when R.sup.A is C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.2-10 alkenyl or C.sub.2-10 alkynyl, R.sup.A is optionally substituted on an available carbon atom by one or more R.sup.1A, wherein each R.sup.1A is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, OC.sub.1-6 alkyl, OC.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, cyano, NR.sup.2AR.sup.3A, CO.sub.2H, CONR.sup.2AR.sup.3A and C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl; and when R.sup.A is C.sub.3-10 cycloalkyl, phenyl or 5-10 membered heteroaryl, R.sup.1A is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, hydroxy, OC.sub.1-6 alkyl, OC.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, cyano, NR.sup.2AR.sup.3A, CO.sub.2H, COR.sup.2AR.sup.3A and C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl.

[0070] In some embodiments, R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A are independently selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-6 alkyl, e.g. C.sub.1-4 alkyl. Suitably, R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A are independently selected from the group consisting of H, methyl and ethyl. In one embodiment, R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A are both H. In one embodiment, R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A are both methyl.

[0071] In some embodiments, R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring which is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more groups selected from C.sub.1-2 alkyl and oxo. In one embodiment, R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form a 5 membered heterocyclic ring which is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more groups selected from C.sub.12 alkyl and oxo. In one embodiment, R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form a 6 membered heterocyclic ring which is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more groups selected from C.sub.1-2 alkyl and oxo. In one embodiment, R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form a 7 membered heterocyclic ring which is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more groups selected from C.sub.1-2 alkyl and oxo. In one embodiment, R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form pyrrolidin-1-yl, piperidin-1-yl, morpholin-4-yl, thiomorpholin-4-yl, 1-oxo-thiomorpholin-4-yl, 1,1-dioxo-thiomorpholin-4-yl, 1,4-piperazin-1-yl or N-methyl-1,4-piperazin-1-yl. In one embodiment, R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form pyrrolidin-1-yl or piperidin-1-yl. In one embodiment, R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form pyrrolidin-1-yl. In one embodiment, R.sup.2A and R.sup.3A together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form piperidin-1-yl.

[0072] In some embodiments, R.sup.B is phenyl optionally substituted on an available carbon atom by one or more RB.

[0073] In some embodiments, R.sup.B is phenyl fused to a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring, and is optionally substituted on an available atom (e.g. a carbon or nitrogen atom) by one or more R.sup.1B. Suitably, R.sup.B is phenyl fused to a 5-6 membered heterocyclic ring, for example R.sup.B is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl, indolinyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolinyl, benzo-1,4-dioxanyl, 1,3-benzodiazole and 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine; and in particular is 2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl, benzo-1,4-dioxanyl or 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine.

[0074] In some embodiments, R.sup.B is 5-10 membered heteroaryl optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more R.sup.1B. Suitably, R.sup.B is selected from the group consisting of pyrrolyl, furanyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyradizinyl, pyrazinyl, furo[3,2-b]pyridinyl, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridinyl, pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridinyl, pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridinyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl, thieno[3,2-c]pyridinyl, indolyl, indazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzothiophenyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl and quinazolinyl, and in particular is selected from the group consisting of furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl and pyrimidinyl. In one embodiment, R.sup.B is selected from the group consisting of furanyl, thienyl, pyrazolyl and pyridinyl.

[0075] In some embodiments, R.sup.B is 4-7 membered heterocyclyl (such as 5-7 membered heterocyclyl) optionally substituted on an available atom (e.g. a carbon or nitrogen atom) by one or more R.sup.1B. Suitably, R.sup.B is selected from the group consisting of pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, tetrahydropyranyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, pyridone and pyridazinone.

[0076] In some embodiments, R.sup.B is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, phenyl fused to a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring, pyrrolyl, furanyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyradizinyl, pyrazinyl, furo[3,2-b]pyridinyl, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridinyl, pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridinyl, pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridinyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl, thieno[3,2-c]pyridinyl, indolyl, indazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzothiophenyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinazolinyl, dihydrobenzofuranyl, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, tetrahydropyranyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, pyridone and pyridazinone; and is optionally substituted on an available atom (e.g. a carbon or nitrogen atom) by one or more RB.

[0077] In some embodiments, R.sup.B is unsubstituted. In another embodiment, RB is substituted by one or more (such as one, two or three e.g. one) R.sup.1B. Suitably, each R.sup.1B is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-6 aminoalkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, hydroxy, OC.sub.1_alkyl, OC.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, cyano, NR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, C(O)OH, CONR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, S(O).sub.2NR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, S(O).sub.2C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl and oxo; and in particular is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-4 aminoalkyl, C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, hydroxy, OC.sub.1-4 alkyl, OC.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, cyano, NR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, C(O)OH, CONR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, S(O).sub.2NR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, S(O).sub.2C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.3-5 cycloalkyl and oxo; e.g. independently selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, methyl, ethyl, C.sub.1-2 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-2 aminoalkyl, C.sub.1-2 haloalkyl, hydroxy, OC.sub.1-2 alkyl, OC.sub.1-2 haloalkyl, cyano, NR.sup.2BR3B, C(O)OH, CONR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, S(O).sub.2NR.sup.2BR.sup.3B, S(O).sub.2C.sub.1-2 alkyl, C.sub.3-4 cycloalkyl and oxo. In one embodiment, R.sup.1B is independently selected from the group consisting of F, methyl, C.sub.1-2 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-2 aminoalkyl, hydroxy, OCH.sub.3, cyano, NH.sub.2, C(O)OH, CONH.sub.2, S(O).sub.2NH.sub.2, S(O).sub.2CH.sub.3, cyclopropyl and oxo.

[0078] In some embodiments, R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B are independently selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-6 alkyl e.g. C.sub.1-4 alkyl. Suitably, R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B are independently selected from the group consisting of H, methyl and ethyl. In one embodiment, R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B are both H. In one embodiment, R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B are both methyl.

[0079] In some embodiments, R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring which is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more groups selected from C.sub.1-2 alkyl and oxo. In one embodiment, R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form a 5 membered heterocyclic ring which is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more groups selected from C.sub.1-2 alkyl and oxo. In some embodiments, R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form a 6 membered heterocyclic ring which is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more groups selected from C.sub.1-2 alkyl and oxo. In some embodiments, R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form a 7 membered heterocyclic ring which is optionally substituted on an available atom by one or more groups selected from C.sub.1-2 alkyl and oxo. In one embodiment, R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form pyrrolidin-1-yl, piperidin-1-yl, morpholin-4-yl, thiomorpholin-4-yl, 1-oxo-thiomorpholin-4-yl, 1,1-dioxo-thiomorpholin-4-yl, 1,4-piperazin-1-yl or N-methyl-1,4-piperazin-1-yl. In one embodiment, R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form pyrrolidin-1-yl or piperidin-1-yl. In some embodiments, R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form pyrrolidin-1-yl. In one embodiment, R.sup.2B and R.sup.3B together with the N atom to which they are attached combine to form piperidin-1-yl.

[0080] In some embodiments, R.sup.C is methyl or ethyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.C is H. Suitably, R.sup.C is methyl.

[0081] In some embodiments, R.sup.D is H, methyl, ethyl, CH.sub.2OH or CH.sub.2OCH.sub.3, in particular H, CH.sub.2OH or CH.sub.2OCH.sub.3. In some embodiments, R.sup.D is H.

[0082] In some embodiments, X is CO, S(O).sub.2, CH.sub.2S(O).sub.1-2, S(O)(=NH) or NHS(O).sub.2. In some embodiments, X is CO, S(O).sub.1-2, CH.sub.2S(O).sub.1-2 or NHS(O).sub.2. In some embodiments, X is CO, S(O).sub.2, CH.sub.2S(O).sub.2 or NHS(O).sub.2, more suitably X is CO, S(O).sub.2 or NHS(O).sub.2, especially CO or S(O).sub.2. In some embodiments, X is CO. In some embodiments, X is S(O).

[0083] In some embodiments, X is S(O).sub.2. In some embodiments, X is CH.sub.2S(O). In some embodiments, X is CH.sub.2S(O).sub.2. In some embodiments, X is S(O)(=NH). In some embodiments, X is NHS(O).sub.2.

[0084] It should be noted that when X is CH.sub.2S(O).sub.1-2 or NHS(O).sub.2 it is intended that the left hand group as drawn is directly bonded to group R.sup.A and the right hand group as drawn is directly bonded to the tricyclic core structure as shown below for CH.sub.2S(O).sub.2:

##STR00008##

[0085] In one embodiment, n is 2 and m is 0. In another embodiment, n is 1 and m is 1. In another embodiment, n is 0 and m is 2. In all of these embodiments, n+m is 2 and the left hand ring of the tricyclic core is pyrrolidine.

[0086] In one embodiment, n is 3 and m is 0. In another embodiment, n is 2 and m is 1. In another embodiment, n is 1 and m is 2. In another embodiment, n is 0 and m is 3. In all of these embodiments, n+m is 3 and the left hand ring of the tricyclic core is piperidine.

[0087] In one embodiment, n is 4 and m is 0. In another embodiment, n is 3 and m is 1. In another embodiment, n is 2 and m is 2. In another embodiment, n is 1 and m is 3. In another embodiment, n is 0 and m is 4. In all of these embodiments, n+m is 4 and the left hand ring of the tricyclic core is homopiperidine.

[0088] In one embodiment, n is 2 and m is 1 and the compound of formula (Ia) is a compound of formula (IaA) as follows:

##STR00009##

[0089] In one embodiment, n is 3 and m is 1 and the compound of formula (Ia) is a compound of formula (IaB) as follows:

##STR00010##

[0090] In one embodiment, n is 2 and m is 1, or n is 3 and m is 1.

[0091] In one embodiment, n is 3 and m is 0 and the compound of formula (Ia) is a compound of formula (IaC) as follows:

##STR00011##

[0092] In one embodiment, n is 1 and m is 2 and the compound of formula (Ia) is a compound of formula (IaD) as follows:

##STR00012##

[0093] In one embodiment, n is 0 and m is 3 and the compound of formula (Ia) is a compound of formula (IaE) as follows:

##STR00013##

[0094] In one embodiment, n is 4 and m is 0 and the compound of formula (Ia) is a compound of formula (IaF) as follows:

##STR00014##

[0095] In one embodiment, n is 2 and m is 2 and the compound of formula (Ia) is a compound of formula (IaG) as follows:

##STR00015##

[0096] In one embodiment, n is 1 and m is 3 and the compound of formula (Ia) is a compound of formula (IaH) as follows:

##STR00016##

[0097] In one embodiment, n is 0 and m is 4 and the compound of formula (Ia) is a compound of formula (IaJ) as follows:

##STR00017##

[0098] In one embodiment, n is 0 and m is 2 and the compound of formula (Ia) is a compound of formula (IaK) as follows:

##STR00018##

[0099] In one embodiment, n is 1 and m is 1 and the compound of formula (Ia) is a compound of formula (IaL) as follows:

##STR00019##

[0100] In one embodiment, n is 2 and m is 0 and the compound of formula (Ia) is a compound of formula (IaM) as follows:

##STR00020##

[0101] Compounds of formula (IaA) are particularly suitable.

[0102] In one embodiment, the molecular weight of the compound of formula (Ia) is 300 Da-550 Da, e.g. 350 Da-480 Da.

[0103] In one embodiment there is provided a compound of formula (Ia), which is: [0104] 3-((2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0105] 3-((6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0106] 3-(3-(1-hydroxyethyl)benzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0107] 3-((1H-pyrazol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0108] 3-(2-fluoro-3-methoxybenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0109] 3-(2,6-difluoro-4-methoxybenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0110] 3-(3-aminobenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0111] 7-acetyl-3-(3-aminobenzyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0112] 3-(3-aminobenzyl)-7-(cyclopropylsulfonyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0113] 3-(3-aminobenzyl)-5-methyl-7-((2-methylthiazol-5-yl)sulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0114] 3-(3-aminobenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; and [0115] 3-((1H-pyrazol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0116] 3-((2-(hydroxymethyl)thiophen-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0117] 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide; [0118] 3-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0119] 3-(benzofuran-3-ylmethyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0120] 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide; [0121] 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl) benzenesulfonamide; [0122] 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3-((6-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0123] 3-((1H-indazol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0124] 3-(2-fluoro-4-methoxybenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0125] 3-((7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide; [0126] 3-((2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)methyl)-7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0127] 3-((2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0128] 3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-6-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0129] (S)-3-(3-(1-aminoethyl)benzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0130] 7-((2-methoxyethyl)sulfonyl)-3-((6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0131] N-(2-methoxyethyl)-3-((6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4,5,6,8,9-hexahydro-7H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7-sulfonamide; [0132] 3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-7-((2-methoxyethyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4(5H)-one; [0133] (3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-N-ethyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-5,6,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7(4H)-sulfonamide; [0134] 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3-(3-(methylsulfonyl)benzyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one: [0135] 3-((1H-indazol-4-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0136] 3-(3-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)benzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0137] 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3-(thieno[3,2-c]pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0138] 3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0139] 3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0140] 3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0141] 3-((5-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4(5H)-one; [0142] 3-((6-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4(5H)-one;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate of any one thereof.

[0143] In one embodiment is provided a compound selected from: [0144] 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0145] tert-butyl (3-((5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)carbamate; and [0146] 5-methyl-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0147] methyl 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)thiophene-2-carboxylate; [0148] 7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one; [0149] benzyl 5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4,5,6,8,9-hexahydro-7H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7-carboxylate; [0150] 3-((6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one;
or a salt and/or solvate thereof.

[0151] Compounds of formula (Ia) may be synthesised as shown in the schemes below and as shown in the Example section. Where appropriate, the routes may also be used for compounds of formulae (I) and (Ib).

##STR00021##

wherein R.sup.A, R.sup.B, R.sup.C, R.sup.D, X, m and n are defined elsewhere herein and LG.sup.1 is a leaving group such as halo (e.g. chloro, bromo or iodo), OMs or OTs. A compound of formula (IIa) may be reacted with a compound of formula (IIIa) in the presence of a base, such as Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3, K.sub.2CO.sub.3 or NaH, to provide a compound of formula (Ia).

##STR00022##

wherein R.sup.A, R.sup.B, R.sup.C, R.sup.D, X, m and n are defined elsewhere herein and LG.sup.2 is a leaving group such as halo (e.g. chloro, bromo or iodo), OMs or OTs. A compound of formula (IVa) may be reacted with a compound of formula (Va) in the presence of a base, such as Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3, K.sub.2CO.sub.3 or NaH, to provide a compound of formula (Ia).

##STR00023##

wherein R.sup.A, X, R.sup.C, m and n are defined elsewhere herein, R.sup.10 is C.sub.1-6 alkyl, for example ethyl, LG.sup.2 is as defined for Scheme 2, LG.sup.4 is a leaving group such as halo (e.g. chloro, bromo or iodo), mesylate or triflate, and PG.sup.1 is a nitrogen protecting group such as those discussed below and, in particular, butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) or benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz).

[0152] Protected compounds of formula (XIVa) may be prepared by known methods, for example as described in step 1 of the synthesis of Intermediate 1 below.

[0153] Step 1: a compound of formula (XIVa) may be reacted with a compound of formula (XVa) in the presence of a weak base such as potassium carbonate and in a solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) to give a product of formula (XIIIa). The reaction may be conducted at a temperature of about 15 to 25 C., for example at room temperature.

[0154] Step 2: The compound of formula (XIIIa) is deprotected using a suitable method to give a compound of formula (XIIa). The deprotection method used will depend on the protecting group.

[0155] For example, when PG.sup.1 is Boc, deprotection may be achieved by treatment with an acid such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) at a temperature of about 15 to 25 C., for example at room temperature.

[0156] Some compounds of formula (XIIa) are also commercially available.

[0157] Step 3: the compound of formula (XIIa) is reacted with a compound of formula (Va) to give a product of formula (XIa). The reaction may be carried out under basic conditions, for example in the presence of diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) in a polar organic solvent such as dichloromethane and a temperature of about 15 to 25 C., for example at room temperature.

[0158] Step 4: N-methyl-N-phenylformamide is treated with POCl.sub.3 and the product is reacted with the compound of formula (XIa) to produce a compound of formula (Xa). Alternatively, POCl.sub.3 may be added to the compound of formula (XIa) at reduced temperature, for example about 5 to 5 C., and the product reacted with N-methyl-N-phenylformamide. The initial reaction with POCl.sub.3 is suitably conducted at reduced temperature, for example about 5 to 5 C.

[0159] Step 5: the compound of formula (Xa) is reacted with hydrazine hydrate to give the product of formula (IIa). The reaction is suitably carried out at elevated temperature, for example about 110 to 130 C.

##STR00024##

wherein R.sup.B, R.sup.C, R.sup.D, m and n are defined elsewhere herein, R.sup.10 is as defined for Scheme 3, LG.sup.1 is as defined for Scheme 1.

[0160] The compound of formula (XIIa) may be prepared as described above in Scheme 3, Steps 1 and 2.

[0161] Step 1: N-methyl-N-phenylformamide is treated with POCl.sub.3 and the product is reacted with the compound of formula (XIIa) to produce a compound of formula (XXIa). The reaction of N-methyl-N-phenylformamide with POCl.sub.3 is suitably conducted at reduced temperature, for example about 5 to 5 C. and the reaction with the compound of formula (XIIa) is suitably carried out at elevated temperature, for example about 70 to 90 C. in an organic solvent such as dichloroethane.

[0162] Step 2: the compound of formula (XXIa) is reacted with hydrazine hydrate to give the product of formula (XXa). The reaction is carried out at elevated temperature, for example about 90 to 131 C.

[0163] Step 3: the compound of formula (XXa) is reacted with a compound of formula (IIIa) in the presence of a base, such as Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3, K.sub.2CO.sub.3 or NaH, to provide a compound of formula (IVa).

[0164] The skilled person will appreciate that protecting groups may be used throughout the synthetic schemes described herein to give protected derivatives of any of the above compounds or generic formulae. For example, compounds of formulae (IVa), (XIIa), (XXa) and (XXIa) may comprise a protecting group on the nitrogen atom of the ring containing (CH.sub.2).sub.m and (CH.sub.2).sub.n as shown for the compound of formula (XIIIa). When the group R.sup.B comprises a nitrogen atom in an amine group or a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring, this nitrogen atom may also be protected with a suitable nitrogen protecting group. Suitably, in this case, the protecting groups will be different and will be removable by different methods to ensure that the XR.sup.A substituent is reacted with the nitrogen atom in the desired position. This is illustrated in Example 30 below.

[0165] Protective groups and the means for their removal are described in Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, by Theodora W. Greene and Peter G. M. Wuts, published by John Wiley & Sons Inc; 4th Rev Ed., 2006, ISBN-10: 0471697540. Examples of nitrogen protecting groups include trityl (Tr), tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc), 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc), benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz), acetyl (Ac), benzyl (Bn) tetrahydropyranyl (THP) and para-methoxy benzyl (PMB). Examples of oxygen protecting groups include acetyl (Ac), methoxymethyl (MOM), para-methoxybenzyl (PMB), benzyl, tert-butyl, methyl, ethyl, tetrahydropyranyl (THP), and silyl ethers and esters (such as trimethylsilyl (TMS), tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS), tri-iso-propylsilyloxymethyl (TOM), and triisopropylsilyl (TIPS) ethers and esters). Specific examples of carboxylic acid protecting groups include alkyl esters (such as C.sub.1-6 alkyl e.g. C.sub.1-4 alkyl esters), benzyl esters and silyl esters.

[0166] In some cases, the process for preparing compounds of formula (Ia) may comprise additional steps. For example, where the group R.sup.B is substituted by R.sup.1B, where R.sup.1B is C(O)OH, this may be obtained by hydrolysis of an analogue of a compound of formula (Ia) in which R.sup.1B is replaced by an alkyl ester. Furthermore, a compound of formula (Ia) in which R.sup.1B is C(O)OH or an analogue thereof in which R.sup.1B is replaced by an alkyl ester may be converted to a compound of formula (Ia) in which RIB is CH.sub.2OH by reduction, for example using a hydride reducing agent such as lithium borohydride as described in Example 13. A compound of formula (Ia) in which R.sup.1B is C(O)OH may also be converted to a compound of formula (Ia) in which R.sup.1B is C(O)NH.sub.2 by reaction with ammonium chloride in the presence of a coupling agent such as 1-[Bis(dimethylamino)methylene]-1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-b]pyridinium 3-oxide hexafluorophosphate (HATU) and a base such as triethylamine in a solvent such as DMF as described in Example 22. A compound of formula (Ia) in which R.sup.B is substituted with CH.sub.2OH on an available nitrogen atom may be converted to a compound of formula (Ia) in which R.sup.B is unsubstituted by reaction with aqueous ammonia as illustrated in Example 25. Similar reactions may be used to interconvert substituents R.sup.1A on R.sup.A.

[0167] In one embodiment, there is provided a process for preparing a compound of formula (Ia), or a salt, such as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, thereof, which comprises reacting a compound of formula (IIa):

##STR00025##

or a salt thereof;
with a compound of formula (IIIa):

##STR00026##

wherein R.sup.A, R.sup.B, R.sup.C, R.sup.D, X, m and n are defined elsewhere herein and LG.sup.1 is a leaving group such as halo (e.g. chloro, bromo or iodo), OMs or OTs.

[0168] In one embodiment, there is provided a process for preparing a compound of formula (Ia), or a salt, such as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, thereof, which comprises reacting a compound of formula (IVa):

##STR00027##

or a salt thereof;
with a compound of formula (Va):

##STR00028##

wherein R.sup.A, R.sup.B, R.sup.C, R.sup.D, X, m and n are defined elsewhere herein and LG.sup.2 is a leaving group such as halo (e.g. chloro, bromo or iodo), OMs or OTs.

[0169] In one embodiment, there is provided a compound of formula (IIa):

##STR00029##

or a salt thereof:
wherein R.sup.A, R.sup.C, X, m and n are defined elsewhere herein.

[0170] In another embodiment, there is provided a compound of formula (IVa):

##STR00030##

or a salt thereof;
wherein R.sup.B, R.sup.C, R.sup.D, m and n are defined elsewhere herein.

[0171] It will be appreciated that for use in therapy the salts of the compounds of formula (Ia) should be pharmaceutically acceptable. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include acid addition salts, suitably salts of compounds of the invention comprising a basic group such as an amino group, formed with inorganic acids, e.g., hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid or phosphoric acid. Also included are salts formed with organic acids, e.g., succinic acid, maleic acid, acetic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, benzoic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, naphthalenesulfonic acid and 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonic acid. Other salts, e.g., oxalates or formates, may be used, for example in the isolation of compounds of formula (Ia) and are included within the scope of this invention, as are basic addition salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium, aluminium, zinc, magnesium and other metal salts.

[0172] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts may also be formed with organic bases such as basic amines, e.g., with ammonia, meglumine, tromethamine, piperazine, arginine, choline, diethylamine, benzathine or lysine. Thus, in one embodiment there is provided a compound of formula (Ia) in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. Alternatively, there is provided a compound of formula (Ia) in the form of a free acid. When the compound contains a basic group as well as the free acid it may be zwitterionic.

[0173] Suitably, the compound of formula (Ia) is not a salt, e.g., is not a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

[0174] Suitably, where the compound of formula (Ia) is in the form of a salt, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is an acid addition salt such as an ammonium salt (e.g. formed with an inorganic acid such as HCl).

[0175] The compounds of formula (Ia) may be prepared in crystalline or non-crystalline form and, if crystalline, may optionally be solvated, e.g., as the hydrate. This invention includes within its scope stoichiometric solvates (e.g., hydrates) as well as compounds containing variable amounts of solvent (e.g., water). Suitably, the compound of formula (Ia) is not a solvate.

[0176] The invention extends to a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, such as a pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug of compounds of formula (Ia). Typical prodrugs of compounds of formula (Ia) which comprise a carboxylic acid include ester (e.g. C.sub.1-6 alkyl e.g. C.sub.1-4 alkyl ester) derivatives thereof. Thus, in one embodiment, the compound of formula (Ia) is provided as a pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug. In another embodiment, the compound of formula (Ia) is not provided as a pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug.

[0177] It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses all isomers of compounds of formula (Ia) including all geometric, tautomeric and optical forms, and mixtures thereof (e.g. racemic mixtures). In particular, the invention extends to all tautomeric forms of the compounds of formula (Ia). Where additional chiral centres are present in compounds of formula (Ia), the present invention includes within its scope all possible diastereoisomers, including mixtures thereof. The different isomeric forms may be separated or resolved one from the other by conventional methods, or any given isomer may be obtained by conventional synthetic methods or by stereospecific or asymmetric syntheses.

[0178] The present invention also includes all isotopic forms of the compounds provided herein, whether in a form (i) wherein all atoms of a given atomic number have a mass number (or mixture of mass numbers) which predominates in nature (referred to herein as the natural isotopic form) or (ii) wherein one or more atoms are replaced by atoms having the same atomic number, but a mass number different from the mass number of atoms which predominates in nature (referred to herein as an unnatural variant isotopic form). It is understood that an atom may naturally exist as a mixture of mass numbers. The term unnatural variant isotopic form also includes embodiments in which the proportion of an atom of given atomic number having a mass number found less commonly in nature (referred to herein as an uncommon isotope) has been increased relative to that which is naturally occurring e.g. to the level of >20%, >50%, >75%, >90%, >95% or >99% by number of the atoms of that atomic number (the latter embodiment referred to as an isotopically enriched variant form). The term unnatural variant isotopic form also includes embodiments in which the proportion of an uncommon isotope has been reduced relative to that which is naturally occurring. Isotopic forms may include radioactive forms (i.e. they incorporate radioisotopes) and non-radioactive forms. Radioactive forms will typically be isotopically enriched variant forms.

[0179] An unnatural variant isotopic form of a compound may thus contain one or more artificial or uncommon isotopes such as deuterium (.sup.2H or D), carbon-11 (.sup.11C), carbon-13 (.sup.13C), carbon-14 (.sup.14C), nitrogen-13 (.sup.13N), nitrogen-15 (.sup.15N), oxygen-15 (.sup.15O), oxygen-17 (.sup.17O), oxygen-18 (.sup.18O), phosphorus-32 (.sup.32P), sulphur-35 (.sup.35S), chlorine-36 (.sup.36Cl), chlorine-37 (.sup.37Cl), fluorine-18 (.sup.18F) iodine-123 (.sup.123I), iodine-125 (.sup.125I) in one or more atoms or may contain an increased proportion of said isotopes as compared with the proportion that predominates in nature in one or more atoms.

[0180] Unnatural variant isotopic forms comprising radioisotopes may, for example, be used for drug and/or substrate tissue distribution studies. The radioactive isotopes tritium, i.e. .sup.3H, and carbon-14, i.e. .sup.14C, are particularly useful for this purpose in view of their ease of incorporation and ready means of detection. Unnatural variant isotopic forms which incorporate deuterium i.e. .sup.2H or D may afford certain therapeutic advantages resulting from greater metabolic stability, for example, increased in vivo half-life or reduced dosage requirements, and hence may be preferred in some circumstances. Further, unnatural variant isotopic forms may be prepared which incorporate positron emitting isotopes, such as .sup.11C, .sup.18F, .sup.15O and .sup.13N, and would be useful in positron emission topography (PET) studies for examining substrate receptor occupancy.

[0181] In one embodiment, the compounds of formula (Ia) are provided in a natural isotopic form. In one embodiment, the compounds of formula (Ia) are provided in an unnatural variant isotopic form. In a specific embodiment, the unnatural variant isotopic form is a form in which deuterium (i.e. .sup.2H or D) is incorporated where hydrogen is specified in the chemical structure in one or more atoms of a compound of formula (Ia). In one embodiment, the atoms of the compounds of formula (Ia) are in an isotopic form which is not radioactive. In one embodiment, one or more atoms of the compounds of formula (Ia) are in an isotopic form which is radioactive. Suitably radioactive isotopes are stable isotopes. Suitably the unnatural variant isotopic form is a pharmaceutically acceptable form.

[0182] In one embodiment, a compound of formula (Ia) is provided whereby a single atom of the compound exists in an unnatural variant isotopic form. In another embodiment, a compound of formula (Ia) is provided whereby two or more atoms exist in an unnatural variant isotopic form.

[0183] Unnatural isotopic variant forms can generally be prepared by conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art or by processes described herein e.g. processes analogous to those described in the accompanying Examples for preparing natural isotopic forms. Thus, unnatural isotopic variant forms could be prepared by using appropriate isotopically variant (or labelled) reagents in place of the normal reagents employed in the Examples. Since the compounds of formula (Ia) are intended for use in pharmaceutical compositions it will readily be understood that they are each preferably provided in substantially pure form, for example at least 60% pure, more suitably at least 75% pure and preferably at least 85%, especially at least 98% pure (% are on a weight for weight basis). Impure preparations of the compounds may be used for preparing the purer forms used in the pharmaceutical compositions.

Therapeutic Indications

[0184] Compounds of formula (Ia) are of use in therapy, particularly for treating or preventing an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder. As shown in Biological Examples 1 and 2 below, Example compounds of formula (Ia) exhibited suitable levels of in vitro potency for PKM2 and PKLR (using TEPP-46 as comparator), and as shown in Biological Example 3 below, the compounds of formula (Ia) also exhibited an in vitro anti-proliferative effect. As shown in Biological Example 4, all compounds exhibited significantly improved solubility compared to TEPP-46. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the present inventors' believe that the improvement in solubility (compared e.g. to compounds with similar molecular weight and/or Log D such as TEPP-46) while maintaining suitable PK (in particular PKM2 and/or PKLR) potency derives from the nature of the partially saturated, Sp3-rich tricyclic core. As such, compounds of formula (Ia) are expected to be suitable the treatment of diseases associated with PK, in particular PKM2 and PKLR activity.

[0185] Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use as a medicament. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein. Such a pharmaceutical composition suitably contains the compound of formula (Ia) and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable diluents or carriers.

[0186] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing, e.g. treating, a disease, disorder or condition associated with the function of PK, in particular PKM2 and/or PKLR. In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a disease, disorder or condition associated with the function of PK, in particular PKM2 and/or PKLR. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating or preventing a disease, disorder or condition associated with the function of PK, in particular PKM2 and/or PKLR, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0187] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing a symptom associated with a disease, disorder or condition associated with the function of PK, in particular PKM2 and/or PKLR. In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a symptom associated with a disease, disorder or condition associated with the function of PK, in particular PKM2 and/or PKLR. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating or preventing a symptom associated with a disease, disorder or condition associated with the function of PK, in particular PKM2 and/or PKLR, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0188] In one embodiment, a compound of formula (Ia) is a modulator of PKM2. In another embodiment, a compound of formula (Ia) is an activator of PKM2. In one embodiment, a compound of formula (Ia) is a modulator of PKLR. In another embodiment, a compound of formula (Ia) is an activator of PKLR. A compound is an activator of PK (e.g. PKM2 and/or PKLR) if it increases the activity of the enzyme, which can be quantified by, for example, determining the concentration of ATP generated in a suitable assay (such as Biological Example 1 for PKM2 and Biological Example 2 for PKLR).

[0189] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder. In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating or preventing an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0190] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing a symptom associated with an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder. In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a symptom associated with an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating or preventing a symptom associated with an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0191] For all aspects of the invention, suitably the compound is administered to a subject in need thereof, wherein the subject is suitably a human subject.

[0192] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0193] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating a symptom associated with an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a symptom associated with an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating a symptom associated with an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0194] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in preventing an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of preventing an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0195] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in preventing a symptom associated with an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing a symptom associated with an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of preventing a symptom associated with an inflammatory disease, a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, cancer, obesity, a diabetic disease or a blood disorder, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0196] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing an inflammatory disease. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing an inflammatory disease. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating or preventing an inflammatory disease, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0197] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing a symptom associated with an inflammatory disease. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a symptom associated with an inflammatory disease. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating or preventing a symptom associated with an inflammatory disease, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0198] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing inflammation associated with an inflammatory disease. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing inflammation associated with an inflammatory disease. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating or preventing inflammation associated with an inflammatory disease, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0199] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing a disease associated with an undesirable immune response. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a disease associated with an undesirable immune response. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating or preventing a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0200] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing a symptom associated with a disease associated with an undesirable immune response. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a symptom associated with a disease associated with an undesirable immune response. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating or preventing a symptom associated with a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0201] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing inflammation associated with a disease associated with an undesirable immune response. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing inflammation associated with a disease associated with an undesirable immune response. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating or preventing inflammation associated with a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0202] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing cancer. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing cancer. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating or preventing cancer, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0203] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing a symptom associated with cancer. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a symptom associated with cancer. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating or preventing a symptom associated with cancer, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0204] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing obesity. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing obesity. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating or preventing obesity, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0205] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing a symptom associated with obesity. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a symptom associated with obesity. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating or preventing a symptom associated with obesity, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0206] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing a diabetic disease. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a diabetic disease. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating or preventing a diabetic disease, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0207] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing a symptom associated with a diabetic disease. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a symptom associated with a diabetic disease. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating or preventing a symptom associated with a diabetic disease, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0208] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing a blood disorder. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a blood disorder. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating or preventing a blood disorder, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0209] In one embodiment is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, for use in treating or preventing a symptom associated with a blood disorder. In one embodiment of the invention is provided the use of a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a symptom associated with a blood disorder. In one embodiment of the invention is provided a method of treating or preventing a symptom associated with a blood disorder, which comprises administering a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof as defined herein.

[0210] An undesirable immune response will typically be an immune response which gives rise to a pathology i.e. is a pathological immune response or reaction.

[0211] In one embodiment, the inflammatory disease or disease associated with an undesirable immune response is an auto-immune disease.

[0212] In one embodiment, the inflammatory disease or disease associated with an undesirable immune response is, or is associated with, a disease selected from the group consisting of: psoriasis (including chronic plaque, erythrodermic, pustular, guttate, inverse and nail variants), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), heart failure (including left ventricular failure), myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, other atherosclerosis and/or atherothrombosis-related disorders (including peripheral vascular disease and ischaemic stroke), a mitochondrial and neurodegenerative disease (such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, retinitis pigmentosa or mitochondrial encephalomyopathy), autoimmune paraneoplastic retinopathy, transplantation rejection (including antibody-mediated and T cell-mediated forms), multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, ischaemia-reperfusion injury (e.g. during elective surgery such as cardiopulmonary bypass for coronary artery bypass grafting or other cardiac surgery, following percutaneous coronary intervention, following treatment of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke, organ transplantation, or acute compartment syndrome), AGE-induced genome damage, an inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), PSC-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), rheumatica, granuloma annulare, cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus nephritis, drug-induced lupus, autoimmune myocarditis or myopericarditis, Dressler's syndrome, giant cell myocarditis, post-pericardiotomy syndrome, drug-induced hypersensitivity syndromes (including hypersensitivity myocarditis), eczema, sarcoidosis, erythema nodosum, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) antibody-associated disorders (including MOG-EM), optic neuritis, CLIPPERS (chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids), diffuse myelinoclastic sclerosis, Addison's disease, alopecia areata, ankylosing spondylitis, other spondyloarthritides (including peripheral spondyloarthritis, that is associated with psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, reactive arthritis or juvenile onset forms), antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, autoimmune hemolytic anaemia, autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune inner ear disease, pemphigoid (including bullous pemphigoid, mucous membrane pemphigoid, cicatricial pemphigoid, herpes gestationis or pemphigoid gestationis, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid), linear IgA disease, Behet's disease, celiac disease, Chagas disease, dermatomyositis, diabetes mellitus type I, endometriosis, Goodpasture's syndrome, Graves' disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome and its subtypes (including acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, AIDP, acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN), pharyngeal-cervical-brachial variant, Miller-Fisher variant and Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis), progressive inflammatory neuropathy, Hashimoto's disease, hidradenitis suppurativa, inclusion body myositis, necrotising myopathy, Kawasaki disease, IgA nephropathy, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), Evans' syndrome, interstitial cystitis, mixed connective tissue disease, undifferentiated connective tissue disease, morphea, myasthenia gravis (including MuSK antibody positive and seronegative variants), narcolepsy, neuromyotonia, pemphigus vulgaris, pernicious anaemia, psoriatic arthritis, polymyositis, primary biliary cholangitis (also known as primary biliary cirrhosis), rheumatoid arthritis, palindromic rheumatism, schizophrenia, autoimmune (meningo-)encephalitis syndromes, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, stiff person syndrome, polymylagia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis), Takayasu arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, Kawasaki disease, granulomatosis with polyangitis (GPA; formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA; formerly known as Churg-Strauss syndrome), microscopic polyarteritis/polyangiitis, hypocomplementaemic urticarial vasculitis, hypersensitivity vasculitis, cryoglobulinemia, thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease), vasculitis, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, vitiligo, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, adrenoleukodystrophy, Alexander's disease, Alper's disease, balo concentric sclerosis or Marburg disease, cryptogenic organising pneumonia (formerly known as bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia), Canavan disease, central nervous system vasculitic syndrome, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, childhood ataxia with central nervous system hypomyelination, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), diabetic retinopathy, globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe disease), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (including acute and chronic forms, as well as intestinal GVHD), hepatitis C (HCV) infection or complication, herpes simplex viral infection or complication, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or complication, lichen planus, monomelic amyotrophy, fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, including idiopathic PAH), lung sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, paediatric asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry eye, xerophthalmia, glaucoma, macular oedema, diabetic macular oedema, central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), macular degeneration (including dry and/or wet age related macular degeneration, AMD), post-operative cataract inflammation, uveitis (including posterior, anterior, intermediate and pan uveitis), iridocyclitis, scleritis, corneal graft and limbal cell transplant rejection, gluten sensitive enteropathy (coeliac disease), dermatitis herpetiformis, eosinophilic esophagitis, achalasia, autoimmune dysautonomia, autoimmune encephalomyelitis, autoimmune oophoritis, autoimmune orchitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, aortitis and periaortitis, autoimmune retinopathy, autoimmune urticaria, Behcet's disease, (idiopathic) Castleman's disease, Cogan's syndrome, IgG4-related disease, retroperitoneal fibrosis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis including systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (Still's disease), adult-onset Still's disease, ligneous conjunctivitis, Mooren's ulcer, pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA, also known as Mucha-Habermann disease), multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) (including paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS)), paraneoplastic syndromes (including paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, Lambert-Eaton myaesthenic syndrome, limbic encephalitis, brainstem encephalitis, opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia syndrome, anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, thymoma-associated multiorgan autoimmunity), perivenous encephalomyelitis, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, relapsing polychondritis, sperm & testicular autoimmunity, Susac's syndrome, Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease, anti-synthetase syndrome, autoimmune enteropathy, immune dysregulation polyendocrinopathy enteropathy X-linked (IPEX), microscopic colitis, autoimmune iymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy syndrome (APEX), gout, pseudogout, amyloid (including AA or secondary amyloidosis), eosinophilic fasciitis (Shulman syndrome) progesterone hypersensitivity (including progesterone dermatitis), familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated periodic fever syndrome (TRAPS), hyperimmunoglobulinaemia D with periodic fever syndrome (HIDS), PAPA (pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, severe cystic acne) syndrome, deficiency of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (DIRA), deficiency of the interleukin-36-receptor antagonist (DITRA), cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) (including familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome [FCAS], Muckle-Wells syndrome, neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease [NOMID]), NLRP12-associated autoinflammatory disorders (NLRP12AD), periodic fever aphthous stomatitis (PFAPA), chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature (CANDLE), Majeed syndrome, Blau syndrome (also known as juvenile systemic granulomatosis), macrophage activation syndrome, chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome, mutant adenosine deaminase 2 and monogenic interferonopathies (including Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome, retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy, spondyloenchondrodysplasia, STING [stimulator of interferon genes]-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy, proteasome associated autoinflammatory syndromes, familial chilblain lupus, dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria), Schnitzler syndrome; familial cylindromatosis, congenital B cell lymphocytosis, OTULIN-related autoinflammatory syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome (including obesity-associated inflammation), atherosclerotic disorders (e.g. myocardial infarction, angina, ischaemic heart failure, ischaemic nephropathy, ischaemic stroke, peripheral vascular disease, aortic aneurysm), renal inflammatory disorders (e.g. diabetic nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, minimal change disease, crescentic glomerulonephritis, acute kidney injury, renal transplantation).

[0213] In one embodiment, the inflammatory disease or disease associated with an undesirable immune response is, or is associated with, a disease selected from the following autoinflammatory diseases: familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated periodic fever syndrome (TRAPS), hyperimmunoglobulinaemia D with periodic fever syndrome (HIDS), PAPA (pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and severe cystic acne) syndrome, deficiency of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (DIRA), deficiency of the interleukin-36-receptor antagonist (DITRA), cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) (including familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome [FCAS], Muckle-Wells syndrome, and neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease [NOMID]), NLRP12-associated autoinflammatory disorders (NLRP12AD), periodic fever aphthous stomatitis (PFAPA), chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature (CANDLE), Majeed syndrome, Blau syndrome (also known as juvenile systemic granulomatosis), macrophage activation syndrome, chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome, mutant adenosine deaminase 2 and monogenic interferonopathies (including Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome, retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy, spondyloenchondrodysplasia, STING [stimulator of interferon genes]-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy, proteasome associated autoinflammatory syndromes, familial chilblain lupus, dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria) and Schnitzler syndrome.

[0214] In one embodiment, the inflammatory disease or disease associated with an undesirable immune response is, or is associated with, a disease selected from the following diseases mediated by excess NF-B or gain of function in the NF-B signalling pathway or in which there is a major contribution to the abnormal pathogenesis therefrom (including non-canonical NF-B signalling): familial cylindromatosis, congenital B cell lymphocytosis, OTULIN-related autoinflammatory syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome (including obesity-associated inflammation), atherosclerotic disorders (e.g. myocardial infarction, angina, ischaemic heart failure, ischaemic nephropathy, ischaemic stroke, peripheral vascular disease, aortic aneurysm), renal inflammatory disorders (e.g. diabetic nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, minimal change disease, crescentic glomerulonephritis, acute kidney injury, renal transplantation), asthma, COPD, type 1 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease (including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), and SLE.

[0215] In one embodiment, the disease is selected from the group consisting of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease (including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), atopic dermatitis, fibrosis, uveitis, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, Muckle-Wells syndrome, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.

[0216] In one embodiment, the disease is multiple sclerosis.

[0217] In one embodiment, the disease is psoriasis.

[0218] In one embodiment, the disease is asthma.

[0219] In one embodiment, the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

[0220] In one embodiment, the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.

[0221] In one embodiment, the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.

[0222] In one embodiment, the disease is inflammatory bowel disease (including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease).

[0223] In one embodiment, the disease is atopic dermatitis.

[0224] In one embodiment, the disease is fibrosis.

[0225] In one embodiment, cancer is selected from the group consisting of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, adult; acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, childhood; acute myeloid leukaemia, adult; adrenocortical carcinoma; adrenocortical carcinoma, childhood; aids-related lymphoma; aids-related malignancies; anal cancer; astrocytoma, childhood cerebellar; astrocytoma, childhood cerebral; Barrett's esophagus (pre-malignant syndrome); bile duct cancer, extrahepatic; bladder cancer; bladder cancer, childhood; bone cancer, osteosarcoma/malignant fibrous histiocytoma; brain stem glioma, childhood; brain tumour, adult; brain tumour, brain stem glioma, childhood; brain tumour, cerebellar astrocytoma, childhood; brain tumour, cerebral astrocytoma/malignant glioma, childhood; brain tumour, ependymoma, childhood; brain tumour, medulloblastoma, childhood; brain tumour, supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumours, childhood; brain tumour, visual pathway and hypothalamic glioma, childhood; brain tumour, childhood (other); breast cancer; breast cancer and pregnancy; breast cancer, childhood; breast cancer, male; bronchial adenomas/carcinoids, childhood; carcinoid tumour, childhood; carcinoid tumour, gastrointestinal; carcinoma, adrenocortical; carcinoma, islet cell; carcinoma of unknown primary; central nervous system lymphoma, primary; cerebellar astrocytoma, childhood; cerebral astrocytoma/malignant glioma, childhood; cervical cancer; childhood cancers; chronic lymphocytic leukaemia; chronic myelogenous leukaemia; chronic myeloproliferative disorders; clear cell sarcoma of tendon sheaths; colon cancer; colorectal cancer; colorectal cancer, childhood; cutaneous t-cell lymphoma; endometrial cancer; ependymoma, childhood; epithelial cancer, ovarian; oesophageal cancer; oesophageal cancer, childhood; Ewing's family of tumours; extracranial germ cell tumour, childhood; extragonadal germ cell tumour; extrahepatic bile duct cancer; eye cancer, intraocular melanoma; eye cancer, retinoblastoma; gallbladder cancer; gastric (stomach) cancer; gastric (stomach) cancer, childhood; gastrointestinal carcinoid tumour; germ cell tumour, extracranial, childhood; germ cell tumour, extragonadal; germ cell tumour, ovarian; gestational trophoblastic tumour; glioma, childhood brain stem; glioma, childhood visual pathway and hypothalamic; hairy cell leukaemia; head and neck cancer; hepatocellular (liver) cancer; hepatocellular (liver) cancer, adult (primary); hepatocellular (liver) cancer, childhood (primary); cancer of the esophagus; Hodgkin's lymphoma; Hodgkin's lymphoma, adult; Hodgkin's lymphoma, childhood; Hodgkin's lymphoma during pregnancy; hypopharyngeal cancer; hypothalamic and visual pathway glioma, childhood; intraocular melanoma; islet cell carcinoma (endocrine pancreas); cancer of the endocrine system (e.g., cancer of the thyroid, pancreas, parathyroid or adrenal glands); Kaposi's sarcoma; kidney cancer; laryngeal cancer; laryngeal cancer, childhood; leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic, adult; leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic, childhood; leukaemia, acute myeloid, adult; leukaemia, acute myeloid, childhood; leukaemia, chronic lymphocytic; leukaemia, chronic myelogenous; leukaemia, hairy cell; lymphocytic lymphoma; lip and oral cavity cancer; liver cancer, adult (primary); liver cancer, childhood (primary); lung cancer; lung cancer, non-small cell; lung cancer, small cell; lymphoblastic leukaemia, adult acute; lymphoblastic leukaemia, childhood acute; lymphocytic leukaemia, chronic; lymphoma, aids-related; lymphoma, central nervous system (primary); lymphoma, cutaneous t-cell; lymphoma, Hodgkin's, adult; lymphoma, Hodgkin's, childhood; lymphoma, Hodgkin's during pregnancy; lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's, adult; lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's, childhood; lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's during pregnancy; lymphoma, primary central nervous system; macroglobulinemia, Waldenstrom's; male breast cancer; malignant mesothelioma, adult; malignant mesothelioma, childhood; malignant thymoma; medulloblastoma, childhood; melanoma; melanoma, intraocular; Merkel cell carcinoma; mesothelioma, malignant; metastatic squamous neck cancer with occult primary; multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome, childhood; multiple myeloma/plasma cell neoplasm; mycosis fungoides; myelodysplastic syndromes; myelogenous leukaemia, chronic; myeloid leukaemia, childhood acute; myeloma, multiple; myeloproliferative disorders, chronic; nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer; nasopharyngeal cancer; nasopharyngeal cancer, childhood; neoplastic cutaneous disease; neuroblastoma; non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, adult; non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, childhood; non-Hodgkin's lymphoma during pregnancy; non-small cell lung cancer; neoplasms of the central nervous system (e.g., primary CNS lymphoma, spinal axis tumors, medulloblastoma, brain stem gliomas or pituitary adenomas); oat-cell cancer; oral cancer, childhood; oral cavity and lip cancer; oropharyngeal cancer; osteosarcoma/malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone; ovarian cancer; ovarian cancer, childhood; ovarian epithelial cancer; ovarian germ cell tumour; ovarian low malignant potential tumour; pediatric malignancy; pancreatic cancer; pancreatic cancer, childhood; pancreatic cancer, islet cell; paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer; parathyroid cancer; penile cancer; pheochromocytoma; pineal and supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumours, childhood; pituitary tumour; plasma cell neoplasm/multiple myeloma; pleuropulmonary blastoma; pregnancy and breast cancer; pregnancy and Hodgkin's lymphoma; pregnancy and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; primary central nervous system lymphoma; primary liver cancer, adult; primary liver cancer, childhood; prostate cancer (particularly hormone-refractory); chronic or acute leukemia; solid tumors of childhood; hypereosinophilia; rectal cancer; renal cell (kidney) cancer; renal cell cancer, childhood; renal pelvis and ureter, transitional cell cancer; retinoblastoma; rhabdomyosarcoma, childhood; salivary gland cancer; salivary gland cancer, childhood; sarcoma, Ewing's family of tumours; sarcoma, Kaposi's; sarcoma (osteosarcoma)/malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone; sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, childhood; sarcomas of soft tissues; sarcoma, soft tissue, adult; sarcoma, soft tissue, childhood; Sezary syndrome; skin cancer; skin cancer, childhood; skin cancer (melanoma); skin carcinoma, Merkel cell; small cell lung cancer; dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans; small intestine cancer; soft tissue sarcoma, adult; soft tissue sarcoma, childhood; cancer of the head and neck; squamous neck cancer with occult primary, metastatic; stomach (gastric) cancer; stomach (gastric) cancer, childhood; supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumours, childhood; t-cell lymphoma, cutaneous; testicular cancer; thymoma, childhood; thymoma, malignant; thyroid cancer; thyroid cancer, childhood; transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter; trophoblastic tumour, gestational; unknown primary site, cancer of, childhood; unusual cancers of childhood; ureter and renal pelvis, transitional cell cancer; urethral cancer; cancer of the ureter (e.g., renal cell carcinoma, carcinoma of the renal pelvis); cancer of the penis; gynecologic tumors; uterine cancer; uterine sarcoma; carcinoma of the fallopian tubes; carcinoma of the endometrium; vaginal cancer; carcinoma of the vagina; carcinoma of the vulva; visual pathway and hypothalamic glioma, childhood; vulvar cancer; Waldenstrom's macro globulinemia; and Wilms' tumour.

[0226] In one embodiment, cancer is selected from the group consisting of lung cancer; NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer); oat-cell cancer; bone cancer; pancreatic cancer; skin cancer; dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans; cancer of the head and neck; cutaneous or intraocular melanoma; uterine cancer; ovarian cancer; colo-rectal cancer; anal cancer; stomach cancer; colon cancer; breast cancer; gynecologic tumors (e.g., uterine sarcomas, carcinoma of the fallopian tubes, carcinoma of the endometrium, carcinoma of the cervix, carcinoma of the vagina or carcinoma of the vulva); Hodgkin's Disease; hepatocellular cancer; cancer of the esophagus; small intestine cancer; cancer of the endocrine system (e.g., cancer of the thyroid, pancreas, parathyroid or adrenal glands); sarcomas of soft tissues; urethral cancer; cancer of the penis; prostate cancer (particularly hormone-refractory); chronic or acute leukemia; solid tumors of childhood; hypereosinophilia; lymphocytic lymphomas; bladder cancer; kidney cancer; cancer of the ureter (e.g., renal cell carcinoma, carcinoma of the renal pelvis); pediatric malignancy; neoplasms of the central nervous system (e.g., primary CNS lymphoma, spinal axis tumors, medulloblastoma, brain stem gliomas or pituitary adenomas); Barrett's esophagus (pre-malignant syndrome) and neoplastic cutaneous disease.

[0227] Obesity refers to a condition in which a subject has a body mass index of greater than or equal to 30. The body mass index (BMI) is according to the NIH Clinical Guidelines on the Identification and Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults (1998).

[0228] In one embodiment, administration of a compound of formula (Ia) to a subject reduces the BMI of the subject to less than 30, for example less than 29, less than 28, less than 27, less than 26, or less than 25. In one embodiment, a compound of formula (Ia) is used to treat or prevent aberrant or inappropriate weight gain, metabolic rate, or fat deposition, for example is used to treat anorexia, bulimia, obesity, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia (e.g., elevated triglycerides and/or elevated cholesterol), as well as disorders of fat or lipid metabolism. In one embodiment, a compound of formula (Ia) is used to treat or prevent metabolic syndrome.

[0229] In one embodiment, a compound of formula (Ia) is used to treat obesity associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). In one embodiment, a compound of formula (Ia) is used to reduce body fat, prevent increased body fat, reduce cholesterol (e.g., total cholesterol and/or ratios of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol), and/or reduce appetite in individuals having PWS associated obesity, and/or reduce comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.

[0230] A diabetic disease refers to diabetes mellitus (diabetes) or a diabetic complication. The two main types of diabetes are (i) Type 1 diabetes resulting from the pancreas not producing insulin for which the usual treatment is insulin replacement therapy and (ii) Type 2 diabetes where patients either produce insufficient insulin or have insulin resistance. Diabetic complications include microvascular and macrovascular complications, and include coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, stroke, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic kidney disease and NASH.

[0231] In one embodiment, a blood disorder is selected from the group consisting of thalassemia (e.g. beta-thalassemia), hereditary spherocytosis, hereditary elliptocytosis, abetalipoproteinemia (or Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome), paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, acquired hemolytic anaemia (e.g., congenital anaemias (e.g., enzymopathies)), and anaemia of chronic diseases.

Administration

[0232] The compound of formula (Ia) is usually administered as a pharmaceutical composition. Thus, in one embodiment, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (Ia) and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable diluents or carriers.

[0233] The compound of formula (Ia) may be administered by any convenient method, e.g. by oral, parenteral, buccal, sublingual, nasal, rectal, intrathecal or transdermal administration, and the pharmaceutical compositions adapted accordingly.

[0234] The compound of formula (Ia) may be administered topically to the target organ e.g. topically to the eye, lung, nose or skin. Hence the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (Ia) optionally in combination with one or more topically acceptable diluents or carriers.

[0235] A compound of formula (Ia) which is active when given orally can be formulated as a liquid or solid, e.g. as a syrup, suspension, emulsion, tablet, capsule or lozenge.

[0236] A liquid formulation will generally consist of a suspension or solution of the compound of formula (Ia) in a suitable liquid carrier(s). Suitably the carrier is non-aqueous e.g. polyethylene glycol or an oil. The formulation may also contain a suspending agent, preservative, flavouring and/or colouring agent.

[0237] A composition in the form of a tablet can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutical carrier(s) routinely used for preparing solid formulations, such as magnesium stearate, starch, lactose, sucrose and cellulose.

[0238] A composition in the form of a capsule can be prepared using routine encapsulation procedures, e.g. pellets containing the active ingredient can be prepared using standard carriers and then filled into a hard gelatine capsule; alternatively, a dispersion or suspension can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutical carrier(s), e.g. aqueous gums, celluloses, silicates or oils and the dispersion or suspension then filled into a soft gelatine capsule.

[0239] Typical parenteral compositions consist of a solution or suspension of the compound of formula (Ia) in a sterile aqueous carrier or parenterally acceptable oil, e.g. polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, lecithin, arachis oil or sesame oil. Alternatively, the solution can be lyophilised and then reconstituted with a suitable solvent just prior to administration.

[0240] Compositions for nasal administration may conveniently be formulated as aerosols, drops, gels and powders. Aerosol formulations typically comprise a solution or fine suspension of the compound of formula (Ia) in a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous or non-aqueous solvent and are usually presented in single or multidose quantities in sterile form in a sealed container which can take the form of a cartridge or refill for use with an atomising device. Alternatively, the sealed container may be a disposable dispensing device such as a single dose nasal inhaler or an aerosol dispenser fitted with a metering valve. Where the dosage form comprises an aerosol dispenser, it will contain a propellant which can be a compressed gas e.g. air, or an organic propellant such as a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) or a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). Aerosol dosage forms can also take the form of pump-atomisers.

[0241] Topical administration to the lung may be achieved by use of an aerosol formulation. Aerosol formulations typically comprise the active ingredient suspended or dissolved in a suitable aerosol propellant, such as a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) or a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC).

[0242] Topical administration to the lung may also be achieved by use of a non-pressurised formulation such as an aqueous solution or suspension. These may be administered by means of a nebuliser e.g. one that can be hand-held and portable or for home or hospital use (i.e. non-portable). The formulation may comprise excipients such as water, buffers, tonicity adjusting agents, pH adjusting agents, surfactants and co-solvents.

[0243] Topical administration to the lung may also be achieved by use of a dry-powder formulation. The formulation will typically contain a topically acceptable diluent such as lactose, glucose or mannitol (preferably lactose).

[0244] The compound of the invention may also be administered rectally, for example in the form of suppositories or enemas, which include aqueous or oily solutions as well as suspensions and emulsions and foams. Such compositions are prepared following standard procedures, well known by those skilled in the art. For example, suppositories can be prepared by mixing the active ingredient with a conventional suppository base such as cocoa butter or other glycerides.

[0245] In this case, the drug is mixed with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid at ordinary temperatures but liquid at the rectal temperature and will therefore melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such materials are cocoa butter and polyethylene glycols.

[0246] Generally, for compositions intended to be administered topically to the eye in the form of eye drops or eye ointments, the total amount of the compound of the present invention will be about 0.0001 to less than 4.0% (w/w).

[0247] Preferably, for topical ocular administration, the compositions administered according to the present invention will be formulated as solutions, suspensions, emulsions and other dosage forms.

[0248] The compositions administered according to the present invention may also include various other ingredients, including, but not limited to, tonicity agents, buffers, surfactants, stabilizing polymer, preservatives, co-solvents and viscosity building agents. Suitable pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include a compound of the invention formulated with a tonicity agent and a buffer. The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may further optionally include a surfactant and/or a palliative agent and/or a stabilizing polymer.

[0249] Various tonicity agents may be employed to adjust the tonicity of the composition, preferably to that of natural tears for ophthalmic compositions. For example, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, simple sugars such as dextrose, fructose, galactose, and/or simply polyols such as the sugar alcohols mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, lactitol, isomaltitol, maltitol, and hydrogenated starch hydrolysates may be added to the composition to approximate physiological tonicity. Such an amount of tonicity agent will vary, depending on the particular agent to be added. In general, however, the compositions will have a tonicity agent in an amount sufficient to cause the final composition to have an ophthalmically acceptable osmolality (generally about 150-450 mOsm, preferably 250-350 mOsm and most preferably at approximately 290 mOsm). In general, the tonicity agents of the invention will be present in the range of 2 to 4% w/w. Preferred tonicity agents of the invention include the simple sugars or the sugar alcohols, such as D-mannitol.

[0250] An appropriate buffer system (e.g. sodium phosphate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium borate or boric acid) may be added to the compositions to prevent pH drift under storage conditions. The particular concentration will vary, depending on the agent employed. Preferably however, the buffer will be chosen to maintain a target pH within the range of pH 5 to 8, and more preferably to a target pH of pH 5 to 7.

[0251] Surfactants may optionally be employed to deliver higher concentrations of compound of the present invention. The surfactants function to solubilise the compound and stabilise colloid dispersion, such as micellar solution, microemulsion, emulsion and suspension. Examples of surfactants which may optionally be used include polysorbate, poloxamer, polyosyl 40 stearate, polyoxyl castor oil, tyloxapol, Triton, and sorbitan monolaurate. Preferred surfactants to be employed in the invention have a hydrophile/lipophile/balance HLB in the range of 12.4 to 13.2 and are acceptable for ophthalmic use, such as TritonX114 and tyloxapol.

[0252] Additional agents that may be added to the ophthalmic compositions of compounds of the present invention are demulcents which function as a stabilising polymer. The stabilizing polymer should be an ionic/charged example with precedence for topical ocular use, more specifically, a polymer that carries negative charge on its surface that can exhibit a zeta-potential of ()10-50 mV for physical stability and capable of making a dispersion in water (i.e. water soluble). A preferred stabilising polymer of the invention would be polyelectrolyte, or polyelectrolytes if more than one, from the family of cross-linked polyacrylates, such as carbomers and Pemulen, specifically Carbomer 974p (polyacrylic acid), at 0.1-0.5% w/w.

[0253] Other compounds may also be added to the ophthalmic compositions of the compound of the present invention to increase the viscosity of the carrier. Examples of viscosity enhancing agents include, but are not limited to: polysaccharides, such as hyaluronic acid and its salts, chondroitin sulfate and its salts, dextrans, various polymers of the cellulose family; vinyl polymers; and acrylic acid polymers.

[0254] Topical ophthalmic products are typically packaged in multidose form. Preservatives are thus required to prevent microbial contamination during use. Suitable preservatives include: benzalkonium chloride, chlorobutanol, benzododecinium bromide, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, phenylethyl alcohol, edentate disodium, sorbic acid, polyquaternium-1, or other agents known to those skilled in the art. Such preservatives are typically employed at a level of from 0.001 to 1.0% w/v. Unit dose compositions of the present invention will be sterile, but typically unpreserved. Such compositions, therefore, generally will not contain preservatives.

[0255] Compositions suitable for buccal or sublingual administration include tablets, lozenges and pastilles where the compound of formula (Ia) is formulated with a carrier such as sugar and acacia, tragacanth, or gelatine and glycerine.

[0256] Compositions suitable for transdermal administration include ointments, gels and patches.

[0257] The composition may contain from 0.1% to 100% by weight, for example from 10 to 60% by weight, of the compound of formula (Ia), depending on the method of administration. The composition may contain from 0% to 99.9% by weight, for example 40% to 90% by weight, of the carrier, depending on the method of administration. The composition may contain from 0.05 mg to 1000 mg, for example from 1.0 mg to 500 mg, such as from 1.0 mg to 50 mg, e.g. about 10 mg of the compound of formula (Ia), depending on the method of administration. The composition may contain from 50 mg to 1000 mg, for example from 100 mg to 400 mg of the carrier, depending on the method of administration. The dose of the compound used in the treatment of the aforementioned disorders will vary in the usual way with the seriousness of the disorders, the weight of the sufferer, and other similar factors. However, as a general guide suitable unit doses may be 0.05 to 1000 mg, more suitably 1.0 to 500 mg, such as from 1.0 mg to 50 mg, e.g. about 10 mg and such unit doses may be administered more than once a day, for example two or three times a day. Such therapy may extend for a number of weeks or months.

[0258] In one embodiment of the invention, the compound of formula (Ia) is used in combination with a further therapeutic agent or agents. When the compound of formula (Ia) is used in combination with other therapeutic agents, the compounds may be administered either sequentially or simultaneously by any convenient route. Alternatively, the compounds may be administered separately.

[0259] When the compound of formula (Ia) is used for treating or preventing an inflammatory disease or a disease associated with an undesirable immune response, therapeutic agents which may be used in combination with the compound of formula (Ia) include: corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), retinoids (e.g. acitretin, isotretinoin, tazarotene), anthralin, vitamin D analogues (e.g. cacitriol, calcipotriol), calcineurin inhibitors (e.g. tacrolimus, pimecrolimus), phototherapy or photochemotherapy (e.g. psoralen ultraviolet irradiation, PUVA) or other form of ultraviolet light irradiation therapy, ciclosporine, thiopurines (e.g. azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine), methotrexate, anti-TNFa agents (e.g. infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, certolizumab, golimumab and biosimilars), phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibition (e.g. apremilast, crisaborole), anti-IL-17 agents (e.g. brodalumab, ixekizumab, secukinumab), anti-IL12/IL-23 agents (e.g. ustekinumab, briakinumab), anti-IL-23 agents (e.g. guselkumab, tildrakizumab), JAK (Janus Kinase) inhibitors (e.g. tofacitinib, ruxolitinib, baricitinib, filgotinib, upadacitinib), plasma exchange, intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), cyclophosphamide, anti-CD20 B cell depleting agents (e.g. rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, obinutuzumab), anthracycline analogues (e.g. mitoxantrone), cladribine, sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators or sphingosine analogues (e.g. fingolimod, siponimod, ozanimod, etrasimod), interferon beta preparations (including interferon beta 1b/1a), glatiramer, anti-CD3 therapy (e.g. OKT3), anti-CD52 targeting agents (e.g. alemtuzumab), leflunomide, teriflunomide, gold compounds, laquinimod, potassium channel blockers (e.g. dalfampridine/4-aminopyridine), mycophenolic acid, mycophenolate mofetil, purine analogues (e.g. pentostatin), mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway inhibitors (e.g. sirolimus, everolimus), anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), IL-2 receptor (CD25) inhibitors (e.g. basiliximab, daclizumab), anti-IL-6 receptor or anti-IL-6 agents (e.g. tocilizumab, siltuximab), Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors (e.g. ibrutinib), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g. imatinib), ursodeoxycholic acid, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, B cell activating factor (BAFF, also known as BlyS, B lymphocyte stimulator) inhibitors (e.g. belimumab, blisibimod), other B cell targeted therapy including fusion proteins targeting both APRIL (A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand) and BlyS (e.g. atacicept), PI3K inhibitors including pan-inhibitors or those targeting the p110 and/or p110 containing isoforms (e.g. idelalisib, copanlisib, duvelisib), interferon a receptor inhibitors (e.g. anifrolumab, sifalimumab), T cell co-stimulation blockers (e.g. abatacept, belatacept), thalidomide and its derivatives (e.g. lenalidomide), dapsone, clofazimine, leukotriene antagonists (e.g. montelukast), theophylline, anti-IgE therapy (e.g. omalizumab), anti-IL-5 agents (e.g. mepolizumab, reslizumab), long-acting muscarinic agents (e.g. tiotropium, aclidinium, umeclidinium), PDE4 inhibitors (e.g. roflumilast), riluzole, free radical scavengers (e.g. edaravone), proteasome inhibitors (e.g. bortezomib), complement cascade inhibitors including those directed against C5 (e.g. eculizumab), immunoadsor, antithymocyte globulin, 5-aminosalicylates and their derivatives (e.g. sulfasalazine, balsalazide, mesalamine), anti-integrin agents including those targeting a4p1 and/or a4p7 integrins (e.g. natalizumab, vedolizumab), anti-CD11-a agents (e.g. efalizumab), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including the salicylates (e.g. aspirin), propionic acids (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen), acetic acids (e.g. indomethacin, diclofenac, etodolac), oxicams (e.g. meloxicam) and fenamates (e.g. mefenamic acid), selective or relatively selective COX-2 inhibitors (e.g. celecoxib, etroxicoxib, valdecoxib and etodolac, meloxicam, nabumetone), colchicine, IL-4 receptor inhibitors (e.g. dupilumab), topical/contact immunotherapy (e.g. diphenylcyclopropenone, squaric acid dibutyl ester), anti-IL-1 receptor therapy (e.g. anakinra), IL-1 inhibitor (e.g. canakinumab), IL-1 neutralising therapy (e.g. rilonacept), chlorambucil, specific antibiotics with immunomodulatory properties and/or ability to modulate NRF2 (e.g. tetracyclines including minocycline, clindamycin, macrolide antibiotics), anti-androgenic therapy (e.g. cyproterone, spironolactone, finasteride), pentoxifylline, ursodeoxycholic acid, obeticholic acid, fibrate, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators, VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) inhibitors (e.g. bevacizumab, ranibizumab, pegaptanib, aflibercept), pirfenidone, and mizoribine.

[0260] When the compound of formula (Ia) is used for treating or preventing cancer, therapeutic agents which may be used in combination with the compound of formula (Ia) include active agents which are used in conjunction with cancer therapy, such as agents used as palliative treatments to ameliorate unwanted side effects. Therefore, in one embodiment, the additional therapeutic agent is an agent used as a palliative treatment such as selected from the group consisting of: antiemetic agents, medication intended to alleviate pain such as opioids, medication used to decrease high blood uric acid levels such as allopurinol or rasburicase, anti-depressants, sedatives, anti-convulsant drugs, laxatives, anti-diarrhoeal drugs and/or antacids.

[0261] In another embodiment, the additional therapeutic agent is an additional cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, a targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormonal therapy.

[0262] Examples of chemotherapy agents include antimetabolites (e.g., folic acid, purine, and pyrimidine derivatives) and alkylating agents (e.g., nitrogen mustards, nitrosoureas, platinum, alkyl sulfonates, hydrazines, triazenes, aziridines, spindle poison, cytotoxic agents, toposimerase inhibitors and others). In one embodiment, the additional therapeutic agent is a chemotherapy agent and is selected from the group consisting of Aclarubicin, Actinomycin, Alitretinon, Altretamine, Aminopterin, Aminolevulinic acid, Amrubicin, Amsacrine, Anagrelide, Arsenic trioxide, Asparaginase, Atrasentan, Belotecan, Bexarotene, endamustine, Bleomycin, Bortezomib, Busulfan, Camptothecin, Capecitabine, Carboplatin, Carboquone, Carmofur, Carmustine, Celecoxib, Chlorambucil, Chlormethine, Cisplatin, Cladribine, Clofarabine, Crisantaspase, Cyclophosphamide, Cytarabine, Dacarbazine, Dactinomycin, Daunorubicin, Decitabine, Demecolcine, Docetaxel, Doxorubicin, Efaproxiral, Elesclomol, Elsamitrucin, Enocitabine, Epirubicin, Estramustine, Etoglucid, Etoposide, Floxuridine, Fludarabine, Fluorouracil (5FU), Fotemustine, Gemcitabine, Gliadel implants, Hydroxycarbamide, Hydroxyurea, Idarubicin, Ifosfamide, Irinotecan, Irofulven, Ixabepilone, Larotaxel, Leucovorin, Liposomal doxorubicin, Liposomal daunorubicin, Lonidamine, Lomustine, Lucanthone, Mannosulfan, Masoprocol, Melphalan, Mercaptopurine, Mesna, Methotrexate, Methyl aminolevulinate, Mitobronitol, Mitoguazone, Mitotane, Mitomycin, Mitoxantrone, Nedaplatin, Nimustine, Oblimersen, Omacetaxine, Ortataxel, Oxaliplatin, Paclitaxel, Pegaspargase, Pemetrexed, Pentostatin, Pirarubicin, Pixantrone, Plicamycin, Porfimer sodium, Prednimustine, Procarbazine, Raltitrexed, Ranimustine, Rubitecan, Sapacitabine, Semustine, Sitimagene ceradenovec, Satraplatin, Streptozocin, Talaporfin, Tegafur-uracil, Temoporfin, Temozolomide, Teniposide, Tesetaxel, Testolactone, Tetranitrate, Thiotepa, Tiazofurin, Tioguanine, Tipifarnib, Topotecan, Trabectedin, Triaziquone, Triethylenemelamine, Triplatin, Tretinoin, Treosulfan, Trofosfamide, Uramustine, Valrubicin, Verteporfin, Vinblastine, Vincristine, Vindesine, Vinfhmine, Vinorelbine, Vorinostat, and Zorubicin.

[0263] Examples of targeted therapies include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins. In one embodiment, the additional therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of Axitinib, Bosutinib, Cediranib, dasatinib, erlotinib, imatinib, gefitinib, lapatinib, Lestaurtinib, Nilotinib, Semaxanib, Sorafenib, Sunitinib, Vandetanib, Alvocidib, Seliciclib, Herceptin, rituximab, Tositumomab, Cetuximab, Panitumumab, Trastuzumab, Alemtuzumab, Bevacizumab, Edrecolomab, Gemtuzumab, Aflibercept, Denileukin diftitox and Bexxar.

[0264] When the compound of formula (Ia) is used for treating or preventing obesity, therapeutic agents which may be used in combination with the compound of formula (Ia) include a gastric or pancreatic lipase inhibitor (such as orlistat); a lipid lowering agent (such as a statin, a fibrate, niacin or a derivative thereof (such as acipimox), lecithin, a bile acid sequesterant, ezetimibe, lomitapide, a phytosterol, an omega-3 supplement, a PCSK9 inhibitor); a CB-1 antagonist; a lipoxygenase inhibitor; a somostatin analogue; an insulin compound or insulin analogue (such as human insulin, insulin lispro, insulin aspart, insulin glulisine, insulin glargine, insulin degludec); an insulin sensitising agent such as a PPAR-gamma agonist, PPAR-alpha agonist or mixed PPAR-gamma/alpha agonist (such as metformin, pioglitazone or rosiglitazone); an insulin secretagogue (such as a nateglinide or repaglinide, or a sulfonylurea such as gliclazide, glimeperide, limepiride, glyburide); an SGLT2 inhibitor (such as dapagliflozin, canagliflozin or empagliflozin); an amylin analogue (such as pramlintide); a DPPIV inhibitor (such as sitagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, alogliptin or vildagliptin); a GLP-1 agonist (such as albiglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, semaglutide or lixisenatide); an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (such as acarbose, miglitol or voglibose); a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (such as pentoxifylline); a glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor; an MCH-1 antagonist; a glucokinase activator; a glucagon antagonist; an insulin signalling agonist; a PTP1B inhibitor; a gluconeogenesis inhibitor; a GSK inhibitor or a galanin receptor agonist.

[0265] When the compound of formula (Ia) is used for treating or preventing a diabetic disease, therapeutic agents which may be used in combination with the compound of formula (I) include a gastric or pancreatic lipase inhibitor (such as orlistat); a lipid lowering agent (such as a statin, a fibrate, niacin or a derivative thereof (such as acipimox), lecithin, a bile acid sequesterant, ezetimibe, lomitapide, a phytosterol, an omega-3 supplement, a PCSK9 inhibitor); a CB-1 antagonist; a lipoxygenase inhibitor; a somostatin analogue; an insulin compound or insulin analogue (such as human insulin, insulin lispro, insulin aspart, insulin glulisine, insulin glargine, insulin degludec); an insulin sensitising agent such as a PPAR-gamma agonist, PPAR-alpha agonist or mixed PPAR-gamma/alpha agonist (such as metformin, pioglitazone or rosiglitazone); an insulin secretagogue (such as a nateglinide or repaglinide, or a sulfonylurea such as gliclazide, glimeperide, limepiride, glyburide); an SGLT2 inhibitor (such as dapagliflozin, canagliflozin or empagliflozin); an amylin analogue (such as pramlintide); a DPPIV inhibitor (such as sitagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, alogliptin or vildagliptin); a GLP-1 agonist (such as albiglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, semaglutide or lixisenatide); an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (such as acarbose, miglitol or voglibose); a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (such as pentoxifylline); a glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor; an MCH-1 antagonist; a glucokinase activator; a glucagon antagonist; an insulin signalling agonist; a PTP1 B inhibitor; a gluconeogenesis inhibitor; a GSK inhibitor or a galanin receptor agonist.

[0266] Compounds of formula (Ia) may display one or more of the following desirable properties: [0267] low EC.sub.50 and/or high E.sub.max values for activating PKM2; [0268] low EC.sub.50 and/or high E.sub.max values for activating PKLR; [0269] low EC.sub.50 and/or high E.sub.max values for activating PKM2 and PKLR; [0270] low IC.sub.50 values for reducing cellular proliferation; [0271] improved aqueous solubility; [0272] enhanced absorption through improved aqueous solubility; [0273] low or zero off-target activity (e.g. agonist activity against 5HT2B), for example compared with TEPP-46; [0274] reduced dose and dosing frequency through improved pharmacokinetics; [0275] improved oral systemic bioavailability; [0276] reduced plasma clearance following intravenous dosing; [0277] augmented cell permeability; [0278] low toxicity at the relevant therapeutic dose.

Abbreviations

[0279] Ac acetyl [0280] ADP adenosine diphosphate [0281] ADME absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion [0282] AIBN azobisisobutyronitrile [0283] aq. Aqueous [0284] ATP adenosine triphosphate [0285] BBFO broadband fluorine observe [0286] BEH ethylene bridged hybrid [0287] Bn benzyl [0288] Boc tert-butyloxycarbonyl [0289] Bu butyl [0290] CB-1 cannabinoid-1 [0291] Cbz benzyloxycarbonyl [0292] CSH charged surface hybrid [0293] DAD diode array detector [0294] DCE dichloroethane [0295] DCM dichloromethane [0296] DHP dihydropyran [0297] DIPEA N,N-diisopropylethylamine [0298] DMAP dimethylaminopyridine [0299] DMF dimethylformamide [0300] DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide [0301] dppf diphenylphosphino)ferrocene [0302] DPPIV dipeptidyl peptidase-4 [0303] Eq Equivalents [0304] ES.sup.+ electrospray [0305] Et ethyl [0306] FBP fructose-1,6-bisphosphate [0307] FBS fetal bovine serum [0308] Fmoc 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl [0309] g gram(s) [0310] GLP-1 glucagon-like peptide 1 [0311] GSK glycogen synthase kinase [0312] h hour(s) [0313] HATU (1-[Bis(dimethylamino)methylene]-1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-b]pyridinium 3-oxide hexafluorophosphate [0314] HIF hypoxia-inducible factor [0315] HPLC high-performance liquid chromatography [0316] 5HT2B 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B [0317] IPC ion pair chromatography [0318] IL interleukin [0319] LAH lithium aluminium hydride [0320] LCMS liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry [0321] M molar concentration/molar mass [0322] MCH melanin-concentrating hormone [0323] Me methyl [0324] mm millimetre [0325] (M)Hz (mega)hertz [0326] min(s) minute(s) [0327] mL millilitres [0328] mmol millimole [0329] MOM methoxymethyl [0330] MS mass spectrometry [0331] Ms methanesulfonyl [0332] nm nanometre [0333] NASH non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [0334] NBS N-bromosuccinimide [0335] NMR nuclear magnetic resonance [0336] PBS phosphate buffered saline [0337] PDA photodiode array [0338] PEP phosphoenolpyruvic acid [0339] PK pyruvate kinase [0340] PMB para-methoxybenzyl [0341] PPAR peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor [0342] PTP1 B protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 B [0343] rpm revolutions per minute [0344] RT room temperature [0345] sat saturated [0346] SEM [2-(Trimethylsilyl)ethoxy]methyl [0347] SGLT2 sodium-glucose transport protein 2 [0348] STAT3 signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 [0349] TBDMS tert-butyldimethylsilyl [0350] TBME tert-butyl methyl ether [0351] TCA tricarboxylic acid cycle [0352] TEA triethylamine [0353] Tf trifluoromethanesulfonyl, i.e., CF.sub.3SO.sub.2 [0354] TFA trifluoroacetic acid [0355] THF tetrahydrofuran [0356] THP tetrahydropyranyl [0357] TIPS triisopropylsilyl [0358] TLC thin layer chromatography [0359] TMS trimethylsilyl [0360] TNF tumour necrosis factor [0361] TOM tri-iso-propylsilyloxymethyl [0362] Tr trityl [0363] Ts toluenesulfonyl [0364] L microlitre [0365] M micromolar [0366] UPLC ultra performance liquid chromatography [0367] wt. weight [0368] C. degrees centigrade

EXAMPLES

Analytical Equipment

[0369] NMR spectra were recorded using a Bruker 400 MHz Avance Ill spectrometer fitted with a BBFO 5 mm probe, or a Bruker 500 MHz Avance Ill HD spectrometer equipped with a Bruker 5 mm SmartProbe. Spectra were measured at 298 K, unless indicated otherwise, and were referenced relative to the solvent resonance. The chemical shifts are reported in parts per million. Data were acquired using Bruker TopSpin software.

[0370] UPLC/MS analysis was carried out on a Waters Acquity UPLC system using either a Waters Acquity CSH C18 or BEH C18 column (2.130 mm) maintained at a temperature of 40 C. and eluted with a linear acetonitrile gradient appropriate for the lipophilicity of the compound over 3 or 10 minutes at a constant flow rate of 0.77 mL/min. The aqueous portion of the mobile phase was either 0.1% Formic Acid (CSH C18 column) or 10 mM Ammonium Bicarbonate (BEH C18 column). LC-UV chromatograms were recorded using a Waters Acquity PDA detector between 210 and 400 nm. Mass spectra were recorded using a Waters Acquity Qda detector with electrospray ionisation switching between positive and negative ion mode. Sample concentration was adjusted to give adequate UV response.

[0371] LCMS analysis was carried out on a Agilent LCMS system using either a Waters Acquity CSH C18 (4.630 mm) or BEH C18 column (4.630 mm) maintained at a temperature of 40 C. and eluted with a linear acetonitrile gradient appropriate for the lipophilicity of the compound over 4 or 15 minutes at a constant flow rate of 2.5 mL/min. The aqueous portion of the mobile phase was either 0.1% Formic Acid (CSH C18 column) or 10 mM Ammonium Bicarbonate (BEH C18 column). LC-UV chromatograms were recorded using an Agilent VWD or DAD detector at 254 nm. Mass spectra were recorded using an Agilent MSD detector with electrospray ionisation switching between positive and negative ion mode. Sample concentration was adjusted to give adequate UV response.

Preparative HPLC Purification Methods

Acidic Method (A):

[0372] Product was dissolved in DMSO (mL), filtered and purified by reversed phase preparative HPLC (Waters 2767 Sample Manager, Waters 2545 Binary Gradient Module, Waters Systems Fluidics Organiser, Waters 515 ACD pump, Waters 515 Makeup pump, Waters 2998 Photodiode Array Detector, Waters QDa) using a Waters X-Select CSH C18 ODB prep column, 130 , 5 m, 30 mm100 mm, flow rate 40 mL min-1 eluting with a 0.1% formic acid in water-MeCN gradient over 12.5. At-column dilution pump gives 2 mL min-1 MeCN over the entire method, which is included in the following MeCN percentages. Gradient information: 0.0-0.5 min, lp % MeCN; 0.5-10.5 min, ramped from lp % MeCN to fp % MeCN; 10.5-10.6 min, ramped from fp % MeCN to 100% MeCN; 10.6-12.5 min, held at 100% MeCN. The clean fractions were evaporated in a Genevac.

Basic Method (B):

[0373] Product was dissolved in DMSO (0.5 mL), filtered and purified by reversed phase preparative HPLC on a Waters X-Bridge BEH C18 ODB prep column, 130 , 5 m, 30 mm100 mm, flow rate 40 mL min-1 eluting with a 0.3% ammonia in water-MeCN gradient over 12.5 mins using UV detection across all wavelengths with PDA as well as a QDA and ELS detector. At-column dilution pump gives 2 mL min-1 MeCN over the entire method, which is included in the following MeCN percentages. Gradient information: 0.0-0.5 min, 20% MeCN; 0.5-10.5 min, ramped from 20% MeCN to 50% MeCN; 10.5-10.6 min, ramped from 50% MeCN to 100% MeCN; 10.6-12.5 min, held at 100% MeCN. The clean fractions were evaporated in a Genevac.

[0374] Alternatively, the following analytical LCMS equipment and methods were also used:

TABLE-US-00001 LCMS/HPLC Instrument Details System Instrument Name LC Detector ELS detector Mass detector 1 Agilent LCMS 1200 G1315D DAD 380 ELSD Agilent G6120B 2 Agilent LCMS 1200 G1315C DAD 380 ELSD Agilent G6110A LCMS/HPLC Method Details Flow Method Solvent UV Mass Column Rate Name System Column Gradient range Range Temp. C. ml/min A A) water + Waters X- From 95:5 to 190- 100- 40 2.0 10 mM Bridge C18 0:100 in 1.6 400 1800 NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 (50 mm min, 0:100 for nm amu B) 4.6 mm 1.4 min, from acetonitrile 3.5 m) 0:100 to 95:5 in 0.1 min, 95:5 for 0.7 min B A) water + Waters X- From 95:5 to 190- 100- 40 2.0 0.05% Bridge C18 0:100 in 1.6 400 1100 TFA (50 mm min, 0:100 for nm amu B) 4.6 mm 1.4 min, from acetonitrile + 3.5 m) 0:100 to 95:5 in 0.05% 0.05 min, 95:5 TFA for 0.7 min C A) water + Halo C18 From 95:5 to 190- 100- 40 3.0 0.05% (30 mm 0:100 in 0.8 400 1100 TFA 4.6 mm min, 0:100 for nm amu 2.7 m) 0.4 min, from 0:100 to 95:5 in 0.01 min, 95:5 for 0.2 min

Commercial Materials

[0375] All starting materials and solvents were obtained either from commercial sources or prepared according to the literature citation.

General Methods

[0376] Unless otherwise stated all reactions were stirred. Organic solutions were routinely dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Hydrogenations were performed on a Thales H-cube flow reactor under the conditions stated or under pressure in a gas autoclave (bomb).

Intermediate 15-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00031##

Step 1

[0377] A mixture of ethyl 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (6.00 g, 1 Eq, 31.5 mmol) and 5% Rh/Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (2.995 g, 5.0% Wt, 0.0461 Eq., 1.455 mmol) was suspended in acetic acid (120 mL). The mixture was stirred under hydrogen (5 bar.) at 50 C. for 21 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to RT and then filtered through glass fibre filter paper washing with EtOAc. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product as a black oil. The crude product was azeotroped with toluene (3 times) to afford the crude product as a black oil. The crude residue was taken up in DCM (140 mL) and then treated with triethylamine (4.79 g, 6.60 mL, 1.50 Eq, 47.4 mmol) and a solution of Boc-anhydride (7.27 g, 7.65 mL, 1.06 Eq, 33.3 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) sequentially. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 18 h. Sat. aq. NaHCO.sub.3 (160 mL) was added and then stirred until effervescence ceased. The organic layer was collected and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (2100 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (100 mL), 50% brine (100 mL), passed through a phase separator and then concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product as a black oil (10.6 g). The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford 6-(tert-butyl) 2-ethyl 1,4,5,7-tetrahydro-6H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (7.350 g, 90% Purity) as a sticky yellow gum. MS (ES.sup.+): 317 (M+Na).sup.+

Step 2

[0378] A suspension of 6-(tert-butyl) 2-ethyl 1,4,5,7-tetrahydro-6H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (7.350 g, 90% Wt, 1 Eq, 22.47 mmol) and potassium carbonate (4.493 g, 1.447 Eq, 32.51 mmol) in DMF (100 mL) was treated with methyl iodide (3.973 g, 1.750 mL, 99% Wt, 1.233 Eq, 27.71 mmol) in one portion. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 18 h. Methyl iodide (708.9 mg, 312.3 L, 99% Wt, 0.22 Eq, 4.944 mmol) and potassium carbonate (869.6 mg, 0.28 Eq, 6.293 mmol) were added and stirred for 18 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between DCM (100 mL) and water (100 mL). The organic layer was collected and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (2100 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with 50% brine (100 mL), dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product as a yellow oil. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford 6-(tert-butyl) 2-ethyl 1-methyl-1,4,5,7-tetrahydro-6H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (4.241 g, 98% Purity) as a thick yellow oil. MS (ES.sup.+): 331 (M+Na).sup.+

Step 3

[0379] A stirred solution of 6-(tert-butyl) 2-ethyl 1-methyl-1,4,5,7-tetrahydro-6H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (4.240 g, 98% Wt, 1 Eq, 13.47 mmol) in DCM (100 mL) was treated with TFA (8.88 g, 6.00 mL, 5.78 Eq, 77.9 mmol) dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 18 h and then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was azeotroped with toluene (450 mL) to afford crude ethyl 1-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (5.189 g, 83.0% Purity) as a yellow oil. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 9.19 (s, 2H), 6.74 (s, 1H), 4.32-4.26 (m, 2H), 4.20 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.31 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 2.71 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 1.26 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

Step 4

[0380] Mesyl chloride (1.834 g, 1.247 mL, 1.05 Eq, 16.01 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of ethyl 1-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate-2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (1/1) (5.189 g, 90% Wt, 1 Eq, 15.25 mmol) and DIPEA (5.912 g, 7.97 mL, 3 Eq, 45.74 mmol) in DCM (75 mL) under nitrogen and the mixture was stirred for 1 h. 1N HCl was added and the layers separated. The organic layer was washed with water, sat. NaHCO.sub.3, brine, then absorbed on silica.

[0381] The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford ethyl 1-methyl-6-(methylsulfonyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (3.33 g, 76.3%) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 6.69 (s, 1H), 4.33 (s, 2H), 4.19 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 3.39 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 2.96 (s, 3H), 2.58 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 1.25 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H). MS (ES.sup.+): 287 (M+H).sup.+

Step 5

[0382] A stirred solution of N-methyl-N-phenylformamide (3.93 g, 3.59 mL, 2.5 Eq, 29.1 mmol) in DCE (15 mL) at 0 C. was treated with POCl.sub.3 (4.46 g, 2.71 mL, 2.5 Eq, 29.1 mmol) dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 C. for 0.5 h and then allowed to warm to RT for 1 h. The resultant orange solution was added to a stirred solution of ethyl 1-methyl-6-(methylsulfonyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (3.33 g, 1 Eq, 11.6 mmol) in DCE (45 mL). The reaction mixture was heated to 80 C. overnight, then allowed to cool to RT. Sat. NaHCO.sub.3 and DCM were added and the layers separated. The organic layer was washed with brine, then absorbed on silica. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford ethyl 3-formyl-1-methyl-6-(methylsulfonyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (2.04 g, 95% Purity) as a white solid. MS (ES.sup.+): 315 (M+H).sup.+

Step 6

[0383] Hydrazine hydrate (677 mg, 670 L, 35% Wt, 1.2 Eq, 7.40 mmol) was added to a mixture of ethyl 3-formyl-1-methyl-6-(methylsulfonyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (2.04 g, 95% Wt, 1 Eq, 6.16 mmol) in 2-ethoxyethanol (40 mL) and the mixture was heated at 120 C. for 2 h, then allowed to cool to RT. The mixture was poured into ice/water and the resulting precipitate was filtered, washing with water. The solid was then dried in a dessicator at 45 C. overnight to afford 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 1, 1.025 g, 100% Purity) as a pale yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (DMSO) : 12.32 (s, 1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 4.47 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 2H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.49 (t, J=5.7, 5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.00 (s, 3H), 2.81 (t, J=5.7, 5.7 Hz, 2H). MS (ES.sup.+): 283 (M+H).sup.+

Intermediate 2tert-butyl (3-((5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)carbamate

##STR00032##

Step 1

[0384] A suspension of ethyl 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (3.00 g, 15.8 mmol, 1.0 Eq) in DMF (20.0 mL) was treated with Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (12.8 g, 39.4 mmol, 2.5 Eq). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80-85 C. for 1 h and then allowed to cool to RT. To the mixture a solution of CH.sub.3l (1.57 g, 11.1 mmol, 687 L, 0.7 Eq) in DMF (10.0 mL) was added drop-wise at room temperature. Then the reaction mixture was then stirred at 20-25 C. for 1 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (20.0 mL) and water (30.0 mL). The organic layer was collected and the aqueous was extracted with ethyl acetate (20.0 mL2). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (20.0 mL), dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated in vacuo at 45 C. to afford ethyl 1-methyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (3.00 g, crude) as a brown solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 9.06 (s, 1H), 8.22 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (dd, J=5.6 Hz, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 4.36 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.12 (s, 3H), 1.35 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H).

Step 2

[0385] A suspension of ethyl 1-methyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (212 mg, 1 Eq, 1.04 mmol) and 5% Rh/Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (107 mg, 5.0% Wt, 0.05 Eq, 51.9 mol) in AcOH (5 mL) was stirred under H.sub.2 (5 bar.) at 50 C. for 20 h. 5% Rh/Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (107 mg, 5.0% Wt, 0.05 Eq, 51.9 mol) was added and stirred under H.sub.2 (5 bar.) for 24 h. AcOH (10 mL) was added and stirred under H.sub.2 (5 bar.) for 3 days. The reaction mixture was filtered through a glass fibre filter paper washing with EtOAc. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and then azeotroped with toluene (3 times) to afford the crude intermediate. A solution of the crude intermediate and DIPEA (403 mg, 542 L, 3 Eq, 3.11 mmol) in DCM (9 mL) at 0 C. was treated with a solution of benzyl chloroformate (177 mg, 146 L, 1 Eq, 1.04 mmol) in DCM (1 mL) dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 C. for 15 min and then allowed to warm to RT for 20 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (10 mL) and washed with sat. aq. NaHCO.sub.3 (10 mL). The organic layer was collected and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (210 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford 6-benzyl 2-ethyl 1-methyl-1,4,5,7-tetrahydro-6H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (202 mg, 95% Purity) as a pale orange oil. MS (ES.sup.+): 343 (M+H).sup.+

Step 3

[0386] A stirred solution of N-methyl-N-phenylformamide (270 mg, 247 L, 3.60 Eq, 2.00 mmol) in DCE (2 mL) at 0 C. was treated with POCl.sub.3 (307 mg, 186 L, 3.60 Eq, 2.00 mmol) dropwise. The solution was stirred at 0 C. for 2 h and then allowed to warm to RT for 30 min. The above solution was added to a solution of 6-benzyl 2-ethyl 1-methyl-1,4,5,7-tetrahydro-6H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (200 mg, 95% Wt, 1 Eq, 555 mol) in DCE (2 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at 85 C. for 20 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (5 mL) and sat. Na.sub.2CO.sub.3 (10 mL). The mixture was stirred until effervescence ceased. The organic layer was collected and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (10 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel (dry load) (12 g cartridge, 0-100% EtOAc/isohexane, eluted 50%) to afford 6-benzyl 2-ethyl 3-formyl-1-methyl-1,4,5,7-tetrahydro-6H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (153 mg, 97% Purity) as a pale yellow oil. MS (ES.sup.+): 371 (M+H).sup.+

Step 4

[0387] A stirred solution of 6-benzyl 2-ethyl 3-formyl-1-methyl-1,4,5,7-tetrahydro-6H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (150 mg, 97% Wt, 1 Eq, 393 mol) in dioxane (4 mL) was treated hydrazine (56.3 mg, 55.0 L, 35% Wt, 1.56 Eq, 614 mol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 100 C. for 18 h. An aliquot (0.5 mL) of the reaction mixture was diluted into AcOH (2 mL) and stirred at 100 C. for 2 h. The remaining reaction mixture was diluted with AcOH (4 mL) and stirred at 100 C. for 2 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was azeotroped with toluene (3 times) to afford the crude product. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel (12 g cartridge, 0-10% (0.7 M Ammonia/MeOH)/DCM, eluted 4%) to afford benzyl 5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4,5,6,8,9-hexahydro-7H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7-carboxylate (82 mg, 95% Purity) as a pale yellow solid. MS (ES.sup.+): 339 (M+H).sup.+

Step 5

[0388] A suspension of benzyl 5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4,5,6,8,9-hexahydro-7H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7-carboxylate (74.0 mg, 95% Wt, 1 Eq, 208 mol) and cesium carbonate (135 mg, 2.0 Eq, 416 mol) in DMF (2 mL) was stirred at 80 C. for 2 h and then allowed to cool to RT. A solution of tert-butyl (3-(bromomethyl)phenyl)carbamate (62.4 mg, 1.05 Eq, 218 mol) in DMF (1 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 18 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford benzyl 3-(3-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)benzyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4,5,6,8,9-hexahydro-7H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7-carboxylate (67 mg, 85% Purity) as a pale yellow solid. MS (ES.sup.+): 544 (M+H).sup.+

Step 6

[0389] A solution of benzyl 3-(3-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)benzyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4,5,6,8,9-hexahydro-7H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7-carboxylate (67 mg, 85% Wt, 1 Eq, 0.10 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was added to palladium on carbon (10 wt % loading) (13 mg, 10% Wt, 0.12 Eq, 12 mol). The suspension was stirred under H.sub.2 (5 bar.) at RT for 1 h. The reaction mixture was filtered through a glass fibre filter paper, washing with MeOH, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford the tert-butyl (3-((5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)carbamate (Intermediate 2, 35 mg, 94% Purity) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 9.28 (s, 1H), 8.17 (s, 1H), 7.32 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.82 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 5.23 (s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.87 (s, 2H), 2.93 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.60 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 1.44 (s, 9H). 1 proton not observed in DMSO. MS (ES.sup.+): 410 (M+H).sup.+

Intermediate 35-methyl-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00033##

Step 1

[0390] A stirred solution of ethyl 1-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (prepared according to Steps 1-3 en route to Intermediate 1), 1.536 g, 78% Wt, 1 Eq, 3.718 mmol) and DIPEA (1.48 g, 2.00 mL, 3.09 Eq, 11.5 mmol) in DCM (40 mL) at 0 C. was treated with benzenesulfonyl chloride (692 mg, 500 L, 1.05 Eq, 3.92 mmol) dropwise. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to RT and stirred for 18 h. The reaction mixture was washed with sat. aq. NaHCO.sub.3 (50 mL) and the organic layer was collected. The aqueous was extracted with DCM (240 mL) and the combined organic extracts were washed with 50% brine (50 mL), dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product as a yellow oil. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel (dry load) (24 g cartridge, 0-100% EtOAc/isohexane) to afford ethyl 1-methyl-6-(phenylsulfonyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (1.036 g, 76% Purity) as a clear colourless oil. MS (ES.sup.+): 349 (M+H).sup.+

Step 2

[0391] A stirred solution of N-methyl-N-phenylformamide (759 mg, 693 L, 2.5 Eq, 5.62 mmol) in DCE (5 mL) at 0 C. was treated with POCl.sub.3 (861 mg, 524 L, 2.5 Eq, 5.62 mmol) in one portion. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 C. for 0.5 h and then allowed to warm to RT for 1 h. The resultant orange solution was added to a stirred solution of ethyl 1-methyl-6-(phenylsulfonyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (1.03 g, 76% Wt, 1 Eq, 2.25 mmol) in DCE (15 mL). The reaction mixture was heated to 80 C. for 44 h. The reaction mixture was washed with sat. aq. Na.sub.2CO.sub.3 (50 mL) and the organic layer was collected. The aqueous was extracted with DCM (240 mL) and the combined organic extracts were washed with sat. aq. Na.sub.2CO.sub.3 (50 mL), 50% brine (50 mL), dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude products as a black oil. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford ethyl 3-formyl-1-methyl-6-(phenylsulfonyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (438 mg, 91% Purity) as a yellow solid. MS (ES.sup.+): 377 (M+H).sup.+

Step 3

[0392] A suspension of ethyl 3-formyl-1-methyl-6-(phenylsulfonyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (427 mg, 91% Wt, 1 Eq, 1.03 mmol) in 2-ethoxyethan-1-ol (5 mL) was treated with hydrazine (35 wt % in water) (101 mg, 100 L, 35% Wt, 1.07 Eq, 1.10 mmol) in one portion. The reaction mixture was stirred at 130 C. for 2.5 h. Hydrazine (35 wt % in water) (10.1 mg, 10.0 L, 35% Wt, 0.107 Eq, 110 mol) was added and the reaction was stirred at 130 C. for 1 h. The reaction mixture was poured into water (50 mL) and the precipitate was collected by filtration, washing with water, to afford 5-methyl-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 3, 315 mg, 75% Purity) as a yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (DMSO) : 12.29 (s, 1H), 8.07 (s, 1H), 7.92-7.85 (m, 2H), 7.74-7.65 (m, 1H), 7.68-7.57 (m, 2H), 4.38 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 3.39 (t, J=5.7, 5.7 Hz, 2H), 2.70 (t, J=5.7, 5.7 Hz, 21H). MS (ES.sup.+): 345 (M+H).sup.+.

Intermediate 4methyl 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)thiophene-2-carboxylate

##STR00034##

Step 1

[0393] To a solution of methyl 3-methylthiophene-2-carboxylate (1.00 g, 6.40 mmol, 1.0 Eq) in CCl.sub.4 (6.00 mL) was added AIBN (210 mg, 1.28 mmol, 0.2 Eq) in one portion at 20-25 C. To the mixture was added NBS (1.48 g, 8.32 mmol, 1.3 Eq) at 70-75 C. in portions. Then the mixture was stirred at 70-75 C. for 3 h. TLC (n-heptane/ethyl acetate=10/1, R.sub.f-SM=0.4, R.sub.f-product=0.45) showed the starting material was consumed completely and two new spots were detected. The mixture was cooled to 20-25 C. and filtered. The filter cake was washed with CCl.sub.4 (25.0 mL). The filtrate was diluted with ethyl acetate (10.0 mL) and washed with water (10.0 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated at 40 C. in vacuo to give methyl 3-(bromomethyl)thiophene-2-carboxylate (2.00 g, crude) as a yellow oil.

[0394] The material was used in the next step without further purification

Step 2

[0395] To a suspension of 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 1, 350 mg, 1.24 mmol, 1.0 Eq) in DMF (2.5 mL) was added Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (969 mg, 2.98 mmol, 2.4 Eq) in one portion at 20-25 C. The suspension was stirred at 80-85 C. for 1 h. The suspension was then cooled to 20-25 C. A solution of methyl 3-(bromomethyl)thiophene-2-carboxylate (874 mg, 3.72 mmol, 3.0 Eq) in DMF (1.0 mL) was added drop-wise into the suspension at 20-25 C. And the mixture was stirred at 20-25 C. for 1 h. TLC (dichloromethane/methanol=3/1, R.sub.f-SM=0.3, R.sub.f-product=0.5) showed the starting material was consumed completely and three new spots were detected. The reaction mixture was poured into ice water (25.0 mL) and stirred 30 min at 0-5 C. The mixture was then filtered and the filter cake was washed with water (5.0 mL2). The filter cake was dried under vacuum at 45 C. to give the title compound (310 mg) as a white solid.

[0396] .sup.1H NMR 400 MHz DMSO-d.sub.6: 8.26 (s, 1H), 7.75 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 6.59 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 5.63 (s, 2H), 4.49 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.51 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 3.01 (s, 3H), 2.83 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H).

Intermediate 53-(chloromethyl)benzofuran

##STR00035##

Step 1

[0397] To a solution of benzofuran-3-carbaldehyde (150 mg, 1.03 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was added NaBH.sub.4 (57 mg, 1.50 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated ammonium chloride solution, concentrated to remove MeOH and extracted with DCM (10 mL2). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to give benzofuran-3-ylmethanol (160 mg, 100%) as a white solid. The crude was used in next step directly.

[0398] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) : 7.70-7.67 (m, 1H), 7.63 (s, 1H), 7.51-7.48 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.28 (m, 2H), 4.86 (s, 2H).

[0399] MS (ES.sup.+): 131.4 (M-OH).sup.+

Step 2

[0400] To a solution of benzofuran-3-ylmethanol (160 mg, 1.08 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added SOCl.sub.2 (0.70 mL, 10 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction was complete, the reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum to give 3-(chloromethyl)benzofuran as a yellow oil (assumed quantitative yield, 1.08 mmol). The material was used crude in the next step without further purification.

Intermediate 6 ethyl 3-(chloromethyl)-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate

##STR00036##

Step 1

[0401] A solution of ethyl 4-chloro-3-oxobutanoate (4 mL, 29.5 mmol), triethoxymethane (29.5 mL) and Ac.sub.2O (13 mL) was stirred at 120 C. for 3 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated, and n-heptane was added to the residue. A solid precipitate was obtained that upon filtration afforded ethyl-4-chloro-2-(ethoxymethylene)-3-oxobutanoate (1.5 g) as a yellow solid, which was used into next step without purification.

[0402] MS (ES.sup.+): 221.4 (M+H).sup.+

Step 2

[0403] To a solution of ethyl-4-chloro-2-(ethoxymethylene)-3-oxobutanoate (1.5 g, 6.8 mmol) in t-BuOMe (10 mL) was added N.sub.2H.sub.4 (3 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. H2O (20 mL) was added and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL3). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by silica gel (20 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:00/50:50) to obtain ethyl 3-(chloromethyl)-IH-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (300 mg, 98% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0404] MS (ES.sup.+): 189.3 (M+H).sup.+

Step 3

[0405] A solution of ethyl 3-(chloromethyl)-IH-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (SCP3-6s-12, 300 mg, 1.60 mmol), DHP (269 mg, 3.20 mmol), p-TsOH (28 mg, 0.16 mmol) in DCM (10 mL). Then mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. The mixture was diluted with saturated NaHCO.sub.3, extracted with DCM, and washed with brine (10 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO4), filtered and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:00/50:50) to give the title compound (270 mg, 99% Purity) as a yellow oil.

[0406] MS (ES.sup.+): 189.3 (M84).sup.+

Intermediate 73-(chloromethyl)benzenesulfonamide

##STR00037##

Step 1

[0407] To the solution of 3-sulfamoylbenzoic acid (200 mg, 1.0 mmol) in Tetrahydrofuran (5 mL) was add B.sub.2H.sub.6(2 mL, 2.0 mmol, 1M in the Tetrahydrofuran) at 0 C., and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the mixture was added MeOH (5 mL). The organic layer was concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure to give 3-(hydroxymethyl)benzenesulfonamide (140 mg, 95% Purity) as a yellow oil. MS (ES.sup.+): 188.1 (M+H).sup.+

Step 2

[0408] To the solution of 3-(hydroxymethyl)benzenesulfonamide (140 mg, 0.75 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was drop-wised SOCl.sub.2 (214 mg, 1.8 mmol) at 0 C., and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the mixture was concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure to remove DCM and most of over amounted SOCl.sub.2 to give the title compound (120 mg, 97% Purity) as a yellow oil, which was used to the next step directly.

[0409] MS (ES.sup.+): 206.0 (M+H).sup.+

Intermediate 82-(chloromethyl)-6-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pyridine

##STR00038##

Step 1

[0410] A mixture of (6-fluoropyridin-2-yl)methanol (400 mg, 3.15 mmol), pyrrolidine (448 mg, 6.30 mmol) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (652 mg, 4.47 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) under nitrogen protection was stirred at 70 C. overnight. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was diluted with H.sub.2O (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed with saturated ammonium chloride solution, concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure and purified by flash column chromatography (40 g, petroleum ether/methyl ether=100:00-60:40) to give (6-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pyridin-2-yl)methanol (250 mg, 99% Purity) as a colourless oil.

[0411] MS (ES.sup.+): 139.4 (M+H).sup.+

Step 2

[0412] To a solution of (6-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pyridin-2-yl)methanol (90 mg, 0.50 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) was added SOCl.sub.2 (0.36 mL, 5 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was concentrated. The mixture was diluted with H.sub.2O (2 mL), basified with K.sub.2CO.sub.3 until pH=7 and then extracted with EtOAc (10 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to the title compound (95 mg, 97% Purity) as a yellow oil. The crude was used in next step directly without further purification.

[0413] MS (ES.sup.+): 197.3 (M+H).sup.+

Intermediate 9tert-butyl 3-(bromomethyl)-1H-indazole-1-carboxylate

##STR00039##

Step 1

[0414] To a solution of 3-methyl-1H-indazole (700 mg, 5.3 mmol) and di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (1.7 g, 7.95 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added DMAP (112 mg, 1 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed by HCl aq. (0.5M), dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:0-70:30) to give tert-butyl 3-methyl-1H-indazole-1-carboxylate (1.1 g, 87% Purity) as a yellow oil.

[0415] MS (ES.sup.+): 177.3 (M56+H).sup.+

Step 2

[0416] To a solution of tert-butyl 3-methyl-1H-indazole-1-carboxylate (mg, 1.3 mmol), NBS (278 mg, 1.6 mmol) in CCl.sub.4 (6 mL) was added AIBN (43 mg, 0.26 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 85 C. for 3 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction was complete, the reaction mixture was concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure and extracted with EtOAc (10 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed by brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:0-70:30) to give the title compound (200 mg, 99% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0417] MS (ES.sup.+): 255.2 (M+H).sup.+

Intermediate 10tert-butyl 4-(chloromethyl)-1H-indazole-1-carboxylate

##STR00040##

Step 1

[0418] A mixture of (1H-indazol-4-yl)methanol (750 mg, 5.06 mmol), di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (2.2 g, 10.0 mmol) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (2.07 g, 15 mmol) in THF (20 mL) and H.sub.2O (6 mL) under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature overnight. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was diluted with H.sub.2O (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (30 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed with saturated ammonium chloride solution, concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure and purified by flash column chromatography (40 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:00-60:40) to give tert-butyl 4-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-indazole-1-carboxylate (600 mg, 66% Purity) as a colourless oil.

[0419] MS (ES.sup.+): 193.3 (M+H).sup.+

Step 2

[0420] To a solution of tert-butyl 4-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-indazole-1-carboxylate (350 mg, 1.41 mmol) in DCM (7 mL) was added SOCl.sub.2 (185 mg, 1.55 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was concentrated. The mixture was diluted with H.sub.2O (5 mL), alkalized with K.sub.2CO.sub.3 until pH=7 and then extracted with EtOAc (20 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to give the crude. The crude was purified by flash column chromatography (20 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:00-80:20) to give the title compound (180 mg, 99% Purity) as a light-yellow oil.

[0421] MS (ES.sup.+): 211.4 (M+H).sup.+

Intermediate 117-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00041##

Step 1

[0422] To a solution of compound ethyl 1-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (Commercially available 5.0 g, 24.0 mmol, 1.0 Eq) in DCM (30 mL) was added drop-wise DIPEA (12.4 g, 96.0 mmol, 4.0 Eq) at 0-5 C. Then 4-methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (5.46 g, 26.4 mmol, 1.1 Eq) was added drop-wise into the reaction mixture at 0-5 C. The reaction mixture was warmed to 20-25 C. and stirred for 1 hour. LCMS analysis showed the starting material was consumed completely and two major peaks with the desired mass ion were detected. The reaction mixture was poured into the ice-cold aq. NaHCO.sub.3 (40 mL) and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (30 mL3). The organic layers were combined and dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated at 45 C. in vacuo to give compound ethyl 6-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-1-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (9.1 g) which was used for next step directly.

[0423] MS (ES.sup.+): 379.2 (M+H).sup.+

Step 2

[0424] To a solution of ethyl 6-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-1-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (8.13 g, 60.1 mmol, 2.5 Eq) in DCE (45 mL) was added POCl.sub.3 (29.5 g, 192 mmol, 8.0 Eq) drop-wise at 0 C. Then the reaction mixture was warmed to 20-25 C. and stirred for 12 hours. A solution of N-methyl-N-phenylformamide (9.1 g, 24.0 mmol, 1.0 Eq) in DCE (9.0 mL) was added drop-wise to the reaction mixture. The mixture was heated to 80-85 C. and stirred for 1 hour. LCMS analysis showed the starting material was consumed completely and one major product with desired mass ion was detected. The reaction mixture was then cooled to 20-25 C. and concentrated at 45 C. to give a crude residue. The residue was diluted with DCM (50 mL) and the pH adjusted to 8 with sat. NaHCO.sub.3. The layers were separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted with DCM (50 mL2). The organic layers were then combined, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated at 45 C. to give a crude product. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (n-heptane/ethyl acetate=10/1 to DCM/MeOH=10/1, Rf=0.4) to give ethyl 3-formyl-6-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-1-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (8.0 g, 96% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0425] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 6 12.24 (s, 1H), 7.78 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 2H), 4.31 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.21 (s, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.23 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.71 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 1.30 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H).

[0426] MS (ES.sup.+): 407.1 (M+H).sup.+, 429.2 (M+Na).sup.+

Step 3

[0427] To a suspension of compound ethyl 3-formyl-6-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-1-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (4.0 g, 9.84 mmol, 1.0 Eq) in 2-ethoxyethanol (40 mL) was added NH.sub.2NH.sub.2.Math.H.sub.2O (831 mg, 16.6 mmol, 1.7 Eq) drop-wise at 20-25 C. Then the mixture was stirred at 115-120 C. for 2 hours. LCMS analysis showed the starting material was consumed completely and one major peak with desired mass ion was detected. The reaction mixture was cooled to RT and then the reaction mixture was poured onto ice water (50 mL) with stirring, forming a thick slurry. The reaction mixture was filtered, and the filter cake was washed with water (20 mL2). The filter cake was dried under vacuum at 45 C. to give the desired product (3.0 g, 90% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0428] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 6 12.29 (s, 1H), 8.08 (s, 1H), 7.80 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 4.32 (s, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.30 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.71 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H).

[0429] MS (ES.sup.+): 375.1 (M+H).sup.+

Intermediate 12methyl 3-(bromomethyl)thiophene-2-carboxylate

##STR00042##

[0430] A solution of methyl 3-methylthiophene-2-carboxylate (300 mg, 3.20 mmol), NBS (576 mg, 3.20 mmol), AIBN (53 mg, 0.32 mmol) in CCl.sub.4 (10 mL). Then mixture was stirred at 75 C. for 16 hours. The mixture was diluted with saturated NaHCO.sub.3, extracted with DCM, and washed with brine (10 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:00/50:50) to give the title compound (200 mg, 64% Purity) as a yellow solid. MS (ES.sup.+): 235.0 (M+H).sup.+

Intermediate 135-(chloromethyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran

##STR00043##

Step 1

[0431] To a solution of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-carbaldehyde (200 mg, 1.35 mmol) in MeOH (6 mL) was added NaBH.sub.4 (77 mg, 2.02 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated ammonium chloride solution, concentrated to remove MeOH and extracted with DCM (10 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to give (2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)methanol (210 mg, 95% Purity) as a colourless oil. The crude was used in next step directly.

[0432] MS (ES.sup.+): 133.3 (M-OH).sup.+

Step 2

[0433] To a solution of (2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)methanol (210 mg, 1.40 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added SOCl.sub.2 (0.5 mL, 6.9 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. After LCMS indicated the reaction was complete, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuum to give a colourless oil. Assumed quantitative yield obtained and used crude in the next step without purification.

Intermediate 145-(chloromethyl)-2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran

##STR00044##

Step 1

[0434] To a solution of 2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-carbaldehyde (100 mg, 0.57 mmol) in MeOH (3 mL) was added NaBH.sub.4 (32 mg, 0.85 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. After LCMS indicated the mixture is no more reaction, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated ammonium chloride solution, concentrated to remove MeOH and extracted with DCM (10 mL2). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to give the mixture of (2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)methanol (105 mg, 20% Purity) as a white solid. The crude was used in next step directly without further purification.

[0435] MS (ES.sup.+): 161.4 (M-OH).sup.+

Step 2

[0436] To a solution of crude 2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)methanol (105 mg) in DCM (5 mL) was added SOCl.sub.2 (0.4 mL, 5.5 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. After LCMS indicated the reaction was complete, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuum to give a yellow oil. Assumed quantitative yield obtained and used crude in the next step without purification.

Intermediate 156-(chloromethyl)-1-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine

##STR00045##

Step 1

[0437] To a solution of methyl 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-6-carboxylate (400 mg, 2.3 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added NaH (110 mg, 2.8 mmol) at 0 C., and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0 C. for 0.5 hours. Then the reaction mixture was added SEM-CI (468 mg, 2.8 mmol), the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was quenched with NH.sub.4Cl aq. and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed by brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:0-70:30) to give methyl 1-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-6-carboxylate (470 mg, 87% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0438] MS (ES.sup.+): 307.3 (M+H).sup.+

Step 2

[0439] To a solution of 1-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-6-carboxylate (470 mg, 1.5 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added LAH (0.9 mL, 2.25 mmol, 2.5 M) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was quenched with Na.sub.2SO.sub.4.Math.10H.sub.2O, filtered and concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:0-30:70) to give (1-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-6-yl)methanol (420 mg, 99% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0440] MS (ES.sup.+): 279.3 (M+H).sup.+

Step 3

[0441] To a solution of (1-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-6-yl)methanol (420 mg, 1.5 mmol) in DCM (6 mL) was added SOCl.sub.2 (238 mg, 2 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the mixture was concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure to remove DCM and most of over amounted SOCl.sub.2. The residue was quenched with ice water (10 mL), adjusted to pH=9 with 2N K.sub.2CO.sub.3 aqueous solution, and extracted with DCM (10 mL2). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure to give the title compound (400 mg, 95% Purity) as a yellow solid, which was used to the next step directly.

[0442] MS (ES.sup.+): 297.2 (M+H).sup.+

Intermediate 16(S)-tert-butyl 1-(3-(chloromethyl)phenyl)ethylcarbamate

##STR00046##

Step 1

[0443] To a solution of (S)-1-(3-bromophenyl)ethanamine (800 mg, 4 mmol) and (Boc).sub.2O (1.05 mg, 4.8 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (1.1 g, 8 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc (20 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed by brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:0-80:20) to give (S)-tert-butyl 1-(3-bromophenyl)ethylcarbamate (1.28 g, 99% Purity) as a yellow oil.

[0444] MS (ES.sup.+): 244.2 (M+H).sup.+

Step 2

[0445] To a solution of (S)-tert-butyl 1-(3-bromophenyl)ethylcarbamate (0.6 g, 2 mmol) and Pd(dppf)Cl.sub.2 (145 mg, 0.2 mmol) in EtOH (10 mL) was added KOAc (392 mL, 4 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 90 C. for 4 hours under carbon monoxide atmosphere. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed by brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:0-70:30) to give (S)-ethyl 3-(1-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethyl)benzoate (390 mg, 76% Purity) as a yellow oil.

[0446] MS (ES.sup.+): 316.3 (M+Na).sup.+

Step 3

[0447] To a solution of (S)-ethyl 3-(1-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethyl)benzoate (390 mg, 1.3 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added LAH (0.9 mL, 2.25 mmol, 2.5 M) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was quenched with Na.sub.2SO.sub.410H.sub.2O, filtered and concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, dichloromethane/methyl alcohol=100:0-90:10) to give (S)-tert-butyl 1-(3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)ethylcarbamate (310 mg, 90% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0448] MS (ES.sup.+): 274.4 (M+Na).sup.+

Step 4

[0449] To a solution of (S)-tert-butyl 1-(3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)ethylcarbamate (310 mg, 1.2 mmol) in DCM (6 mL) was added SOCl.sub.2 (238 mg, 2 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the mixture was concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure to remove DCM and most of over amounted SOCl.sub.2. The residue was quenched with ice water (10 mL), adjusted to pH=9 with 2N K.sub.2CO.sub.3 aqueous solution, and extracted with DCM (10 mL2). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure to give (S)-tert-butyl 1-(3-(chloromethyl)phenyl)ethylcarbamate (300 mg, 58% Purity) as a yellow solid, which was used to the next step directly.

[0450] MS (ES.sup.+): 292.2 (M+Na).sup.+

Intermediate 172-(3-(bromomethyl)phenyl)propan-2-ol

##STR00047##

[0451] To a solution of methyl 3-(bromomethyl)benzoate (1.0 g, 4.37 mmol) in ether (20 mL), at 0 C. was added dropwise methylmagnesium chloride (3 M in ether, 4.4 mL, 13.11 mmol). The reaction mixture was warmed up to 45 C., and stirred for 2 hours and then quenched with ammonium chloride aqueous solution, extracted with EtOAc (20 mL3) and concentrated to give the residue. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (20 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:0-80:20) to give a yellow oil (assumed quantitative yield). Used in the next step without further purification.

Intermediate 183-(chloromethyl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine

##STR00048##

Step 1

[0452] To a solution of 3-bromothieno[3,2-c]pyridine (1 g, 4.7 mmol) and Pd(dppf)Cl.sub.2 (345 mg, 0.47 mmol) in EtOH (15 mL) was added KOAc (921 mg, 9.4 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 90 C. for 4 hours under carbon monoxide atmosphere. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed by brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:0-70:30) to give ethyl thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-3-carboxylate (700 mg, 75% Purity) as a yellow oil.

[0453] MS (ES.sup.+): 208.2 (M+H).sup.+

Step 2

[0454] To a solution of ethyl thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-3-carboxylate (700 mg, 3.4 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added LAH (2 mL, 5.1 mmol, 2.5 M) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was quenched with Na.sub.2SO.sub.410H.sub.2O, filtered and concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, dichloromethane/methyl alcohol=100:0-90:10) to give thieno[3,2-c]pyridin-3-ylmethanol (480 mg, 75% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0455] MS (ES.sup.+): 166.1 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 3

[0456] To a solution of (S)-tert-butyl 1-(3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)ethylcarbamate (100 mg, 0.6 mmol) in DCM (6 mL) was added SOCl.sub.2 (238 mg, 2 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the mixture was concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure to remove DCM and most of over amounted SOCl.sub.2. The residue was quenched with ice water (10 mL), adjusted to pH=9 with 2N K.sub.2CO.sub.3 aqueous solution, and extracted with DCM (10 mL2). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure to give (110 mg, 83% Purity) as a yellow solid, which was used to the next step directly.

[0457] MS (ES.sup.+): 184.1 (M+H).sup.+.

Intermediate 19-tert-butyl 3-(chloromethyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-1-carboxylate

##STR00049##

Step 1

[0458] A mixture of 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-3-carbaldehyde (510 mg, 3.49 mmol), di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (1.52 g, 7.0 mmol), Et.sub.3N (1.5 mL, 10.8 mmol) and DMAP (43 mg, 0.35 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature overnight. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was diluted with H.sub.2O (20 mL) and extracted with DCM (30 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed with saturated salt water, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure and purified by flash column chromatography (20 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:00-65:35) to give tert-butyl 3-formyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-1-carboxylate (600 mg, 99% Purity) as a yellow oil.

[0459] MS (ES.sup.+): 247.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0460] To a solution of tert-butyl 3-formyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-1-carboxylate (300 mg, 1.22 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was added NaBH.sub.4 (93 mg, 2.45 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated ammonium chloride solution, concentrated to remove MeOH and extracted with DCM (10 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to give tert-butyl 3-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-1-carboxylate (240 mg, 99% Purity) as a white solid. The crude was used in next step directly.

[0461] MS (ES.sup.+): 249.4 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 3

[0462] To a solution of tert-butyl 3-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-1-carboxylate (120 mg, 0.48 mmol) in DCM (3 mL) was added SOCl.sub.2 (85 mg, 0.72 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was concentrated at 35 C., diluted with H.sub.2O (5 mL), alkalized with K.sub.2CO.sub.3 until pH=7 and extracted with DCM (10 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to give the title compound (130 mg, 98.7% Purity) as a light-yellow oil. The crude was used in next step directly.

[0463] MS (ES.sup.+): 267.2 (M+H).sup.+.

Intermediate 20benzyl 5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4,5,6,8,9-hexahydro-7H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo [2,3-d]pyridazine-7-carboxylate

##STR00050##

Step 1

[0464] To a solution of 2-chloro-4-methyl-3-nitropyridine (150 g, 872 mmol) in diethyl oxalate (8.7 mol, 1.19 L) was added DBU (152.1 g, 1 mol) under N.sub.2. The mixture was stirred at 20-25 C. for 12 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, The mixture was poured into ice water (10.0 L). The pH value of the aqueous phase was adjusted to 1-2 at 0-10 C. with HCl (1 N) to give a yellow suspension. The yellow suspension was filtered and the filter cake was dried in vacuo. The crude product was triturated with EtOH (2.00 L) and stirred at 25 C. for 12 hours. The mixture was filtered, the filter cake was washed with EtOH (500 mL) and dried under vacuum to give ethyl 3-(2-chloro-3-nitropyridin-4-yl)-2-oxopropanoate (165 g, 73% Purity) as a white solid.

[0465] MS (ES.sup.+): 273.2 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0466] To a solution of ethyl 3-(2-chloro-3-nitropyridin-4-yl)-2-oxopropanoate (75 g, 276 mmol) in EtOH (0.6 L) was added 20% Pd/C (15 g, 50% purity) under H.sub.2. The mixture was stirred at 20-25 C. for 12 hours under H.sub.2 (1.0 Mpa). After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the mixture was filtered and the filter cake was washed with EtOH (1.00 L4). The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo at 45 C. to give product (55 g). The crude product (55 g) was triturated with EtOH (0.60 L) and stirred at 25 C. for 12 hours. The mixture was filtered, the filter cake was washed with EtOH (700 mL) and dried under vacuum to give ethyl 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (50 g, 97% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0467] MS (ES.sup.+): 191.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 3

[0468] To a solution of ethyl 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (50 g, 263 mmol) in EtOAc (370 mL) was added HCl/dioxane (4M, 0.35 L) in one portion at 0-5 C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 20-25 C. for 12 hours. After the reaction is completed, the mixture was filtered and the filter cake was washed with EtOAc (50.0 mL2). The filter cake was dried under vacuum at 45 C. to give ethyl 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate hydrochloric acid salt (60 g, 100%) as a yellow solid. Use in the next step without further characterisation.

Step 4

[0469] To a solution of ethyl 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate hydrochloric acid salt (60 g, 263 mmol) in EtOH (0.5 L) was added HOAc (15.78 g, 263 mmol) and 50% Pd/C (30.0 g, 50% purity) under Ar to give a black suspension at 25 C. The mixture was degassed under vacuum and purged with H.sub.2 for three times. The mixture was heated to 80 C. and stirred for 15 hours under H.sub.2 (3.0 MPa). After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the mixture was cooled to 20 C. and filtered through a celite pad. Two reactions were combined. The filter cake was washed with EtOH (1.00 L2) and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo at 45 C. to give ethyl 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (47.3 g, 84% Purity) as a white solid.

[0470] MS (ES.sup.+): 195.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 5

[0471] To a solution of ethyl 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylate (47.3 g, 243 mmol) in DCM (0.5 L) was added drop-wise DIPEA (125 g, 972 mmol) at 0-5 C. Then the mixture was added drop-wise CbzCl (44 g, 255 mmol,). The mixture was stirred at 20-25 C. for 2 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was poured into the ice aq. NaHCO.sub.3 (675 mL) and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (200 mL2). The organic layers were combined and dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. Then the organic layer was concentrated at 45 C. in vacuo, The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (240 g, petroleum ether: ethyl acetate=100: 0-50: 50) to give 6-benzyl 2-ethyl 4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2,6(7H)-dicarboxylate (64 g, 55% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0472] MS (ES.sup.+): 329.2 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 6

[0473] To a solution of 6-benzyl 2-ethyl 4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2,6(7H)-dicarboxylate (64 g, 195 mmol) in DMF (0.6 L) was added NaH (9.7 g, 253 mmol) at 0 C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 C. for 1 hour. A solution of Mel (27.7 g, 195 mmol, 12 mL) in DMF (186 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0-5 C. for 2 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the mixture was poured into ice water (5.0 L). The pH value of the aqueous phase was adjusted to 1-2 at 0-10 C. with HCl (1 N) to give a yellow suspension. The yellow suspension was filtered, and the filter cake was dried in vacuo. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (240 g, petroleum ether: ethyl acetate=100: 0-50: 50) to give 6-benzyl 2-ethyl 1-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2,6(7H)-dicarboxylate (60 g, 88% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0474] MS (ES.sup.+): 343.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 7

[0475] To a solution of N-methyl-N-phenylformamide (85 g, 632 mmol) in DCE (0.7 L) was added POCl.sub.3 (96 g, 632 mol) drop-wise at 0 C. Then the reaction mixture was warmed to 20-25 C. and stirred at 20-25 C. for 4 hours. A solution of 6-benzyl 2-ethyl 1-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2,6(7H)-dicarboxylate (60 g, 175 mmol,) in DCE (190 mL) was added dropwise into the mixture at 20-25 C. The mixture was heated to 80-85 C. and stirred at 80-85 C. for 10 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was cooled to 20-25 C. The reaction mixture was concentrated at 45 C. to give the residue. The residue was diluted with DCM (500 mL) and the pH was adjusted to 8 with sat. NaHCO.sub.3. The layers were separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted with DCM (500 mL2). The organic layers were combined and dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. The organic layers were concentrated at 45 C. to give crude product. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (240 g, petroleum ether: ethyl acetate=100: 0-50:50) to give 6-benzyl 2-ethyl 3-formyl-1-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2,6(7H)-dicarboxylate (54 g, 72% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0476] MS (ES.sup.+): 371.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 8

[0477] To a solution of 6-benzyl 2-ethyl 3-formyl-1-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2,6(7H)-dicarboxylate (54 g, 145 mmol) in 2-ethoxyethanol (0.3 L) was added NH.sub.2NH.sub.2.Math.H.sub.2O (10.9 g, 217.5 mmol, 1.50 Eq) drop-wise at 20-25 C. Then the mixture was stirred at 115-120 C. for 10 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, The reaction mixture was cooled to 20-25 C. Then the reaction mixture was poured into ice water (1.5 L). The reaction mixture was filtered and the filter cake was washed with water (100 mL2). The filter cake was dried under vacuum at 45 C. to give the title compound (43 g, 92% Purity) as a white solid.

[0478] MS (ES.sup.+): 339.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Intermediate 213-((6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00051##

Step 1

[0479] A mixture of benzyl 5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4,5,6,8,9-hexahydro-7H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7-carboxylate (Intermediate 20, 3.0 g, 8.87 mmol) and Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (5.76 g, 17.72 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added 5-(chloromethyl)-2-methoxypyridine (2.10 g, 13.30 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture under nitrogen was stirred at 70 C. for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was diluted with water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (30 mL3). The combined organic layers were washed with saturated ammonium chloride solution (30 mL2), dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure. The residual was purified by flash column chromatography (40 g, dichloromethane/methanol=100:00-90:10) to give benzyl 3-((6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4,5,6,8,9-hexahydro-7H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7-carboxylate (3.6 g, 90% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0480] MS (ES.sup.+): 460.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0481] A mixture of benzyl 3-((6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4,5,6,8,9-hexahydro-7H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7-carboxylate (SCP3-10-1, 3.6 g, 7.83 mmol), ammonium formate (4.93 g, 78.3 mmol) and Pd/C (10% wt, 720 mg) in isopropyl alcohol (50 mL) was stirred at 60 C. for 2 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was basified with saturated NaHCO.sub.3 aqueous solution until pH to 8. The suspension was filtered, and the filtrate was extracted with DCM (30 mL3). The organic layers were concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure and purified by flash column chromatography (40 g, dichloromethane/methanol=100:00-90:10) to give to give the title compound (2.4 g, 95% Purity) as a white solid.

[0482] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 8.16-8.14 (m, 2H), 7.63 (dd, J=8.4 Hz, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.76 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 5.24 (s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.83-3.81 (m, 5H), 2.89 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.57 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H).

[0483] MS (ES.sup.+): 326.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Intermediate 22N-(2-methoxyethyl)-2-oxooxazolidine-3-sulfonamide

##STR00052##

[0484] To a solution of sulfurisocyanatidic chloride (2 g, 14 mmol) in DCM (150 mL) was added 2-bromoethanol (1.74 g, 14 mmol) at 0 C., and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0 C. for 1 hour. Then the reaction was added 2-methoxyethanamine (1.26 g, 16.8 mmol) and Et.sub.3N (4.2 mg, 42 mmol) at 0 C., the reaction mixture was stirred at 25 C. for overnight. TLC indicated the reaction to be complete, the reaction mixture was extracted with DCM (20 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed by brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:0-70:30) to give N-(2-methoxyethyl)-2-oxooxazolidine-3-sulfonamide (2.2 g, 95% purity) as a yellow oil.

[0485] 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 8.44 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.38-4.34 (m, 2H), 3.94-3.91 (m, 2H), 3.36 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.24 (s, 3H), 3.20-3.16 (m, 2H).

Intermediate 23tert-butyl 3-(chloromethyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-1-carboxylate

##STR00053##

Step 1

[0486] A mixture of 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carbaldehyde (1.7 g, 11.63 mmol), di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (5.08 g, 23.26 mmol), Et.sub.3N (4.85 mL, 34.89 mmol) and DMAP (141 mg, 1.16 mmol) in DCM (50 mL) under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature overnight. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was diluted with H.sub.2O (100 mL) and extracted with DCM (100 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed with saturated salt water, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure and purified by flash column chromatography (40 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:00-66:34) to give tert-butyl 3-formyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-1-carboxylate (2.4 g, 90% Purity) as a yellow oil.

[0487] MS (ES.sup.+): 191.2 (M56+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0488] To a solution of tert-butyl 3-formyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-1-carboxylate (2.4 g, 9.76 mmol) in MeOH (50 mL) was added NaBH.sub.4 (556 mg, 14.63 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated ammonium chloride solution, concentrated to remove MeOH and extracted with DCM (100 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to give tert-butyl 3-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-1-carboxylate (2.3 g, 87% Purity) as a white solid. The crude was used in next step directly.

[0489] MS (ES.sup.+): 249.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 3

[0490] To a solution of tert-butyl 3-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-1-carboxylate (250 mg, 1.01 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added SOCl.sub.2 (178 mg, 1.50 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was concentrated at 35 C. under reduced pressure to give t the title compound as a light-yellow solid. The material was used crude in the next step without further purification.

Intermediate 24tert-butyl 3-(chloromethyl)-5-fluoro-1H-indole-1-carboxylate

##STR00054##

Step 1

[0491] A mixture of 5-fluoro-1H-indole-3-carbaldehyde (400 mg, 2.45 mmol), di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (1.07 g, 4.90 mmol), Et.sub.3N (1.00 mL, 7.35 mmol) and DMAP (61 mg, 0.50 mmol) in DCM (12 mL) under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature overnight. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was diluted with H.sub.2O (40 mL), separated, and extracted with DCM (30 mL3). The combined organic layers were washed with saturated salt water (40 mL), dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure. The mixture was purified by flash column chromatography (20 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:00-88:12) to give tert-butyl 5-fluoro-3-formyl-1H-indole-1-carboxylate (620 mg, 86% Purity) as a light-yellow oil.

[0492] MS (ES.sup.+): 208.1 (M56+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0493] To a solution of tert-butyl 5-fluoro-3-formyl-1H-indole-1-carboxylate (620 mg, 2.36 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) was added NaBH.sub.4 (134 mg, 5.34 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated ammonium chloride aqueous solution, concentrated to remove MeOH and extracted with DCM (20 mL3). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to give tert-butyl 5-fluoro-3-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-indole-1-carboxylate (600 mg, 99% Purity) as a light-yellow solid. The crude was used in next step directly.

[0494] MS (ES.sup.+): 192.3 (M56+H).sup.+.

Step 3

[0495] To a solution of tert-butyl 5-fluoro-3-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-indole-1-carboxylate (280 mg, 1.06 mmol) in DCM (6 mL) was added SOCl.sub.2 (190 mg, 1.60 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. After LCMS indicated the raw material is disappeared, the reaction mixture was concentrated at 35 C. under reduced pressure to give the title compound as a yellow oil. The material was used crude in the next step without further purification.

Intermediate 25tert-butyl 3-(chloromethyl)-6-fluoro-1H-indole-1-carboxylate

##STR00055##

Step 1

[0496] A mixture of 6-fluoro-1H-indole-3-carbaldehyde (1 g, 6.13 mmol), di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (2.68 g, 12.26 mmol), Et.sub.3N (2.56 mL, 18.4 mmol) and DMAP (154 mg, 1.26 mmol) in DCM (30 mL) under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature overnight. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was diluted with H.sub.2O (40 mL), separated and extracted with DCM (30 mL3). The combined organic layers were washed with saturated salt water (40 mL), dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure and purified by flash column chromatography (20 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:00-90:10) to give tert-butyl 6-fluoro-3-formyl-1H-indole-1-carboxylate (1.6 g, 99% Purity) as a light-yellow oil.

[0497] MS (ES.sup.+): 264.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0498] To a solution of tert-butyl 6-fluoro-3-formyl-1H-indole-1-carboxylate (1.6 g, 6.08 mmol) in MeOH (25 mL) was added NaBH.sub.4 (346 mg, 9.12 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated ammonium chloride aqueous solution, concentrated to remove MeOH and extracted with DCM (40 mL3). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to give tert-butyl 6-fluoro-3-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-indole-1-carboxylate (1.66 g, 99% Purity) as a light-yellow solid. The crude was used in next step directly.

[0499] MS (ES.sup.+): 192.2 (M56-18+H).sup.+.

Step 3

[0500] To a solution of tert-butyl 6-fluoro-3-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-indole-1-carboxylate (300 mg, 1.13 mmol) in DCM (8 mL) was added SOCl.sub.2 (202 mg, 1.70 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. After LCMS indicated the raw material is disappeared, the reaction mixture was concentrated at 35 C. under reduced pressure to give the title compound as a yellow oil. The material was used crude in the next step without further purification.

Example 13-((2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00056##

[0501] A suspension of Intermediate 1 (40 mg, 100% Wt, 1 Eq, 0.14 mmol) and cesium carbonate (92 mg, 2 Eq, 0.28 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was stirred at 85 C. for 2 h and then allowed to cool to RT. A solution of 5-(chloromethyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (45 mg, 80% Wt, 1.5 Eq, 0.21 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 18 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel (4 g cartridge, 0-4% MeOH/DCM) to afford the title compound (39.8 mg, 97% Purity) as a pale yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8.20 (s, 1H), 7.15 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.03 (dd, J=8.1, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 6.67 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 5.20 (s, 2H), 4.50-4.43 (m, 4H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.49 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.11 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 3.00 (s, 3H), 2.80 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H). MS (ES.sup.+): 415 (M+H).sup.+.

[0502] Example 23-((6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00057##

[0503] A suspension of Intermediate 1 (30 mg, 100% Wt, 1 Eq, 0.11 mmol) and cesium carbonate (69 mg, 2 Eq, 0.21 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was stirred at 85 C. for 2 h and then allowed to cool to RT.

[0504] A solution of 5-(chloromethyl)-2-methoxypyridine (19 mg, 16 L, 95% Wt, 1.05 Eq, 0.11 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 18 h. The reaction mixture was partitioned between DCM (5 mL) and water (5 mL). The organic layer was collected and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (5 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude product was purified by preparative HPLC (Basic method (B)) to afford the title compound (12.8 mg, 100% Purity) as a flocculent white solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8.22 (s, 1H), 8.17-8.12 (m, 1H), 7.63 (dd, J=8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.76 (dd, J=8.5, 0.7 Hz, 1H), 5.24 (s, 2H), 4.47 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.48 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 2.99 (s, 3H), 2.80 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H). MS (ES.sup.+): 404 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 33-(3-(1-hydroxyethyl)benzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00058##

Step 1

[0505] A mixture of Intermediate 1 (60 mg, 1 Eq, 0.21 mmol) and cesium carbonate (0.21 g, 3 Eq, 0.64 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was stirred at 70 C. for 30 minutes. 1-(3-(chloromethyl)phenyl)ethan-1-one (39 mg, 1.1 Eq, 0.23 mmol) was added and the mixture was allowed to cool to RT and stirred overnight. Water and DCM were added and the layers separated through a phase separating cartridge. The organic layer was washed with brine, then absorbed on silica. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford 3-(2,6-difluoro-4-methoxybenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (34 mg, 100% Purity) as a white solid. MS (ES.sup.+): 415 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0506] Sodium borohydride (2.7 mg, 2 Eq, 72 mol) was added to a suspension of 3-(3-acetylbenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (15 mg, 1 Eq, 36 mol) in MeOH (0.2 mL). THF (0.2 mL) was added and further small portions of sodium borohydride were added until completion of reaction (3.5 h). 1N HCl and DCM were added and the phases were separated through a phase separator. The organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried (MgSO.sub.4) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound (4.9 mg, 99% Purity) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (DMSO-d6) : 8.23 (s, 1H), 7.28-7.17 (m, 3H), 7.11-7.04 (m, 1H), 5.29 (s, 2H), 5.11 (d, 1H), 4.71-4.60 (m, 1H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.50 (t, 2H), 3.00 (s, 3H), 2.81 (t, 2H), 1.27 (d, 3H). MS(ES.sup.+): 417 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 43-((1H-pyrazol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00059##

Step 1

[0507] A suspension of 3-(chloromethyl)-1H-pyrazole, HCl (500 mg, 96% Wt, 1 Eq, 3.14 mmol) in DCM was treated with 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran (286 mg, 310 L, 97% Wt, 1.05 Eq, 3.29 mmol) dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 24 h. DCM (10 mL) and sat. aq. NaHCO.sub.3 (10 mL) were added and the phases were mixed. The mixture was passed through a phase separator and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (210 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude 3-(chloromethyl)-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole (501 mg, 80% Purity) as a pale yellow oil. MS (ES.sup.+): 223/225 (M+Na).sup.+.

Step 2

[0508] A mixture of Intermediate 1 (30 mg, 1 Eq, 0.11 mmol) and cesium carbonate (0.10 g, 3 Eq, 0.32 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL) was stirred at 70 C. for 30 minutes. 3-(chloromethyl)-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole (23 mg, 1.1 Eq, 0.12 mmol) was added and the mixture was allowed to cool to RT and stirred overnight. Water and DCM were added and the layers separated through a phase separating cartridge. The organic layer was washed with brine, then absorbed on silica. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3-((1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)methyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (16 mg, 100% Purity) as a white solid. MS(ES.sup.+): 447 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 3

[0509] A mixture of 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3-((1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)methyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (16 mg, 1 Eq, 36 mol) and hydrogen chloride (4N in dioxane) (13 mg, 90 L, 4 molar, 10 Eq, 0.36 mmol) in MeOH (0.3 mL) was stirred for 1.5 h. Further hydrogen chloride (4N in dioxane) (45 L, 4 molar, Eq, 0.18 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred for 15 minutes, then concentrated in vacuo. Sat. NaHCO.sub.3 and DCM were added to the residue and layers separated through a phase separator. The organic layer was washed with brine, then absorbed on silica. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford the title compound (4.2 mg, 99% Purity) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (DMSO-d6) : 12.59 (s, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 6.04 (s, 1H), 5.28 (s, 2H), 4.47 (s, 2H), 4.01 (d, 3H), 3.53-3.45 (m, 2H), 3.00 (d, 3H), 2.84-2.78 (m, 2H) (trace of tautomers observed). MS (ES.sup.+): 363 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 53-(2-fluoro-3-methoxybenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00060##

[0510] A mixture of Intermediate 1 (30 mg, 1 Eq, 0.11 mmol) and cesium carbonate (0.10 g, 3 Eq, 0.32 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL) was stirred at 70 C. for 30 minutes. 1-(bromomethyl)-2-fluoro-3-methoxybenzene (26 mg, 1.1 Eq, 0.12 mmol) was added and the mixture was allowed to cool to RT and stirred overnight. Water and DCM were added and the layers separated through a phase separating cartridge. The organic layer was washed with brine, then absorbed on silica. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford 3-(2-fluoro-3-methoxybenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one. The product was dissolved in DCM, then washed with water, brine, dried (MgSO.sub.4) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound (8.6 mg, 97% Purity) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (DMSO-d6) : 8.23 (s, 1H), 7.11-6.98 (m, 2H), 6.65-6.57 (m, 1H), 5.35 (s, 2H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.50 (t, 2H), 3.00 (s, 3H), 2.85-2.78 (m, 2H). MS (ES.sup.+): 421 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 63-(2,6-difluoro-4-methoxybenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00061##

[0511] A mixture of Intermediate 1 (30 mg, 1 Eq, 0.11 mmol) and cesium carbonate (0.10 g, 3 Eq, 0.32 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL) was stirred at 70 C. for 30 minutes. 2-(bromomethyl)-1,3-difluoro-5-methoxybenzene (28 mg, 1.1 Eq, 0.12 mmol) was added and the mixture was allowed to cool to RT and stirred overnight. Water and DCM were added and the layers separated through a phase separating cartridge. The organic layer was washed with brine, then absorbed on silica. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford the title compound (21.3 mg, 99% Purity) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (DMSO-d6) : 8.13 (s, 1H), 6.75-6.65 (m, 2H), 5.28 (s, 2H), 4.47 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.48 (t, 2H), 2.99 (s, 3H), 2.78 (t, 2H). MS (ES).sup.+: 439 (M+H).sup.+

Example 73-(3-aminobenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00062##

Step 1

[0512] A suspension of Intermediate 1 (69.0 mg, 100% Wt, 1 Eq, 244 mol) and cesium carbonate (166 mg, 2.08 Eq, 509 mol) in DMF (3 mL) was stirred at 80 C. for 30 min. A solution of tert-butyl (3-(bromomethyl)phenyl)carbamate (78 mg, 1.1 Eq, 0.27 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture was stirred at 80 C. for 1 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford tert-butyl (3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)carbamate (126 mg, 68% Purity) as a pale yellow solid. MS (ES.sup.+): 510 (M+Na).sup.+.

Step 2

[0513] A stirred solution of tert-butyl (3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)carbamate (126 mg, 68% Wt, 1 Eq, 176 mol) in DCM (1.5 mL) was treated with TFA (0.74 g, 0.50 mL, 37 Eq, 6.5 mmol) dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 1.5 h, diluted with DCM (4 mL) and then quenched with aq. 2 M NaOH (5 mL). The organic layer was collected and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (25 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude product was triturated with diethyl ether (35 mL), the solid was collected by filtration and then dried in vacuo (45 C.) to afford the title compound (60.7 mg, 95% Purity) as a pale yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8.21 (s, 1H), 6.92 (dd, J=8.6, 7.4 Hz, 1H), 6.40 (td, J=7.7, 7.0, 2.6 Hz, 3H), 5.15 (s, 2H), 5.01 (s, 2H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.50 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.00 (s, 3H), 2.81 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H). MS (ES.sup.+): 388 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 87-acetyl-3-(3-aminobenzyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido [4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00063##

Step 1

[0514] A solution of Intermediate 2 (19 mg, 94% Wt, 1 Eq, 44 mol) and DIPEA (8.5 mg, 11 L, 1.5 Eq, 65 mol) in DCM (1.5 mL) at 0 C. was treated with a solution of acetyl chloride (3.5 mg, 3.2 L, 98% Wt, 1 Eq, 44 mol) in DCM (0.5 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 C. for 1 h and then allowed to warm to RT for 1 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (3 mL) and washed with sat. aq. NaHCO.sub.3 (5 mL). The organic layer was collected and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (5 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product tert-butyl (3-((7-acetyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)carbamate (22 mg, 88% Purity) as a pale yellow solid. The crude product was used without further purification in the next step. MS (ES.sup.+): 452 M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0515] A solution of tert-butyl (3-((7-acetyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)carbamate (22 mg, 88% Wt, 1 Eq, 43 mol) in DCM (1 mL) was treated with TFA (148 mg, 100 L, 30 Eq, 1.30 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 1 h, diluted with DCM (4 mL), quenched with 2 M NaOH (aq.) (2 mL) and then stirred for 1 h. The organic layer was collected and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (5 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude product was dissolved in DMSO (0.5 mL), filtered and purified by reversed phase preparative HPLC (Acidic method (A)). The clean fractions were evaporated in a Genevac to afford the title compound (4.1 mg, 98% Purity) (2 steps) as a flocculent white solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8.20-8.19 (m, 1H), 6.95-6.87 (m, 1H), 6.43-6.35 (m, 3H), 5.14 (s, 2H), 5.00 (s, 2H), 4.72-4.64 (m, 2H), 4.05-4.00 (m, 3H), 3.76-3.67 (m, 2H), 2.80-2.62 (m, 2H), 2.16-2.12 (m, 3H). MS (ES.sup.+): 352 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 93-(3-aminobenzyl)-7-(cyclopropylsulfonyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00064##

Step 1

[0516] A solution of Intermediate 2 (14 mg, 94% Wt, 1 Eq, 32 mol) and DIPEA (6.7 mg, 9.0 L, 1.6 Eq, 52 mol) in DCM (1.5 mL) at 0 C. was treated with a solution of cyclopropanesulfonyl chloride (4.5 mg, 3.3 L, 1 Eq, 32 mol) in DCM (0.5 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 C. for 1 h and then allowed to warm to RT for 18 h. Further cyclopropanesulfonyl chloride (4.5 mg, 3.3 L, 1 Eq, 32 mol) in DCM (0.5 mL) was added and stirred for 18 h. A third portion of cyclopropanesulfonyl chloride (4.5 mg, 3.3 L, 1 Eq, 32 mol) in DCM (0.5 mL) was added and stirred for 18 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (5 mL) and washed with sat. aq. NaHCO.sub.3 (5 mL). The organic layer was collected and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (5 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford crude tert-butyl (3-((7-(cyclopropylsulfonyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)carbamate (23 mg, 83% Purity). The crude product was used without further purification in the next step. MS (ES.sup.+): 514 M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0517] A solution of tert-butyl (3-((7-(cyclopropylsulfonyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)carbamate (16 mg, 1 Eq, 32 mol) in DCM (1 mL) was treated with TFA (0.15 g, 0.10 mL, 41 Eq, 1.3 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 1 h, diluted with DCM (4 mL), quenched with 2 M NaOH (aq.) (5 mL) and then stirred for 0.5 h. The organic layer was collected and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (5 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford the title compound (10.6 mg, 98% Purity) (over 2 steps) as a flocculent white solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8.21 (s, 1H), 6.95-6.88 (m, 1H), 6.44-6.36 (m, 3H), 5.14 (s, 2H), 5.01 (s, 2H), 4.54 (s, 2H), 4.02 (s, 3H), 3.56 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 2.81 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 2.73-2.64 (m, 1H), 1.01 (dt, J=5.3, 2.9 Hz, 2H), 0.98-0.90 (m, 2H). MS (ES.sup.+): 414 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 103-(3-aminobenzyl)-5-methyl-7-((2-methylthiazol-5-yl)sulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00065##

Step 1

[0518] A stirred solution of Intermediate 2 (28 mg, 97% Wt, 1 Eq, 66 mol) and DIPEA (14.8 mg, 20.0 L, 1.7 Eq, 115 mol) in DCM (1 mL) at 0 C. was treated with a solution of 2-methylthiazole-5-sulfonyl chloride (14.2 mg, 9.00 L, 95% Wt, 1.0 Eq, 68.3 mol) in DCM (0.5 mL) dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 C. for 2 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (4 mL) and washed with sat. aq. NaHCO.sub.3 (5 mL). The organic layer was collected and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (5 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford tert-butyl (3-((5-methyl-7-((2-methylthiazol-5-yl)sulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)carbamate (35 mg, 98% Purity) as a pale yellow gum. The crude product was used without further purification in the next step. MS (ES.sup.+): 571 M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0519] A solution of tert-butyl (3-((5-methyl-7-((2-methylthiazol-5-yl)sulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)carbamate (35 mg, 60 mol, 91%, 98% Purity) in DCM was treated with TFA (148 mg, 100 L, 20 Eq, 1.30 mmol) in one portion and the reaction mixture was allowed to stand for 1 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (3 mL) and washed with 2 M NaOH (aq.) (4 mL). The organic layer was collected and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (24 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford the title compound (24.7 mg, 97% Purity) (yield over 2 steps) as a white solid after drying in vacuo (45 C., 3 h). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8.26 (s, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 6.94-6.88 (m, 1H), 6.43-6.35 (m, 3H), 5.13 (s, 2H), 5.00 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 4.43 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.45 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.79 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 2.71 (s, 3H).

[0520] MS (ES.sup.+): 471 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 113-(3-aminobenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00066##

Step 1

[0521] A suspension of Intermediate 3 (100 mg, 75% Wt, 1 Eq, 218 mol) and cesium carbonate (165 mg, 2.33 Eq, 506 mol) in DMF (2 mL) was stirred at 80 C. for 1 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to RT and treated with tert-butyl (3-(bromomethyl)phenyl)carbamate (62.3 mg, 1 Eq, 218 mol) in one portion. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 18 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford tert-butyl (3-((5-methyl-4-oxo-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)carbamate (33 mg, 77% Purity) as a yellow solid. MS (ES.sup.+): 572 M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0522] A solution of tert-butyl (3-((5-methyl-4-oxo-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)carbamate (33 mg, 77% Wt, 1 Eq, 46 mol) in DCM (1 mL) was treated with TFA (296 mg, 200 L, 56 Eq, 2.60 mmol) in one portion. The reaction mixture was allowed to stand at RT for 2 h and then concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford the title compound (13.0 mg, 99% Purity) as a pale yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8.13 (s, 1H), 7.91-7.84 (m, 2H), 7.73-7.65 (m, 1H), 7.65-7.58 (m, 2H), 6.90 (dd, J=8.2, 7.1 Hz, 1H), 6.44-6.33 (m, 3H), 5.12 (s, 2H), 5.00 (s, 2H), 4.38 (s, 2H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.39 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 2.71 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H). MS (ES.sup.+): 450 (M+H).sup.+.

[0523] Example 123-((1H-pyrazol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00067##

Step 1

[0524] A suspension of 3-(chloromethyl)-1H-pyrazole, HCl (500 mg, 96% Wt, 1 Eq, 3.14 mmol) in DCM was treated with 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran (286 mg, 310 L, 97% Wt, 1.05 Eq, 3.29 mmol) dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 24 h. DCM (10 mL) and sat. aq. NaHCO.sub.3 (10 mL) were added and the phases were mixed. The mixture was passed through a phase separator and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (210 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude 3-(chloromethyl)-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole (501 mg, 80% Purity) as a pale yellow oil. MS (ES.sup.+): 223/225 (M+Na).sup.+.

Step 2

[0525] A suspension of Intermediate 3 (25.0 mg, 95% Wt, 1 Eq, 69.0 mol) and cesium carbonate (27.0 mg, 1.2 Eq, 82.8 mol) was stirred at 60 C. for 1 h and then allowed to cool to RT. 3-(chloromethyl)-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole (23 mg, 70% Wt, 1.2 Eq, 80 mol) was added at rt and the reaction mixture was stirred for 18 h. The reaction mixture was heated to 50 C. for 1 h and then cesium carbonate (36 mg, 0.11 mmol) was added and stirred for 30 min. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to RT and 3-(chloromethyl)-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole (46 mg, 70% Wt, 2.4 Eq, 0.16 mmol) was added and stirred at 50 C. for 3 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated onto silica gel and the crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford 5-methyl-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-3-((1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)methyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (19.0 mg, 90% Purity) as a pale yellow oil. MS (ES.sup.+): 509 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 3

[0526] HCl (4 M in dioxane) (0.53 g, 0.50 mL, 4.00 molar, 59 Eq, 2.0 mmol) was added to 5-methyl-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-3-((1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)methyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (19.0 mg, 90% Wt, 1 Eq, 33.6 mol) in one portion. The reaction mixture was allowed to stand at RT for 18 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (3 mL) and washed with 2 M NaOH (aq.) (3 mL). The organic layer was collected and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (23 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (phase separator) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude product. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford the title compound (8.00 mg, 95% Purity) as a white solid after drying in vacuo (45 C.). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 12.58 (s, 1H), 8.10 (s, 1H), 7.91-7.85 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.66 (m, 1H), 7.65-7.59 (m, 2H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 6.01 (s, 1H), 5.24 (s, 2H), 4.38 (s, 2H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.38 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 2.70 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H). MS (ES.sup.+): 425 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 133-((2-(hydroxymethyl)thiophen-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00068##

[0527] To solution of methyl 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)thiophene-2-carboxylate (Intermediate 4 100 mg, 0.229 mmol, 1.0 Eq) in THF (1.0 mL) was added LiBH.sub.4 (7.5 mg, 0.34 mmol, 1.5 Eq) in portions at 0-10 C. under N.sub.2. Then the mixture was stirred at 45-50 C. for 3 h. LCMS_IPC (R.sub.t-SM=0.899 min, R.sub.f-product=0.847 min) showed the starting material was consumed completely and the desired mass was detected by LCMS. The reaction mixture was cooled to 20-25 C. and quenched with ice aq. NH.sub.4Cl (10.0 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (10.0 mL2). The organic layer was washed with brine (10.0 mL), dried with Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo at 45 C. to give the crude product. The crude product was purification by pre-HPLC (column: phenomenex C18 75*30 mm*3 um; mobile phase: [water (NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3)-ACN]; B %: 30%-65%, 8 min) to give the title compound (34 mg, 99.7% purity) as a white solid.

[0528] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz DMSO-d6): 8.21 (s, 1H), 7.27 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 5.44 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 5.23 (s, 2H), 4.78 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 4.46 (s, 2H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.48 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.99 (s, 3H), 2.80 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H).

[0529] MS (ES.sup.+): 431.3 (M+Na).sup.+.

Example 143-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido [4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide

##STR00069##

[0530] To a solution of methyl 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)thiophene-2-carboxylate (Intermediate 4, 200 mg, 0.458 mmol, 1.0 Eq) in MeOH (2.0 mL) was added NH.sub.3/MeOH (7 M, 654 L, 10.0 Eq) and CaCl.sub.2 (50.8 mg, 0.458 mmol, 1.0 Eq) in one portion at 20-25 C. Then the mixture was stirred at 80-85 C. for 18 h. LCMS_IPC (R.sub.t-SM=0.899 min, R.sub.f-product=0.817 min) showed the starting material was consumed completely and the desired mass was detected. The reaction mixture was cooled to 20-25 C. Then the reaction mixture was filtered, and the filter cake was washed with MeOH (5.0 mL). The filtrate was concentrated at 45 C. in vacuo to give the crude product. The crude product was purified by prep-HPLC (column: waters xbridge BEH C18 100*25 mm*5 m; mobile phase: [water (NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3)-ACN]; B %: 15%-45%, 10 min) to give the title compound (22 mg, 98.6% purity) as a white solid.

[0531] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz DMSO-d6): 5 8.29 (s, 1H), 7.58 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 6.74 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 5.52 (s, 2H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.50 (t, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 3.00 (s, 3H), 2.82 (t, J=4.4 Hz, 2H).

[0532] MS (ES.sup.+): 422.1 (M+H).sup.+

Example 153-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00070##

Step 1

[0533] To the solution of 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 1, 73 mg, 0.23 mmol), Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (254 mg, 0.78 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added tert-butyl 3-(bromomethyl)-1H-indole-1-carboxylate (80 mg, 0.26 mmol) at 60 C. for 1 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction completed, the reaction mixture was filtered and extracted with DCM (5 mL3). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure the residue was purified by column chromatography (12 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:00-50:50) to give tert-butyl 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido [4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-indole-1-carboxylate (90 mg, 91% purity) as a yellow solid.

[0534] MS (ES.sup.+): 512.2 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0535] To the solution of tert-butyl 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-indole-1-carboxylate (90 mg, 0.18 mmol) in TFA (2 MI) and DCM (5 MI) at room temperature for 3 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction completed, the mixture was adjusted to PH=8 with 1 N aq. NaOH. And extracted with DCM (10 Ml3), the organic layer was concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: Waters X-SELECT C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 MI/min; solvent system: MeCN/(10 mmol/L NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3/water) gradient: MeCN: 40%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 42 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to give the title compound (5.11 mg, 95% Purity) as a white solid.

[0536] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) : 8.17 (s, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.35-7.31 (m, 2H), 7.04 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.96 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 4.45 (s, 2H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.48-3.44 (m, 2H), 2.98 (s, 3H), 2.79-2.75 (m, 2H).

[0537] MS (ES.sup.+): 412.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 163-(benzofuran-3-ylmethyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00071##

[0538] A solution of 3-(chloromethyl)benzofuran (Intermediate 5, 1.08 mmol) and Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (1.3 g, 4 mmol) in DMF (4 mL) was added 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 1, 90 mg, 0.32 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature overnight. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was diluted with water (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (10 mL3). The organic layer was concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: Waters X-Bridge C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 mL/min; solvent system: MeCN/(10 mmol/L NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3/water) gradient: MeCN: 40%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 42 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to give the title compound (84.59 mg, 99% Purity) as a white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 8.23 (s, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.74-7.72 (m, 1H), 7.55 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.31-7.27 (m, 1H), 7.25-7.21 (m, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 4.47 (s, 2H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.47 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.99 (s, 3H), 2.78 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H).

[0539] MS (ES.sup.+): 413.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 173-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido [4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide

##STR00072##

Step 1

[0540] To the solution of 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 1, 282 mg, 1.0 mmol), Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (650 mg, 2.0 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added ethyl 3-(chloromethyl)-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (Intermediate 6, 272 mg, 1.0 mmol) at 60 C. for 1 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction was complete, the mixture was quenched with ice water (10 mL), and extracted with DCM (10 mL2). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure; the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, dichloromethane/methyl alcohol=100:00-90:10) to give ethyl 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (180 mg, 89% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0541] MS (ES.sup.+): 519.2 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0542] A mixture of ethyl 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo [2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (180 mg, 0.35 mmol) and LiOH (26 mg, 1.05 mmol) in H.sub.2O (5 mL) and MeOH (5 mL) was stirred at 50 C. overnight. After LCMS indicated the reaction completed, the mixture was quenched with 2 N HCl. The mixture was concentrated at 40 C. to remove organic solvent; the residue was separated and extracted with dichloromethane (10 mL3). The separated organics were washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated 40 C. under reduced pressure to give 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (140 mg, 93% Purity) as a yellow oil.

[0543] MS (ES.sup.+): 491.2 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 3

[0544] A mixture of 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (140 mg, 0.29 mmol), NH.sub.4Cl (62 mg, 1.16 mmol), HATU (220 mg, 0.58 mmol), and DIPEA (112 mg, 0.87 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the mixture was quenched with ice water (10 mL), and extracted with DCM (10 mL2). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, DCM/MeOH=100:00-90:10) to give 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (90 mg, 95% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0545] MS (ES.sup.+): 490.2 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 4

[0546] A mixture of 3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (90 mg, 0.18 mmol), p-TsOH (31 mg, 0.18 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction completed. The mixture was concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure the residue was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: Waters X-SELECT C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 mL/min; solvent system: MeCN/(10 mmol/L NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3/water) gradient: MeCN: 40%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 42 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to give the title compound (23.87 mg, 98.7% Purity) as a white solid.

[0547] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) : 12.79-12.69 (m, 1H), 8.16 (s, 1H), 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 4.49 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.50 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.01 (s, 3H), 2.83 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H).

[0548] MS (ES.sup.+): 406.1 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 183-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido [4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)benzenesulfonamide

##STR00073##

[0549] To the solution of 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 1, 160 mg, 0.57 mmol), Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (557 mg, 1.7 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added 3-(chloromethyl)benzenesulfonamide (Intermediate 7, 117 mg, 0.57 mmol) at 60 C. for 1 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction completed, the reaction mixture was filtered and extracted with DCM (10 mL3), the organic layer was concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: Waters X-SELECT C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 mL/min; solvent system: MeCN/(10 mmol/L NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3/water) gradient: MeCN: 40%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 42 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to give the title compound (5.07 mg, 95% Purity) as a white solid.

[0550] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) : 8.26 (s, 1H), 7.74-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.55-7.50 (m, 2H), 7.36 (s, 2H), 5.38 (s, 2H), 4.49 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.50 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.01 (s, 3H), 2.82 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H).

[0551] MS (ES.sup.+): 452.2 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 195-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3-((6-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00074##

[0552] A solution of 2-(chloromethyl)-6-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pyridine (Intermediate 8 95 mg, 0.48 mmol) and Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (312 mg, 0.96 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was added 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 1, 90 mg, 0.32 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was diluted with water (3 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (5 mL4). The organic layer was concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: SunFire Prep C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 mL/min; solvent system: MeCN/(0.2% formic/water) gradient: MeCN: 10%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 42 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to give the title compound (27.50 mg, 98% Purity) as a white solid.

[0553] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 8.24 (s, 1H), 7.34 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.27 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 5.99 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 5.21 (s, 2H), 4.49 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.51 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.33-3.27 (m, 4H), 3.01 (s, 3H), 2.83 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 1.93-1.89 (m, 4H).

[0554] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) : 8.06 (s, 1H), 7.37-7.29 (m, 1H), 6.22 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 5.49-5.42 (m, 2H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 4.08 (s, 3H), 3.65 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.41 (s, 4H), 2.92-2.89 (m, 5H), 1.97-1.71 (m, 4H).

[0555] MS (ES.sup.+): 443.2 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 203-((1H-indazol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00075##

[0556] To a solution of 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 1, 100 mg, 0.35 mmol), tert-butyl 3-(bromomethyl)-1H-indazole-1-carboxylate (Intermediate 9, 130 mg, 0.42 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was added Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (228 mg, 0.7 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 60 C. for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was filtered through Celite and washed with MeOH and DCM (1:3). The combined organic layer was concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed by brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, dichloromethane/methyl alcohol=100:0-90:10) to give tert-butyl3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-indazole-1-carboxylate (110 mg, 85% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0557] MS (ES.sup.+): 513.2 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0558] To the solution of tert-butyl3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-indazole-1-carboxylate (110 mg, 0.2 mmol) in DCM (3 mL) was added TFA (1 mL) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was adjusted to pH to 8 with aq. K.sub.2CO.sub.3 aq. and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed by brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: Waters X-Bridge C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 mL/min; solvent system: MeCN/(10 mmol/L NH4HCO3/water) gradient: MeCN: 39%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 42 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to give the title compound (69.29 mg, 99% Purity) as a white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 12.89 (s, 1H), 8.20 (s, 1H), 7.67 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (d, J=8.4 Hz 1H), 7.30 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.03 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 5.64 (s, 2H), 4.47 (s, 2H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.48 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 3.00 (s, 3H), 2.79 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H).

[0559] MS (ES.sup.+): 413.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 213-(2-fluoro-4-methoxybenzyl)-5-methyl-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00076##

[0560] To a solution of (2-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)methanol (100 mg, 0.64 mmol) in DCM (4 mL) was added SOCl.sub.2 (0.5 mL, 6.7 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. After LCMS indicated the starting material had been consumed, the reaction was concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to give the crude mixture as a yellow oil. To a mixture of the yellow oil and Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (624 mg, 1.92 mmol) in DMF (4 mL) was then added 5-methyl-7-(phenylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 3, 110 mg, 0.32 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 60 C. for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction to be complete, the reaction mixture was diluted with water (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (10 mL4). The combined organic layer was concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to give the residue. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: Waters X-Bridge shield Prep C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 mL/min; solvent system: (CH.sub.3CN/CH.sub.3OH=1/1)/(10 mmol/L NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3/water) gradient: MeCN: 63%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 42 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to give the title compound (64.83 mg, 99% Purity) as a white solid.

[0561] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 8.14 (s, 1H), 7.89-7.87 (m, 2H), 7.69-7.67 (m, 1H), 7.64-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.08 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.80 (dd, J=12.4 Hz, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 6.70 (dd, J=8.8 Hz, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 5.25 (s, 2H), 4.38 (s, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 3.38 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.71-2.67 (m, 2H).

[0562] MS (ES.sup.+): 483.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 223-((7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide

##STR00077##

Step 1

[0563] To the solution of 7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 11, 141 mg, 0.5 mmol), Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (325 mg, 1.0 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added ethyl 3-(chloromethyl)-1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (Intermediate 12, 217 mg, 0.5 mmol) at 60 C. for 1 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the mixture was quenched with ice water (10 mL), and extracted with DCM (10 mL2). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, dichloromethane/methyl alcohol=100:00-90:10) to give methyl 3-((7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)thiophene-2-carboxylate (120 mg, 77.5% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0564] MS (ES.sup.+): 529.2 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0565] A mixture of methyl 3-((7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido [4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)thiophene-2-carboxylate (120 mg, 0.23 mmol) and LiOH (26 mg, 1.05 mmol) in H.sub.2O (5 mL) and MeOH (5 mL) was stirred at 40 C. overnight. After LCMS indicated the reaction completed, the mixture was quenched with 2 N HCl. The mixture was concentrated at 40 C. to remove organic solvent; the residue was separated and extracted with ethyl acetate (10 mL3). The separated organics were washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated 40 C. under reduced pressure to give 3-((7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (100 mg, 89.5% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0566] MS (ES.sup.+): 515.2 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 3

[0567] A mixture of 3-((7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (100 mg, 0.19 mmol), NH.sub.4Cl (62 mg, 1.16 mmol), HATU (220 mg, 0.58 mmol), and DIPEA (112 mg, 0.87 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the mixture was quenched with ice water (10 mL) and extracted with DCM (10 mL2). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated at 30 C. under reduced pressure the residue was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: Waters X-SELECT C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 mL/min; solvent system: MeCN/(10 mmol/L NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3/water) gradient: MeCN: 40%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 42 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to afford the title compound (39.34 mg, 99% Purity) as a white solid.

[0568] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) : 18.23 (s, 1H), 8.21-8.18 (m, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.63-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.55 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 2H), 6.71 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 5.50 (s, 2H), 4.33 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.34-3.29 (m, 2H), 2.73-7.67 (m, 2H).

[0569] MS (ES.sup.+): 414.2 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 233-((2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)methyl)-7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00078##

[0570] 5-(chloromethyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (Intermediate 13, 1.4 mmol) and Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (1.82 g, 5.6 mmol) in DMF (4 mL) was added 7-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 11, 112 mg, 0.30 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature overnight. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was diluted with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL3). The organic layer was concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: Waters X-Bridge C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 mL/min; solvent system: MeCN/(10 mmol/L NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3/water) gradient: MeCN: 50%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 42 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to give the title compound (65.31 mg, 99% Purity) as a white solid.

[0571] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 8.14 (s, 1H), 7.83-7.79 (m, 2H), 7.13-7.09 (m, 3H), 7.02 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.66 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 5.17 (s, 2H), 4.46 (s, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 4.31 (s, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.33-3.32 (m, 2H), 3.10 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 2.72-2.67 (m, 2H).

[0572] MS (ES.sup.+): 507.2 (M+H).sup.+

Example 243-((2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00079##

[0573] To a solution of the crude 5-(chloromethyl)-2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (Intermediate 14, 0.59 mmol) and Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (780 mg, 2.4 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was added 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 1, 90 mg, 0.32 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature overnight. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was diluted with water (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (10 mL3). The organic layer was concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: Waters X-Bridge shield Prep C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 mL/min; solvent system: (CH.sub.3CN/CH.sub.3OH=1/1)/(10 mmol/L NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3/water) gradient: MeCN: 60%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 42 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to give the title compound (30.95 mg, 99% Purity) as a white solid.

[0574] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 8.21 (s, 1H), 7.11 (s, 1H), 7.03 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.60 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 5.19 (s, 2H), 4.47 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.49 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.00 (s, 3H), 2.94 (s, 2H), 2.80 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 1.36 (s, 6H).

[0575] MS (ES.sup.+): 443.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 253-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-6-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00080##

Step 1

[0576] To a solution of 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 1, 150 mg, 0.53 mmol), 6-(chloromethyl)-1-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine (165 mg, 0.6 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was added Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (326 mg, 1 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 60 C. for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was filtered through Celite and washed with MeOH and DCM (1:3). The combined organic layer was concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed by brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, dichloromethane/methyl alcohol=100:0-90:10) to give 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3-((1-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-6-yl)methyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (160 mg, 89% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0577] MS (ES.sup.+): 543.2 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0578] To a solution of 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3-((1-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-6-yl)methyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (160 mg, 0.3 mmol) in TFA (5 mL) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 60 C. for 2 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure to give 3-((1-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-6-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one as a yellow solid, which was used to the next step directly without further purification.

[0579] MS (ES.sup.+): 443.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 3

[0580] To a solution of 3-((1-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-6-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (in MeCN (5 mL) was added NH.sub.3H.sub.2O (5 mL, 25-28 wt %) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction was concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: Waters X-Bridge C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 mL/min; solvent system: MeCN/(10 mmol/L NH4HCO3/water) gradient: MeCN: 38%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 42 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to the title compound (66.28 mg, 99% Purity) as a white solid.

[0581] 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 11.60 (br, 1H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 7.87 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (t, J=3.2 Hz, 1H), 6.84 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.39 (t, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 5.47 (s, 2H), 4.50 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.51 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 3.02 (s, 3H), 2.83 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H).

[0582] MS (ES.sup.+): 413.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 26(S)-3-(3-(1-aminoethyl)benzyl)-5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00081##

Step 1

[0583] To a solution of 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 1, 150 mg, 0.53 mmol), (S)-tert-butyl 1-(3-(chloromethyl)phenyl)ethylcarbamate (Intermediate 16, 240 mg, 0.93 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was added Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (326 mg, 1 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 60 C. for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was filtered through Celite and washed with MeOH and DCM (1:3). The combined organic layer was concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure and extracted with EtOAc (10 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed by brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, dichloromethane/methyl alcohol=100:0-90:10) to give tert-butyl(S)-(1-(3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4, 3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)ethyl)carbamate (130 mg, 78% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0584] MS (ES.sup.+): 460.4 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0585] To a solution of tert-butyl(S)-(1-(3-((5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)ethyl)carbamate (130 mg, 0.25 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour 1. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction was concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was quenched with ice water (10 mL), adjusted to pH=9 with 2N K.sub.2CO.sub.3 aqueous solution, and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (10 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed by brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: Waters X-Bridge C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 mL/min; solvent system: MeCN/(10 mmol/L NH4HCO3/water) gradient: MeCN: 38%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 42 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to give the title compound (49.88 mg, 99% Purity) as a white solid.

[0586] 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 8.23 (s, 1H), 7.29-7.19 (m, 3H), 7.02 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 5.29 (s, 2H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.93 (q, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 3.49 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.01 (s, 3H), 2.81 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 1.92 (br, 2H), 1.20 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H).

[0587] MS (ES.sup.+): 416.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 277-((2-methoxyethyl)sulfonyl)-3-((6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one

##STR00082##

[0588] A suspension of 3-((6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 21, 160 mg, 0.49 mmol) and DIPEA (322 mg, 2.5 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added 2-methoxyethanesulfonyl chloride (93 mg, 0.59 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction completed, the mixture was diluted with H.sub.2O (5 mL) and extracted with DCM (10 mL3). The combined organic layers were concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to give the residue. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (40 g, dichloromethane/methanol=100:00-90:10) to give the crude product. The crude product was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: Waters Xbridge shield Prep C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 mL/min; solvent system: CH.sub.3CN/(10 mmol/L NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3/water) gradient: MeCN: 40%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 42 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to give the title compound (87.69 mg, 99% Purity) as a white solid.

[0589] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 8.22 (s, 1H), 8.15 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (dd, J=8.4 Hz, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.76 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 5.25 (s, 2H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.67 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.51 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.46 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.23 (s, 3H), 2.78 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 2H).

[0590] MS (ES.sup.+): 448.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 28N-(2-methoxyethyl)-3-((6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4,5,6,8,9-hexahydro-7H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7-sulfonamide

##STR00083##

[0591] To a solution of 3-((6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 21, 200 mg, 0.6 mmol), N-(2-methoxyethyl)-2-oxooxazolidine-3-sulfonamide (Intermediate 22, 179.2 mg, 0.8 mmol) in MeCN (10 mL) was added Et.sub.3N (182 mg, 1.8 mmol) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 90 C. for overnight. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure and extracted with EtOAc (10 mL3). The combined organic layer was washed by brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated at 45 C. under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: Waters X-Bridge C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 mL/min; solvent system: MeCN/(10 mmol/L NH4HCO3/water) gradient: MeCN: 38%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 42 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to give the title compound (52.03 mg, 99% Purity) as a white solid.

[0592] 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 8.22 (s, 1H), 8.15 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (dd, J=8.8, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.76 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 5.25 (s, 2H), 4.36 (s, 2H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.42 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.36 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.21 (s, 3H), 3.04 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.76 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H).

[0593] MS (ES.sup.+): 463.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 293-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-7-((2-methoxyethyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4(5H)-one

##STR00084##

Step 1

[0594] A mixture tert-butyl 3-(chloromethyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-1-carboxylate (Intermediate 19, 1.5 mmol), Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (6.14 g, 18.9 mmol) and 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 20, 500 mg, 1.48 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature overnight. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was diluted with water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (30 mL4). The organic layers were washed with saturated NH.sub.4Cl aqueous solution (40 mL2), concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure and purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:00-20:80) to give benzyl 3-((1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-5,6,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7(4H)-carboxylate (600 mg, 80% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0595] MS (ES.sup.+): 569.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0596] A mixture of benzyl 3-((1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-5,6,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7(4H)-carboxylate (600 mg, 1.06 mmol), ammonium formate (668 mg, 10.6 mmol) and Pd/C (10% wt, 120 mg) in isopropyl alcohol (5 mL) under nitrogen protection was stirred at 60 C. for 2 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was filtered, washed Pd/C with DCM (80 mL) and the filtrate was concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to remove isopropanol. The residue was diluted with water (10 mL), extracted with EtOAc (20 mL4) and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to give tert-butyl 3-((5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-1-carboxylate (420 mg, 88% Purity) as a white solid. The crude was used in next step directly.

[0597] MS (ES.sup.+): 435.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 3

[0598] A suspension of tert-butyl 3-((5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-1-carboxylate (420 mg, 0.97 mmol) and DIPEA (774 mg, 6.0 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added 2-methoxyethanesulfonyl chloride (184 mg, 1.16 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction completed, the mixture was diluted with H.sub.2O (10 mL) and extracted with DCM (20 mL3). The combined organic layers were concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure and purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, dichloromethane/methanol=100:00-96:4) to give tert-butyl 3-((7-((2-methoxyethyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-1-carboxylate (270 mg, 78% Purity) as a white solid.

[0599] MS (ES.sup.+): 557.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 4

[0600] To a solution of tert-butyl 3-((7-((2-methoxyethyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-1-carboxylate (270 mg, 0.48 mol) in DCM (3 mL) was added TFA (3 mL) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction completed, the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was diluted with H.sub.2O (15 mL), adjusted pH to 8 with K.sub.2CO.sub.3 and filtered. The filtered cake was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: Waters Xbridge Prep C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 mL/min; solvent system: MeCN/(10 mmol/L NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3/water) gradient: MeCN: 18%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to give the title compound (82.17 mg, 99% Purity) as a white solid.

[0601] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 11.55 (br, 1H), 8.70 (s, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 8.06 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (s, 1H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 4.46 (s, 2H), 4.02 (s, 3H), 3.66 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.49 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.44 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.22 (s, 3H), 2.74 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H).

[0602] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) : 8.88 (s, 1H), 8.20 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 5.56 (s, 2H), 4.45 (s, 2H), 4.05 (s, 3H), 3.76 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.59 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.32 (s, 3H), 3.30 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.81 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H).

[0603] MS (ES.sup.+): 457.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Example 30(3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-N-ethyl-5-methyl-4-oxo-5,6,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7(4H)-sulfonamide

##STR00085##

Step 1

[0604] A mixture tert-butyl 3-(chloromethyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-1-carboxylate (Intermediate 19, 1.5 mmol), Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (5.49 g, 16.9 mmol) and 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (Intermediate 20, 420 mg, 1.24 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) under nitrogen protection was stirred at room temperature overnight. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was diluted with water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (30 mL4).

[0605] The organic layers were washed with saturated NH.sub.4Cl aqueous solution (40 mL2), concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure and purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=100:00-40:60) to give benzyl 3-((1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-5,6,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7(4H)-carboxylate (540 mg, 89% Purity) as a yellow solid.

[0606] MS (ES.sup.+): 569.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 2

[0607] A mixture of benzyl 3-((1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-5,6,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine-7(4H)-carboxylate (540 mg, 0.95 mmol), ammonium formate (598 mg, 9.5 mmol) and Pd/C (10 wt %, 104 mg) in isopropyl alcohol (5 mL) under nitrogen protection was stirred at 60 C. for 2 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture was filtered, washed Pd/C with DCM (80 mL) and the filtrate was concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to remove isopropanol. The residue was diluted with water (10 mL), extracted with EtOAc (20 mL4) and concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to give tert-butyl 3-((5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-1-carboxylate (300 mg, 91% Purity) as white solid. The crude was used in next step directly.

[0608] MS (ES.sup.+): 435.3 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 3

[0609] To a suspension of tert-butyl 3-((5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo [2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-1-carboxylate (300 mg, 0.69 mmol) and DIPEA (451 mg, 3.5 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added ethylsulfamoyl chloride (119 mg, 0.83 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. After LCMS indicated the reaction completed, the mixture was diluted with H.sub.2O (10 mL) and extracted with DCM (20 mL3). The combined organic layers were concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure and purified by flash column chromatography (12 g, dichloromethane/methanol=100:00-94:6) to give tert-butyl 3-((7-(N-ethylsulfamoyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-1-carboxylate (220 mg, 83% Purity) as white solid.

[0610] MS (ES.sup.+): 542.2 (M+H).sup.+.

Step 4

[0611] To a solution of tert-butyl 3-((7-(N-ethylsulfamoyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-pyrido [4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-1-carboxylate (220 mg, 0.40 mol) in DCM (3 mL) was added TFA (3 mL) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After LCMS indicated the reaction completed, the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to give the residue. The residue was diluted with H.sub.2O (15 mL), adjusted pH to 8 with K.sub.2CO.sub.3 and filtered. The filtered cake was purified by prep-HPLC (Column: Waters Xbridge Prep C18 OBD 10 m 19*250 mm; Flow Rate: 20 mL/min; solvent system: MeCN/(10 mmol/L NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3/water) gradient: MeCN: 23%-95%; collection wavelength: 214 nm). The fractions were concentrated at 40 C. under reduced pressure to remove MeCN, and the residue was lyophilized to give the title compound (85.18 mg, 1000% Purity) as a white solid.

[0612] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 11.51 (br, 1H), 8.68 (s, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 8.06 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 4.34 (s, 2H), 4.02 (s, 3H), 3.39 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.94-2.87 (m, 2H), 2.74 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 1.04 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H).

[0613] MS (ES.sup.+): 442.3 (M+H).sup.+.

[0614] Further examples were prepared as set out in the following table.

TABLE-US-00002 Example Method and starting No. Example Structure/Name LCMS/.sup.1H NMR data materials 31 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3-(3- MS (ES+): 451.2 (M + H)+ Method of Example 1 (methylsulfonyl)benzyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) : 8.28 (s, 1H), 7.86- Intermediate 1 and 3- pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one 7.82 (m, 2H), 7.62-7.59 (m, 2H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 4.48 (s, chloromethyl-1- 2H), 4.45 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.50 (d, J = 5.6 Hz, 2H), (methylsulfonyl)benzene 3.20 (s, 3H), 3.01 (s, 3H), 2.82 (d, J = 5.2 Hz, 2H). [00086] 32 3-((1H-indazol-4-yl)methyl-5-methyl-7- MS (ES+): 413.3 (M + H)+ Method of Example 20 (methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 13.10 (brs, 1H), 8.24 Intermediate 1 and tert- pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (s, 1H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 7.45 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (dd, butyl 4-(chloromethyl)- J = 8.0 Hz, 7.2 H, 1H), 6.89 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 5.61 (s, 1H-indazole-1- 2H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 4.02 (s, 3H), 3.49 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, 2H), carboxylate 3.00 (s, 3H), 2.81 (t, J = 5.2 Hz, 2H). [00087] 33 3-(3-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)benzyl)-5-methyl-7- MS (ES+): 416.3 (M + H)+ Method of Example 1 (methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H- 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 8.24 (s, 1H), 7.45 (s, Intermediate 1 and pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one 1H), 7.31 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.21 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), Intermediate 17 7.02 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 5.30 (s, 2H), 4.99 (s, 1H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 4.02 (s, 3H), 3.49 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.00 (s, 3H), 2.83-2.80 (m, 2H), 1.41-1.38 (m, 6H). [00088] 34 5-methyl-7-(methylsulfonyl)-3-(thieno[3,2-c]pyridin- MS (ES+): 430.3 (M + H)+ Method of Example 1 3-ylmethyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H- 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 9.30 (s, 1H), 8.42 (d, Intermediate 1 and pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one J = 5.2 Hz, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1H), 8.05 (dd, J = 5.6, 0.8 Hz, Intermediate 18 1H), 7.70 (s, 1H), 5.63 (s, 2H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.48 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.99 (s, 3H), 2.80 (t, J = 5.2 Hz, 2H). [00089] 35 3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-7-((4- MS (ES+): 505.3 (M + H)+ Method of Example 22 methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6,7,8,9- 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 11.50 (br, 1H), 8.67 Intermediate 11 and hexahydro-4H-pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3- (d, J = 1.2 Hz, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 8.04 (d, J = 5.6 Hz, 1H), Intermediate 19 d]pyridazin-4-one 7.81-7.77 (m, 2H), 7.63 (d, J = 5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (d, J = 2.8 Hz, 1H), 7.12-7.09 (m, 2H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 4.30 (s, 2H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.30 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.67 (t, J = 5.2 Hz, 2H). [00090] 36 3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl- MS (ES+): 413.3 (M + H)+ Method of Example 1 7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H- 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 11.54 (br, 1H), 8.69 Intermediate 1 and pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one (s, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 8.06 (d, J = 5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (d, Intermediate 19 J = 5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H), 5.42 (s, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.46 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, J = 9.2 Hz, 3H), 3.46 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.98 (s, 3H), 2.77 (t, J = 5.2 Hz, 2H). [00091] 37 3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl- MS (ES+): 413.4 (M + H)+ Method of Example 1 7-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-4H- 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 11.58 (br, 1H), 8.20- Intermediate 1 and pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4-one 8.18 (m, 2H), 8.09 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.04 Intermediate 23 (s, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 4.46-4.42 (m, 2H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.46 (s, 2H), 2.99-2.94 (m, 3H) 2.78 (s, 2H). [00092] 38 3-((5-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7- MS (ES+): 430.3 (M + H)+ Method of Example 1 (methylsulfonyl)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-3H- 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 11.11 (br, 1H), 8.19 Intermediate 1 and pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4(5H)-one (s, 1H), 7.48-7.44 (m, 2H), 7.32 (q, J = 4.4 Hz, 1H), 6.90 Intermediate 24 (td, J = 9.2 Hz, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 5.39 (s, 2H), 4.46 (s, 2H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.46 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.98 (s, 3H), 2.77 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, 2H). [00093] 39 3-((6-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-7- MS (ES+): 430.2 (M + H)+ Method of Example 1 (methylsulfonyl)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-3H- 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-6) : 11.06 (br, 1H), 8.18 Intermediate 1 and pyrido[4,3:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4(5H)-one (s, 1H), 7.70 (dd, J = 8.8 Hz, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (d, J = Intermediate 25 5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (dd, J = 10.4 Hz, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.86- 6.81 (m, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 4.46 (s, 2H), 4.02 (s, 3H), 3.46 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.98 (s, 3H), 2.77 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, 2H). [00094]

Biological Example 1Human PKM2 Activation Assay

Measuring In Vitro Activation of Recombinant Human PKM2

[0615] Compound activation of recombinant human PKM2 pyruvate kinase activity was determined by biochemical assay. N-terminal His-tagged hPKM2 was sourced from R&D Systems and its substrates phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and ADP from Sigma-Aldrich and 2BScientific Ltd, respectively. The Kinase-Glo Plus luminescence assay was from Promega. All other reagents were from Sigma-Aldrich. Test Compounds were prepared as 10 mM DMSO stocks and dilution series prepared in DMSO for direct dilution into Assay Buffer comprising 50 mM imidazole, 50 mM KCl, 7 mM MgCl.sub.2, 0.01% Tween20, 0.05% BSA (pH 7.2).

Assay Procedure

[0616] Human PKM2 was diluted into Assay Buffer comprising 50 mM imidazole, 50 mM KCl, 7 mM MgCl.sub.2, 0.01% Tween20, 0.05% BSA (pH 7.2) to a final concentration of 5 pM. Enzyme-Assay Buffer mix was dispensed into a 384-well shallow-well white-walled plate (PerkinElmer) and Test Compounds added by acoustic dispense (Echo, Labcyte Inc.). Following 10 minutes' incubation at room temperature, the enzyme reaction was initiated by acoustic dispensing of ADP+PEP substrate to final concentrations of 254 M ADP and 53 M ADP.

[0617] After 60 minutes' incubation on an orbital shaker (300 rpm, 26 C.), enzyme activity was quantified by the luminescent detection of generated ATP. Kinase-Glo Plus reagent was added to each well and the plates incubated for a further 15 minutes on an orbital shaker in the dark (300 rpm, 26 C.) before luminescence measurement on a plate reader (PHERAstar FSX, BMG Labtech).

[0618] Percentage activation was calculated by normalising fluorescence signals to plate LOW (DMSO vehicle) and HIGH (5 M TEPP-46) controls. EC.sub.50 and E.sub.max values were determined from 4-parameter logistic fits of compound concentration-response curves.

[0619] All Example compounds of formula (Ia) were tested and the results are shown in Table 1 below.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 1 PKM2 EC.sub.50 values (M) and E.sub.max values (%) hPKM2 hPKM2 Compound EC.sub.50 (M) E.sub.max (%) TEPP-46 0.185 113 Example 1 0.1797 86.88 Example 2 0.3055 93.65 Example 3 0.3031 81.43 Example 4 1.139 89.82 Example 5 0.5907 96.72 TEPP-46 0.185 113 Example 6 0.3172 85.31 Example 7 0.3464 107.4 Example 8 1.736 83.14 Example 9 1.768 47.27 Example 10 4.678 72.05 Example 11 0.8459 88.41 Example 12 1.489 79.66 Example 13 0.702 88.5 Example 14 0.512 102 Example 15 0.099 99.9 Example 16 0.129 76.6 Example 17 0.901 98.8 Example 18 0.394 58.7 Example 19 0.869 63.8 Example 20 0.272 111 Example 21 0.986 71.4 Example 22 0.385 76.8 Example 23 0.313 58.3 Example 24 0.188 90.9 Example 25 0.342 99.5 Example 26 0.372 81.1 Example 27 0.919 78 Example 28 0.385 56.4 Example 29 0.28 89 Example 30 0.083 62.2 Example 31 0.423 75.3 Example 32 0.365 94.6 Example 33 0.354 96.5 Example 34 0.44 82.6 Example 35 0.569 78.1 Example 36 0.071 100 Example 37 0.207 106 Example 38 0.759 93.2 Example 39 0.217 92.7

[0620] Compounds of formula (Ia) that were tested in this assay exhibited acceptable or good PKM2-modulatory activity, as demonstrated by their EC.sub.50 and/or E.sub.max values for PKM2 activation. Certain compounds of formula (Ia) exhibited improved PKM2-activation potency compared with TEPP-46, as demonstrated by their lower EC.sub.50 values.

Biological Example 2Human PKLR Activation Assay

Measuring In Vitro Activation of Recombinant Human PKLR

[0621] Compound activation of recombinant human PKLR pyruvate kinase activity was determined by biochemical assay. N-terminal His-tagged enzyme was sourced from R&D Systems and its substrates phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and ADP from Sigma-Aldrich and 2BScientific Ltd, respectively. The Kinase-Glo Plus luminescence assay was from Promega. All other reagents were from Sigma-Aldrich. Test Compounds were prepared as 10 mM DMSO stocks and dilution series prepared in DMSO for direct dilution into Assay Buffer comprising 50 mM imidazole, 50 mM KCl, 7 mM MgCl.sub.2, 0.01% Tween20, 0.05% BSA (pH 7.2).

Assay Procedure

[0622] Human PKLR was diluted into Assay Buffer to a final concentration of 5 pM. Enzyme-Assay Buffer mix was dispensed into 384-well shallow-well white-walled plates and Test Compounds added by acoustic dispense (Echo, Labcyte Inc). Following 10 minutes' incubation at room temperature, the enzyme reaction was initiated by acoustic dispensing of ADP+PEP substrate to final concentrations of 254 M ADP and 53 M ADP.

[0623] After 60 minutes' incubation on an orbital shaker (300 rpm, 26 C.), enzyme activity was quantified by the luminescent detection of generated ATP. Kinase-Glo Plus reagent was added to each well and the plates incubated for a further 15 minutes on an orbital shaker in the dark (300 rpm, 26 C.) before luminescence measurement on a plate reader (PHERAstar FSX, BMG Labtech).

[0624] Percentage activation was calculated by normalising fluorescence signals to plate LOW (DMSO vehicle) and HIGH (5 M TEPP46) controls. EC.sub.50 and E.sub.max values were determined from 4-parameter logistic fits of compound concentration-response curves.

[0625] The compounds of formula (Ia) of Examples 1 to 12 and 36 were tested and the results are shown in Table 2 below.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 2 PKLR EC.sub.50 values (M) and E.sub.max values (%) hPKLR hPKLR Compound EC.sub.50 (M) E.sub.max (%) TEPP46 0.0435 116.6 Example 1 ++ Example 2 ++ Example 3 ++ TEPP46 0.0435 116.6 Example 4 ++ Example 5 ++ Example 6 +++ Example 7 ++ Example 8 + Example 9 + Example 10 + Example 11 ++ Example 12 ++ Example 36 +++ +++ refers to an EC.sub.50 of greater than 0.0435 M but less than 0.0600 M; ++ refers to an EC.sub.50 of between 0.0600 M and 0.3200 M; and + refers to an EC.sub.50 of greater than 0.3200 M. refers to an E.sub.max of greater than 100% but less than 116.6%; refers to an E.sub.max of between 90% and 100%; refers to an E.sub.max of less than 90%.

[0626] Compounds of formula (Ia) that were tested in this assay exhibited acceptable or good PKLR-modulatory activity, as demonstrated by their EC.sub.50 and/or E.sub.max values for PKLR activation.

Biological Example 3A549 Proliferation and Cytotoxicity Assay

Induction of Serine Auxotrophy as a Cell-Based Readout of PKM2 Activation

[0627] In highly proliferative, glycolytically active cells, PKM2 activation accelerates flux through glycolysis and induces a powerful dependence of cell proliferation on the non-essential amino acid serine (Kung et al., 2012). The effect of compounds of Formula (I) on A549 cell proliferation in low-serine medium was assessed using a luminescence assay of viable cell number (CellTiter-Glo 2.0, Promega) duplexed with a fluorescent cytotoxicity assessment (CellTox Green, Promega). Cell culture reagents were from ThermoFisher unless specified otherwise. Assay reagents were from Sigma-Aldrich unless specified otherwise. Test Compounds were prepared as 10 mM DMSO stocks and dilution series prepared in DMSO for direct dilution into culture medium.

Assay Procedure

[0628] A549 cells were maintained in T225 flasks in a humidified incubator (37 C., 5% CO.sub.2), in complete growth medium comprising RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated FBS plus 2 mM L-glutamine+1% penicillin/streptomycin (Sigma-Aldrich). Cells were passaged every 3-4 days at 80-90% confluence. The cell monolayer was washed twice with room-temperature Ca.sup.2+/Mg-free PBS and 4 ml room-temperature trypsin-EDTA added to the flask. After 5 minutes' incubation (37 C., 5% CO.sub.2) to detach cells, trypsin was quenched with 13 ml warmed complete growth medium and the cells harvested and diluted to 2.410.sup.4 cells/ml for dispensing into 384-well clear-bottom black-walled plates (600 cells/well).

[0629] Following overnight incubation, growth medium was aspirated from each well and the cells washed twice with Assay Medium comprising Basal Medium Eagle supplemented with 3% heat-inactivated dialysed FBS plus 2 mM L-glutamine plus 20 M L-serine (Sigma-Aldrich). After aspiration of the final wash medium, Assay Medium containing Test Compound was added to each well. DMSO vehicle controls were included on each plate.

[0630] Cells were incubated for 3 days in a humidified incubator (37 C., 5% CO.sub.2) at which point CellTox Green and CellTiter-Glo reagents were prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. Triton-X was added to HIGH wells for cytotoxicity determination and the plate incubated for 30 minutes (20 C., ambient humidity and pCO.sub.2). CellTox Green reagent was added to each well and the plate covered, placed on an orbital shaker @450 rpm for 2 minutes, and incubated in the dark for 15 minutes (20 C., ambient humidity and pCO.sub.2). Endpoint fluorescence was measured using a plate reader (PHERAstar FSX, BMG Labtech).

[0631] Following cytotoxicity determination, CellTiter-Glo reagent was added to each well and the plate placed on an orbital shaker @450 rpm for 2 minutes to lyse cells. Plates were incubated in the dark for 15-30 minutes (20 C., ambient humidity and pCO.sub.2) prior to endpoint luminescence measurement (PHERAstar FSX, BMG Labtech).

[0632] Cytotoxicity was calculated by normalising fluorescence signals to plate LOW (DMSO vehicle) and HIGH (Triton X-treated) controls. CC.sub.50 values were determined from a 4-parameter logistic fits of the compound concentration-response curve.

[0633] Proliferation was calculated by normalizing luminescence signals to LOW controls obtained from a parallel plate processed at the time of Test Compound challenge and HIGH (DMSO vehicle) wells from the compound plate. IC.sub.50 values were determined from a 4-parameter logistic fit of compound concentration-response curves.

[0634] The compounds of formula (Ia) of Examples 1 to 12 were tested and the results are shown in Table 3 below.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 3 A549 Cell Proliferation and Cytotoxicity Proliferation Compound IC.sub.50 (M) TEPP-46 0.0016 Example 1 0.0016 Example 2 0.0045 Example 3 0.0105 Example 4 NT* Example 5 0.0133 Example 6 0.0168 Example 7 0.0009 Example 8 0.0254 Example 9 0.0258 Example 10 0.1174 Example 11 0.014 Example 12 0.0135

[0635] Compounds of formula (Ia) that were tested in this assay exhibited acceptable or good anti-proliferative activity, as demonstrated by their IC.sub.50 values. Certain compounds of formula (Ia) exhibited improved anti-proliferative activity compared with TEPP-46, as demonstrated by their lower IC.sub.50 values.

Stability Example 1Kinetic Aqueous Solubility

[0636] Solubility of a given compound is the amount of the compound that passes into solution to achieve a saturated solution at constant temperature and pressure. It is expressed in terms of maximum volume or mass of the solute that dissolves in a given volume of a solvent. General considerations in measuring solubility by the described method herein: [0637] Filtration of the saturated solution for separation [0638] Quantification of the compound in the solution by UV spectroscopy [0639] Both filtration and analysis were performed at room temperature [0640] This assay has been validated for Millipore Multiscreen Filter plates (ref: MSS LB PC 10) as well as for Porvair plates (ref: 360043)

Standard Assay Method

Assay Preparation

[0641] Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) pH 7.4 was prepared using PBS tablets as per the manufacturer's instructions. Compounds and marker stocks are prepared at 10 mM in DMSO.

Assay Procedure

[0642] Compounds were incubated at 200 M (2% DMSO) in MilliporeMSS LB PC 10 or Porvairref: 36004 plates in the presence of the prepared PBS pH 7.4 solution for 1.5 h, at RT, with gentle shaking. After the incubation time, the samples were filtrated by centrifugation (for Millipore plates) or by Vacuum (Porvair plates) and the filtrates were diluted 1.25 in Acetonitrile and compared to a matrix matched calibration curve. The samples were then analysed in a 96 well UV Star analysis plate on a plate reader from 220 nm to 500 nm at 10 nm increments. When analysis was not possible by UV plate reader, filtrates were diluted 150 in methanol: water 50:50 and then analysed by LC-MS/MS.

Data Processing

[0643] The concentration of the samples was calculated against the standard curves. Compounds with a concentration greater than 200 M are reported as solubility >200 M and compounds with a concentration lower than 5.12 M (Lower concentration point in the standard curve) are reported as solubility <5.12 M.

[0644] Kinetic solubility was determined for all Example compounds of formula (Ia) and the results are shown in Table 4 below.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 4 Kinetic solubility Kinetic solubility Compound (Ksol; (g/ml) TEPP-46 0.15 Example 1 13.89 12.85* Example 2 36.19 36.10* Example 3 18.98 17.91* Example 4 42.01 Example 5 5.13 Example 6 0.64 0.87* Example 7 72.24 Example 8 >70.30 Example 9 43.14 Example 10 17.14 Example 11 9.90 Example 12 61.62 Example 13 37.97 Example 14 41.33 TEPP-46 0.15 Example 15 2.49 Example 16 7.58 Example 17 73.09 Example 18 18.27 Example 19 5.42 Example 20 8.43 Example 21 1.04 Example 22 2.53 Example 25 3.94 Example 26 >83.01 Example 28 >92.5 Example 29 37.45 Example 30 30.29 Example 31 18.84 Example 32 16.16 Example 33 19.80 Example 34 1.80 Example 36 >82.49 Example 37 59.28 Example 39 1.09 * *repeated value

[0645] Compounds of formula (Ia) that were tested in this assay exhibited significantly improved solubility compared with TEPP-46.

REFERENCES

[0646] Abulizi et al. Cell Metab. 2020, 32(5):751-766.e11. [0647] Alves-Filho et al. Front Immunol. 2016, 7(145), 1-7. [0648] Barazzoni et al. Eating and Weight DisordersStudies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity 2018, 23, 149-157. [0649] Bettaieb et al. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 2013, 288(24), 17360-17371. [0650] Bianchi et al. Haematologica 2020, 105(9), 2218-2228. [0651] Cangado et al., Hematology, Transfusion and Cell Therapy, 2018, 40 (1), 1-2. [0652] Chhipa et al. Life Sciences 2018, 280, DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119694. [0653] Dong et al. Oncol Lett. 2016, 11(3), 1980-1986. [0654] Grace et al. N. Engl. J. Med. 2019, 381(10), 933-944 [0655] Kung et al. Chemistry & Biology 2012, 19, 1187-1198 [0656] Kung et al. Blood 2017, 14; 130(11), 1347-1356. [0657] Lewandowski et al. Cell Metab. 2020, 32(5):736-750.e5. [0658] Liu et al. J. Diabetes Investig. 2020, 12(5):697-709. [0659] Palsson-McDermott et al. Cell Research 2020, 30:300-314. [0660] Puckett et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2021, 22, 1171. [0661] Qi et al. Nat Med. 2017, 23(6), 753-762 [0662] Yi et al. Front. Immunol. 2021, DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.595316.

Miscellaneous

[0663] All references referred to in this application, including patent and patent applications, are incorporated herein by reference to the fullest extent possible.

[0664] Throughout the specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, and variations such as comprises and comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer, step, group of integers or group of steps but not to the exclusion of any other integer, step, group of integers or group of steps.

[0665] The application, of which this description and claims form part, may be used as a basis for priority in respect of any subsequent application. The claims of such subsequent application may be directed to any feature or combination of features described herein. They may take the form of product, composition, process, or use claims and may include, by way of example and without limitation, the following claims.