Specification
The present invention relates to mGlu2/3 agonists, more specifically, to a novel 4-
substituted bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane and prodrugs thereof, pharmaceutical compositions
thereof, and therapeutic uses thereof.
L-Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system
and is referred to as an excitatory amino acid. The metabotropic glutamate (mGlu)
receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors that modulate neuronal excitability. Treatment
of neurological or psychiatric disorders has been linked to selective activation of mGlu
excitatory amino acid receptors. More particularly, studies demonstrate that mGlu2/3
agonists have analgesic, antipsychotic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and neuroprotective
properties. Therefore, these properties of mGlu2/3 agonists may be useful in the
treatment of neurological disorders, such as chronic pain conditions, or psychiatric
disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive
disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder.
W09717952 discloses certain 4-substituted bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane compounds
asserted to be excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists.
Excessive glutamatergic tone has been implicated in many disease states of the
central nervous system; however, effective agents to correct such pathophysiological
states are lacking in clinical practice. In particular, clinical application has not been
realized due to a lack of mGlu2/3 agonists with appropriate drug-like properties. Thus,
there still exists a need for potent, efficacious mGlu2/3 agonists. The present invention
provides a novel 4-substituted bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, and prodrugs thereof, that are potent
and effective mGlu2/3 agonists. Particular prodrugs within the scope of the present
invention are well absorbed after oral administration and subsequently hydrolyzed to
release the active metabolite into the systemic circulation and, therefore, are suitable for
clinical development. Such new compounds of the present invention could address the
need for potent, effective treatments of neurological disorders, such as chronic pain
conditions including persistent pain, neuropathic pain, chronic inflammatory pain, or
visceral pain, or psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder,
generalized anxiety disorder, or post traumatic stress disorder.
The present invention provides a compound of Formula I
Formula I
wherein
R1 is hydrogen, R2 is hydrogen, and R is hydrogen;
R1 is hydrogen, R2 is (2,S)-2-aminopropanoyl, and R is hydrogen;
R1 is hydrogen, R2 is (25)-2-amino-4-methylsulfanyl-butanoyl, and R3 is hydrogen;
R1 is hydrogen, R2 is 2-aminoacetyl, and R3 is hydrogen;
R1 is benzyl, R2 is hydrogen, and R3 is benzyl; or
R1 is (2-fluorophenyl)methyl, R2 is hydrogen, and R3 is (2-fluorophenyl)methyl;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The present invention provides ( 5,,25',5R, 5,)-2-aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-
4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
As a particular embodiment, the present invention provides (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid.
As a particular embodiment, the present invention provides the hydrochloric acid
dicarboxylic acid.
The present invention provides (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-
aminopropanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic
acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
As a particular embodiment, the present invention provides (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-
[[(25')-2-aminopropanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3.1.0] hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-
dicarboxylic acid hydrochloride.
As a particular embodiment, the present invention provides (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-
[[(25')-2-aminopropanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3. 1.0]hexane-4, l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-
dicarboxylic acid; 1,4-dioxane (1: 0.5); hydrochloride.
The present invention provides ( 5,,25',5R, 5,)-2-[[(25)-2-amino-4-methylsulfanylbutanoyl]
amino]spiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
As a particular embodiment, the present invention provides (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-
[[(25)-2-amino-4-methylsulfanyl-butanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-
cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid hydrochloride.
The present invention provides (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-[(2-
aminoacetyl)amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
As a particular embodiment, the present invention provides (IS, 2S, 5R, 6S)-2-[(2-
aminoacetyl)amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid
hydrochloride.
The present invention provides dibenzyl (IS, 2S,5R, 6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
As a particular embodiment, the present invention provides dibenzyl
(1S,2S, 5R, 6S)-2-aminospiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate;
1,4-dioxane; hydrochloride.
The present invention provides bis[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl] (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
As a particular embodiment, the present invention provides bis[(2-
fluorophenyl)methyl] (1S,2S, 5R, 6S)-2-aminospiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-
cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate hydrochloride.
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising
(1S,2S, 5R, 6S)-2-aminospiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic
acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-
aminopropanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic
acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-amino-4-
methylsulfanyl-butanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-
dicarboxylic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-[(2-
aminoacetyl)amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, dibenzyl (IS, 2S,5R, 6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or bis[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl] (IS, 2S,5R, 6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier and optionally other therapeutic ingredients.
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising
(1S,2S, 5R, 6S)-2-aminospiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic
acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-
aminopropanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic
acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, ( 5,,25',5R, 5,)-2-[[(25)-2-amino-4-
methylsulfanyl-butanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-
dicarboxylic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-[(2-
aminoacetyl)amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, dibenzyl (IS, 2S, 5R, 6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or bis[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl] (IS, 2S,5R, 6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,
diluent, or excipient.
The present invention provides a method of treating a neurological or psychiatric
disorder, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of
(1S,2S, 5R, 6S)-2-aminospiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic
acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-
aminopropanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic
acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, ( 5,,25',5R, 5,)-2-[[(25)-2-amino-4-
methylsulfanyl-butanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-
dicarboxylic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-[(2-
aminoacetyl)amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, dibenzyl (IS, 2S,5R, 6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or bis[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl] (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The present invention provides the use of (IS, 2S,5R, 6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-
aminopropanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic
acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, ( 5,,25',5R, 5,)-2-[[(25)-2-amino-4-
methylsulfanyl-butanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-
dicarboxylic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-[(2-
aminoacetyl)amino]spiro[bicyclo[3. 1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, dibenzyl (IS, 2S,5R, 6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or bis[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl] (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for the
treatment of a neurological or psychiatric disorder.
The present invention provides ( 5,,25',5R, 5,)-2-aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-
4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,
( 5,,25',5R,d5)-2-[[(25 ,)-2-aminopropanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4 , -
cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,
(1S,2S, 5R, d5)-2-[[(25")-2-amino-4-methylsulfanylbutanoyl]
amino]spiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-[(2-
aminoacetyl)amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, dibenzyl (IS, 2S,5R, 6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or bis[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl] (IS, 2S,5R, 6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in therapy. The present invention also
provides (1S,2S, 5R, 65)-2-aminospiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-
dicarboxylic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-
aminopropanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0] hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic
acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, ( 5,,25',5R, 5,)-2-[[(25)-2-amino-4-
methylsulfanyl-butanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-
dicarboxylic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-[(2-
aminoacetyl)amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, dibenzyl (IS, 2S,5R, 6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or bis[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl] (IS, 2S,5R, 6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of a neurological or
psychiatric disorder.
Furthermore, the present invention provides preferred embodiments of the
methods and uses as described herein, in which the neurological disorder is selected from
the group consisting of persistent pain, neuropathic pain, chronic inflammatory pain, and
visceral pain, and the psychiatric disorder is selected from the group consisting of
schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post traumatic stress
disorder.
As used above, and throughout the description of the invention, the following
terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings:
"Compound(s) of the invention" and "compound(s) of the present invention"
include prodrugs, active compounds, and/or active metabolites. A "prodrug" is a class of
drugs, initially in inactive form that is converted into active form in the body by normal
metabolic processes, wherein at least one of R1, R2, and R in Formula I is other than
hydrogen (e.g. R1 is hydrogen, R2 is (25)-2-aminopropanoyl, and R is hydrogen; R1 is
hydrogen, R2 is (25)-2-amino-4-methylsulfanyl-butanoyl, and R3 is hydrogen; R1 is
hydrogen, R2 is 2-aminoacetyl, and R3 is hydrogen; R1 is benzyl, R2 is hydrogen, and R3
is benzyl; or R1 is (2-fluorophenyl)methyl, R2 is hydrogen, and R3 is (2-
fluorophenyl)methyl). An "active compound" or "active" is another name for an active
form administered to the body, for example, intravenously or intraperitoneally, wherein
R1, R2, and R3 in Formula I are hydrogen. An "active metabolite" is another name for an
active form resulting from such a conversion of a prodrug in the body by normal
metabolic processes, wherein R1, R2, and R3 in Formula I are hydrogen.
A "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient" is a medium
generally accepted in the art for the delivery of biologically active agents to mammals,
e.g., humans.
"Pharmaceutically acceptable salts" refers to the relatively non-toxic, inorganic
and organic salts of compounds of the present invention.
"Therapeutically effective amount" or "effective amount" means the amount of the
compound, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, of the present invention or
pharmaceutical composition containing a compound, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof, of the present invention that will elicit the biological or medical response of or
desired therapeutic effect on a tissue, system, animal, mammal or human that is being
sought by the researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician.
The terms "treatment," "treat," "treating," and the like, are meant to include
slowing or reversing the progression of a disorder. These terms also include alleviating,
ameliorating, attenuating, eliminating, or reducing one or more symptoms of a disorder or
condition, even if the disorder or condition is not actually eliminated and even if
progression of the disorder or condition is not itself slowed or reversed.
Under standard nomenclature used throughout this disclosure, the terminal portion
of the designated side chain is described first, followed by the adjacent functionality
toward the point of attachment. For example, a methylsulfonyl substituent is equivalent
The compounds of the present invention are capable of reaction, for example, with
a number of inorganic and organic acids to form pharmaceutically acceptable acid
addition salts or basic addition salts. Such pharmaceutically acceptable salts and common
methodology for preparing them are well known in the art. See, e.g., P. Stahl, et a ,
HANDBOOK OF PHARMACEUTICAL SALTS: PROPERTIES, SELECTION AND
USE, (VCHA/Wiley-VCH, 2002); S.M. Berge, et al, "Pharmaceutical Salts, " Journal of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol 66, No. 1, January 1977.
The compounds of the present invention are preferably formulated as
pharmaceutical compositions using a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or
excipient and administered by a variety of routes. Preferably, such compositions are for
oral or intravenous administration. Such pharmaceutical compositions and processes for
preparing them are well known in the art. See, e.g., Remington: The Science and Practice
of Pharmacy (A. Gennaro, et al, eds., 21st ed., Mack Publishing Co., 2005).
The compound of the present invention actually administered will be determined
by a physician under the relevant circumstances, including the condition to be treated, the
chosen route of administration, the actual compound or compounds of the present
invention administered, the age, weight, and response of the individual patient, and the
severity of the patient's symptoms. Dosages per day normally fall within the range of
about 0.1 to about 300 mg. In some instances dosage levels below the lower limit of the
aforesaid range may be more than adequate, while in other cases still larger doses may be
employed.
The compounds of the present invention, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts
thereof, may be prepared by a variety of procedures known in the art, as well as those
described in the Preparations and Examples below. The specific synthetic steps for each
of the routes described may be combined in different ways to prepare the compounds of
the invention, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
The substituents, unless otherwise indicated, are as previously defined. The
reagents and starting materials are generally readily available to one of ordinary skill in
the art. Others may be made by standard techniques of organic and heterocyclic
chemistry, techniques which are analogous to the syntheses of known structurally similar
active compounds and prodrugs, and the procedures described in the Preparations and
Examples which follow including any novel procedures. The naming of the following
Preparations and Examples is done using Symyx Draw 3.1.
As used herein, the following terms have the meanings indicated: "HPLC" refers
to high-pressure liquid chromatography; "LC" refers to liquid chromatography; "MS
(ES+)" refers to mass spectroscopy using electrospray ionization; "MS" refers to mass
spectroscopy; "SFC" refers to supercritical fluid chromatography; "NMR" refers to
nuclear magnetic resonance; "TLC" refers to thin layer chromatography; "RT" refers to
retention time; "UV" refers to ultraviolet; "EDTA" refers to ethylenediaminetetraacetic
acid; "PBS" refers to phosphate buffered saline; "PCR" refers to polymerase chain
reaction; "SCX" refers to strong cation exchange; and "HLB" refers to Hydrophilic-
Lipophilic Balance.
Preparation 1
Ditert-butyl (IS, 2S, 5R, d5)-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-4-methylenebicyclo[
3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate
Charge an oven-dried 250 mL round-bottom flask with
methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (5.41 g, 14.9 mmol) and tetrahydrofuran (93 mL).
Cool the suspension to 0°C and add dropwise 1M solution of sodium
bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in tetrahydrofuran (16.08 mL, 16.08 mmol). Stir the resultant
bright yellow mixture at 0°C for 20 minutes before adding a solution of ditert-bvAyl
( 5,,25',5R, R)-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-4-oxo-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-
dicarboxylate (5.09 g, 12.4 mmol, see WO03/104217/A2 for synthesis details) in
tetrahydrofuran (3 1 mL). Allow the reaction to warm to room temperature and stir for 16
hours. Partition the mixture between ethyl acetate (500 mL) and water (350 mL).
Discard the aqueous and wash the organic phase with brine (200 mL). Dry the organic
phase over magnesium sulfate, filter and concentrate under reduced pressure. Purify by
flash chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate: ' -hexane (5:95 to 20:80) to yield the
title compound as a white solid (4.84 g, 11.2 mmol). H NMR (CDC13) 1.45 (m, 27H),
1.87 (t, J=2.9 Hz, 1H), 1.98 (m, 1H), 2.43 (m, 2H), 3.07 (br m, 1H), 4.86 (br s, 1H), 5.03
(d, J=2 Hz, 1H), 5.1-5.3 (br s, 1H).
Preparation 2
Ditert-butyl (IS, 2S, 5R, 65)-2-(/e^butoxycarbonylamino)spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0] hexane-4, 1'-
cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate
Prepare an ethanol free solution of diazomethane in diethyl ether by charging the
cold-finger of an Aldrich mini-Diazald apparatus with cardice and 'so-propanol filling it
one third. In the reaction portion of the apparatus place a solution of potassium hydroxide
(740 mg, 13.2 mmol) in water (1.5 mL). To this solution add a mixture of diethylene
glycol monoethyl ether (4 mL) and diethyl ether (2.4 mL). Dissolve N-methyl -N'-nitro-
N-nitrosoguanidine ( 1 g, 6.8 mmol) in a mixture of diethyl ether (13 mL) and diethylene
glycol monoethyl ether (4 mL). Place this solution in a dropping funnel with smooth
glass joints and fit to the mini-Diazald apparatus. Warm the potassium hydroxide
solution in a water bath held at 70°C, ensuring that the collection flask and a bubbler
filled with diethyl ether at the outlet of the apparatus are both cooled in a cardice/ isopropanol
bath. Allow the solution of N-methyl -N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine to add at a
rate equal to that of the resultant distillation. Once distillation is complete, add additional
diethyl ether dropwise through the dropping funnel until condensate on the cold finger
becomes colorless. Store the resultant solution in a cardice/z'so-propanol bath until
needed. Suspend palladium acetate (17.2 mg; 76.5 ΐ) in diethyl ether (10 mL).
Decant and filter the resulting pale brown solution and add carefully to a mixture of the
diazomethane solution i r -butyl ( 5,,25',5R,d5)-2-(/er/-butoxycarbonylamino)-4-
methylene-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate (330 mg, 765.5 ΐ) and diethyl
ether (10 mL) which has been allowed to reach ambient temperature. Once gas evolution
has ceased, filter the resulting suspension and concentrate under reduced pressure to yield
260 mg of a mixture of unreacted ditert-butyl (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-(tertbutoxycarbonylamino)-
4-methylene-bicyclo[3. 1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate and title
compound.
Prepare an ethanol free solution of diazomethane in diethyl ether from a solution
of potassium hydroxide (2.5 g, 44.6 mmol) in water (4 mL), diethylene glycol monoethyl
ether (14 mL) and diethyl ether (8 mL) and N-methyl -N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (4 g,
27.2 mmol) in a mixture of diethyl ether (30 mL) and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether
(15 mL). Take the resulting solution of diazomethane and add it portion wise over 30
minutes to a suspension of palladium acetate (20 mg, 89.1 ΐ) in a solution of the
previously prepared mixture of unreacted ditert-butyl (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-(tertbutoxycarbonylamino)-
4-methylene-bicyclo[3. 1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate and title
compound (260 mg) in diethyl ether (3 mL). Once gas evolution has ceased, leave to
stand overnight, then filter through a phase separator frit and concentrate under reduced
pressure to yield a dark oil. Purify by flash chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate:
' -hexane (0:100 to 75:25) to yield 185 mg of a mixture of unreacted ditert-butyl
(1S,2S, 5R, d5)-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-4-methylene-bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-2,6-
dicarboxylate and title compound.
Prepare an ethanol free solution of diazomethane in diethyl ether from a solution
of potassium hydroxide (3.2 g, 57 mmol) in water (5 mL), diethylene glycol monoethyl
ether (4 mL) and diethyl ether (10 mL) and N-methyl -N '-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (5 g,
34 mmoles) in a mixture of diethyl ether (35 mL) and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether
(15 mL). Take the resulting solution of diazomethane and add it portionwise over 60
minutes to a suspension of palladium acetate (20 mg, 89.1 ΐ) in a solution of the
previously prepared mixture of unreacted ditert-butyl (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-(tertbutoxycarbonylamino)-
4-methylene-bicyclo[3. 1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate and title
compound (185 mg) in diethyl ether (2 mL). Once gas evolution has ceased, leave to
stand for 30 minutes, filter and concentrate under reduced pressure to yield a yellow oil.
Purify by mass guided HPLC (RT = 6.4 minutes (UV), 6.37 minutes (MS); LC Column:
Waters XBridge™ 30mm x 100mm 5; water w/0.1% formic acid; gradient: 28-62%
acetonitrile w/0.1% formic acid in 1.35 minutes then 62-95% in 6.65 minutes, then held at
95% for 3.55 minutes. Column temperature: ambient; flow rate: 45 mL/minute) to yield
the title compound as a colorless oil (55.3 mg, 130.6 ΐ) . MS (m/z): 446 (M+23).
Preparation 3
Diethyl ( 5,,25',5R, R)-2-amino-4-oxo-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate.
Charge a 500 mL three neck flask equipped with a condenser, nitrogen inlet and a
thermometer with ditert-b y ( 5,,25,,5R, R)-2-(/er/-butoxycarbonylamino)-4-oxobicyclo[
3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate (15 g, 36.4 mmol) in ethanol (365 mL). Add
thionyl chloride (13.3 mL, 182.3 mmol) to a stirring solution at room temperature via
syringe (small exotherm) then heat to reflux. After 24 hours cool the reaction to room
temperature and concentrate in vacuo. Dissolve the residue in dichloromethane (50 mL)
then concentrate on a rotary evaporator (repeat 3 times). Partition the residue between
ethyl acetate (200 mL) and saturated sodium hydrogenate carbonate (150 mL). Wash the
organic phase with brine (150 mL), dry over sodium sulfate, filter then concentrate to
dryness to give the title compound as an oil (8.24 g, 32.3 mmol). MS (m/z): 256 (M+1).
Preparation 4
Diethyl ( 5,,25',5R, R)-2-acet [3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate.
Add acetic acid anhydride (5 mL, 50.8 mmol) to a stirred solution of diethyl
( 5,,25',5R, R)-2-amino-4-oxo-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate (7.2 g, 28.2 mmol)
and triethylamine (7.9 mL, 56.4 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (72 mL) at room
temperature. After 2 hours, quench with water (100 mL) and stir vigorously for 20
minutes. Separate the dichloromethane layer via a hydrophobic frit and evaporate to a
light brown oil (9.6 g). Purify by flash chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate: isohexane
(70:30 to 90: 10) to give the title compound as a pale yellow glass foaming on
drying (6.53 g, 22 mmol). MS (m/z): 298 (M+l), 320 (M+23), 617 (2M+23).
Preparation 5
Diethyl ( 5,,25',5R,d5)-2-acetamido-4-methylene-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate.
Charge an oven-dried 250 mL round-bottom flask with
(methyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (9.72 g, 26.7 mmol) and dry tetrahydrofuran
(122 mL). Cool the suspension to 0 to-5°C and treat with 2M sodium
Z«Xtrimethylsilyl)amide in tetrahydrofuran (13.3 mL, 26.7 mmol) in a dropwise manner.
Stir the resultant bright yellow mixture at 0°C for 20 minutes then treat with a solution of
diethyl ( 5,,25',5R, R)-2-acetamido-4-oxo-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate (6.1g,
20.5 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (30 mL). Allow the reaction to warm slowly to room
temperature over 3 hours. After stirring for 20 hours at room temperature quench with
iced water (200 mL) and extract with ethyl acetate (200 mL). Wash extracts with water
(100 mL), brine (100 mL), dry, filter and evaporate to dark brown oil. Add diethyl ether
(70 mL) and iso-hexane (20 mL) and seed the solution with triphenylphosphine oxide.
Allow to stand for 2 hours, decant the solution, add silica and concentrate under vacuum.
Purify by flash chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate: iso-hexane (60:40 to 80:20) to
give a pink oil (6.81 g) contaminated with triphenylphosphine oxide. Re-purify by flash
chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate: iso-hexane (60:40) to give the title compound
as a viscous yellow oil (3.98 g, 13.5 mmol). MS (m/z): 296 (M+l), 318 (M+23), 613
(2M+23).
Preparation 6
Diethyl ( 5,,25',5R,d5)-2-acetamidospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4 ,r-cyclopropane]-2,6-
dicarbox late
Under nitrogen, add a solution of trifluoroacetic acid (1.9 rnL, 25 mmol) in
dichloromethane (12.5 mL) dropwise very slowly to a cooled (ice bath) stirred solution of
diethylzinc (1M in heptanes) (25 mL, 25 mmol) in dichloromethane (12.5 mL). After 10
minutes, add a solution of diiodomethane (2.01 mL, 25 mmol) in dichloromethane (12.5
mL). After 10 minutes, add a solution of diethyl (IS, 2S,5R, 6S)-2-acetamido-4-
methylene-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate (2.46 g, 8.3 mmol) in dichloromethane
(12.5 mL). After 60 minutes remove the ice bath and leave the reaction mixture to stir
overnight at room temperature. Quench the clear reaction solution by dropwise addition
of the reaction mixture to 0.2M aqueous hydrochloric acid (200 mL) under vigorous
stirring. After 1 hour separate the dichloromethane layer, wash with brine, dry over
magnesium sulfate, filter and concentrate in vacuum to yield the required product
contaminated with unreacted starting material (4.4 g). Purify by flash chromatography
eluting with ethyl acetate: cyclohexane (50:50 to 100:0) to give a colorless oil (3.1 g).
Purify by SFC (RT = 2.48 minutes (UV, 200 nm); HPLC Column: AD-H 30 mm x 250
mm 5 ; CO2 gradient: 5% ' -propy l alcohol w/0.2% dimethylethylamine for 0.5
minutes, then 5%-27% in 2.2 minutes. Column temperature: 35°C; pressure: 100000 kPa;
flow rate: 210 mL/minute) to yield unreacted diethyl (IS, 2S,5R, 6S)-2-acetami do-4-
methylene-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate.(580 mg, 2.0 mmol) and title
compound (1.82 g, 5.9 mmol). MS (m/z): 310 (M+l), 332 (M+23).
Preparation 7
Diethyl ( 5,,25',5R,d5)-2-amino-4-methylene-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate.
Method 1:
Prepare a solution of approximately 1M hydrogen chloride in ethanol by dropwise
addition of trimethylsilyl chloride (13.8 mL, 108 mmol) to ethanol ( 110 mL). Dissolve
ditert-butyl (1S,2S, 5R, d5)-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-4-methylene-bicyclo[3 .1.0]
hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate (7.4 g, 18.1 mmol) in this acidic solution and heat to 60°C for
16 hours. Evaporate to a viscous yellow oil, redissolve in water (50 mL) and filter the
hazy solution to remove trace insolubles. Neutralize the aqueous acidic solution with
sodium bicarbonate (8.4 g, 0.1 mol) and extract with dichloromethane (2 x 100 mL). Dry
the combined dichloromethane solutions via a hydrophobic frit and evaporate to a pale
yellow liquid (4.14 g). Purify by chromatography on amino-bonded silica eluting with
ethyl acetate: iso-hexane (20:80 to 80:20) to give a colorless liquid (3.6 g). Repurify by
chromatography on amino-bonded silica eluting with ethyl acetate: iso-hexane (20:80) to
give a colorless liquid of the title product (2.81 g, 61%). MS (m/z): 254 (M+l).
Method 2:
Dry />toluenesulphonic acid monohydrate (6.97 g, 36.6 mmol) in vacuo at 50°C
for 3 days. Add to a stirred solution of ditert-butyl (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-(tertbutoxycarbonylamino)-
4-methylene-bicyclo[3.1.0] hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate (5.0 g, 12.2
mmol) in ethanol (35.5 mL) and heat to 60°C for 3 days. Remove solvent under reduced
pressure to give a residue. Take up the residue into water (100 mL), make basic using
sodium bicarbonate and extract with dichloromethane (3 x 100 mL). Dry the extracts
over sodium sulfate, filter and then concentrate under reduced pressure to give an orange
residue of the title compound (1.52 g, 51%). MS (m/z): 254 (M+l).
Preparation 8
-2-(9H-fluoren-9-ylmethoxycarbonylamino)-4-methylene-
Add solid 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (3.15 g, 12.2 mmol) portion wise over
5 minutes to a stirred solution of diethyl (IS, 2S,5R, d5)-2-amino-4-methylenebicyclo[
3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate (2.8 g, 11.1 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (2.04
g, 24.3 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (28 mL) and water (8.4 mL) cooled to 0-5°C. After 1
hour, add water (10 mL) and extract with ethyl acetate (50 mL). Wash the extract with
brine solution (20 mL), dry, filter and evaporate to a pale yellow oil (6.5 g). Purify by
flash chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate: ' -hexane (10:90 to 20:80) to give a
viscous colorless oil (4.58 g). Repurify by flash chromatography eluting with ethyl
acetate: iso-hexane (20:80) to give a white semi-solid foam of title compound (4.22 g,
80%). MS (m/z): 476 (M+l).
Preparation 9
Diethyl (1S,2S, 5R, d5)-2-(9H-fluoren-9-ylmethoxycarbonylamino)
spiro[bicyclo[3. 1.0]hexane-4, l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate
Add a solution of trifluoroacetic acid (2.66 g, 23.3 mmol) in dichloromethane
( 11.7 mL) dropwise over 5 minutes to a stirred solution of diethyl zinc 1M in heptanes
(23.3 mL, 23.3 mmol) in dichloromethane ( 11.7 mL) cooled to 0-5°C under nitrogen
(exothermic reaction). After 10 minutes, add a solution of diiodomethane (6.25 g, 23.3
mmol) in dichloromethane ( 11.7 mL). After 10 minutes, add a solution of diethyl
( 5,,25,,5R,d5)-2-(9H-fluoren-9-ylmethoxycarbonylamino)-4-methylenebicyclo[
3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate (3.70 g, 7.8 mmol) in dichloromethane ( 11.7 mL).
After 2 hours at 0°C, allow to warm to room temperature and stir for 16 hours. Quench
the reaction mixture with cold 0.5M hydrochloric acid (50 mL) and dichloromethane (20
mL) and stir vigorously. Separate the dichloromethane layer via a hydrophobic frit and
then evaporate to a pale yellow oil. Purify by flash chromatography eluting with ethyl
acetate: ' -hexane (10:90 to 20:80) to give a colorless oil (3.49 g). Repurify by flash
chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate: ' -hexane (20:80) taking the centre cut
fractions to give a colorless foam of title compound (2.12 g, 56%). MS (m/z): 490
(M+l). A second lot of product from the less pure fractions is obtained by repeated
chromatography (363 mg, additional 9%).
Preparation 10
Diethyl (IS, 2S,5R, R)-2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-oxo-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexanedicarboxylate
Method 1:
Add dibenzyl dicarbonate (18.6 mL, 76.1 mmol) to a solution of diethyl
( 5,,25',5R, R)-2-amino-4-oxo-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate (16.2 g, 63.5
mmol) in dichloromethane (500 mL) then add dropwise triethylamine (10.6 mL, 76.1
mmol). Stir the reaction mixture for 30 minutes before washing with IN hydrochloric
acid (200 mL). Wash the dichloromethane phase with brine, separate and concentrate in
vacuo. Purify by flash chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate: ' -hexane (0:100 to
75:25) to yield the title compound ( 11.6 g, 47%). MS (m/z): 388 (M+l), 410 (M+23).
Method 2:
Add to a round bottom flask diethyl (IS, 2S,5R, R)-2-amino-4-oxobicyclo[
3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate hydrochloride (226.86 g, 777.65 mmol), water
(1.13 L) and tetrahydrofuran (1.13 L). Add slowly sodium bicarbonate (143.72 g, 1.71
mol) in 5 portions (observing CO2 evolution and internal temperature from 31°C to 25°C).
Add then a solution of benzyl chloroformate (120.6 mL, 855.42 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran
(226.9 mL) and keep the internal temperature below 28°C (10 minutes) stirring the
reaction at 25°C for 1 hour. Pour the mixture into methyl-?-butyl ether (1.25 L). Separate
the layers, extract the aqueous with ethyl acetate (750 ml) and discard the aqueous phase.
Wash the mixture with brine, dry over magnesium sulfate, filter and concentrate to
dryness to give the title compound as a colorless oil (302.82 g, 777.65 mmol). MS (m/z):
388 (M+l).
Preparation 11
Diethyl ( 5,,25',5R,d5)-2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-methylene-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-
2,6-dicarboxylate
Method 1:
Charge an oven dried 500 mL round-bottom flask with
(methyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (15.4 g, 43.1 mmol) and dry tetrahydrofuran
( 112 mL). Cool the suspension to 0 to-5°C and treat with 2M sodium
bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in tetrahydrofuran (23 mL, 46 mmol) in a dropwise manner. Stir
the resultant bright yellow suspension at 0°C for 30 minutes then treat with a solution of
diethyl ( 5,,25',5R, R)-2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-oxo-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-
dicarboxylate ( 11.2 g, 28.8 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (22.4 mL). Allow the reaction to
slowly warm to room temperature. After 4 hours, quench with ice (120 g), brine (120
mL) and extract with ethyl acetate (250 mL). Wash the extracts with brine (2 x 100 mL),
dry, filter and evaporate to a red oil. Redissolve in diethyl ether (100 mL) and add isohexane
(80 mL) slowly in portions to precipitate triphenylphosphine oxide as a red semi
solid (5.2 g). Treat the solution with dry silica (-50 g) and concentrate to dryness. Purify
by flash chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate: wo-hexane (20:80) to give the title
compound as a colorless viscous oil (7.37 g, 66%). MS (m/z): 388 (M+l), 410 (M+23).
Method 2:
Add potassium tert-butoxide (104.72 g, 933.18 mmol) to a suspension of
(methyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (340.16 g, 933.18 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran
(1.82 L) at room temperature (no change in internal temperature). Then add a solution of
diethyl ( ,2 ,5R, R)-2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-oxo-bicyclo[3. 1.0]hexane-2,6-
dicarboxylate (302.82 g, 777.65 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (1.82 L) maintaining the
temperature at 24°C. Stir the mixture at 50°C for 3 hours. Dilute the reaction with ethyl
acetate (1.5 L), wash with water (2 x 3 L) and brine. Dry the organic phase over
magnesium sulfate, filter and concentrate to afford a dark brown oil. Purify by flash
chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate: hexanes (9: 1) to give the title compound as a
colorless oil (183.35 g, 473.25 mmol). MS (m/z). 388 (M+l), 410 (M+23).
Preparation 12
Diethyl ( 5,,25,,5R,d5)-2-benzyloxycarbonylaminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-
cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate
Method 1:
Add a solution of 1M diethylzinc in heptanes (64.1 mL, 64.1 mmol) in
dichloromethane (14.6 mL) dropwise slowly over 10 minutes to a stirred solution of
trifluoroacetic acid (4.27 mL, 56.5 mmol) in dichloromethane (73 mL) cooled to 0-5°C
under nitrogen. After 10 minutes, add a solution of diiodomethane (4.6 mL, 56.5 mmol)
in dichloromethane (14.6 mL). After 10 minutes, add a solution of diethyl (1S,2S,5R,6S)-
2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-methylene-bicyclo[3. 1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate (7.3 g,
18.8 mmol) in dichloromethane (14.6 mL). After 1 hour, remove the ice bath and leave
the hazy solution to stir for 20 hours at room temperature. After 24 hours, quench the
reaction mixture with iced 0.5M aqueous hydrochloric acid (160 mL, 80 mmol) and
dichloromethane (200 mL) and stir the mixture vigorously. Separate the dichloromethane
layer and then dry the dichloromethane phase filtering through 2 hydrophobic frits.
Evaporate to a pale yellow oil turning brown overnight. Purify by flash chromatography
eluting with ethyl acetate: ' -hexane (20:80) to give the title compound as a mixture with
unreacted diethyl (1S,2S, 5R, d5)-2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-methylenebicyclo[
3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate as a colorless oil (5.1 g).
Add a solution of trifluoroacetic acid (2.93 mL, 38.7 mmol) in dichloromethane
(10 mL) dropwise slowly over 10 minutes to a stirred solution of diethylzinc 1M in
heptanes (38.7 mL, 38.7 mmol) in dichloromethane (50 mL) cooled to 0-5°C under
nitrogen. After 10 minutes, add a solution of diiodomethane (3.12 mL, 38.7 mmol) in
dichloromethane (10 mL) to the reaction mixture. After 10 minutes, add a solution of the
mixture of olefin and diethyl ( 5,,25',5R,d5)-2-benzyloxycarbonylaminospiro[bicycle
[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate (5 g, 12.9 mmol) in dichloromethane
(10 mL). After 1 hour remove the ice bath and leave the hazy solution to stir for 16 hours
at room temperature. After 20 hours, quench the reaction mixture with iced 0.5M
hydrogen chloride (140 mL, 70 mmol) and dichloromethane (160 mL) and stir the
mixture vigorously. Wash the dichloromethane layer with 0.5M aqueous hydrochloric
acid (100 mL), dry over sodium sulfate and then filter through 2 hydrophobic frits.
Evaporate to a pale yellow oil (5.89 g). Purify by flash chromatography eluting with
ethyl acetate: iso-hexane (15:85 to 25:75) to give the title compound as a colorless oil
(4.28 g) contaminated with a small amount of reactant.
Redissolve in acetone (40 mL), water (20 mL), sodium bicarbonate (0.54 g, 6.45
mmol) and magnesium sulfate (0.78 g, 6.45 mmol). Cool to 0°C and add potassium
permanganate (0.2 g, 1.29 mmol) to give a bright purple mixture. After 3 hours at room
temperature, quench with solid sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate (0.32 g, 1.29 mmol) and
filter the suspension through a pad of diatomaceous earth, washing through with acetone.
Evaporate to a small volume, dilute with water (20 mL) and extract with ethyl acetate (60
mL). Wash the extracts with brine, dry, filter and evaporate to an oil. Purify by flash
chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate: ' -hexane (15:85 to 25:75) to give the title
compound as a colorless oil (3.62 g, 70%). MS (m/z): 402 (M+l).
Method 2:
Add a solution of 1M diethylzinc in heptanes (1.6 L, 1.6 mol) via cannula to
dichloromethane (870.9 mL) at 0°C (bath temperature -5°C), then add slowly a solution of
trifluoroacetic acid (121.02 mL, 1.6 mol) in dichloromethane (870.9 mL) maintaining the
temperature below 3°C. After 1 hour of addition stir the mixture for 5 minutes then add
diiodomethane (130.3 mL, 1.6 mol) in one portion and stir for 15 minutes. Add a solution
of diethyl (IS, 2S, 5R, 6S)-2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-methylene-bicyclo [3.1.0]hexane-
2,6-dicarboxylate (183.35 g, 449.58 mmol) in dichloromethane (348.4 mL) over 10
minutes and stir the mixture at room temperature overnight. Cool to 0°C, quench with
0.5M hydrochloric acid (1.5 L) and stir the mixture vigorously. Separate the organic
layer, wash with brine and concentrate to dryness. Dissolve in water (733.4 mL) and
acetone (733.4 mL), cool to 0°C then add magnesium sulfate (81.17 g, 674.37 mmol),
sodium bicarbonate (56.65 g, 674.37 mmol) followed by potassium permanganate
(28.42 g, 179.83 mmol). Stir the mixture at room temperature. After 30 minutes add
sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate (197.10 g, 3 11.03 mmol) followed by diatomaceous
earth (100 g). Stir for 30 minutes and filter through a pad of diatomaceous earth. Wash
the pad with methyl-?-butyl ether and extract the aqueous layer with methyl-?-butyl ether.
Dry the organic layer over magnesium sulfate, filter and concentrate in vacuo. Purify by
flash chromatography eluting with hexanes: methyl-?-butyl ether (10:90 to 50:50) to yield
the title compound as a colorless oil (92.67 g, 51%). ¾ NMR (CDC13) : 0.39-0.52 (m,
1H), 0.55-0.78 (m, 3H), 1.25 (broad t, J= 7.1 Hz, 6H), 1.58 (broad dd, J=2.9 and 6.3 Hz,
1H), 1.64-1.73 (m, 1H), 1.95 (broad t, J=2.9 Hz, 1H), 2.03-2.17 (m, 1H), 2.52 (dd, J= 2.7
and 6.3 Hz, 1H), 4.09 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2H), 4.16-4.32 (m, 2H), 5.08 (broad s, 2H), 5.44
(broad s, 1H), 7.28-7.41 (m, 5H).
Also obtain diethyl ( ,2 ,5R,d5)-2-
(benzyloxycarbonyl(methyl)amino)spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-
dicarboxylate as a by-product (22.67 g, 5.46 mmol). H NMR (CDC13) : 0.37-0.52 (m,
1H), 0.54-0.80 (m, 3H), 1.26 (broad t, J= 7.1 Hz, 6H), 1.55-1.68 (m, 1H), 1.64-1.73 (m,
1H), 1.70-1.80 (m, 1H), 1.97 (broad t , J=3.1 Hz, 1H), 2.30 (dd , J= 3.1 and 6.3 Hz, 1H),
3.16 (s, 3H), 3.99-4.29 (m, 4H), 5.09 (broad s, 2H), 7.38-7.62 (m, 5H).
Preparation 13
Diethyl ( 5,,25',5R, 5,)-2-aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4 ,r-cyclopropane]-2,6-
dicarbox late
Method 1:
Add piperidine (3.16 g, 37.2 mmol) to a stirred solution of diethyl (IS, 2S,5R, 6S)-
2-(9 H-fluoren-9-ylmethoxycarbonylamino)spiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4 ,r-cyclopropane]
2,6-dicarboxylate (2.10 g, 4.29 mmol) in dichloromethane (10.5 mL) at room
temperature. After 30 minutes, evaporate to a yellow solid. Purify by flash
chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate: ' -h exane (30:70 to 80:20) to first elute 1-
(9H-fluoren-9-ylmethyl)-piperidine and then to elute a pale yellow liquid of title
compound (1.07 g, 93%). MS (m/z): 268 (M+l).
Method 2:
Dissolve diethyl (1S,2S, 5R, 6S)-2-
benzyloxycarbonylaminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate
(3.62 g, 9 mmol) in ethanol (54 mL) and add solution to 10% palladium on carbon
(Degussa type E101 NE/W , 0 .18 g, 0 . 17 mmol). Hydrogenate on Parr equipment for 4
hours at 345 kPa. Filter the reaction through a pad of diatomaceous earth to remove the
catalyst, wash with ethanol and evaporate to a colorless oil as the title compound (2.23 g,
93%). MS (m/z): 268 (M+l).
Preparation 14
Diethyl (1S,2S, 5R, 6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-(tertbutoxycarbonylamino)
propanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane] -
2,6-dicarboxylate
Combine diethyl (1S,2S, 5R, d5)-2-aminospiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1' -
cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate (1.92 g, 7.17 mmol), (2S)-2-(tertbutoxycarbonylamino)
propanoic acid (1.92 g, 10 mmol), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (9 mg,
717 ΐ) and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (1.36 g, 10 mmol) in dichloromethane (48 mL).
Add triethylamine (1.5 mL, 10.8 mmol) and l-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-
ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (1.92 g, 10 mmol) and stir for 2 hours at room
temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. Dilute the reaction with ethyl acetate (200
mL), water (50 mL) and brine (50 mL). Stir vigorously then separate the ethyl acetate
layer, wash with 0.2M hydrochloric acid (50 mL), water (50 mL), saturated sodium
hydrogen carbonate (50 mL) and brine (50 mL). Dry, filter and concentrate the solution
to give a yellow oil (3.48 g). Purify by flash chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate:
' -hexane (15:85 to 25:75) then (25:75 to 40:60) to give the material as an oil.
Redissolve in dichloromethane, concentrate and dry under vacuum to give the title
compound as a white foamy material (3.05 g, 6.95 mmol). MS (m/z): 461 (M+23).
The following compounds are prepared essentially by the method of preparation 14.
Preparation 17
(75',25,,5R,d5)-2-[[(25)-2-(tert-Butoxycarbonylamino)propanoyl]amino]
spiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid
Method 1:
Add a solution of 2M lithium hydroxide in water (27.8 mL, 55.6 mmol) to a cold
stirred solution of diethyl (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-(tertbutoxycarbonylamino)
propanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane] -
2,6-dicarboxylate (3.05 g, 6.9 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (36 mL) under nitrogen. Stir the
bilayer solution at room temperature for 20 hours. Acidify with 2M hydrochloric acid (29
mL), ice (~20 g) and extract with ethyl acetate (100 mL). Wash the extracts with brine
(50 mL), dry on sodium sulfate, filter and evaporate to a white semi-solid foam.
Redissolve the material in hot ethyl acetate (15 mL). Filter and dry the material under
vacuum to give the title compound as a white solid (2.06 g, 5.4 mmol). MS (m/z): 405
(M+23).
Method 2:
Dissolve diethyl (1S,2S, 5R, 6S)-2-
benzyloxycarbonylaminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate
(159 g, 396.05 mmol) in ethanol (792.1 mL), and add 10% palladium on carbon (15.9 g,
14.94 mmol) followed by a 37.5%wt/wt hydrochloric acid solution in water (6.62 mL,
79.21 mmol). Hydrogenate on a 2 L Parr equipment at 413 kPa at room temperature.
After 4 hours filter the mixture through diatomaceous earth and a glass microfiber filter
(Whatman) and concentrate in vacuo. Dissolved the crude in tetrahydrofuran (396 mL),
add chlorodimethoxytriazine (74.50 g, 415.86 mmol) and (2S)-2-(tertbutoxycarbonylamino)
propanoic acid (79.88 g 415.86 mmol). Cool this mixture to 0°C
and add N-methylmorpholine (131.06 mL, 1.19 mol). Stir the mixture at room
temperature. After 5 hours filter the crude through diatomaceous earth and wash the cake
with tetrahydrofuran (200 mL). Remove the solvent partially under vacuum and cool the
resulting orange solution to 0°C. Add 2M sodium hydroxide in water (792.1 mL, 1.58
mol) dropwise. Stir the mixture overnight, allowing the reaction to reach room
temperature. Add dichloromethane ( 1 L) and separate the phases. Wash the organic layer
with more water (300 mL). Acidify the combined aqueous layers to pH=2-3 with IN
potassium hydrogen sulfate and then extract with ethyl acetate. Dry the organic layer
over magnesium sulfate, filter and evaporate under vacuum. Dissolve the crude in
tetrahydrofuran (600 niL) and heat to reflux. Add heptane (2. 1 L) and cool the solution.
Filter the solid and dry under vacuum to give the title compound as a white solid (149 g,
98%). MS (m/z): 405 (M+23).
The following compounds are prepared essentially by the method 1 of preparation 17.
Preparation 20
Diethyl (1S,2S, 5R, d5)-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-
cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate.
Method 1:
To a solution of diethyl ( 5,,25',5R,d5)-2-aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4 , -
cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate (0.47 g, 722.38 ΐ) in dichloromethane (5 niL) add
polymer supported 2 4 •16 mmo1 ) o a reactor followed by Pd
black (3.9 g, 40 wt%). Purge the reactor three times with nitrogen followed by three
hydrogen purges and pressurization to 40 psi hydrogen. Allow the reaction to stir
between 20-30°C for at least two hours until the completion of the reaction monitored by
HPLC. Filter the resulting slurry through a pad of Hyflo Super Cel® and wash the wet
cake with absolute ethanol (2 x 30 mL, 3 volumes). Transfer the filtrate to a clean reactor
and displace ethanol with isopropyl acetate to approximately 5 volumes based on in-situ
product yield from calibration curve. Cool the resulting slurry to 0-5°C over at least 3
hours. Filter the resulting slurry and wash the wet cake washed with cold isopropyl
acetate (3 5 mL, 0.5 volumes). Dry under reduced pressure at 30°C for at least 12 hours
to provide the title compound (4.66 g, 15.34 mmol. 63.5%) H NMR (OMSO-d , 400
MHz): 8.84 (s, 3H), 4.31-4.15 (m, 2H), 4.03 (q, J = 7.0, 2H), 2.42 (dd, J = 3.1, 2.6, 1H),
2.24 (dd, J = 6.2, 2.6, 1H), 1.94 (d, J = 14.1, 1H), 1.68 (d, J = 14.1, 1H), 1.63 (dd, J = 6.6,
3.1, 1H), 1.25 (t, J = 7.0, 3H), 1.17 (t, J = 7.0, 3H), 0.77-0.71 (m, 1H), 0.65-0.59 (m, 1H),
0.56-0.51 (m, 1H), 0.50-0.44 (m, 1H).
Step 6; Diethyl (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-(tertbutoxycarbonylamino)
propanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane] -
2,6-dicarboxylate
Charge tetrahydrofuran (45 mL, 10 volumes) and (2S)-2-(tertbutoxycarbonylamino)
propanoic acid (3.4 g, 1.2 equivalents) to a reactor followed by Nmethylmorpholine
(1.96 mL, 1.2 equivalents) and 2-chloro-4,6-dimethoxy-l,3,5-triazine
(3.12 g, 1.2 equivalents). Stir the resulting thin slurry between 20-25°C for at least 3
hours until the reaction is complete by HPLC. Charge diethyl (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate hydrochloride
(4.55 g, 14.81 mmol) in one portion between 20-25°C followed by N-methylmorpholine
(1.63 mL, 1.0 equivalents) over at least 10 minutes keeping the temperature between 20-
25°C. Stir the resulting slurry between 20-25°C for at least 2 hours until the reaction is
complete by HPLC. Filter the resulting solids and wash the wet cake with
tetrahydrofuran (2 x 10 mL, 2.2 volumes) to provide the title compound assuming 100%
yield. Use the pale amber tetrahydrofuran solution of the title compound without further
purificaiton assuming a 100% yield. ¾ NMR (DMSO-i¾, 400 MHz): 8.46 (s, 1H), 6.
(d, J = 7.9, 1H), 4.08-3.92 (m, 5H), 2.42-2.37 (m, 1H), 1.81-1.64 (m, 3H), 1.47 (dd, J =
6.6, 3.1, 1H), 1.34 (s, 9H), 1.18-1.08 (m, 9H), 0.66-0.59 (m, 1H), 0.57-0.52 (m,
0.46-0.36 (m, 2H).
Step 7; (1S,2S,5R, dS)-2-[[(2S)-2-(te^Butoxycarbonylamino)propanoyl]
spiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid
Charge 2 NNaOH (37 mL, 5.0 equivalents) and diethyl (i5,25,5 R,20-load units] is totaled in 5-minute intervals.
The 20-load unit threshold is large enough to eliminate the inclusion of normal
physiological events such as breathing or sniffing, but of a significant magnitude to detect
nocifensive events. Data are converted determining the number of events over threshold
(20 load units) in each 1 second time bin over the 60 minutes of data collection. The early
phase score is the sum of events greater than 20 load units from Time 0 to 5 minutes. The
late-phase score is obtained by adding the total number events greater than 20 load units
from Minute 11 to Minute 40 of the data collection period. Formalin data are evaluated
by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the appropriate contrasts analyzed by
Dunnett's 't' test for two-sided comparisons using JMP (v 6.0.2) statistical analysis
program (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC). Differences are considered to be significant if the
p-value is less than 0.05. ED 0 calculations are performed using non-linear regression
curve fitting on percent reversal transformed data for each dose.
Example 2 is measured in this assay, run substantially as above, to have an ED 0
of 0.7 mg/kg (i.p.). Example 10 is measured in this assay, run substantially as above, to
have an ED 0 of 4.8 mg/kg (p.o.). These results demonstrate that compounds within the
scope of the present invention are useful medications for persistent pain.
Reversal of L5/L6 Nerve Ligation Induced Tactile Allodynia
Unilateral ligation of nerves innervating the hind leg region will result in a chronic
persistent pain manifested as tactile allodynia in rats. L5/L6 nerve ligation is performed
(Kim et al. Pain (1992) 50, 355-363). Neuropathic injury is produced by tightly ligating
the left L5 and L6 spinal nerves under gaseous anesthesia with a mixture of isoflurane
(3% for induction and 2% for maintenance) and oxygen. After a minimum of 14 days
after surgery, tactile allodynia is evaluated by measuring tactile sensitivity of the injured
paw to von Frey filaments with incremental bending forces (0.3 to 15 g) (Chaplan et al. J.
of Neuroscience Methods (1994) 53, 55-63). Rats are considered to be hypersensitive
when they demonstrate tactile allodynia (paw withdrawal in response to the application of
a bending force of less than 2 grams). Baseline values are determined immediately prior
to assessment of test compound. A test compound (prodrug) is orally dosed at 15 mg/kg
and the tactile threshold for paw withdrawal is measured at 1, 2 and 4 hours post dosing.
Data are expressed as response threshold in grams (g) and values are with standard errors
of means (± SE mean) for each time point. Data are analyzed using an analysis of
variance followed by a Dunnett's post hoc analysis and represent absolute change in pain
threshold (Cmax = maximum Response Baseline) and expressed as Mean [log (maximum
response) - log predose score)] (g).
Example 10 dosed orally at 15 mg/kg (wherein n=8; error calculated as SEM) is
measured in this assay, run substantially as above, to have significantly increased
mechanical threshold at one, two and four hours: 9.06 ± 2.26, 12.3 1 ± 1.86 and 8.63 ±
1.98, respectively, as compared to the corresponding values after vehicle treatment: 1.50
± 0.60, 1.34 ± 0.75, and 2.35 ± 0.62 at one, two and four hours respectively. These
results demonstrate that compounds within the scope of the present invention are useful
medications for neuropathic pain conditions.
Reversal of CFA-Induced Mechanical Hyperalgesia
Induction of local inflammation in the rat hind paw will cause a persistent
mechanical hyperalgesia that can be measured by determining the threshold to pressure
stimuli to give a painful response. The method for complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)
induced mechanical hyperalgesia in rats is largely described in Iadarola et al. Brain Res.
(1988) 455, 205-212. Rats are placed under isoflurane anesthesia while the right paw is
injected with 50 ΐ of CFA (Sigma C5881, 1 mg/ml mycobacterium extract in 85%
paraffin oil, 15% mannide monooleate) intraplantar. Animals are allowed to recover in
soft bedding cages and mechanical hyperalgesia changes measured 24 hours post-CFA
injection. Mechanical hyperalgesia (Randall Sellito Test) is determined by gently
restraining the rat and placing the paw between the plinth and pusher (Ugo Basile
Analgesy-meter). The gram force when the animal withdraws the paw is recorded. A
maximal force of no more than 250 grams is applied and if the rat does not withdraw the
paw, a value of 250 grams is recorded.
Rats are tested for baseline response prior to CFA injection. Post-CFA response is
tested the next morning (about 24 hours post injection of CFA). Rats are randomized
based on post-CFA response with any rat showing a score of >150 grams excluded from
further testing. A test compound (prodrug) is orally dosed within a range of 1.5 to 15
mg/kg and mechanical threshold for paw withdrawal is measured at 1 and 2 hours post
dosing. Statistical significance is defined as a p value < 0.05 in an analysis of covariance
followed by a Dunnett's post hoc test for each time point. Table 2 below provides the
statistically significant results for Example 10 run substantially as above. These results
demonstrate that compounds within the scope of the present invention are useful
medications for chronic inflammatory pain conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid
arthritis.
Table 2
Values are mean ± SEM for an N = 8-10 per group.
* p value < 0.05 vs. vehicle at same time point (ANOVA and Dunnett's t-test)
Reversal of Colorectal Distension-Induced Pain Behaviors.
Visceral pain in rats can be induced by distension of the colorectal cavity and pain
monitored by accessing the reflex contraction of abdominal muscles. Measurement of
abdominal muscle reflex contractions with pain caused by colorectal distension in the rat
is performed substantially as described by Fioramonti et al. Neurogastroenterology and
Motility (2003) 15, 363-369 and Urban et al. J. of Pharmacology and Exp. Ther. (1999)
290, 207-213. Male Sprague Dawley rats are surgically implanted with
electromyographic (EMG) electrodes in the oblique abdominal muscle and allowed to
recover for one week, during which animals are acclimated to handling and partial
restraint to minimize effects of stress. Baseline EMG measurements are collected and
recorded after the insertion into the rectum (8 cm) of a lubricated latex balloon attached to
a pressure monitor/regulator to step the pressure between 20, 40, and 60 mm Hg for a 20
second duration with a 3 minute resting period between trials. A set of three exposures at
each pressure is recorded before stepping the pressure up to the next level. Data are
collected as the area under the curve for EMG reading (1ί per second) during the
pressure stimulations, and averaged over the three trials. A test compound (prodrug) is
orally dosed within a range of 1.5 to 17 mg/kg 90 minutes prior to the beginning of the
colorectal distension. Statistical significance is defined as a p value < 0.05 in an analysis
of covariance followed by a Dunnett's post hoc test. Table 3 below provides the
statistically significant results for Example 10 run substantially as above. These results
demonstrate that compounds within the scope of the present invention are useful
medications for visceral pain conditions.
Table 3
Values are mean ± SEM for an N = 8-16 per group.
* p value < 0.05 vs. vehicle at same time point (ANOVA and Dunnett's t-test)
Reversal of Phencyclidine (PCP)-Induced Hyperlocomotor Activity in Rats
Administration of NMDA receptor antagonists, such as ketamine or phencyclidine
(PCP), produces psychotomimetic-like effects in humans that are similar to those
symptoms observed in patients with schizophrenia. The ability of agents to reverse the
locomotor-stimulating effects of NMDA antagonists are often used as an animal model of
psychosis, demonstrating good predictive validity for detecting clinical efficacy of
medications for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Motor activity is monitored by placing individual male, Sprague-Dawley (Harlan,
Indianapolis, IN) rats in transparent, plastic shoe-box cages of the dimensions 45 x 25 x
20cm, with 1 cm depth of wood chips as bedding, and a metal grill on top of the cage.
Motor monitors (Kinder Scientific) consist of a rectangular rack of 12 photobeams
arranged in an 8 x 4 formation, (or a high density grouping of 22 in a 15x7 pattern) at a
height of 5 cm, with a second rack (for measuring rearing behaviors) at a height of 15 cm.
The shoe box cage is placed inside of these racks, with the racks on a 3 foot high tabletop
in an isolated room. A compound of the invention (active) is dosed (intraperitoneal route)
within a range of 0.3 - 10 mg/kg, 30 minutes prior to a 5 mg/kg challenge dose of
phencyclidine (PCP). A compound of the invention (prodrug) is orally dosed within a
range of 0.3 - 30 mg/kg, in overnight fasted rats, 4 hours prior to a 5 mg/kg challenge
dose of PCP. On the test day, rats are placed in the test cage and allowed to acclimate for
30 minutes prior to PCP challenge; rats are monitored for an additional 60 minutes
following PCP administration.
Data analysis and ED 0 calculations are conducted using GraphPad Prism (San
Diego, CA. USA). Power analyses have determined that 8-10 rats per group are needed
to have appropriate statistical power for detecting treatment differences (power = 0.8). A
one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a post-hoc Dunnett's multiple comparison
test is conducted on the total 60 minute locomotor activity. ED50 calculations are
performed using non-linear regression curve fitting on percent reversal transformed data
for each dose.
Example 2 is measured in this assay run substantially as above to have an ED50 of
1.46 mg/kg (i.p.). Examples 5 and 6 are measured in this assay run substantially as above
to have 2.95 mg/kg (p.o.) and 4.31 mg/kg (p.o.), respectively. These results demonstrate
that compounds within the scope of the present invention are useful medications for
schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Attenuation of Stress-Induced Hyperthermia in Rats
Hyperthermia, a rise in core body temperature, is a general phenomenon that has
been reliably demonstrated in many mammals, including humans, in response to stress.
In many anxiety disorders, hyperthermia occurs as part of the pathology and is considered
a symptom of the disease. Compounds which attenuate stress-induced hyperthermia in
animals are believed to be useful in treating anxiety disorders in humans. Generalized
anxiety disorder and post traumatic stress disorder are among the disorders that may be
treated with such compounds. The conventional and minimally-invasive method for
analyzing stress-induced hyperthermia is by measuring body temperature, and stressinduced
increases in body temperature, via rectal thermometer. Male Fischer F-344 rats
(Harlan, Indianapolis, IN, USA) weighing between 275 - 350 g are tested. All animals
are individually-housed with food and automated water available ad libitum, and
maintained on a 12 h light/dark cycle (lights on at 06:00). Animals are fasted for
approximately 12-18 hours before the experiment, which is conducted during the light
phase. Rats are dosed intraperitoneal (IP) in a dose volume of 1 mL/kg with compounds
of the invention in the range of 0.3, 1, 3, and 10, mg/kg. Vehicle is saline + NaOH added
to achieve a pH of 5-7. The mGluR5 antagonist MTEP (3-[(2-methyl-l,3-thiazol-4-
yl)ethynyl]pyridine), which has demonstrated robust anxiolytic-like activity in preclinical
models, is used as a comparator (5 mg/kg, IP route, dissolved in water). Immediately
following dosing, rats are returned to their home cage, and the experimenter turns off the
lights and leaves the room. The dosing room is darkened for the remainder of the 1- hr
pretreatment period.
After the pretreatment period, rats are taken individually to a brightly lit adjacent
room where baseline body temperatures are determined by insertion of a rectal probe
lubricated with mineral oil. Body temperature is assessed using a PHYSITEMP BAT-
12® Microprobe Thermometer with a PHYSITEMP RET-2® rat rectal probe (Physitemp
Instruments Inc., Clifton, NJ, USA). The probe is inserted approximately 2 cm into the
rectum, to measure the core body temperature (this is the baseline body temperature, Tl,
in degrees Celsius). Ten minutes later a second body temperature measurement is
recorded (T2). The difference in body temperature (T2 - Tl) is defined as the stressinduced
hyperthermic response. The dose at which a compound of the invention
produces a 35% reduction in stress-induced hyperthermic response, relative to the vehicle
response, is defined as the T3 dose.
Example 2 is measured in this assay run substantially as above to have a T 3 of
0.57 mg/kg. Example 5 is measured in this assay run substantially as above to have a T
of 6.4 mg/kg. These results demonstrate that compounds within the scope of the present
invention are useful medications for anxiety disorders. More particularly, compounds
within the scope of the present invention may be useful medications for generalized
anxiety disorder and/or post traumatic stress disorder.
In Vitro PepTl GlySar Inhibition Screen and IC^Determination
PepTl assays are established to examine the ability of the prodrugs to interact
with the intestinal absorption transporter PepT 1.
HeLa cells, derived from human intestine , (American Type Culture Collection)
are grown in Hyclone Medium (Invitrogen, Cat# SH30243) containing 10% fetal bovine
serum (FBS), 0.1 mM non essential amino acids (NEAA), and 100 units/mL penicillin
with 100 g/mL streptomycin at 37°C in a 5% CO2 humidified atmosphere. The cell line
is used for up to 40 passages and then discarded. Frozen cells in 1ml vials are thawed in
water bath for 1-2 minutes and added to 5 mL of cell medium at 37°C. Each of the Tflasks
is provided with 8.5 mL of the fresh medium and 1.5 mL of the cell stock. Cells
are passaged twice during a week. This is achieved by rinsing the flasks with 10 mL of
phosphate buffered saline-ethylene diaminetetra acetic acid (PBS-EDTA), adding 2 mL
of trypsin for 2-5 minutes, to detach the cells, and adding 8 mL of fresh medium to inhibit
further activity of trypsin. Each new flask receives a combination of 8.5 mL of fresh
medium and 1.5 mL of cell stock, in order to obtain 1:6 cell dilution. Cells are incubated
at 37°C, until ready for the uptake study.
Cells that are 70-80% confluent in the T-flasks are plated 1 day prior to the
transfection procedure. The flask with the cell stock is treated with PBS-EDTA and
trypsin to detach the cells, and transfection medium is used from this point. Transfection
medium consists of Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) + NEAA. To each
well, 0.5 n L of the cell mixture is added (1.3xl0 5 is the desired cell concentration) and
the cells are incubated at 37°C overnight. Twenty four hours before the assay, cells are
transfected with PEPTl. Transfection mixture is prepared by mixing 600 of serum
free transfection medium, 18 of FuGene6 (Roche Diagnostics), and 11 g of the
PepTl DNA. The transfection reagent-DNA complex is incubated for 20 minutes and 24
of the reagent-DNA complex is added to each well.
Inhibition of PEPTl -mediated [glycyl-l-2- 14C]Glyclysarcosine (GlySar) uptake
activity is measured in the cells cultured in the 24-well plates 24-hours post transfection
as previously published (Zhang et al. 2004. J . Pharm. Exper Ther. 310:437-445). To
measure the ability of a compound of the invention to inhibit the uptake of [14C]Gly-Sar,
prodrugs are incubated with 80 to 90% confluent PepTl transiently transfected HeLa cells
at 5 mM in pH 6.0 uptake medium in the presence of 5 [14C]Gly-Sar (Moravek
Biochemicals) and 20 cold Gly-Sar. Uptake media consists of 140 mM NaCl, 5.4
mM KC1, 1.8 mM CaCl2, 0.8 mM MgS0 4, 5 mM Glucose, 25 mM
tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer (TRIS). The solution is then brought to pH 6.0
using 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid. The incubation volume is 500 ΐ and is
performed at room temperature for 3 minutes. To stop the uptake at the conclusion of the
incubation time, the uptake media is aspirated off of the cell monolayer and 500 of ice
cold PBS added to the well. The cells are washed 3 times with 500 ΐ of room
temperature PBS without Ca+2 and Mg+2. The cells are then lysed with 300 ΐ of 1%
Triton X100 ¾0 solution. A 200 aliquot is removed and radioactivity is determined
by liquid scintillation counting to measure the [14C]Gly-Sar present in each of the
incubation wells. A no inhibitor control is established and the percent inhibition of each
prodrug is calculated with respect to this control. A negative control (Glycine) and two
positive controls (Cefadroxil and Cefalexin) are performed in parallel with each
experiment to demonstrate viability of the assay system. Prodrugs with GlySar uptake
inhibition equal or better than Cephalexin are considered acceptable. Mean values ±
standard deviation are 10.1±9.5% (n=19) for Glycine, 53.2 ± 13.2 % (n=19) for
Cefadroxil, and 37.5±14.7% (n=18) for Cephalexin.
For the PepT IC50 assay, prodrugs are incubated at a range of concentrations
(0.0625 to 25 mM) in the presence of 5 [14C]Gly-Sar and 20 cold Gly-Sar. The
incubation and sampling procedures are exactly the same as the PepT 1 screen described
above. [14C]Gly-Sar uptake data are evaluated for each of the prodrug concentrations and
IC50 values are calculated.
Examples 5, 6, and 7 are measured in this assay run substantially as above to have
hPepTl [3H]Gly-Sar uptake inhibition at 5mM of 89%, 87%, and 78%, respectively.
Examples 5 and 6 are measured in this assay run substantially as above to have hPepTl
[3H]Gly-Sar uptake inhibition IC50 of 1.98 mM and 0.25 mM, respectively. These
results demonstrate that compounds within the scope of the present invention are orally
absorbed via the PepTl transporter.
In Vitro Intestinal Prodrug Hydrolysis Assay
Frozen human duodenum intestinal homogenates (1:2 tissue:buffer ratio using 100
mM Tris Phosphate buffer, pH 7.4) are obtained from Celsius In Vitro Technologies
(Baltimore, MD) that were both phenylmethylsulphonylfluoride (PMSF) and EDTA free.
Each lot of human duodenum is obtained from a single donor and the intestine is
scraped and the sections are frozen separate. All original tissue collections are performed
at 4°C and immediately frozen at -70°C. Human intestinal homogenates are thawed and
diluted to a final protein concentration of 0.5 mg/mL in 100 mM PBS buffer, pH 7.4
immediately prior to the incubations.
Incubations are conducted in 96-well plates and all prodrugs are run in duplicate
on each day. Stock prodrug solutions are prepared in water at a concentration of 1 mM.
A 200 aliquot of 0.5 mg/mL intestinal homogenate and 196 of 100 mM PBS buffer
are placed in a 96-well plate in a 37°C water bath. Using a 96-well pipettor, 4 of the 1
mM prodrug solution is transferred into the homogenate. Immediately after addition of
the prodrug (time zero) and after 1 hour incubation, 50 samples of the incubation
mixture are removed using an automated disposable simultaneous 96 well pipettor and
added directly to 200 of methanol quench solution containing 100 ng/mL of Internal
Standard. The samples are then centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 5 minutes at 10 °C. The
supernatant (200 ) is transferred to a final 96 well PCR plate and sealed for analysis by
LC/MS/MS.
Concentrations of hydrolyzed active metabolite in the incubation mixtures are
determined using LC/MS/MS detection on a Sciex API 4000 quadrapole mass
spectrometer with Analyst version 1.4.2, TurboIonSpray, positive ionization, and Selected
Reaction Monitoring (SRM). A Waters Atlantis® T3 (20 x 2.1 mm, 5 ) HPLC
column is used at ambient temperature with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and a mobile phase
gradient from 0.1% mobile phase A to 99% mobile phase A. Mobile phase A is 1000:5
water: heptafluorobuteric acid and mobile phase B is 1:1 methanol: glacial acetic acid.
Concentrations of hydro lyzed active metabolite in the intestinal incubation
mixtures are determined from standard curves prepared by replicate two-fold dilution
starting at 10 in 100 mM PBS pH 7.4 and subsequently quenched with methanolinternal
standard solution identical to the samples. Averages and standard deviations are
calculated using Microsoft® Office Excel® 2007. Amount of hydrolysis is determined as
a molar percentage of active metabolite formed relative to prodrug concentration added.
Hydrolysis of the positive control, Internal Prodrug A to Internal Active Metabolite Drug
A, run in every batch averaged 75.3% (n=20). Final values are then normalized relative
to the formation of Internal Active Metabolite Drug A.
Examples 5, 6, and 7 are measured in this assay run substantially as above to have
human intestinal hydrolysis relative to Internal Prodrug A of 36% (n=3, SD = 2.7), 44%
(n=3, SD = 4.1), and 34% (n=l), respectively. These results demonstrate that compounds
within the scope of the present invention are hydro lyzed in the human intestine.
In Vitro Human Liver S-9 Homogenate Hydrolysis Assay
Liver S9 fractions are obtained from Xenotech LLC (Lenexa, MO). The lot is
from a pool of two donors, one male and one female. The liver S9 fraction is prepared
and diluted using a homogenization buffer consisting of 50mM Tris, pH 7.4 at 4°C and
150mM potassium chloride without EDTA. Prodrugs are incubated in the liver
homogenate for 2 hours at 37°C, after which the concentration of active metabolite is
determined by LC/MS/MS. Hydrolysis of Clopidogrel to Clopidogrel Carboxylic Acid is
utilized as an assay positive control.
Incubations are conducted in 96-well format and all prodrugs are run in duplicate
on each day. Stock prodrug solutions are prepared in water at a concentration of 1 mM.
Human liver S9 fraction is diluted to a final protein concentration of 0.5mg/ml in lOOmM
PBS buffer, pH 7.4.
A 200 aliquot of 0.5mg/mL human liver S-9 homogenate and 196of
lOOmM PBS buffer are placed in a 96-well plate in a 37°C water bath. Using a 96-well
pipettor, A of the 1mM prodrug solution is transferred into the homogenate. To ensure
hydrolysis is not due to chemical instability, prodrugs are also incubated with PBS buffer
alone without liver S-9. Immediately after addition of the prodrug (time zero) and after 1
hour incubation, 50 samples of the incubation mixture are removed using an
automated disposable simultaneous 96-well pipettor and added directly to 200 of
methanol quench solution containing 100 ng/mL of Internal Standard. The samples are
then centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 5 minutes at 10°C. The supernatant (200uL) is
transferred to a final 96 well PCR plate and sealed for analysis by LC/MS/MS.
LC/MS/MS quantification of active metabolite formed during the incubation is
performed on a Sciex API 4000, Analyst version 1.4.2, TurboIonSpray, positive
ionization, and Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM). The HPLC column used is a
Waters Atlantis® T3 (20 x 2.1 mm, 5) at ambient temperature with a mobile phase
flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Mobile phase A is 1000:5 water: heptafluorobuteric acid and
mobile phase B is 1:1 methanol/ glacial acetic acid. A mobile phase gradient is utilized
starting mobile phase ratio A/B of 99.9/ 0.1 and finishing at 1/99.
Concentrations of hydrolyzed active metabolite in the incubation mixtures are
determined from standard curves prepared by replicate two-fold dilution starting at 10
in 100 mM PBS pH 7.4 and subsequently quenched with methanol-internal standard
solution identical to the samples. Averages and standard deviations are calculated using
Microsoft® Office Excel® 2007. Final values are presented as a molar percentage of
active metabolite formed relative to prodrug concentration added. Hydrolysis of
Clopidogrel to Clopidogrel Carboxylic Acid is used as the positive control and averages
73.0% (n=27).
Examples 8 and 9 are measured in this assay run substantially as above to have
human liver S9 hydrolysis of 23% and 59.3%, respectively. These results demonstrate
that compounds within the scope of the present invention are hydrolyzed in the human
liver.
The data demonstrate that the exemplified amino acid prodrugs inhibit the uptake
of the PepTl substrate GlySar as good as or better than cefadroxil and cephalexin (Zhang
et al, 2004. JPET 310:437-445), suggesting potential for human oral absorption via the
PepTl transporter. In addition to prodrug absorption, upon entering the body, prodrug
hydrolysis to yield the active metabolite is essential. The present in vitro hydrolysis
studies suggest the exemplified amino acid prodrugs can be hydrolyzed by human
intestine. Hydrolysis of the exemplified diester prodrugs occur in human liver
homogenates suggesting the potential for the exemplified diester prodrugs to have
hydrolysis in humans following oral exposure. Together these data indicate the potential
for the exemplified amino acid prodrugs and exemplified diester prodrugs to be
hydrolyzed in humans to liberate the active metabolite.
Pharmacokinetics Assay
Fasted, male Sprague Dawley rats are administered Example 2 intravenously at 1
mg/kg or Example 5 by oral gavage at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg (equal to a 5 mg/kg molar
equivalents of Example 2) in a standard cross-over design (N=3 with each rat receiving
both an intravenous and oral dose). For intravenous administration, Example 2 is
dissolved in water and for the oral dose Example 5 is prepared in an aqueous vehicle of
hydroxyethylcellulose (1%), polysorbate 80 (0.25%) and antifoam 1510-US (0.05%).
Cannulas are surgically implanted to facilitate serial blood collection. Blood is collected
in EDTA tubes over a period of 0-24 hours post-dosing, centrifuged and plasma is stored
frozen until time of analysis.
Plasma samples are thawed, 50 aliquots are transferred to a 96-well plate, 50
of internal standard solution is added, and the samples are mixed. Three hundred
of acetonitrile is then added, the samples are vortexed for 3 minutes and centrifuged. A
300 aliquot of the supernatant is transferred to a separate plate and evaporated under
nitrogen at 40 degrees C. The residue is reconstituted in 100 ΐ of 0.5 %
heptafluorobutyric acid in water, vortexed, and centrifuged. A 20 ΐ aliquot is
subsequently analyzed by LC/MS/MS using a Shimadzu autosampler and HPLC system
interfaced with an AB Sciex 4000 mass spectrometer under positive ion turbospray mode.
MS/MS transitions are 283.2->44.2 amu for prodrug Example 5 and 212.1 ->103. 1 amu
for active Example 2. An Atlantis T3, 50 x 2.1 mm, 5 micron HPLC column at a mobile
phase flow rate of 1.0 mL/minute and a binary mobile phase of (A) 0.2% formic acid in
water and (B) acetonitrile-water (l:l,v/v) and a gradient of 2% B to 98%B over 0.8
minutes is utilized. The retention time of Example 2 is approximately 0.53 minutes.
Pharmacokinetic parameters are calculated from the plasma concentration data
using Watson for Windows (Thermo Scientific). Relative oral bioavailability is
determined by comparing the area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC) of
active Example 2 after intravenous administration with the AUC of active metabolite after
oral administration of the prodrug Example 5.
A successful prodrug must be both well absorbed after oral administration and
subsequently hydrolyzed to release the active metabolite into the systemic circulation.
Relative bioavailability includes both parameters by comparing the AUC of active
metabolite after oral administration of prodrug to the AUC of active after intravenous
administration of the active compound. In male rats, the relative bioavailability of active
metabolite after oral administration of prodrug Example 5 as measured in this assay run
substantially as above is 60 ± 14% (mean ± standard deviation) demonstrating the
prodrug Example 5 is both well absorbed and extensively hydrolyzed to yield the active
metabolite in vivo.
WE CLAIM:
1. A com ound of Formula I
Formula I
wherein
R1 is hydrogen, R2 is hydrogen, and R is hydrogen;
R1 is hydrogen, R2 is (2,S)-2-aminopropanoyl, and R is hydrogen;
R1 is hydrogen, R2 is (25)-2-amino-4-methylsulfanyl-butanoyl, and R3 is hydrogen;
R1 is hydrogen, R2 is 2-aminoacetyl, and R3 is hydrogen;
R1 is benzyl, R2 is hydrogen, and R3 is benzyl; or
R1 is (2-fluorophenyl)methyl, R2 is hydrogen, and R3 is (2-fluorophenyl)methyl;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
2. The compound according to Claim 1 which is (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
3. The compound according to Claim 1 which is (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid hydrochloride.
4. The compound according to Claim 1 which is (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-
aminopropanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0] hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic
acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
5. The compound according to Claim 1 which is (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-
aminopropanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0] hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic
acid hydrochloride.
6. The compound according to Claim 1 which is (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-
aminopropanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0] hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic
acid dihydrate.
7. The compound according to Claim 1 which is (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-
aminopropanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic
acid; 1,4-dioxane (1: 0.5); hydrochloride.
8. The compound according to Claim 1 which is (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-
amino-4-methylsulfanyl-butanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-
2,6-dicarboxylic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
9. The compound according to Claim 1 which is (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-[[(2S)-2-
amino-4-methylsulfanyl-butanoyl]amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-
2,6-dicarboxylic acid hydrochloride.
10. The compound according to Claim 1 which is (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-[(2-
aminoacetyl)amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
11. The compound according to Claim 1 which is (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-[(2-
aminoacetyl)amino]spiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylic acid
hydrochloride.
12. The compound according to Claim 1 which is dibenzyl (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
13. The compound according to Claim 1 which is dibenzyl (lS,2S,5R,6S)-2-
aminospiro[bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,l'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate; 1,4-dioxane;
hydrochloride.
14. The compound according to Claim 1 which is bis[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]
(1S,2S, 5R, 6S)-2-aminospiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
15. The compound according to Claim 1 which is bis[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]
(1S,2S, 5R, 6S)-2-aminospiro[bicyclo[3 .1.0]hexane-4, 1'-cyclopropane]-2,6-dicarboxylate
hydrochloride.
16. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound or salt of any
one of Claims 1-15 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient.
17. The compound or salt of any one of Claims 1-15 for use in therapy.
18. The compound or salt of any one of Claims 1-15 for use in the treatment of
a neurological disorder selected from the group consisting of persistent pain, neuropathic
pain, chronic inflammatory pain, and visceral pain.
19. The compound or salt for use of Claim 18, wherein the neurological
disorder is persistent pain.
20. The compound or salt for use of Claim 18, wherein the neurological
disorder is neuropathic pain.
21. The compound or salt for use of Claim 18, wherein the neurological
disorder is chronic inflammatory pain.
22. The compound or salt for use of Claim 18, wherein the neurological
disorder is visceral pain.
23. The compound or salt of any one of Claims 1-15 for use in the treatment of
a psychiatric disorder selected from the group consisting of schizophrenia, bipolar
disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder.
24. The compound or salt for use of Claim 23, wherein the psychiatric
disorder is schizophrenia.
25. The compound or salt for use of Claim 23, wherein the psychiatric
disorder is bipolar disorder.
26. The compound or salt for use of Claim 23, wherein the psychiatric
disorder is generalized anxiety disorder.
27. The compound or salt for use of Claim 23, wherein the psychiatric
disorder is post traumatic stress disorder.