AU2003210172B2 - Novel fluorene carboxylic acid esters, methods for the production thereof, and use of the same as pharmaceuticals - Google Patents

Description

WO 03/064419 PCT/EP03/00534 79940pct.210.doc New fluorenecarboxylic acid esters, process for the manufacture thereof and use thereof as medicaments The present invention relates to new fluorenecarboxylic acid esters of general formula 1

M

x 1 wherein X and the groups A, R, R 1

R

2

R

3

R

3

R

4 and R 4 may have the meanings given in the claims and in the description, processes for preparing them and their use as pharmaceutical compositions.

Description of the invention The present invention relates to compounds of general formula 1 R2

R

KY

wherein A denotes a double-bonded group selected from among

C-C

H

2

H

2

C=C

H H und H H O H an anion with a single negative charge, preferably an anion selected from among chloride, bromide, iodide, sulphate, phosphate, methanesulphonate, nitrate, maleate, acetate, citrate, fumarate, tartrate, oxalate, succinate, benzoate and p-toluenesulphonate; R denotes hydrogen, hydroxy, methyl, ethyl, -CF 3

CHF

2 or

R

1 and R 2 fluorine; which may be identical or different denote C 1 -C5-alkyl which may optionally be substituted by C3-C 6 -cycloalkyl, hydroxy or halogen, or

R

1 and R 2 together denote a

R

3

R

4

R

3 and R 4 which may be identical or different denote hydrogen, -C 1 C4-alkyl, -C1-C 4 -alkyloxy, hydroxy, -CF3, -CHF 2 CN, NO 2 or halogen.

Preferred compounds of general formula 1 are those wherein A denotes a double-bonded group selected from among

C-C

H

2

H

2

C=C

H H und H O H X denotes an anion with a single negative charge selected from among chloride, bromide, 4-toluenesulphonate and methanesulphonate, preferably bromide; R denotes hydroxy, methyl or fluorine;

R

1 and R 2 which may be identical or different denote methyl, ethyl or fluoroethyl;

R

3

R

4

R

3 and R 4 which may be identical or different represent hydrogen, methyl, methyloxy, hydroxy, -CF 3

-CHF

2 or fluorine.

Particularly preferred compounds of general formula 1 are those wherein A denotes a double-bonded group selected from among

C=C

H H und HVH

HOH

X denotes an anion with a single negative charge selected from among chloride, bromide and methanesulphonate, preferably bromide; R denotes hydroxy, methyl or fluorine, preferably methyl or hydroxy;

R

1 and R 2 which may be identical or different represent methyl or ethyl, preferably methyl;

R

3

R

4

R

3 and R 4 which may be identical or different represent hydrogen,

-CF

3

-CHF

2 or fluorine, preferably hydrogen or fluorine.

Of particular importance according to the invention are compounds of general formula 1 wherein A denotes a double-bonded group selected from among C=C und H H H

H

X denotes bromide; R denotes hydroxy or methyl, preferably methyl;

R

1 and R 2 which may be identical or different represent methyl or ethyl, preferably methyl;

R

3

R

4

R

3 and R 4 which may be identical or different represent hydrogen or fluorine.

The invention relates to the compounds of formula 1 optionally in the form of the individual optical isomers, mixtures of the individual enantiomers or racemates.

In the compounds of general formula 1 the groups R 3

R

4

R

3 and R 4 if they do not represent hydrogen, may in each case be arranged in the ortho, meta or para position relative to the bond to the R" group. If none of the groups R 3

R

4

R

3 and R 4 denotes hydrogen, R 3 and R 3 are preferably linked in the para position and R 4 and R 4 are preferably linked in the ortho or meta position, most preferably in the meta position. If one of the groups R 3 and R 4 and one of the groups R 3 and R 4 denotes hydrogen, the other group in each case is preferably bonded in the meta or para position, most preferably in the para position. If none of the groups R 3

R

4

R

3 and R 4 denotes hydrogen, the compounds of general formula 1 wherein the groups

R

3

R

4

R

3 and R 4 have the same meaning are particularly preferred according to the invention.

Also of particular importance according to the invention are those compounds of general formula 1 wherein the ester substituent is in the a configuration on the nitrogen bicyclic group. These compounds correspond to general formula 1-a

R

2 R 1 R\N

X

H

A

O ,O

R

R 4' 1 -a The following compounds are of particular importance according to the invention: tropenol 9-hydroxy-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide; tropenol 9-fluoro-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide scopine 9-hydroxy-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide; scopine 9-fluoro-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide tropenol 9-methyl-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide; scopine 9-methyl-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide.

The alkyl groups used, unless otherwise stated, are branched and unbranched alkyl groups having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Examples include: methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl. The groups methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl may optionally also be referred to by the abbreviations Me, Et, Prop or Bu. Unless otherwise stated, the definitions propyl and butyl also include all possible isomeric forms of the groups in question. Thus, for example, propyl includes n-propyl and iso-propyl, butyl includes iso-butyl, sec. butyl and tert.-butyl, etc.

The alkylene groups used, unless otherwise stated, are branched and unbranched double-bonded alkyl bridges with 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples include: methylene, ethylene, propylene or butylene.

The alkylene-halogen groups used, unless otherwise stated, are branched and unbranched double-bonded alkyl bridges with 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may be mono-, di- or trisubstituted, preferably disubstituted, by a halogen.

Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, the term alkylene-OH groups denotes branched and unbranched double-bonded alkyl bridges with 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may be mono-, di- or trisubstituted, preferably monosubstituted, by a hydroxy.

The alkyloxy groups used, unless otherwise stated, are branched and unbranched alkyl groups with 1 to 4 carbon atoms which are linked via an oxygen atom. The following may be mentioned, for example: methyloxy, ethyloxy, propyloxy or butyloxy. The groups methyloxy, ethyloxy, propyloxy or butyloxy may optionally also be referred to by the abbreviations MeO, EtO, PropO or BuO. Unless otherwise stated, the definitions propyloxy and butyloxy also include all possible isomeric forms of the groups in question.

Thus, for example, propyloxy includes n-propyloxy and iso-propyloxy, butyloxy includes iso-butyloxy, sec. butyloxy and tert.-butyloxy, etc. The word alkoxy may also possibly be used within the scope of the present invention instead of the word alkyloxy. The groups methyloxy, ethyloxy, propyloxy or butyloxy may optionally also be referred to as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy or butoxy.

The alkylene-alkyloxy groups used, unless otherwise stated, are branched and unbranched double-bonded alkyl bridges with 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may be mono-, di- or trisubstituted, preferably monosubstituted, by an alkyloxy group.

The -O-CO-alkyl groups used, unless otherwise stated, are branched and unbranched alkyl groups with 1 to 4 carbon atoms which are bonded via an ester group. The alkyl groups are bonded directly to the carbonylcarbon of the ester group. The term -O-CO-alkyl-halogen group should be understood analogously. The group -O-CO-CF 3 denotes trifluoroacetate.

Within the scope of the present invention halogen denotes fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. Unless otherwise stated, fluorine and bromine are the preferred halogens. The group CO denotes a carbonyl group.

As explained hereinafter, the compounds according to the invention may be prepared partly analogously to the methods already known in the art (Diagram The carboxylic acid derivatives of formula 3 are known in the art or may be obtained by methods of synthesis known in the art. If only suitably substituted carboxylic acids are known in the art, the compounds of formula 3 may also be obtained directly from them by acid- or base-catalysed esterification with the corresponding alcohols or by halogenation with the corresponding halogenation reagents.

R4 R 3 R R' R R

R

1 R +,R 1 x N 3 N N H 4

R

3 R2X A OH A 0 O A O 0 R R R 3 R 3

R

3 0 R 2 4 4 R 4 R" R 4 Diagram 1: As can be seen from Diagram 1, the compounds of formula 2 may be used as starting products for preparing the compounds of formula 1. These compounds are known in the art.

Starting from the compounds of formula 2 the esters of general formula 4 may be obtained by reaction with the carboxylic acid derivatives of formula 3, wherein R' denotes for example chlorine or a C 1

-C

4 -alkyloxy group. When R' equals C 1

-C

4 -alkyloxy this reaction may be carried out for example in a sodium melt at elevated temperature, preferably at about 50-150 0 C, more preferably at about 90-100°C at low pressure, preferably at below 500 mbar, most preferably at below 75 mbar. Alternatively, instead of the derivatives 3 wherein R' denotes C 1

-C

4 -alkyloxy, the corresponding acid chlorides (R Cl) may also be used.

The compounds of formula 4 thus obtained may be converted into the target compounds of formula 1 by reacting with the compounds R 2 wherein R 2 and X may have the abovementioned meanings. This synthesis step may also be carried out analogously to the examples of synthesis disclosed in WO 92/16528. In the case wherein R 1 and R 2 together form an alkylene bridge there is no need to add the reagent R 2 as will be apparent to the skilled man. In this case the compounds of formula 4 contain a suitably substituted group R 1 (for example -C3-C5-alkylene-halogen) according to the above definitions and the compounds of formula 1 are prepared by intramolecular quaternisation of the amine.

Alternatively to the method of synthesising the compounds of formula 4 shown in Diagram 1 the derivatives 4, wherein the nitrogen bicyclic group denotes a scopine derivative may be obtained by oxidising (epoxidising) compounds of formula 4 wherein the nitrogen bicyclic group is a tropenyl group. According to the invention the following procedure may be used.

The compound 4 wherein A denotes -CH=CH- is suspended in a polar organic solvent, preferably in a solvent selected from among N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylacetamide and dimethylformamide, preferably dimethylformamide and then heated to a temperature of about 30-90 0

C,

preferably 40-70 0 C. Then a suitable oxidising agent is added and the mixture is stirred at constant temperature for 2 to 8 hours, preferably 3 to 6 hours. The oxidising agent is preferably vanadium pentoxide mixed with H 2 0 2 most preferably H 2 0 2 -urea complex combined with vanadium pentoxide. The mixture is worked up in the usual way. The products may be purified by crystallisation or chromatography depending on their tendency to crystallise.

Alternatively, the compounds of formula 4 wherein R denotes halogen may also be prepared by the method shown in Diagram 2.

R

1

R

1 N

N

A 0 0 A 0 O HO

R

R

3

-R

3 '3

R

3

R

4 R4. R 4 R 4 4 (mit R= OH) 4 (mit R= Halogen) Diagram 2: For this, the compounds of formula 4 wherein R denotes hydroxy are converted into the compounds 4 wherein R denotes halogen using suitable halogenation reagents. The method used for the halogenation reactions to be carried out according to Diagram 2 is sufficiently well known in the art.

As is apparent from Diagram 1, the intermediate products of general formula 4 have a central importance. Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention relates to the intermediates of formula 4 r P \OPER\MKRSPECI\2()3210172-l paI -al dmcnis doc-17I22 N09 -8-

R

N

H

A O 0 R R 4

R'

R4' 4 wherein R denotes methyl, ethyl, -CF 3

CHF

2 or fluorine; and wherein the groups A, R 1

R

3

R

3

R

4 and R 4 are defined as above; optionally in the form of the acid addition salts thereof.

By acid addition salts are meant salts selected from among the hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, hydrosulphate, hydrophosphate, hydromethanesulphonate, hydronitrate, hydromaleate, hydroacetate, hydrocitrate, hydrofumarate, hydrotartrate, hydrooxalate, hydrosuccinate, hydrobenzoate and hydro-p-toluenesulphonate, preferably the hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydrosulphate, hydrophosphate, hydrofumarate and hydromethanesulphonate.

As in the compounds of general formula 1 the groups R 3

R

4

R

3 and R 4 if they do not represent hydrogen, may in each case be arranged in the ortho, meta or para position relative to the bond of the R" group in the compounds of general formula 4 as well. If none of the groups R 3

R

4

R

3 and R 4 denotes hydrogen, R 3 and R 3 are preferably linked in the para position and R 4 and R 4 are preferably linked in the ortho or meta position, most preferably in the meta position. If one of the groups R 3 and R 4 and one of the groups R 3 and R 4 denotes hydrogen, the other group in each case is preferably linked in the meta or para position, most preferably in the para position. If none of the groups R 3

R

4

R

3 and R 4 denotes hydrogen the compounds of general formula 4 which are particularly preferred according to the invention are those wherein the groups R 3

R

4

R

3 and R 4 have the same meaning.

P OPER\MKR\SPEClIU 32 In172- I pa mendm cn doc- 17,)2/21 -8A- According to the invention, the compounds of formula 4 in the a-configured form are preferably used as the starting materials. These a-configured compounds are therefore of particular importance according to the invention and correspond to general formula 4-a

R

N

H

A

OTO

R

R 3 R 3'

R

4 R R4-a In another aspect the present invention relates to the use of compounds of general formula 2 for preparing the compounds of general formula 4.

Moreover the present invention relates to the use of the compounds of general formula 2 as starting materials for preparing the compounds of general formula 1. Moreover the present invention relates to the use of the compounds of general formula 4 as an intermediate product in the preparation of the compounds of general formula 1.

The examples of synthesis described below serves to illustrate the present invention still further. However, they are to be regarded as only an example of the procedure, as further illustration of the invention, without restricting the invention to the object described below by way of example.

r Example 1: tropenol 9-hydroxy-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide Me +/Me /OBr

N

H

HO

methyl 9-hydroxy-fluorene-9-carboxylate 3a:.

50.4 g (0.223 mol) of 9-hydroxy-9-fluorenecarboxylic acid are dissolved in 500 ml of methanol, combined with 5 ml (0.089 mol) of conc. sulphuric acid and refluxed for 1 hour. After cooling, 100 ml of sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (about pH 8) are added and the methanol is largely evaporated down.

The mixture is extracted with dichloromethane and water, the organic phase is dried and evaporated to dryness. The product is purified by recrystallisation from ethyl acetate.

Yield: 50.0g of white crystals 93% of theory).

1.2: tropenol 9-hydroxy-fluorene-9-carboxylate 4a: 13.4 g (0.056 mol) of methylester 3a, 11.65 g (0.084 mol) of tropenol and 0.3 g of sodium are heated as a melt at 75 mbar for 4 h over a bath of boiling water with occasional agitation. After cooling the sodium residues are dissolved with acetonitrile, the solution is evaporated to dryness and the residue is extracted with dichloromethane/water. The organic phase is washed with water, dried over MgSO 4 and the solvent is distilled off. The product is purified by recrystallisation from diethyl ether.

Yield: 11.40 g of white crystals 29 of theory).

1.3: tropenol 9-hydroxy-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide 1.75 g (0.005 mol) of 4a are taken up in 30 ml dichloromethane and 15 ml acetonitrile and combined with 2.85 g (0.015 mol) of 50% methylbromide solution in acetonitrile. The reaction mixture is left to stand for 3 days at ambient temperature, during which time the product crystallises. The crystals precipitated are separated off and recrystallised from diethyl ether to purify them.

Yield: 1.95 g of white crystals 88 of theory); Melting point: 250 0

C.

Elemental analysis: calculated: C (62.45) H (5.47) N (3.17) found: C (61.53) H (5.84) N (3.22).

Example 2: tropenol 9-fluoro-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide Me +/Me

N

Br

H

F

2.1: tropenol 9-fluoro-fluorene-9-carboxylate 4b: 1.66 ml (0.009 mol) of bis-(2-methoxyethyl)-aminosulphur trifluoride are placed in 10 ml dichloromethane and within 20 minutes at 15°-20° C a solution of 2.4g (0.007 mol) of 4a in 25 ml dichloromethane is added dropwise thereto.

The mixture is stirred for 20 h at ambient temperature, cooled to 0°C and carefully combined with 80 ml of water with thorough stirring. Then the mixture is carefully adjusted to pH 8 with aqueous NaHCO 3 solution, the organic phase is separated off, the aqueous phase is extracted again with dichloromethane, the combined organic phases are washed with water, dried over MgSO 4 and evaporated to dryness. The hydrochloride is precipitated and recrystallised from acetonitrile/diethyl ether. Then the free base is liberated again using 10% aq. sodium carbonate solution. Yield: 1.05 g bright yellow crystals 53 of theoretical) 2.2: tropenol 9-fluoro-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide: 1.05 g (0.003 mol) of 4b are taken up in 20 ml acetonitrile and reacted with 1.71 g (0.009 mol) of 50% methyl bromide solution in acetonitrile analogously to step 1.3. To purify it the product is recrystallised from acetonitrile.

Yield: 0.80 g of white crystals 60 of theoretical); melting point: 252 0

C.

Elemental analysis: calculated: C (62.17) H (5.22) N (3.15) found: C (62.04) H (5.23) N (3.15).

Example 3: scopine 9-hydroxy-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide Me Me /Br

N

0 H 0 0

HO

3.1: scopine 9-hydroxy-fluorene-9-carboxylate 4c: g (0.026 mol) of tropenol ester 4a are suspended in 90 ml of dimethylformamide and combined with 0.47 g (0.003 mol) of vanadium-(V)oxide. At 60 0 C a solution of 4.89 g (0.052 mol) of H 2 0 2 -urea in 20 ml of water is added dropwise and stirred for 6 hours at 60 0 C. After cooling to 20 0 C the precipitate formed is suction filtered, the filtrate is adjusted to pH 2 with 4 N hydrochloric acid and combined with Na 2

S

2 05 dissolved in water. The resulting solution is evaporated to dryness, the residue is extracted with dichloromethane/water. The acidic aqueous phase is made basic with Na 2

CO

3 extracted with dichloromethane and the organic phase is dried over Na 2

SO

4 and concentrated.

Then 1 ml of acetylchloride is added at ambient temperature and the mixture is stirred for 1 hour. After extraction with 1 N hydrochloric acid the aqueous phase is made basic, extracted with dichloromethane, the organic phase is washed with water and dried over Na 2

SO

4 Then the solvent is removed by distillation. The crude product is purified by recrystallisation from diethyl ether.

Yield: 2.8 g of white crystals 30 of theoretical).

3.2: scopine 9-hydroxy-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide 1.3 g (0.004 mol) 4c are taken up in 20 ml chloroform and 20 ml acetonitrile and reacted with 2.279 g (0.012 mol) of 50% methylbromide solution in acetonitrile analogously to step 1.3. To purify it the product is recrystallised from acetonitrile.

Yield: 1.25 g of light beige crystals 68 of theoretical); melting point: 243- 244 0

C.

Elemental analysis: calculated: C (60.27) H (5.28) N (3.06) found: C (60.03) H (5.35) N (3.55).

Example 4: scopine 9-fluoro-fluorene-9-carboxvlate methobromide: Me +/Me 4.1: scopine 9-fluoro-fluorene-9-carboxvlate 4d: 0.885 ml (0.005 mol) of bis-(2-methoxyethyl)-aminosulphur trifluoride are placed in 25 ml of dichioromethane and reacted with 1.42 g (0.004 mol) of 4c analogously to the procedure according to 2.1.

Yield: 1.1 g beige crystals 75 of theoretical) 4.2: scopine 9-fluoro-fluorene-9-carboxvlate methobromide: 1.1 g (0.003 mol) of 4d are taken up in 30 ml acetonitrile and reacted with 1.71 g (0.009 mol) of 50% methyl bromide solution in acetonitrile analogously to step 1.3. To purify it the product is recrystallised from isopropanol.

Yield: 0.45 g of white crystals 33 of theoretical); melting point: 200- 201 0

C.

Elemental analysis: calculated: C (60.01) H (5.04) N (3.04) found: C (59.91) H (5.18) N (3.10).

Example 5: tropenol 9-methVI-fluorene-9-carboxviate methobromide: Me \+Me Br 9-methyl-fluorene-9-carboxylic acid 3b:.

a) methyl 9-m ethyl-fl uorene-9-ca rboxy late: From 7.6 g (0.33 mol) of sodium and 300 ml of ethanol a sodium ethoxide solution is prepared, to which 69.6 g (0.33 mol) of 9-fluorenecarboxylic acid are added batchwise. After the addition has ended the mixture is stirred for hours at ambient temperature. Then it is evaporated to dryness, the residue is suspended in 600 ml of dimethylformamide and 93.96 g (0.662 mol) of methyl iodide are added dropwise. The mixture is stirred for 3 hours at constant temperature. The cloudy solution is stirred into 500 ml of water and 300 ml of diethyl ether with cooling and extracted, the organic phase is washed with water and 10% sodium carbonate solution, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue is purified by column chromatography, eluant: cyclohexane ethyl acetate 96:4.

Yield: 12.61 g of white crystals 16% of theoretical); melting point: 108°- 109 0

C.

b) 9-methyl-fluorene-9-carboxylic acid 3b: 12.6 g (0.053 mol) of methyl 9-methyl-fluorene-9-carboxylate and 53 ml of 2 molar, aqueous sodium hydroxide solution are stirred in 120 ml of 1,4-dioxane for 24 hours at ambient temperature. The dioxane is distilled off, made up to a total volume of 300 ml with water and extracted with diethyl ether. The aqueous phase is acidified with 3 molar, aqueous HCI, crystallised and filtered.

Yield: 11.25 g of white crystals 95% of theoretical); melting point: 168°- 169 0

C.

5.2: tropenol 9-methyl-fluorene-9-carboxylate 4e: 6.73 g (0.03 mol) of 3b are suspended in 60 ml dichloromethane, combined with 5.0 g of oxalyl chloride and 1 drop of dimethylformamide, then stirred for one hour at ambient temperature and finally the solvent is distilled off. The acid chloride remaining is used in the next step without any further purification.

4.18 g (0.03 mol) of tropenol and 4.27 g (0.033 mol) of diisopropylethylamine are suspended in 100 ml of dichloroethane, the acid chloride is added dropwise to 30 ml of dichloroethane at 35-40 0 C and then stirred for 24 hours at 400 C. The suspension is diluted with dichloromethane and extracted with dilute hydrochloric acid. The organic phase is then washed with water, dried over MgSO 4 and the product is converted into its hydrochloride with a solution of HCI in diethyl ether. The solvent is then removed. To purify it the precipitated hydrochloride is taken up in water and extracted with diethyl ether. The aqueous phase is made basic with 10% aq. sodium carbonate solution and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase is dried over MgSO 4 and the solvent is distilled off.

Yield: 4.40 g of yellow oil 42% of theoretical); 5.3: tropenol 9-methyl-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide: 1.8 g (0.005 mol) of the free base 4e are reacted analogously to the method in step 1.3. The product is purified by recrystallisation from acetone.

Yield: 1.80 g of white crystals 82 of theoretical); melting point: 258- 259 0

C;

Elemental analysis: calculated: C (65.46) H (5.95) N (3.18) found: C (64.15) H (5.95) N (3.18).

Example 6: scopine 9-methyl-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide Me +/Me /Br

N

O H 0 0 Me 6.1: scopine 9-methyl-fluorene-9-carboxylate 4f: g (0.007 mol) of tropenol ester 4e are reacted with 0.13 g (0.001 mol) of vanadium-(V)-oxide and 1.43 g (0.015 mol) of H 2 0 2 -urea analogously to the process according to step 3.1.

Yield: 1.8 g of white crystals 71 of theoretical).

6.2: scopine 9-methyl-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide 1.8 g (0.005 mol) of 4f are taken up in 30 ml acetonitrile and reacted with 2.848 g (0.015 mol) of 50% methyl bromide solution in acetonitrile analogously to step 1.3.

Yield: 1.6 g of white crystals 70 of theoretical); melting point: 214 0

C.

Elemental analysis: calculated: C (62.13) H (5.93) N (4.26) found: C (62.23) H (6.05) N (4.32).

It was found that the compounds according to the invention of formula 1 are antagonists of the M3 receptor (Muscarinic Receptor subtype The compounds according to the invention have Ki values of less than 10nM in terms of their affinity for the M3 receptor. These values were determined by the method described below.

Chemicals 3H-NMS was obtained from Messrs Amersham of Braunschweig, with a specific radioactivity of 3071 GBq/mmol (83 Ci/mmol). All the other reagents were obtained from Serva of Heidelberg and Merck of Darmstadt.

Cell membranes: We used cell membranes from CHO (Chinese hamster ovary) cells which were transfected with the corresponding genes of the human muscarinic receptor subtypes hml to hm5 (BONNER). The cell membranes of the desired subtype were thawed, resuspended by hand with a glass homogeniser and diluted with HEPES buffer to a final concentration of 20-30 mg of protein/ml.

Receptor binding studies: The binding assay was carried out in a final volume of 1 ml and consisted of 100 pl of unlabelled substance in various concentrations, 100 pl of radioligand (3H-N-methylscopolamine 2 nmol/L (3H-NMS), 200 pi of membrane preparation and 600 pi of HEPES buffer (20 mmol/L HEPES, 10 mmol/L MgCl 2 100 mmol/L NaCI, adjusted with 1 mol/L NaOH to pH 7.4).

The nonspecific binding was determined using 10 pmol/l of atropine.

The preparation was incubated for 45 min. at 37 0 C in 96-well microtitre plates (Beckman, polystyrene, No. 267001) as a double measurement. The incubation was ended by filtering using an Inotech Cell Harvester (type IH 110) through Whatman G-7 filters. The filters were washed with 3 ml of icecooled HEPES buffer and dried before measuring.

Determining the radioactivity: The radioactivity of the filter mats was measured simultaneously using a twodimensional digital autoradiograph (Berthold, Wildbad, type 3052).

Evaluation: The Ki values were calculated using implicit equations which were derived directly from the mass-action law, with the model for the 1 receptor 2 ligand reaction (SysFit Software, SCHITTKOWSKI).

Literature: BONNER TI, New subtypes of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 10, Suppl.: 11-15 (1989); SCHITTKOWSKI K Parameter estimation in systems of nonlinear equations Numer Math. 68: 129-142 (1994).

The compounds of formula 1 according to the invention are characterised by their range of uses in the therapeutic field. Particular mention should be made of those applications for which the compounds of formula 1 according to the invention may preferably be used on the basis of their pharmaceutical activity as anticholinergics.

These are for example the treatment of asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The compounds of general formula 1 may also be used to treat vagally induced sinus bradycardia and to treat heart rhythm disorders.

Generally, the compounds according to the invention may also be used therapeutically to treat spasms, for example, in the gastrointestinal tract.

They may also be used to treat spasms in the urinary tract and also to treat menstrual pain, for example. Of the ranges of indications mentioned above, the treatment of asthma and COPD with the compounds of formula 1 according to the invention is of particular importance.

The compounds of general formula 1 may be used on their own or in conjunction with other active substances of formula 1. The compounds of general formula 1 may also be used in combination with other pharmacologically active substances. These may be, in particular, betamimetics, antiallergics, PAF antagonists, PDE IV inhibitors, leukotriene antagonists, p38 kinase inhibitors, EGFR- kinase inhibitors and corticosteroids as well as combinations of active substances.

Examples of betamimetics which may be used according to the invention in conjunction with the compounds of formula 1_include compounds selected from among bambuterol, bitolterol, carbuterol, clenbuterol, fenoterol, formoterol, hexoprenaline, ibuterol, pirbuterol, procaterol, reproterol, salm eterol, su Iphonterol, terbutaline, tolubuterol, .4-hydroxy-7 phe nylIeth oxy) propyl] su lphonyl~ethyl]-a min o}ethy l]-2 (3 H)-benzoth iazo lone, 1 (2-f luoro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-[4-(1 -benzimidazolyl)-2-methyl-2butylam ino]ethanot, I -[3-(4-methoxybenzyl-am ino)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-[4-( 1be nzi mid azo lyl)-2 -m ethyl1-2-buty lam ino]ethanol, I -[2H-5-hydroxy-3-oxo-4H- 1, 4-benzoxazin-8-yl]-2-[3-(4-N, N-dimethylam inophenyl)-2-methyl-2propylam inojethanol, 1 -[2H-5-hydroxy-3-oxo-4H-1 ,4-benzoxazin-8-yl]-2-[3-(4methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-2-propylam ino]ethanol, I -[2H-5-hydroxy-3-oxo-4H- 1 ,4-benzoxazin-8-yl]-2-[3-(4-n-butyloxyphenyl)-2-methyl-2propylam ino]ethanol, I -[2H-5-hydroxy-3-oxo-4H-1 ,4-benzoxazin-8-yl]-2-{4-[3- (4-m ethoxyp heny1)-1, ,-triazol1-3-yI]-2-m ethyl-2-buty lam ino}eth anol1, hydroxy-8-(1 -hydroxy-2-isopropylam inobutyl)-2H-1 ,4-benzoxazin-3-(4H )-one, I -(4-am ino-3-chloro-5-trifluormethylphenyl)-2-tert. -butylam ino)ethanol and 1- (4-ethoxyca rbo nyla m i no-3-cya no-5-fl uorophenyl) -2 -(te rt. -buty lam ino)ethanol1, optionally in the form of the racemates, the enantiomers, the diastereomers and optionally the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts and the hydrates thereof. Most preferably, the betamimetics used as active substances in conjunction with the compounds of formula 1 according to the invention are selected from among fenoterol, formoterol, salmeterol, 1 m ethoxybenzyl-am ino)-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-[4-(l1-benzim idazolyl)-2-methyl-2butylam inolethanol, 1 -[2H-5-hydroxy-3-oxo-4H-1 ,4-benzoxazin-8-yl]-2-[3-(4- N,N-d imethylam inophenyl)-2-methyl-2-propylam inolethanol, I 3-oxo-4H-1,4-benzoxazin-8-y]-2-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-2propylam inolethanol, I -[2H-5-hydroxy-3-oxo-4H-1 ,4-benzoxazin-8-yl]-2-[3-(4n-butyloxyphenyl)-2-methyl-2-propylam inolethanol, 1 -[2H-5-hydroxy-3-oxo- 4H-1 ,4-benzoxazin-8-yl]-2-{4-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl]-2methyl-2-butylamino}ethanol, optionally in the form of the racemates, the enantiomers, the diastereomers and optionally the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, and the hydrates thereof. Of the betamimetics mentioned above the compounds formoterol and salmeterol are particularly preferred, optionally in the form of the racemates, the enantiomers, the diastereomers and optionally the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, and the hydrates thereof. According to the invention, the acid addition salts of the betamimetics selected, for example, from among the hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulphate, phosphate, fumarate, m ethanesulphonate and xinafoate are preferred. Particularly

I

preferred in the case of salmeterol are the salts selected from among the hydrochloride, sulphate and xinafoate, of which the xinafoate is particularly preferred. Particularly preferred in the case of formoterol are the salts selected from among the hydrochloride, sulphate and fumarate, of which the hydrochloride and fumarate are particularly preferred. According to the invention, formoterol fumarate is of exceptional importance.

Within the scope of the present invention, the corticosteroids which may optionally be used in conjunction with the compounds of formula 1 may be compounds selected from among flunisolide, beclomethasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, fluticasone, mometasone, ciclesonide, rofleponide, GW 215864, KSR 592, ST-126 and dexamethasone. Preferably, within the scope of the present invention, the corticosteroids are selected from among flunisolide, beclomethasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, fluticasone, mometasone, ciclesonide and dexamethasone, while budesonide, fluticasone, mometasone and ciclesonide are important and budesonide and fluticasone are particularly important. In some cases, within the scope of the present patent application, the term steroids is used on its own instead of the word corticosteroids. Any reference to steroids within the scope of the present invention includes a reference to salts or derivatives which may be formed from the steroids.

Examples of possible salts or derivatives include: sodium salts, sulphobenzoates, phosphates, isonicotinates, acetates, propionates, dihydrogen phosphates, palmitates, pivalates or furoates. In some cases the corticosteroids may also occur in the form of their hydrates.

Examples of PDE-IV inhibitors which may be used according to the invention as a combination with the compound of formula 1 include compounds selected from among enprofylline, roflumilast, ariflo, Bay-198004, CP- 325,366, BY343, D-4396 (Sch-351591), V-11294A and AWD-12-281.

Preferred PDE-IV inhibitors are selected from among enprofylline, roflumilast, ariflo and AWD-12-281, while AWD-12-281 is particularly preferred for combining with the compounds of general formula I according to the invention. Any reference to the abovementioned PDE-IV inhibitors also includes, within the scope of the present invention, a reference to any pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof which may exist. By the physiologically acceptable acid addition salts which may be formed by the abovementioned PDE-IV inhibitors are meant, for example, pharmaceutically acceptable salts selected from among the salts of hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, methanesulphonic acid, acetic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid and maleic acid. According to the invention, the salts selected from among the acetate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulphate, phosphate and methanesulphonate are preferred.

Within the scope of the present invention, the term dopamine agonists, which may optionally be used in conjunction with the compounds of formula 1, denotes compounds selected from among bromocriptine, cabergolin, alphadihydroergocryptine, lisuride, pergolide, pramipexol, roxindol, ropinirol, talipexol, tergurid and viozan. It is preferable within the scope of the present invention to use, as combination partners with the compounds of formula 1, dopamine agonists selected from among pramipexol, talipexol and viozan, pramipexol being of particular importance. Any reference to the abovementioned dopamine agonists also includes, within the scope of the present invention, a reference to any pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts and hydrates thereof which may exist. By the physiologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof which may be formed by the abovementioned dopamine agonists are meant, for example, pharmaceutically acceptable salts selected from among the salts of hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, methanesulphonic acid, acetic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid and maleic acid.

Examples of antiallergic agents which may be used according to the invention as a combination with the compound of formula 1 include epinastin, cetirizin, azelastin, fexofenadin, levocabastin, loratadine, mizolastin, ketotifen, emedastin, dimetinden, clemastine, bamipin, cexchloropheniramine, pheniramine, doxylamine, chlorophenoxamine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, promethazine, ebastin, desloratidine and meclizine.

Preferred antiallergic agents which may be used within the scope of the present invention in combination with the compounds of formula 1 according to the invention are selected from among epinastin, cetirizin, azelastin, fexofenadin, levocabastin, loratadine, ebastin, desloratidine and mizolastin, epinastin and desloratidine being particularly preferred. Any reference to the abovementioned antiallergic agents also includes, within the scope of the present invention, a reference to any pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof which may exist.

Examples of PAF antagonists which may be used according to the invention as a combination with the compounds of formula I include 4-(2-chlorophenyl)-9-m ethyl-2-[3(4-morpholinyl)-3-propanon-1 -yl]-6Hthieno-[3, 2-f] [1,2,4]triazolo[4, 3-a][1 ,4]diazepine and 6-(2-chlorophenyl)-8, 9-dihydro-1 -methyl-8-[(4-morpholinyl)carbonyl]-4H 7H-cy clo-penta-[4, 5]thieno-[3, 2-f][1 ,2,4]triazolo[4, 3-a][1 ,4]diazepine.

Especially preferred examples of EGER-kinase inhibitors which may be used according to the invention as a combination with the compounds of formula 1 include, in particular, 4 -[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)am ino]-7-[4-((R)-6-methyl-z..

ox-opoi--i-uyox]6[vnlabnlaino]-quinazoline, 4-[3chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)am inol- 7 4 -((S)-6-methyl-2-oxo-morpholin4yl)butyloxy]-6-[(vinylcarbonyl)am ino]-quinazoline, 4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)am 2 -oxo-tetrahydrofuran-5-yl)carbonyl]piperazin-1 yl}-ethoxy)-6-[(vinylcarbonyl)am ino]-quinazoline, 4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)am ethyI-2-oxo-morpholin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-6- [(vinylcarbonyl)am ino]-quinazoline, 4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]- N 2 -(ethoxycarbo nyl) -ethyl] -N [(eth oxyca rbonyl) methyl]am in 1 -oxo-2buten-1 -yl)am ino]-7-cyclopropylm ethoxy-quinazoline, 4-[(R)-(lI-phenylethyl) am i orpho Iin -4-y l)-1 -oxo-2-buten-1 -yl]am in o}-7cyclopropylmethoxy-quinazoline and 4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)am ino]-6-[3-(m orpholin-4-yl)-propyloxy]-7methoxy-quinazoline. Any reference to the abovementioned EGER-kinase inhibitors also includes, within the scope of the present invention, a reference to any pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof which may exist.

By the physiologically or pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof which may be formed by the EGFR-kinase inhibitors are meant, for example, pharmaceutically acceptable salts selected from among the salts of hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, methanesulphonic acid, acetic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid and maleic acid. According to the invention the salts of the EGFR-kinase inhibitors selected from among the salts of acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid and methanesulphonic acid are preferred.

Particularly preferred examples of p38 kinase inhibitors which may be used according to the invention as a combination with the compounds of formula 1 include, in particular, 1-[5-terf-butyl-2-p-tolyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-3-[4-(2morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)naphthalin-1-yl]-urea; 1-[5-tert-butyl-2-p-tolyl-2Hpyrazol-3-yl]-3-[4-(2-(1-oxothiomorpholin-4-yl)ethoxy)naphthalin-1-yl]-urea; 1- [5-tert-butyl-2-(2-methylpyridin-5-yl)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-3-[4-(2-pyridine-4-ylethoxy)naphthalin-1 -yl]-urea; 1-[5-tert-butyl-2-(2-methoxypyridin-5-yl)-2Hpyrazol-3-yl]-3-[4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)naphthalin-1-yl]-urea or butyl-2-methyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-3-[4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)naphthalen-1 yl]-urea. Any reference to the abovementioned p38-kinase inhibitors also includes, within the scope of the present invention, a reference to any pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof which may exist.

By the physiologically or pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof which may be formed by the p38 kinase inhibitors are meant, for example, pharmaceutically acceptable salts selected from among the salts of hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, methanesulphonic acid, acetic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid and maleic acid.

If the compounds of formula 1 are used in conjunction with other active substances, the combination with steroids, PDE IV inhibitors or betamimetics is particularly preferred, of the categories of compounds mentioned above.

The combination with betamimetics, particularly with long-acting betamimetics, is of particular importance. The combination of the compounds of formula 1 according to the invention with salmeterol or formoterol is particularly preferred.

Suitable preparations for administering the salts of formula 1 include for example tablets, capsules, suppositories and solutions, etc. Administration of the compounds according to the invention by inhalation is of particular importance according to the invention (particularly for treating asthma or COPD). The content of the pharmaceutically active compound(s) should be in the range from 0.05 to 90 preferably 0.1 to 50 of the composition as a whole. Suitable tablets may be obtained, for example, by mixing the active substance(s) with known excipients, for example inert diluents such as calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or lactose, disintegrants such as corn starch or alginic acid, binders such as starch or gelatine, lubricants such as magnesium stearate or talc and/or agents for delaying release, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate, or polyvinyl acetate. The tablets may also comprise several layers.

Coated tablets may be prepared accordingly by coating cores produced analogously to the tablets with substances normally used for tablet coatings, for example collidone or shellac, gum arabic, talc, titanium dioxide or sugar.

To achieve delayed release or prevent incompatibilities the core may also consist of a number of layers. Similarly the tablet coating may consist of a number or layers to achieve delayed release, possibly using the excipients mentioned above for the tablets.

Syrups or elixirs containing the active substances or combinations thereof according to the invention may additionally contain a sweetener such as saccharine, cyclamate, glycerol or sugar and a flavour enhancer, e.g. a flavouring such as vanillin or orange extract. They may also contain suspension adjuvants or thickeners such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, wetting agents such as, for example, condensation products of fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide, or preservatives such as p-hydroxybenzoates.

Solutions are prepared in the usual way, e.g. with the addition of isotonic agents, preservatives such as p-hydroxybenzoates or stabilisers such as alkali metal salts of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, optionally using emulsifiers and/or dispersants, while if water is used as diluent, for example, organic solvents may optionally be used as solubilisers or dissolving aids, and the solutions may be transferred into injection vials or ampoules or infusion bottles.

Capsules containing one or more active substances or combinations of active substances may for example be prepared by mixing the active substances with inert carriers such as lactose or sorbitol and packing them into gelatine capsules.

Suitable suppositories may be made for example by mixing with carriers provided for this purpose, such as neutral fats or polyethyleneglycol or the derivatives thereof.

Excipients which may be used include, for example, water, pharmaceutically acceptable organic solvents such as paraffins petroleum fractions), vegetable oils groundnut or sesame oil), mono- or polyfunctional alcohols ethanol or glycerol), carriers such as e.g. natural mineral powders kaolins, clays, talc, chalk), synthetic mineral powders (e.g.

highly dispersed silicic acid and silicates), sugars cane sugar, lactose and glucose), emulsifiers lignin, spent sulphite liquors, methylcellulose, starch and polyvinylpyrrolidone) and lubricants magnesium stearate, talc, stearic acid and sodium lauryl sulphate).

For oral use the tablets may obviously contain, in addition to the carriers specified, additives such as sodium citrate, calcium carbonate and dicalcium phosphate together with various additional substances such as starch, preferably potato starch, gelatin and the like. Lubricants such as magnesium stearate, sodium laurylsulphate and talc may also be used to produce the tablets. In the case of aqueous suspensions the active substances may be combined with various flavour enhancers or colourings in addition to the abovementioned excipients.

When the compounds of formula 1 are used for the treatment of asthma or COPD they are preferably administered as preparations or pharmaceutical formulations for inhalation. For inhalation the compounds may be in the form of inhalable powders, propellant-containing metering aerosols or propellantfree inhalable solutions. Within the scope of the present invention, the term propellant-free inhalable solutions also includes concentrates or sterile inhalable solutions ready for use. The formulations which may be used within the scope of the present invention are described in detail in the next part of the specification.

The inhalable powders which may be used according to the invention may contain the compounds I either on their own or in admixture with suitable physiologically acceptable excipients. If the active substances 1 are present in admixture with physiologically acceptable excipients, the following physiologically acceptable excipients may be used to prepare these inhalable powders according to the invention: monosaccharides glucose or arabinose), disaccharides lactose, saccharose, maltose), oligo- and polysaccharides dextrane), polyalcohols sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol), salts sodium chloride, calcium carbonate) or mixtures of these excipients with one another. Preferably, mono- or disaccharides are used, while the use of lactose or glucose is preferred, particularly, but not exclusively, in the form of their hydrates. For the purposes of the invention, lactose is the particularly preferred excipient, while lactose monohydrate is most particularly preferred.

Within the scope of the inhalable powders according to the invention the excipients have a maximum average particle size of up to 250 pm, preferably between 10 and 150 pm, most preferably between 15 and 80 pm. It may sometimes seem appropriate to add finer excipient fractions with an average particle size of 1 to 9 pm to the excipients mentioned above. These finer excipients are also selected from the group of possible excipients listed hereinbefore. Finally, in order to prepare the inhalable powders according to the invention, micronised active substance 1, preferably with an average particle size of 0.5 to 10 pm, more preferably from 1 to 5 pm, is added to the excipient mixture. Processes for producing the inhalable powders according to the invention by grinding and micronising and by finally mixing the ingredients together are known from the prior art. The inhalable powders according to the invention may be administered using inhalers known from the prior art.

The inhalation aerosols containing propellant gas which may be used according to the invention may contain the compounds 1 dissolved in the propellant gas or in dispersed form. The compounds 1 may be present in separate preparations or in a combined preparation, while the compounds 1 may either both be dissolved, both dispersed or only one component is dissolved and the other may be dispersed.

The propellant gases which may be used to prepare the inhalation aerosols are known from the prior art. Suitable propellant gases are selected from among hydrocarbons such as n-propane, n-butane or isobutane and halohydrocarbons such as fluorinated derivatives of methane, ethane, propane, butane, cyclopropane or cyclobutane. The propellant gases mentioned above may be used on their own or in mixtures thereof.

Particularly preferred propellant gases are fluorinated alkane derivatives selected from TG134a and TG227 and mixtures thereof.

The propellant-driven inhalation aerosols may also contain other ingredients such as co-solvents, stabilisers, surfactants, antioxidants, lubricants and pH adjusters. All these ingredients are known in the art.

The propellant-driven inhalation aerosols mentioned above may be administered using inhalers known in the art (MDIs metered dose inhalers).

Moreover, the active substances 1 according to the invention may be administered in the form of propellant-free inhalable solutions and suspensions. The solvent used may be an aqueous or alcoholic, preferably an ethanolic solution. The solvent may be water on its own or a mixture of water and ethanol. The relative proportion of ethanol compared with water is not limited but the maximum is up to 70 percent by volume, more particularly up to 60 percent by volume and most preferably up to 30 percent by volume.

The remainder of the volume is made up of water. The solutions or suspensions containing 1 are adjusted to a pH of 2 to 7, preferably 2 to using suitable acids. The pH may be adjusted using acids selected from inorganic or organic acids. Examples of particularly suitable inorganic acids include hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, nitric acid, sulphuric acid and/or phosphoric acid. Examples of particularly suitable organic acids include ascorbic acid, citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, acetic acid, formic acid and/or propionic acid etc. Preferred inorganic acids are hydrochloric and sulphuric acids. It is also possible to use the acids which already form an acid addition salt. Of the organic acids, ascorbic acid, fumaric acid and citric acid are preferred. If desired, mixtures of the above acids may be used, particularly in the case of acids which have other properties in addition to their acidifying qualities, e.g. as flavourings, antioxidants or complexing agents, such as citric acid or ascorbic acid, for example. According to the invention, it is particularly preferred to use hydrochloric acid to adjust the pH.

In these formulations it may be possible to do without the addition of editic acid (EDTA) or one of the known salts thereof, sodium edetate, as stabiliser or complexing agent. Other embodiments contains this compound (these compounds. In a preferred embodiment the content, based on sodium edetate, is less than 100 mg/100 ml, preferably less than 50 mg/100 ml, most preferably less than 20 mg/100ml. Generally, inhalable solutions in which the content of sodium edetate is from 0 to 10 mg/100 ml are preferred.

Cosolvents and/or other excipients may be added to the propellent-free inhalable solutions. Preferred cosolvents are those which contain hydroxyl groups or other polar groups, such as alcohols particularly isopropylalcohol, glycols particularly propyleneglycol, polyethyleneglycol, polypropyleneglycol, glycolether, glycerol, polyoxyethylene alcohols and polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters. By excipients and additives are meant, in this context, any pharmacologically acceptable substance which is not an active substance, but can be formulated together with the active substance(s) in the pharmacologically suitable solvent to improve the qualitative properties of the active substance formulation. Preferably, these substances have no noticeable or at least no unwanted pharmacological activity in the context of the desired therapy. The excipients and additives include e.g. surfactants such as soya lecithin, oleic acid, sorbitan esters such as polysorbates, polyvinylpyrrolidone, other stabilisers, complexing agents, antioxidants and/or preservatives which guarantee or extend the shelf life of the finished pharmaceutical formulation, flavourings, vitamins and/or other additives known in the art. The additives also include pharmacologically acceptable salts such as for example sodium chloride as isotonic agents.

The preferred excipients include antioxidants, such as for example ascorbic acid, unless already used to adjust the pH, vitamin A, vitamin E, tocopherols and similar vitamins or provitamins which occur in the human body.

Preservatives may be used to protect the formulation from contamination with pathogens. Suitable preservatives are those known in the art, particularly cetylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride or benzoic acid or benzoates such as sodium benzoate in the concentration known from the prior art. The abovementioned preservatives are preferably present in concentrations of up to 50mg/100ml, most preferably between 5 and 20 mg/100ml.

Preferred formulations contain only benzalkonium chloride and sodium edetate, in addition to the solvent water and the active substance 1 In another preferred embodiment, no sodium edetate is used.

The dosage of the compounds according to the invention is naturally highly dependent on the method of administration and the complaint which is being treated. When administered by inhalation the compounds of formula 1_are characterised by a high potency even at doses in the pg range. The compounds of formula 1 may also be used effectively above the pg range.

The dosage may then be in the gram range, for example.

When administered by routes other than by inhalation the compounds according to the invention may be administered in higher doses (for example, but not restrictively, in the range from 1 to 1000 mg).

The following examples of formulations illustrate the present invention without restricting its scope: Examples of pharmaceutical formulations A) Tablets per tablet active substance 1 100 mg lactose 140 mg corn starch 240 mg polyvinylpyrrolidone 15 mg magnesium stearate 5 mg 500 mg The finely ground active substance, lactose and some of the corn starch are mixed together. The mixture is screened, then moistened with a solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone in water, kneaded, wet-granulated and dried. The granules, the remaining corn starch and the magnesium stearate are screened and mixed together. The mixture is compressed to produce tablets of suitable shape and size.

B) Tablets per tablet active substance 1 80 mg lactose 55 mg corn starch 190 mg microcrystalline cellulose 35 mg polyvinylpyrrolidone 15 mg sodium-carboxymethyl starch 23 mg magnesium stearate 2 mg 400 mg The finely ground active substance, some of the corn starch, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone are mixed together, the mixture is screened and worked with the remaining corn starch and water to form a granulate which is dried and screened. The sodium carboxymethyl

L

starch and the magnesium stearate are added and mixed in and the mixture is compressed to form tablets of a suitable size.

C) Ampoule solution active substance 1 50 mg sodium chloride 50 mg water for inj. The active substance is dissolved in water at its own pH or optionally at pH to 6.5 and sodium chloride is added to make the solution isotonic. The resulting solution is filtered to remove pyrogens and the filtrate is transferred under aseptic conditions into ampoules which are then sterilised and heatsealed. The ampoules contain 5 mg, 25 mg and 50 mg of active substance.

D) Metering aerosol active substance 1 0.005 Sorbitan trioleate 0.1 Monofluorotrichloromethane and Difluorodichloromethane 2: 3 ad 100 The suspension is transferred into a conventional aerosol container with metering valve. Preferably 50 pl suspension are released on each actuation.

The active substance may also be released in higher doses if desired 0.02 E) Solutions (in mg/100ml) active substance 1 333.3 mg formoterol fumarate 333.3 mg benzalkonium chloride 10.0 mg EDTA 50.0 mg HCI (In) ad pH 3.4 This solution may be prepared in the usual way.

F) Inhalable powder active substance 1 6 Ig formoterol fumarate 6 pg lactose monohydrate ad 25 mg The inhalable powder is prepared in the usual way by mixing the individual ingredients.

G) Inhalable powder active substance 1 10 pg lactose monohydrate ad 5 mg The inhalable powder is prepared in the usual way by mixing the individual ingredients.

Throughout this 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 or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[he reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.