AU766495B2 - Synthesis of cyclic peptides - Google Patents

Description

1 SYNTHESIS OF CYCLIC PEPTIDES' This invention relates to methods for preparing cyclic peptides and peptidomimetics in solution and bound to solid supports, and to cyclic peptide or peptidomimetic libraries for use in drug screening programmes. In particular the invention relates to a generic strategy for synthesis of cyclic peptides or peptidomimetics which enables the efficient synthesis under mild conditions of a wide variety of desired compounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION All references; including any patents or patent applications, cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents "forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

25 Although the development of recombinant DNA technology and the identification and isolation of proteins mediating a wide variety of biological activities has enabled the development of new drug therapies, proteins in general suffer from the disadvantage of susceptibility to breakdown by digestive and other enzymes. This means not **only that these agents usually have to be administered by injection, but that they also have a short half-life in the **.body.

The biological activities of a protein rely on S 35 the three-dimensional structure of the protein molecule, which results predominantly from a balance between a variety of different non-covalent interactions. In an \\melb_files\home$\cintae\Keep\speci\6183099 amended pages.doc 20/08/03 la attempt to improve the stability and acceptability of protein pharmaceuticals, both relatively short peptide sequences encompassing the active site of the protein and synthetic molecules which adopt a three-dimensional structure resembling the active site have been extensively investigated. Structurally-constrained peptides in which a framework is maintained by disulphide bonds as well as by non-covalent interactions, and cyclic peptide or peptidomimetic systems in which the cyclisation provides the structural constraint, provide two particularly attractive approaches to stabilisation of these molecules.

*e •go° •co ego°.

°°•oi \\melb_files\homeS\cintae\Keep\speci\61830.99 amended pages.doc 20/08/03 WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/0013 2- Cyclic peptides show a wide variety of potent biological activities. They have been extensively explored in the drug development process as a means of introducing conformational constraints for the evaluation of the structural, conformational and dynamic properties that are critical to biological activity. Some cyclic peptides areuseful as drugs in their own right. Others have been engineered to provide a multitude of functions, including novel biological properties, platforms for the development of protein mimetics, nanotechnology, specific metal coordination sites, and catalysts, to name a few.

Cyclisation may be accomplished by disulfide bond formation between two side chain functional groups, amide or ester bond formation between one side chain functional group and the backbone a-amino or carboxyl function, amide or ester bond formation between two side chain functional groups, or amide bond formation between the backbone aamino and carboxyl functions.

The potential utility of this class of compound in any application is hindered by difficulties in synthesising the compounds. Whilst the synthesis of the linear precursors generally proceeds in high yield and purity, the final cyclisation reaction can be troublesome, resulting in low yields and/or impure products. This is particularly so for cyclic peptides of fewer than seven amino acid residues, with synthesis of cyclic tetrapeptides resulting in little or no cyclic material.

These cyclisation reactions have been traditionally carried out at high dilution in solution.

With the advent of orthogonal protection strategies and new resins for solid phase peptide synthesis, cyclisation has been accomplished while the peptide is attached to the resin. One of the most common ways of synthesising cyclic peptides on a solid support is by attaching the side chain of an amino acid to the resin. Using appropriate orthogonal protection strategies, the C- and N-termini can be selectively deprotected and cyclised on the resin after WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 3chain assembly. This strategy is widely used, and is compatible with either tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) or 9fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) protocols. However, it is restricted to peptides that contain appropriate side chain functionality to attach to the solid support. It is therefore not amenable to the combinatorial synthesis of arrays of cyclic peptides.

A number of approaches have been used in an attempt to achieve efficient synthesis of cyclic peptides.

LINKERS

a) Activated Linkers One procedure for synthesising cyclic peptides is based on cyclisation with simultaneous cleavage from the resin. After an appropriate peptide sequence is assembled by solid phase synthesis on the resin or a linear sequence is appended to resin, the deprotected amino group can react mildly with its anchoring active linkage to produce protected cyclic peptides, as shown schematically in Scheme 1.

Boc-HN SP Boc-HN H N O R R On R PRCYCLICTED neutralisation

R

PROTECTED H 3 N N PEPTIDE cyclisation H by cleavageR

R

Scheme 1.

Solid phase cyclic peptide synthesis with activated linkers Various linkers that have been used for the synthesis of cyclic peptides, or are amenable to their synthesis, are shown in Table 1.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 -4- Table 1 Examples of Activated Linkers Amendable to Solid Phase Cyclic Peptide Synthesis Linker Reference R--/<Fridkin et al, 1965; OK-iII Fridkin et al, 1968 0 2

N

~NO2 O-N Osapay and Taylor, 1990; Osapay et al, 1990 0 0 0 IH Rivaille et all, 1980 0 0 Richter et al, 1994 0 Ph H OaH 3 Fridkin et al, 1972; Laufer et al, 1968.

0n R Peptide R Pptid Q -support WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 These cleavage-by-cyclisation strategies produce protected cyclic peptides, necessitating a final deprotection step to synthesise the target cyclic material.

The cyclisation reaction is generally slow and low in yield, because extended conformational preference of the linear analogue impedes the final cyclisation reaction.

b) Safety Catch Linkers Extensions of these concepts include supports that can be selectively modified at the end of the assembly to increase the lability of the linker. These linkers are stable during peptide assembly, and are selectively activated, leading to cyclisation and cleavage from the resin. In general, a final deprotection step is required to yield the target cyclic peptide. Examples of linkers that can be used for this approach are shown in Table 2.

Table 2 Examples of Safety Catch Linkers for Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis Safety Catch Reagent Activated Linker Ref.

O H 2 0 2 Flanigan and Marshall, R S R 1970 O mcPBA/Dioxane O7 R Marshall and Liener, 0 S 0 1970 H 2 0 2 ROH2r RO s- Flanigan, 1971 BzlO HO Table 2 (cont.) H CH2N2 R R N% R R~N Kenner et al, 1971 0 00 00 0 H ICH2CN R 0 Rf NN R N, Backes et al, 1996 00 H0'

N

1 1

H

0 CH2N20R N N-Jo Backes and Eliman, R 1994 0 0 0 WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 8 These strategies are again limited by the conformational preferences of the linear precursor.

c) Backbone Linkers A simple extension of the concept of attaching the side chain to resin to achieve C- to N-cyclisation is the attachment of the backbone N to resin. Recently Jensen et al (1996) reported a backbone linker that has been used for synthesising linear peptides, diketopiperazines, peptide aldehydes and cyclic peptides (Jensen et al, 1998) There are several limitations to this process, these include difficulties in acylating the secondary amine to form the 'linked' amide bond and the fact that standard Fmoc SPPS leads to almost complete diketopiperazine formation at the dipeptide stage. Special protection strategies need to be employed to avoid this problem.

O-(CH 2),S -N S CYCLIC

H

3 CO OCH 3 PEPTIDE O R H 0Ny I

R

Scheme 2 Backbone linkers for solid phase peptide synthesis Intraresin Chain Transfer Another approach for synthesising cyclic peptides involves the attachment of a linker that contains two peptide attachment points to the resin, one of which is temporarily masked. Using standard solid phase techniques, the linear precursor is assembled on resin. The X and Y functionalities (Scheme 3) are then selectively unmasked and cyclised. Cleavage at the linker liberates the free C-terminal carboxylic acid group while the peptide is still attached to the resin. C- and N-cyclisation is then WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 9 achieved by standard activation conditions, yielding cyclic peptides.

X Y

X-Y

CO H COH Scheme 3 Linker combination for solid phase peptide synthesis This method is somewhat limited by the incorporation of the appropriate functionality X into a peptide sequence, and the complex deprotection strategies required. Once again, due to the extended nature of the linear precursors, cyclisation yields would be low.

Preorganising Peptides for Cyclisation a) Reversible N-substitution The formation of a peptide ring, like any other cyclisation reaction, requires the generation of mutually reactive chain ends, and the reaction of these ends under conditions favouring intramolecular processes. The ease of formation of the ring is related to the conformational stability of the ring and to the losses of internal degrees of freedom that occur upon ring formation. Consequently the presence of turn-inducing amino acids such as Gly, Pro or a D-amino acid enhances the conformational stability of the ring and improves cyclisation yields. For linear peptides that do not contain amino acid residues that stabilise turn structures, the cyclisation reaction is WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 likely to be an inherently improbable or slow process, due to the preference for extended conformations resulting in large strain upon ring formation.

This has led to the utilisation of various reversible chemical modifications of the peptide main chain, to enhance the cis amide bond conformation and hence reduce ring strain upon cyclisation, and to improve cyclisation yields. In the synthesis of cyclo-[Phe Phe Phe Phe], each amide N was substituted with a Boc (Cavelier-Frontin et al, 1993). In this instance the cyclisation yield increased from less than 1% to 27%.

Similarly, the use of the N-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl) (HMB) group as a reversible N-substituent has resulted in similar increases in yields of cyclic peptides (Ehrlich et al, 1996; Ehrlich et al, 1996), although no systematic study has been undertaken to quantify these effects. From the point of view of constructing peptide libraries it is impracticable to substitute every amide N of the linear precursor.

b) Ring Contraction Ring contraction chemistry can be used for initial formation of larger flexible rings where the desired C- and N-termini are appropriately positioned to "snap shut" in a ring contraction reaction to yield the target cyclic peptide after deprotection. Ring contraction for the synthesis of cyclic peptides by intramolecular thiazolidine formation from linear unprotected peptide precursors (Scheme 4) has recently been reported (Botti et al, 1996). This procedure has the disadvantage of incorporation of the thiazolidine ring, and an additional stereo centre, into every sequence, and is not a generic procedure suitable for a combinatorial library approach.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 11

R"

0 R- HNN RR' o HN HN o oH

OH

Scheme 4 Ring contraction chemistry for synthesis of cyclic peptides Several other research groups have also utilised ring contraction approaches for the synthesis of cyclic peptides (Camamero and Muir, 1997; Shao et al, 1998).

These procedures either require the presence of a Cys or are restricted to cyclisation of peptides containing Gly at one of the termini, and are therefore not suitable for library development.

There is therefore a great need in the art for a mild, efficient, versatile synthetic strategy for the synthesis of cyclic peptides. We have now found that by introducing substituents or other moieties which preorganise peptides for cyclisation, cyclic peptides can be efficiently synthesized under mild conditions both in solution and on resin. These moieties, which we have termed peptide cyclisation auxiliaries, result in increased yields and purity of cyclic peptides. We have examined two approaches: 1. Positioning reversible N-amide substituents in the sequence.

2. Applying native ligation chemistry in an intramolecular sense.

We have evaluated these for their improvements in the solution and solid phase synthesis of small cyclic peptides.

We have systematically investigated the effects of preorganising peptides prior to cyclisation, and have developed new linkers to aid cyclic peptide synthesis. We have found surprising improvements in both yields and WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 12 purity of products compared to the prior art methods. The combination of these technologies provides a powerful generic approach for the solution and solid phase synthesis of small cyclic peptides.

We have also developed linkers, and peptide cyclisation auxiliaries to aid cyclic peptide synthesis.

The ring contraction and N-amide substitution technology of the invention used in conjunction with the activated, safety catch, and backbone linker strategies of the invention provide improved methods for the solid-phase synthesis of cyclic peptides.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A feature of this invention is the combination of inducing flexibility in the peptide backbone, through reversible or irreversible N-substitution or forcing cis amide bond conformations via cis-amide bond surrogates, with novel ring contraction chemistry to preorganise peptides and facilitate the cyclisation reaction in solution. Another feature of the invention is the option of combining one or more of these preorganising technologies with novel linkers which provide attachment between peptide and resin, to provide a solid phase strategy for the mild, efficient synthesis of cyclic peptides or cyclic peptide libraries.

In its most preferred general aspect, this invention provides solution and solid-phase methods for the preparation of a cyclic peptide of the structure:

P

General Formula I 13 where is a cyclic peptide or peptidomimetic, in which the representation of the structure follows standard conventions with the C-terminus on the right hand side of P. It comprises between 1 to 15 monomers, preferably 1 to 10 monomers, more preferably 1 to 5 monomers. This may be a monocycle, bicycle or higher order cycle, and may comprise protected or unprotected monomers.

Another general aspect of the invention provides solid-phase methods for the synthesis of cyclic peptides or peptidomimetics of the structure: General Formula II where L is a linker unit, linking the cyclic peptide to the solid support The linker L may be attached to any atom of the peptide, but is preferably attached to a backbone nitrogen or to an atom in the side chain of the 20 monomer.

Thus, in a first aspect the invention provides a method of synthesis of cyclic peptides or cyclic peptidomimetic compounds, comprising the steps of: a) Synthesizing a corresponding linear 25 peptide, b) inducing flexibility in the peptide or peptidomimetic compound by reversible N-substitution or by forcing a cis amide bond conformation using a cis-amide bond surrogate to facilitate cyclisation, and 30 c) subjecting the cyclic peptide or peptidomimetic compound to a ring contraction reaction.

\\melb_files\home$\cintae\Keep\speci\61830.99 amended pages.doc 20/08/03 WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 14 This ring contraction reaction may occur spontaneously, so that a separate reaction may not be required.

The method is applicable to both solution phase and solid phase synthesis.

In a preferred embodiment, this aspect of the invention provides a method for solution phase synthesis of a cyclic peptide of General Formula I, comprising the steps of: a) Preparing a linear peptide of General Formula III

IA

General Formula III where P is a linear peptide of 10 to 15 monomers, preferably 1 to 10 monomers, most preferably 1 to monomers.

Al is one or more N-substituents, either reversible or non-reversible, on the peptide backbone, or is a chemical moiety that forces a cis conformation of the backbone, and A2 is a covalently-bonded group of atoms comprising a reactive functionality to form an initial large cyclic peptide prior to ring contraction to the desired substituted cyclic peptide; b) Activating the C-terminus to form a cyclic peptide of General Formula IV: WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 IA2 General Formula IV c) Permitting the peptide of General Formula IV to rearrange via a ring contraction reaction (which may occur spontaneously) to form a cyclic peptide of General Formula V; and optionally

A]

A- P General Formula V d) Subjecting the cyclic peptide of General Formula V to a deprotection reaction to remove the groups Al and A2 to yield the desired cyclic peptide of General Formula I.

Optionally one or more of the groups Al or A2 may be left attached to the peptide to provide a suitable point for attaching to a solid support, for derivatising with additional chemical functionality to improve library diversity, or for dimerisation or oligomerisation with other cyclic peptides or molecules, as illustrated below.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 16 R solid support or other chemical moiety P A2-A2- P Alternatively ring contraction may lead to spontaneous elimination of A2.

Preferably Al is a reversible N-substituent, such as 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl, 2-hydroxybenzyl or 2-hydroxy- 6-nitrobenzyl substituents.

Preferably A2 comprises a nucleophile (eg. thiol or hydroxyl) that reacts rapidly with a C-terminus to form an initial large ring, which then contracts either spontaneously, or upon heating or additional chemical treatment (eg. addition of metal ions). A2 may be an irreversible substituent, may be removed after ring contraction, or may eliminate spontaneously, upon ring contraction. A2 also provides access to an additional site for substitution to increase library diversity. A2 may also be any of the compounds of General Formula I described in our co-pending PCT application corresponding to Australian provisional patent application No. PP6165 filed on 25 September 1998, the same day as this application, entitled "Auxiliaries for Amide Bond Formation". Specific examples of these auxiliaries are exemplified herein.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of solid phase synthesis of cyclic peptides, comprising the steps of: WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 17 a) synthesis of a linear peptide of General Formula VI, bound to a solid support via a linker L, IAl P

Q

General Formula VI where Al and P are as defined above and L is a linker between any atom of the peptide and the solid support, and either subjecting the peptide (comprising either protected or unprotected monomers) to cyclisation and concomitant cleavage from the solid support to yield a cyclic peptide of General Formula VII,

[A]

P

General Formula VII followed by selective removal or derivatisation of Al as described above, if necessary followed by side chain deprotection of the peptide and removal of Al to yield the desired cyclic peptide of General Formula I; or (ii) cyclisation of the peptide to yield a second solid support-bound cyclic peptide of General Formula VIII, WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 18

A]

~I

P EE- O General Formula VIII The person skilled in the art will appreciate that side chain deprotection of the peptide, removal of Al and cleavage from the solid support may be performed separately or concurrently. Removal of peptide protecting groups, Al and cleavage from the solid support will yield the desired cyclic peptide of General Formula I.

Alternatively both a linker unit and A2 as described above are used.

Thus in another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method of solid-phase synthesis of a cyclic peptide, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a linear solid support-bound peptide of General Formula IX: IA2 General Formula IX in which A2, P and L are as defined above; b) subjecting the peptide of General Formula IX to cyclisation and concomitant cleavage from the solid support to yield a cyclic peptide of General Formula X; WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 19 JA2 k General Formula X c) allowing the cyclic peptide X to undergo ring contraction (which may occur spontaneously) to yield a second cyclic peptide of General Formula XI, and General Formula XI d) either derivatising the group A2, or removing A2 to yield the desired cyclic peptide of General Formula I.

In another alternative the linear solid supportbound peptide of General Formula IX may be subjected to initial cyclisation and ring contraction on the solid support to yield a solid support-bound cyclic peptide of General Formula XII, General Formula XII and either WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 cleaved from the solid support to yield an A2- substituted cyclic peptide, or (ii) deprotected and cleaved from the solid support to yield a cyclic peptide of General Formula I.

Alternatively, the group A2 may be derivatised either in solid phase or in solution.

Again it will be appreciated that peptide deprotection, removal of A2 and cleavage from the solid support may be performed separately or concurrently.

Most preferably the method of the invention utilises all three of N-substituents, (ii) a covalently-bonded group of atoms which forms an initial large ring which subsequently contracts, and (iii) synthesis on a solid support.

Therefore in a third aspect, the invention provides a method of solid phase synthesis of a cyclic peptide, comprising the steps of a) synthesis of a linear solid support-bound peptide of General Formula XIII,

P

A2 General Formula XIII where Al, A2, P and L are as defined above; b) subjecting the peptide of General Formula XIII to cyclisation and concomitant cleavage from the solid support to yield a cyclic peptide of General Formula XIV, WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 21

AD

P

General Formula XIV c) subjecting the cyclic peptide of General Formula XIV to ring contraction (which may be spontaneous), and d) cleaving the groups Al and A2 to yield the desired cyclic peptide of General Formula I.

Alternatively this aspect of the invention provides a method of solid phase synthesis of cyclic peptides, comprising the steps of; a) synthesis of a linear solid support-bound peptide of General Formula XIII, b) subjecting the linear peptide to cyclisation on the solid support to yield a cyclic peptide of General Formula XV,

[A

A2 General Formula XV c) subjecting the cyclic peptide to ring contraction (which may occur spontaneously) to yield a cyclic peptide of General Formula XVI, WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 22

A]

FA2- P General Formula XVI and either d) cleaving groups Al and A2 while the peptide is bound to the solid support to yield a solid supportbound cyclic peptide of General Formula II, or General Formula II e) subjecting the cyclic peptide to deprotection and concomitant cleavage from the solid support to yield the desired cyclic peptide of General Formula I.

Once again it will be appreciated that peptide deprotection, removal of A2 and cleavage from the solid support may be performed separately or concurrently.

For the purposes of this specification, the term "monomer" includes compounds which'have an amino and carboxy terminus separated in a 1,2, 1,3, 1,4 or larger substitution pattern. This includes the 20 naturallyoccurring a-amino acids in either the L or D configuration, the biosynthetically-available amino acids not usually found in proteins, such as 4-hydroxy-proline, WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 23 hydroxylysine, citrulline and ornithine; syntheticallyderived a-amino acids, such as a-methylalanine, norleucine, norvaline, Ca- and N-alkylated amino acids, homocysteine, and homoserine; and many others as known to the art. It also includes compounds that have an amine and carboxyl functional group separated in a 1,3 or larger substitutionpattern, such as-P-alanine, y-amino butyric acid, Freidinger lactam (Freidinger et al, 1982), the bicyclic dipeptide (BTD) (Freidinger et al, 1982; Nagai and Sato, 1985), amino-methyl benzoic acid (Smythe and von Itzstein, 1994), and others well known to the art. Statine-like isosteres, hydroxyethylene isosteres, reduced amide bond isosteres, thioamide isosteres, urea isosteres, carbamate isosteres, thioether isosteres, vinyl isosteres and other amide bond isosteres known to the art are also useful for the purposes of the invention. Thus the word "peptide" as used herein encompasses peptidomimetic compounds.

Optionally the peptide may be protected with one or more protecting groups of the type used in the art (see for example Bodanszky, (1984), "Principles of Peptide Synthesis", Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg).

A peptide is comprised of between one and fifteen monomers, preferably between one and ten monomers, more preferably one to five monomers.

The solid support may be of any type used for solid phase synthesis of peptides, peptidomimetics, oligonucleotides, oligosacharides or organic molecules.

The solid support may be in the form of a bead, a pin or another such surface which is suitable for use in solid phase synthesis. A wide variety of suitable support materials are known in the art. See for example Meldal, Methods in Enzymology, 1997 289 83-104. Commerciallyavailable polystyrene supports, including aminomethylpolystyrene, benzhydrylaminepolystyrene, polyethyleneglycol-polystyrene are especially suitable.

A "linker" means any covalently-bonded group of atoms which connects an atom or molecular fragment to WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/0013 24 another via covalent bonds. See for example Songster, Barany. Methods in Enzymology, 1997 289 126-175.

Typically the linker will comprise an optionally substituted allyl, aryl, alkylene group containing functionality, such as an ether, ester, amide, sulfonamide, sulfide, or sulfoxide functionality, within the linker.

Such a functionality will normally be used to create the connection between the two groups, or to separate the groups.

A "cis amide bond surrogate" is a chemical group, such as a tetrazole(Marshall et al, 1981), which forces a cis conformation.

N,

0

N

N \N0 SR' R" R' R" For the purposes of this specification it will be clearly understood that the word "comprising" means "including but not limited to", and that the word "comprises" has a corresponding meaning.

Coupling methods to form peptide bonds are well known to the art. See for example Albericio and Carpino, 1997. When synthesising cyclic peptides in solution or upon a side chain or backbone attachment, the choice of activation can affect the yields and purity of cyclic material. For slow cyclisations the increased lifetime of the intermediate activated linear peptide provides an opportunity for increased epimerisation at the C-terminal residue. The extent of epimerisation may be diminished by application of the azide method (Izumiya et al, 1981) or its modification using DPPA (Brady et al, 1983). However, these methods are extremely slow, usually requiring many hours or even several days (Izumiya et al, 1981; Schmidt and Neubert, 1991; Heavner et al, 1991). In comparison with DPPA, TBTU (Knorr et al, 1989) and BOP (Castro et al, WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 1975) provide fast cyclisation, but may lead to C-terminal epimerisation. The HOAt coupling reagents have recently been reported significantly to improve head-to-tail cyclisation of penta- and hexa-peptides with reduced epimerisation rates (Ehrlich et al, 1996).

Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 shows HPLC elution profiles of the crude product of solid phase synthesis of cyclo-D-G-(Cat)-R-G following cyclisation and concomitant cleavage from the resin (Profile A) and HPLC-purified cyclo-D-G-(Cat)-R-G synthesised in solution phase (Profile B).

Figure 2 shows an LC-MS profile of the crude filtrate obtained after HF cleavage and base cyclisation of a cyclic peptide synthesised using a safety catch linker of n=2.

Figure 3 shows the results of HPLC analysis of cyclisation of linear peptide la A) after 3h at rt and B) lh heating to 65.C in the presence of excess DIEA. The solutions were dried under high vacuum, dissolved in aqueous acetonitrile and were loaded directly onto a Vydac reversed-phase C-18 (5 pm, 300 A, 0.46 x 25 cm) HPLC column. The products were separated using a linear 0-80% buffer B gradient over 40 min at a flow rate of 1 mL/min.

Figure 4 shows the results of HPLC analysis of the photolysis of cyclic peptide 8a at timed intervals. A 0.15mM solution of peptide 8a in MeOH 1% AcOH was photolysed using a standard UV lamp, and at different time intervals small aliquots were injected onto a Zorbax reversed-phase C-18 (3 pm, 300 A, 0.21 x 5 cm) HPLC column.

The products were separated using a linear 0-80% buffer B gradient over 10 min at a flow rate of 200 pL/min (detection at 214 nm).

Figure 5 shows the HPLC profile of the reaction products from cyclisation of peptides la, Id and le, (i) WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 26 leq BOP 2eq DIEA, 1mM in DMF; (ii) 10 eq DIEA, 6h at rt.

L=Linear peptide, Cycl head-to-tail cyclic product.

Figure 6 shows an HPLC comparison of the crude cyclisation products of peptide If using either HATU or BOP as cyclisation reagent. The two major peaks in the chromatograms have a molecular weight of 825g/mol, corresponding to the target cyclic product cyclo-[(Hnb)Gly- (Hnb)Tyr-Arg-Phe] The first eluting product is the all-L isomer, the second product contains D-Phe.

Figure 7 shows the reaction profiles obtained from cyclisation of peptide 4 under a range of reaction conditions.

Figure 8 shows results of crude HPLC of linear peptides 17 and 18 using backbone linkage. A H-Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly-OH 17; B [HnB]Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly-OH 18; Cleavage was performed using HF p-cresol, 9 1, -5 OC, 1 h.

Figure 9 shows the results of crude HPLC for the cyclisation of linear peptides 16 using backbone linkage.

A [HnB]Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly-OH 18; B cyclo-[[HnB]Tyr-Arg- Phe-Gly] 21. Cyclisation was performed using BOP, DIEA, 3 days, while cleavage was performed using HF p-cresol, 9 1, -5 OC, 1 h.

Figure 10 shows the effect of compounds (1pM) on evoked excitatory junction currents (measure of transmitter release) from sympathetic varicosities of the mouse vas deferens. Each filled circle represents an EJC recorded during 100 minutes. Failure to record an EJC is indicated by filled circles on zero of the y-axis. The lower horizontal line indicates when the mixture of cyclic tetrapeptides (1pM) was applied to the tissue bathing solution and the upper horizontal line when naloxone (1M) was added to the tissue bathing solution. Note that the mixture of tetrapeptides (IpM) greatly reduces the EJC amplitude and frequency, and that the opiate antagonist (naloxone) inhibits this effect.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 27 Figure 11 shows the effect of a mixture of cyclic tetrapeptides (1pM) on the average excitatory junction current (EJC) recorded from sympathetic varicosities of mouse vas deferens. Each bar is the average of at least recordings, and the vertical lines show the standard deviation of the mean. Note there was a highly significant decrease in EJC amplitude and frequency following minutes of cyclic tetrapeptide exposure of the preparation, and that this effect was reversed by naloxone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention will now be described in detail by way of reference only to the following non-limiting examples, and to the figures.

Abbreviations used herein are as follows:

DIEA

DMF

DMSO

DPPA

BOP

HOAt

HBTU

HMB

HPLC

ISMS

LC-MS

NMR

ROESY

r.t.

TOCSY

Diisopropylethylamine dimethylformamide dimethylsulphoxide diphenylphosphoryl azide benzotrizo-l-yloxy-tris(dimethylamino) phosphonium hexaflurophosphate 7-aza-l-hydroxybenzotriazole O-benzotriazole-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl high performance liquid chromatography ion spray mass spectrometry liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry Nuclear Magnetic Resonance rotating frame Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy room temperature total correlated spectroscopy.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 28 Experimental General Methods Melting Points were determined on a Gallenkamp m.p. apparatus and are uncorrected. Solvent evaporation were carried out using a Buchi rotary evaporator.

Deionised water was used throughout, and was prepared by a- Milli-Q water purification system (Millipore-Waters).

Screw-cap glass peptide synthesis reaction vessels (20 mL) with sintered glass filter frit were obtained from Embell Scientific Glassware (Queensland, Australia). An all-Kel-F apparatus (Peptide Institute) was used for HF cleavage.

Argon, helium and nitrogen (all ultrapure grade) were from BOC gases (Queensland, Australia).

1 H NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian Gemini 300 spectrometer at 300 MHz, and chemical shifts are reported in 6 parts per million down field from tetramethylsilane. Coupling constants refer to vicinal proton-proton coupling. 13 C NMR spectra were also recorded on a Varian Gemini spectrometer at 75.5 MHz. TOCSY and ROESY spectra were performed on a Buchi ARX 500 spectrometer.

Mass spectra were acquired on a PE-Sciex API-III triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an Ionspray atmospheric pressure ionization source. Samples (10 mL) were injected into a moving solvent (30 mL/min; 50/50 CH3CN/0.05 TFA) coupled directly to the ionisation source via a fused silica capillary interface (50 mm i.d. x cm length). Sample droplets were ionized at a positive potential of 5 kV and entered the analyser through an interface plate and subsequently through an orifice (100-120 mm diameter) at a potential of 80 V. Full scan mass spectra were acquired over the mass range of 200 to 1000 daltons with a scan step size of 0.1 Da. Molecular masses were derived from the observed m/z values using the MacSpec 3.3 and Biomultiview 1.2 software packages (PE-Sciex Toronto, Canada).

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 29 Thin layer chromatography (Tic) was performed on silica gel 60 F 2 5 4 plates (Merck Art 5735). The chromatograms were viewed under u.v. light and/or developed with iodine vapour. Preparative column chromatography was effected under pressure, using for normal phase Merck Kieselgel 60 (Merck Art 7734). Analytical reverse phase HPLC were run using a C-18 Vydac column (218TP52022), while Semi-Preparative reverse phase HPLC was carried out using a C-18 Vydac column (218TP52022). Both columns were attached to a Waters HPLC apparatus fitted with a Holochrome U.V.

detector. Measurements were carried out at either X=214 nM or 254 nM. Chromatographic separations were achieved using linear gradients of buffer B in A (A 0.1 aqueous TFA; B 90 CH3CN, 10 H20, 0.09 TFA) at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min (microbore), 1 mL/min (analytical) and 8 mL/min (preparative).

Materials Boc-L-amino acids, Fmoc-L-aminoacids, Boc-Val- Polyaminomethylstyrene Resin, Merrifield resin, Boc-Gly-PAM Resin, synthesis grade dimethylformamide (DMF), trifluroacetic acid (TFA) and diisopropylethylamine (DIEA) were purchased from Auspep (Parkville, Australia) or Novabiochem (Alexandria, Australia). Chlorotrityl Resin was purchased from Pepchem (Tubingen, Germany). HBTU and BOP were purchased from Richelieu Biotechnologies (Montreal, Canada). Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride salt (TCEP) was purchased from Strem Chemicals Inc. Newburyport MA. AR grade EtOAc, MeOH,

CH

2 C12, CHC1 3 hexane, acetone and HPLC grade CH3CN were all obtained from Laboratory Supply (Australia), HF was purchased from CIG (Australia). All other reagents were AR grade or better, and were obtained from Aldrich or Fluka.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 Example 1 Peptide Cyclisation Auxiliaries Backbone substitution N-substitution has the potential to alter the cis-trans equilibrium favouring more cis conformations and enhancing cyclisation yields: i0H 2 N R2 0 R 2 P 0 R4 HN HN R4 TRANS CIS (b) We have examined the effect of the number and position of N-methylations on cyclisation yield of tetraglycine. Eight linear tetrapeptides were synthesised, including all permutations of glycine and sarcosine (N-methyl glycine) at the three C-terminal residues. These are summarised in Table 3.

WO 00/18790 PCT/A U99/00813 31 Table 3 Linear N-substituted Tetraglycines and Corresponding Yields of Cyclisation Linear tetrapeptide Yield of cyclisation Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly <1% Gly-Gly-Gly-Sar 8% Gly-Gly-Sar-Gly 11% Gly-Sar-Gly-Gly 1% Gly-Gly-Sar-Sar 18% Gly-Sar-Gly-Sar 2% Gly-Sar-Sar-Gly 13% Gly-Sar-Sar-Sar Yield of cyclisation for the corresponding N-HMB substituted linear tetraglycine, ie where sarcosine is replaced by [-N(HMB)-CH2-CO-].

The yield for each cyclisation was calculated from the weight of isolated product. The results of this experiment suggest that N-substitution of the N-l or N-2 position of a tetrapeptide significantly improves yields of cyclisation whereas N-substitution at the third residue has little effect. The effect of multiple substitution at two or more N-sites appears to be more or less additive. The best cyclisation result was obtained with the N-l and N-2 substituted precursor Gly-Gly-Sar-Sar. However, from a synthetic point of view substitution at the N-l position is less desirable, as this facilitates diketopiperazine formation at the dipeptide stage during assembly of the linear precursor. We have found that altering the position of the backbone substituent can significantly affect the ratio of monocycle over dimer or higher oligomers.

We have extended this N-substitution approach to include reversible N-substitution. Three linear WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 32 precursors, the backbone unprotected peptide X and two backbone HMB-substituted analogues Y and Z, were prepared.

AsdOBuVal-Gy-Leu

X

A\D(Bu)-VaI-Gy-Lu

Y

AsD(OCJVal Gy-[Ia HO a C~1t z The three peptides were subjected to standard cyclisation protocols and the crude reaction mixtures analysed by HPLC and ISMS. The products (monomers and dimers) were further examined for epimerisation at the C-terminal leucine. Table 4 lists the products found and the corresponding yield of isolated material by weight) Table 4 Yields of Isolated products of Tetrapeptides X, from Cyclisation Y and Z X Y Z Linear Monocycle (L-Leu) Monocycle (D-Leu) Dimer (L,D-Leu) Dimer (L,L-Leu) Overall D 8% 7% 2% 16% 1% 17% 3% 8% 19% 5% 43% As expected, the unsubstituted tetrapeptide X generates dimers, with no detectable amounts of monocycle present as assessed by ISMS. Two dimers are found in a ratio of 1/10 as assessed by HPLC. The first eluting dimer WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/0013 33 contains L-Leucine and D-Leucine in a ratio of 1/1. The second eluting dimer is formed from cyclisation of the all L-octapeptide. Considering that for cyclisation of peptide X, 0.5% D-Leu is observed and that a total yield of 18% was achieved, this equates to an overall epimerisation at the C-terminus of approximately 3% (0.5/18 x 100) On the other hand, both backbone-substituted tetrapeptides Y and Z generate a significant amount of cyclic tetrapeptide (monocycle), corroborating the N-Me study described above. As for peptide X, two dimers are formed [L-Leu/D-Leu and L-Leu/L-Leu] when cyclising peptide Y. For tetrapeptide Y a total of 80% of the separated monocycle contains L-Leu, but surprisingly for tetrapeptide Z a total of 70% of the separated monocycle contains D-Leu. For peptide Y about 5% D-Leucine is found in the total separated product, and for peptide Z 43% D-Leu is found. For tetrapeptide Z, this is equivalent to almost 100% racemisation (50% D-Leu 50% L-Leu). In an attempt to minimise epimerisation of the C-terminus, cyclisation of tetrapeptide Z was performed with HATU instead of BOP.

Under these conditions overall D-leucine was halved.

Once epimerised, tetrapeptide Z cyclises more efficiently (16% D-Leu monocycle, no D-Leu/D-Leu dimer detected). Tetrapeptide Y is less reactive, as significant amounts of linear peptide are still present after three hours of activation. This may be explained by increased steric hindrance at the N-terminus.

We conclude that introduction of an HMB group on the middle amide nitrogen of the tetrapeptide X (ie.

tetrapeptide Z) assists cyclisation, but significantly promotes epimerisation of the C-terminus. Substitution at the third amide nitrogen (tetrapeptide Y) assists cyclisation without increased epimerisation but reduces the reactivity of the peptide. In Example 3 below, we describe ring contraction chemistry that may help alleviate the epimerisation problems while enhancing cyclisation through N-substitution.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 34 Experimental to Example 1 This section describes the experimental details for preorganising peptides prior to cyclisation via Nsubstitution.

Date in Table 3 Boc-Sar-Merrifield resin was prepared as follows: Boc-Sar-OH (380 mg, 2 mmole) was dissolved in 2 mL H 2 0 containing Cs 2

CO

3 (326 mg, 1 mmole). The mixture was lyophilised and residue taken up in DMF (5 mL). The solution is added to Merrifield resin (2.7 gr, 0.7 mmol/gr) and heated to 50 0 C overnight. The resin is filtered, washed and dried (3.05 gr, 0.65 mmole/gr). The tetrapeptides were assembled using in situ neutralisation protocols. After assembly the peptides were cleaved using HF/p-cresol at 0°C for 1 hour. The HF was then evaporated and the product precipitated with cold ether mL). After the ether washes (3 x 10 mL) the crude peptides were dissolved in water and purified by HPLC using 100% water (0.1%TFA) Cyclisation (Table 3) The purified peptides (0.1 mmole) were dissolved in 100 mL DMF. BOP (133 mg, 0.3 mmole) was added followed by DIEA (0.5 mmole, 87 pL). After stirring overnight, the DMF was removed in vacuo, and the residues dissolved in acetonitrile/water containing TFA and loaded on a reverse phase HPLC column. The isolated products from the HPLC run (10 minutes at 100% A, then 1% gradient to B) were analysed by ISMS and analytical HPLC, dried and weighed. Yields were calculated from the weight of the isolated product.

Epimerisation Studies (Table 4) The N-substituted linear peptides were synthesised on chloro-trityl resin. The HMB-protection WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 group was introduced via solid phase reductive alkylation of the N-terminus with 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (Ede et al, Tetrahedron Lett., 1996 37 9097). Acylation of the secondary amine was carried out by preactivating the following Fmoc-protected residue using HOAT (2Eq.) and DIC (lEq.) for 30 min in DMF and performing the reaction at 0 C for 12 hours. The peptide assembly was completed as described previously and linear peptide cleaved from the resin (1%TFA in DCM). All three peptides (all L-residues) were purified by reverse phase HPLC prior to cyclisation.

Cyclisation The purified peptides (0.1 mmole) were dissolved in DMF (100 mL). BOP (133 mg, 0.3 mmole) was added, followed by DIEA (0.5 mmole, 87 pL). After 3 hours stirring the DMF was removed in vacuo residues dissolved in acetonitrile/water containing TFA and the solution loaded on a reverse phase HPLC column. The isolated products from the HPLC run (5 minutes at 80% A, then 2% gradient to 100% B) were analysed by ISMS, analytical HPLC and epimerisation of leucine determined by amino acid analysis. Yields were calculated from the weight of the isolated product and the ratio of L/D from AA-analysis.

Example 2 Ring Contraction Another approach to overcoming the problems in the solution and solid phase synthesis of small cyclic peptides is to utilise novel ring contraction chemistry.

As previously noted, the preferred extended conformation and rigidity of amide bonds is a problem in small peptide cyclisation. By initially forming a larger, more flexible ring, through the inclusion of a flexible "linker unit", the potential for end-to-tail cyclisation is enhanced by increasing the effective concentration of the C- and N-terminus. The desired C- and N-termini are then appropriately positioned to "snap shut" in a ring WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 36 contraction reaction. This is shown schematically in Scheme

R"

HN n O R HN- 0

R"

H0 0= n n

R"

HH 0 'R N R' o Scheme Ring contraction chemistry The ring contraction auxiliaries illustrated below are evaluated for this purpose.

S H S

H

Sn N R' n0C 1- R' S R

'H

n N R'

H

R'

R=H,OMe R=H,N02

X=O,S

Examples of ring contraction auxiliaries Additional auxiliaries include: WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 37 A OH H O N

N

rN

R

R'=peptide N R=H,Me A subset of ring contraction auxiliaries To examine the feasibility of the ring contraction approach, we have synthesised a number of linear pentapeptides carrying an ethane thiol group at the N-terminus. The synthesis of the linear precursors was achieved as illustrated in Scheme 6. Bromoacetic acid was coupled to the N-terminus of the resin-bound tetrapeptide using the symmetrical anhydride approach. The bromopeptide was treated with a 2M solution of cystamine in DMSO and the resulting peptide cleaved from the resin. The disulfide moiety was further reduced using TCEP in an 0.1M ammonium carbonate solution and the free sulfide purified by HPLC.

The sulfide was then subjected to standard cyclisation conditions (ie 10- 3 M in DMF, 3 eq. BOP, 5 eq DIEA).

Presumably, the initially formed thioester spontaneously rearranges to the ethane thiol substituted cyclic peptide.

The resulting product was confirmed by NMR examination and by the fact that the sulfide readily dimerises in DMF. The dimer was isolated and characterised by ISMS and NMR.

Reduction of the dimer with TCEP reestablished the free sulfide-peptide in quantitative yields.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813

H

N

0- HN NH

H

2

N

HN

NH

HN

0.1 M NH4CO 3 H2

N

TCEP

.03 M NH4+OAc

-NH

>=NH

H

2

N

Scheme 6 Synthesis and cyclisation of the linear ethane thiol-substituted precursor for ring contraction This process has several distinct advantages.

The increased nucleophilicity of the thiol compared to the amine presumably results in rapid formation of the thioester, thereby significantly reducing the potential for epimerisation. The C- and N-termini are then appropriately positioned to snap shut in a ring contraction reaction.

In this example the ethane thiol group is irreversibly linked to the cyclic target. We have designed and tested other auxiliaries, outlined above, that allow cleavage of the auxiliary-peptide bond. The ring contraction in all the above-mentioned examples proceeds via a five or six-membered fused ring transition state.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 39 Synthesis of a difficult cyclic peptide, [cyclo[Ala-Phe- Leu-Pro-Ala].: H-Ala-Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala-OH was a recently reported example of a sequence which is difficult to cyclise (Schmidt and Langner, 1997). When subjected to cyclisation conditions, dimers and higher oligmers were generated, but no target cyclopentapeptide was formed. In the following set of experiments, summarized in Scheme 7, we demonstrate that the monocycle was accessible using a ring contraction strategy.

Cyclisation of unsubstituted Ala-Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala.

As a control experiment we attempted to cyclise the unsubstituted linear peptide (Ala-Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala) using standard cyclisation conditions (1mM in DMF, 3eq. BOP, DIEA, 3h at rt). As expected from the previously reported results (Schmidt and Langer, 1997), only cyclic dimer and some trimer were obtained, but no target monocyclic product was isolated.

Cyclisation using 5-nitro-2-hydroxybenzyl auxiliary.

The 5-nitro-2-hydroxybenzyl auxiliary used in this and other examples was as described in our co-pending PCT application corresponding to Australian provisional application No. PP6165 filed on 25th September 1999. The peptide la, containing the 5-nitro-2-hydroxybenzyl substituent, was synthesised and cyclised under standard conditions, yielding two monocyclic products as well as significant amounts of a side product 3a (Mr, 812 Da), caused by reaction of the phenol functionality with excess BOP in the reaction mixture (Scheme 7, A) By adjusting the amount of activating reagent and base, formation of this side product was completely avoided. The reaction conditions were further optimised by altering the temperature and amount of base after an initial cyclisation period, and monitoring the formation of monocyclic products by LC/MS analysis. The best results were obtained when WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 after 3h of reaction (1mM in DMF, leq BOP, 2eq DIEA, rt) excess DIEA (10eq) was added and the mixture left standing for 24 h or heated to 65-C for 1 hour.

A. u 1,2 (a-c) ii 6 0 2 N 5, 6 (a-c)

CO

2 Bt -+NMe2 2 N NMe 2 3,4 (a-c) 02N- NMe 2 7, 8 (a-c) 0 Ala-Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala Ala-Phe-Leu-Pro-(D)Ala Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala-Ala 8 (a-c) 9 (a-c) Scheme 7: Cyclisation of auxiliary containing peptides 1,2 and formation of the target cyclic peptides 7,8(B) i) 3 eq. BOP 5 eq. DIEA, 3h at rt; ii) 1 eq. BOP 2 eq.

DIEA, 3h rt; 10 eq. DIEA, 12h rt or Ih at 65 0 C; iii) hv (366nm).

The HPLC profile of the crude product is depicted in Figure 3B. The main product (50% isolated yield) was unambiguously characterised by NMR, ES-MS and chiral amino acid analysis as the all-L target monocyclic product 7a. A 1 H NMR absorption at 11.5 ppm confirmed that the product contained the free hydroxy substituent, and thus did not have the ester structure but rather the target cyclic amide structure. Further, a small amount of the C-terminally racemised product 7b (see Figure 3B) was also isolated. A WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 41 chiral amino acid analysis of the product confirmed the presence of a D-Ala residue.

Cyclisation using 6-nitro-2-hydroxybenzyl auxiliary.

As the 5-nitro-2-hydroxybenzyl auxiliary is not readily removed after cyclisation, we examined cyclisation using the 6-nitro-2-hydroxybenzyl auxiliary peptide 2a. The ortho-nitro substituent, while maintaining a similar activation effect on the ring contraction of the cyclic intermediate 6a (compared to 5a), has the added benefit that it should render the auxiliary photolabile. The linear peptide 2a was synthesised and treated as described above for the 5-nitro-2-hydroxy derivative. Thus cyclisation (at 1mM in DMF, 1 eq. BOP 2eq. DIEA) was performed at rt for 3 h, followed by addition of excess DIEA (10eq) and heating to 65-C for 1 hour. The major product was isolated in 39% yield, and characterised by NMR and chiral amino acid analysis as the all-L cyclopentapeptide 8a. A small amount of the C-terminal racemised cyclic product (containing a D-Ala) 8b was also isolated.

Similarly N-(6-nitro-2-hydroxybenzyl) Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala-Ala 2c was assembled and cyclised as above. The all-L cyclo pentapeptide 8c was isolated in 45% yield.

Removal of the auxiliary. Cyclic peptide 8a was then subjected to photolysis at 366nm, using a standard UV lamp, in a range of solvent conditions. In most solvents (MeOH, MeOH/AcOH, THF/AcOH, dioxane) the nitrobenzyl substituent on the backbone nitrogen is readily removed to generate the target cyclic peptide 9a (Scheme 5, Figure 4 illustrates the clean and efficient conversion (8a to 9a) The cyclic product was characterised by chiral amino acid analysis and 1 H NMR. The spectral data were in good WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 42 agreement with the reported data. Furthermore, an independent sample of cyclic peptide, prepared by the cyclisation of Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala-Ala according to Schmidt et al (1997), coeluted with the product obtained from photolysis.

The same product 9a was obtained from photolysis of the regio analogue 8c. The racemised cyclic product 8b was photolysed, and similarly produced the unsubstituted D-Ala containing product 9b, which coeluted with an independently synthesised sample.

Experimental to Example 2 This section describes the experimental details of the use of ring contraction concepts for the synthesis of small cyclic peptides.

RinQ Contraction Synthesis of Ring Contraction Auxiliaries N- (2-Bromoethoxy)phthalimide Nz N-O- Br 0 CIoHBrNO 3 Exact Mass: 268.97 Mol. Wt.: 270.08 N-(2-Bromoethoxy)phthalimide was synthesised by a modification of the procedure of Bauer and Suresh (Bauer et al 1963). N-Hydroxyphthalimide (80 g, 0.49 mol), triethylamine (150 mL, 1.08 mol), and 1,2-dibromoethane (175 mL, 2.30 mol) were combined in DMF (575 mL) and WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 43 stirred at room temperature overnight. Solids were filtered and washed with DMF and the filtrate was diluted with water (4.0 L) and the resulting precipitate filtered, dissolved in EtOAc (500 mL), and washed with 1 N HC1 (2 x 100 mL), water (1 x 100 mL), and dried over MgSO 4 Volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the resulting solid recrystallised from 95% EtOH to give as a white solid (87.1 g, mp. 94-96°C; lit. mp. 94-96°C. 1 H NMR (CDC1 3 8 7.82 4H), 4.49 2H, J 6.9 Hz), 3.65 (t, 2H, J 6.9 Hz).

N- 2 S- (4-Methylbenzyl) thio] ethoxy ]phthalimide 0 [SCH 3 N- 0\

C

1

,H,

1

NO

3

S

Exact Mass: 327.09 Mol. Wt.: 327.40 N-[2-[S-(4-Methylbenzyl)thio] ethoxy]phthalimide was synthesised by a modification of the procedure of Canne et al (Flanigan, 1971). Bromide (55.15 g 217 mmol), 4-methylbenzyl mercaptan (30 g, 217 mmol) and DIPEA (38.55 mL, 217 mmol) were combined in acetonitrile (200 mL) and stirred at room temperature for 72 h. Volatiles were removed in vacuo EtOAc (500 mL) added and filtered.

Solids were washed with EtOAc, and the organics were combined and washed with 1 N HC1 x 200 mL), brine (1 x 200 mL) and water (1 x 200 mL) and dried over MgSO4.

Volatiles were removed in vacuo and the resulting solid recrystallised from EtOAc hexane, 1:1 to yield (10) as a white solid (50.14 g, mp. 82-840C; 1 H NMR (CDC13) 8 7.80 4H), 7.18 2H, J 8.0 Hz), 7.04 2H, WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 44 J 8.0 Hz), 4.22 2H, J 7.4 Hz), 3.75 2H), 2.79 2H, J 7.4 Hz), 2.27 3H).

S- (4-Methylbenzyl) (aminooxy) ethanediol

CH

3 H2N- O CIH 1

NOS

Exact Mass: 197.09 Mol. Wt. 197.30 S-(4-Methylbenzyl)-2-(aminooxy) ethanediol was synthesised by a modification of the procedure by Osby et al (1993). The N-substituted pthalimide (20.0 g, 61.1 mmol) was suspended in a solution of 2-propanol (550 mL) and water (85 mL) and cooled to below 10 0 C. NaBH 4 (18.9 g, 252 mmol) was added portionwise so that the temperature did not exceed this temperature The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. Acetic acid (135 mL) was slowly added until the bubbling ceased, and the flask was stoppered and heated to 500C for 3 h Volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the resulting oil solution diluted with 1 N NaOH and extracted with EtOAc (4 x 200 mL). The hydroxylamine was then extracted into a solution of HC1 (2N, 500 mL) and washed with EtOAc (2 x 250 mL). NaC0 3 was then added to the aqueous phase until bubbling ceased, and the hydroxylamine extracted into EtOAc (3 x 250 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with

H

2 0 (2 x 250 mL) and dried over MgSO 4 Volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the resulting oil purified by flash chromatography (Hexane EtOAc, 3:1) to yield as a clear colourless oil (10.04g, 1 H NMR (CDC13): 67.21 2H, J 8.0 Hz), 7.12 2H, J 8.0 Hz), 5.40 (br s, 2H), 3.77 2H, J 6.5 Hz), 2.71 2H), 2.64 2H, J Hz), 2.33 3H).

WO 00/18790 PCT/A U99/00813 Application Of Ring Contraction Auxiliary (Scheme 6) NH2CCH2H2SSCCH2H2-Gly-Arg-Pro-Phe-Gly-OH

H

2

N,,NH

NH

H

2 -S H N N N OH O O

C,

2

H

5

NO,

6

S

2 Exact Mass: 667.29 Mol. Wt. 667.85 The peptide NH 2

CH

2

CH

2

SSCH

2

CH

2 -Gly-Arg-Pro-Phe-Gly- OH was synthesised in stepwise fashion from Boc-Gly-Pam resin (0.5 g, 0.5 mmol/g) by established methods, using in situ neutralisation/HBtU activation protocols for Boc chemistry. The Pmc protecting group was used for the Arg residue. Coupling reactions were monitored by quantitative ninhydrin assay and were typically After chain assembly was complete and the Na-Boc group removed with neat TFA (2 x 1 min treatment) and neutralised with DIEA in DMF (2 x 1 min treatment), the peptide was bromoacetylated by the method of Robey (Robey, F.A., Fields, Anal. Biochem., 1989 177 373-377).

Bromoacetic acid (277.9 mg, 2.0 mmol) was dissolved in

CH

2 C12 (2 mL), to which was added DIC (126.2 mg, 1 mmol).

After activation for 10-15 min to form the symmetric anhydride, the mixture was diluted with DMF (2 mL), added to the peptide resin, and coupled for 30 min. The resin was washed with DMSO, and cystamine (2 M in DMF, 4 mL) was allowed to react with the bromoacetylated peptide resin for 16 h. The linear peptide was cleaved from resin by the addition of thiocresol: cresol, 1:1 (1 mL), followed by treatment with HF (10 mL) for 1 h at -50C. After removal of the HF under reduced pressure, the crude peptide was WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 46 precipitated in anhydrous Et20 and filtered to remove the scavengers. The peptide was dissolved in HOAc: H0O, 1:19, filtered and the filtrate lyophilized. NH2CH2CH2SSCH 2

CH

2 Glv-Arg-Pro-Phe-Gly-OH was purified by semi-preparative HPLC (20-80% B over 60 min) to give the wanted material (79.6 mg 47%) yield. MS [M+H] =668.1 (expected 668.3).

HSCH2CH2-Gly-Arg-Phe-Gly-OH

H

2 N NH

NH

HS" HN--N N O O

HO

C

26

H

4

NOS

Exact Mass: 592.28 Mol. Wt.: 592.71 The disulfide (66.8 mg, 0.10 mmol) was dissolved in a 0.03 M solution of NH4+OAc- (20 mL).

Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride salt (TCEP) (35.6 mg, 0.15 mmol) was added portionwise to the stirred solution at r.t. After a further 3h at this temperature the resulting mixture was lyophilized to give a white powder. The peptide HSCH2CH2-Gly-Arg-Phe-Gly-OH was purified by semi-preparative HPLC (20-80% B over 60 min) to yield a white powder (40.1 mg, MS [M+H] 593.1 (expected 593.3).

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 47 CCcl- (SCH2CH2-Gly-Arg-Pro-Phe-Gly)

INHN

SH

C

26

H

38

N

8 0 5

S

Exact Mass: 574.27 Moi. Wt.: 574.70 The linear peptide HSCH2CH2-Gly-Arg-Pro-Phe-Gly- OH- (40.0 mg, 0.068 rnmol) and BOP (88.4 mg, 0.2 mmol) was stirred in DMF (68 mL, 1x10- 3 M) at -10 0 C. DTPEA (121 JIL, 0.68 rnmol) was added dropwise to the solution. The reaction was left to stir for a further 2 h at this temperature, before all volatiles were removed in vacuo.

The peptide Cyclo- (SCH2CH2-Glv-Arg-Pro-Phe-Gly) was purified by semi-preparative HPLC (20-80% B over 60 min) to yield a white powder (12.2 mg, MS [M+H]l 743.2 (expected 743.4092).

WO 00/18790 48 Bis- [cyclo-Gly (CH2CH2S) -Arg-Pro-Phe-Gly] PCT/AU99/0081 3 HN-4

NH

2 H 2N\

_NH

H N

C

52

H

74

N

16 0 10

S

2 Exact Mass: 1146.52 Mol. Wt. 1147.38 The peptide Cyclo- (SCH 2

CH

2 -Glv-Arg-Pro-Phe-Gly) (12 mg, 0. 016 mmol) was dissolved in a solution of Na 2

HPO

4 03 M) and stirred at room temperature overnight. The resulting solution was lyophilized to give a white powder.

The peptide Bis- [cyclo-Glv(CH 2

CH

2 S) -Arg-Pro-Phe-Gly] was purified by reverse phase HPLC (20-80% B over 60 min) to yield a white powder (7.4 mg, 81%) MS [M+2H] 2 574.22 (expected 574.27).

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 49 Cyclo-(Gly(CH2CH2SH)-Arg-Pro-Phe-Gly) HN3&

HNH

SH

C

26 H ,NOS Exact Mass: 574.27 Mol. Wt.: 574.70 The disulfide (7.4 mg, 6.50 pmol) was dissolved in a 0.03 M solution of NH 4 OAc (20 mL) TCEP (4.75 mg, 20.0 pmol) was added portionwise to the stirred solution at r.t. After a further 3h at this temperature the resulting mixture was lyophilized to give a white powder. The peptide Cyclo-(Gly(CH 2

CH

2 SH)-Arg-Pro-Phe-Gly) was purified by semi-preparative HPLC (20-80% B over 60 min) to yield a white powder (5.5 mg, MS 575.24 (expected 575.28).

Experimental to synthesis of cyclo [Ala Phe Leu Pro Ala] Cyclisation experiments.

Cyclisation of auxiliary-containing peptides 1 and 2: 1 equivalent of BOP and 2 equivalents of DIEA in DMF were added to a 1 mM solution of the linear peptide in DMF and stirred for 3 h at rt. 10 equivalents of DIEA were then added, and the solution heated at 65 0 C for 1 h. DMF was removed in vacuo, and the crude product was dissolved in acetonitrile/water and purified by RP-HPLC.

Cyclisation of other linear peptides: Cyclisations were performed using a 1mM solution of linear peptide in DMF. 3 equivalents of BOP and 5 equivalents of DIEA were added, WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 and the solution stirred for 3 h at rt. Work-up was as described above.

Cyclo- (5-nitro-2-hydroxybenzyl) -Ala-Phe-Leu-Pro-AlaJ Cyclisation of IV-(5 -nitro-2 -hydroxybenzyl) -Ala- Phe- Leu-Pro-Ala la (30 mg of the TEA salt, 0.038 mmol), produced 7a (12.5 mg, 0.019 mmol) in 51% yield :ES-MS Mr 650.2, calcd for C33H42N608, 650.3 (monoisotopic) 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm) 6 11. 5 Cs, lH, OH) 8.40 1H, NHLeu), 8.02 (dxd, 1H, H-ar), 7.70 1H, H-ar), 7.4 (d, 1H, IlNPhe), 7.20-7.30 (mn, 5H, H-Phe), 6.99 1H, H-ar), 6.54 1H, H-NAla), 5.00 1H, ArCHhN-), 4.91 (mn, 1H, UX-Ala 5 4.75 1H, a-Ala 1 4.59 1H, UX-Phe), 4.50 (in, 1H, cc-Leu) 4.27 Ct, 1H, Ux-Pro) 3. 88 Cd, 1H, ArCHhN-), 3.62 (in, 1H, 6-Pro) 3.37 (mn, 1H, 6-Pro) 2.97 1H, V3 Phe), 2.82 (in, 1H, P-Phe), 2.04 (in, 2H, P-Pro), 1.88 (mn, 1H, 7-Pro), 1.73 (mn, 1H, f3-Leu), 1.65 1H, 7-Pro), 1.44 (in, 1H, y-Leu), 1.33 1H, y-Leu), 1.24 Cd, 3H, P-Alas), 0. 91 3H, J3-Ala 1 0. 85 6H, 5-Leu) 1 3 C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-d6, PPM) 172.61, 170.34, 170.07, 169.95, 169.47, 160.40, 139.73, 136.88, 129.31, 128.14, 126.50, 125.72, 124.21, 122.65, 115.00, 61.04, 56.50, 55.74, 48.70, 46.31, 44.34, 41.37, 38.28, 31.30, 24.20, 22.81, 22.68, 21.17, 18.97, 15.35.

Cyclo- (6-nitro-2-hydroxybenzyl) -Ala-Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala] From cyclisation of NV-(6 -nitro- 2-hydroxybenzyl) -Ala- Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala 2a (20 mng of the TEA salt, 0.025 minol) 8a(6.5 ing, 0.010 inmol) was obtained in 39% yield ES-MS Mr 650.6, calcd for C33H42N608: 650.3 (monoisotopic) 1 3 C NMR MHz, CD3OD, ppm) 8 178.07, 176.95, 174.54, 174.32, 173.72, 159.11, 153.19, 140.41, 131.99, 129.96, 129.54, 127.57, 121.18, 116.57, 62.75, 60.67, 58.55, 54.05, 51.15, 44.54, 43.41, 34.85, 33.67, 25.03, 24.13, 22.30, 21.31, 15.49, 13.89.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 51 Cyclo-[N-(6-nitro-2-hydroxybenzyl)-Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala-Ala] From cyclisation of the N-(6-nitro-2-hydroxybenzyl)- Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala-Ala (20 mg of the TFA salt, 0.025 mmol), 8a(7.3 mg, 0.011 mmol) was obtained in 44% yield ES-MS Mr 650.2, calcd for C33H42N608: 650.3 (monoisotopic). 13

C

NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm) 6 171.43, 171.00, 169.46, 167.56, 156.65, 138.43, 129.24, 129.05, 128.32, 128.18, 126.08, 119.50, 115.87, 114.60, 62.18, 60.69, 51.07, 49.38, 46.57, 45.46, 41.54,38.17, 33.65, 31.43, 24.37, 22.73, 22.32, 21.06, 17.87, 16.92.

Cyclo-[Ala-Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala] a) Cyclo-[N-(6-nitro-2hydroxybenzyl)-Ala-Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala] (1mM MeOH) was purged with nitrogen for 30 minutes and then photolysed with a standard laboratory UV lamp (366nm, 0.25A) for three hours.

The MeOH was evaporated and the residue dissolved in buffer B, and the solution loaded directly onto a Vydac C18 column (preparative) for HPLC purification. Cyclo-[Ala- Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala] was isolated in 52% yield. The product coeluted with an independently synthesised sample. ES-MS Mr 499.4, calcd for C26H37N505, 499.3 (monoisotopic).

b) Photolysis of purified cyclo-[N-(6-nitro-2hydroxybenzyl)-Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala-Ala] was perfomed as described above. Cyclo-[Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala-Ala] was isolated in 28% yield. The product coeluted with a independently synthesised sample. ES-MS Mr 499.1, calcd for C26H37N505, 499.3 (monoisotopic).

Example 3 Backbone Substitution and Ring Contraction in Solution.

In this example we demonstrate that cyclisation via ring contraction is significantly more facile for backbone subsituted peptides than for their backbone unsubstituted analogues. We have employed the 6-nitrobenzyl-2-hydroxy auxiliary both as a backbone substituent and a ring contraction auxiliary. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the Hnb-group could readily be replaced by WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 52 many other auxiliaries, such as those described above. The general reaction scheme is as follows: Cyclisation of the disubstituted linear peptide 1 produces disubstituted headto-tail cyclic peptide 2. Both substituents on the backbone are then removed by photolysis to form the target cyclic peptide 3.

H

NO

2 H BOP NO 2 hv C DIEA h v

SCO

2 H

H

HH OH O2N OH 3 02N 1 2 Scheme 8: A combination approach: backbone substitution and ring contraction.

In order to evaluate the roles of ring contraction and position of the backbone substituent in the formation of cyclic tetrapeptides, we synthesised the following set of linear peptides: la. [Hnb]Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly lb. Tyr-[Hnb]Arg-Phe-Gly Ic. Tyr-Arg-[Hnb]Phe-Gly Id. [Hnb]Tyr-[Hnb]Arg-Phe-Gly le. [Hnb]Tyr-Arg-[Hnb]Phe-Gly All peptides were cyclised in parallel under the same conditions (either rt or 65 2 on a Img peptide scale. A ImM solution of the peptide (la-e) in DMF was treated with 1 eq. of BOP and 2 eq of DIEA. After 3 hours at rt, 10 eq DIEA was added, and stirring continued at rt for 6 h or at 2 C for Ih. The solvent was then removed, and the residue WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 53 was dissolved in acetonitrile/water and analysed by HPLC and MS.

Peptide la readily underwent initial ring closure, but ring contraction to the target product was slow and required heating for extended periods (659C 20h). If cyclisationof la was carried out at rt (6h) no cyclic peptide was detected in the crude product. The control peptide Ic generated mainly cyclic dimer (MW: calcd for C66H76N1606 1348.6 exp 1348.2) and linear dimer (MW: calcd for C66H78N16O17 1366.5 (monoisotopic), exp 1366.7) with only small amounts of target monocycle formed. Control peptide lb under cyclisation conditions generated a complex mixture of products.

In contrast, for peptides Id and le, which contain both a backbone substitutent and a ring contraction auxiliary, ring closure and ring contraction was almost complete under the same mild reaction conditions (6h at rt). Figure shows the cyclisation profiles of peptides la, Id and le after 6h at rt. Under these mild conditions, peptide la did not undergo any significant ring contraction, and the crude product contained largely linear peptide Peptides Id and le on the other hand produced the target cyclic peptides cyclo-[(Hnb)Tyr-(Hnb)Arg-Phe-Gly] 2d and cyclo- [(Hnb)Tyr-Arg-(Hnb)Phe-Gly] 2e respectively (MW: calcd for C40H43N9011 825.3 (monoisotopic), exp (Cycl peptide 2d) 825.1, exp (Cycl peptide 2e) 825.1) in excellent purity and yield Note that the cyclic products have the same molecular weight but different substitution patterns.

These results clearly demonstrates that the N-backbone substituent plays a vital role in facilitating the ring contraction for highly constrained ring systems such as tetrapeptides. It is also clear from this that our combination strategy will allow access to a range of cyclic tetrapeptides and peptidomimetics.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 54 Large scale cyclisation of peptide ld (10 mg) produced the cyclic (disubstituted) product 2d in 61% yield after HPLC isolation. Photolysis of this product (3h DMF) generated the target cyclo-[Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly] 3. The overall yield after cyclisation, purification, photolysis and HPLC isolation was 28% (by weight) Evaluating Racemisation To examine the extent of racemisation during cyclisation we elected to synthesise and cyclise the following set of peptides: If. [Hnb]Gly-[Hnb]Tyr-Arg-Phe 1g. [Hnb]Gly-Tyr-[Hnb]Arg-Phe Ih. [Hnb]Gly-Tyr-Arg-[Hnb]Phe Note that cyclisation of these peptides will generate cyclic products of different structure but the same MW.

Cyclisations were initially carried out on small scale (1mg). Peptides If and Ig under our 'standard' cyclisation conditions generated two monocyclic products of the correct molecular weight. No starting material or other products were detected. The HPLC profile for peptide If is shown in Figure 6.

Cyclisation of peptide Ih on the other hand was somewhat slower, and generated mainly D-Phe cyclic product; the product contains 60% linear peptide.

In order to investigate racemisation further, the following combination of reagents and solvents were evaluated: Solvent: Dioxane or DMF.

Activating reagents BOP or HATU.

Base: DIEA or Symmetric collidine.

time/temp: 20h at rt or lh at 709C.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/0013 A total of 16 reaction conditions were applied in parallel including all combinations of the above solvents, reagents, bases and conditions (leq activating reagent, 2eq base, ImM of peptide If in solvent). The reaction products were analysed by removing the solvent in the Genevac and resuspending the residue in acetonitrile/water, followed by HPLC analysis. Dioxane proved to be a poor solvent for the cyclisation. In most of the cases examined, only starting material could be detected. This is most likely due to the fact that the linear peptide is hardly soluble in dioxane.

For the DMF experiments, HATU activation generated more Lcyclic peptide, but the effect is small (see figure 4).

Changing collidine for DIEA had no effect on the product profile, with the same amount of racemisation being observed.

A large scale cyclisation was performed on peptide If,and two cyclic products were isolated by HPLC as a mixture in 68% yield (by weight). The two products could be separated by HPLC and photolysed to generate one unsubstituted cyclic peptide each (MW 523 gr/mol) (non-coeluting). One of the products coeluted with the product from peptide id, and therefore was assigned to be the all-L cyclo-[Gly-Tyr-Arg- Phe]. The second eluting product was assigned to be the cyclo-[Gly-Tyr-Arg-(D)phe]. Photolysis of the mixture generated a mixture of the two cyclic unsubstituted peptides in 34% yield (overall yield The first product coelutes with the product obtained by cyclisation and subsequent photolysis of peptide Id.

Combination of ring contraction and backbone substitution for the synthesis of cyclo-[Tyr-Arg-Phe-Ala] with cyclisation at the Tyr-to-Ala site.

As mentioned in the background section of this specification, turn-inducing elements such as Gly and Pro WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 56 can favour cyclisation. Here we apply our combination technology to the synthesis of peptides that do not contain turn-inducing amino acids. In this example we employ the combination strategy (backbone substitution and ring contraction auxiliaries) for the synthesis of a very difficult target, an all-L cyclic tetrapeptide cyclo-[Tyr-- Arg-Phe-Ala].

4[Hnb]Tyr-Arg-[Hnb]Phe-Ala Small scale (1mg peptide) cyclisation was investigated using the following conditions: i. 1mM solution of peptide in DMF, 1 eq BOP, 2 eq DIEA, 3h at rt ii. addition of 10 eq. DIEA iii. 20h at rt or lh at 702C; or 20h at 702C Peptide 4 under these cyclisations conditions provided cyclic product of the correct molecular weight.

To verify whether cyclisation of peptide 4 could be improved, an optimisation was carried out, in which solvent and temperature conditions were altered in the above standard protocols: Solvents: Temperature conditions in (iii): DMF 20h rt DMSO lh 709C Dioxane 20h Toluene With dioxane or toluene as solvent, very poor yields of cyclic product were obtained at any of the temperatures used. In general, DMSO produced significantly cleaner reaction profiles when compared to DMF, as illustrated in Figure 7.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 57 The results of the DMSO experiments can be summarised as follows: 20h/rt: Two main cyclic products are formed (A and B) both display the correct molecular weight in ES-- MS (MH+ at 840 m/z).

2 C: Similar results, but one of the two monocyclic products is decreased in intensity.

20h/702C: Only one monocyclic product is formed (B) Monocyclic product is not present.

A large scale cyclisation (60 mg of linear peptide) was carried out in DMSO at rt (20h), and the two monocyclic products were isolated by HPLC (combined yield: 46%, ratio is about 1/1).

The two cyclic products were subjected to heating and to photolysis: Product A: Product B: Unstable to heat; the product fully decomposed upon heating for 20 h at 709C in DMSO. Stable to hydrolysis (aqueous buffer at pH 9).

Photolysis of this compound in DMSO proceeded reasonably well; both HnB groups were removed, and cyclo-[Tyr-Arg-Phe-(D)Ala] was isolated by HPLC in 42% yield.

The presence of D-Ala was confirmed by chiral amino acid analysis.

Stable to heat and to hydrolysis conditions aqueous buffer at pH 9).

Photolysis did not proceed very readily.

Chiral amino acid analysis confirmed the presence of L-Ala.

This product is the all-L cyclo-[(Hnb)Tyr-Arg- (Hnb)Phe-Ala].

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 58 To further assess the versatility of the combination approach, we examined cyclisation of peptide 5 under the 'normal' conditions: *(i)leq Bop, 2 eq DIEA, ImM DMF (3h, rt); (ii) 10 eq DIEA (12h at rt).

[Hnb]Ala-Tyr-[Hnb]Arg-Phe The cyclisation at the Ala-to-Phe site was carried out on a large scale (30mg). One cyclic product, which displayed the expected molecular weight and isotope distribution pattern in ES-MS, was isolated by preparative HPLC in 53% yield.

The surprising results reported in this example illustrate the power of the combination approach for the synthesis of cyclic peptides and peptidomimetics. One skilled in the art will also realise the potential of applying this combination to the synthesis of cyclic peptides on solid supports.

Experimental to Example 3: Peptide synthesis: The linear peptides la-e were synthesised on chlorotrityl resin (0.91mmol/g) Fmoc-Gly-OH was loaded on the resin in the manner recommended by the supplier (Pepchem). The peptides were then assembled using Fmoc-SPPS protocols. Removal of the Fmoc group was carried out by treating the Fmoc-peptide resin with 50% piperidine in DMF (2 x 2 min). Coupling of the following amino acid was carried out as follows: 4 equivalents of Fmoc amino acid was dissolved in DMF containing 4 equivalents of HBTU M solution of HBTU). After 1 min the solution was added to the amino-peptide resin and the resin shaken for min. A ninhydrin test was performed to ensure complete acylation. If acylation was not complete, the reaction mixture was left longer until ninhydrin test was negative coupling). The 2-hydroxy-6-nitrobenzyl auxiliary was attached via reductive amination, as described in Example WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 59 2. After introduction of the Hnb-group, the next residue was coupled using the same HBTU activation protocol, but coupling reaction was left at rt for 20h. The peptides were then cleaved from the resin by treatment with 95% TFA water (45 min at rt). The TFA was evaporated, and the peptide precipitated with ether. The precipitate was dissolved in acetonitrile/water and loaded onto a preparative HPLC column, and a 2%/min gradient (100% A to A) used to elute the products. The fractions containing the target products were then combined and analysed by HPLC (purity) and ES-MS.

Peptide la was isolated in 50 yield (from the theoretical substitution value of the resin).

ES-MS: calcd for C33H40N809 692.3 (monoisotopic), exp 692.4.

Peptide Ib was isolated in 54% yield (from the theoretical substitution value of the resin). ES-MS: calcd for C33H40N809 692.3 (monoisotopic), exp 692.2. Peptide Ic was isolated in 25% yield (from the theoretical substitution value of the resin) ES-MS: calcd for C33H40N809 692.3 (monoisotopic), exp 692.2.

Peptide Id was isolated in 28% yield (from the theoretical substitution value of the resin) ES-MS: calcd for C40H45N9012 843.3 (monoisotopic), exp 843.2.

Peptide le was isolated in 22% yield (from the theoretical substitution value of the resin) ES-MS: calcd for C40H45N9012 843.3 (monoisotopic), exp 843.2.

Large scale cyclisation of peptide Id: 0.011 mmol of linear peptide Id (10 mg of the TFA salt) was dissolved in DMF (5mL) containing 0.012 mmol BOP (5.2 mg). DMF containing 0.025 mmol DIEA (4.3 pL) was added, and the mixture stirred for 3 hours (rt) 0.25 mmol DIEA (404L) was added and the reaction left stirring for another 20 hours.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 The solvent was evaporated under high vacuum, the residue dissolved in acetonitrile/water and loaded on a preparative HPLC column. A 1.5 gradient was used to elute the products (100% buffer A to 20% buffer Cyclo-[(Hnb)Tyr- (Hnb)Arg-Phe-Gly] 2d (5.3mg, 0.0064 mmol, 61%) was isolated: ES-MS: calcd for C40H43N9011 825.3 (monoisotopic), exp 825.1.

The product 2d (5 mg, 6 x 10 3 mmol) was then dissolved in DMF (10mL), the solution placed in a beaker and photolysed for 3 hours using a UV lamp (350 365nm, Black/White/Blue). The DMF was removed under vacuum, the residue dissolved in acetonitrile/water, the solution filtered and loaded on a preparative HPLC column. A gradient from 100%A to 20%A was used to elute the products.

Cyclo-[Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly] was isolated in 47% yield (1.5 mg, 2.8 10- 3 mmol) ES-MS: calcd for C26H33N705 523.2 (monoisotopic), exp 523.3.

Evaluating Racemisation Peptide synthesis: Peptides If and Ig were synthesised as described above. Peptide If was isolated in 39% yield (from the theoretical substitution value of the resin) ES-MS: calcd for C40H45N9012 843.3 (monoisotopic), exp 842.9.

Peptide Ig was isolated in 28% yield (from the theoretical substitution value of the resin) ES-MS: calcd for C40H45N9012 843.3 (monoisotopic), exp 843.3.

Peptide lh was synthesised on Boc-Phe-PAM resin using Boc SPPS protocols as described above, and was isolated in 28% yield (from the theoretical substitution value of the resin) ES-MS: calcd for C40H45N9012 843.3 (monoisotopic), exp 843.2.

Standard Cyclisation conditions: i. Linear peptide at 1mM in DMF, leq BOP 2 eq DIEA, 3h at rt.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 61 ii. Addition of 10 eq of DIEA and 20 h at rt or lh at 702C.

Following this the solvents were removed under vacuum, the residue dissolved in acetonitrile/water and the crude product solutions analysed by ES-MS and HPLC.

Large scale cyclisation of peptide If: Peptide If (30 mg of the TFA salt, 0.0355 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (30 mL) and 6 eq DIEA (18.3 pL) added. After addition of 1 eq BOP (17.1 mg) the reaction was stirred for 20 h. The solvent was then removed (high vacuum), the residue dissolved in acetonitrile/water and the solution loaded directly onto a preparative HPLC column. A 1.5% gradient from 100%A to was used to elute the products. The fractions containing cyclic product were collected, combined and lyophilised. 17.5 mg of a mixture of two products was obtained (68% yield): ES-MS: Calcd for C40H43N9011 825.3 (monoisotopic), Exp 825.1. The mixture of two products (17 mg) was dissolved in DMF (20mL) and photolysed for 3 hours. The solvent was removed, the residue dissolved in acetonitrile/water and the solution loaded onto a preparative HPLC column. A 1.5% gradient from 100%A to was used to elute the products. The target cyclic products, cyclo-[Gly-Tyr-Arg-(L)Phe] and cyclo-[Gly-Tyr-Arg-(D)Phe] were isolated as a mixture (3.8 mg, 35% yield): ES-MS: calcd for C26H33N705 523.2 (monoisotopic), Exp 523.3.

The ratio of L-Phe/D-Phe was determined by chiral amino acid analysis to be 2/3. Of the mixture of two cyclic products, the first eluting one coeluted with the all-L cyclo-[Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly] Id synthesised as described above.

Combination of ring contraction and backbone substitution for the synthesis of cyclo-[Tyr-Arg-Phe-Ala] cyclisation at the Tyr-to-Ala site.

Peptide synthesis: Peptide synthesis and cleavage was performed on Fmoc-Ala-Wang resin (0.45mmol/gr) as described WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/0013 62 above. Peptide 4b was isolated in 77% yield (from the theoretical substitution value of the resin) ES-MS: calcd for C41H47N9012: 857.9, Exp.: 857.4. Peptide 5 was isolated in 28% yield: ES-MS: calcd for C41H47N9012: 857.9, exp.: 857.4.

Large scale cyclisation of peptide 4: Peptide 4 (60 mg of the TFA salt, 0.062 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (60 mL) and 1 eq BOP (31.2 mg) added. 2 eq DIEA (24 pL) were added and the reaction stirred at rt for 3h. 10 eq DIEA (240 pL) were added and stirring continued for another 20h.. The solvent was removed (high vacuum), the residue dissolved in acetonitrile/water and the solution loaded directly onto a preparative HPLC column. A 2% gradient from 95%A to was used to elute the products. Two cyclic products were separated: Product A (9mg, 18 ES-MS: calcd for C41H45N9011 839.3 (monoisotopic), exp 839.5. Chiral amino acid analysis of the product showed the presence of L-Tyr, L-Arg, L-Phe and D-Ala. Product A cyclo- (Hnb)Tyr-Arg-(Hnb)Phe- (D)Ala].

Product B (7mg, 13%) ES-MS: calcd for C41H45N9011 839.3 (monoisotopic), exp 839.5. Chiral amino acid analysis showed the presence of L-Tyr, L-Arg, L-Phe and L-Ala.

Product B cyclo-[(Hnb)Tyr-Arg-(Hnb)Phe-Ala]. Another 8 mg of a mixture of products A and B was isolated giving a total cyclisation yield of 46%.

Photolysis of cyclo-[(Hnb)Tyr-Arg-(Hnb)Phe-(D)Ala]: Product A (9 mg) was dissolved in DMF (100 mL) and photolysis carried out for 3h. The solvent was removed, the residue dissolved in acetonitrile/water and the solution loaded onto a preparative HPLC column. A gradient from 95%A to 10%A was used to elute the products.

The cyclic product, cyclo-[Tyr-Arg-Phe-(D)Ala] was isolated (2.4 mg, 42% yield): ES-MS: calcd for C27H35N705 537.61 (monoisotopic), exp 537.2. Chiral amino acid analysis of WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 63 this product showed presence of L-Tyr, L-Arg, L-Phe and D- ALa.

Large scale cyclisation of peptide 4: Peptide 4 (30 mg of the TFA salt, 0.031 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (35 mL) and 1 eq BOP (15.5 mg) added. 3 eq DIEA (18.2 pL) were added and the reaction stirred at rt for 3h. 10 eq DIEA (61 pL) were added and stirring continued for another 20h.. The solvent was removed (high vacuum), the residue dissolved in acetonitrile/water and the solution loaded directly onto a preparative HPLC column. A 2%/min gradient from 95%A to was used to elute the products. One cyclic product was separated: Cyclo-[(Hnb)Tyr-Arg-(Hnb)Phe-Ala]: (15.6mg, 60%) ES-MS: calcd for C41H45N9011 839.3 (monoisotopic), exp 839.2.

Example 4 Activated Linkers Activated linkers of the general formula

O

R n=0-2 have been evaluated for their stability during chain assembly and their lability in the final cyclisation reaction. For the n=0 linker we have synthesised a series of constrained cyclic peptides, as illustrated in Table below.

A general outline of the procedure used is shown in Scheme 9. The hydroxybenzoic acid was acylated with Boc-Gly-OH. The resulting ester link was found to be stable to TFA treatment, as confirmed by treating compound with TFA and subsequent 1H NMR analysis of the products WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 64 HO- -COH Boc-Gly-OH BocNH-CH 2 -O CO 2

H

0 1 2

TFA

H2N-Resi

I

NH

2

-CH

2 -C CO 2 H BocNH-CH 2 -C-O 9- CONH 0 0 3 4

SPPS

Boc-Asp(OcHx)-Gly-Cat-Arg(Tos)-Gly-- CONH HF/anisol NH3- ly- g-0- CONH DMF/DIEA 6 Scheme 9 'Cyclisation by cleavage' experiments Compound was attached to amino-methylated resin (polystyrene) (substitution value (sv) 0.21 mmol/g) using HBTU in DMF (Scheme Peptide assembly was monitored by quantitative ninhydrin tests, and indicated successful assembly of the linear sequence. This was confirmed by the increase in resin weight. The deprotection of the side chain protecting group was achieved by treatment with HF/anisole at -5 0 C for 1 hour. After HF evaporation, the resin was washed with ether.

Cyclisation and accompanying cleavage was achieved by treatment with 10 equivalents DIEA in DMF for 3 days. The reaction mixture was worked up by filtration and the filtrate diluted with water and lyophilised. The WO 00/18790 PCT/A U99/008 13 crude lyophilised product was redissolved in acetonitrile/water and further analysed by analytical and preparative HPLC.

The HPLC profile of the crude product is shown in Figure 1. The major component is the target peptide, as is evidenced by HPLC comparison and a coelution experiment with solution phase synthesised material. This result illustrates the potential power of this strategy in synthesising constrained cyclic peptides, particularly when considering the surprising purity of the crude material.

The yields of cyclic material are given in Table Table Yields of Cyclic Peptide Using Activated Linker Linear tetrapeptide Yield of Cyclisation cyclo-[DG-Act-RG] 11% cyclo-[DG-Amb-RG] 3% dimer cyclo-[D-Amb-GRG] 5% monomer; 5% dimer Experimental to Example 4 This section describes the experimental details for the synthesis of the activated linker and model peptides.

Synthesis of Model Compounds Using Activated Linkers Cyclo fDGActRG1 (Table Linker Resin The aminomethylated resin (2.38 gr, 0.5 mmole) was first washed with 10% DIEA in DMF (5 min) and then washed with DMF (3 x 5 ml). Hydroxybenzoic acid (276 mg, 2 mmole) was dissolved in 4 ml 0.5M HBTU in DMF and DIEA (400 pL, 2.3 mmol) added. The activated solution was then added to the neutralised resin. After 10 min the resin was drained and washed with DMF (3 x 5 mL). A solution of aquous sodium hydroxide (1M, 2 mL) in DMF (4 mL) was added to the resin and mixed for 10 minutes. The sodium WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 66 hydroxide treatment was repeated, and the resin washed with DMF/water (3 x 5 mL) and then with DMF (3 x 5 mL).

Assembly of the Peptide Boc-glycine was first coupled to the linker as follows. BocGlycine (350 mg, 2 mmole) was dissolved in 2 mL DCM and DIC (156 4L, 1 mmole) added. After 15 min the solution was diluted with 2 mL DMF, and added to the resin with DIEA (400 gL, 2.3 mmole). After 30 min, the resin was drained and washed with DMF (3 x 5 mL). The Boc group was then removed using neat TFA (2 x 1 min) The next residues were coupled using the following in situ neutralisation protocol: 2 mmole of the Boc-protected amino acid was dissolved in 4 mL of an 0.5M HBTU solution in DMF, and activated through addition of DIEA (460 iL, 2.6 mmole) The activated solution was then added to the resin and mixed for 10 minutes. The resin was drained and washed with DMF. Neat TFA (2 x 1 min) was used again for deprotection of the N-terminus. The following residues were coupled in series: Boc-Arg(Mts)OH, Boc-Gly-Cat-OH, Boc-Asp(OcHx)-OH.

Side-Chain Deprotection After assembly the N-terminal Boc-group was removed with TFA as above, and the resin dried. The side chains were removed using HF treatment as follows: 1 gr of resin was mixed with 1 mL thioanisole and 9 mL of HF were added. The mixture was stirred at -5 0 C for 1 hour and the HF removed under reduced pressure. The resin was washed with diethylether (3 x 20 mL) and dried.

Cyclisation The resin was stirred in DMF (10 mL) containing DIEA (100 4L) for 12 hours. The resin was filtered off and the DMF removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in a minimal amount acetonitrile/water and loaded directly on a preparative reverse phase column for HPLC separation WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 67 of the product. Cyclo-[DGCatRG] (27 mg, 11% yield from the starting resin) was obtained.

The same protocols were followed to assemble, deprotect and cyclise the following peptides: cyclo-[DGAmbRG]: 7.6% yield dimer); cyclo-[DAmbGRG] yield dimer).

Example 5 Safety Catch Linkers We have also evaluated the safety catch linkers of the general class BnO 0 0 n=0-2 Examples of safety catch linkers Activation of this linker is achieved by removal of the benzyl group. The safety-catch linker was synthesised as shown in Scheme We have found that better results are obtained when n is 1 or 2, and therefore safety catch linkers of this type are preferred.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 68 O 0 95% H XOH MeOH. HS0 4 OMe HO HO BnBr. KCO, DMF 79% O O Bn OH LiOH. THF. HO Bn OH OMe HO regioisomer) HO regioisomer) Boc-Gly-OH CICO,Et. DIPEA 93 4 0 Bn

OH

Boc-Gly-O regioisomer) Scheme 8 Synthesis of safety catch linker This safety-catch linker was attached to aminomethylated polystyrene using HBTU/DIPEA in DMF, then peptide assembly was accomplished using standard Boc protocols. Treatment of the resin with anhydrous HF in the presence of anisole as a scavenger at -50C resulted in deprotection of the amino-acid side-chains, with concomitant removal of the benzyl group of the linker. The HF was evaporated and the resin was washed with diethyl ether to remove scavenger. Treatment of the resin with DIPEA in DMF for 48 h gave the crude cyclised product. An LC-MS profile of the crude cyclic,material is shown in Figure 2. The major component is the desired cycle, and an appreciable amount of the cyclodimer is also present.

Preparative-scale HPLC gave a mixture of the monomer and dimer, in an overall yield of approximately WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 69 Experimental to Example This section describes the synthesis of one type of safety catch linker and model peptides.

Synthesis of Model Compounds using Safety Catch Linkers Benzyl 4-Benzyloxy-3-hydroxybenzoate 0 HO OBn BnO Benzyl bromide (1.50 cm 3 2.16 g, 12.6 mmol) was added to a stirred suspension of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (1.00 g, 6.49 mmol), potassium carbonate (1.97 g, 14.3 mmol) and a catalytic amount of tetrabutylammonium iodide in N,N-dimethylformamide (50 cm 3 The suspension was stirred under nitrogen overnight then water (500 cm 3 and 5% hydrochloric acid (50 cm 3 were added, and the mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (3 x 100 cm 3 The combined extracts were washed with water (3 x 100 cm 3 and brine (100 cm 3 then dried (Na 2 S0 4 and evaporated to an orange oil. Flash column chromatography (eluent: 10-20% ethyl acetate in light petroleum) gave first benzyl 3,4-dibenzyloxybenzoate (168 mg, identical to that prepared above. Further elution then gave benzyl 4-benzyloxy-3-hydroxybenzoate (1.312 g, 60%) as a pale yellow oil. The position of the benzyloxy group was deduced from an n.O.e. observed between the proton at position 5 and the methylene protons of the benzyloxy group at position 4.

Rf 0.18 (20% EtOAc in light petroleum).

S(thin film, Na) 3600-3200, 1715, 1615, 1590 cm Vmax (thin film, NaCI) 3600-3200, 1715, 1615, 1590 cm WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 1 H NMR (300 Hz, CDCl 3 5.17, 2H, s, CH 2 5.34, 2H, s, CH 2 5.73, 1H, bs, OH; 6.95, 1H, d(J H5; 7.32-7.46, Ar-H; 7.65, 1H, dd(J 2.0, 10.6), H6; 7.66, 1H, s, H2; OH not observed.

13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1 3 66.5, CH 2 71.1, CH 2 111.2, 115.9, 122.9, 123.6, 127.8, 128.0, 128.1, 128.2, 128.5, 128.6, 128.8, 135.5, 136.2, 145.4, 149.6, 166.0, CO 2 Mass spectrum: 335 (MH Found: M 334.1205; C 21

H

19 0 4 requires M 334.1205.

4-Benzyloxy-3-hydroxybenzoic Acid o HOo BnO A solution of lithium hydroxide hydrate (300 mg, 7.15 mmol) in water (15 cm was added dropwise to a stirred solution of benzyl 4-benzyloxy-3-hydroxybenzoate (1.177 g, 3.52 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (35 cm The resulting emulsion was stirred overnight, by which time a clear, pale yellow solution had formed. More lithium hydroxide hydrate (300 mg, 7.15 mmol), water (25 cm 3 and tetrahydrofuran (25 cm were added, and stirring was continued for 24 h. The tetrahydrofuran was removed under reduced pressure. Water (100 cm was added to the residual mixture, which was washedwith diethyl ether (2 x 50 cm acidified to pH 1 with 5% HC1 and extracted with dichloromethane (3 x 100 cm3). The combined extracts were washed with brine (50 cm3), dried (NaSO 4 and evaporated to give 4-benzyloxy-3-hydroxybenzoic acid as a white solid (638 mg, The diethyl ether washings were extracted with 1 M potassium hydroxide (2 x 25 cm 3 The WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 71 combined extracts were acidified to pH 1 with 5% HC1 and extracted with dichioromethane (3 x 100 cm The combined extracts were dried over MgSO 4 and evaporated to give a further 119 mg of product (total yield 757 mg, m.p.

163-165 0

C.

Vnax (KBr disc) 3555, 3200-2400, 1676, 1619, 1592 cm- 1 H NMR (300 Hz, CDC1 3 5.19, 2H1, s, CH 2 5.71, 1H, br s, OH; 6.98, 1H1, d(JT 9.0) H5; 7.38-7.45, 5H1, Ar-H; 7.67, 1H, dd(,T 8. 9, 2. 1) H6; 7. 68, 1H, d (J 2 112; C0 2 H not observed.

13 C NMVR (75 MHz, CDC1 3 71.2, CH 2 111.2, 116.3, 122.6, 123.5, 127.9, 128.7, 128.9, 135.4, 145.5, 150.2, 170.6,

CO

2 Mass spectrum: 245 (MH+) Found: M 244.0740; C 1 4

H

1 2 0 4 requires M+ 244.0736.

Allylation of 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid: Preparation of Propen-2-yl 3, 4-Bis (propen-2-yloxy)benzoate, Propen-2-yl 3hydroxy-4- (propen-2-yloxy)benzoate and Propen-2-yl 3,4dihydroxybenzoate 0

H

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 72 2

HO

HO

3 Allyl bromide (1.18 cm 1.65 g, 13.6 mmol) was added to a stirred suspension of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (1.00 g, 6.49 mmol) and potassium carbonate (1.97 g, 14.3 mmol) in dry N,N-dimethylformamide (50 cm After stirring overnight under an atmosphere of nitrogen, the mixture was poured into water (500 cm acidified with hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 100 cm The combined extracts were washed with water (3 x 100 cm and brine (50 cm then dried over MgSO 4 and evaporated to a brown oil which was purified by flash column chromatography (eluent: 10-50% ethyl acetate in light petroleum). The first compound to elute was propen-2-yl 3, 4-bis(propen-2-yloxy)benzoate as a pale yellow oil (460 mg, 26%).

Rf 0.43 (20% EtOAc in light petroleum).

-1 vmax (thin film, NaC1) 1718, 1648, 1600, 1270 cm 1 H NMR (300 Hz, CDC13) 4.64, 2H, dt(J 1.6, OCH 2 4.66, 2H, dt(J 1.7, OCH2; 4.79, 2H, dt(J 1.5, 5.7), OCH2; 5.24-5.47, 6H, m, 3x =CH 2 5.97-6.15, 3H, m, 3x =CH; 6.88, 1H, d(J H5; 7.58, 1H, d(J H2; 7.67, 1H, dd(J 2.0, H6.

13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) 65.3, 69.6 and 69.8, 3x CH 2 0; 112.3 and 114.6, C2 and CS; 117.9, 117.9 and 118.0, 3x =CH 2 122.7, Cl; 123.7, C6; 132.4, 132.6 and 132.9, 3x CH=CH 2 147.9, C3; 152.5, C4; 165.9, C=O.

Mass spectrum: 275 (MH 217 (MH-C 3

H

5

O)

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 73 Found: M 274.1204; C16H1 8

O

4 requires M+ 274.1205.

Next to elute was propen-2-yl 3-hydroxy-4- (propen-2-yloxy)benzoate as a pale pink oil (782 mg, 51%).

Rif 0.26 (20% EtOAc in light petroleum) Vmax, (thin film, NaCl) 3422 br, 1718, 1616, 1590, 1508 cm- H NMR (300 Hz, CDCl 3 4.67, 2H, dt(J 5.5, OCH- 2 4. 79, 2H, dt (J 5. 5, 1. 5) OC- 2 5.2 5 45, 4H, m, 2x=CH 2 5.70, 1H, s, OH; 5.96-6.12, 2H, m, 2xCH=CH 2 6.87, lH, d(J H5; 7.62, l1H, dd(J 7.7, H6; 7.63, 1H, br s, H2.

13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl 3 65.4, OCH 2 69.8, OCH 2 111.1 and 115.8, C2 and C5; 118.0 and 119.0, 2x=CH 2 122.7, C6; 123.5, Cl; 132.1 and 132.4, 2x=CH; 145.4, C3; 149.4, C4; 165.9, C=O.

Mass spectrum: 235 (14H ),177 (MH-CH,0) 149 (MH-C 4 H,0 2 Found: M 234.0892; C 13

HI

4 0 4 requires M' 234.0892.

Last to elute was propen-2-yl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate as a pale yellow semi-solid (80.2 mg, Rif 0.30 (50% EtOAc in light petroleum).

vmax, (KBr disc) 3468br, 3344br, 1693, 1613, 1445, 1300 cm H NMR (300 Hz, CDCl 3 4.78, 2H, d(J 5.4) OCH- 2 5.27, 1H, br d (J 10. =CHH; 5. 39, 1H, br d (J 18. 6) =CRH; 5.94 6.07, 1H, m, CHrCH 2 6.90, 1H, d(J H5; 7.56, 1H, d(J H6; 7.64, 1H, br s, H2; OHs not observed.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 74 13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1 3 65.7, OCH 2 114.8 and 116.3, C2 and C5; 118.3, =CH 2 122.1, Cl; 123.7, C6; 132.1, =CH; 143.3, C3; 149.2, C4; 166.9, C=0.

Mass spectrum: 195 (MH Found: M 194.0578; C 1 oHI 0 0 4 requires M+ 194.0579.

Propen-2-yl 3-Benzyloxy-4-(propen-2-yloxy)benzoate 0 0 3 Benzyl bromide (0.440 cm 634 mg, 3.70 mmol) was added to a stirred mixture of propeny-2-yl 3-hydroxy-4- (propen-2-yloxy)benzoate (782 mg, 3.34 mmol) and potassium carbonate (553 mg, 4.00 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide cm The mixture was stirred under nitrogen overnight, then poured into water (300 cm and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 100 cm The combined extracts were washed with water (3 x 50 cm and brine (50 cm3), then dried over MgSO 4 and evaporated to a colourless oil.

This was dissolved in dichloromethane and filtered through a plug of silica. Evaporation of the filtrate gave propen- 2-yl 3-benzyloxy-4-(propen-2-yloxy)benzoate as a colourless oil (1.096 mg, 100%).

Rf 0.42 (20% EtOAc in light petroleum).

Vmax (thin film, NaC1) 1714, 1600, 1514, 1428 cm-.

1 H NMR (300 Hz, CDC1 3 4.67, 2H, dt(J 5.2, =CH-CH 2 4.79, 2H, dt(J 5.6, =CH-CH 2 5.19, 2H, s, PhCH 2 5.29, 2H, ddt(J 10.2, 2.8, =CH 2 5.41, 2H, ddt(J WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 17.2, 3.1, =CH 2 5.96-6.15, 2H, m, 2x =CH; 6.91, 1H, d(J H5; 7.30-7.49, 5H, PhCH 2 7.66, 1H, d(J H2; 7.69, 1H, dd(J 8.4, H6.

13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) 66.3, 69.6 and 71.0, 3x CH20; 112.5 and 115.2, 2x =CH; 117.9, 2x =CH 2 122.7, Cl; 127.3, 127.97 128.5, 132.4 and 132.6, 5x CH; 136.7; 148.0 and 152.7, C3 and C4; 165.9, C=O.

Mass spectrum: 325 (MH Found: M 324.1361; C 2 0

H

2 0 0 4 requires M 324.1362.

3-Benzyloxy-4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid o 2 BnO

OH

HO

A mixture of propen-2-yl 3-benzyloxy-4-(propen-2yloxy)benzoate (1.0356 g, 3.19 mmol), tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium chloridel (204 mg, 0.22 mmol) and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (74 mg, 0.66 mmol) in ethanol (18 cm and water (2 cm 3 was heated under reflux under an atmosphere of nitrogen for 16 h. The cooled mixture was poured into 1 M hydrochloric acid (100 cm stirred for 60 min, then extracted with dichloromethane (3 x 100 cm The combined extracts were dried over MgS0 4 and evaporated to an orange solid which was purified by flash column chromatography (eluent: 1:1 EtOAc:light petroleum) to give 3-benzyloxy-4-hydroxybenzoic acid as an orange solid (650 mg, m.p. 167.2-171.3 0

C

Rf 0.25 (50% EtOAc in light petroleum).

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 76 -1 Vmax (KBr disc) 3528, 3200-2600, 1700, 1673, 1611 cm- 1 H NMR (300 Hz, CDC1 3 5.18, 2H, s, CH 2 6.13, 1H, br s, OH; 7.00, 1H, d(J H5; 7.37-7.50, 5H, m, Bn-H; 7.71, 1H, d(J H2; 7.75, 1H, dd(J 1.9, H6; C02H not observed.

13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) 71.4, CH 2 113.5, 114.4, 121.2, 125.5, 128.1, 128.7, 128.8, 135.6, C1; 145.4 and 151.0, C3 and C4; 171.0, C=O Mass spectrum: 245 (MH+) Found: M 244.0731; C 14

H

12 0 4 requires M+ 244.0736.

1. Corey, E.J. and Suggs, J. Org. Chem., 1973 38 3224.

Benzyl 3-(tert-Butyldimethylsilyloxy)-4-benzyloxybenzoate TBDMS CO 2 Bn BnO A solution of tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (579 mg, 3.84 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 cm was added to a stirred solution of benzyl 4-benzyloxy-3-hydroxybenzoate (642.3 mg, 1.92 mmol) and imidazole (327 mg, 4.80 mmol) in dichloromethane (15 cm A thick precipitate formed immediately. After 1 h the mixture was poured into water (50 cm The layers were shaken and separated and then the aqueous phase was further extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 50 cm The combined extracts were washed with brine (50 cm then dried (Na 2

SO

4 and evaporated to a pale yellow oil. This was taken up in ethyl acetate in petroleum ether and filtered through a plug of silica. Evaporation of the filtrate gave the title WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 77 compound as a pale yellow oil (936 mg) which was used immediately for the next step.

Rf 0.49 (20% EtOAc in hexane).

Vmax (NaCl film) 1718, 1599, 1509, 1427, 1290, 1213, -1 837 cm 1 H NMR (300 Hz, CDC13) 0.11, 6H, s, SiMe 2 0.96, 9H, s, Cme 3 5.10, 2H, s, CH; 5.33, 2H, s, CH 2 6.92, 1H, d(J H5; 7.31-7.45, 10H, 10 x Bn-H; 7.59, 1H, d(J H2; 7.67, 1H, dd(J 2.2, H6.

13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl 3 SiMe 2 18.4, CMe 3 25.6, CMe 3 66.4 and 70.7, 2xCH 2 112.5, 122.2, 124.3, 127.8, 127.9, 128.1, 128.2, 128.3, 128.5, 136.2, 136.4, 144.9, 154.5, Ar-C; 166.1, C=0.

3-(tert-Butyldimethylsilyloxy)-4-hydroxybenzoic Acid TBDMSO CO 2

H

HO

A solution of the crude silyl ether (936 mg, 2.09 mmol) in ethanol (50 cm containing 10% palladiumon-carbon (80 mg) was shaken under an atmosphere of hydrogen at 25 p.s.i. for 48 h. The mixture was filtered through celite and evaporated, then the residue was taken up in ethyl acetate and filtered through a plug of silica to give the title compound as a pale green oil (424 mg, 76%).

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 78 Vmax (NaC1 film) 3516, 3400-2600, 1682, 1597, 1298 cm- 1 H NMR (300 Hz, CDC13) 0.33, 6H, s, SiMe 2 1.04, 9H, s, CMe 3 6.05, 1H, brs, OH; 6.99, 1H, d(J H5; 7.60, 1H, d(J H2; 7.73, 1H, dd(J 1.9, H6.

13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) SiMe 2 18.2, CMe 3 25.6, CMe 3 114.6, 119.3, 121.3, 125.5, 142.1, 152.5, 6xArC; 171.9,

C=O.

Benzyl 4-benzyloxy-3-(tert-Butyldiphenylsilyloxy)benzoate TBDPS CQBn BnO A solution of tert-butyldiphenylsilyl chloride (850 mg, 3.09 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 cm 5 cm rinse) was added to a stirred solution of benzyl 4-benzyloxy-3-hydroxybenzoate (827 mg, 2.47 mmol) and imidazole (421 mg, 6.18 mmol) in dichloromethane (15 cm After a few minutes a precipitate formed. The mixture was stirred overnight under an atmosphere of nitrogen, then was poured into water (50 cm The layers were shaken and separated, then the aqueous phase was further extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 50 cm The combined extracts were washed with brine (50 cm and evaporated to a pale yellow oil. This was filtered through a short silica column and eluted with 20% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether. Evaporation of the filtrate gave benzyl 3-(tertbutyldiphenylsilyloxy) -4-benzyloxybenzoate (1.646 g) as a WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 79 very pale yellow oil, containing some tert-butyldiphenylsilanol, which was used directly for the next step.

Rf 0.37 (20% EtOAc in hexane).

Vmax (NaCI, thin film) 1715, 1599, 1510, 1427, 1291 cm- 1 H NMR (300 Hz, CDCl 3 1.13, 9H, s, CMe 3 4.93, 2H, s, CH 2

O;

5.25, 2H, s, CH 2 O; 6.84, 1H, d(J H5; 7.21-7.43, 16H, m, 16xAr-H; 7.55, 1H, d(J H2; 7.63, 1H, dd(J 2.1, H6; 7.70-7.79, 4H, m, 4xAr-H.

13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) 19.7, CMe 3 26.6, CMe 3 66.2 and 70.3, 2xCH 2 O; 112.4, 121.4, 122.6, 124.1, 127.4, 127.5, 127.7, 127.8, 127.9, 128.3, 128.4, 129.7, 133.1, 134.8, 135.3, 136.2, 144.7 and 153.8, 18xAr-C; 165.9, C=0.

Synthesis of Model Compounds Using Safety Catch Linker.

Methyl 3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)Propionate

O

HO OMe

HO

A solution of 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid (1.00 g, 5.49 mmol) and concentrated H 2

SO

4 (10 drops) in methanol (25 cm was heated under reflux overnight.

The solvent was evaporated and the residue was shaken with water (50 cm and extracted into CHC1 3 (3 x 50 cm The combined extracts were dried (Na 2

SO

4 and evaporated to gave the methyl ester a pale yellow oil which crystallised WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 on standing (1.12g, 100%), m.p. 71.9-74.1 0 C (lit. m.p.

74-76 0

C).

-I

nmax (KBr disc) 3485, 3311, 1712 cm 1 H NMR (300 Hz, CDCl 3 2.61, 2H, t(J CH 2 C0 2 2.83, 2H7 t(J ArCH 2 3.69, 3H, s, OMe; 5.40, 2H, br s, 2xOH; 6.61, 1H, dd(J 2.1, H6; 6.71, 1H, d(J H2; 6.77, 1H, d(J 13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1 3 30.2 and 35.9, 2xCH 2 51.9, OMe; 115.4, C2 and C6; 120.5, C5; 133.2, Cl; 142.1 and 143.6, C3 and C4; 174.3, C=0.

Mass spectrum: Found: M 196.0739; C 1 0 H1 2 0 4 requires M 196.0736.

Freudenberg and Heel, (1953) Methyl 3- (3-Benzyloxy-4-hydroxyphenyl) Propionate and Methyl 3-(4-Benzyloxy- 3 -hydroxyphenyl)Propionate o o OMe HOMe HO BnO 3 Benzyl bromide (0.606 cm 872 mg, 5.20 mmol) was added to a stirred suspension of methyl 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionate (1.000 g, 5.10 mmol), K 2 C0 3 (845 mg, 6.12 mmol) and a catalytic amount of tetrabutylammonium iodide in DMF (25 cm The suspension was stirred overnight under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Water (500 cm and 5% HC1 (50 cm were added, and the mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (3 x 100 cm 3 The combined extracts were washed with water (3 x 100 cm and brine WO 00/18790 PCT/A U99/00813 81 (100 cm then dried (Na 2

SO

4 and evaporated to a brown oil which was purified by flash chromatography (5-20% EtOAc in petrol) to give a 1:1 mixture of the monobenzyl ethers as a colourless oil (1.150 g, 79%) -1 nmax (NaCi thin film) 3446, 1732, 1592, 1514 cm 1 H NMR (300 Hz, CDC13) 2.60, 4H, t(J 2xCH2CO2; 2.87, 2H, t(J CH 2

CH

2 CO2; 2.89, 2H, t(J CH 2

CH

2

CO

2 3.67, 3H, s, OMe; 3.68, 3H, s, OMe; 5.08, 2H, PhCH 2 5.09, 2H, PhCH 2 6.67, 1H, dd(J 8.2, H6; 6.73, 1H, dd(J H6; 6.81, 2H, br s, H2,2; 6.82, 1H, d(J 6.88, 1H, d(J H5; 7.30-7.50, 10H, Ar-H.

13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1 3 30.3, 30.6, 35.7 and 36.0, 2xCH 2

CH

2 51.5, 2xOMe; 71.0 and 71.1, PhCH 2 112.2, 112.4, 114.6 and 114.7, C2 and C6; 119.6 and 121.2, C5; 127.2, 127.3, 127.7, 127.8, 128.2, 128.3, 128.4 and 128.6, Bn-C; 132.4 and 134.2, C1; 144.2, 145.6 and 145.8, C3 and C4; 173.3, CO 2 3-(3-Benzyloxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)Propionic Acid and 3-(4- Benzyloxy-3-hydroxyphenyl)Propionic Acid A solution of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (5.25 g, 125 mmol) in water (150 cm was added to a stirred solution of the mixture of methyl esters (11.95 g, 41.7 mmol) in THF (150 cm The resulting mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Next morning a clear, pale yellow solution had formed. The THF was evaporated and the residue was diluted with water (150 cm and acidified to pH 3 with 5% HC1. The mixture was extracted with CHC13 (3 x 350 cm and the combined extracts were dried (Na 2

SO

4 and evaporated to a brown oil which solidified on standing. This was taken up in EtOAc and passed through a short silica column. Evaporation of the eluent gave the product as a tan solid (11.12 g, 98%).

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 82 n,,max (KBr disc) 3533, 3471, 3300-2600, 1718, 1699, 1515 cm-1 1 H NMR (300 Hz, CDC1 3 2.66, 4H, t(J CH 2

CO

2 2.90, 2H, t (J 7 CH 2

CH

2

CO

2 2 .91, 2H, t (J 7 CH2CH 2

CO

2 5.-09, 2H, s, PhCH 2 5. 10, 2H, s, PhCH 2 6. 69, 1H, dd (J 8.3, 2. 1)7 H6; 6. 75, 1H, dd (J 8. 1, 2. 0) H6; 6. 83, 1H, d (J H2; 6. 84, 1H, d (J 2 H2 6.87, 1H, d (J 8. 4) H5; 6. 90, 1H, d(J H5; 7.30-7.50, 10H, mn, Ar-H; C0 2 H not observed.

13 C NIAR (75 MHz, CDC1 3 29.9, 30.2, 35.7 and 35.9, 2xCH 2

CH

2 71.1 and 71.2, PhCH 2 112.3, 112.4, 114.6 and 114.7, C2 arnd C6; 119.6 and 121.2,' CS; 127.2, 127.3, 127.7, 127.8, 128.3, 128.4 and 128.7, Bn-C; 132.0 and 136.2, Cl; 144.3, 145.6 and 145.8, C3 and C4; 179.2, Co 2 3- (3-Benzyloxy-4- (N-tert-Butoxycarbonyl) glycyloxy)Phenylpropionic Acid and 3- (4-Benzyloxy-3- (N-tert- Butoxycarbonyl) glycyloxy) Phenyl propionic Acid 0 0 B 11OH Boc-Gly-

OH

Boc-Gly-)0 1BnO) Triethylamine (1.40 cm 3, 1.01 g, 10.0 minol) and' ethyl chioroformate (0.960 cm 3, 1.085 g. 10.0 mnol) were added to a stirred, chilled (-20 0 C) solution of Boc-Gly-OH (1.75 g, 10.0 rniol) in dichiorornethane (20 cm The solution was stirred for 20 min at -10 -15 0 C, during which time a precipitate formed. -A solution of regioisomeric mixture of berizyloxyacids (2.86 g, 10.0 minol) 3 and triethylamine (1.40 cm 1.01 g, 10.0 minol) in dichloromethane (20 cm 3+ 5 cm 3rinse) was then added dropwise. The resulting solution was stirred at -5 OOC for 2 h, then was washed with 10% citric acid (2 x 10 cm 3 WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 83 and brine (10 cm then dried (Na 2

SO

4 and evaporated to a syrup. This was dissolved in a little 1:1 ethyl acetate/petroleum ether and passed through a short silica column. Evaporation of the eluent gave the mixture of title carboxylic acids as a colorless syrup (3.986 g, 93%).

H NMR (300 Hz, CDC13) 1.47, 9H, s, CMe 3 2.65, 2H, br t(J

CH

2

CO

2 H; 2.85-2.95, 2H, m, CH 2

CH

2

CO

2 H; 4.15-4.17, 2H, m, NHCH 2 5.07, 2H, s, PhCH20; 5.08-5.15, 1H, m, NH; 6.66-7.04 and 7.29-7.46, 8H, Ar-H; C02H not observed.

13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) 28.3, CMe 3 29.6, 30.4, 35.3 and 35.6, 2xCH 2

CH

2 42.3, NHCH 2 70.7 and 71.3, 2xPhCH20; 80.1, CMe 3 155.6, NC02; 178.0 and 178.4, 2xCO 2 Solid-Phase Synthesis of cyclo-[D-G-Amb-R-G] Boc-Asp(OcHx)-Gly-Arg(Mts)-Gly- O BnO Aminomethyl resin (Peptide Institute, 0.83 mmol/gram, 602 mg, 0.50 mmol) was shaken with 10% DIPEA in DMF for 30, then drained and washed well with

DMF.

The benzyloxy linker (429 mg, 1.0 mmol, equiv.) was coupled using standard HBTU/DIPEA protocols overnight. The remaining residues were coupled using standard HBTU/DIPEA protocols for ten minutes each. The final yield of the dried resin was 906 mg. Of this, 725 mg (ca. 0.4 mmol) was cleaved with anhydrous HF using anisole as the scavenger. The resin was washed well with diethyl ether, dried at suction, then gently stirred in 5.0 cm DMF containing 0.5 cm DIPEA for 48 h. The resin was filtered off and washed well with DMF. Evaporation of the filtrate, followed by preparative HPLC gave cyclo-[D-G-Amb-R-G] as a fluffy white solid (103 mg, Analysis of the product WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 84 by LC-MS indicated the presence of the cyclodimer, cyclo- [D-G-Amb-R-G-D-G-Amb-R-G]. The ratio of monomer to dimer was approximately 3:2.

Example 6 Backbone substitution and activated or safety catch linker This example illustrates that the use of the safety-catch linker with backbone substitution is a useful combination for the synthesis of cyclic peptides.

The sequence Ala-Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala does not cyclize under solution conditions (Schmidt and Lagner, 1997) using BOP/DIEA or under on-resin conditions using the safetycatch linker. However, when the backbone substitution method is applied in combination with the safety-catch linker a substantial amount of cyclic product is obtained.

For example, the synthesis and cyclisation of Ala-(Me)Phe- Leu-Pro-Ala yields cyclic product as characterised by ES- MS. Although in this instance the backbone substitution was a methyl group, one skilled in the art would realise that numerous other substituents may also be used, including reversible substituents such as HMB and HnB.

Experimental to Example 6 The assembly of the peptide was carried out using standard in situ neutralization Boc-SPPS protocols on aminomethylated polystyrene resin (sv=0.26meq/g) derivatised with the safety-catch linker as previously described (see Example After coupling of Boc-(Me)Phe- OH and removal of the Boc group, the peptide was acylated using a solution of the symmetric anhydride of Boc-Ala, prepared from Boc-Ala (10eq) and DIC (5eq) in DCM. The resin was then treated with TFMSA/TFA/p-cresol (1:10:1) for 2h to remove the benzyl group for linker activation. The resin was then washed with TFA (3 x 10mL), DCM (3 xlOmL) and DMF (3 xlOmL). The resin was then treated with 2% DIEA in DMF overnight. The solvent was removed on the Genevac and the residue resuspended in acetonitrile/water and WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 analyzed by ES-MS and reversed phase HPLC. The ES-MS spectrum displayed a major peak at the expected m/z value for the cyclo-[Ala-(Me)Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala] calculated for

C

2 7 H39N505 513.3 (monoisotopic), exp 513.3.

Example 7 Ring contraction and activated or safety catch linker In Example 2, a ring contraction auxiliary (HnB) was used to synthesise a difficult cyclic pentapeptide. In this example, we examine the combination of these auxiliaries with activated or safety catch linkers.

The array of compounds listed below is synthesised using activated or safety catch linkers and ring contraction auxiliaries. The effects of this combination on the yield and purity of the product are evaluated.

HX-Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly- L- HXArg-Phe-Gly-Tyr- L HX^ Phe-Gly-Tyr-Arg- L Q HXGly-Tyr-Arg-Phe- L HX'- ring contraction auxiliary; X= O,S; L=activated or safety catch linker Example 8 Ring contraction, backbone substitution and activated or safety catch linker The combination of all three approaches provides the preorganising advantages of backbone substitution and ring contraction with the advantages of activated and safety catch linker cyclisation and concomitant cleavage.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 0 Boc-HNO

CH

2 Ph

CONH-Q

SSPPS

[Hnb]Gly-[Hnb]Tyr(BrZ)-Arg(Tos)

.CONH-

HF/p-cresol

SDIEA/DMF

Cyclo- {[Hnb]Gly-[Hnb]Tyr-Arg-Phe} Scheme 11 In this example we show that the combination of ring contraction and backbone substitution can also be applied in an on-resin cyclisation strategy. The selected sequence, [Hnb]Gly-[Hnb]Tyr-Arg-Phe cyclises readily in solution, as illustrated in Example 3. We have applied our safety-catch linker (Example 5) to generate the target cyclic peptide directly from resin.

Experimental to Example 8 The assembly of the peptide was carried out on Boc-Phe- Linker-resin, which was synthesised in the standard manner (see example 6; the resin was aminomethylated resin, sv=0.26meq/gr) The peptide was then assembled using in situ neutralisation protocols and Boc-SPPS as described previously The Hnb group was introduced using the standard reductive amination approach. Special care was WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 87 taken to minimise the time of exposure to NaBH4 (1 eq of NaBH4 for 1 min), as this can cause premature cleavage of the peptide from the resin. After introduction of the first Hnb group, Boc-Gly was attached via its HBTU activated ester (overnight). The resin was further treated with 1% piperidine (5 min) to remove the O-acylation on the phenol- (Hnb). Following introduction of the second HnB group as described above, the resin was treated with HF/p-cresol lh at 0 2 C) to remove the side-chain protection groups and the benzyl group for linker activation. The resin was then washed with ether (3 x 10 mL), DMF (3 x 10 mL), DCM/MeOH (10 mL) and dried under high vacuum for 2h. The resin was then treated with 1% DIEA in DMF overnight. After removal of the solvent, the residue was resuspended in acetonitrile/water and analysed by ES-MS and reversed phase HPLC. The ES-MS spectrum displayed a major peak at the expected m/z value for the cyclo-[[Hnb]Gly-[Hnb]Tyr-Arg- Phe] (calculated for C40H43N9011 825.3 (monoisotopic), exp M 825.4 gr/mol).

Backbone Linkers A common approach to synthesising cyclic peptides is attachment of a C-terminal protected amino acid to the resin through its side chain: Y 0

HO

Method A Method B Methodologies for peptide cyclisation on resin.

Method A Side chain attachment Method B Backbone attachment WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 88 The procedure is widely applied, as it has the advantage of performing the cyclisation while the peptide is still attached to the resin, thus providing a pseudodilution environment. The cyclised peptide is then deprotected and cleaved to yield unprotected cyclic peptide. However, from a library perspective this strategy is inadequate because it is restricted to the attachment of specific amino acids to the resin. In an attempt to overcome these problems we have developed two backbone linkers which anchor the peptide to the resin via the first N-amide at the C-terminus.

The main advantage of the backbone linking approach is that it allows flexibility in selecting the linear precursor, ie. the position of cyclisation. This is important, as yields of cyclisation are known to be dependent on the selection of the linear precursor. We have designed and developed two backbone linkers. Linker permits Boc chemistry, ie. stable to neat TFA but is cleaved with HF, while linker permits Fmoc chemistry, ie. is cleaved by TFA O0 Ri MeO NR (8) Backbone linkers investigated Example 9 Linker (7) As an example we studied the synthesis of stylostatin. This cyclic heptapeptide was originally WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 89 isolated from Stylotella aurantium, and found to be highly cytotoxic.

b.

a

OH

NIH

Stylostatin AllylA Boc-Pro 0 a b Linker-dipeptide units The structure of stylostatin and the two linkers a and b that are used for the synthesis of stylostatin The two linker-dipeptide units, depicted above, were prepared in solution as outlined in Scheme 9, and linked to aminomethylated resin; a and b refer to the linking position on the stylostatin backbone on which the attachment to resin is made.

WO 00/18790 WO 0018790PCT/AU99/0081 3 0

HH

H 0 11 R =CH 2 Ph 12 =CH(0H 3

)CH

2

CH

3 0

H

iv N0 Boc-AA 0 Boc-AA 0 13 R CH 2 Ph AA=Boc-Pro 14 R =CH(CH 3

)CH

2

CH

3 AA=Boc-Ala 15 R CH 2 Ph AA=Boc-Pro 16 R CH(0H 3

)CH

2

CH

3 AA=Boc-Ala Scheme 12 Reagents and Conditions: i, BrCH2CH2CH2CH2CO2Si (CH3) 3, K2C03, Acetone, A, 16 h; ii, H-Phe-OA11_yl or H-Ile-OA11lyl, M9SO4, CH2C12, r. 3h; iii, NaBH3CN, MeOH, 2 h; i v, (Boc-Pro) 2-0, DIRA, DMF, r. t, 16 h. or Boc-Ala-F, DITEA, THF, r. 30 min.; v, TBAF, THF, r. t. 2 h.

The linear precursor sequences were then assembled on resin using in situ neutralisation protocols.

Removal of the C-terminal allyl protection group was accomplished using Pd(Ph3P) 4 The resin-bound linear peptide was further cyclised using BOP/DIEA activation.

After deprotection and cleavage (HF) products were WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 91 separated, analysed and weighed. The reaction products consisted mainly of cyclic monomer and cyclic dimer. The results are shown in Table 6, in which the amino acid sequence is given in single-letter code.

Table 6 Yields of Cyclic Peptides Using Backbone Linker Approach Yield Resin-bound Backbone C-terminal N-terminal monocycle dimer linear linking sequence position PFNSLAI a Ile Pro 25 <1 NSLAIPF B Phe Asn 10 24 These results emphasise several interesting points. First of all, the backbone linking strategy is a feasible route towards generating cyclic peptides. The yields of isolated material, based on the substitution value of the starting resin, compare well with the overall yields obtained from solution phase cyclisation.

Secondly, the cyclisation yields differ significantly for the two precursors in terms of monomer versus dimer. This illustrates the advantage of the backbone linking approach over previous on-resin cyclisation approaches, ie. being able to choose several precursors to the same cyclic peptide. It is generally impossible to predict the optimal precursor for cyclisation. This solid phase strategy allows one to simultaneously assemble several precursors and compare their cyclisation profiles in a fast and efficient way.

Experimental to Example This section describes the synthetic details for the synthesis of a backbone linker and model peptides using Boc chemistry.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 92 Synthesis of backbone linker (Scheme 12) and model compounds using Boc Chemistry (Table 6) 4- 5-oxy-(trimethylsilylethylvalerate) ]benzaldhyde 0 l H

O

CH O Si Exact Mass: 322.16 Mol. Wt.: 322.47 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde (12.2 g, 0.10 mmol), (trimethylsilylethyl)valerate (13.82 g, 0.20 mol), and K 2 C0 3 (40.0 g, 0.29 mol) were refluxed in acetone (250 mL) for 16 h. Solids were filtered, washed with acetone and the volatiles were removed in vacuo. The product was purified by column chromatography (Hexane EtOAc, 8:1) to yield a colourless oil (28.2 g, 87%) 1HNMR (CDC1 3 6 9.87 1H, CHO), 7.82 2H, J 7.0 Hz, Harom), 6.98 2H, J 7.0 Hz, Harom), 4.20 2H, J 6.9 Hz, OCH 2 4.05 2 H, J 6.0 Hz, OCH 2 2.42 2H, CH2CO), 1.80 4H, CH2CH 2 0.96 2H, J 6.9 Hz, CH2Si), 0.10 9H, Si(CH 3 3 3CNMR (CDC13) 6 190.80, 173.45, 164.026, 131.99, 131.99, 129.87, 114.72, 114.72, 67.82, 62.63, 34.00, 28.49, 21.55, 17.35, -1.49; MS 323.4 (expected 323.2).

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 93 (trimethylsilylethylvalerate))benzyl] -L- Phenylalanine allyl ester 0 S -i

NO

H

C

2 9

N

41

NO

5 Si Exact Mass: 511.28 Mol. Wt.: 511.73 The aldehyde (16.2 g, 50.2 mmol), phenylalanine allyl ester (20.5, 100 mmol) and excess MgSO 4 (-40 g) were stirred in CH 2 C12 (75 mL) at r.t. for 16 h. Solids were filtered and volatiles were removed in vacuo to yield the crude imine as a yellow oil. MeOH (200 mL) and HOAc (3 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was cooled to 10 0

C.

NaCNBH3 (6.1 g, 100 mmol) was added portionwise to the stirred solution. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature before being stirred for a further 2 h.

Voltiles were removed in vacuo and the resulting residue diluted with H 2 0 (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 100 mL). The combined EtOAc extractions were washed with saturated brine (1 x 200 mL) and water (1 x 200 mL) before being dried over MgS0 4 Volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the resulting oil purified by flash chromatography (Hexane EtOAc, 1:1) to yield a clear colourless oil (20.2 g, 1 HNMR (CDC13) 6 7.28 Harom), 7.20 2H, J 7.0 Hz, Harom), 6.85 2H, J Hz, Harom), 5.80 1H, CH=CH 2 5.28 (dd, 1H, J 12.1 Hz, 1.7 Hz, CH=CH2 5.23 (dd, 1H, J 10.0 Hz, 1.7 Hz, CH=CH2), 4.55 2H, J 6.4 Hz, PheCH2NH 2 4.15 2H, J= 6.9 Hz, OCH2), 3.92 2H, OCH2), 3.80 (dd, 2H, J 12.2 Hz, 1.2 Hz, CH2-CH), 3.65 (dd, 2H, J 11.7 Hz, 1.2 Hz, CH2-CH), 3.58 1H, CHNH), 3.05 1H, CH2Ph), 2.25 WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 94 2H, CH2CO), 1.80 4H, CH 2

CH

2 0.95 2H, J 6.9 Hz, CH 2 Si), 0.10 9H, Si(CH 3 3 3CNMR (CDC1 3 8 173.56, 173.00, 158.32, 136.78, 131.96, 130.67, 129.57, 129.57, 129.27, 129.27, 128.39, 128.39, 126.76, 118.77, 114.36, 114.36, 67.33, 66.48, 62.51, 61.60, 51.13, 39.18, 34.08, 28.68, 21.62, 17,32, -1.51;MS 512.1 (expected 512.3).

Boc-L-Pro- (5-oxy- (trimethylsilylethylvalerate) benzyl)]-L-Phenylalanine allyl ester 0o I C39H 56 Exact Mass: 708.38 Mol. Wt.: 708.96 Boc-Pro-OH (8.61 g, 40.0 mmol) was dissolved in EtOAc (30 mL), to which was added DCCI (4.12 g, 20.0 mmol).

After activation for 10-15 min to form the symmetric anhydride, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate was added to a solution of the amine (5.11 g, 10.0 mmol) and DIEA (2.67 mL, 15 mmol). The reaction was stirred at r.t. for 16 h. EtOAc (100 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was washed with 10% K 2 C0 3 solution (2 x 250 ml), brine (1 x 250 mL) and H 2 0 (1 x 250 mL) before dried over MgSO 4 Volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the resulting oil purified by flash chromatography (Hexane Et20, 5:1) to yield a clear colourless oil (3.55 g, 1

HNMR

(CDC1 3 6 7.20 7H, Harom), 6.85 2H, J 7.0 Hz, Harom), 5.98 1H, CH=CH 2 5.20 2H, CH=CH 2 4.50 (m, WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 3H, CH 2 CH and PheCH 2 N) 4.20 and 4.13 (rotoiners, dd, 1H, J 7 Hz, 2 Hz, NCH) 4. 15 2H, J= 6. 9 Hz, OCH 2 3 .92 (mn, 2H, OCH2), 3 .71 (in, 2H, CH 2 -CH) 3 .31 (mn, 4H, CH 2 Ph and

CH

2 N) 2. 25 (mn, 2H, CH 2 CO) 2. 05 (mn, 4H, CH 2 CHi 2 1. 80 (in, 4H, CH 2

CH

2 1. 48 (br s, 9H, C (CH 3 3 0 .9 5 2H, J 6. 9 Hz, CH 2 Si) 0.-10 9H, Si (CH 3 3 13CNMR (CDC1 3 )6rotoiners 173.54 and 173.00, 172.42, rotomers 170.08 and 169.47, rotoiners 158.68 and 158.50, rotomers 154.31 and 153.98, rotorners 138.35 and 138.05, rotorners 132.45 and 131.96, 129.40, 129.40, 129.10, 128.91, 128.63, 128.63, 127.52, rotoiners 126.75 and 126.62, rotomers 118.26 and 118.06, 114.32, 114.32, rotomers 79.96 and 79.19, 67.34, rotomers 65.96 and 65.80, 62.55, rotoiners 60.68 and 60.58, rotoiners 57.44 and 56.94, 51.37, rotomers 46.83 and 46.77, rotoiners 35.11 and 34.97, 34.07, rotomers 30.84 and 29.78, 28.67, 28.46, rotomers 24.02 and 22.77, 21.68 17.32, -1.50; MS 709.6 (expected 709.4).

Boc-L-Pro- (5-oxyvaleric acid) benzyl) ]-L-Phenylalanine allyl ester C 34

H

44 20 8 Exact Mass: 608.31 Mol. Wt. 608.72 The ester (2.0 g, 2.82 inmol) was stirred in a solution of THF (20 mL) at r.t. TEAF (3 ml, 1M) was added dropwise and saponification proceeded for 3 h. H 2 0 (100 mL) and HOAc (3 mL) was added to the reaction mixture.

The acid was extracted into EtOAc (3 x 100 mnL) and was WO 00/18790 PCTAU99/00813 96 washed H 2 0 (1 x 250 mL) before being dried over MgSO 4 Volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the resulting oil purified by flash chromatography (Hexane Et20, 5:1) to yield a clear colourless oil The tertiary amide (product) was purified by column chromatography (CH 2 C1 2 MeOH, 19:1) to yield a white solid (2.54 g, mp.28-30 0 C 1 HNMR (CDC1 3 6 8.89 (br s, 1H, OH), 7.20 (m, 7H, Harom), 6.75 (dd, 2H, J 7.1 Hz, 1.9 Hz, Harom), 5.88 1H, CH=CH 2 5.25 2H, CH=CH 2 4.50 3H, CH 2

CH

and PheCH 2 4.20 and 4.13 (rotomers, dd, 1H, J 6.9 Hz, 1.9 Hz, NCH), 3.88 2H, CH 2 3.71 2H, CH 2

-CH),

3.41 4H, CH 2 N, CH 2 Ph), 2.25 2H, CH 2 CO), 2.05-1.85 8H, 2 x CH 2 CHz), 1.48 (br s, 9H, C(CH 3 3 CNMR (CDC1 3 6 rotomers 179.09 and 177.04, 173.05, rotomers 170.08 and 169.48, rotomers 158.64 and 158.44, rotomers 154.28 and 153.96, rotomers 138.31 and 138.02, rotomers 132.43 and 131.94, 129.41, 129.41, 128.99, 128.69, 128.48, 128.48, 127.50, rotomers 126.78 and 126.65, rotomers 118.30 and 118.10, 114.37, 114.37 rotomers 80.17 and 79.38, 67.30, rotomers 65.99 and 65.84, rotomers 60.72 and 60.54, rotomers 57.49 and 57.00, 51.40, rotomers 46.86, rotomers 35.09 and 34.95, 33.56, rotomers 30.83 and 29.78, rotomers 28.46 and 20.76, rotomers 24.00 and 22.78, 21.39; MS [M+H] 609.3 (expected 609.3).

Isoleucine allyl ester The aldehyde (16.2 g, 50.2 mmol), isoleucine allyl ester (20.5, 100 mmol) and excess MgSO 4 (-40 g) were stirred in CH 2 C12 (75 mL) at r.t. for 3 h. Solids were filtered and volatiles were removed in vacuo to yield the crude imine as a yellow oil. MeOH (200 mL) and HOAc (3 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was cooled to 100C.

NaCNBH 3 (6.1 g, 100 mmol) was added portionwise to the stirred solution. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature before being stirred for a further 2 h.

Volatiles were removed in vacuo and the resulting residue WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 97 diluted with H 2 0 (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 10 0 nL). The combined EtOAc extractions were washed with saturated brine (1 x 200 mL) and water (1 x 200 mL) before being dried over MgSO 4 Volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the resulting oil purified by flash chromatography (1:1 hexane EtOAc) to yield a clear colourless oil (20.2 g, 79%) 1 HNMR (CDC1 3 867.24 (d, 2H, J=8. 0 Hz, Harom,), 6. 85 2H, J 8 .0 Hz, Harom),1 98 (mn, 1H, CH=CH 2 5. 31 1H, J 2 7. 2 Hz, CH=CH 2 5.27 (dd, 1H, J 13.2 Hz, 1.7 Hz, CH=CH 2 5.10 (dd, 1H, J 11. 2 Hz, 1. 7 Hz, CH=CH 2 4. 65 (in, 2H, PheCH 2 N) 4.15 2H, J= 6.9 Hz, OCH 2 3 .9 2 (mn, 2 H, OCH 2 3. 81 (d, 1H, J =13 Hz, CH 2 -CH) 3 .60 1H, J 13 Hz, CH 2

-CH),

3.17 1, H, CH), 2.90 (mn, CH 2

CHCH

3 2.35 2H,

CHCH

2

CH

3 1.80 (mn, 2H, CH 2

CH

2 1.52 (in, 1H, CHCH 2

CH

3 1.20 (mn, 1H, CHCH 2

CH

3 0.95 2H, J 6.9 Hz, CH 2 Si) 0.92 3H, J 7.6 Hz, CH 3 CH), 0.90 3H, J= 7.0 Hz,

CH

2

CH

3 0.-10 9H, Si (CH 3 3 13CNMR (CDC1 3 6 174.55, 174.25, 158.96 132.66, 131.22, 130.48, 130.48, 119.45, 115.02, 115.02, 68.05 65.92, 65.52, 63.20, 52.36, 38.74, 34.78, 29.39, 29.39, 26.35, 22.34, 18.02, 16.23, 12.13, -0.81; MS 478.3 (expected 478.3) Boc-L-Ala- (5-oxy- (trimethylsilylethylvalerate)) benzyl)]-L-Isoleucine allyl ester 0 0 N) 4oNH-{(b 0 C 34 H 6N8S i Exact Mass: 648.38 Mol. Wt. 648.90 WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 98 Boc-Ala-OH (2.89 g, 15.0 mmol) was dissolved in

CH

2 Cl 2 (30 mL) to which was added DAST (4.12 g, 2 0. 0 mmol) After activation for 10-15 min to form the acid fluroride, the mixture was washed with cold (H 2 0, dried over MgSO 4 and the volatiles were removed in vacuc.

The acid fluoride was then added immediately to a solutiorfof the amine (4.78 g, 10.0 mmol) and DIEA (2.67 mL, mmol) in THF (20 mL) The reaction was stirred at r.t. for 16 h. EtOAc (100 mL) was added and the reaction micture was washed with 10% K 2 C0 3 solution (2 x 250 ml) brine (1 x 250 mL) and H 2 0 (1 x 250 mL) before being dried over MgSO 4 Volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the resulting oil purified by flash chromatography (hexane diethyl ether, 1:5) to yield a clear colourless oil (2.86 g, 44%) 1HNYR (CDCl 3 6 7.24 2H, J=8. 0 Hz, Harom) 6. 85 2H, J 8.0 Hz, Har..m) 5.98 (in, 1H, CH=CH 2 5.31 1H, J 14.2 Hz, CH=CH 2 5.23 1H, J=12.0 Hz, CH=CH 2 4.65 (in, 3H, PheCH 2 N, CHCH 3 4.15 2H, J= 6.9 Hz, 0C11 2 3.92 (in, 2H, OCH2), 3.81 1H, J 13 Hz, CH2-CH), 3.60 1H, J 13 Hz, CH2-CH) 3.17 (mn, 1H, CH), 2.90 (mn, CH2CHCH 3 2.35 (in, 2H, CHCH 2

CH

3 1.80 (mn, 2H, CH 2

CH

2 1.52 (mn, 1H, CHCH 2

CH

3 1.45 9H, C(CH 2 3 1.20 (in, 1H,

CHCH

2

CH

3 0. 95 2H, J 6. 9 Hz, CH 2 Si) 0. 97 3H, CH3) 0. 92 3H, J 7. 6 Hz, CH 3 CH) 0. 90 3H, J= 7. 0 Hz, CH 2

CH

3 0.-10 9H iC 3 MS 4.

(expected 649.4).

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 99 Boc-L-Ala- (5-oxy-valeric acid) benzyl) I -L-Isoleucine allyl ester 0 0

C

29

H

44

N

2 0 8 Exact Mass: 548.31 Mol. wt.: 548.67 The ester (2.0 g, 2.82 mmcl) was stirred in a solution of THF (20 mL) at r. t. TBAF (3 ml, 1M) was added dropwise and saponification proceeded for 3 h. H 2 0 (100 mL) and HOAc (3 mL) was added to the reaction mixture.

The acid was extracted into EtOAc (3 x 100 mL). The combined EtOAc extractions were washed with saturated brine (1 x 100 mL) and water (1 x 100 mL) before being dried over MgSO 4 Volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the resulting oil purified by semi -preparative HPLC (0-60% B over 60 min) to yield the tertiary amide as a colourless oil (2.54 g, 1HNMR (CDCl 3 8 7.22 2H, j=8. 0 Hz, Haroma),1 6. 80 2H, J 8. 0 Hz, H aroma) 5. 91 (in, 1H, CH=CH 2 5.21 1H, J 14.2 Hz, CH=CH 2 5.22 1H, J=11.0 Hz,

CH=CH

2 4.65 (in, 3H, PheCH 2 N, CHCH 3 3.92 (in, 2H, OCH2), 3.81 1H, J 13 Hz, CH 2 -CH) 3.60 1H, J 13 Hz,

CH

2 3.17 (in, 1H, CH), 2.90 (mn, CH 2

CHCH

3 2.35 (mn, 2H,

CHCH-

2

CH

3 1.80 (in, 2H, CH 2

CH

2 1.52 (in, 1H, CHCH 2

CH

3 1.45 9H, C(CH 3 3 1.20 (in, 1H, CHCH 2

CH

3 0.97 3H, CiH 3 0 .92 3H, J 7. 6 Hz, CH 3 CH) 0. 90 3H, J=7. 0 HZ, CH 2

CH

3 8 MS 549. 1 (expected 549.3) WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 100 H-Asn-Ser-Leu-Ala-Ile-Pro-Phe-OH H H H H H H2

C

3

H

56 ,N0o 10 Exact Mass: 760.41 Mol. Wt.: 760.88 The peptide was synthesised in stepwise fashion by established methods using in situ neutralisation/HBtU activation protocols for Boc chemistry.13 The Xanthyl protecting group was used for the Asn residue and the Benzyl ether for the Ser residue. Coupling reactions were monitored by quantitative ninhydrin assay and were typically After chain assembly was complete the removal of the allyl protecting group was achieved by the addition of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine) palladium [Pd(PPh 3 4 (580 mg, 0.5 mmmol, 3 molar equiv.) to the resin in a solution of CHC1 3 HOAc NMM. Vigorous shaking was initiated and continued for 14 h. The solvent was removed and the residue was washed with a 10% solution of diethyldithiocarbamic acid, sodium salt trihydrate [(C 2

H

)N

2

CS

2 Na.3H 2 0] in DMF (2 x 10mL), DMF (2 x 10 mL) MeOH

CH

2 C1 2 1: 1 (2 x 10 mL) and CH 2 C1 2 (2 x 10 mL). The Na-Boc group removed with neat TFA (2 x 1 min treatment) and the peptide was cleaved from resin (200 mg, 0.166 mmol/g) using HF p-cresol, 11 mL, 10:1, for 1 h at After removal of the HF under reduced pressure, the crude peptide was precipitated in anhydrous ether before being dissolved in the HPLC buffer and lyophilized. The peptide H-Asn-Ser-Leu-Ala-Ile-Pro-Phe-OH (20) was purified by semipreparative HPLC (30-90% B over 60 min) to yield a white powder (25 mg 78%);MS [M+H] 761.21 (expected 761.42) WO 00/18790 WO 00/ 8790PCT/AU99/0081 3 101 H-Pro-Phe-Asn- Ser-Leu-Aia-le-OH C 36

H

56 N 8 0 10 Exact Mass: 760.41 Mol. Wt. 760.88 The peptide was synthesised using a similar procedure to that in the previous experiment above using the precursor Boc-Ala- [Backbone attachxnenet] -Ile-O-Allyl (200 mg, 0.180 rnmollg) The peptide H- Pro- Phe-Asn-Ser -Leu- Ala-le was purified by semi -preparative HPLC (30-90% B over 60 min) to yield a white powder (10. 5 mg, 39%) MS =761.2 (expected 761.4).

Solution Cvclization Method 1: Cyclo- (Pro-Phe-Asn-Ser-Leu-Aia-Ile)

C

36

H

54

N

8 0 9 Exact Mass: 742.40 Mol. Wt. 742.86 The linear peptide H-Asn-Ser-Leu-Ala-Ile-Pro-Phe- OH (15.0 mg, 0.020 mmol) and BOP (26.1 mg, 0.060 mnrol) was WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 102 stirred in DMF (19.7 mL, 1x10_ M) at -10 0 C. DIPEA (35 1L, 0. 197 mmol) was added dropwise to the solution. After the reaction was left to stir for a further 2 h at this temperature, all volatiles were removed in vacuc. The peptide Cyc lo- (Pro--Phe-Asn-Ser-Leu-Ala- Ile) was purified by semi -preparative HPLC (30-90% lB over 60 min) to yield awhite powder (7.0 mg, 1 HNMYR (DMSO): 6 MS [M+HlJ 743.2 (expected 743.4092) Also isolated was the dimer, Cyclo- (Asn-Ser-Leu-Ala-Ile-Pro-Phe-Asn-Ser-Leu-Ala-Ile-Pro- Phe) (3 mg, 21%) MS 1486.2 (expected 1486.8) and the trimer, Cyc lo- (Asn -Ser-Leu -Ala- Ile -Pro- Phe-Asn- Ser -Leu- Ala- Ile--Pro- Phe-Asn- Ser-Leu-Ala-Ile-Pro- Phe) (0.7 mg, MS [M+H 2,=1115.1 (expected 1115.1) Method 2: Cyclo- (Pro- Phe -Asn- Ser-Leu-Ala- Ile) 200 Mo.H.728 Th ppid assnteizdusn asmia 67%) MSl [Wt.

4 4. epce 743.2. Al8ohe physiclO charcterstic 0. H3 NmRo BOP (7 m,0 39L3 retentio WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 103 time, and amino acid analysis) were also consistent with the results reported for Method 1.

On-Resin Cyclization Method 1: Cyclo-(Pro-Phe-Asn-Ser-Leu-Ala-Ile)

H

H 0

H

H

C

36 H 4

N,O

Exact Mass: 742.40 Mol. Wt.: 742.86 After chain assembly for the linear peptide was complete (synthesised from the solid support where the linker was attached between Boc-Pro-Phe-O-Allyl). The allyl protecting group and the N -Boc group was removed with [Pd(PPh 3 4 (580 mg, 0.5 mmmol) and TFA (2 x 1 min treatment) the reaction mixture was then cooled to -10 0

C

and BOP (221 mg, 0.5 mmol) was added. 2,6 Lutidene (194 .L, 1.66 mmol) was then added dropwise and the reaction continued until the ninhydrin assay found an absence of amine The organic material was filtered from the resin (250 mg, 0.167 mmol/g) and the cyclic peptide was cleaved from resin using HF p-cresol, 11 mL, 10:1, for 1 h at -5 0 C. After removal of the HF under reduced pressurre, the crude peptide was precipitated in anhydrous ether before being dissolved in the HPLC buffer and lyophilized. The peptide Cyclo-(Pro-Phe-Asn-Ser-Leu-Ala- Ile) was purified by semi-preparative HPLC (30-90% B over min) to yield a white powder (3.1 mg, HNMR (DMSO) WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 104 6 MS 743.2 (expected 743.4092). Also isolated was the dimer, Cyclo- (Asn-Ser-Leu-Ala-Ile-Pro-Phe-Asn-Ser-Leu- Ala-Ile-Pro-Phe) (7.6 mg, MS 1486.2 (expected 1486.8), and the trimer, Cyclo-(Asn-Ser-Leu-Ala- Ile-Pro-Phe-Asn-Ser-Leu-Ala-Ile-Pro-Phe-Asn-Ser-Leu-Ala- 2+ Ile-Pro-Phe) (0.4 mg, MS 1115.2 (expected 1115.1). All other physical characteristics (1H NMR, m.p., HPLC retention time, and amino acid analysis) were also consistent with what was reported above.

Method 2: Cyclo-(Pro-Phe-Asn-Ser-Leu-Ala-Ile) 36'1 54' 8 9 Exact Mass: 742.40 Mol. Wt.: 742.86 The peptide was synthesized using a similar procedure to Method 1 using the precursor where the linker was attached between Boc-Ala-Ile-O-Allyl (200 mg, 0.203 mmol/g), [Pd(PPh 3 4 (290 mg, 0.250 mmmol), BOP (60 mg, 0.136 mmol), and 2,6-lutidene (237 gL, 2.03 mmol) The peptide cyclo-(Pro-Phe-Asn-Ser-Leu-Ala-Ile) was purified by semi-preparative HPLC (30-90% B over 60 min) to yield a white powder (8.2 mg, MS 743.2 (expected 743.4). All other physical characteristics 1

H

NMR, HPLC retention time, and amino acid analysis) were also consistent with what was reported above.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 105 Example 10 Fmoc-Based Synthesis Using Linker 8 Similar to linker we have employed linker for the Fmoc-based synthesis of a series of cyclic pentapeptides. The synthesis of the linker is illustrated in Scheme 13, and cyclic products obtained using this linker are listed in Table 7.

OH

O

o0N

~NOH

N

0 0 I M iv

M

0 -k NHFm 19 21 H 2 N-Gy-Gy-N-j Reagents and Conditions SNH,(CH,),C0 2 -Allyl, MgCl,, THF, r.t. 72 h; ii, NaCNBH 3 CH 3 OH, 2 h; iii BOP, Fmoc-Gly-OH, DIEA, DMF, 24 h; iv HBTU, DIEA, DMF, 120 min Scheme .13 WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 106 Table 7 Cyclisation Yields Using Fmoc Backbone Linker Peptide Sequence Yield Reaction Time cyclo-[Leu-Asp-Val-Gly-g-Ala] 18% 12 h cyclo-[Arg-Gly-Asp-Gly-g-Ala] 9% 24 h cyclo-[Phe-Lys-Trp-Gly-g-Ala] 15% 12 h Experimental to Example 11 This section describes the synthetic details for the synthesis of a backbone linker and model peptides using Fmoc chemistry.

Synthesis Of Backbone Linker And Model Compounds using Fmoc Chemistry General Methods The fluorenyl-protected amino acids were coupled onto the resin as their free acids (4 mol equiv.) by addition of HBTU (4 mol equiv.) and DIEA (5 mol. equiv.).

The couplings were performed in DMF for 20 min. After each successive coupling the resin was rinsed successively with DMF, MeOH and DCM before monitoring the success with Kaisser ninhydrin assay. Removal of the Fmoc group was achieved by treatment (10 min) with 20% piperidine in DMF.

Removal of the allyl protecting group was achieved by the addition of Pd(PPh3)4 (3 mol equiv.) to the resin in a solution of CHC13 HOAc NMM, 37:2:1, 5 mL under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Shaking was initiated and continued for 3 h. The resin was rinsed successively with a solution of 10% sodium dithiodicarbonate trihydrate in DMF (twice), DMF, MeOH and DCM, and dried in vacuo.

Linear peptides were removed by TFA (100%) 5 h and checked for purity by HPLC. HPLC was carried out on a Waters apparatus at .=254 nm on an analytical Vydac column using an isocratic elution with 70% buffer A (H20, 0.1% WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 107 TFA) for 5 minutes, followed by a 2.5% linear gradient to buffer B (90% CH 3 CN, 10% H 2 0, 0.1% TFA) at 2 mL/min flow rate. After the final removal of the Fmoc group, the resin was rinsed with DMF before HATU (5 mol equv.) was added portionwise to the resin in a solution of DMF (2 mL).

DIEA (10 mol equiv.) was added dropwise and shaking was initiated and continued for 6 h before a further 5 mol.

equiv. HATU and 10 mol. equiv. DIEA was added. Shaking was again recontinued until the resin gave a negative ninhydrin test. The resin was rinsed once again with DMF, MeOH and DCM, and dried in vacuo.

Cyclic peptides were removed by TFA (100%) 5 h and purified by HPLC. HPLC was carried out on a Waters apparatus at =214 nm on a semi-preparative Vydac column using an isocratic elution with 100% buffer A (H 2 0, 0.1% TFA) for 10 minutes, followed by a 1% linear gradient to 50% buffer B (90% CH 3 CN, 10% H 2 0, 0.1% TFA) at 10 mL/min flow rate.

3-Methoxy-4-formylphenol (3)

OH

SOCH

3 H 0 C H,O,

C

8

H

8 0 3 Exact Mass: 152.05 Mol. Wt.: 152.15 In a 1 L three-necked flask fitted with a dropping funnel, thermometer and drying tube was placed 3-methoxyphenol 5 (70 g, 0.64 mol) and freshly distilled phosphoryl chloride (100 mL, 1.08 mol). The solution was stirred at 0°C whilst DMF (75 mL, 0.97 mol) was added dropwise over 45 min. The solution was further stirred for 24 h before the pale oil was poured onto crushed ice (1 L) WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 108 and after 10 min the cloudy soltion was washed with ether (2 x 300 mL). The aqueous layer was onced again cooled to 0°C and adjusted to pH 5.5-6 by careful addition of NaOH (39 g. 0.98 mol) and then NaOAc (380 g, 4.63 mol). Water (150 mL) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) (500 mL) were added, and the aqueous layer was washed further with EtOAc (250 mL)- The combined organic extratcts was washed with brine (250 mL) and water (250 mL), dried over MgS04, and evaporated. The reisdue was triturated with boiling petroleum spirit and the crystalline solid was collected to give the title compound (25.2 g, m.p. 154-5 0 C [lit 12 6 m.p. 158.5-160 0 6H(d -acetone) 3.08 (1H, br s, OH), 4.92 (2H, s, OCH 3 6.54 (1H, dd, J 9 Hz, J 2 Hz, 6Ar-H), 6.57 (1 H, d, J 2 Hz, 2 A r 7.77 (1 H, d, J 9 Hz, 5 Ar 10.24 (1H, s, CHO); 6c(d -acetone) 52.76, 99.27, 108.76, 118.63, 130.32, 164.73, 165.29, 187.07.

Methyl 3-methoxy-4-formylphenoxy ethyl ester O C H3 H 0 C11H 12 0 Exact Mass: 224.07 Mol. Wt.: 224.21 In a 500 mL flask were added the phenol (24 g, 0.166 mol), methyl bromoacetate (75 g, 0.49 mol) and K 2 C0 3 (67.0 g, 0.49 mol) in acetone (100 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 16 h, cooled to room temperature, filtered, and evaporated under reduced pressure. The oily residue was purified by flash column chromatography EtOAc:Hexane to give the methyl ester (31.63 g, m.p.79 -81 0 C; 8(CDC1 3 3.82 (3H, s, OCH 3 4.82 (2H, s, OCH 2 4.80 (2H, s, CH 2 6.48 (1H, dd, J 9 Hz, WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 109 J 2 Hz, 6 A 6.57 (1 H, d, J 2 Hz, 2 A 7.80 (1 H, d, J 9 Hz, 5 A 10.29 (1H, s, CHO); 6c(CDC1 3 52.45, 55.68, 65.07, 99.24, 105.40, 119.84, 130.76, 163.48, 163.96, 168.46, 188.27.

3-Methoxy-4-formylphenoxy acetic acid 0 C H

OCH

3 H 0 Exact Mass: 210.05 Mol. Wt.: 210.18 LiOH (0.5 M, 75 mL) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of the methyl ester (7.5 g, 33.45 mmol) in

H

2 0:THF, 3:2 (100 mL) at 0°C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for a further 16 h. EtOAc (250 mL) and a Citric acid solution 500 mL) was added, and the aqueous layer was washed with EtOAc (250 mL). The combined organic extracts were then washed with brine (250 mL) and water (250 mL), dried over MgSO 4 and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to give the title compound (6.75 g, m.p.

106-7 0 C [lit m.p.

12 106-70C]; 8(d -acetone) 3.40 (1H, s, OH), 3.82 (3H, s, OCH 3 3.92 (3H, s, OCH 3 6.48 (1H, dd, J 9 Hz, J 2 Hz, 6 A 6.57 (1 H, d, J 2 Hz, 2 A 7.80 (1 H, d, J 9 Hz, 5 A 10.29 (1H, s, CHO); 6c(d -acetone) 56.06, 99.01, 106.93, 118.49, 129.80, 163.32, 164.49, 169.57, 187.27.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/0013 110 Allyl 3-amino- [methyl- (2 -methoxy-4'-phenoxy acetic acid)] propanoic ester O 0

H

O

OCH

3 o N O

H

C

1 6

H

21

NO,

Exact Mass: 323.14 Mol. Wt.: 323.34 The aldehyde (1.87 g, 8.92 mmol) and the amine (2.58 g, 20 mmol) was stirred at room temperature in THF mL) in the presence of dry MgSO 4 (15 g) for 72 h. The reaction mixture was filtered, and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to give a solid residue. The solid was then dissolved in methanol (MeOH) (50 mL) and NaCNBH3 was added portionwise over 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for a further 3 h before ether (100 mL) was added. The amino acid was extracted into (3 x 250 mL). Excess NaC1 was then added to the H 2 0 layer and the amino acid was extracted back into EtOAc (3 x 100 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO 4 and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to give the title compound as an unpurified oil (2.59 g, k(d -acetone) 2.95 (2H, t, J 7 Hz, CH 2 NH), 3.40 (2H, m,

CH

2 CO), 3.89 (3H, s, OCH 3 4.22 (2H, m, CH 2 4.42 (2H, s, OCH 2 5.23 (2H, dd, J 24, J 10 Hz, CH=CH 2 5.91 (1H, m, CH), 6.58 (1H, dd, J 9 Hz, J 2 Hz, 6 Ar 6.68 (1 H, d, J 2 Hz, 2 A 7.42(1 H, d, J 9 Hz, 5 A 8.85 (1H, s, OH); 8c(d -acetone) 43.27, 47.61, 50.10, 64.49, 66.14, 99.82, 106.30, 112.67, 118.43, 132.97, 133.29, 160.00, 161.67, 170.58, 171.40.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 111 Allyl 3-amino-[carboxymethyl-N-(9 -fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-amino] [methyl-(2 '-methoxy-4'-phenoxy acetic acid)] propanoic ester O 9YOH O

OCH

3

O

0 1 H K J0 0 H, N N o O 0 Exact Mass: 602.23 Mol. Wt.: 602.63 The amino acid (518 mg, 1.6 mmol) was added portionwise to a stirred solution of Fm-Gly-OH (594 mg, 2 mmol), BOP (884 mg, 2 mmol) and DIEA (1 mL) in DMF (5 mL) at r.t. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for a further 24 h, before being evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. EtOAc (50 mL) and Citric Acid mL) were added, and the aqueous layer was washed further with EtOAc (50 mL). The combined organic extratcts was washed with brine (50 mL) and water (50 mL), dried over MgSO 4 and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure.

The title compound was purified by HPLC (C-18 reverse phase). HPLC was carried out at X=254 nM on a Vydac column using a 1.0% linear gradient from 70% buffer A (H 2 0, 0.1% TFA) to 80% buffer B (90% CH 3 CN,10% H 2 0, 0.1% TFA) at ml/min flow rate (522 mg, 53%) WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 112 Cleavage of Fmoc-Gly-P-Ala-O-Allyl from the Acid-Labile Linker 0 H H 'O ON

O

C,

3

H

24

N

2 0 Exact Mass: 408.17 Mol. Wt. 408.45 Cleavage was performed with 5 mg of the tertiary amide being stirred in TFA (2 mL) for 5 h. The mixture was evaporated to dryness. HPLC was carried out at X=254 nM on an analytical Vydac column using an isocratic elution buffer A (H 2 0, 0.1% TFA) for 5 minutes followed by a linear gradient from to 80% buffer B (90% CH 3 CN, 10% H 2 0, 0.1% TFA) at 10 ml/min flow rate. The dipeptide co-eluted with the known sample and gave the correct moleular ion.

Procedure for the Attachment of the Acid Labile Linker to the Solid Support DIEA (0.49 mL, 2.75 mmol) was added to a solution of Boc-Gly-OH (43.75 mg, 0.25 mmol), and HBTU (95 mg, 0.25 mmol) in DMF (4mL). This mixture was then added to Aminomethyl Polystyrene Resin (0.83 mmol/g, 1.0 g).

Shaking was initiated and continued for 20 min before being rinsed with DMF. Pyridine DMF Acetic anhydride 5 mL) was then added and shaking was recontinued for a further 20 min before being rinsed with excessive amounts of DMF. Removal of the Boc group was achieved by treatment with TFA (2 x 1 min) A second Boc-Gly-OH (175 mg, 1.0 mmol) was attached by a similar method [DIEA (0.49 mL, 2.75 mmol), HBTU (379 mg, 1.0 mmol) in DMF Once again removal of the Boc group was achieved by treatment with TFA (2 x 1 min). Attachment of Allyl WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 113 3-amino-[carboxymethyl-N-(9'-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)amino] [methyl-(2'-methoxy-4'-phenoxy acetic acid)] propanoic ester 8 was achieved by the addition of the acid (301 mg, 0.5 mmol), DIEA (0.27 mL, 1.5 mmol) HBTU (180 mg, 0.5 mmol) in DMF (4mL)] to the resin. Shaking was initiated and continued for 20 min before being rinsed with DMF, MeOH and dichloromethane (DCM), and dried in vacuo.

After each coupling onto the resin the success of coupling was monitored with Kaisser ninhydrin assay.

Cleavage of Fmoc-Gly-P -Ala-O-Allyl from solid support 00 C H

H

0

C

23

H

24 Exact Mass: 408.17 Mol. Wt.: 408.45 Cleavage was performed with 10 mg of resin being stirred in TFA (2mL) for 5 h. The mixture was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure before being taken up in a solution of H 2 0 CH 3 CN, 5 mL), filtered and then lyophilised. HPLC was carried out at k=254 nM on a semipreparative Vydac column using an isocratic elution buffer A (H 2 0, 0.1% TFA) for 10 minutes followed by a linear gradient from to 70% buffer B (90% CH 3 CN, 10% H 2 0, 0.1% TFA) at 10 ml/min flow rate.

WO 00/18790 WO 0018790PCTIAU99/00813 114 Cycilo- [Leu-Asp-Val -Gly-/3 -Ala]

C

20 H 33

N

5 0, Exact Mass: 455.24 Mol. Wt.: 455.51 Cyclo-[Leu-Asp--Va1-Gly-p3-Ala] was lyophilised to a white powder (12 .3 mg, 18%) MS 456.3 (456.3) Amino Acid Analysis: Gly 1.06, P-Ala 1.01, Asp 1.03, Val 1.03, Leu 0.88.

Cyclo- [Phe-Trp-Lyvs-Gly-/3-AlaJ

C

31

H

39

N

7 0 Exact Mass: 589.30 Mol. Wt. 589.69 Cyclo-[IPhe-Trp-Lys-Gly-fP-Ala] was lyophilised to a white powder (8.1 mg, :MS [M+HI 590.1 (expected 590.3) Amino Acid Analysis: Gly 0.99, f3-Ala 1.01, Lys =1.04, Phe 1.02, Trp 0.95.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 115 Cyclo-[Arg-Gly-Asp-Gly-J-Ala] H2N 02H

H

C

17

H

28 N Excat Mass: 456.21 Mol. Wt.: 456.45 Cyclo-[Arg-Gly-Asp-Gly-p-Ala] was lyophilised to a white powder (8.2 mg, MS 457.1 (457.3).

Amino Acid Analysis: Gly 1.95, P-Ala 1.01, Asp 0.96, Arg 1.09.

Example 11 Backbone Linker Plus Ring Contraction: Application to the synthesis of cyclo [Ala Pro Leu Phe Ala] As is emphasised below, we have evaluated the combination of the backbone linker and ring contraction approach in the synthesis of cyclo [Ala Pro Leu Phe Ala].

In this instance the peptide was assembled on the backbone linker, and the ring contraction auxiliary appended to the N-terminus through reductive amination. Initial cyclisation and ring contraction were allowed to proceed on resin. The resulting cyclic product was then cleaved off the resin using anhydrous HF.

WO 00/18790 WO 0018790PCT/AU99/0081 3 116 0 o-.N-J~-R HI 0 0 Boc-Pro 0 1 R=-OH 1 2 RQ iv H-Ala-Phi Phe-Leu-Pr- It OH 7R=O 02 Phe-Leu-Prcy- HO 0 9 viii WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 117 Scheme 14 Reagents and Conditions: I, H-Gly-Leu-Leu-Q HBTU, DIEA, DMF, ii, Ala-OAllyl, NaBH 3 CN, HOAc/MeOH, 3 h; iv, (Boc-Pro),-O, DCM, 16 h; iv, SPPS; v, 2-Hydroxy-4-nitro-benzaldehyde, NaBH 4 DMF, 2 h; vi, Pd(Ph,) 4

CH

3 Cl: HOAc NMxM, 37:2:1, r.t, 3 h; vii DIC, DIEA, 70-C, 2 h;.viii, HF p-cresol, 10:1, -5 0 C, 1h.

Application to the synthesis of a cyclic tetrapeptide, cyclo[[Hnb]Tyr Arg Phe Glyl Starting from the attachment of the linker to aminomethyl polystyrene resin 11 (sv 0.21 rnmol/g), reductive amination. of the protected amino acid H-Gly-OAllyl using NaCNBH3 followed by acylation proceeded quantitatively to give 12. Addition of Boc-Arg(Tos)-OH using standard solid phase peptide protocols gave the linear peptide 13 (Scheme 0 /Ayl r:i~OAIyI Boc-Phe Boc-Arg(Tos)-Phe 0 11 12 13 aReagents: H-Gly-OAllyl, NaCNBH3, MeOH, rt, 3 hi (ii) Boc-Phe2-O, DCM, rt, 6 h; (iii) Boc-Arg(Tos)-OH, HBTU, DIEA, DMF.

Scheme WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 118 Vi )b H-Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly-OH V iOH 17 H-Tyr-Arg(Tos)-Phe 0 i, H 131 OyOAIyI .~v FmcTy(oc-rgTs)Pe i7 H-[HnB]Tyr-Arg-Phe-GIy-OH 14 OH18 H-[HnB]Tyr-Arg(Tos)-Phe 0 16 aReagents: i TFA DCM (40:60), 2 x 5 min; ii, Fmoc-Tyr(Boc)-OH, HBTU, DIEA, DMF, 1 iii, piperidine DMF, 1:1, 2 x 5 min; iv, HnB 2, NaBH4, DMF, rt, 1 h; v, 3 equiv. Pd(Ph3)4, CH3Cl HOAc :NNM, 37:2:1, r.t, 3 h; vi HF p-cresol, 1: 1.

Scheme 16 Addition of Fmoc-Tyr(Boc)-OH to 13 using in situ neutralisation protocols and HBTU activation resulted in the linear peptide 14 (Scheme 16) Allyl deprotection of 14 using Pd(PPh3)4 followed by a final TEA treatment gave the desired linear peptide 15 on resin, while removal of the Fmoc protecting group and reductive amination using HnB and NaBH4 followed once again by allyl removal gave the desired linear peptide 16.

To show purity and ease of synthesis, the peptides were then cleaved (HF p-cresol, 9:1) to give linear peptides 17 and 18. The HPLC profile of the linear peptides is shown in Figure 8.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 119 Cyclisation of the linear peptides 15 and 16 was performed using BOP, DIEA in DMF over 3 days. For linear peptide 15, without the presence of the [HnB] auxiliary, cyclisation followed by HF cleavage did not produce the desired product. A series of oligomer by-products was detected by both HPLC and LC/MS. The cyclisation of the linear peptide 16, containing a [HnB] auxiliary, resulted in the desired cyclic product. The reactions are summarised in Scheme 17, and the HPLC profile of the cyclic peptides is shown in Figure 9.

i 1 OH H-Tyr-Arg(Tos)-Phe 0 H r OH H-[HnBJTyr-Arg(Tos)-Phe 0 Cyclo-[Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly] Cyclo-[[HnB]Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly] 22 16 21 aReagents: i, BOP, DIEA, DMF, r.t. 3h; ii, HF p-cresol, 1: 1.

Scheme 17 WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 120 Experimental to Example 11 Synthesis of cyclo [Ala Pro Leu Phe Ala] acid)benzylaldehyde appended to resin 2 o acid)benzylaldehyde 1 (0.89 g, mmol) and HBTU (1.52 g, 4.0 mmol) was dissolved in DMF mL). DIEA (1 mL) was added to the solution, and this reaction mixture was then added to the precoupled H-Gly- Leu-Leu-aminomethylpolystyrene resin. Substitution value of aminomethypolystyrene resin (4.8 g, sv=0.21 mmol/g).

Shaking was continued for 30 minutes, the eluant filtered off and the resin was washed with DMF (2 x 10 mL), CH2C12 MeOH 1, 2 x 10 mL) and CH2C12 (2 x 10 mL) before being dried.

acid)benzyl]-L-Alanine allyl ester appended to resin 3 N JYOAI lyl H 0 The aldehyde 2 and alanine allyl ester (1.29 g, mmol) was dissolved in 5% HOAc/MeOH (10 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 min before NaBH3CN (0.61 g, 10 mmol) was added portionwise to the solution. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 121 a further 2 h before the eluant was filtered off. The resin was washed with 5% HOAc/MeOH (2 x 10 mL), DIEA/MeOH (3 x 10 mL), CH2C12 MeOH 1, 2 x 10 mL) and CH2C12 (2 x 10 mL) before being dried.

acid)benzyl) ]-L-Alanine allylester appended to resin 4 0 r rA lyl NOAlly Boc-Pro 0 Boc-Pro-OH (4.31 g, 20.0 mmol) was dissolved in

CH

2 C1 2 (10 mL), to which was added diisopropylcarbodiimide DIC (1.26 g, 10.0 mmol). After activation for 10-15 min to form the symmetric anhydride, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate was added to the resin 3. The reaction was shaken at r.t. for 16 h before the eluant was filtered off.

The resin was washed with CH 2 C12 (5 x 10 mL) before being dried.

H-Ala-Phe-Leu-Pro- (5-oxyvaleric acid)benzyl)]-L- Alanine allyl ester appended to resin Y rOAII lyl H-Ala-Phe-Leu-Pro 0 The peptide 5 was synthesised in stepwise fashion by established methods using in situ neutralisation/HBtU WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/0013 122 activation protocols for Boc chemistry. Coupling reactions were monitored by quantitative ninhydrin assay, and were typically >99.9%.

N- (2-hydroxy-4-nitrobenzyl) -Ala-Phe-Leu-Pro- oxyvaleric acid)benzyl)]-L-Alanine allyl ester appended to resin 6 0 Phe-Leu-Pro-Nlyl O- H N H

O

2

N

2-Hydroxy 4-nitro-benzaldehyde (1.67 g, 10 mmol) and the peptide on resin 5 was stirred in DMF (4 mL) at r.t. for 5 min. NaBH 4 (0.34 g, 10 mmol) was added portionwise to the solution, and the reaction mixture allowed to stir for a further 1 h before the eluant was filtered off. The addition of the benzaldehyde and NaBH 4 in DMF (10 mL) was then repeated once. The resin was washed with DMF (3 x 10 mL), CH 2 C1 2 MeOH 2 x 10 mL) and

CH

2 C12 (2 x 10 mL) before being dried.

The allyl protecting group was achieved by the addition of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine) palladium [Pd(PPh3) 4 (1.74 g, 0.5 mmol) to the resin in a solution of CHC13:HOAc:NMM (37:2:1) and continued stirring for 14 h.

The solvent was removed and the residue was washed with a 10% solution of diethyldithiocarbamic acid (sodium salt trihydrate [(C2H5)N2CS2Na.3H20]) in DMF (2 x 10 mL), then with DMF (2 x 10 mL), MeOH CH2C12 1: 1 (2 x 10 mL) and finally with CH2C12 (2 x 10 mL).

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 123 A small amount of the peptide 7 was cleaved from the resin (100 mg, 0.166 mmol/g) using HF:p-cresol, 5.5 mL, 10:1, for 1 h at -5 0 C. After removal of the HF under reduced pressure, the crude peptide was precipitated in anhydrous ether, filtered, dissolved in the HPLC buffer and lyophilized Analytical HPLC (20-70% B over 20 min) showed only one peak; ES-MS Mr 668.4 (calcd 669.3).

Cyclo- (2-hydroxy-4-nitrobenzyl) -Ala-Phe-Leu-Pro-Ala] Phe-Leu-Pro-N 0=-N O N 0 HO HO6 N02 DIC (6.7 mg, 0.04 mmol) was added to a solution of the peptide on resin 7 (200 mg, sv 0.176 mmol/g) in DMSO (4 mL). DIEA mL) was added dropwise to the solution and the reaction mixture was left to stir at r.t.

for 1 h before being heated to 70 0 C for 2 h. The eluant was filtered off and washed with DMF (3 x 10 mL),

CH

2 Cl 2 :MeOH 2 x 10 mL) and CH 2 C1 2 (2 x 10 mL) before being dried. The cyclic peptide 10 was cleaved from resin using HF:p-cresol, 5.5 mL, 10:1, for lh at 0°C. After removal of the HF under reduced pressurre, the crude peptide was precipitated in anhydrous ether before being dissolved in the HPLC buffer and lyophilized. Analytical HPLC (20-70% B over 20 min) showed two peaks; a) linear peptide ES-MS Mr 668.4 (calcd 669.3), and cyclized material ES-MS Mr 650.4 (calcd 650.3).

Experimental to the synthesis of a cyclic tetrapeptide cyclo[[Hnb]Tyr Arg Phe Gly] WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/0013 124 Peptide Synthesis. All linear peptides were chemically synthesised stepwise using either Fmoc or Boc protecting groups and in situ HBTU activation protocols, as previously described by Schn6lzer, 1992. Coupling efficiencies were determined by the quantitative ninhydrin test and recoupled where necessary to obtain >99.5% efficiency. Allyl deprotection was performed using 3 equiv. Pd(Ph3)4, CH3C1 HOAc NMM, 37:2:1, r.t, 3 h, as previously reported by Kates, 1993.

Reductive amination. The selected auxiliary-aldehyde (0.1M) was dissolved in MeOH/DMF or DMF/AcOH (100:1) and added to the resin-bound Boc-deprotected peptide (2 equivalents to resin-bound amine). After 5 min the resin was_filtered and a second portion of aldehyde added. After another 5 min the resin was filtered and washed with MeOH/DMF or DMF. NaBH4 (10eq) in MeOH/DMF was added and the reaction mixture left standing for 5 min. The resin was again filtered and washed with MeOH/DMF DMF, MeOH/DCM and air-dried_prior to cleavage.

Cleavage. Peptides were cleaved as follows: 250 mg of resin were mixed with 1 mL p-cresol and 10 mL HF added at 0*C and the mixture stirred at 0*C for 1 h. After evaporation of the HF the crude product was precipitated and washed with ether (2 x 10 mL). The precipitate was then dissolved in 50% CH3CN in water (0.095% TFA) for HPLC purification (as above).

H-Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly-OH 17. The linear peptide was isolated in yield: ES-MS Mr 542.2, calcd for C26H36N706, 542.3 (monoisotopic).

H-[HnB]Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly-OH 18. The linear peptide was isolated in yield: ES-MS Mr 693.1, calcd for C33H41N809, 693.3 (monoisotopic).

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 125 Cyclo-[[HnB]Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly] 22. Cyclisation of H- [HnB]Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly-OH on backbone linker 18 produced the cyclo-[[HnB]Tyr-Arg-Phe-Gly] in yield. ES-MS Mr 675.3, calcd for C33H34N708, 675.3 (monoisotopic).

Example 12 Ring contraction, backbone substitution and backbone linker Our current backbone linkers can be attached to any atom of the peptide backbone. As the data in Table 3 suggest, more than one N a-subsitutent results in the best yields of cyclic tetrapeptides for the examples studied.

In combination with ring contraction this provides a powerful approach for the synthesis of cyclic peptides.

The peptide outlined below is synthesized using this combined approach. This peptide contains 2 N a-substituents (one is the linker L) and a ring contraction auxiliary. The peptide is cyclised and the purity and yields of products are examined. Reversible Nasubstitution in replacement of methylation is also investigated.

HnB L-Q HX- AlaPhe-Leu-PrE-Ala HX-- ring contraction auxiliary; X= O,S; L=backbone linker Example 13 Biological activity of cyclo [Tyr-Arg-Phe-Glvl and cyclo FTyr-Arc-D-Phe-Glyl Drugs with opioid receptor binding activity are therapeutically useful for pain relief and for detoxification of opiate addicts, and morphine and naloxone are widely used as analgesics and antidote, respectively.

Morphine has undesirable side effects, such as drug WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 126 dependency and respiratory depression, and consequently there is a clear medical need for more efficacious drugs with fewer or less severe side effects.

Demorphin is a opioid heptapeptide isolated from the skin of South American frogs, and has the following sequence; {H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2). The tetrapeptide analogues (H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-NH-Y) are potent analgesics when administered by intracerebroventricular injection. In Example 3 we synthesised the cyclic tetrapeptides cyclo [Tyr-Arg-Phe- Gly] and cyclo [Tyr-Arg-D-Phe-Gly] designated WP 152 using our combination strategies. Figures 10 and 11 shows the effect of these compounds on the focal extracellular recording of evoked excitary for junction currents (EJC) from visualised sympathetic varicosities, measured as described by (Lavidis (1995)). These results illustrates that the mixture of compounds greatly reduces transmitter release. The effect is reversed by the addition of naloxone, strongly suggesting that one or both of the compounds are potent g-opiate agonists.

It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that while the invention has been described in some detail for the purposes of clarity and understanding, various modifications and alterations to the embodiments and methods described herein may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concept disclosed in this specification.

References cited herein are listed on the following pages, and are incorporated herein by this reference.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 127

REFERENCES

Backes, B.J. and Eliman, J.A.

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J. Org. Chem., 1996 61 8831-8838 WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 128 Ehrlich, Klose, Heyne, Beyermann, M., Carpino, L.A. and Bienert, M.

In Peptides: Chemistry, Stucture and Biology; Mayflower Scientific Ltd: 1996 75-76 Flanigan, E. and Marshall, G.R.

Tet. Lett., 1970 27 2403-2406 Flanigan, E.

"Studies on the solid phase synthesis of cyclic peptides", PhD Dissertation, Washington University, St Louis, Mo., 1971, Freidinger, Perlow, D.S. and Veber, D.F.

J. Org. Chem, 1982 59 104-109 Freudenberg, Heel, W., Chem. Ber. 1953, 86, 190-196 Fridkin, Patchornik, A. and Katchalski, E.

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Biochemistry, 1972 11 466-471 Heavner, Audhya, Doyle, Tjoeng, F.S. and Goldstein, G.

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Biopolymers, 1981 20 1785 WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 129 Jensen, Songster, Vagner, Alsina, J., Albericio, F. and Barany, G.

In 14th American Peptide Symposium; Mayflower Scientific Ltd.: 1996 30-32 Jensen et al J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1998 120 5441-52 Kenner, McDermott, J.R. and Sheppard, R.C.

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Brit.J. Pharmacol, 1995 116 2852-2859 Marshall, Humblet, Van Opdenbosch, N. and Zabrocki, J.

In Peptides: Synthesis, Stucture and Function; Pierce Chemical Co., Rockford, IL: 1981 pp 669-672 Marshall, D.L. and Liener, I.

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Claims (37)

1. A method of synthesis of a cyclic peptide or peptidomimetic compound of General Formula I General Formula I or General Formula II General Formula II r where L is a linker unit, linking the cyclic peptide to a solid support 0 in which the cycle is a monocycle, bicycle or higher order cycle comprising 1 to 15 monomers, comprising the steps of: a) synthesizing a corresponding linear peptide, b) inducing flexibility in the peptide or peptidomimetic compound by reversible N-substitution or by forcing a cis amide bond conformation using a cis-amide 25 bond surrogate to facilitate cyclisation, and, if necessary, c) subjecting the cyclic peptide or peptidomimetic compound to a ring contraction reaction.

2. A method according to claim 1, in which the cycle comprises 1 to 10 monomers. ooo o oo \\melbfiles\home$\cintae\Keep\speci\61830.99 amended pages.doc 20/08/03 WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 132

3. A method according to claim 2, in which the cycle comprises 1 to 5 monomers.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the cycle is a monocycle.

A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the cycle is a bicycle.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the cycle comprises more than two rings.

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the compound is of General Formula II, and the linker L is attached to a backbone nitrogen or to an atom in the side chain of the monomer.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is carried out in solution, comprising the steps of: a) Preparing a linear peptide of General Formula III A1 P IA2 General Formula III where P is a linear peptide of 1 to 15 monomers; Al is one or more N-substituents, either reversible or non-reversible, on the peptide backbone, or is a chemical moiety that forces a cis conformation of the backbone, and A2 is a covalently-bonded group of atoms comprising a reactive functionality to form an initial WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 133 large cyclic peptide prior to ring contraction to the desired substituted cyclic peptide; b) Activating the C-terminus to form a cyclic peptide of General Formula IV: P General Formula IV c) Permitting the peptide of General Formula IV to rearrange via a ring contraction reaction (which may occur spontaneously) to form a cyclic peptide of General Formula V; and optionally Al General Formula V d) Subjecting the cyclic peptide of General Formula V to a deprotection reaction to remove the groups Al and A2 to yield the desired cyclic peptide of General Formula I.

9. A method according to claim 8, in which P is a linear peptide of 1 to 10 monomers. A method according to claim 9, in which P is a linear peptide of 1 to 5 monomers.

WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 134

11. A method according to any one of claims 8 to in which Al and/or A2 is left attached to the peptide.

12. A method according to claim 11, in which Al and/or A2 is subsequently linked to a solid support, derivatised, or linked to another cyclic peptide or peptidomimetic compound.

13. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, in which Al is a reversible N-substituent.

14. A method according to claim 13, in which Al is a 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl, 2-hydroxybenzyl or 2-hydroxy-6- nitrobenzyl substituent.

A method according to any one of claims 8 to in which A2 is eliminated by spontaneous ring contraction.

16. A method according to any one of claims 8 to in which A2 comprises a nucleophile that reacts rapidly with a C-terminus to form an initial large ring, which then contracts either spontaneously, or upon heating or additional chemical treatment.

17. A method according to claim 16, in which A2 is thiol or hydroxyl.

18. A method according to any one of claims 8 to in which A2 is an irreversible substituent, is removed after ring contraction, or is eliminated spontaneously upon ring contraction.

19. A method according to any one of claims 8 to in which A2 is a compound of general formula 135 S S* S in which the ring optionally comprises one or more heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulphur; is of 5 to 7 atoms; comprises 3 carbon atoms substituted respectively by XH, Z, and Y; and is additionally substituted by groups R 3 and R 4 when the compound is a 5-membered ring, or is additionally substituted by groups R 3 R 4 and R when the compound is a 6-membered ring, or is additionally substituted by groups R3, R4, and R6 when the compound is a 7-membered ring, in which X is oxygen, sulphur, CH20-, or CH 2 S-; Y is an electron-withdrawing group; Z is any group which allows the formation of a covalent carbon-nitrogen bond; and R 3 R R 5 and R 6 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, arylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, XH or Y, or a covalent linkage to a solid support, and in which R 3 and R 4 R 4 and R 5 or R 5 and R 6 can optionally together with the ring form a or 7-membered ring.

A method of solid-phase synthesis of a cyclic peptide or peptidomimetic compound of the structure: \\melbfiles\home$\cintae\Keep\speci\61830.99 amended pages.doc 20/08/03 136 General Formula I comprising the steps of: a) synthesis of a linear peptide of General Formula VI, bound to a solid support via a linker L, A P General Formula VI in which P is a linear peptide of 1 to monomers, and Al is one or more N-substituents either reversible or non-reversible, on the peptide backbone, or is a chemical moiety that forces a cis conformation of the 20 backbone, and L is a linker between any atom of the peptide and the solid support, and either subjecting the peptide to cyclisation and concomitant cleavage from the solid support to yield a cyclic peptide of General Formula VII, \\melb_files\home$\cintae\Keep\speci\61830.99 amended pages.doc 20/08/03 WO 00/18790 PCT/AU99/00813 137 A] P General Formula VII followed by selective removal or derivatisation of Al, if necessary followed by side chain deprotection of the peptide and removal of Al to yield the desired cyclic peptide of General Formula I; or (ii) cyclisation of the peptide to yield a second solid support bound cyclic peptide of General Formula VIII, A11 General Formula VIII and subjecting the compound of General Formula VIII to removal of Al and of any peptide side chain protecting groups, and cleavage from the solid support to yield the desired cyclic peptide of General Formula I.

21. A method according to claim 20, in which the linker L is attached to a backbone nitrogen or a atom in the side chain of the monomer.

22. A method according to claim 20 or claim 21, in which the cycle is a monocycle. 138

23. A method according to claim 20 or claim 21 in which the cycle is a bicycle.

24. A method according to claim 20 or claim 21 in which the cycle comprises more than two rings.

A method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, in which side chain deprotection of the peptide, removal of Al and cleavage from the solid support are performed separately.

26. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, in which side chain deprotection of the peptide, removal of Al and cleavage from the resin are performed concurrently.

27. A method of solid-phase synthesis of a cyclic peptide of General Formula I, I *9 General Formula I comprising the steps of: a) preparing a linear resin-bound peptide of General Formula IX: oR General Formula IX \\melb_files\home$\cintae\Keep\speci\61830.99 amended pages.doc 20/08/03 139 where P is a linear peptide of 1 to 15 monomers; A2 is a covalently-bonded group of atoms comprising a reactive functionality to form an initial large cyclic peptide prior to ring contraction to the desired substituted cyclic peptide; L is a linker between any atom of the peptide and the solid support, and b) subjecting the peptide of General Formula IX to cyclisation and concomitant cleavage from the resin to yield a cyclic peptide of General Formula X; General Formula X c) allowing the cyclic peptide of General formula X to undergo ring contraction (which may occur spontaneously) to yield a second cyclic peptide of General Formula XI, and I General Formula XI 25 d) either derivatising the group A2, or removing A2 to yield the desired cyclic peptide of General S' Formula I.

28. A method according to claim 27, in which the S. 30 linear resin-bound peptide of General Formula IX is subjected to initial cyclisation and ring contraction on \\melbfiles\home$\cintae\Keep\speci\6183O99 aended pages.doc 20/08/03 140 the solid support to yield a solid support-bound cyclic peptide of General Formula XII, General Formula XII and either cleaved from the solid support to yield an A2-substituted cyclic peptide, or (ii) deprotected and cleaved from the solid support to yield a cyclic peptide of General Formula I.

29. A method according to claim 28, in which A2 is derivatised in solid-phase or in solution. A method according to claim 28 or claim 29, in which side chain deprotection of the peptide, removal of "A2 and cleavage from the resin are performed separately.

S"

31. A method according to claim 28 or claim 29, in which in which side chain deprotection of the peptide, removal of A2 and cleavage from the solid support are performed concurrently.

32. A method of solid phase synthesis of a cyclic peptide of General Formula I, *oa 00 \\melb_files\home$\cintae\Keep\speci\61830.99 amended pages.doc 20/08/03 141 General Formula I comprising the steps of a) synthesis of a linear solid support-bound peptide of General Formula XIII, A P A2 General Formula XIII where P is a linear peptide of 1 to 15 monomers; Al is one or more N-substituents, either reversible or non-reversible, on the peptide backbone, or is a chemical moiety that forces a cis conformation of the backbone, and A2 is a covalently-bonded group of atoms comprising a reactive functionality to form an initial large cyclic peptide prior to ring contraction to the desired substituted cyclic peptide; L is a linker between any atom of the peptide and the solid support, and b) subjecting the peptide of General *Formula XIII to cyclisation and concomitant cleavage from the solid support to yield a cyclic peptide of General Formula XIV, o o* \\melbfiles\homeS\cintae\Keep\speci\61830.99 amended pages.doc 20/08/03 142 P A2 General Formula XIV c) subjecting the cyclic peptide of General Formula XIV to ring contraction (which may be spontaneous), and d) cleaving the groups Al and A2 to yield the desired cyclic peptide of General Formula I.

33. A method of solid phase synthesis of a cyclic peptide, comprising-the steps of; a) synthesis of a linear solid support-bound peptide of General Formula XIII as defined in claim 32, b) subjecting the linear peptide to cyclisation on the solid support to yield a cyclic peptide of General Formula XV, A2 General Formula XV c) subjecting the cyclic peptide to ring 25 contraction (which may occur spontaneously) to yield a cyclic peptide of General Formula XVI, s.e. \\melb_files\home$\cintae\Keep\speci\61830.99 amended pages.doc 20/08/03 143 r r General Formula XVI and either d) cleaving groups Al and A2 while the peptide is bound to the solid support to yield a resin-bound cyclic peptide of General Formula II, or General Formula II e) subjecting the cyclic peptide to deprotection and concomitant cleavage from the solid support to yield the desired cyclic peptide.

34. A method according to claim 33, in which side chain deprotection of the peptide, removal of Al and cleavage from the solid support are performed separately.

A method according to claim 33, in which side chain deprotection of the peptide, removal of Al and cleavage from the solid support are performed 25 concurrently.

36. A method according to any one of claims 1 to \\melb_files\home$\cintae\Keep\speci\61830.99 amended pages.doc 20/08/03 144 in which one or more of the monomers carries a side chain protecting group.

37. A method according to any one of claims 1, 20, 27 and 32, substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the examples and drawings. Dated this 20th day of August 2003 THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND By their Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK Fellows Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia oo oo ooo oo oo oo \\melb_files\home$\cintae\Keep\speci\61830.99 amended pages.doc 20/08/03