EP1381360A1 - Compounds and methods for inhibiting metap2 in mammals - Google Patents

Abstract

Compounds of this invention are non-peptide, reversible inhibitors of type 2 methionine aminopeptidase, useful in treating conditions mediated by angiogenesis, such as cancer, haemangioma, proliferative retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerotic neovascularization, psoriasis, ocular neovascularization and obesity.

Description

COMPOUNDS AND METHODS

FLELD OF THE INVENTION

Compounds of this invention are non-peptide, reversible inhibitors of type 2 methionine aminopeptidase, useful in treating conditions mediated by angiogenesis, such as cancer, haemangioma, proliferative retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerotic neovascularization, psoriasis, ocular neovascularization and obesity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In 1974, Folkman proposed that for tumors to grow beyond a critical size and to spread to form metastases, they must recruit endothelial cells from the surrounding stroma to form their own endogenous microcirculation in a process termed angiogenesis (Folkman J. (1974) Adv Cancer Res. 19; 331). The new blood vessels induced by tumor cells as their life-line of oxygen and nutrients also provide exits for cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body. Inhibition of this process has been shown to effectively stop the proliferation and metastasis of solid tumors. A drug that specifically inhibits this process is known as an angiogenesis inhibitor.

Having emerged as a promising new strategy for the treatment of cancer, the anti- angiogenesis therapy ("indirect attack") has several advantages over the "direct attack" strategies. All the "direct attack" approaches such as using DNA damaging drugs, antimetabolites, attacking the RAS pathway, restoring p53, activating death programs, using aggressive T-cells, injecting monoclonal antibodies and inhibiting telomerase, etc., inevitably result in the selection of resistant tumor cells. Targeting the endothelial compartment of tumors as in the "indirect attack", however, should avoid the resistance problem because endothelial cells do not exliibit the same degree of genomic instability as tumor cells. Moreover, anti-angiogenic therapy generally has low toxicity due to the fact that normal endothelial cells are relatively quiescent in the body and exhibit an extremely long turnover. Finally since the "indirect attack" and "direct attack" target different cell types, there is a great potential for a more effective combination therapy. More than 300 angiogenesis inhibitors have been discovered, of which about 31 agents are currently being tested in human trials in treatment of cancers (Thompson, et al., (1999) J Pathol 187, 503). TNP-470, a semisynthetic derivative of fumagillin of Aspergillus fuigatus, is among the most potent inhibitors of angiogenesis. It acts by directly inhibiting endothelial cell growth and migration in vitro and in vivo (higber et al. (1990) Nature 348, 555). Fumagillin and TNP-470, have been shown to inhibit type 2 methionine aminopeptidase (hereinafter MetAP2) by irreversibly modifying its active site. The biochemical activity of fumagillin analogs has been shown to correlate to their inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human umbillical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Although the mechanism of the selective action of fumagillin and related compounds on MetAP2- mediated endothelial cell cytostatic effect has not yet been established, possible roles of MetAP2 in cell proliferation have been suggested.

First, hMetAP-2-catalyzed cleavage of the initiator methionine of proteins could be essential for releasing many proteins that, after myristoylation, function as important signaling cellular factors involved in cell proliferation. Proteins known to be myristoylated include the src family tyrosine kinases, the small GTPase ARF, the HTV protein nef and the subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins. A recently published study has shown that the myristoylation of nitric oxide synthase, a membrane protein involved in cell apoptosis, was blocked by fumagillin (Yoshida, et al. (1998) Cancer Res. 58(16), 3751). This is proposed to be an indirect outcome of inhibition of MetAP2-catalyzed release of the glycine-terminal myristoylation substrate. Alternatively, MetAP enzymes are known to be important to the stability of proteins in vivo according to the "N-end rule" which suggests increased stability of methionine-cleaved proteins relative to their N-terminal methionine precursors (Varshavsky, A (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 93, 12142). Inhibition of hMetAP2 could result in abnormal presence or absence of some cellular proteins critical to the cell cycle.

Methionine aminopeptidases (MetAP) are ubiquitously distributed in all living organisms. They catalyze the removal of the initiator methionine from newly translated polypeptides using divalent metal ions as cofactors. Two distantly related MetAP enzymes, type 1 and type 2, are found in eukaryotes, which at least in yeast, are both required for normal growth; whereas only one single MetAP is found in eubacteria (type 1) and archaebacteria (type 2). The N-terminal extension region distinguishes the methionine aminopeptidases in eukaryotes from those in procaryotes. A 64-amino acid sequence insertion (from residues 381 to 444 in hMetAP2) in the catalytic C-terminal domain distinguishes the MetAP-2 family from the MetAP- 1 family. Despite the difference in the gene structure, all MetAP enzymes appear to share a highly conserved catalytic scaffold termed "pita-bread" fold (Bazan, et al. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 91, 2473), which contains six strictly conserved residues implicated in the coordination of the metal cofactors.

Mammalian type 2 methionine aminopeptidase has been identified as a bifunctional protein implicated by its ability to catalyze the cleavage of N-terminal methionine from nascent polypeptides (Bradshaw, et al (1998) Trends Biochem. Sci. 23, 263) and to associate with eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF-2α) to prevent its phosphorylation (Ray, et al. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89, 539). Both the genes of human and rat MetAP2 were cloned and have shown 92% sequence identity (Wu,. et al. (1993) J Biol. Chem. 268, 10796; Li, X. & Chang, Y.-H. (1996) Biochem. & Biophys. Res. Comm. 227, 152). The N-terminal extension in these enzymes is highly charged and consists of two basic polylysine blocks and one aspartic acid block, which has been speculated to be involved in the binding of eIF-2α (Gupta, et al. (1993) in Translational Regulation of Gene Expression 2 (Han, J., Ed.), pp. 405-431, Plenum Press, New York). The anti-angiogenic compounds, fumagillin and its analogs, have been shown to specifically block the exo-aminopeptidase activity of hMetAP2 without interfering with the formation of the hMetAP2 : eIF2α complex (Griffith, et al., (1997) Chem. Biol. 4, 461; Sin, et al. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 94, 6099). Fumagillin and its analogs inactivate the enzymatic activity of hMetAP2 with a high specificity, which is underscored by the lack of effect of these compounds on the closely related type 1 methionine aminopeptidase

(MetAPl) both in vitro and in vivo in yeast (Griffith, et al., (1997) Chem. Biol. 4, 461; Sin, et al. (1997) Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci. U.S.A. 94, 6099). The extremely high potency (IC50 < 1 nM) of these inhibitors appears to be due to the irreversible modification of the active site residue, His231, of hMetAP2 (Liu, et al. (1998) Science 282, 1324). Disturbance of MetAP2 activity in vivo impairs the normal growth of yeast (Griffith, et al., (1997) Chem. Biol. 4, 461; Sin, et al. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 94, 6099; In-house data) as well as Drosophila (Cutforth & Gaul (1999) Mech. Dev. 82, 23). Most significantly, there • appears to be a clear correlation between the inhibition effect of fumagillin related compounds against the enzymatic activity of hMetAP2 in vitro and the suppression effect of these compounds against tumor-induced angiogenesis in vivo (Griffith, et al., (1997) Chem. Biol. 4, 461).

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., exceeded only by heart disease. Despite recent successes in therapy against some forms of neoplastic disease, other forms continue to be refractory to treatment. Thus, cancer remains a leading cause of death and morbidity in the United States and elsewhere (Bailar and Goraik (1997) N Engl J Med 336, 1569). Inhibition of hMetAP2 provides a promising mechanism for the development of novel anti-angiogenic agents in the treatment of cancers. It has now been discovered that compounds of formulae (I) and (IA) are effective inhibitors of hJVIetAP2, and thus would be useful in treating conditions mediated by hMetAP2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is to a novel compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically active salt or solvate thereof, and its use in treating conditions mediated by angiogenesis, such as cancer, haemangioma, proliferative retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerotic neovascularization, psoriasis, ocular neovascularization and obesity:

Formula (I) wherein: R! is optionally substituted C_{j fi}alkyl, C₂ alkenyl, C_{2 6}alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-C_{j 6}alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-C_{j 6}alkyl-, or optionally substituted C₃ .cycloalkyl-C_{j 6}alkyl-, provided that when R is optionally substituted Het-C galk l-, and Het is indolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzopyrazolyl, or pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridinyl then the optional substituent is not -(CH2)ι .5CHRI]SΠR.IIR¹I^J-, or the optional substituent is not a 4- to

6-membered heterocycle which contains one nitrogen;

R¹ is H or C. _βalkyl;

R^**-^***^* and R^*"^*-^*****- are independently H, C _galkyl, or together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4- to 6-membered heterocyclic ring which optionally contains one or more additional heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S; provided that when R^ is

Cι alkyl-, the optional substituent cannot be -OR^, -R4, or -NR^RS, wherein R^, R^*-^*", and R^ are independently selected from H, C _fialkyl, C₃ alkenyl, C_{3 fi}alkynyl, Ph-C_{0 g}alkyl-, Het-C^alkyl-, or C_{3 7}cycloalkyl-C_{0 fi}alkyl-;

R-² is optionally substituted C alkyl, C_{3 fi}alkenyl, C_{3 6}alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-C_{Q g}alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-C_{Q 6}alkyl-, or optionally substituted

C₃ _cycloalkyl-C_{0 fi}alkyl-; provided that when R^*^ is optionally substituted Het-C- _4alkyl-, and Het is indolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, or benzopyrazolyl, then the optional substituent is not -C^CHRINRHRI-^*--^*-, or the optional substituent is not a 4- to 6-membered heterocycle which contains one nitrogen; and

R³ is H, optionally substituted C_{χ 6}alkyl, C_{3 6}alkenyl, C_{3 6}alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-C_{Q g}alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-C_{Q 6}alkyl-, optionally substituted C_{3 7}cycloalkyl-C_{0 6}alkyl-, -C_{Q 6}alkyl-C(0)X'AB, C_{Q 6}alkyl-S(0)₂X'AB, or -C all yl-X'AB, wherein X' is O, S, C or N, and wherein A and B are independently absent, H, optionally substituted C_{χ 6}alkyl, C_{3 6}alkenyl, C_{3 6}alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-C_{Q fi}alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-C_Q_₆alkyl-, or C cycloalkyl-C_{0 g}alkyl-; provided that the compound is not

5-benzyl-3 -anilino- 1 ,2,4-triazole, 5-(2-naphthalenylmethyl)-3 -anilino- 1 ,2,4-triazole, 5-(2-naphthalenylmethyl)-3-(4-methyl-anilino)-l,2,4-triazole, 5-(2-naphthalenylmethyl)-3-(4-methoxy-anilino)-l,2,4-triazole, N-phenyl-5-[(phenylthio)methyl]- 1 H- 1 ,2,4-triazol-3-amine, N-phenyl-5-[(4-chloro-phenylthio)methyl]-lH-l,2,4-triazol-3-amine.

In a second aspect, the present invention is to a method of treating conditions mediated by angiogenesis, such as cancer, haemangioma, proliferative retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerotic neovascularization, psoriasis, ocular neovascularization and obesity by administering a compound of formula (LA), or a phaπnaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof

Formula (LA) wherein,

R! is optionally substituted C_{χ 6}alkyl, C_{2 g}alkenyl, C_{2 g}alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-Cι_-6alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-Cι_-6alkyl-, or optionally substituted

C_3-7cycloalkyl-C i-βalkyl-; R2 is optionally substituted Cμβalkyl, C₃.₆alkenyl, C₃.₆alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-Co-βalkyl, optionally substituted Het-C₀-₆alkyl-, or optionally substituted C₃.₇cycloalkyl-Co-₆alkyl-; and R³ is H, optionally substituted Cι__salkyl, C_3-6alkenyl, C_3-6alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-Co-βalkyl-, optionally substituted Het-Co-ealkyl-, optionally substituted -C_3-7cycloalkyl-C₀-₆alkyl-, -C₀.6alkyl-C(O)X'AB, or -C₀-₆alkyl-S(O)2XAB, -Co-βalkyl-X'AB, wherein X' is O, S, C or N and wherein A and B are independently absent, H, optionally substituted Cι_₆alkyl, C_3-6alkenyl, C₃.₆alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-C_0-6alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-C₀.₆alkyl-, or optionally substituted C₃.₇cycloall<cyl-Co-6alkyl-. In another aspect, the present invention is to a method of inhibiting MetAP2 in the treatment of angiogenesis-mediated diseases, all in mammals, preferably humans, comprising administering to such mammal in need thereof, a compound of formula (LA), or a pharmaceutically active salt or solvate thereof. In yet another aspect, the present invention is to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) or formula (LA) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. In particular, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are used for treating MetAP2-mediated diseases.

In a further aspect, the present invention is to novel intermediates useful in the preparation of the compounds of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It has now been discovered that substituted 1,2,4-triazoles of formula (I) and formula (LA) are inhibitors of MetAP2. It has also now been discovered that selective inhibition of MetAP2 enzyme mechanisms by treatment with the inhibitors of formula (I) and formula (LA), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, represents a novel therapeutic and preventative approach to the treatment of a variety of disease states, including, but not limited to, cancer, haemangioma, proliferative retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerotic neovascularization, psoriasis, ocular neovascularization and obesity. The term "Ph" represents a phenyl ring.

The term "Cι.6alkyl" as used herein at all occurrences means a substituted and unsubstituted, straight or branched chain radical of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, unless the chain length is limited thereto, including, but not limited to methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl and t-butyl, pentyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl and hexyl and the simple aliphatic isomers thereof.

Suitably, any C_1-6alkyl group may be optionally substituted independently by one or more of -OR , -R4, -NR4R5, -S R . C₀alkyl means that no alkyl group is present in the moiety. Thus, Ph-COalkyl- is equivalent to Ph.

The term "C_3-7cycloalkyl" as used herein at all occurrences means substituted or unsubstituted cyclic radicals having 3 to 7 carbons, including but not limited to cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl radicals.

The term "C_2-6alkenyl" as used herein at all occurrences means an alkyl group of 2 to 6 carbons wherein a carbon-carbon single bond is replaced by a carbon-carbon double bond. C₂.₆alkenyl includes ethylene, 1-propene, 2-propene, 1-butene, 2-butene, isobutene and the several isomeric pentenes and hexenes. Both cis and trans isomers are included within the scope of this invention.

Suitably, any C_2-6alkenyl group may be independently, optionally substituted by one or more of Ph-C₀.6alkyl-, Het-Co-βalkyl-, Cι.₆alkyl, Cι_₆alkoxy-, Cι.₆alkyl-S-, Ph-C_0-6alkoxy-, Het-Co-βalkoxy-, HO-, R⁴R -, Het-S-C₀.₆alkyl-, Ph-S-C₀.₆alkyl-, HO(CH₂)ι_-6-, R4R5_N(CH₂)_2-6-, R4R5N(CH₂)₂.₆0-, R6C0₂(CH₂)O-6-, R⁶C0₂(CH₂)ι.6θ-, R⁶S0₂(CH₂)ι.6-, -CF₃, -OCF3, or halogen.

The term " C₂-₆al ynyl" as used herein at all occurrences means an alkyl group of 2 to 6 carbons wherein one carbon-carbon single bond is replaced by a carbon-carbon triple bond. C_2-6alkynyl includes acetylene, 1-propyne, 2-propyne, 1-butyne, 2-butyne, 3-butyne and the simple isomers of pentyne and hexyne.

Suitably, any C₂-₆alkynyl group may be independently, optionally substituted by one or more of Ph-Co-βalkyl-, Het-Co-βalkyl-, C^aHcyl-, Cμgalkoxy-, Cι.₆alkyl-S-, Ph-C₀.₆alkoxy-, Het-C₀.₆alkoxy-₅ HO-, R⁴R5N-, Het-S-C₀.₆alkyl-, Ph-S-C_0-6alkyl-, HO(CH₂)i_-6-, R4 5N(CH₂)₂.6-, R⁴R5N(CH²)₂.₆0-, 6C0₂(CH₂)O-6-, R⁶C0₂(CH₂)ι-6θ-, R⁶Sθ2(CH2)ι_-6-, -CF3, -OCF3, or halogen.

The tenn "alkoxy" is used herein at all occurrences to mean a straight or branched chain radical of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, unless the chain length is limited thereto, bonded to an oxygen atom, including, but not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, n- propoxy, isopropoxy, and the like.

The terms "hetero" or "heteroatom" as used herein interchangeably at all occurrences mean oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur.

The terms "halo" or "halogen" as used herein interchangeably at all occurrences mean F, CI, Br, and I. Here and throughout this application the term C₀ denotes the absence of the substituent group immediately following; for instance, in the moiety PhCo-βalkyl-, when C is 0, the substituent is phenyl.

The terms "Ar" or "aryl" as used herein interchangeably at all occurrences mean phenyl and naphthyl, optionally substituted by one or more of Ph-C_{Q 6}alkyl-, Hef-C_{0 6}alkyl-, C_{j 6}alkyl, C. __galkoxy-, C^alkyl-S-, Ph-C_{o g}alkoxy-, Het'-Co-₆alkoxy-, -OH, -NR⁴R5,

Hef-S-Co-βalkyl-, - (CH₂)ι-₆OH, - (CH₂)_I-6NR4R5, -0(CH₂)₁.₆NR⁴R*5, - (CH₂)o-₆C0₂R⁶, -0(CH2)ι_-6C0₂ R⁶, - (CH₂)ι-6S0₂R⁶, -CF₃, -OCF3 or halogen; in addition, Ph may be optionally substituted with one or more of C_{χ g}alkyl, C alkoxy, -OH, -(CH2)_I-₆NR R5, -0(CH₂)_I-₆ R4R5₃ -C0₂R⁶, -CF₃, or halogen; Het' is defined as for Het, and may be optionally substituted by one or more of C_{χ g}alkyl, C_{χ g}alkoxy, -OH, -(CH2)_I-₆NR4R⁵, -0(CH2)ι-₆ R⁴R⁵, -CO2R⁶, -CF3, or halogen; or two C^alkyl or C_{j g}alkoxy groups may be combined to form a 5-7 membered, saturated or unsaturated ring, fused onto the Ar ring (e.g., to form a divalent alkylene or alkylenedioxy moiety attached to adjacent positions on the Ar ring). The terms "Het" or "heterocyclic" as used herein interchangeably at all occurrences, mean a stable 5- to 7-membered monocyclic, a stable 7- to 10-membered bicyclic, or a stable 11- to 18-membered tricyclic heterocyclic ring, all of which are either saturated or unsaturated, and consist of carbon atoms and from one to three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O and S, and wherein the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized, and the nitrogen heteroatom may optionally be quatemized, and including any bicyclic group in which any of the above-defined heterocyclic rings is fused to a benzene ring. The heterocyclic ring may be attached at any heteroatom or carbon atom which results in the creation of a stable structure.

It will be understood that Het may be optionally substituted with one or more of Ph-C₀-₆alkyl-, Hetf- w alkyl-, C_1-6alkyl, C^alkoxy-, Cι.₆alkyl-S-, Ph-C₀.₆alkoxy-, Hef-Co-βalkoxy-, -OH, -NR⁴R5, Hef-S-Co.₆alkyl-, -(CH₂)_I-₆NR⁴R5, -0(CH₂)_I-₆NR4R5, - (CH₂)o-6Cθ2R⁶, -0(CH₂)-,₆C0₂ R⁶, -(CH₂)ι-₆S0₂R⁶, -CF3, -OCF3, -CN, or halogen; Ph may be optionally substituted with one or more of Cι_-6alkyl, C_1-6alkoxy-, -OH, -(CH₂)-.₆NR⁴R5_J -0(CH₂)_I-₆NR4R5₃ -C0²R6, -CF3, or halogen; and two groups may be combined to form a 5-7 membered ring, saturated or unsaturated, fused onto the Het ring (e.g., to form a divalent alkylene or alkylenedioxy moiety attached to adjacent positions on the Het ring). Preferred optional substituents on Het are Cι_-6alkyl, C_walkoxy-, C_wal yl-S-, halogen, -CF3, -OCF3, -CN, or -NR⁴R5. Het' is defined as for Het and may be optionally substituted by one or more of C_1-6alkyl, Q^alkoxy-, -OH, -(CH2)_1-6NR R5, -0(CH₂)_I.₆NR⁴R5, -C0₂R⁶, CF3, or halogen.

Examples of such heterocycles include, but are not limited to piperidinyl, piperazinyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, 2-oxopyrrolodinyl, 2-oxoazepinyl, azepinyl, pyrrolyl, 4-piperidonyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrazinyl, oxazolidinyl, oxazolinyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, morpholinyl, thiazolidinyl, thiazolinyl, thiazolyl, quinuclidinyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzopyranyl, benzoxazolyl, furyl, pyranyl, tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydropyranyl, thienyl, benzoxazolyl, benzofuranylyl, benzothiophenyl, thiamorpholinyl sulfoxide, thiamorpholinyl sulfone, and oxadiazolyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl and triazinyl which are available by routine chemical synthesis and are stable.

Compounds of this invention of formula (I), do not include compounds wherein R² is optionally substituted Het-Cnalkyl-, and Het is indolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzothiozolylor benzopyrazolyl, and the optional substituent is -(CH₂)₂NR4R5.

Further, it will be understood that when a moiety is "optionally substituted" the moiety may have one or more optional substituents, each optional substituent being independently selected. The terms "hetero" or "heteroatom" as used herein interchangeably at all occurrences mean oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur.

The terms "halo" or "halogen" as used herein interchangeably at all occurrences mean F, CI, Br, and I.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R* is benzyl and 2-naphthylmethyl, R² is phenyl, 4-methylphenyl, and 4-methoxyphenyl, and R**^> is hydrogen are known.

Here and throughout this application the term CO denotes the absence of the substituent group immediately following; for instance, in the moiety ArCo-βalkyl-, when C is 0, the substituent is Ar, e.g., phenyl. Conversely, when the moiety ArCo-βalkyl- is identified as a specific aromatic group, e.g., phenyl, it is understood that C is 0. Suitably, R* is optionally substituted C_2-6alkyl, C₃.₆alkenyl, C_3-6alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-C_0-6alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-C_0-6alkyl-, or optionally substituted C_3-7cycloalkyl-Co.₆alkyl-. Preferably R-^** is Ar-Co^alkyl- or optionally substituted Het-C₀-₆alkyl-. More preferably Rp is Ar-C2alkyl- or optionally substituted Het-C2alkyl-. Most preferably R! is phenethyl, optionally substituted ethylfuran or optionally substituted ethylthiophene. When R! is Ar-C2alk l- or Het-C2alkyl-, the alkyl chain is directly attached to the 5-position of the triazole.

Suitably, R² is optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, C_3-6alkenyl, C₃.₆alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-Co-βalkyl-, optionally substituted Het-C₀_₆alkyl-, or optionally substituted C_3-7cycloalkyl-C₀-₆alkyl-. Preferably, R² is optionally substituted Ar-C_0-6alkyl-. More preferably R² is optionally substituted Ar-C()alkyl-, wherein the optional substituent is either in the ortho position or the para position. Most preferably R² is optionally substituted Ar-Cøalkyl-, wherein the optional substituent is ortho Cι.₆alkyl, preferably branched Cι_-6alkyl, most preferably isopropyl.

Suitably, R3 is H, optionally substituted C_1-6alkyl, C₃.₆alkenyl, C₃.₆alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-C_0-6alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-C_0-6alkyl-, optionally substituted C₃.₇cycloalkyl-Co.₆alkyl-, -C₀-₆alkyl-C(O)X'AB, -C₀-₆alkyl-S(O)2X'AB, or -Co-₆all<-yl-X'AB, wherein X' is 0, S, C or N, wherein A and B are independently absent, H, optionally substituted Cι_-6alkyl, C_3-6alkenyl, C₃.₆alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-Co-βalkyl-, optionally substituted Het-C_0-6alkyl-, or C₃.₇cycloalkyl-C₀-₆alkyl-. Preferably R3 is hydrogen or -C₀.₆allyl-C(O)X'AB. More preferably R^ is hydrogen or

-Co-₆alkyl-C(0)X'AB, wherein X' is oxygen and A and B are absent, hydrogen, or methyl.

Suitably, R4, R-5, and R^ are independently selected from H-, C₂-₆alkyl, C₃.₆alkenyl, C₃.₆alkynyl, Ph-Co-βalkyl-, Het-C₀-₆alkyl-, or C₃.₇cycloalkyl-Co-₆alkyl-.

Further, it will be understood that when a moiety is "optionally substituted" the moiety may have one or more optional substituents, each optional substituent being independently selected.

Suitably, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of formula (I) and formula (LA) include, but are not limited to, salts with inorganic acids such as hydrochloride, sulfate, phosphate, diphosphate, hydrobromide, and nitrate, or salts with an organic acid such as malate, maleate, fumarate, tartrate, succinate, citrate, acetate, lactate, methanesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, palmitate, salicylate, and stearate.

The compounds of the present invention may contain one or more asymmetric carbon atoms and may exist in racemic and optically active forms. The stereocenters may be (R), (S) or any combination of R and S configuration, for example, (R,R), (R,S), (S,S) or (S,R). All of these compounds are within the scope of the present invention.

Novel intermediates useful in making compounds of this invention are as follows: 1 -(3 -Cyclohexyl-propanoyl)-2-ethyl-3 -phenyl-isothiourea; l-(3-(2-thienyl)-propanoyl)-2-ethyl-3-(2-isopropylphenyl)-isothiourea; 1 -(2-Methyl-3 -phenyl-propanoy l)-2-ethyl-3 -(2-isopropylphenyl)-isothiourea; 1 -(3 -(2-thienyl)-propanoyl)-2-ethy 1-3 -phenyl-isothiourea; and 1 -(2-pheny lthio-acetyl)-2-ethyl-3 -phenyl-isothiourea.

The intermediates useful for this invention were made according to the Schemes herein.

Among the preferred compounds of the formula (LA) are the following compounds: 3-anilmo-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole;

3-(2-isopropyl-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole; 3-(2-methyl-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole; 3-(4-methyl-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole; 3-(4-methoxy-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole; 3-(4-fluoro-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole; 3-(2-pyridyl)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole;

3-anilino-3-methyl-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole; l-(5-phenethyl-4H-[l,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinoline;

4-(5-benzyl-4-H-[l,2,4]triazol-3-ylamino)-benzoic acid ethyl ester;

Phenyl-[5-(thiophen-2-ylsulfanylmethyl)-4H-[l,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-amine;

Phenyl-5-(phenylsulfanylmethyl-4H- [ 1 ,2,4]triazol-3 -yl)-amine;

3-anilino-5-[2-(cyclohexyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole;

3-(2-isopropyl-anilino)-5-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole;

3-anilino-5-[ l-methyl-2-(phenyl)ethyl]- 1 ,2,4-triazole; and

3-anilino-5-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole.

Among the most preferred compounds of the formula (LA) are the following compounds:

3-anilino-5-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-l ,2,4-triazole; and 3-(2-isopropyl-anilino)-5-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole.

Methods of Preparation

Compounds of the formulae (I) or (LA), were prepared by methods analogous to those described in Scheme 1. Scheme 1

Etl, Et₃N, DMF; b) R³CONHNH₂, pyridinyl, 85 °C; c) R³C0₂H, HOBT, DCC, CH₂C1₂; d) NH₂NH₂, acetonitrile, 85 °C.

A thiourea (such as l-(2-methylphenyl)thiourea, l-(4-methylphenyl)-thiourea,

1 -(4-fluorophenyl)thiourea, 1 -(4-methoxyphenyl)thiourea, 1 -(2-pyridyl)thiourea, l-(2-isopropylphenyl)-thiourea, 3,4-dihydro-2H-quinoline-l-carbothioic acid amide) was treated with iodoethane and triethylamine in DMF to afford. Treatment of with an acyl-hydrazide (such as 3-phenyl-propionic hydrazide and thiophen-2-ylsulfanyl-acetic acid hydrazide) in pyridinyl provided the triazole. Alternatively, the S-ethylisothiourea could be acylated with a carboxylic acid (such as 2-methyl-3-phenyl-propanoic acid, 3-cyclohexylpropionic acid, 3-(2-thienyl)propanoic acid, phenylsulfanyl-acetic acid) under standard coupling conditions to afford the amide. Treatment of amide with hydrazine in ethanol afforded the triazole.

Formulation of Pharmaceutical Compositions The pharmaceutically effective compounds of this invention (and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof) are administered in conventional dosage forms prepared by combining a compound of this invention of formula (I) or (IA) ("active ingredient") in an amount sufficient to treat cancer, haemangioma, proliferative retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerotic neovascularization, psoriasis, ocular neovascularization or obesity ("MetAp2-mediated disease states") with standard phaπnaceutical carriers or diluents according to conventional procedures well known in the art. These procedures may involve mixing, granulating and compressing or dissolving the ingredients as appropriate to the desired preparation.

The pharmaceutical caπier employed may be, for example, either a solid or liquid. Exemplary of solid earners are lactose, teπa alba, sucrose, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin, acacia, magnesium stearate, stearic acid and the like. Exemplary of liquid carriers are syrup, peanut oil, olive oil, water and the like. Similarly, the caπier or diluent may include time delay material well known to the art, such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate alone or with a wax. A wide variety of pharmaceutical forms can be employed. Thus, if a solid caπier is used, the preparation can be tableted, placed in a hard gelatin capsule in powder or pellet form or in the form of a troche or lozenge. The amount of solid carrier will vary widely but preferably will be from about 25 mg to about 1000 mg. When a liquid caπier is used, the preparation will be in the form of a syrup, emulsion, soft gelatin capsule, sterile injectable liquid such as an ampule or nonaqueous liquid suspension.

The active ingredient may also be administered topically to a mammal in need of treatment or prophylaxis of MetAP2-mediated disease states. The amount of active ingredient required for therapeutic effect on topical administration will, of course, vary with the compound chosen, the nature and severity of the disease state being treated and the mammal undergoing treatment, and is ultimately at the discretion of the physician. A suitable dose of an active ingredient is 1.5 mg to 500 mg for topical administration, the most prefeπed dosage being 1 mg to 100 mg, for example 5 to 25 mg administered two or three times daily.

By topical administration is meant non-systemic administration and includes the application of the active ingredient externally to the epidermis, to the buccal cavity and instillation of such a compound into the ear, eye and nose, and where the compound does not significantly enter the blood stream. By systemic administration is meant oral, intravenous, inrraperitoneal and intramuscular administration.

While it is possible for an active ingredient to be administered alone as the raw chemical, it is preferable to present it as a pharmaceutical formulation. The active ingredient may comprise, for topical administration, from 0.001% to 10% w/w, e.g. from 1% to 2% by weight of the formulation although it may comprise as much as 10% w/w but preferably not in excess of 5% w/w and more preferably from 0.1% to 1% w/w of the formulation. The topical formulations of the present invention, both for veterinary and for human medical use, comprise an active ingredient together with one or more acceptable caπier(s) therefor and optionally any other therapeutic ingredient(s). The caπier(s) must be 'acceptable' in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof. Formulations suitable for topical administration include liquid or semi-liquid preparations suitable for penetration through the skin to the site of inflammation such as liniments, lotions, creams, ointments or pastes, and drops suitable for administration to the eye, ear or nose.

Drops according to the present invention may comprise sterile aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions and may be prepared by dissolving the active ingredient in a suitable aqueous or alcoholic solution of a bactericidal and/or fungicidal agent and/or any other suitable preservative, and preferably including a surface active agent. The resulting solution may then be clarified by filtration, transfeπed to a suitable container which is then sealed and sterilized by autoclaving or maintaining at 98-100°C for half an hour. Alternatively, the solution may be sterilized by filtration and transferred to the container by an aseptic technique. Examples of bactericidal and fungicidal agents suitable for inclusion in the drops are phenylmercuric nitrate or acetate (0.002%), benzalkonium chloride (0.01%) and chlorhexidine acetate (0.01%). Suitable solvents for the preparation of an oily solution include glycerol, diluted alcohol and propylene glycol. Lotions according to the present invention include those suitable for application to the skin or eye. An eye lotion may comprise a sterile aqueous solution optionally containing a bactericide and may be prepared by methods similar to those for the preparation of drops. Lotions or liniments for application to the skin may also include an agent to hasten drying and to cool the skin, such as an alcohol or acetone, and/or a moisturizer such as glycerol or an oil such as castor oil or arachis oil.

Creams, ointments or pastes according to the present invention are semi-solid formulations of the active ingredient for external application. They may be made by mixing the active ingredient in finely divided or powdered form, alone or in solution or suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous fluid, with the aid of suitable machinery, with a greasy or non-greasy basis. The basis may comprise hydrocarbons such as hard, soft or liquid paraffin, glycerol, beeswax, a metallic soap; a mucilage; an oil of natural origin such as almond, corn, arachis, castor or olive oil; wool fat or its derivatives, or a fatty acid such as stearic or oleic acid together with an alcohol such as propylene glycol. The formulation may incorporate any suitable surface-active agent such as an anionic, cationic or non-ionic surfactant such as esters or polyoxyethylene derivatives thereof. Suspending agents such as natural gums, cellulose derivatives or inorganic materials such as silicaceous silicas, and other ingredients such as lanolin, may also be included.

The active ingredient may also be administered by inhalation. By "inhalation" is meant intranasal and oral inhalation administration. Appropriate dosage forms for such administration, such as an aerosol formulation or a metered dose inhaler, may be prepared by conventional techniques. The daily dosage amount of the active ingredient administered by inhalation is from about 0.1 mg to about 100 mg per day, preferably about 1 mg to about 10 mg per day. In one aspect, this invention relates to a method of treating cancer, haemangioma, proliferative retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerotic neovascularization, psoriasis, ocular neovascularization or obesity, all in mammals, preferably humans, which comprises administering to such mammal an effective amount of a MetAP2 inhibitor, in particular, a compound of this invention. By the term "treating" is meant either prophylactic or therapeutic therapy. Such compound can be administered to such mammal in a conventional dosage form prepared by combining the compound of this invention with a conventional pharmaceutically acceptable caπier or diluent according to known techniques. It will be recognized by one of skill in the art that the foπn and character of the pharmaceutically acceptable caπier or diluent is dictated by the amount of active ingredient with which it is to be combined, the route of administration and other well-known variables. The compound is administered to a mammal in need of treatment for cancer, haemangioma, proliferative retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerotic neovascularization, psoriasis, ocular neovascularization or obesity, in an amount sufficient to decrease symptoms associated with these disease states. The route of administration may be oral or parenteral.

The term parenteral as used herein includes intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intra-rectal, intravaginal or intraperitoneal administration. The subcutaneous and intramuscular forms of parenteral administration are generally prefeπed. The daily parenteral dosage regimen will preferably be from about 30 mg to about 300 mg per day of active ingredient. The daily oral dosage regimen will preferably be from about 100 mg to about 2000 mg per day of active ingredient.

It will be recognized by one of skill in the art that the optimal quantity and spacing of individual dosages of a compound of this invention will be determined by the nature and extent of the condition being treated, the form, route and site of administration, and the particular mammal being treated, and that such optimums can be determined by conventional techniques. It will also be appreciated by one of skill in the art that the optimal course of treatment, i.e., the number of doses of the compound given per day for a defined number of days, can be ascertained by those skilled in the art using conventional course of treatment determination tests.

EXAMPLES The invention will now be described by reference to the following examples which are merely illustrative and are not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the present invention. In the Examples, proton NMR spectra were performed upon a Bruker 400 MHz NMR spectrometer, unless otherwise indicated.

Example 1 Preparation of 3-anilino-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-1.2.4-triazole

To a stiπing solution of 3-phenyl-propionic hydrazide (0.20 g, 1.22 mmol) (Verma, R.; Ghosh, S. K. J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. I, 1998, 15, 2377) in 8 ml of pyridinyl was added S-ethyl-l-phenylisothiourea hydroiodide(0.33 g, 1.83 mmol) (Shearer, B. G.; Lee, S.; Oplinger, J. A.; Frick, L. W.; Garvey, E. P.; Furfine, E. S. J. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 1901). The reaction mixture was heated at 115 oC for 15 h, concentrated to dryness, and then purified by preparative HPLC to yield the title compound as a white solid (47 mg, 15%). MS (ESI) 265.2 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 1.08 (2H, J=6.8 Hz), 3.02 (2H, m), 6.88 (1H, m), 7.17-7.28 (6H, ), 7.37 (m, 2H).

Example 2 Preparation of 3-(2-isopropyl-anilino -5-r2-fphenyl)ethyl1-1.2.4-triazole a) S-ethyl-l-(2-isopropylphenyl)-isothiourea hydroiodide

To a stiπing solution of l-(2-isopropylphenyl)thiourea (2.5 g, 12.89 mmol) in 8 ml of EtOH was added Etl (1.26 ml, 14.18 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated overnight at 85 oC. After 24 h, the mixture was cooled to rt. and concentrated to provide the title compound as a light brown oil (2.27 g, 78%). IH-NMR (400MHz, d6-DMSO): δ 1.03 (t, 2H, J=7.0 Hz), 1.18 (d, 6H, J=6.9 Hz)), 2.91 (m, 1H), 3.45 (q, 2H, J=6.9 Hz), 7.26 (m, 1H), 7.35 (m, 1H), 7.48 (m, 2H). b) 3-(2-isopropyl-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole

Following the procedure of Example 1 except S-ethyl-l-(2-isopropylphenyl)-isothiourea was substituted for S-ethyl-1-phenylisothiourea the title compound was prepared as a white solid (34%). MS (ESI) 307.2 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 1.25 (d, 6H, J=6.8 Hz), 2.92 (m, 2H), 3.03 (m, 2H), 3.24 (septet, 1H, J=6.8 Hz), 7.11-7.33 (m, 8H), 7.42 (m, 1H).

Example 3

Preparation of 3-(2-methyl-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]- 1.2.4-triazole Following the procedure of Example 2(a)-2(b) except l-(2-methylphenyl)-thiourea was substituted for l-(2-isopropylphenyl)thiourea in step 2(a) the title compound was prepared as a white solid (29%). MS (ESI) 279.0 (M+H)-h IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 1.32 (s, 3H), 2.94 (m, 2H), 3.04 (m, 2H), 6.95 (m, 1H), 7.14-7.29 (m, 7H), 7.54 (m, 1H).

Example 4 Preparation of 3-(4-methyl-anilino -5-[2-(phenyl ethyl]-1.2.4-triazole Following the procedure of Example 2(a)-2(b) except l-(4-methylphenyl)-thiourea was substituted for l-(2-isopropylphenyl)thiourea in step 2(a) the title compound was prepared as a white solid (18%). MS (ESI) 279.0 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 2.44 (s, 3H), 2.91-3.09 (m, 4H), 7.07 (m, 2H), 7.12-7.29 (m, 7H). Example 5 Preparation of 3-(4-methoxy-anilino)-5- 2-fphenyl)ethyl]- 2.4-triazole Following the procedure of Example 2(a)-2(b) except l-(4-methoxyphenyl)thioureawas substituted for l-(2-isopropylphenyl)thiourea in step 2(a) the title compound was prepared as a white solid (14%). MS (ESI) 295.2 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 2.92- 3.05 (m, 4H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 6.87 (d, 2H, J=8.9 Hz), 7.18-7.31 (m, 7H).

Example 6 Preparation of 3-(4-fluoro-anilino^')-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl1-1.2.4-triazole Following the procedure of Example 2(a)-2(b) except 1 -(4-fluoro-phenyl)thiourea was substituted for l-(2-isopropylphenyl)thiourea in step 2(a) the title compound was prepared as a white solid (31%). MS (ESI) 283.2 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 2.89- 3.09 (m, 4H), 6.98 (d, 2H, J=8J Hz), 7.10-7.29 (m, 5H), 7.38-7.41 (m, 2H).

Example 7

Preparation of 3-(2-pyridyl-anilino)-5-r2-(phenyl)ethyl]-1.2.4-triazole Following the procedure of Example 2(a)-2(b) except l-(2-pyridyl)thiourea was substituted for l-(2-isopropylphenyl)thiourea in step 2(a) the title compound was prepared as a white solid (15%). MS (ESI) 266.2 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 2.93-2.97 (m, 2H), 3.03-3.07 (m, 2H), 6.9_2-6.95 (m, 2H), 7.16-7.29 (m, 5H), 7.70 (m, IH), 8.29 (m, IH).

Example 8 Preparation of 3-anilino-3-methyl-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-1.2.4-triazole Following the procedure of Example 2(a)-2(b) except 1 -methyl- 1-phenylthiourea was substituted for l-(2-isopropylphenyl)thiourea in step 2(a) the title compound was prepared as a white solid (45%). MS (ESI) 279.0 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 2.92- 2.94 (m, 2H), 3.00-3.03 (m, 2H), 3.40 (s, 3H), 7.1₃.₇.38 (m, 10H).

Example 9 Preparation of 1 -(5 -phenethyl-4H- [ 1 ,2,4^"ltriazol-3 -ylV 1.2.3.4-tetrahydro-quinoline Following the procedure of Example 2(a)-2(b) except 3,4-dihydro-2H-quinoline-l- carbothioic acid amide was substituted for l-(2-isopropylphenyl)thiourea in step 2(a) the title compound was prepared as a white solid (32%). MS (ESI) 305.4 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 1.98-2.07 (m, 2H), 2.81 (t, 2H, J=6.3 Hz), 2.88-3.07 (m, 4H), 3.88 (t, 2H, J=6.5 Hz), 6.86 (m, IH), 7.07 (m, 2H), 7.18-7.30 (m, 6H).

Example 10 Preparation of 4-(5-Benzyl-4-H-[1.2.41triazol-3-ylamino^')-benzoic acid ethyl ester

Following the procedure of Example 2(a)-2(b) except 4-thioureido-benzoic acid ethyl ester was substituted for l-(2-isopropylphenyl)thiourea in step 2(a) the title compound was prepared as a white solid (8%). MS (ESI) 323.2 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 1.29 (t, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 4.02 (s, 2H), 4.45 (q, 2H, J=7.1 Hz), 7.24 (m, IH), 7.26-7.35 (m, 4H), 7.57 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.81 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 9.68 (brs, IH).

Example 11

Preparation of Phenyl- [5-(thiophen-2-ylsulfanylmethyl)-4H- [ 1.2.4]triazol-3 -yl] -amine a) Thiophen-2-ylsulfanyl-acetic acid hydrazide To a stiπing solution of thiophen-2-ylsulfanyl-acetic acid methyl ester (0.50 g, 2.66 mmol) in 8 ml of MeOH was added anhydrous hydrazine (0.42 ml, 13.30 mmol) and the mixture was stiπed at rt. for 24 hours. The mixture was concentrated to provide the title compound as a white, solid (0.50 g, 98%). MS (ESI) 189.2 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 3.40 (s, 2H), 7.23 (m, IH), 7.51 (s, IH), 7.52 (s, IH) b) Phenyl-[5-(thiophen-2-ylsulfanylmethyl)-4H-[l,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-amine

Following the procedure of Example 1 except thiophen-2-ylsulfanyl-acetic acid hydrazide was substituted for 3-phenyl-propionic hydrazide the title compound was prepared as a white solid (22%). MS (ESI) 289.0 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): D □ D 3.98

(s, 2H), 7.02-7.09 (m, 2H), 7.16 (s, IH), 7.32-7.37 (m, 4H), 7.54 (s, IH)

Example 12

Preparation of 3-anilino-5-[2-fcyclohexyl)ethyl]-1.2.4-triazole a) 1 -(3 -Cyclohexyl-prόpanoyl)-2-ethyl-3 -phenyl-isothiourea

To a stiπing solution of S-ethyl-1-phenylisothioureahydroiodide (0.50 g, 1.62 mmol) (Shearer, B. G.; Lee, S.; Oplinger, J. A.; Frick, L. W.; Garvey, E. P.; Furfine, E. S. J. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 1901) in 15 ml of DMF was 3-cyclohexylpropionic acid (0.38 g, 2.44 mmol), HOBt (0.33 g, 2.44 mmol), and N-methylmorpholine (0.41 g, 4.06 mmol). To this mixture was added HBTU (0.92 g, 2.44 mmol), and the reaction mixture was stirred at rt. for 24 h. The mixture was poured into H20 (75 ml) and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 40 mL). The EtOAc extracts were combined, washed with brine (75 mL), and dried over Na2S04. The organic extracts were filtered, concentrated, and the crude amide was subjected to flash chromatography to provide the title compound as a clear oil (0.48 g, 95%). MS (ESI) 319.2 (M+H)+. b) 3 -anilino-5 -[2-(cyclohexyl)ethyl] - 1 ,2,4-triazole To a stiπing solution of the compound from Example 12(a) (0.48 g, 1.53 mmol) in 8 ml of acetonitrile was added anhydrous hydrazine (0.23 ml, 7.20 mmol). The mixture was heated to 85 oC and stiπed for 4 hours. The reaction was cooled to rt., concentrated and purified by preparative HPLC to provide the title compound as a white solid (25%). MS (ESI) 271.4 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 1.00 (m, 2H), 1.25-1.30 (m, 4H), 1.61-1.83 (m, 7H), 2.71 (m, 2H), 6.90 (m, IH), 7.2_3-7.27 (m, 2H), 7.39-7.41 (m, 2H).

Example 13 Preparation of 3- 2-isopropyl-anilino)-5-r2-(2-thienyl ethyl^"|-1.2.4-triazole Following the procedure of Example 12(a)-2(b) except S-ethyl-l-(2-isopropylphenyl)- isothiourea hydroiodide was substituted for S-ethyl-1-phenylisothiourea hydroiodide and 3- (2-thienyl)propanoic acid was substituted for 3-cyclohexylpropionic acid in step 12(a) the title compound was prepared as a white solid (3%). MS (ESI) 313.0 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 1.25 (d, 6H, J=6.9 Hz), 2.96 (t, 2H, J=7.5 Hz), 3.22-3.28 (m, 3H), 6.84 (s, IH), 6.91 (m, IH), 7.11-7.19 (m, 3H), 7.32 (d, IH, J=7.6 Hz), 7.44 (d, IH, J=7J Hz).

Example 14 Preparation of 3-anilino-5-[ 1 -methyl-2-(phenyl ethyl]- 1.2.4-triazole Following the procedure of Example 12(a)-2(b) except 2-methy 1-3 -phenyl-propanoic acid was substituted for 3-cyclohexylpropionic acid in step 12(a) the title compound was prepared as a white solid (32%). MS (ESI) 279.0 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 1.32 (m, 3H), 2.87-2.92 (m, IH), 3.06-3.11 (m, IH), 3.16-3.20 (m, IH), 6.88 (brs, IH), 7.12-7.26 (m, 7H), 7.37 (d, 2H, J=6.6 Hz). Example 15 Preparation of 3-anilino-5-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyll-1.2.4-triazole

Following the procedure of Example 12(a)-2(b) except 3-(2-thienyl)propanoic acid was substituted for 3-cyclohexylpropionic acid in step 12(a) the title compound was prepared as a white solid (37%). MS (ESI) 271.2 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 3.02 (t, 2H, J=7J Hz), 3.29 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 6.85 (s, IH), 6.90 (m, 2H), 7.19 (d, IH, J=4.8 Hz), 7.26 (m, 2H), 7.39 (d, 2H, J=7.9 Hz).

Example 16 Preparation of Phenyl-5-(^"phenylsulfanylmethyl-4H- 1.2.41triazol-3-yl)-amine

Following the procedure of Example 12(a)-2(b) except phenylsulfanyl-acetic acid was substituted for 3-cyclohexylpropionic acid in step 12(a) the title compound was prepared as a white solid (54%). MS (ESI) 283.2 (M+H)+. IH-NMR (400MHz, d4-MeOH): δ 4.13 (s, 2H), 6.93 (m, IH), 7.25-7.36 (m, 7H), 7.43 (d, 2H, J=7.3 Hz).

Biological Data:

Direct Spectrophotometric Assays of hMetAP2:

The hMetAP2 activity can be measured by direct spectrophotometric assay methods using alternative substrates, L-methionine-p-nitroanilide (Met-pNA) and L-methionine-7- amido-4-methylcoumarin (Met-AMC). The formation of -nitroaniline (pNA) or 7-amido- 4-methylcoumarin (AMC) was continuously monitored by increasing absorbance or fluorescence at 405 nm and 460 nm, respectively, on a corresponding plate reader. All assays were carried out at 30°C. The fluorescence or spectrophotometric plate reader was calibrated using authentic pNA and AMC from Sigma, respectively. For a typical 96-well plate assay, the increase in the absorbance (at 405 nm for pNA) or the fluorescence emission (λex = 360 nm, λem = 460 nm, for AMC) of a 50 μL assay solution in each well was used to calculate the initial velocity of hMetAP2. Each 50 μL assay solution, contained 50 mM Hepes.Na-f- (pH 7.5), 100 mMNaCl, 10-lOOnM purified hMetAP2 enzyme, and varying amounts of Met-AMC (in 3% DMSO aqueous solution) or Met-pNA. Assays were initiated with the addition of substrate and the initial rates were corrected for the background rate determined in the absence of hMetAP2.

Coupled Spectrophotometric Assays of hMetAP2:

The methionine aminopeptidase activity of hMetAP2 can also be measured spectrophotometrically by monitoring the free L-amino acid formation. The release of N- terminal methionine from a tripeptide (Met-Ala-Ser, Sigma) or a tetrapeptide (Met-Gly- Met-Met, Sigma) substrate was assayed using the L-amino acid oxidase (AAO) / horse radish peroxidase (HRP) couple (eq. l-3a,b). The formation of hydrogen peroxide (H202) was continuously monitored at 450nm (absorbance increase of o-Dianisidine (Sigma) upon oxidation, Δε = 15,300 M-lcm-l)2 and 30 °C in a 96- or 384-well plate reader by a method adapted from Tsunasawa, S. et al.(1997) (eq. 3a). Alternatively, formation of H202 was followed by monitoring the fluorescence emission increase at 587nm (Δε = 54,000 M-lcm- 1, λex = 563 nm, slit width for both excitation and emission was 1.25 mm) and 30 °C using Amplex Red (Molecular Probes, Inc) (Zhou, M. et al. (1997) Anal. Biochem. 253, 162) (eq. 3b). In a total volume of 50 μL, a typical assay contained 50 mM Hepes.Na+, pH 7.5, 100 mM NaCl, 10 μM CoC12, 1 mM o-Dianisidine or 50 μM Amplex Red, 0.5 units of HRP (Sigma), 0.035 unit of AAO (Sigma), 1 nM hMetAP2, and varying amounts of peptide substrates. Assays were initiated by the addition of hMetAP2 enzyme, and the rates were corrected for the background rate determined in the absence of hMetAP2.

Z-Met-Ala-Ser ^HMAP"2 > Z-Methionine + H₂N-Ala-Ser (1)

Co⁺⁺

Z-Methionine + H₂0 + 0₂ ^AA° - 2-oxo-acid + NH₃ + H₂0₂ (2)

(o-Dianisidine)

Kinetic Data Analysis:

Data were fitted to the appropriate rate equations using Grafϊt computer software. Initial velocity data conforming to Michaelis-Menton kinetics were fitted to eq. 4. Inhibition patterns conforming to apparent competitive and non-competitive inhibition were fitted to eq. 5 and eq. 6, respectively. v = VA/(Ka + A) (4) v = VA/[Ka(l + I/Kis) + A] (5) v = VA/[Ka(l + I/Kis) + A(l + I/Kii)] (6)

In eqs. 4 - 6, v is the initial velocity, N is the maximum velocity, Ka is the apparent Michaelis constant, I is the inhibitor concentration, and A is the concentration of variable substrates. The nomenclature used in the rate equations for inhibition constants is that of Cleland (1963), in which Kis and Kii represent the apparent slope and intercept inhibition constants, respectively. Cell growth inhibition assays: The ability of MetAP2 inhibitors to inhibit cell growth was assessed by the standard XTT microtitre assay. XTT, a dye sensitive to the pH change of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells, is used to quantify the viability of cells in the presence of chemical compounds. Cells seeded at a given number undergo approximately two divisions on average in the 72 hours of incubation. In the absence of any compound, this population of cells is in exponential growth at the end of the incubation period; the mitochondrial activity of these cells is reflected in the spectrophotometric readout (A450). Viability of a similar cell population in the presence of a given concentration of compound is assessed by comparing the A450 reading from the test well with that of the control well. Flat-bottomed 96-well plates are seeded with appropriate numbers df cells (4-6 x 103 cells/well in a volume of 200 ul) from trypsinized exponentially growing cultures, h the case of HUVECs, the wells are coated with matrigel prior to establishing the cultures. To "blank" wells is added growth medium only. Cells are incubated overnight to permit attachment. Next day, medium from wells that contain cells is replaced with 180 ul of fresh medium. Appropriate dilutions of test compounds are added to the wells, final DMSO concentration in all wells being 0.2 %. Cells plus compound are incubated for an additional 72 hr at 37oC under the noπnal growth conditions of the cell line used. Cells are then assayed for viability using standard XTT/PMS (prepared immediately before use: 8 mg XTT (Sigma X-4251) per plate is dissolved in 100 ul DMSO. 3.9 ml H20 is added to dissolve XTT and 20 ul of PMS stock solution (30 mg/ml) is added from frozen aliquoted stock solution (10 mg of PMS (phenazine methosulfate, Sigma P-9625) in 3.3 ml PBS without cations. These stocks are frozen at -20oC until use). 50 ul of XTT/PMS solution is added to each well and plates incubated for 90 minutes (time required may vary according to cell line, etc.) at 37oC until A450 is >1.0. Absorbance at 450 nM is determined using a 96-well UV plate reader. Percent viability of cells in each well is calculated from these data (having been coπected for background absorbance). IC50 is that concentration of compound that reduces cell viability to 50% control (untreated) viability.

The compounds of this invention show MetAP2 inhibitor activity having IC50 values in the range of 0.0001 to 100 uM. The full structure/activity relationship has not yet been established for the compounds of this invention. However, given the disclosure herein, one of ordinary skill in the art can utilize the present assays in order to determine which compounds of this invention are inhibitors of MetAP2 and which bind thereto with an IC50 value in the range of 0.0001 to 100 uM.

All publications, including, but not limited to, patents and patent applications cited in this specification, are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incoiporated by reference herein as though fully set forth.

The above description fully discloses the invention including prefeπed embodiments thereof. Modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed herein are within the scope of the following claims. Without further elaboration it is believed that one skilled in the art can, given the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. Therefore any examples are to be construed as merely illustrative and not a limitation on the scope of the present invention in any way. The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of inhibiting MetAP2 in mammals, comprising administering to a mammal in need of such inhibition, an effective amount of a compound of formula (LA) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof:

Formula (LA) wherein:

R! is optionally substituted Cι_-6alkyl, C_2-6alkenyl, C₂_₆alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-Cι_-6alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-Cι_-6alkyl-, or optionally substituted C_3-7cycloall<-yl-Cι.₆alkyl-;

R² is optionally substituted Cι_-6alkyl, C_3-6alkenyl, C₃.₆alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-Co-βalkyl-, optionally substituted Het-Co-βalkyl-, or optionally substituted C_3-7cycloalkyl-C_0-6alkyl-; and

R³ is H, optionally substituted d-βalkyl, C₃.₆alkenyl, C₃_₆alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-Co-βalkyl-, optionally substituted Het-Co_₆alkyl-, optionally substituted C_3-7cycloalkyl-C₀-₆alkyl-, -C₀.₆alkyl-C(O)X'AB, or -C₀-₆alkyl-S(O)2X'AB, C₀.₆alkyl-X'AB, wherein X is O, S, C or N and wherein A and B are independently absent, H, optionally substituted Cι.6alkyl, C₃.₆alkenyl, C_3-6alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-C₀.₆alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-Co-βalkyl-, or C_3-7cycloalkyl-Co-₆alkyl-.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound of formula (LA) is selected from:

3-anilino-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole; 3-(2-isopropyl-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole; 3-(2-methyl-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole; 3-(4-methyl-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole; 3-(4-methoxy-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole; 3-(4-fluoro-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]- 1 ,2,4-triazole; 3-(2-pyridyl)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole; 3-anilino-3-methyl-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole; l-(5-phenetlιyl-4H-[l,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinoline; 4-(5-benzyl-4-H-[l,2,4]triazol-3-ylamino)-benzoic acid ethyl ester;

Phenyl- [5 -(thiophen-2-ylsulfanylmethyl)-4H- [ 1 ,2,4] triazol-3 -yl] -amine;

Phenyl-5-(phenylsulfanylmethyl-4H-[l,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-amine;

3-anilino-5-[2-(cyclohexyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole;

3-(2-isopropyl-anilino)-5-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole;

3-anilino-5-[ 1 -methyl-2-(phenyl)ethyl]- 1 ,2,4-triazole; and

3-anilino-5-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound of formula (LA) is selected from:

3-anilino-5-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-l ,2,4-triazole; and 3-(2-isopropyl-anilino)-5-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]- 1 ,2,4-triazole, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

4. A method for treating a disease mediated by MetAP2 in mammals, comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment, an effective amount of a compound of formula (LA) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

Formula (LA) wherein:

R! is optionally substituted optionally substituted Ar-Cι.₆alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-Cι.₆alkyl-, or optionally substituted C_3-7cycloalkyl-Cι.₆alkyl-;

R² is optionally substituted optionally substituted Ar-C₀-₆alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-Co-βalkyl-, or optionally substituted C_3-7cycloalkyl-Co-₆alkyl-; and

R³ is H, optionally substituted d.₆alkyl, C_3-6alkenyl, C_3-6alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-C₀-₆alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-C₀.₆alkyl-, optionally substituted -C₀.₆alkyl-C(O)X'AB, or -C₀.₆alkyl-S(O)2X'AB, C₀.₆alkyl-X'AB, wherein X' is O, S, C or N and wherein A and B are independently absent, H, optionally substituted Cι_-6alkyl, C₃.₆alkenyl, C₃.₆alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-C₀.6alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-C₀.6alkyl-, or C_3-7cycloalkyl-Co-6alkyl-.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the compound of formula (LA) is selected from:

3-anilino-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole;

3-(2-isopropyl-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole;

3-(2-methyl-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole;

3-(4-methyl-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole;

3-(4-methoxy-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole;

3-(4-fluoro-anilino)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]- 1 ,2,4-triazole;

3-(2-pyridyl)-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole;

3 -anilino-3 -methyl-5-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]- 1 ,2,4-triazole; l-(5-phenethyl-4H-[l,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinoline;

4-(5-benzyl-4-H-[l,2,4]triazol-3-ylamino)-benzoic acid ethyl ester;

Phenyl-[5-(thiophen-2-ylsulfanylmethyl)-4H-[l,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-amine;

Phenyl-5-(phenylsulfanylmethyl-4H-[ 1 ,2,4]triazol-3 -yl)-amine;

3-anilino-5-[2-(cyclohexyl)ethyl]- 1 ,2,4-triazole;

3-(2-isopropyl-anilino)-5-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole;

3-anilino-5-[ 1 -methyl-2-(phenyl)ethyl]- 1 ,2,4-triazole; and

3-anilino-5-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]- 1 ,2,4-triazole, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the compound of formula (LA) is selected from:

3-anilino-5-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-l ,2,4-triazole; and 3-(2-isopropyl-anilino)-5-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-l,2,4-triazole, or a phaπnaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

7. A compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof:

Formula (I) wherein:

R**- is optionally substituted C^alkyl, C_2-6alkenyl, C₂.₆alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-Cι.₆alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-d.₆alkyl-, or optionally substituted C₃.₇cycloalkyl-Cι.₆alkyl-, provided that when R is optionally substituted Het-Cl-4alkyl-, and Het is indolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzopyrazolyl, or pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridinyl, the optional substituent is not -(CH2)l-5CHR^INR^πR^πI, or the optional substituent is not a 4- to 6-membered heterocycle which contains one nitrogen;

R¹ is H or Cι.₆alkyl;

RU and R*^ are independently H, d_₆alkyl, or together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4- to 6-membered heterocyclic ring which optionally contains one or more additional heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S; provided that when R* is Cι alkyl, the optional substituent is not -OR4, -R4₅ or -NR4R*5, wherein R4, R5, and R" are independently selected from H, C₂_₆alkyl, C₃.₆alkenyl, C_3-6alkynyl, Ph-Co-βalkyl-, Het-C₀-₆alkyl-, or C_3-7cycloalkyl-Co-₆alkyl-;

R² is optionally substituted d^alkyl, C₃.₆alkenyl, C₃.₆alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-Co-βalkyl-, optionally substituted Het-C₀.₆alkyl-, or optionally substituted C_3-7cycloalkyl-Co-₆alkyl-; provided that when R2 is optionally substituted Het-C_1-4alkyl-, and Het is indolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, or benzopyrazolyl, then the optional substituent is not -CH2CHR^**-NR-^*-lR-^**^*β or the optional substituent is not a 4- to 6-membered heterocycle which contains one nitrogen; and

R³ is H, optionally substituted C₃.₆alkenyl, C_3-6alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-C₀.₆alkyl-, optionally substituted Het-Co-ealkyl-, optionally substituted C_3-7cycloalkyl-Co.₆alkyl-, -C₀.₆alkyl-C(O)X'AB, -C_0-6alkyl-S(O)2X'AB, or -C₀.₆alkyl-X'AB, wherein X' is O, S, C or N, and wherein A and B are independently absent, H, optionally substituted Ci-βalkyl, C_3-6alkenyl, C_3-6alkynyl, optionally substituted Ar-Co-βalkyl-, optionally substituted Het-Co-βalkyl-, or C₃.₇cycloalkyl-C₀.₆alkyl-; provided that the compound is not 5 -benzyl-3 -anilino- 1,2,4-triazole, 5-(2-naphthalenylmethyl)-3 -anilino- 1 ,2,4-triazole, 5 -(2-naphthalenylmethyl)-3 -(4-methyl-anilino)- 1 ,2,4-triazole, 5-(2-naphthalenylmethyl)-3-(4-methoxy-anilino)-l,2,4-triazole, N-phenyl-5- [(phenylthio)methyl] - 1 H- 1 ,2,4-triazol-3 -amine, N-phenyl-5-[(4-chloro-phenylthio)methyl]-lH-l,2,4-triazol-3-amine.

8. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as claimed in claim 7 and a pharmaceutically acceptable caπier.

9. A compound selected from:

1 -(3 -Cyclohexyl-propanoyl)-2-ethyl-3 -phenyl-isothiourea;

1 -(3 -(2-thienyl)-propanoyl)-2-ethyl-3 -(2-isopropylphenyl)-isothiourea;

1 -(2-Methyl-3 -phenyl-propanoy l)-2-ethy 1-3 -(2-isopropylphenyl)-isothiourea;

1 -(3 -(2-thienyl)-propanoyl)-2-ethy 1-3 -phenyl-isothiourea; and

1 -(2-phenylthio-acetyl)-2-ethyl-3 -phenyl-isothiourea.