WO2004058764A1

WO2004058764A1 - 4-phenyl-pyrimido [4,5-b] indole derivatives

Info

Publication number: WO2004058764A1
Application number: PCT/EP2003/014194
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hiroki Sato; Tadashi Inoue; Tai-Wei Ly; Aiko Muramatsu; Makoto Shimazaki; Klaus Urbahns; Florian Gantner; Hiromi Okigami; Kevin B. Bacon; Hiroshi Komura; Nagahiro Yoshida; Naoki Tsuno
Original assignee: Bayer Healthcare Ag
Priority date: 2002-12-27
Filing date: 2003-12-13
Publication date: 2004-07-15
Also published as: AU2003300522A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to 4-phenyl-pyrimido[4,5-b]indoles which are useful as an active ingredient of pharmaceutical preparations. The 4-phenyl-pyrimido[4,5-b]indoles of the present invention have MKK7 and MKK4 inhibitory activity, and can be used for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases associated with MKK7 and MKK4 activity.Such diseases include, inflammatory and immunoregulatory disorders and diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic diseases, COPD, septic shock, arthritis, joint diseases and myocardial injuries, as well as autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, Grave's disease, and atherosclerosis as well as cancer.The compounds of the present invention are also useful for treatment of ischemia, myocardial injury, pulmonary hypertension, renal failure, Huntington's chorea and cardiac hypertrophy, as well as neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and focal ischemia.

Description

4-Phenyl-PYRIMIDO f4,5-bl INDOLE Derivatives

Detailed Description of Invention

Technical Field

The present invention relates to 4-phenyl-pyrimido[4,5-b]indoles which are useful as an active ingredient of pharmaceutical preparations. The 4-phenyl-pyrimido[4,5-b]- indoles of the present invention have MKK7 and MKK4 [MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinase) kinase 7 and 4] inhibitory activity, and can be used for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diseases associated with MKK7 and/or MKK4 activity.

More specifically, the 4-phenyl-pyrimido[4,5-b]indoles derivatives of the present invention are useful for treatment and prophylaxis of diseases as follows: inflammatory and immunoregulatory disorders, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic diseases, COPD, septic shock, arthritis, joint diseases and myocardial injuries, as well as autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, Grave's disease, and atherosclerosis as well as cancer.

The compounds of the present invention are also useful for treatment of ischemia, myocardial injury, pulmonary hypertension, renal failure, Huntington's chorea and cardiac hypertrophy, as well as neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and focal ischemia as well as cancer, since the diseases also relate to MKK7 and/or MKK4.

Background Art

The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are a family of serine/threonine kinases involved in the transduction of signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus in response to various types of stimuli such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukins, CD40 and others. These kinases participate in a wide variety of signaling cascades controlling cellular events such as cell growth, differentiation, activation, apoptosis, stress responses, and transformation. Three subgroups of MAPK currently are known as extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK), p-38 MAPK, and stress-activated/c-jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK)

(Pouyssegur J. An aπesting start for MAPK. Science, 290: 1515-1518, 2000 ). SAPK/JNKs are activated in response to cellular "stress" such as changes in osmolarity or metabolism, ischemia, heat shock, shear stress, ceramide or inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1) and implicated in both apoptotic and survival pathways. Once activated, JNKs control gene activity via phosphorylation of a variety of transcriptional factors including c-Jun, JunD, nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)4, or Elk-1, all present in immune cells and known to regulate the transcription of many genes during an inflammatory response. Thus, among other functions such as induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and Thl/Th2 differentiation, SAPK/JNKs regulate the activation and proliferation of T and B lymphocytes, activation of mast cells [Sasaki T., Wada T., Kishimoto, H., Irie-Sasaki J., Matsumoto G., Goto T., Yao Z. et al., The stress kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK)7 is a negative regulator of antigen receptor and growth factor receptor-induced proliferation in hematopoietic cells. J. Exp Med, 194:1-14, 2001].

XNK functions differentially in normal and tumor cells, which is supported by antisense INK oligonucleotide studies. In primary cells, JNK is required for "stress" induced apoptosis (Garay M., Gaarde W., Monia B.P1, Nero P., and Cioffi C.L. Inhibition of hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis by an anti-sense oligonucleo- tide targeted to JNK1 in human kidney cells, Biochem. Pharmacol. 59:1033-1043,

2000), whereas antisense JNK oligonucleotides inhibited tumor growth and induced apoptosis in tumor cells (Potapova O., Anisimov S.V., Gorospe M., Dougherty R.H., Gaarde W.A., Boheler K.R., and Holbrook NJ. Targets of c-Jun NH₂-terminal kinase 2-mediated tumor growth regulation revealed by serial analysis of gene expression, Cancer Research 62:3257-3263, 2002; Bost F., McKay R., Dean N., and Mercola D.,

The JUN kinase/stress-activated protein kinase pathway is required for epidermal growth factor stimulation of growth of human A549 lung carcinoma cells, JBC 272:33422-33429, 1997; Bost F., McKay R., Bost M., Potapova O., Dean N.M. and Mercola D., The Jun kinase 2 isoform is preferentially required for epidermal growth factor-induced transformation of human A549 lung carcinoma cells, Mol. Cell. Biol. 19:1938-1949, 1999). Thus, JNK mediates both survival and apoptotic signaling.

To become activated, MAPKs themselves require dual phosphorylation of both threonine and tyrosine at their so-called Thr-X-Tyr motif, which is brought upon by the upstream regulators MAPK kinases (MKKs). MKK1-MKK7 (MEK1, MEK2, MKK3, MKK4, MEK5, MKK6, and MKK7) are known to date with MKK7 being the most recently identified (Tournier C, Whitmarsh J., Cavanagh J., Barrett T., Davis RJ. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 is an activator of the c-Jun NH2- terminal kinase. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 94: 7337-7342, 1997), (Moriguchi T., Toyoshima F., Masuyama N., Hanafusa H., Gotoh Y., Nishida E. A novel SAPK/JNK kinase, MKK7, stimulated by TNFα and cellular stresses. EMBO J, 16:

7045-7053, 197) and (Lu X., Nemoto S., Lin A. Identification of c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK)-activating kinase 2 as an activator of JNK but not p38. J Biol Chem, 272: 24751-24754, 1997). Among this family of kinases MKK4 and MKK7 are the only ones capable of phosphorylating SAPK/JNKs. Overexpression of dominant negative forms of these MKKs and the use of cells from mice lacking

MKK4 or MKK7 have clearly shown their implication in the regulation of many inflammatory responses. Whereas MKK7 is believed to exclusively use SAPK/JNKs as substrates, MKK4 is also capable of phosphorylating p-38 MAP kinases. p-38 kinases are also involved in the control of inflammatory gene expression, especially after stimulation of cells with lipopolysaccharide and cytokines (Han J., Lee JD.,

Jiang Y., Li Z., Feng L., Ulevitch RJ. A MAP kinase targeted by endotoxin in mammalian cells. Science, 265: 808-811, 1994.), (Lee JC, Laydon JT., McDonnell PC, Gallagher TF., Kumar S., Green D., McNulty D., Blumenthal MJ., Heys JR., Landvatter SW., Strickler JE., McLaughlin MM., Siemens J_R., Fisher SM., Livi GP., White JR., Adams JL., Young PR. A protein kinase involved in the regulation of inflammatory cytokine synthesis. Nature, 372: 739-746, 1994),. In T cells, p38 controls the release of IL-12 and IFNγ and in B cells, CD40 cross-linking leads to rapid p38 activation and thus controls proliferation, and adhesion molecule expression. In addition, p38 MAPK are activated by hypoxia and, by controlling the transcription factor ATF2, play a role in neuronal development and survival (Lee JC, Kumar S., Griswold DE., Underwood DC, Votta BJ., Adams JL. Inhibition of p38

MAP kinase as a therapeutic strategy. Immunopharmacology, 47: 185-201, 2000).

A specific inhibitor of MKK7 and/or of MKK4, which is expected to block the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of various immune cells, should have a broad anti-inflammatory profile with potential for the treatment of inflammatory and immunoregulatory disorders and diseases, including asthma, rhinitis, allergic diseases, septic shock, joint diseases and myocardial injuries, as well as autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, Grave's disease, and atherosclerosis. Additionally, due to the role of MKK7 and/or MKK4 in JNK activation and tumor cell survival, a specific MKK7 and/or MKK4 inhibitor should be efficacious in targeting certain cancers.

By interfering with apoptotic pathways, such inhibitors should also have therapeutic potential for the treatment of renal failure, Huntington's chorea, cardiac hypertrophy and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and focal ischemia (Xia XG., Harding T., Weller M., Bieneman A., Uney JB., Schulz JB. Gene transfer of the JNK interacting protein- 1 protects dopaminergic neurons in the MPTP model of Parkinson's disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 98: 10433-10438, 2001).

WO 9842708 discloses anti-asthma agent represented by the general formula:

wherein

R ^a, R'- ^a, R^2"la, R^2"2a, R^3"la, and R^3"2a are defined in the application.

26941 discloses pharmaceutical agents represented by the general formula:

wherein

R >2"-^"l¹b^D, _D R2^z--2b⁰, r R>4⁴--lb^D, τ R>4⁴-Λ2b and , _Ω R7b^D are defined in the application.

19970 discloses epidermal growth-factor inhibitors of formula:

wherein R^lc, R^2c, R^3c, R^4c, R^5c and R^6c are defined in the specification.

WO 9320078 discloses pharmaceutically active compound represented by the formula:

wherein

R^2",d, R^2"2d, R ^"ld, R⁴-^2d, R^56"ld, R^56"2d, R^56"3d, R^{5( d} and R^7d are defined in the application.

IN 157280 discloses the method for preparing anti hypertension agents represented by the formula:

wherein

R le ,

a „n„d J R r> 5^oe^e are defined in the specification.

WO 97/02266 discloses anti-hyperproliferative disease agents represented by the general formula:

wherein

RIP, R2P, R₆', q and n' are defined in the application.

WO 98/43973 also discloses anti-proliferative disease agents represented by the general formula:

wherein

Rid, R2d, Rjd, R₄', q and m' are defined in the application.

However, none of the references and other reference discloses 4-phenyl-pyrimido- [4,5-b]indoles derivatives having MKK7 and/or MKK4 inhibitory activity.

The development of a compound, which has effective MKK7 and/or MKK4 inhibitory activity and can be used for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases associated with MKK7 and/or MKK4 activity, has been desired. Summary of the invention

As the result of extensive studies on chemical modification of 4-phenyl-pyrimido- [4,5-b]indoles derivatives, the present inventors have found that the compounds of the structure related to the present invention have unexpectedly excellent MKK7 and/or MKK4 inhibitory activity. The present invention has been accomplished based on these findings. This invention is to provide a novel 4-phenyl-pyrimido[4,5- bjindole derivative of the formula (I), its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or a salt thereof:

wherein

R¹ represents hydrogen, halogen, cyano, azido, nitro, amino, N(C_1-6)- alkylamino, di(C]_-6 alkyl)amino, (C_1-6)alkyl optionally substituted by cyano, nitro or mono-, di-, or tri- halogen, (Cι_-6)alkylthio, (Cι_-6)alkyl- sulfonyl, (Cι_-6)alkoxy, (C_2-6)alkenyl, (C_2-6)alkynyl, or (C_3-8)cyclo- alkyl;

R represents hydrogen, hydroxy, cyano, amino, carboxy, carbamoyl, (Cι_-6)alkyl, (Cι_-6)alkoxy, (Cι_-6)alkoxycarbonyl, (C_2-6)alkenyl, (C_2-6)- alkynyl, (C_3-8)cycloalkyl or benzyloxy; and

R represents hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, cyano, carbamoyl, (Cι_-6)alkyl, (Cι_-6)alkoxy, (C_2-6)alkenyl, (C_2-6)alkynyl, (C_3-8)cycloalkyl or -NR³¹R³², wherein

R³¹ represents hydrogen or (C_1-6)alkyl;

R³² represents hydrogen, (C_-6)alkyl, or -C(O) R³⁰⁰

wherein

R , 300 represents phenyl or pyridyl,

wherein said phenyl and pyridyl are optionally having one to three substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, (C].₆)alkyl, (C_1-6)alkoxy, nitro, cyano and carboxy.

Alkyl per se and "alk" and "alkyl" in alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkanoyl, alkylamino, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfonyloxy, alkylaminocarbonyl, alkylamino- sulphonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxycarbonylamino and alkanoylamino represent a linear or branched alkyl radical having generally 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 4 and particularly preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, representing illustratively and preferably methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl and n-hexyl.

Alkoxy illustratively and preferably represents methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, iso- propoxy, tert-butoxy, n-pentoxy and n-hexoxy.

Alkanoyl illustratively and preferably represents acetyl and propanoyl.

Alkylamino represents an alkylamino radical having one or two (independently selected) alkyl substituents, illustratively and preferably representing methylamino, ethylamino, n-propylamino, isopropylamino, tert-butylamino, n-pentylamino, n- hexyl-amino, N,N-dimethylamino, N,N-di ethylamino, N-ethyl-N-methylamino, N- methyl-N-n-propylamino, N-isopropyl-N-n-propylamino, N-t-butyl-N-methylamino, N-ethyl-N-n-pentylamino and N-n-hexyl-N-methylamino.

Alkylammocarbonyl or alkylcarbamoyl represents an alkylammocarbonyl radical having one or two (independently selected) alkyl substituents, illustratively and preferably representing methylaminocarbonyl, ethylaminocarbonyl, n-propylamino- carbonyl, isopropylamino-carbonyl, tert-butylaminocarbonyl, n-pentylamino- carbonyl, n-hexylaminocarbonyl, N,N-dimethylaminocarbonyl, N,N-diethylamino- carbonyl, N-ethyl-N-methylaminocarbonyl, N-methyl-N-n-propylaminocarbonyl, N- isopropyl-N-n-propylaminocarbonyl, N-t-butyl-N-methylaminocarbonyl, N-ethyl-N- n-pentylamino-carbonyl and N-n-hexyl-N-methylaminocarbonyl.

Alkoxycarbonyl illustratively and preferably represents methoxycarbonyl, ethoxy- carbonyl, n-propoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, n-pentoxy- carbonyl and n-hexoxycarbonyl. Alkoxycarbonylammo illustratively and preferably represents methoxycarbonylamino, ethoxycarbonylamino, n-propoxycarbonylamino, isopropoxycarbonylamino, tert-butoxycarbonylamino, n-pentoxycarbonylamino and n-hexoxycarbonylamino.

Alkanoylamino illustratively and preferably represents acetylamino and ethyl- carbonylamino.

Cycloalkyl per se and in cycloalkylamino and in cycloalkylcarbonyl_. represents a cycloalkyl group having generally 3 to 8 and preferably 5 to 7 carbon atoms, illustra- tively and preferably representing cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl.

Halogen represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

This invention is also to provide a method for treating or preventing a disorder or disease associated with MKK7 and/or MKK4 activity in a human or animal subject, comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of the 4- phenyl-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole derivative shown in the formula (I), its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof.

Further this invention is to provide a use of the 4-phenyl-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole derivative shown in the formula (I), its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof in the preparation of a medicament. Preferably, said medicament is suitable for treating and/or preventing a disorder or disease associated with MKK7 and/or MKK4 activity.

The compounds of the present invention surprisingly show excellent MKK7 and/or MKK4 inhibitory activity. They are, therefore, suitable for the production of medicament or medical composition, which may be useful to treat MKK7 and/or MKK4 related diseases.

More specifically, since the 4-phenyl-pyrimido[4,5-b]indoles derivatives of the present invention inhibit MKK7 and/or MKK4, they are useful for treatment and prophylaxis of diseases as follows:

inflammatory and immunoregulatory disorders, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic diseases, COPD, septic shock, arthritis, joint diseases and myocardial injuries, as well as autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, Grave's disease, and atherosclerosis.

Therefore, MKK7 and/or MKK4 is an important target and inhibition of MKK7 and/or MKK4 is likely to be effective in the treatment of such inflammatory and immunoregulatory disorders and diseases.

The compounds of the present invention are also useful for treatment of ischemia, myocardial injury, pulmonary hypertension, renal failure, Huntington's chorea and cardiac hypertrophy, as well as neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and focal ischemia, since the diseases also relate to MKK7 and/or MKK4.

In one embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) are those wherein:

wherein

R¹ represents hydrogen, amino, N(C_1-6)alkylamino, di(C_1-6 alkyl)amino, (Cι_-6)alkyl, or (Cι_-6)alkylthio;

R represents hydrogen, hydroxy, cyano, ammo, or carbamoyl; and

R represents hydrogen, halogen, ammo, N(Cι_-6)alkylamino, di(C_1-6- alkyl)amino, benzoylamino, (Cι_-6)alkyl, or (C_1-6)alkoxy.

In yet another embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) are those wherein:

4-phenyl-4-(l-piperidinyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole,

6-methoxy-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole;

4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indol-6-ol; 4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido [4, 5 -b] indole-6-carbonitrile;

4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxamide;

6-methoxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole;

4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indol-6-ol;

4-(4-fluorophenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indol-6-ol; 4-phenyl-2-sulfanyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile;

4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile;

4-(4-fluorophenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile;

4-[4-(dimethylammo)phenyl]-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile;

4-(4-fluorophenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxamide; 4-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxamide;

4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxamide; 2-amino-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxamide; 2-amino-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile; 4-(3-aminophenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile; and 4-(3-aminophenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxamide.

and their tautomeric and stereoisomeric form, and salts thereof.

Further, the present invention provides a medicament which include one of the compounds described above and optionally pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The compound of the formula (I) of the present invention can be, but not limited to be, prepared by combining various known methods. In some embodiments, one or more of the substituents, such as amino group, carboxyl group, and hydroxyl group of the compounds used as starting materials or intermediates are advantageously protected by a protecting group known to those skilled in the art. Examples of the protecting groups are described in "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis (3rd Edition)" by Greene and Wuts, John Wiley and Sons, New York 1999.

The compound of the formula (I) of the present invention can be, but not limited to be, prepared by the method [A] below.

Method [A]

(ii) (I) The compound (I) (wherein R¹, R and R are the same as defined above) or a salt thereof, for example, can be prepared by the reaction of the compound of formula (II) (wherein R and R are the same as defined above, and L represents leaving group including, for instance, halogen atom such as chlorine, bromine, or iodine atom; C_6-ι₀ arylsulfonyloxy group such as benzenesulfonyloxy or p-toluenesulfonyloxy; Cι_-4 alkylsulfonyloxy group such as methanesulfonyloxy; and halogen substituted C_1-4 alkylsulfonyloxy group such as trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy and the like.) or a salt thereof, with the compound of the general formula (III) (wherein R³ is the same as defined above and M represents metal group including, for instance, organoborane group such as boronic acid and di-methoxy boryl; organostannyl group such as« tributyl stannyl, and the like.) or a salt thereof in the presence of a palladium catalyst such as tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium or a combination of a phosphine ligand and a palladium catalyst such as tri-o-tolylphosphine and palladium (II) acetate.

The reaction can be advantageously carried out in the presence of a base including, for instance, cesium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, barium hydroxide sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, potassium tert-butoxide and the like.

This reaction can be carried out without solvent or in a solvent including, for instance, alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, isopropanol and tert- butanol; ethers, such as dioxane, isopropyl ether, diethyl ether, 1 ,2-dimethoxyethane and tetrahydrofuran (THF); aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylene; nitriles such as acetonitrile; amides such as dimethylformamide (DMF) N, N- dimethylacetamide and N-methylpyπolidone; sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO); water and others. Optionally, two or more of the solvents selected from the listed above can be mixed and used.

The reaction temperature can be optionally set depending on the compounds to be reacted. The reaction temperature is usually, but not limited to, about 10°C to 200°C and preferably about 50°C to 150°C The reaction may be conducted for, usually, 30 minutes to 48 hours and preferably 1 hour to 24 hours.

The compound (I) can be further reacted to modify R³, e.g. to deprotect, or to modify R³ to obtain the compound having amino group.

The compounds (III) are commercially available or can be synthesized by conven-

1 ^ tional methods. If required, R , R and R can be optionally protected during the reaction and deprotected afterward.

The compound of the formula (I-i) and (I-ii) can be, but not limited to be, prepared by the methods [B], [C] or [D] below.

Method [B]

(l-b) (I-i)

The compound of formula (I-i) (wherein R¹ and R³ are the same as defined above) can be prepared by the reaction of the compound of formula (I-b)(wherein R¹ and R³ are the same as defined above, and X represents hydrogen or (C_1-6)alkyl) and ammonia.

The reaction can be carried out without solvent or in a solvent including, for instance, alcohols such as methanol and ethanol, 1-propanol, isopropanol and tert-butanol; water; ethers such as diethyl ether, isopropyl ether, dioxane and tetrahydrofuran (THF) and 1,2-dimethoxyethane; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylene; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N-dimethyl- acetamide; sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide, and others. Optionally, two or more of the solvents selected from the listed above can be mixed and used.

The reaction temperature can be optionally set depending on the compounds to be reacted. The reaction temperature is usually, but not limited to, about 0°C to 60°C The reaction may be conducted for, usually, 30 minutes to 48 hours and preferably 1 hour to 24 hours.

When X is hydrogen in compound of formula (I-b), the reaction can be advantageously carried out using coupling agent including, for instance, carbodiimides such as N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and l-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl- carbodiimide; carbonyldiazoles such as l, -carbonyldi(l,3-imiazole)(CDI) and 1,1'- carbonyldi(l,2,4-triazole)(CDT), and others.

Method [C]

Alternatively, the compound of formula (I-i) (wherein R and R are the same as defined above) can be prepared by the hydrolysis of the compound of formula (I-c) (wherein R¹ and R³ are the same as defined above).

The reaction can be carried out in a solvent including, for instance, alcohols such as methanol and ethanol, 1-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol and tert-butanol; water; ketone such as acetone; ethers such as diethyl ether, isopropyl ether, dioxane and tetrahydrofuran (THF) and 1,2-dimethoxyethane; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylene; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N- dimethylacetamide, and others. Optionally, two or more of the solvents selected from the listed above can be mixed and used.

The reaction can be advantageously conducted in the presence of a base, including, for instance, an alkali metal alkoxide such as sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide and potassium tert-butoxide; alkali metal hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide; alkali metal carbonates such as sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate; alkali metal hydrogen carbonates such as sodium hydrogen carbonate and potassium hydrogen carbonate; alkali metal phosphate such as sodium phosphate, and others.

When base is used, the reaction can be advantageously conducted in the presence of oxidating agent, for instance, hydrogen peroxide, manganese dioxide, dimethyl dioxirane, sodium percarbonate, sodium perborate, oxone, and the others.

The reaction can be advantageously conducted in the presence of an acid including, for instance, trifluoroacetic acid, hydrochloric acid and sulfonic acid, and others. Method [D]

The compound of formula (I-ii) (wherein R¹ and R³ are the same as defined above), for example, can be carried out under the hydrogen atmosphere in the presence of a catalysis, such as palladium on activated carbon, palladium hydroxide on carbon, platinum on activated carbon, platinum(IV) oxide, Raney nickel, and others, in a solvent including, for instance, esters, such as ethyl acetate, ethers such as diethyl ether, isopropyl ether, dioxane and tetrahydrofuran (THF) and 1 ,2-dimethoxyethane; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylene; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, isopropanol and tert-butanol; water, amides such as N,N-dimefhylformamide (DMF), N,N-dimethylacetamide and N-methylpyrrolidone, and others. Optionally, two or more of the solvents selected from the listed above can be mixed and used.

The reaction temperature can be, but not limited to, about 50°C to 100°C. The reaction may be conducted for, usually, 30 minutes to 48 hours and preferably 1 to 24 hours.

Preparation of intermediates

The compound of formula (II) (wherein R¹, R² and L are the same as defined above) can be prepared by the following procedures. NC-CH₂COOEt

4a (R^r = amino, alkyl, cycloalkyl, etc.,)

(II) 4b (R^1' = H)

Thus, compound 2 can be prepared by the reaction of compound 1 (wherein L' represents leaving group including, for instance, halogen atom such as chlorine, bromine, or iodine atom; C_6-10 arylsulfonyloxy group such as benzenesulfonyloxy or p-toluenesulfonyloxy; Cι_-4 alkylsulfonyloxy group such as methanesulfonyloxy; and halogen substituted C_1-4 alkylsulfonyloxy group such as trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy and the like, and R² is the same as defined above) with ethyl cyanoacetate using a base, for instance, sodium hydride.

The reaction may be carried out in a solvent including, for instance, ethers such as diethyl ether, isopropyl ether, dioxane and tetrahydrofuran (THF) and 1,2-dimethoxyethane; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylene; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N-dimethylacetamide and N-methyl- pyrrolidone; sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO); alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, isopropanol and tert-butanol, and others. Optionally, two or more of the solvents selected from the listed above can be mixed and used. The reaction may be carried out, usually, at room temperature to 100°C for 4 hours to 12 hours. Compound 1 and ethyl cyanoacetate are commercially available or can be synthesized by conventional methods.

Compound 3 (wherein R² is the same as defined above) can be prepared by reducing nitro group of compound 2 using agent including, for instance, metals such as zinc and iron in the presence of acid including, for instance, hydrochloric acid and acetic acid. The reaction can be carried out without solvent or in a solvent including, for instance; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylene, and others. The reaction may be carried out, usually, at room temperature to 100°C for 30 minutes to 12 hours.

Compound 4a (wherein R¹ represents amino, (Cι_-6)alkyl, (Cι_-6)alkoxy, (C_2-6)alkenyl, (C_2-6)alkynyl, halogen substituted (C_1-6) alkyl, cyano, cyano(C]_-6)alkyl, (Cι_-6) alkylthio, (C_3-8)cycloalkyl, nitro(Cι_-6)alkyl or fluoro and R is the same as defined above) can be prepared by the reaction of compound 3 with appropriate cyano compounds (R¹ CN) (wherein R¹ is the same as defined above). The reaction can be carried out in a solvent including, for instance, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 1- propanol, isopropanol and tert-butanol; ethers such as diethyl ether, isopropyl ether, dioxane and tetrahydrofuran (THF) and 1 ,2-dimethoxyethane; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene, and others. The reaction may be carried out, usually, at 40°C to 180°C for 2 hours to two days.

Cyano compounds are commercially available or can be synthesized by ..conventional methods.

1 * 9

Compound 4b (wherein R is hydrogen and R is the same as defined above) can be prepared by the reaction of compound 3 with ammonium formate in a solvent such as formamide. The reaction may be carried out, usually, at 40°C to 180°C for 2 hours to two days. If desired, the resulting 4b can be further modified to introduce nitro group at the position of R¹. Ammonium formate and formamide are commercially available or can be synthesized by conventional methods.

The compound of formula (II) (wherein R',and R² are the same as defined above and L represents leaving group including, for instance, halogen atom such as chlorine, bromine, or iodine atom; C_6-ιo arylsulfonyloxy group such as benzenesulfonyloxy or p-toluenesulfonyloxy; C_1- alkylsulfonyloxy group such as methanesulfonyloxy; and halogen substituted C alkylsulfonyloxy group such as trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy and the like.) can be prepared for instance, by the reaction of compound 4 with appropriate halogenating reagent including, for instance, POCl₃, PC1₅, SOCl₂, and the like; or can be prepared, for instance, by the reaction of compound 4 with appropriate sulfonyl chloride.

The reaction may be carried out without solvent or in a solvent including, for instance, halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, chloroform and 1,2- dichloroethane;such as ethers such as dioxane and tetrahydrofuran (THF) and 1,2- dimethoxyethane; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene, and others. Optionally, two or more of the solvents selected from the listed above can be mixed and used. The reaction can be advantageously conducted in the presence of a base, including, for instance, such as pyridine, triethylamine and N,N-diiso- propylethylamine, dimethylaniline, diethylaniline, and others.

The reaction temperature is usually, but not limited to, about 40°C to 200°C and preferably about 20°C to 180°C The reaction may be conducted for, usually, 30 minutes to 48 hours and preferably 2 hours to 12 hours.

The halogenating reagents and sulfonyl chlorides are commercially available or can be synthesized by conventional methods.

When the compound shown by the formula (I) or a salt thereof has tautomeric isomers and/or stereoisomers (e.g., geometrical isomers and conformational isomers), each of their separated isomers and mixtures are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Typical salts of the compound shown by the formula (I) include salts prepared by 5 reaction of the compounds of the present invention with a mineral or organic acid, or an organic or inorganic base. Such salts are known as acid addition and base addition salts, successively.

Acids to form salts include inorganic acids such as, without limitation, sulfuric acid, 10 phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydriodic acid like, and organic acids, such as, without limitation, p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, oxalic acid, p-bromophenylsulfonic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, acetic acid, and the like.

15. Base addition salts include those derived from inorganic bases, such as, without limitation, ammonium hydroxide, alkaline metal hydroxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, carbonates, bicarbonates, and the like, and organic bases, such as, without limitation, ethanolamine, triethylamine, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, and the like. Examples of inorganic bases include, sodium hydroxide, potassium

20 hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and the like.

The compound of the present invention or a salts thereof, depending on its substituents, may be modified to form lower alkylesters or known other esters; and/or 25 hydrates or other solvates. Those esters, hydrates, and solvates are included in the scope of the present invention.

The compound of the present invention may be administered in oral forms, such as, without limitation normal and enteric coated tablets, capsules, pills, powders,

30 granules, elixirs, tinctures, solution, suspensions, syrups, solid and liquid aerosols and emulsions. They may also be administered in parenteral forms, such as, without limitation, intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and the like forms, well-known to those of ordinary skill in the pharmaceutical arts. The compounds of the present invention can be administered in intranasal form via topical use of suitable intranasal vehicles, or via transdermal routes, using transdermal delivery systems well-known to those of ordinary skilled in the art.

The dosage regimen with the use of the compounds of the present invention is selected by one of ordinary skill in the arts, in view of a variety of factors, including, without limitation, age, weight, sex, and medical condition of the recipient, the severity of the condition to be treated, the route of administration, the level of metabolic and excretory function of the recipient, the dosage form employed, the particular compound and salt thereof employed.

The compounds of the present invention are preferably formulated prior to admini- stration together with one or more pharmaceutically-acceptable excipients.

Excipients are inert substances such as, without limitation carriers, diluents, flavoring agents, sweeteners, lubricants, solubilizers, suspending agents, binders, tablet disintegrating agents and encapsulating material.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is pharmaceutical formulation comprising a compound of the invention and one or more pharmaceutically- acceptable excipients that are compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof. Pharmaceutical formulations of the invention are prepared by combining a therapeutically effective amount of the compounds of the invention together with one or more pharmaceutically-acceptable excipients. In making the compositions of the present invention, the active ingredient may be mixed with a diluent, or enclosed within a carrier, which may be in the form of a capsule, sachet, paper, or other container. The carrier may serve as a diluent, which may be solid, semi-solid, or liquid material which acts as a vehicle, or can be in the form of tablets, pills, powders, lozenges, elixirs, suspensions, emulsions, solutions, syrups, aerosols, ointments, containing, for example, up to 10% by weight of the active compound, soft and hard gelatin capsules, suppositories, sterile injectable solutions and sterile packaged powders.

For oral administration, the active ingredient may be combined with an oral, and non-toxic, pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier, such as, without limitation, lactose, starch, sucrose, glucose, sodium carbonate, mannitol, sorbitol, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, methyl cellulose, and the like; together with, optionally, disintegrating agents, such as, without limitation, maize, starch, methyl cellulose, agar bentonite, xanthan gum, alginic acid, and the like; and optionally, binding agents, for example, without limitation, gelatin, natural sugars, beta-lactose, corn sweeteners, natural and synthetic gums, acacia, tragacanth, sodium alginate, carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, waxes, and the like; and, optionally, lubricating agents, for example, without limitation, magnesium stearate, sodium stearate, stearic acid, sodium oleate, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium chloride, talc, and the like.

In powder forms, the carrier may be a finely divided solid which is in admixture with the finely divided active ingredient. The active ingredient may be mixed with a carrier having binding properties in suitable proportions and compacted in the shape and size desired to produce tablets. The powders and tablets preferably contain from about 1 to about 99 weight percent of the active ingredient which is the novel composition of the present invention. Suitable solid carriers are magnesium carboxymethyl cellulose, low melting waxes, and cocoa butter.

Sterile liquid formulations include suspensions, emulsions, syrups and elixirs. The active ingredient can be dissolved or suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, such as sterile water, sterile organic solvent, or a mixture of both sterile water and sterile organic solvent.

The active ingredient can also be dissolved in a suitable organic solvent, for example, aqueous propylene glycol. Other compositions can be made by dispersing the finely divided active ingredient in aqueous starch or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution or in a suitable oil.

The formulation may be in unit dosage form, which is a physically discrete unit containing a unit dose, suitable for administration in human or other mammals. A unit dosage form can be a capsule or tablets, or a number of capsules or tablets. A "unit dose" is a predetermined quantity of the active compound of the present invention, calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect, in association with one or more excipients. The quantity of active ingredient in a unit dose may be varied or adjusted from about 0.1 to about 1000 milligrams or more according to the particular treatment involved.

Typical oral dosages of the present invention, when used for the indicated effects, will range from about 0.0 lmg /kg/day to about 100 mg/kg/day, preferably from 0.1 mg/kg/day to 30 mg/kg/day, and most preferably from about 0.5 mg/kg/day to about 10 mg/kg/day. In the case of parenteral administration, it has generally proven advantageous to administer quantities of about 0.001 to 100 mg /kg/day, preferably from 0.01 mg/kg/day to 1 mg/kg/day. The compounds of the present invention may be administered in a single daily dose, or the total daily dose may be administered in divided doses, two, three, or more times per day. Where delivery is via transdermal forms, of course, administration is continuous.

Examples

The present invention will be described in detail below in the form of examples, but they should by no means be construed as defining the metes and bounds of the present invention.

In the examples below, all quantitative data, if not stated otherwise, relate to percentages by weight.

Melting points are uncorrected. Liquid Chromatography - Mass spectroscopy (LC-

MS) data were recorded on a Micromass Platform LC with Shimadzu Phenomenex ODS column(4.6 mmφ X 30 mm) flushing a mixture of acetonitrile-water (9:1 to 1:9) at 1 ml/min of the flow rate. Mass spectra were obtained using electrospray (ES) ionization techniques (micromass Platform LC). TLC was performed on a precoated silica gel plate (Merck silica gel 60 F-254). Silica gel (WAKO-gel C-200 (75-

150 μm)) was used for all column chromatography separations. All chemicals were reagent grade and were purchased from Sigma- Aldrich, Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., Tokyo Kasei Kogyo Co., Ltd., Nacalai tesque, Inc., Watanabe Chemical Ind. Ltd., Maybridge pic, Lancaster Synthesis Ltd., Merck KgaA, Kanto Chemical Co., Ltd.

The effect of the present compounds were examined by the following assays and pharmacological tests.

[The measurement of MKK7 kinase activity]

( 1 ) Preparation of MKK7 protein

A plasmid containing human MKK7 open reading frame was cloned into a pGEM-T Easy vector (Promega, Madison, WI) and further into a pGEX-6P-2 vector (Pharmacia) to construct human GST(Glutathione-S-transferase)- MKK7 fusion protein. This construct was coexpressed with human MEKKc (catalytic domain of MEKK (MEK (Map kinase kinase) kinase) on plasmid pBB131, in E.coli (BL21(DE3)pLysS).

The resulting GST-MKK7 was purified with the use of a glutathione column

(Amersham Pharmacia Biotech AB, Uppsala, Sweden) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

(2) A construct containing the MKK7 substrate rat GST-KN-SAPKα (GST + kinase negative rat SAPKα2) was inserted into a pGEX-SAP plasmid

(Amersham Pharmacia Biotech AB, Uppsala, Sweden) and transformed into E.coli BL21(DE3)pLysS. Using this expression strain, GST-KN-SAPKα was purified with the use of glutathione column (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech AB, Uppsala, Sweden) according to the manufacturer's instruction. The purity of the protein was confirmed to be more than 90% by SDS-PAGE.

Biotinylation of the substrate protein was done using sulfo-NHS-LC Biotin according to the manufacturer's instructions (Pierce, Rockford, US)

(3) The measurement of MKK7 kinase activity

All Test compounds (2.5 μl) at various concentrations (in 1% DMSO) were added to 15 μl of reaction buffer (20mM HEPES, 0.1M NaCl, 0.1 mM Na3VO4, lOmM MgCb, ImM DTT, lmg/ml BSA, pH 7.5)) containing 0.5 μg/ml GST-MKK7 and 0.8 μM SAPK α (biotinylated GST-KN-SAPKα fusion protein). The kinase reaction was started by the addition of 12.5 μl of

12 μM ATP. After one hour incubation period at room temperature, the reaction was stopped by the addition of 40 μl stop solution (0.1M EDTA, pH 8.0).

60 μl of this reaction mixture were transfeπed to a well of the streptavidine- coated detection plate (SA-plate, Steffens: 08114E14.FWD) and 40 μl Tris- buffered saline (TBS, 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH8.0), 20 mM EDTA, 1 % BSA, 1 M NaCl, 0.05% tween 20) were added. This mixture was incubated for 30 minutes and washed 3 times with 0.05% tween20 in (TBS), before 100 μl of Eu-labeled anti-phosphothreonine-proline antibody (LANCE) was added. After incubation for 30 minutes, plates were again washed 3 times with TBS, and 100 μl of the enhancement solution (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) was added. One hour later, time-resolved fluorescence was measured by a multi- label counter (ARVO, Wallac Oy, Finland) using 340 nm for excitation and 615 nm for emission with 400 ms of delay and 400 ms of window.

[The measurement of MKK4 kinase activity]

( 1 ) Preparation of MKK4 protein

A plasmid containing human MKK4 open reading frame was cloned into a pGEX-2T vector (Pharmacia) to construct human GST(Glutathione-S- transferase)-MKK4 fusion protein. This construct was coexpressed with human MEKKc (catalytic domain of MEKK on plasmid pBB131) in E.coli (BL21(DE3)pLysS).

The resulting GST-MKK4 was purified with the use of glutathione column (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech AB, Uppsala, Sweden) according to the manufacturer's instruction. The purity of the protein was confirmed to be more than 90% by SDS-PAGE.

(2) A construct containing the MKK4 substrate rat GST-KN-SAPKα (GST + kinase negative rat SAPKα2) was inserted into a pGEX-SAP plasmid (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech AB, Uppsala, Sweden) and transformed into E.coli BL21(DE3)pLysS. Using this expression strain, GST-KN-SAPKα was purified with the use of glutathione column (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech

AB, Uppsala, Sweden) according to the manufacturer's instruction. The purity of the protein was confirmed to be more than 90% by SDS-PAGE. Bio- tinylation of the substrate protein was done using sulfo-NHS-LC Biotin according to the manufacturer's instructions (Pierce, Rockford, US)

(3) The measurement of MKK4 kinase activity

All Test compounds (5 μl) at various concentrations (in 1% DMSO) were added to 30 μl of reaction buffer (20mM HEPES, 0.1M NaCl, 0.1 mM Na3VO4, lOmM MgCh, ImM DTT, lmg/ml BSA, pH 7.5)) containing 0.5 μg/ml GST-MKK4 and 6μM ATP. The kinase reaction was started by the addition of 25 μl assay buffer containing 0.48 μM SAPKα (biotinylated GST-KN-SAPKα fusion protein). After a two hours incubation period at room temperature, the reaction was stopped by the addition of 80 μl stop solution (0.1M EDTA, pH 8.0).

120 μl of this reaction mixture were transferred to a well of the streptavidine- coated detection plate (SA-plate, Steffens: 08114E14.FWD) and 40 μl Tris- buffered saline (TBS, 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH8.0), 20 mM EDTA, 1 % BSA, 1 M NaCl, 0.05%) tween 20) were added. This mixture was incubated for 30 min and washed 3 times with 0.05% tween20 in (TBS), before 100 μl of

Eu-labeled anti-phosphotyrosine antibody (5ng/well;4G10, Upstate Biotechnology, Lake Placid, NY, US)) was added. After incubation for 30 min., plates were again washed 3 times with TBS, and 100 μl of the_^enhancement solution (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) was added. One hour later, time- resolved fluorescence was measured by a multi-label counter (ARVO, Wallac

Oy, Finland) using 340 nm for excitation and 615 nm for emission with , 400 ms of delay and 400 ms of window. [Cell-based assays]

IL-2 and IFN-γ release in human PBMC

Human peripheral blood mononucleated cells (huPBMC) isolated using mono-poly resolving medium (Dainippon Seiyaku, Osaka, Japan) were incubated with test compounds (various concentrations in 0.1 % DMSO) for 1 hour in a 37°C CO2 incubator. Cells were then plated on 96 well plates (lxl O5 cell per well in 200 μl RPMI1640 cell culture medium) pre-coated for 3 hours with 100 μl anti-CD3 antibody (NU-T3: Nichirei) (4 μg/ml)) or without any coating (unstimulated controls). Solution was removed and plates were washed three times with 200 μl/well phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Anti-CD28 antibody (KOLT-2: Nichirei, Tokyo, Japan) and goat anti mouse kappa antibody (Bethyl Laboratories, Inc., Montgomery, Texas, US) was added to the wells at final concentrations of 1.5 μg/ml and 2 μg/ml, respectively. Plates were incubated for 20 hours in the incubator. Supernatant was removed and stored at -30°C in aliquots until further use. The amount of interleukin- 2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) released from huPBMC was determined by commercially available ELISA (Genzyme Tech., Minneapolis, US) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

TNF-a and IL-12 release in human PBMC and human dendritic cells

Human peripheral blood mononucleated cells (huPBMC) isolated using mono-poly resolving medium were either directly used for experiments (lxl 0s cells per well in 200 μl medium) or differentiated to dendritic cells (DC) in the presence of GM-SCF

(Pepro Tech., New Jersey, US, 25 ng/ml) + IL-4 (Pepro Tech., New Jersey, US, 10 ng/ml) over 7 days, then collected, counted and plated at a density of 2x104 cells per well per 200 μl). Cells were incubated with test compounds (various concentrations in 0.1% DMSO) for 1 hour in a 37°C CO2 incubator and then plated on 96 well plates (1x10s cell per well in 200 μl RPMI1640 cell culture medium). Induction of TNF-α or IL-12 was induced by stimulation with LPS (B8, Sigma, Missouri, US) 10 ng/ml). 20 hours later supernatant was removed and stored at -30°C in aliquots until further use.

The amounts of TNF-α and IL-12 released from cell cultures were determined by commercially available ELISA (Genzyme Tech., Minneapolis, US) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[Systemic inflammatory response syndrome in mice]

Male Balb/c mice (20-25 g body weight) were in injected with agonistic anti-CD3

Ab (Pharmingen, San Diego, US; 10 μg/mouse; clone 145-2C11) i.v. 5 minutes after compound application (i.v. in 10 %. 2 hours post-challenge, mice were sacrificed and the serum cytokines IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-γ were determined by ELISA (Genzyme Tech., Minneapolis, US) according to the manufacturer's instruction. Data represent mean values ± SD of 5-6 animals each. * p<0.05, ** p< 0.01 vs. vehicle control (V);

Dunnett's test was used to detect differences among groups and statistics were performed using one-sided ANOVA or Student's t-test if applicable.

Results of MKK 7 kinase assay (MKK7) and MKK4 kinase assay (MKK4) are shown in Examples and tables of the Examples below. The data coπesponds to the compounds as yielded by solid phase synthesis and thus to levels of purity of about 40 to 90%). For practical reasons, the compounds are grouped in three classes of activity as follows:

ICso = A ≤ lμM < B < 10 μM < C

The compounds of the present invention also show excellent selectivity, and strong activity in vivo assays. Preparing method of starting compounds

[Starting compound A]

2-amino-6-benzyloxy-4-chloro-(9H)-pyrimido [4,5-b] indole hydrochloride

( 1 ) 4-benzyloxy-2-fluoronitrobenzene

In the step A-1, a mixture of 3-fluoro-4-nitrophenol (50.00 g, 318.26 mmol), benzyl bromide (57.16 g, 334.18 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (87.97 g, 636.53 mmol) was refluxed in acetone (750 mL) for 18 hours. After cooled to room temperature, the mixture was passed through a filter and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with 5% NaHCO₃. The separated organic phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was triturated with hexane, filtered and air-dried to obtain 4-benzyloxy-2-fluoronitrobenzene as a colorless solid (74.65 g, 94.9 %).

(2) ethyl 5-benzyloxy-2-nitrophenylcyanoacetate

In the step A-2, to the suspension of 60% sodium hydride (9.71 g, 242.69 mmol) in 300 ml of /V,/V-dimethylformamide (DMF) were added a solution of ethyl cyanoacetate (15.10 g, 133.48 mmol) in DMF (40 mL) and 4-benzyloxy-2-fluoronitrobenzene (20.0 g, 80.9 mmol), successively, at 0°C The mixture was stirred at 70°C for 4 hours and cooled to room temperature. The resulting suspension was poured into 10 % KOH and washed with ether. The aqueous layer was acidified with 10% HC1 and extracted with ether. The extract was washed with brine and dried over MgSO . The solvent was removed and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (Hexane.AcOEt = 5:1) to obtain ethyl 5-benzyloxy-2-nitrophenylcyanoacetate (23.6 g, 84.9%) as a pale brown oil.

(3) 2-amino-5-benzyloxy-3-ethoxycarbonyl-(lH)-indole

In the step A-3, to a mixture of acetic acid (190 mL) and toluene (380 mL) was added ethyl 5-benzyloxy-2-nitrophenylcyanoacetate (63.99 g, 188.02 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at 80°C to give a clear solution. The external heating was removed and zinc powder (98.33 g, 1504.14 mmol) was added slowly, portionwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at 80°C for 3 hours and passed through a filter, while the solution is hot, and the collected solid was washed with toluene. The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was triturated with ether to obtain 2-amino-5- benzyloxy-3-ethoxycarbonyl-(lH)-indole as a purplish solid (28.89 g, yield 49.5%).

(4) 5-benzyloxy-3-ethoxycarbonyl-2-guanidyl-(lH)-indole hydrochloride

In the step A-4, a suspension of ethyl 2-amino-5-benzyloxy-3-ethoxycarbonyl- (lH)-indole (11.36 g, 36.60 mmol), cyanamide (2.46 g, 58.55 mmol), and 36% HC1 (3 ml) in 1,4-dioxane (300 ml) was refluxed for 2 days. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and the precipitated solid was collected on a filter and washed with dry ether to afford 5-benzyloxy-3- ethoxycarbonyl-2-guanidyl-(lH)-indole hydrochloride (2.99 g, 21%), that was used for the following reaction without any further purification.

(5) 2-amino-6-benzyloxy-4-hydroxy-(9H)-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole

In the step A-5, a mixture of 5-benzyloxy-3-ethoxycarbonyl-2-guanidyl-(lH)- indole hydrochloride (4.54 g, 11.67 mmol) and sodium hydroxide (4.67 g, 116.72 mmol) was refluxed in water (50 mL) for 6 hours. After cooled to room temperature, the precipitate was collected on a filter and air-dried to obtain 2-amino-6-benzyloxy-4-hydroxy-(9H)-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole as a crude product, that was used for the following reaction without any further purification.

(6) 2-amino-6-benzyloxy-4-chloro-(9H)-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole hydrochloride

In the step A-6, a mixture of 2-amino-6-benzyloxy-4-hydroxy-(9H)-pyrimido- [4,5-b]indole (1.00 g, 3.26 mmol) obtained in the step (5) and N,N-dimethyl- aniline (1.19 g, 9.79 mmol) was refluxed in phosphoryl chloride (3.0 g) for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residual syrup was treated with ice water. The resulting solid was collected on a filter and washed with ethanol and ether to afford 2-amino-6-benzyloxy- 4-chloro-(9H)-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole hydrochloride as a pale green solid. This crude product was used for the following reaction without further purification.

[Starting compound B]

6-benzyloxy-4-chloro-(9H)-py rimido [4,5-b] indole hydrochloride

(1) 6-benzyloxy-4-hydroxy-(9H)-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole

In the step B-1, to a dry NaOMe prepared from Na (60 mg) and absolute MeOH (2 mL) was added a solution of 2-amino-5-benzyloxy-3-ethoxy- carbonyl-(lH)-indole (0.50 g, 1.61 mmol) obtained in the step A-3 for preparation of the starting compound A in formamide (15 mL). The mixture was refluxed for 18 hours and cooled to room temperature. The reaction mixture was poured into water (100 mL) and the precipitated materials were collected on a filter, that was purified by silica gel column chromatography (CHC1₃ : MeOH = 50 :1) to obtain 6-benzyloxy-4-hydroxy-(9H)-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole (0.137g, 29.2%) (2) 6-benzyloxy-4-chloro-(9H)-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole hydrochloride

In the step B-2, the 6-benzyloxy-4-chloro-(9H)-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole hydrochloride as a brown solid is prepared in a similar manner as described in the step A-6 for the preparation of the starting compound A.

[Starting compound C]

6-benzyloxy-4-chloro-2-methyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole

(1) 6-Benzyloxy-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole

In the step C-l, a mixture of 2-amino-5-benzyloxy-3-ethoxycarbonyl-(lH)- indole (5.00 g, 16.11) obtained in the step A-3 for preparation of the starting compound A and 4 N hydrochloric acid in 1,4-dioxane (100 ml) in aceto- nitrile (100 ml) was stiπed at room temperature overnight. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with 1,4-dioxane and acetonitrile and dissolved in a mixture of ethanol (85 mL) and H O (5 mL). To the mixture was added a solution of sodium hydroxide (1.58 g, 39.44 mmol) in water (10 ml), and the mixture was stiπed at 50°C for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with ether and dried at 60°C in vacuo to give 6-benzyloxy-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole as a white solid (4.26 g, 87.4 %).

(2) 6-Benzyloxy-4-chloro-2-methyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole

In the step C-2, the 6-benzyloxy-4-chloro-2-methyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]- indole is prepared in a similar manner as described in the step A-6 for the preparation of the starting compound A.

[Starting compound D]

Methyl 4-ChIoro-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxylate

( 1 ) 3 -fluoro-4-nitrobenzyl bromide

In the step D-1, to a solution of 3-fluoro-4-nitrotoluene (4.83 g) in carbon tetrachloride (50 ml) were added N-bromosuccinimide (NBS, 12.6 g) and benzoyl peroxide (0.45 g). The mixture was refluxed overnight and additional

NBS (6.3 g) and benzoyl peroxide (0.15 g) were added to reflux for another 10 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture was passed through a filter paper to remove resulting precipitates, that were washed with chloroform (50 ml). The filtrates were combined and washed with saturated sodium thiosulfite water solution and brine, successively. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate = 15/1 to 5/1) to obtain 3- fluoro-4-nitrobenzyl bromide as a yellow oil (3.43 g, 47%).

(2) 3-Fluoro-4-nitrobenzyl alcohol

In the step D-2, a mixture of 3-fluoro-4-nitrobenzyl bromide (3.43 g) and calcium carbonate (7.63 g) in a mixture of water (40 ml) and 1,4-dioxane (40 ml) was refluxed overnight. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was passed through a paper filter to remove insoluble materials, that were washed with 1,4-dioxane (20 ml). The filtrates were combined and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (40 ml) and washed with IN hydrochloric acid, saturated sodium bicarbonate water solution and brine, successively, to be dried over sodium sulfate. When the solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was triturated with hexane,

3-fluoro-4-nitrobenzyl alcohol was obtained as colorless powders (2.07 g, 83%). (3) 3-Fluoro-4-nitrobenzoic acid

In the step D-3, to a solution of 3-fluoro-4-nitrobenzyl alcohol (2.97 g) in acetone (60 ml) was added Jones reagent (13 ml), prepared from chromic acid (26.7 g) and sulfuric acid (23 ml) in water (100 ml), dropwise at 0°C. The mixture was stiπed on a ice-bath for 0.5 hours and quenched with isopropanol (20 ml) to be concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (30 ml) and washed with water (30 ml X 3), and brine (30 ml X 1), successively. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concen- trated in vacuo to obtain a yellow solid, that was triturated with hexane to give 3-fluoro-4-nitrobenzoic acid as a pale yellow solid (2.94 g, 92%).

(4) Methyl 3-fluoro-4-nitrobenzoate

In the step D-4, to a solution of 3-fluoro-4-nitrobenzoic acid (5.00 g) in methanol (50 ml) was added 98% sulfuric acid (1 ml). The mixture was refluxed overnight and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (30 ml) and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate water solution (30 ml) and brine (30 ml), successively. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate = 5/1) to give methyl 3-fluoro-4-nitrobenzoate (5.0 g, 93%) as a colorless solid.

(5) Ethyl α-cyano-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-nitrophenylacetate

In the step D-5, to a suspension of 60% sodium hydride (2.01 g) in N,N- dimethylformamide (DMF, 15 ml) was added a solution of ethyl cyanoacetate (5.68 g) in DMF (5 ml) at 0°C. The mixture was stiπed at room temperature for 0.5 hours and a solution of methyl 3-fluoro-4-nitrobenzoate (5.00 g) in DMF (5 ml) was added. The mixture was stiπed at room temperature for another 3 hours and poured into a mixture of ethyl acetate (100 ml) and IN hydrochloric acid (200 ml). The organic layer was separated and washed with water (100 ml X 2) and brine (100 ml), successively, to be dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed in vacuo to obtain a blown solid, that was purified by silica gel column chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate = 5/1 to 2/1) to give ethyl α-cyano-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-nitrophenylacetate as a pale yellow solid (5.74 g, 78%).

(6) Methyl 2-amino-3-ethoxycarbonyl-lH-indole-5-carboxylate

In the step D-6, ethyl α-cyano-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-nitrophenylacetate

(3.10 g) was dissolved in glacial acetic acid (30 ml) at 80°C. Keeping the temperature, zinc powder (5.55 g) was added portionwise. The mixture was stiπed at 90°C to 100°C for 1 hour. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was passed through a filter paper to remove insoluble materials and washed with glacial acetic acid (10 ml). The filtrates were combined and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (30 ml) and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate water solution (30 ml X 3) and brine (30 ml), successively. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was triturated with isopropyl ether to give methyl 2-amino-3-ethoxycarbonyl-lH-indole-5-car- boxylate as a colorless solid (2.37 g, 85%).

(7) Methyl 4-hydroxy-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxylate

In the step D-7, a mixture of methyl 2-amino-3-ethoxycarbonyl-lH-indole-5- carboxylate (0.80 g) and ammonium formate (0.20 g) in formamide (4 ml) was stiπed at 175°C under argon atmosphere overnight. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with water (40 ml) to give precipitates, that were washed with methanol (20 ml) to obtain pure methyl 4- hydroxy-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxylate (0.413 g, 56%). (8) Methyl 4-chloro-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxylate

In the step D-8, to a solution of methyl 4-hydroxy-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole- 6-carboxylate (0.35 g) and N,N-dimethylaniline (0.52 g) in 1,4-dioxane (2 ml) was added phosphoryl chloride (1.4 ml). The mixture was stiπed at 100°C for 6 hours and, after cooling to room temperature, poured into crushed ice. When this quenching was completed, precipitates resulted in to be collected by a paper filter and dried at 80°C in vacuo for 5 hours. Resulting solid was suspended in methanol and passed through a filter paper to obtain methyl 4- chloro-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxylate as a pale yellow solid (0.298 g, 79%).

[Starting compound £]

Methyl 4-chloro-2-methyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxylate

(1) 3-Ethyl 5-methyl 2-(acetoimidoylamino)-lH-indole-3,5-dicarboxylate hydrochloride

In the step E-l, a mixture of methyl 2-amino-3-ethoxycarbonyl-lH- indole-5- carboxylate (0.48 g), obtained in step D-6 of starting compound D, and 4 N hydrochloric acid in 1,4-dioxane (5 ml) in acetonitrile (5 ml) was stiπed at room temperature overnight. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with 1,4-dioxane and acetonitrile to give 3-ethyl 5-methyl 2-(acetoimidoylamino)-lH-indole-3,5-dicarboxylate hydrochloride as a white solid (0.537 g, 87%).

(2) Methyl 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxylate

In the step E-2, to a suspension of 3-ethyl 5-methyl 2-(acetoimidoylamino)- lH-indole-3,5-dicarboxylate hydrochloride (0.540 g) in methanol (5 ml) was added a solution of sodium bicarbonate (0.500 g) in water (5 ml), and the mixture was stiπed at 60°C for 1.5 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with methanol, dried at 60°C in vacuo to give methyl 4-hydroxy-2-mefhyl- 9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxylate as a solid (514 mg), which was used next step without purification.

(3) Methyl 4-chloro-2-methyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxylate

In the step E-3, the methyl 4-chloro-2-methyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6- carboxylate as a brown solid is prepared in a similar manner as described in the step D-8 for the preparation of starting compound D. [Starting compound F]

4-Chloro-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile

The 4-chloro-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile is prepared from 3-bromo-4- nitrobenzonitrile in a similar manner as described in the preparation of starting compound D, the methyl 4-chloro-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxylate.

[Starting compound G]

2-Amino-6-cyano-4-chloro -9H-pyrimido [4,5-b] indole Hydrochloride

(1) 2-amino-6-cyano-4-hydroxy-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole

In the step G-1, a suspension of ethyl 2-amino-6-cyanoindole-3-carboxylate (0.96 g) obtained in preparation of starting compound F and cyanamide (0.88 g) in 1,4-dioxane (50 ml) was added 36% hydrochrolic acid (0.84 ml). The mixture was refluxed for 2 days and, after cooling to room temperature, concentrated in vacuo. The residue was washed with diethylether and triturated with methanol to give precipitates, that was collected by a paper filter and washed with methanol. The collected solid was dried at 85°C in vacuo to give a colorless solid (0.72 g, 66%).

(2) 2-Amino-4-chloro-6-cyano-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole Hydrochloride Salt

In the step G-2, the 2-Amino-4-chloro-6-cyano-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole hydrochloride Salt a yellow solid is prepared from 2-amino-6-cyano-4- hydroxy-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole in a similar manner as described in step D-8 of [starting compound Dj.

[Starting compound H]

4-chloro-2-(methylsulfanyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-Z>]indole-6-carbonitrile hydrochloride

(1) Ethyl 5-cyano-2-(methylsulfanylimidoylamino)-lH-indole-3-carboxylate hydro- chloride

In the step H-l, to a mixture of ethyl 2-amino-5-cyano-lH-indole-3-carb- oxylate (1.72 g) and methylthiocyanate (37 ml) was added 4 N HCI in 1,4- dioxane (37 ml). The mixture was stiπed at room temperature overnight, at 60°C for 1 hour, then cooled to room temperature. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with diethyl ether to give the ethyl 5- cyano-2-(methylsulfanylimidoylamino)-lH-indole-3-carboxylate hydrochloride (2.54 g, 100%) as an orange solid.

(2) 2-(methylsulfanyl)-4-oxo-4,9-dihydro-3H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbo- nitrile

In the step H-2, to a suspension of ethyl 5-cyano-2-(mefhylsulfanylimidoyl- amino)-lH-indole-3 -carboxylate hydrochloride (6.58 g) in ethanol (120 ml) and water (20 ml) was added sodium hydroxide (2.17 g). The mixture was stiπed at 50°C for 0.5 hours, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was suspended in ethanol, and then neutrallized with aqueous 4 N HCI solution. The resulting solid was collected by filtration, washed with water, ethanol, and diethyl ether to give the 2-(methylsulfanyl)-4-oxo-4,9-dihydro-3H- pyrimido[4,5-ό]indole-6-carbonitrile (2.34 g, 47%) as a white solid.

(3) 4-chloro-2-(methylsulfanyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-ό]indole-6-carbonitrile hydrochloride

In the step 3, to a suspension of 2-(methylsulfanyl)-4-oxo-4,9-dihydro-3H- pyrimido[4,5-ό]indole-6-carbonitrile (2.34 g) and NN-dimethylaniline (3 ml) in 1,4-dioxane (9 ml) was added phosphorus oxichloride (10.4 ml). The mixture was stiπed at 100°C overnight. After cooling, the reaction mixture was poured into ice water, and the mixture was stiπed at 0°C for 15 minutes. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water to give the 4-chloro-2-(methylsulfanyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-ό]indole-6-carbonitrile hydrochloride (2.43 g, 86%) as a off-white solid. Example 1-1

4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9H-pyrimido [4,5-6] indole-6-ol

(1) 6-(benzyloxy)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-6]indole

To a mixture of 6-(benzyloxy)-4-chloro-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole (0.550 g), 4-methoxyphenylboronic acid (0.405 g), tri-o-tolylphosphine (0.108 g), and barium hydroxide octahydrate (0.840 g) in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (20 ml), 2- propanol (5 ml), and water (5 ml) was added palladium(II) acetate (0.040 g). The mixture was refluxed overnight under Ar atmosphere, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (n- hexane/AcOEt 1/1 to 1/4) to give the 6-(benzyloxy)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)- 9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole (0.057 g, 8%) as a solid.

(2) 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-6]indol-6-ol

To a solution of 6-(benzyloxy)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-6]- indole (0.040 g) in MeOH (2 ml) and AcOEt (2 ml) was added palladium hydroxide (0.057 g). The mixture was stiπed at room temperature under

H₂ atmosphere. The catalyst was removed by filtration, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (n-hexane/AcOEt = 1/1 to 1/4) to give the 4-(4-methoxy- phenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-ό]indole-6-ol (0.010 g, 33%).

Mp 280°C;

LC-MS (ESI): Retention time: 1.98 min,

Calcd [M+l]: 292, Found: m/z 292.

Molecular weight: 291.31.

Activity grade MKK7: A

Activity grade MKK4: C

Example 1-2

4-phenyl-9H-py rimido [4,5-Λ] indole-6-carboxamide

(1 ) 4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-&]mdole-6-carbonitrile

To a mixture of 4-chloro-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile (0.300 g), phenylboronic acid (0.240 g), and potassium tert-butoxide (0.294 g) in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (4 ml) and 2-methyl-2-propanol (1 ml) was added tetrakis- (triphenylphosphine)palladium (0.152 g) under Ar atmosphere.^' The reaction mixture was stiπed at 120°C overnight in a sealed tube, and then cooled to room temperature. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over sodium sulfate, and evaporated. Purification by silica gel column chromatography (n- hexane/ AcOEt = 1/2) gave 4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-δ]indole-6-carbonitrile (0.057 g, 16%) as an off-white solid.

(2) 4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-έ]indole-6-carboxamide

To a mixture of 4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-ό]indole-6-carbonitrile (0.054 g) in ethanol (1 ml) were added 30%> hydrogen peroxide (0.5 ml) and 4 N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (0.1 ml). The mixture was stirred at 50°C for 4 hours. The mixture was diluted with water and neutralized with AcOH, and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration. Purification by silica gel column chromatography (chloroform methanol = 20/1) gave 4-phenyl- 9H-pyrimido[4,5-δ]indole-6-carboxamide (0.45 g, 78%>) as an off-white solid. Mp 278-279°C; LC-MS (ESI): Retention time: 2.92 min, Calcd [M+1]: 289, Found: m/z 289. Molecular weight: 288.31 Activity grade MKK7: A Activity grade MKK4: A

Example 1-3

(1) 2-(methylsulfanyl)-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-6]indole-6-carbonitrile

To a mixture of 4-chloro-2-(methylsulfanyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-δ]indole-6- carbonitrile hydrochloride (0.050 g), phenylboronic acid (0.039 g), and potassium carbonate (0.056 g) in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (3 ml) and water (1 ml) was added tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0.009 g) under Ar atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stiπed at 110°C overnight in a sealed tube, and then cooled to room temperature. The mixture was partitioned between dichloromethane and water. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, and evaporated. Purification by preparative TLC (CHCl /MeOH = 97/3) gave 2-(methylsulfanyl)-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-£]indole-6-carbonitrile (0.009 g, 18%>) as a white solid.

(2) 2-(methylsulfonyl)-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile

To a suspension of 2-(methylsulfanyl)-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-t>]indole-6- carbonitrile (0.009 g) in dichloromethane (1 ml) was added 7«-chloro- perbenzoic acid (0.015 g). The mixture was stiπed at room temperature for 4 hours, and then partitioned between dichloromethane and water. The organic layer was washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, dried over sodium sulfate, and evaporated. The residue was purified by preparative TLC (dichloromethane/methanol - 95/5) to give 2-(methylsulfonyl)-4- phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-6]indole-6-carbonitrile (0.0075 g, 75%) as a white solid.

(3) 2-azido-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-t>]indole-6-carbonitrile

To a solution of 2-(methylsulfonyl)-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-Z>]indole-6- carbonitrile (0.008 g) in NN-dimethylformamide (1 ml) was added sodium azide (0.007 g). The mixture was stiπed at 100°C for 4 hours, and then cooled to room temperature. The mixture was partitioned between dichloromethane and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate, and evaporated to give 2-azido- 4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-&]indole-6-carbonitrile (0.007 g), which was used for next step without further purification. (4) 2-amino-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-έ]indole-6-carbonitrile

To a solution of 2-azido-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5- >]indole-6-carbonitrile (0.007 g) in methanol (1 ml) was added 10% Pd/C (0.002 g). The mixture was stiπed at room temperature under H₂ atmosphere overnight. The catalyst was removed by filtration, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by preparative TLC (dichloromethane/methanol = 95/5) to give 2-amino-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-Z>]indole-6-carbonitrile (0.002 g, 31%) as a white solid.

(5) 2-amino-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-έ]indole-6-carboxamide

To a mixture of 2-amino-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-δ]indole-6-carbonitrile (0.002 g) in ethanol (0.5 ml) were added 30%) hydrogen peroxide (0.2 ml) and 4 N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (0.05 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight, and concenfrated in vacuo. The residue was diluted with water, and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to give the title compound (0.45 g, 78%o) as a white solid. Mp 291°C (dec);

LC-MS (ESI): Retention time: 2.82 min, Calcd [M+1]: 304, Found: m/z 304. Molecular weight: 303.32.

Activity grade MKK7: A

Examples 1-4 to 1-18

In the similar manners as described in Examplel-1 to 1-3 above, the compounds in

Example 1-4 to 1-18 as shown in Table 1 were synthesized.

Table 1

Claims

1. A 4-phenyl pyrimido[4,5-b]indole derivative of the formula (I), its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or a salt thereof:

wherein

R¹ represents hydrogen, halogen, cyano, azido, nitro, amino, N(C]_-6)- alkylamino, di(Cι_-6 alkyl)amino, (C_1-6)alkyl optionally substituted by cyano, nitro or mono-, di-, or tri- halogen, (Cι_-6)alkylthio, (Cι_-6)- alkylsulfonyl, (Cι_-6)alkoxy, (C_2-6)alkenyl, (C_2-6)alkynyl, or (C_3-8)- cycloalkyl;

R² represents hydrogen, hydroxy, cyano, amino, carboxy, carbamoyl,

(Cι_-6)alkyl, (C_1-6)alkoxy, (Q ^alkoxycarbonyl, (C_2-6)alkenyl, (C_2-6)- alkynyl, (C_3-8)cycloalkyl or benzyloxy; and

R represents hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, cyano, carbamoyl, (C_1-6)alkyl, (C_1-6)alkoxy, (C_2-6)alkenyl, (C_2-6)alkynyl, (C_3-8)cycloalkyl, or

-NR³¹R³²,

wherein

R³¹ represents hydrogen or (C_1-6)alkyl; R³² represents hydrogen, (Cι_-6)alkyl, or -C(O) R³⁰⁰

wherein

R³⁰⁰ represents phenyl or pyridyl,

wherein said phenyl and pyridyl are optionally having one to three substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, (Cι_-6)alkyl, (C_1-6)alkoxy, nitro, cyano and carboxy.

The 4-phenyl pyrimido[4,5-b]indole derivative, its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or a salt thereof as claimed in claim 1,

wherein

R¹ represents hydrogen, amino, N(Cι_-6)alkylamino, di(C_1-6 alkyl)amino, (Cι_-6)alkyl, or (Cι_-6)alkylthio;

R represents hydrogen, hydroxy, cyano, amino, or carbamoyl; and

R³ represents hydrogen, halogen, amino, N(Ci_-6)alkylamino, di(C_1-6 alkyl)amino, benzoyl amino, (C_1-6)alkyl, or (Cι_-6)alkoxy.

3. The 4-phenylpyrimido[4,5-b]indole derivative, its tautomeric or stereo- isomeric form, or a salt thereof as claimed in claim 1, wherein said derivative is selected from the group consisting of the following compounds:

6-methoxy-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole; 4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indol-6-ol; 4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile;

4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxamide; 6-methoxy-4-(4-memoxyphenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole;

4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indol-6-ol;

4-(4-fluorophenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indol-6-ol;

4-phenyl-2-sulfanyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile;

4-(4-fluorophenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile;

4-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile;

4-(4-fluorophenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxamide;

4-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxamide; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxamide;

2-amino-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxamide;

2-amino-4-phenyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonitrile;

4-(3-aιmnophenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carbonifrile; and

4-(3-aminophenyl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-6-carboxamide.

4. A medicament comprising the 4-phenylpyrimido[4,5-b]indole derivative, its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof as claimed in claim 1 as an active ingredient.

5. The medicament as claimed in claim 4, further comprising one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

6. The medicament as claimed in claim 4, wherein the 4-phenylpyrimido[4,5-b]- indole derivative, its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof is a MKK7 inhibitor.

7. The medicament as claimed in claim 4, wherein the 4-carbamoylpyrimido- [4,5-b]indole derivative, its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof is a MKK4 inhibitor.

8. An agent to treat or prevent a inflammatory or immunoregulatory disorder such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic diseases, COPD, septic shock, arthritis, joint diseases and myocardial injuries, as well as autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, Grave's disease, and atherosclerosis; comprising the 4-phenylpyrimido[4,5-b]indole derivative, its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof as claimed in claim 1 as an active ingredient.

9. An agent to treat a neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, or focal ischemia; comprising the 4-phenylpyrimido[4,5- b]indole derivative, its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof as claimed in claim 1 as an active ingredient.

10. An agent to treat a disease selected from the group consisting of ischemia, myocardial injury, pulmonary hypertension, renal failure, Huntington's chorea and cardiac hypertrophy; comprising the 4-phenylpyrimido[4,5-b]indole derivative, its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof as claimed in claim 1 as an active ingredient.

11. Use of 4-phenylpyrimido [4,5-b]indole derivative of the formula (I) according to claim 1 for the preparation of medicaments.

12. Process for controlling inflammatory or immunoregulatory disorders in humans and animals by administration of a MKK7 and /or MKK4 inhibitory effective amount of at least one compound according to any of Claims 1 to 3.

13. A pharmaceutical composition for inhibition of cell growth or the induction of cell death for the treatment of cancer which comprises a therapeutically effective amount of one or more compounds of claim 1 and a pharma- ceutically acceptable ingredient.

14. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13 which further comprises an additional agent which induces apoptosis.

15. Process for inhibiting cell growth or inducing cell death in humans and animals by administration of a MKK7 and /or MKK4 inhibitory effective amount of at least one compound according to any of Claims 1 to 3.