Title of Invention

A SUBSTITUTED PYRIMIDINE COMPOUND AS INHIBITOR OF PROTEIN KINASE

Abstract The instant invention discloses a substituted pyrimidine compound of formula V: or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or salt thereof, wherein: R5 is selected from hydrogen or C1-4 aliphatic; R6 is selected from C1-3 aliphatic; and R7 is selected from C1-4 aliphatic.
Full Text PROCESSKS FOR PREPARING SUBSTITUTED PYRIMIDINES AND PYRIMIDINE DERIVATIVES AS
INHIBITORS OF PROTEIN KINASES
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application
60/390,658 filed June 20,2002 and US Provisional Patent Application 60/411,609 filed
September 18, 2002, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention provides a facile process for the preparation of
substituted pyrimidines. The process is usefiil for preparing inhibitors of protein kinases,
especially of FLT-3 and the Aurora-family kinases, serine/threonin'? protein kinases. The
present invention also relates to inhibitors of FLT-3, Aurora-1, Aurora-2, and Aurora-3
protein kinases, and compositions thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The search for new therapeutic agents has been greatly aided in recent years by
a better understanding of the structure of enzymes and other biomolecules associated with
target diseases. One important class of enzymes that has been the subject of extensive
study is protein kinases.
[0003] Protein kinases mediate intracellular signal transduction. They do this by
effecting a phosphoryl transfer fi-om a nucleoside triphosphate to a protein acceptor that is
involved in a signaling pathway. There are a number of kinases and pathways through
which extracellular and other stimuli cause a variety of cellular responses to occur inside
the cell. Examples of such stimuli include environmental and chemical stress signals
(e.g., osmotic shock, heat shock, ultraviolet radiation, bacterial endotoxin, and H2O2),
cytokines (e.g., interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a)), and
growth factors (e.g., granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and
fibroblast growth factor (FGF)). An extracellular stimulus may affect one or more
celliolar responses related to cell growth, migration, differentiation, secretion of

hormones, activation of transcaiption factors, muscle contraction, glucose metabolism,
control of protein synthesis and regulation of cell cycle.
[0004] Many diseases are associated with abnormal cellular responses triggered by
protein kinase-mediated events. These diseases include autoimmune diseases,
inflammatory diseases, bone diseases, metabolic diseases, neurological and
neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, allergies and asthma,
Alzheimer's disease and hormone-related diseases. Accordingly, there has been a
substantial effort in medicinal chemistry to find protein kinase inhibitors that are effective
as therapeutic agents.
[0005] The Aurora family of serine/threonine kinases is essential for cell proliferation
[Bischoff, J.R. & Plowman, G.D. (The Aurora/Ipllp kinase family: regulators of
chromosome segregation and cytokinesis) Trends in Cell Biology 9,454-459 (1999);
Giet, R. and Prigent, C. (Aurora/Ipllp-related kinases, a new oncogenic family of mitotic
serine-threonine kinases) Journal of Cell Science 111, 3591-3601 (1999); Nigg, E.A.
(Mitotic kinases as regulators of cell division and its checkpoints) Nat. Rev. Mot. Cell
Biol. 2, 21-32 (2001); Adams, R. R, Carmena, M., and Eamshaw, W.C. (Chromosomal
passengers and the (aurora) ABCs of mitosis) Trends in Cell Biology 11, 49-54 (2001)].
Inhibitors of the Aurora kinase family therefore have the potential to block growth of all
tumour types.
[0006] The three known mammalian family members, Aurora-A ("1"), B ("2") and C
("3"), are highly homologous proteins responsible for chromosome segregation, mitotic
spindle function and cytokinesis. Aurora expression is low or undetectable in resting
cells, with expression and activity peaking during the G2 and mitotic phases in cycling
cells. In mammalian cells proposed substrates for Axirora include histone H3, a protein
involved in chromosome condensation, and CENP-A, myosin 11 regulatory light chain,
protein phosphatase 1, TPX2, all of which are required forcell division.
[0007] Since its discovery in 1997 the manamalian Aurora kinase family has been
closely linked to tumorigenesis. The most compelling evidence for this is that over-
expression of Aurora-A transforms rodent fibroblasts (Bischoff, J. R., et al. A homologue
of Drosophila aurora kinase is oncogenic and amplified in human colorectal cancers.
EMBO J. 17, 3052-3065 (1998)).. Cells with elevated levels of this kinase contain
multiple centrosomes and multipolar spindles, and rapidly become aneuploid. The

oncogenic activity of Aurora kinases is likely to be linked to the generation of such
genetic instability. Indeed, a correlation between amplification of the aurora-A lociis and
chromosomal instability in mammary and gastric tumours has been observed. (Miyoshi,
Y., Iwao, K., Egawa, C, andNoguchi, S. Association of centrosomal kinase
STK15/BTAK mRNA expression with chromosomal instability in human breast cancers.
Int. J. Cancer 92,37O-373 (2001). (Sakakura, C. et al. Tumor-amplified kinase BTAK is
amplified and overexpressed in gastric cancers with possible involvement ia aneuploid
formation. British Journal of Cancer S4,S2A-S'5\ (2001)).'. The Aurora kinases have
been reported to be over-expressed in a wide range of human tumours. Elevated
expression of Aurora-A has been detected in. over 50% of colorectal (Bischoff, J. R., et al.
A homologue oiDrosophila aurora kinase is oncogenic and amplified in human
colorectal cancers. EMBOJ. 17, 3052-3065 (1998)) (Takahashi, T., et al. Centrosomal
kinases, HsAIRkl and HsAIRK3, are overexpressed in primary colorectal cancers. Jpn.
J. Cancer Res. 91,1007-1014 (2000)). ovarian (Gritsko, T.M. et al. Activation and
overexpression of centrosome kinase BTAK7Aurora-A in human ovarian cancer. Clinical
Cancer Research 9,142O-1426 (2003)), and gastric tumors (Sakakura, C. et al. Tumor-
amplified kinase BTAK is amplified and overexpressed in gastric cancers with possible
involvement in aneuploid formation. British Journal of Cancer 84, 824-831 (2001)), and
in 94% of invasive duct adenocarcinomas of the breast (Tanaka, T., et al. Centrosomal
kinase AIKl is overexpressed in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Cancer
Research. 59, 2041-2044 (1999)). High levels of Aurora-A have also been reported in
renal, cervical, neuroblastoma, melanoma, lymphoma, pancreatic and prostate tumour cell
lines. (Bischoff, J. R., et al. A homologue oiDrosophila aurora kinase is oncogenic and
amplified in human colorectal cancers. EMBO J. 17, 3052-3065 (1998) (Kimura, M.,
Matsuda, Y., Yoshioka, T., and Okano, Y. Cell cycle-dependent expression and
centrosomal localization of a third human Aurora/Ipll-related protein kinase, AIK3.
Journal of Biological Chemistry 274, 7334-7340 (1999))(Zhou et al. Tumour amphfiec
kinase STK15/BTAK induces centrosome amplification, aneuploidy and transformation
Nature Genetics 20:189-193 (1998))(Li etal. Overexpression of oncogenic
STK15/BTAK/Avirora-A kinase in human pancreatic cancer Clin Cancer Res. 9(3):991-7
(2003)). Amplification/overexpression of Aurora-A is observed in human bladder
cancers and amplification of Aurora-A is associated with aneuploidy and aggressive

clinical behaviour (Sen S. et al Amplification/overexpression of a mitotic kinase gene in
human bladder cancer J Natl Cancer Inst. 94(17): 132O-9 (2002)). Moreover,
amplification of the aurora-A locus (20ql3) correlates with poor prognosis for patients
with node-negative breast cancer (Isola, J. J., et al. Genetic aberrations detected by
comparative genomic hybridization predict outcome in node-negative breast cancer.
American Journal of Pathology 147, 905-911 (1995)).. Aurora-B is highly expressed in
multiple human tumour cell lines, including leukemic cells (Katayama et al. Htiman
AIM-1: cDNA cloning and reduced expression during endomitosis in megakaryocyte-
lineage cells. Gene 244:1-7)). Levels of this enzyme increase as a function of Duke's
stage in primary colorectal cancers (Katayama, H. et al. Mitotic kinase expression and
colorectal cancer progression. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 91,116O-1162
(1999)). Aiarora-C, which is normally only found in germ cells, is also over-expressed in
a high percentage of primary colorectal cancers and in a variety of tumour cell lines
including cervical adenocarinoma and breast carcinoma cells (Kimura, M., Matsuda, Y.,
Yoshioka, T., and Okano, Y. Cell cycle-dependent expression and centrosomal
localization of a third human Aurora/Ipll-related protein kinase, AIK3. Journal of
Biological Chemistry 274, 7334-7340 (1999). (Takahashi, T., et al. Centrosomal kinases,
HsAIRkl and HsAIRO, are overexpressed in primary colorectal cancers. Jpn. J. Cancer
Res. 91,1007-1014 (2000)).
[0008] Based on the known function of the Aurora kinases, inhibition of their activity
should disrupt mitosis leading to cell cycle arrest. In vivo, an Aurora inhibitor therefore
slows tumor growth and induces regression.
[0009] Elevated levels of all Aurora family members are observed in a wide variety of
tumour cell lines. Aurora kinases are over-expressed in many human tumors and this is
reported to be associated with chromosomal instability in mammary tumors (Miyoshi et al
2001 92, 37O-373).
[0010] Aurora-2 is highly expressed in multiple human tumor cell lines and levels
increase as a fimction of Duke's stage in primary colorectal cancers [Katayama, H. et al.
(Mitotic kinase expression and colorectal cancer progression) Journal of the National
Cancer Institute 91,116O-1162 (1999)]. Avirora-2 plays a role in controlling the accurate
segregation of chromosomes during mitosis. Misregulation of the cell cycle can lead to
cellular proliferation and other abnormalities. In human colon cancer tissue, the Aurora-2

protein has been found to be over expressed [Bischoff et al., EMBO J., 17, 3052-3065
(1998); Schumacher et al., /. Cell Biol, 143,1635-1646 (1998); Kimura et al., J. Biol.
Chem., 272,13766-13771 (1997)]. Aiirora-2 is over-expressed in the majority of
transformed cells. Bischoff et al found high levels of Aurora-2 in 96% of cell lines
derived from lung, colon, renal, melanoma and breast tumors (Bischoff et al EMBO J.
1998 17,3052-3065). Two extensive studies show elevated Aurora-2 in 54% and 68%
(Bishoff et al EMBO J. 1998 17, 3052-3065)(Takahashi et al 2000 Jpn J Cancer Res. 91,
1007-1014) of colorectal tumours and in 94% of invasive duct adenocarcinomas of the
breast (Tanaka et al 1999 59, 2041-2044).
[0011] Aurora-1 expression is elevated in cell lines derived from tumors of the colon,
breast, lung, melanoma, kidney, ovary, pancreas, CNS, gastric tract and leukemias
(Tatsuka et al 1998 58,4811-4816).
[0012] High levels of Aurora-3 have been detected in several tumour cell lines,
although it is restricted to testis in normal tissues (Kimura et al 1999 274, 7334-7340).
Over-expression of Aurora-3 in a high percentage (c. 50%) of colorectal cancers has also
been documented (Takahashi et al 2000 Jpn J Cancer Res. 91,1007-1014). In contrast,
the Aiirora family is expressed at a low level in the majority of normal tissues, the
exceptions being tissues with a high proportion of dividing cells such as the thymus and
testis (Bischoff et al EMBO J. 1998 17, 3052-3065).
[0013] For fiirther review of the role Aiirora kinases play in proliferative disorders, see
Bischoff, J.R. & Plowman, G.D. (The Aurora/Ipllp kinase familyrregulators of
chromosome segregation and cytokinesis) Trends in Cell Biology 9, 454-459 (1999);
Giet, R. and Prigent, C. (Aurora/IpUp-related kinases, a new oncogenic family of mitotic
serine-threonine kinases) Jowrnfl/ of Cell Science 112, 3591-3601 (1999); Nigg, E.A.
(Mitotic kinases as regulators of cell division and its checkpoints) Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell
Biol. 2, 21-32 (2001); Adams, R. R, Carmena, M., and Eamshaw, W.C. (Chromosomal
passengers and the (aurora) ABCs of mitosis) Trends in Cell Biology 11, 49-54 (2001);
and Dutertre, S., Descamps, S., & Prigent, P. (On the role of aurora-A in centrosome
function) Oncogene 21, 6175-6183 (2002).
[0014] The type III receptor tyrosine kinase, Flt3, plays an important role in the
maintenance, growth and development of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells.
[Scheijen, B, GrifBn JD, Oncogene, 2002, 21, 3314-3333 and Reilly, JT, British Journal

ofHaematology, 2002,116y 744-757]. FLT-3 regulates maintenance of stem cell/early
progenitor pools as well the development of mature lymphoid and myeloid cells [Lyman,
S, Jacobsen, S, Blood, 1998, 91,1101-1134]. FLT-3 contains an intrinsic kinase domain
that is activated upon ligand-mediated dimerization of the receptors. Upon activation, the
kinase domain induces autophosphorylation of the receptor as well as the phosphorylation
of various cytoplasmic protems that help propogate the activation signal leading to
growth, differentiation and survival. Some of the downstream regulators of FLT-3
receptor signaling include, PLCy, PI3-kinase, Grb-2, SHIP and Src related kinases
[Scheijen, B, GrifBn JD, Oncogene, 2002,21, 3314-3333]. FLT-3 kinase plays a role in a
variety of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic malignancies. Mutations that induce
Ugand independent activation of FLT-3 have been implicated in acute-myelogenous
leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), mastocytosis and gastrointestinal
stromal tumor (GIST). These mutations include single amino acid changes in the kinase
domain or internal tandem duplications, point mutations or in-frame deletions of the
juxtamembrane region of the receptors. In addition to activating mutations, ligand
dependent (autocrine or paracrine) stimulation of over-expressed wild-type FLT-3
contributes to the malignant phenotype [Scheijen, B, Griffin JD, Oncogene, 2002, 21,
3314-3333]. See also Sawyer, C.l. (Finding the next Gleevec: FLT3 targeted kinase
inhibitor therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia) Cancer Cell. 1, 413-415 (2002).
[0015] Tri- or tetra-substituted pyrimidine derivatives useful as kinase inhibitors are
known in the art. Typically, these pyrimidine derivatives are 2,4,6- or 2,4,5,6-substituted,
as shown below:
2,4,6-substituted pyrimidine 2,4,5,6-substituted pyrimidine
[0016] BCnown methods for preparing such pyrimidine derivatives have many synthetic
drawbacks such as lacking the ability to regioselectively introduce substituents at the 2-,
4-, or 6-position in high yields. See M. Botta, Nucleosides Nucleotides, 13,8,1994,
1769-78; M. Ban, Bioorg.Med.aiem.,6,7,1998,1057-68; Y. Fellahi,

EurJ.Med.Chem.Chim.Ther., 31,1,1996, 77-82; T.J. Delia, J.Het.Chem., 35,2,1998,
269-74; H. Uchel, Tetraheron Lett., 36,52,1995, 9457-60; and Y. Nezu, Pestic.Sci., 47,
2,1996,115-24.
[0017] There is a need for a synthetic process that can be readily used to prepare the
tri- or tetra-substituted pyrimidine derivatives on a large scale. There is also a need for a
process that employs minimal steps and utihzes readily available starting materials and
simple reaction media. Ideally, such a process will be easy to scale up, if need be, and
will be inexpensive. There is also a need for a process that does not lead to regioisomeric
intermediate mixtures that must be separated by, e.g., chromatographic methods. Such
separations reduce the overall yields.
[0018] It would be desirable to have a synthetic process to produce tri- or tetra-
-substituted pyrimidine derivatives that possesses the above advantages and thereby
improves upon the currently available processes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention provides a process for preparing a compound of formula
I:
wherein:
Q and T are each independently selected from oxygen, sulfur or N(R);
each R is independently selected from hydrogen or an optionally substituted C1-6X aliphatic
group, wherein:
two R bound to the same nitrogen atom are optionally taken together with the
nitrogen to form an optionally substituted 3-7 membered monocyclic or 8-10
membered bicyclic saturated, partially unsaturated, or frilly unsaturated ring
having O-3 heteroatoms, in addition to the nitrogen bound thereto,
independently selected from nifrogen, oxygen, or sulfiir;
Rx is U-R5;
R5 is selected from halogen, NO2, CN, R, or Ar;


each U is independently selected from a valence bond or a C1-4 alkylidene chain, wherein:
up to two methylene units of U are optionally and independently replaced by -O-,
-S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -N(R)SO2-, -SO2N(R)-, -N(R)-, -C(O)-, -CO2-, -N(R)C(O)-,
-N(R)C(O)0-, -N(R)CON(R)-, -N(R)SO2N(R)-, -N(R)N(R)-, -C(O)N(R)-,
-OC(O)N(R)-, -C(R)=NN(R)-, or -C(R)=N-O-;
each Ar is independently selected from an optionally substituted ring selected from a 3-7
membered monocyclic or an 8-10 membered bicyclic saturated, partially unsaturated,
or fully unsaturated ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from
nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur;
Ry is -N(R1)2, -OR1, or -SR1;
each R' is independently selected from R or a 3-8 membered monocyclic, an 8-10
membered bicyclic, or a 10-12 membered tricyclic saturated, partially unsaturated, or
fully unsaturated ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen,
oxygen, or sulfur, and wherein:
each R1 is optionally and independently substituted by up to four substituents
independently selected from R2;
each R2 is independently selected from -R3 -OR3, -SR3, -CN, -NO2, 0x0, halogen,
-N(R3)2, -C(O)R3, -OC(O)R3, -CO2R3, -SO2R3, -SO2N(R3)2, -N(R3)SO2R3,
-C(O)NR(R3), -C(O)N(R3)2, -OC(O)NR(R3), -OC(O)N(R3)2, -NR3C(O)R3,
-NR3C(O)N(R3)2, or -NR3CO2(R3);
each R is independently selected from R or Ar;
Rz1 is selected from a C1-6 aliphatic group or a 3-8 membered monocyclic, an 8-10
membered bicyclic, or a 10-12 membered tricyclic saturated, partially unsaturated, or
fully unsaturated ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from oxygen,
nitrogen or sulfur, wherein:
Rz1 is substituted with 0-4 independently selected R2 groups;
Rz2 is C1-6 aliphatic group or a 3-8 membered monocyclic or an 8-10 membered bicyclic
saturated, partially unsaturated, or fiilly unsaturated ring having 0-4 heteroatoms
independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur, wherein:
Rz2 is substituted by 0-4 substituents independently selected from 0x0 or U-R5;
said process comprising the step of combining a compound of formula n and a compound
of formula Ry-H in a suitable medium:
wherein:
said suitable medium comprises:
i) a suitable solvent; and
ii) optionally, a suitable base; and
L^ is a suitable leaving group.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention provides a process for preparing a compound of formula
I:
wherein:
Q and T are each independently selected from oxygen, sulfur or N(R);
each R is independently selected from hydrogen or an optionally substituted C1-6 aliphatic
group, wherein:
two R bound to the same nitrogen atom are optionally taken together with the
nitrogen to form an optionally substituted 3-7 membered monocyclic or 8-10
membered bicyclic saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated ring
having O-3 heteroatoms, in addition to the nitrogen bound thereto,
independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur;
Rx is U-R5;
R5 is selected from halogen, NO2, CN, R, or Ar;
each U is independently selected from a valence bond or a C1-4 alkylidene cham, wherein:
up to two methylene units of U are optionally and independently replaced by -O-,
-S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -N(R)SO2-, -SO2N(R)-, .N(R)-, -C(O)-, -CO2-, -N(R)C(O)-,


-N(R)C(O)O-, -N(R)CON(R)-, -N(R)SO2N(R)-, -N(R)N(R)-, -C(O)N(R)-,
-OC(O)N(R)-, -C(R)=NN(R)-, or -C(R)=N-O-;
each At is independently selected from an optionally substituted ring selected from a 3-7
membered monocyclic or an 8-10 membered bicyclic saturated, partially unsaturated,
or fully unsaturated ring having O-4 heteroatoms independently selected from
nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur;
Ry is-N(R1)2,-OR1,or-SR1;
each R1 is independently selected from R or a 3-8 membered monocyclic, an 8-10
membered bicyclic, or a 1O-12 membered tricyclic saturated, partially unsaturated, or
fully unsaturated ring having O-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen,
oxygen, or sulfur, and wherein:
each R1 is optionally and independently substituted by up to fow substituents
independently selected from R2;
each R3 is independently selected from -R3, -OR3, -SR3, -CN, -NO2, 0x0, halogen,
-N(R3)2, -C(O)R3 -OC(O)R3 -CO2R3 -SO2R3 -SO2N(R3)2, -N(R3)SO2R3
-C(O)NR(R3), -C(O)N(R3)2, -OC(O)NR(R3), -OC(O)N(R3)2, -NR3C(O)R3
-NR3C(O)N(R3)2, or-NR3CO2(R3);
each R3 is independently selected from R or Ar;
R3' is selected from a C1-6 aliphatic group or a 3-8 membered monocyclic, an 8-10
membered bicyclic, or a 1O-12 membered tricyclic saturated, partially unsaturated, or
fully unsaturated ring having O-4 heteroatoms independently selected from oxygen,
nitrogen or sulfur, wherein:
Rz1 is substituted with O-4 independently selected R3 groups;
R3 is C1-6 aliphatic group or a 3-8 membered monocyclic or an 8-10 membered bicyclic
saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully imsaturated ring having O-4 heteroatoms
independently selected from nifrogen, oxygen or sulfur, wherein:
R3 is substituted by O-4 substituents independently selected from 0x0 or U-R ;
said process comprising the step of combining a compound of formula II and a compound
of formula Ry-H in a suitable medium:

wherein:
said suitable medium comprises:
i) a suitable solvent; and
ii) optionally, a suitable base; and
L3 is a suitable leaving group.
[0021] According to another embodiment, a compound of formula II is prepared by
combining a compoimd of formula III with a compound of formula Rz1-Q-H in a suitable
medium:

wherein:
said suitable medium comprises:
i) a suitable solvent; and
ii) optionally, a suitable base; and
L is a suitable leaving group.
[0022] According to yet another embodiment, a compound of formula III is prepared
by combining a compound of formula IV with a compound of formula R -T-H in a
suitable medium:

wherein:
said suitable medium comprises:

i) a suitable solvent; and
ii) optionally, a suitable base; and
L1 is a suitable leaving group.
[0023] A suitable solvent is a solvent or a solvent mixture that, in combination with
the combined compounds, may facilitate the progress of the reaction therebetween. The
suitable solvent may solubilize one or more of the reaction components, or, alternatively,
the suitable solvent may facilitate the agitation of a suspension of one or more of the
reaction components. Examples of suitable solvents useful in the present invention are a
protic solvent, a halogenated hydrocarbon, an ether, an aromatic hydrocarbon, a polar or a
non-polar aprotic solvent, or any mixtures thereof. These and other such suitable solvents
are well known in the art, e.g., see, "Advanced Organic Chemistry", Jerry March, 4*
edition, John Wiley and Sons, N.Y. (1992).
[0024] Preferably the suitable solvent is a C1-7 straight or branched alkyl alcohol,
ether, or a polar or non-polar aprotic solvent.
[0025] For the reaction between a compound of formula II and a compound R3-H, a
more preferred suitable solvent is selected from ethanol, isopropanol, t-butanol, n-butanol
or tetrahydrofuran.
[0026] For the reaction between a compound of formula III and a compound R3'-Q-H,
a more preferred suitable solvent is selected from ethanol, isopropanol, t-butanol,
n-butanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, or tetrahydrofuran.
[0027] For the reaction between a compound of formula FV and a compound R3-T-H,
a more preferred suitable solvent is selected from N,N-dimethylformamide,
dimethylsulfoxide, or tetrahydrofuran.
[0028] According to an alternate embodiment, the suitable solvent is R3-H. Thus, in
such an embodiment, the reagent Ry-H acts, in part, as a suitable solvent in combination
with a compound of formula II, and also acts, in part, as a reagent and reacts with the
compound of formula II to produce compound of formula I.
[0029] According to another alternative embodiment, the suitable solvent is Rz1-Q-H.
Thus, in such an embodiment, the reagent Rz1-Q-H acts, in part, as a suitable solvent in
combination with a compound of formula III, and also acts, in part, as a reagent and
reacts with the compound of formula HI to produce compound of formula II.
[0030] According to another alternative embodiment, the suitable solvent is R3-T-H.
Thus, in such an embodiment, the reagent Rz2-T-H acts, in part, as a suitable solvent in
combination with a compound of formula IV, and also acts, in part, as a reagent and
reacts with the compound of formula IV to produce compound of formula in.
[0031] A suitable base is a chemical entity that has the ability to be a proton acceptor.
Examples include organic amines, alkaline earth metal carbonates, alkaline earth metal
hydrides, and alkaline earth metal hydroxides. These and other such suitable bases are
well known in the art, e.g., see, "Advanced Organic Chemistry," Jerry March, 4* Ed., pp.
248-253, John Wiley and Sons, N.Y. (1992). Preferred suitable bases include trialkyl
amines, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium hydride, potassium hydride,
sodium hydroxide, or potassium hydroxide. More preferably, the suitable base is
diisopropylethylamine or triethylamine.
[0032] A suitable leaving group is a chemical group that is readily displaced by a
desired incoming chemical moiety. Thus, the choice of the specific suitable leaving
groiq) is predicated upon its ability to be readily displaced by the incoming chemical
moiety R3 in R3-H, R3'-Q in Rz1-Q-H, or R3-T in R3-T-H. Suitable leaving groups are
well known in the art, e.g., see, "Advanced Organic Chemistry," Jerry March, 4th Ed., pp.
351-357, John Wiley and Sons, N.Y. (1992). Such leaving groups include, but are not
limited to, halogen, alkoxy, sulphonyloxy, optionally substituted alkylsulphonyl,
optionally substituted alkenylsulfonyl, optionally substituted arylsulfonyl, and diazonium
moieties. Examples of suitable leaving groups include chloro, iodo, bromo, fluoro,
methanesulfonyl (mesyl), tosyl, inflate, nitro-phenylsulfonyl (nosyl), and bromo-
phenylsulfonyl (brosyl).
[0033] For example, in the process of preparing a compound of formula I, L' is
displaced by incoming moiety R3 of R3-H. Thus, if R3-H is e.g., a piperazine, then L3 is a
leaving group that is readily displaced by the -NH- moiety in piperazine.
[0034] Preferred L3 leaving groups are selected from halogen, optionally substituted
arylsulfonyl, or optionally substituted alkylsulphonyl. More preferably, L3 is chloro,
iodo, or methanesulfonyl. Most preferably, L3 is chloro.
[0035] For example, in the process of preparing a compound of formula 11, L2 is
displaced by incoming moiety Rz1-Q of Rz1-Q-H. Thus, if Rz1-Q-H is, e.g.,
S-aminopyrazole, then L^ is a leaving group that is readily displaced by the
3-aminopyrazole.
[0036] Preferred l} leaving groups are selected from halogen, optionally substituted
arylaulfonyl, or optionally substituted alkylsulphonyl. More preferably, l' is chloro,
iodo, or fluoro. Most preferably, I? is chloro.
[0037] For example, in the process of preparing a compound of formula HI, L^ is
displaced by incoming moiety R3-T of R3-T-H. Thus, if R3-T is e.g., an optionally
substituted arylthiol, then L^ is a leaving group that is readily displaced by the thio group
m the optionally substituted arylthiol.
[0038] Preferred L* leaving groups are selected from halogen, optionally substituted
arylsulfonyl, or optionally substituted alkylsulphonyl. More preferably, L^ is chloro,
iodo, or methanesulfonyl. Most preferably, L^ is methanesulfonyl.
[0039] According to an alternate embodiment, the suitable leaving group may be
generated in situ within the reaction medium. For example, L^ in a compound of formula
II may be generated in situ from a precursor of that compound of formula II wherein said
precursor contains a group readily replaced by L^ in situ. In a specific illustration of such
a replacement, said precursor of a compound of formula n contains a group (for example,
a chloro group or hydroxyl group) which is replaced in situ by L^, such as an iodo group.
The source of the iodo group maybe, e.g., sodium iodide. Accordingly, L^ and L^ may
also be formed in situ in an analogous manner. Such an in situ generation of a suitable
leaving group is well known in the art, e.g., see, "Advanced Organic Chanistry," Jerry
March, pp. 43O-431,4* Ed., John WUey and Sons, N. Y. (1992).
[0040] According to yet another altemative embodiment, an anion of any of R3 in
R3-H, R3^-Q in R3'-Q-H, or R3-T in R=^-T-H maybe formed prior to addition to the
reaction medium. The preparation of said anion is well known to one of skill in the art.
For example, when T is oxygen, the anion of R3-T-H is readily formed by treating R3-T-
H with a base, such as sodium hydride. This oxygen anion may then be combined with
the compound of formula IV to form a compound of form\ila IK.
[0041] According to another embodiment, the reactions described herein are
performed at a temperature less than or equal to the reflux temperature of the reaction
medium. According to another embodiment, said reaction medium has a temperature less
than the boiling point of said suitable solvent or at a temperature attained by refluxing
said suitable solvent in said reaction medium. In another embodiment, said reaction
medium has a temperature between about 0°C and about 190°C. According to yet another
embodiment, said reaction medium has a temperature between about 40°C and about
120°C. According to another aspect of the present invention, said reaction medium has a
temperature between about TO^C and about IIS^C.
[0042] As used herein, the following definitions shall apply unless otherwise
indicated.
[0043] The term "Aurora" refers to any isoform of the Avirora family of protein
kinases, including Aurora-1, Aurora-2, and Aurora-3. The term "Aurora" also refers to
isoforms of the Aurora family of protein kinases known as Aiorora-A, Aurora-B, and
Aurora-C.
[0044] The phrase "optionally substituted" is vtsed interchangeably with the phrase
"substituted or unsubstituted." Unless otherwise indicated, an optionally substituted
group may have a substituent at each substitutable position of the group, and each
substitution is independent of the other.
[0045] The term "aliphatic" or "aliphatic group" as used herein means a straight-chain
or branched C1-C8 hydrocarbon chain that is completely saturated or that contains one or
more waits of \msaturation, or a monocyclic C3-C8 hydrocarbon or bicyclic C8-C12
hydrocarbon that is completely saturated or that contains one or more units of
unsaturation, but which is not aromatic (also referred to herein as "carbocycle" or
"cycloalkyl"), that has a single point of attachment to the rest of the molecule wherein
any individual ring in said bicyclic ring system has 3-7 members. For example, suitable
aliphatic groups include, but are not limited to, linear or branched or alkyl, alkenyl,
aUcynyl groups and hybrids thereof such as (cycloalkyl)alkyl, (cycloalkenyl)alkyl or
(cycloalkyl)alkenyl.
[0046] The terms "alkyl", "alkoxy", "hydroxyalkyl", "alkoxyalkyl", and
"alkoxycarbonyl", used alone or as part of a larger moiety include both straight and
branched chains containing one to twelve carbon atoms. The terms "alkenyl" and
"alkynyl" used alone or as part of a larger moiety shall include both straight and branched
chains containing two to twelve carbon atoms.
[0047] The term "heteroatom" means nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur and includes any
oxidized form of nitiogen and sulfur, and the quatemized form of any basic nitrogen.
Also the tenn "nitrogen" includes a substitutable nitrogen of a heterocyclic ring. As an
example, in a saturated or partially unsaturated ring having O-3 heteroatoms selected from
oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen, the nitrogen may be N (as in 3,4-dihydro-2iy-pyrrolyl), NH (as
in pyrrolidinyl) or NR* (as in N-substituted pyrrolidinyl).
[0048] The term "aryl" or "aryl ring" refers to a monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic ring
systems having a total of five to fourteen ring carbon atoms, whwein at least one ring is
aromatic and wherein each ring in the system contains three to seven ring members. The
term "aryl" may be used interchangeably with the term "aryl ring." Examples include
phenyl, indanyl, l-naphthyl, 2-naphth)d, 1-anthracyl, 2-anthracyl andbicyclo [2.2.2]oct-
3-yl.
[0049] More preferred ring sizes for aryl rings are as set forth below for the various
preferred embodiments of compounds of formula I.
[0050] The term "aryl" used alone or as part of a larger moiety as in "aralkyl",
"aralkoxy", or "aryloxyalkyl", refers to monocyclic, bicyclic and tricyclic ring systems
having a total of five to fourteen ring members, wherein at least one ring in the system is
aromatic and wherein each ring in the system contains 3 to 7 ring members. The term
"aryl" may be used interchangeably with the term "aryl ring". The term "aryl" also refers
to heteroaryl ring systems as defined hereinbelow.
[0051] The term "heterocycle", "heterocyclyl", or "heterocyclic" as used herein means
non-aromatic, monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic ring systems having five to fourteen ring
members in which one or more ring members is a heteroatom, wherein each ring in the
system contains 3 to 7 ring members.
[0052] The term "heteroaryl", used alone or as part of a larger moiety as in
"heteroaraUcyl" or "heteroarylaUcoxy", refers to monocycHc, bicyclic and tricyclic ring
systems having a total of five to fourteen ring members, wherein at least one ring in the
system is aromatic, at least one ring in the system contains one or more heteroatoms, and
wherein each ring in the system contains 3 to 7 ring members. The term "heteroaryl"
may be used interchangeably with the term "heteroaryl ring" or the term
"heteroaromatic".
[0053] An aryl (including aralkyl, aralkoxy, aryloxyalkyl and the like) or heteroaryl
(including heteroaralkyl and heteroarylalkoxy and the like) group may contain one or
more substituents. Suitable substituents on the unsaturated carbon atom of an aryl.
heteroaryl, araHcyl, orhetearoaralkyl group are selected from halogen, -R°, -OR°, -SR",
1,2-methylene-dioxy, 1,2-ethylenedioxy, phenyl (Ph) optionally substituted with R°, -
0(Ph) optionally substituted with R°, -CHzO^h) optionally substituted with R°,
-CH2CH2(Ph),optionally substituted witii R°, -NO2, -CN, -N(R°)2, -NR°C(O)R°, -
NR°C(O)N{R°)2, -NR°CO2R°, -NR'NR°C(O)R°, -NR°NR°C(O)N(R°)2, -
NR°NR°CO2R°, -C(O)C(O)R°, -C(O)CH2C(O)R°, -CO2R°, -C(O)R°, -C(O)N(R°)2,
-OC(O)N(R°)2, -S(O)2R°, -SO2N(Ro)2, -S(O)R°, -NR°SO2N(R°)2, -NR°SO2R°,
-C(=S)N(R°)2, -C(=NH)-N(R°)2, or-(CH2)yNHC(O)R°, wherein each R° is
independentiy selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-6 aliphatic, an
unsubstituted 5-6 membered heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring, phenyl, -O(Ph), or
-CHaCPh). Optional substituents on the aliphatic group of R° are selected from NH2,
NH(C1-4aliphatic), N(C1-4aliphatic)2, halogen, (C1-4 aliphatic, OH, 0(C1-4aUphatic), NO2,
CN, CO2H, CO2(C1-4aliphatic), 0(halo C1-4 aliphatic), or halo C1-4 aliphatic.
[0054] An aliphatic group or a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring may contain one or
more substituents. Suitable substituents on the saturated carbon of an aliphatic group or
of a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring are selected from those listed above for the
unsaturated carbon of an aryl or heteroaryl group and the following: =0, =S, ==NNHR ,
=NN(R*)2, =NNHC(O)R*, =NNHCO2(alkyl), =NNHSO2(alkyl), or =NR*, where each R*
is independently selected from hydrogen or an optionally substituted C1-6 aliphatic.
Optional substituents on the aliphatic group of R* are selected fromNH2, NH(C1-4
aliphatic), N(C1-4aUphatic)2, halogen, (C1-4 aliphatic, OH, 0(Ci.4 aliphatic), NO2, CN,
CO2H, CO2(C1-4aliphatic). 0(halo (C1-4 aliphatic), or halo(C1-4aliphatic).
[0055] Optional substituents on the nitrogen of a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring are
selected from-R3, -ti(R\, -C(O)R3, -CO2R'", -C(O)C(O)R', -C(O)CH2C(O)R'", -SOsR3
-SO2N(R"')2, -C(=S)N(R':)2, -C(=NH)-N(R'^2, or -NR3SO2R'; wherein R" is hydrogen, an
optionally substituted C1-6 aUphatic, optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted
-O(Ph), optionally substituted -CH2(Ph), optionally substituted -CH2CH2(Ph), or an
unsubstituted 5-6 membered heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring. Optional substitaents on the
aliphatic group or the phenyl ring of R+ are selected fromNH2, NH(C1-4aliphatic), N(C1-4
aliphatic)2, halogen, C1-4 aliphatic, OH, 0(C1-4aliphatic), NO2, CN, CO2H, CO2(C1-4
aliphatic), 0(halo C1-4 aliphatic), orhalo(C1-4aliphatic).
[0056] The term "alkylidene chain" refers to a strai^t or branched cafbC1-4i chain that
may be fully saturated or have one or more units of unsaturation and has two points of
attadiment to the rest of the molecule.
[0057] A combination of substituents or variables is permissible only if such a
combination results in a stable or chemically feasible compound. A stable compound or
chemically feasible compound is one that is not substantially altered when kept at a
temperature of 40°C or less, in the absence of moisture or other chemically reactive
conditions, for at least a week.
[0058] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that certain compounds of this
invention may exist in tautomeric forms, all such tautomeric forms of the compounds
being within the scope of the invention.
[0059] Unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herdn are also meant to include all
stereochemical forms of the structure; i.e., the R and S configurations for each
asymmetric center. Therefore, single stereochemical isomers as well as enantiomeric and
diastereomeric mixtures of the present compounds are within the scope of the invention.
Unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are also meant to include compounds
that differ only in ttie presence of one or more isotopically enriched atoms. For example,
compoimds having the present structures except for the replacement of a hydrogen by a
deuterium or tritium, or the replacement of a carbon by a ^^C- or '"^C-enriched carbon are
within the scope of this invention. Such compounds are useM, for example, as analytical
tools or probes in biological assays.
[0060] According to another embodiment, Q of formula I is NH, oxygen, or sulfur.
[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, Q of formula I is NR. More preferably,
Q of formula I is NH.
[0062] According to another preferred embodiment, T of formula I is oxygen or sulfur.
More preferably, T of formula I is sulfur.
[0063] According to another embodiment, T of formula I is oxygen and the anion of
R3-T-H is formed prior to combing with a compound of formula IV to form a compound
of formula in.
[0064] According to another embodiment, R" of formula I is U-R3, wherein U is a
valence bond, -O-, or -NR-, and R3 is R or Ar.
[0065] According to another preferred embodiment R" of formula I is selected from R,
At, or -N(R)2. More preferably, R" of formixla I is hydrogen.
[00661 According to another preferred embodiment R3 of formula I is selected from
-OR3or-N(R*)2.
[0067] According to another embodimeat, R3 of formula I is selected from N(R3)2
wherein each R' is independently selected from R or a 3-7 membered monocyclic or an
8-10 membered bicyclic saturated, partially unsaturated, or ftilly unsaturated ring having
O-4 heteroatonis independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfiu:. Preferred
substituents R3 are selected from -OR\ -SR3 -CN, -NO2,0x0, halogen, -N(R3)2, -C(O)Ror a 3-6 membered aromatic or non-aromatic ring having zero to two heteroatoms
independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulftir. More preferred substituents on
R* are 5-6 membered non-aromatic rings having 1-2 heteroatoms independently selected
from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfiir. Most preferred substituents on the R* C1-4 aliphatic
group are NHCCHs), NH2, OH, OCH3, morpholinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl,
and thiomorpholinyl.
[0068] According to another preferred embodiment, R3 of formula I is selected from
N(R3)2 wherein each R' is R such that the two R groups are taken together to form an
optionally substituted 4-7 membered non-aromatic ring having up to two additional
heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Preferred
substituents on said ring are selected from -R\ -OR3 -SR3 -CN, -NO2, 0x0, halogen,
-N(B?}z, -C(O)R3, -COzR3, -SO2R3, or a 3-6 membered aromatic or non-aromatic ring
having zero to two heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.
More preferred substituents said ring are selected from optionally substituted (C1-4
aUphatic, NH2, NH(C1-4aliphatic), N(C1-4aliphatic)2, optionally substituted phenyl,
CO2(C1-4aliphatic), or SO2(C1-4aliphatic). Most preferred substituents on said ring are
selected from methyl, ethyl, methylsujfonyl, (CH2)2SO2CH3, cyclopropyl,
CHzcyclopropyl, (CH2)20H, COzt-butyl, CHzphenyl, phenyl, NH2, NHCCHs), N(CH3)2,
(CH2)2NH2, (CH2)2morpholin-4-yl, (CEiWiCBi)!, isopropyl, propyl, t-butyl, (CH2)2CN,
or (CH2)2C(O)morpholin-4-yl.
[0069] Most preferably, R3 of formula I is pyrroKdin-1-yi, piperidinl-yl, morpholin-4-
yl, thiomorpholin-4-yl, piperazin-l-yl, diazepanyl, or tetrahydroisoquinolmyl, wherein
each ring is optionally substituted with one or two groups independently selected from
methyl, ethyl, methylsulfonyl, (CH2)2SO2CH3, cyclopropyl, CHacyclopropyl, (CH2)20H,
CO2t-butyl, CHaphenyl, phenyl, NH2, NHCCHs), N(CH3)2, (CH2)2NH2, (CH2)2morpholin-
4-yl, (CH2)2N(CH3)2, isopropyl, Fopyl, t-butyl, (CH2)2CN, or (CH2)2C(O)morpholin-4-
yi.
[0070] According to another embodiment R'^ of formula I is a 3-7 membered
monocyclic or an 8-10 membered bicyclic saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully
unsaturated ring having O-4 heteroatoms independently selected jfrom oxygen, nitrogen or
sulfur, wherein said ring is optionally and independently substituted by up to three
substituents selected from -R3, -OR3, -SR3 -CN, -NO2,0x0, halogen, -N(R3)2, -C(O)R3
-OC(P)R\ -COzR\ -SO2R3 -SO2N(R')2, -N(R3)SO2R3 -C(O)NR(R3), -C(O)N(R3)2,
-OC(O)NR(R3), -OC(O)N(R3)2, -NR3C(O)R3 -NR3C(O)N(R3)2, or -KR'CO2R3
[00711 According to another embodiment, R3* of formula I is a 5-6 membered
monocyclic or an 8-10 membered bicyclic saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully
unsaturated ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from oxygen, nitrogen or
sulftir, wherein said ring is optionally and independently substituted by up to three
substituents selected from -R3, -OR3 -SR\ -CN, -NO2, 0x0, halogen, -N(R3)2, -C(O)R3
-OC(O)R\ -CO2R\ -SO2R3 -SO2N(R3)2, -N(R3)SO2R3 -C(O)NR(R3), -C(O)N(R3)2,
-OC(O)NR(R3), -OC(O)N(R3)2, -NR3C(O)R3 -NR3C(O)N(R3)2, or -NR3COjR3
[0072] According to a more preferred embodiment, R'^' of formula I is a five or six
membered fuUy vinsaturated ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from
nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, wherein said ring is optionally and independently substituted
by up to three substituents selected from -R3, -OR3, -SR', -CN, -NO2, 0x0, halogen,
-N(R3)2, -C(O)R3 -OC(O)R3 -CO2R3 -SO2R3 -SO2N(R3)2, -N(R3)SO2R\ -C(O)NR(R3),
-C(p)N(R%, -OC(O)NR(R3), -OC(O)N(R3)2, -NR3C(O)R3 -NR3C(O)N(R3)2, or
-NR3COzRI
[0073] Preferred R3^ rings of formula I are optionally substituted rings selected from
pyrazole or any one of the following 5-6 membered rings:
[0074] Most preferably, R3* of fonnula I is a pyrazole ring having up to three
substituents as defined above.
[0075] According to another preferred embodiment R3^ of formula I has up to two
substituents, wherein said substituents are as set forth above. More preferably, R3* of
formiila I has one substituent, wherein said substituent is as set forth above.
[0076] Preferred substituents on the R'^* moiety of fonnula I are -N(R3)2, -OR3, Ar, or
an optionally substituted C1-C4 aliphatic group, wherein Ar is an optionally substituted
5-6 membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated ring having O-4
heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfiir. An even more
preferred substituents on the R3' moiety of formula I is a C1-C4 aliphatic group. Most
preferred substituents on the R3^ moiety of formula I are selected from methyl, ethyl,
propyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, cyclopropyl, or phenyl.
[0077] According to another embodiment R3^ of fonnula I is a C1-6 aliphatic group
substituted with O-4 R3 groups. Preferably, R3' is substituted with O-3 R3 groups, wherein
each R3 is independently selected from R3, 0x0, halogen, N(R3)2, CN, or CO2R3.
[0078] According to a preferred embodiment, R3 of formula I is a 5-6 membered
monocycUc or an 8-10 membered bicyclic saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully
unsaturated ring having O-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nifrogen, oxygen or
sulfur, wherein said ring is optionally substituted by up to three substituents
independently selected from -R3 -OR3 -SR3 -CN, -NO2,0x0, halogen, -^(R\,
-C(O)R3 -OC(O)R3 -CO2R3 -SO2R3 -SO2N(R3)2, -N(R3)SO2R3 -C(O)^fR(R3,
-C(O)N(R3)2, -OC(O)NR(R3), -OC(O)N(R3)2, -NR3C(O)R3 -NR3C(O)N(R3)2, or
->JR3CO2R3
[00791 More preferably, R3 of formiila I is selected from an optionally substituted
ring selected from a 5-6 membered monocyclic or an 9-10 membered bicyclic saturated,
partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated ring having O-4 heteroatoms independently
selected from nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur; wherein said ring is optionally substituted by up
to three substituents independently selected as set forth above. Most preferably, R3 of
fomiula I is selected from phenyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyraadnyl,
naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, benzimidazolyl, benzthiazolyl, quinolinyl, quinazolinyl,
benzodioxinyl, isobenzoftiran, indanyl, indolyl, indolinyl, indazolyl, or isoquinolinyi,
wherein the R3 moiety of formula I is optionally and independently substituted with up
to three substituents as set forth above.
[0080] Preferred substituents on R3 of formula I, when present, are indq)endently
selected from halogen, -CN, -NO2, -C(O)R\ -CO2R3 -C(O)NR(R3), -NR'C(O)R3
-N(R3)2, -N(R3)SO2R\ -NR3C(O)N(R3^, or -NR3COzRI More preferred substituents on
the R3 moiety of formula I are independently selected from -CI, -Br, -F, -CN, -CF3,
-COOH, -CONHMe, -CONHEt, -NHj, -ISfHAc, -NHSOaMe, -NHSOzEt, -NHSO2(n-
propyl), -NHSO2(isopropyl), -NHCOEt, -NHCOCH2NHCH3, -NHCOCHaNCCOzt-
Bu)CH3, -NHCOCH2N(CH3)2, -NHCOCH2CH2N(CH3)2, -NHCOCH2CH2CH2N(CH3)2,
-NHCO(cyclopropyl), -NHCO(isopropyl), -NHCO(isobutyl), -NHCOCH2(morpholin-4-
yl), -NHCOCH2CH2(morpholin-4-yl), -NHCOCH2CH2CH2(morpholin-4-yl), -NHCO2(t-
butyl), -NH(cyclohexyl), -NHMe, -NMe2, -OH, -OMe, methyl, ethyl, cyclopropyl,
isopropyl, or t-butyl.
[0081] According to another preferred embodiment R3 of formula I has up to two
substituents, wherein said substituents are as set forth above. More preferably, R3 of
formula I has one substituent, wherein said substituent is as set forth above. Most
preferably, R3 of formula I has one substituent selected from -NR3C(O)r\ wherein each
R3 is independently selected from R or Ar and wherein R is hydrogen or an optionally
substituted Ci-4 aliphatic group.
[0082] According to another embodiment, R3 of formula I is (C1-4 aliphatic group
substituted Avith O-3 groups independently selected from halogen, 0x0, -CN, -NO2,
-C(O)R3 -COaR3 -C(O)NR(R3), -NR3C(O)R3 -N(R3)2, -N(R3)SO2R3 -NR3C(O)N(R3)2,
or -NR3CO2R3. More preferably, R'^ of formula I is a C1-4 aliphatic group substituted
wittx O-3 groups indepeadently selected fixun halogeo, -CN, -NO2, -C(O)R3, -CC)2R3
-N(R3)2, or-NR3CO2R3
[00831 Preferred embodiments of R\ T, Q, R3^, and R3 in formula n are as set forth
for these moieties in formula I.
[0084] Preferred embodiments of the R3 moiety of R3-H are as set forth for the R3
group in formula I.
[0085] Preferred embodiments of R*, L^, T, and R3 in formula m are as set forth for
these moieties in formula I.
[0086] Preferred embodiments of the Q and R'^^ moieties of R3'-Q-H are as set forth
for these moieties in formula I.
[0087] Preferred embodiments R\ L^, L^ and Q in formula IV are as set forth for these
moieties in formula I.
[0088] Preferred embodiments of R'^ and T in R3-T-H are as set forth for these
moieties in formula I.
[0089] Preferably R" in the processes of the present invention is other than a suitable
leaving group.
[0090] Preferred compounds of formula I, prepared using the processes of the present
invention, have formula I':
I'
or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or salt thereof, wherein R' and R3 are as
defined above.
[0091] Preferred R' groups of formula I' are independently selected firom R, wherein
R is hydrogen or an optionally substituted C\^ aliphatic group. Preferred substituents on
the C1-4 aliphatic group of the R3 moiety of formula I' are selected firom -OR3, -SR3, -CN,
-NO2,0x0, halogen, -N(R3)2, -C(O)R3, or a 3-6 membered aromatic or non-aromatic ring

having zero to two heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfiir.
More preferred substituents on the Q^ aliphatic group of the R* moiety of formida I' are
5-6 membered non-aromatic rings having 1-2 heteroatoms independaitly selected from
nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Most preferred substituents on the R* (C1-4 ^phatic group of
the R3 moiety of formula I' are NHCCHs), NH2, OH, OCH3, moipholinyl, piperidinyl,
piperazdnyl, pyrrolidinyl, and thiomorpholinyl.
[0092] According to another preferred embodiment, each R' of formula I' is R such
that the two R groups are taken together to form an optionally substituted 4-7 membered
non-aromatic ring having up to two additional heteroatoms indqpendently selected from
nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Preferred substituents on said ring are selected from -R3,
-OR3 -SR3 -CN, -NO2,0x0, halogen, -N(R')2, -C(O)R3 -CO2R3 -SO2R3 or a 3-6
membered aromatic or non-aromatic ring having zero to two heteroatoms independently
selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfrir. More preferred substituents said ring are
selected from optionally substituted (C1-4 aliphatic, ISIH2, NH((C1-4 aliphatic), N(C1-4aliphatic)2, optionally substituted phenyl, CO2(Ci-« aliphatic), or SO2((C1-4 aliphatic).
Most preferred substituents on said ring are selected from methyl, ethyl, methylsulfonyl,
(CH2)2SC)2CH3, cyclopropyl, CH2cyclopropyl, (CH2)20H, CO2t-butyl, CHaphenyl,
phenyl, NH2, NHCCHs). N(CH3)2, (CH2)2NH2, (CH2)2morpholin-4-yl, (CH2)2N(CH3)2,
isopropyl, propyl, t-butyl, (CH2)2CN, or (CH2)2C(O)morpholin-4-yl.
[0093] More preferably, the ring formed by N(R3)2 of formula I' is pyrrolidinyl,
piperidinyl, morpholin-4-yl, thiomorpholin-4-yl, piperazin-1-yl, diazepanyl, or
tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, wherein each ring is optionally substituted with one or two
groups independently selected from methyl, ethyl, methylsulfonyl, (CH2)2SO2CH3,
cyclopropyl, CH2cyclopropyl, (CH2)20H, CO2t-butyl, CH2phenyl, phenyl, NH2,
NH(CH3), N(CH3)2, (CH2)2NH2, (CH2)2morpholin-4-yl, (CH2)2N(CH3)2, isopropyl,
propyl, t-butyl, (CH2)2CN, or (CH2)2C(O)morpholin-4-yl.
[0094] More preferred compounds within compounds of formula I prepared using the
processes of the present invention have formula V:

or a phannaceutically acceptable derivative or salt thereof, wherein:
R3 is selected from hydrogen or C1-4 aliphatic;
R* is selected from C1.3 aliphatic; and
R3 is selected from C1-4 aUphatic.
[0095] Preferred R3 groups of formula V are selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, t-
butyl, propyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopropylmethyl, or isopropyl. More preferred R3 groups of
formula V are selected from hydrogen or methyl. Most preferably R3 of formula V is
methyl.
[0096] Preferred R* groups of formula V are selected from methyl, ethyl, or
cyclopropyl. More preferred R3 groups of formula V are methyl of cyclopropyl. Most
preferably, R* of formula V is methyl.
[0097] Preferred R3 groups of formula V are selected from methyl, ethyl, t-butyl, or
cyclopropyl. More preferred R' groups of formula V are selected from ethyl or
cyclopropyl. Most preferably, r' of formula V is cyclopropyl.
[0098] According to another embodiment, the present invention relates to a compound
of formula V:

or a phannaceutically acceptable derivative or salt thereof, wherein:
R is selected from C1-4 aliphatic; provided that said compound is other than N-{4-[4-(4-
methyl-pipera2in-l-yl)-6-(5-methyl-2H-pyrazol-3-ylanmo)-pyrimidin-2-ylsulfanyl]-
phenyl} -propionamide.
[0099] Preferred R3 groups of formula V are selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, t-
butyl, or isopropyl. More preferred R3 groups of formula V are selected from hydrogen
or methyl. Most preferably R3 of formula Vis methyl.
[00100] Preferred R3 groups of formula V are selected from methyl, ethyl, or
cyclopropyl. More preferred R3 groups offormulaV are methyl of cyclopropyl. Most
preferably, R* of formula V is methyl.
[00101] Preferred R' groups of formula V are selected from methyl, ettiyl, t-butyl, or
cyclopropyl. More preferred R3 groiips of formula V are selected from ethyl or
cyclopropyl. Most preferably, R' of formula V is cyclopropyl.
[00102] Compounds of formula V fall within the genus of compounds described in
PCT publication WO 02/057259. However, applicants have discovered that the present
compoimds have surprising and imexpectedly increased potency as inhibitors of Aurora
protein kinase and/or FLT-3 protein kinase.
[00103] Exemplary structures of formula V are set forth in Table 1 below.
Table 1
[00105] Preferably the processes of the present invention are used to prepare a
compound selected from Tables 1 and 2. More preferably the processes of the present
invention are used to prepare a compound selected from Table 1.
[00106] According to an alternate embodiment, the present invention provides a
compound of formula II, formula III, or formula IV:
[00107] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an
intermediate of formula n.
[00108] According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an
intermediate of formula III.
[00109] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention
provides an intermediate of formoila IV.
[00110] According to another embodiment, the invention provides a composition
comprising a compound of this invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable daivative
thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or vehicle. The amount of
compound in the compositions of this invention is such that is effective to detectably
inhibit a protein kinase, particularly Aurora and/or FLT-3 kinase, in a biological sample
or in a patient. Preferably the composition of this invention is formulated for
administration to a patient in need of such composition. Most preferably, the composition
of this invention is formulated for oral administration to a patient.
[00111] The term "patient", as used herein, means an animal, preferably a mammal,
and most preferably a human.
[00112] The term "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or vehicle" refers to
a non-toxic carrier, adjuvant, or vehicle that does not destroy the pharmacological activity
of the compound with which it is formulated. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers,
adjuvants or vehicles that may be used in the compositions of this invention include, but
are not limited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, serum proteins,
such as human serum albumin, buffer substances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid,
potassium sorbate, partial glyceride mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids, water,
salts or electrolytes, such as protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium
hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate,
polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose-based substances, polyethylene glycol, sodium
carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylates, waxes, polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block
polymers, polyethylene glycol and wool fat.
[00113] The team "detectably inhibit", as used herein means a measurable change in
protein kinase activity between a sample comprising said composition and protein kinase
and an equivalent sample comprising protein kinase in the absence of said composition.
[00114] A "pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or salf' means any non-toxic salt,
esisr, salt of an ester or other derivative of a compound of this invention that, upon
administration to a recipient, is capable of providing, either directly or indirectly, a
compound of this invention or an inhibitorily active metabolite or residue thereof As
used herein, the term "inhibitorily active metabolite or residue thereof means that a
metabolite or residue thereof is also an inhibitor of Aurora and/or FLT-3 protein kinase.
[00115] According to another embodiment, the present invention provides processes
for preparing a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of compound of formula I, I', or V
comprising the step of converting a compound of formula I, I*, or V prepared according
to the processes of the present invention into the desired pharmaceuticaUy acceptable salt.
Such conversions are well known in the art. See, generally, "Advanced Organic
Chemistry," Jerry March, 4*^ Ed., John Wiley and Sons, N.Y. (1992).
[00116] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of tiiis invention include
those derived from pharmaceuticaUy acceptable inorganic and organic acids and bases.
Examples of suitable acid salts include acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate,
benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate,
cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, formate, fumarate,
glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, glycolate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate,
hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate,
malonate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oxalate,
palmoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate,
propionate, salicylate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, thiocyanate, tosylate and undecanoate.
Other acids, such as oxalic, while not in themselves pharmaceutically acceptable, may be
employed in the preparation of salts useM as intermediates in obtaining the compounds
of the invention and their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts.
[00117] Salts derived firom appropriate bases include alkali metal (e.g., sodium and
potassium), alkaline earth metal (e.g., magnesium), ammonium and N^(C1-4alkyl)4 salts.
This invention also envisions the quatemization of any basic nitrogen-containing groups
of the compounds disclosed herein. Water or oil-soluble or dispersible products may be
obtained by such quatemization.
[00118] Table 3 below sets forth representative salts of compounds of Formula V of
the present invention.
[00119] The compositions of the present invention may be administered orally,
parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally or via an
implanted reservoir. The term "parenteral" as used herein includes subcutaneous,
intravenous, intramuscular, intra-articular, intra-synovial, intrastemal, intrathecal,
intrahepatic, intralesional and intracranial injection or infusion techniques. Preferably,
the compositions are administered orally, intraperitoneally or intravenously. Sterile
injectable forms of the compositions of this invention may be aqueous or oleaginous
suspension. These suspensions may be formulated according to techniques known in the
art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile
injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-
toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-
butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water.
Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are
conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium.
[00120] For this puq)ose, any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic
mono- or di-glycerides. Fatty acids, such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives are
useful in the preparation of injectables, as are natural pharmaceutically-acceptable oils,
such as olive oil or castor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions. These oil
solutions or suspensions may also contain a long-chaia alcohol diluent or dispersant, such
as carboxymethyl cellulose or similar dispersing agents that are commonly used in the
formulation of pharmaceutically acceptable dosage forms including emulsions and
suspensions. Other commonly used surfactants, such as Tweens, Spans and other
emulsifying agents or bioavailability enhancers which are commonly used in the
manufacture of pharmaceutically acceptable solid, liquid, or other dosage forms may also
be used for the purposes of formulation.
[00121] The pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of this invention may be orally
administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules,
tablets, aqueovis susp^isions or solutions. In the case of tablets for oral use, carriers
commonly used include lactose and com starch. Lubricating agents, such as magnesium
stearate, are also typically added. For oral administration in a capsule form, useful
diluents include lactose and dried cornstarch. When aqueous suspensions are required for
oral use, the active ingredient is combined with emulsifying and suspending agents. If
desired, certain sweetening, flavoring or coloring agents may also be added.
[00122] Alternatively, the pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of this invention
may be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration. These can be
prepared by mixing the agent with a suitable non-irritating excipient that is soUd at room
temperature but liquid at rectal temperature and therefore will melt in the rectum to
release the drug. Such materials include cocoa butter, beeswax and polyetiiylene glycols.
[00123] The pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of this invention may also be
administered topically, especially when the target of treatment includes areas or organs
readUy accessible by topical application, including diseases of the eye, the skin, or the
lower intestinal tract. Suitable topical formulations are readily prepared for each of these
areas or organs.
[00124] Topical application for the lower intestinal tract can be effected in a rectal
suppository formulation (see above) or in a suitable enema formulation. Topically-
transdermal patches may also be used.
[00125] For topical applications, the pharmaceutically acceptable compositions may
be formulated in a suitable ointment containing the active component suspended or
dissolved in one or more carriers. Carriers for topical administration of the compoimds of
this invention include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white
petrolatum, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene compound,
emulsifying wax and water. Alternatively, the pharmaceutically acceptable compositions
can be formulated in a suitable lotion or cream containing the active components
suspended or dissolved in one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Suitable
carriers include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60,
cetyl esters wax, cetearyl alcohol, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water.
[00126] For ophthalmic use, the pharmaceutically acceptable compositions may be
formulated as micronized suspensions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, or,
preferably, as solutions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, either with or without a
preservative such as benzylalkonium chloride. Alternatively, for ophthalmic uses, the
phannaceutically acceptable compositions may be formulated in an ointment such as
petrolatum,
[00127] The phannaceutically acceptable compositions of this invention may also be
administered by nasal aerosol or inhalation. Such compositions are prepared according to
techniques well-known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation and may be prepared as
solutions in saline, emplo3ring benzyl alcohol or other suitable preservatives, absorption
promoters to enhance bioavailability, fluorocarbons, and/or other conventional
solubilizing or dispersing agents.
[00128] Most preferably, the phannaceutically acceptable compositions of this
invention are formulated for oral administration.
[00129] The amount of the compounds of the present invention that may be combined
with the carrier materials to produce a composition in a single dosage form will vary
depending upon the host treated, the particular mode of administration. Preferably, the
compositions should be formulated so that a dosage of between 0.01 - 100 mg/kg body
weight/day of the inhibitor can be administered to a patient receiving these compositions.
[00130] It should also be understood that a specific dosage and treatment regimen for
any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors, including the activity of the
specific compound employed, the a^e, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of
administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, and the judgment of the treating
physician and the severity of the particular disease being treated. The amount of a
compound of the present invention in the composition will also depend upon the
particular compound in the composition.
[00131] Depending upon the particular condition, or disease, to be treated or
prevented, additional therapeutic agents, which are normally administered to treat or
prevent that condition, may also be present in the compositions of this invention. As used
herein, additional therapeutic agents that are normally administered to treat or prevent a
particular disease, or condition, are known as "appropriate for the disease, or condition,
being treated".
[00132] For example, chemotherapeutic agents or other anti-proliferative agents may
be combined with the compounds of this invention to treat proUferative diseases and
cancer. Examples of known chemotherapeutic agents include, but are not limited to,
Gleevec''*', adriamycin, dexamethasone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, fluorouracil,
topotecan, taxol, interferons, and platinum derivatives.
Other examples of agents the inhibitors of this invention may also be combined with
include, without limitation: treatments for Alzheimer's Disease such as Aricept® and
Excelon ; treatments for Parkinson's Disease such as L-DOPA/carbidopa, entacapone,
ropinrole, pramipexole, bromocriptine, pergolide, trihexephendyl, and amantadine; agents
for treating Multiple Sclerosis (MS) such as beta interferon (e.g., Avonex® and Rebif®),
Copaxone®, and mitoxantrone; treatments for asthma such as albuterol and Singulair®;
agents for treating schizophrenia such as zyprexa, risperdal, seroquel, and haloperidol;
anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids, TNfF blockers, IL-1 RA, azathioprine,
cyclophosphamide, and sulfasalazine; immxmomodulatory and immunosuppressive agents
such as cyclosporin, tacrolimus, rapamydn, mycophenolate mofetil, interferons,
corticosteroids, cyclophophamide, azathioprine, and sulfasalazine; neurotrophic factors
such as acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, interferons, anti-convulsants,
ion channel blockers, riluzole, and anti-Parkinsonian agents; agents for treating
cardiovascular disease such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, nitrates, calcium
channel blockers, and statins; agents for treating liver disease such as corticosteroids,
cholestyramine, interferons, and anti-viral agents; agents for treating blood disorders such
as corticosteroids, anti-leukemic agents, and growth factors; and agents for treating
inmitmodeficiency disorders such as gamma globulin.
[00133] Further examples of chemotherapeutic agents or other anti-proliferative agents
that may be combined with the compounds of the present invention to treat proliferative
diseases and cancer include, but are not limited to, For example, other therapies or
anticancer agents that may be used in combination with the inventive anticancer agents of
the present invention include surgery, radiotherapy (in but a few examples, gamma-
radiation, neutron beam radiotherapy, electron beam radiotherapy, proton therapy,
brachytherapy, and systemic radioactive isotopes, to name a few), endocrine therapy,
biologic response modifiers (interferons, interleukins, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to
name a few), hyperthermia and cryotherapy, agents to attenuate any adverse effects (e.g.,
antiemetics), and other approved chemotherapeutic drugs, including, but not limited to,
alkylating drugs (mechlorethamine, chlorambucil, Cyclophosphamide, Melphalan,
Ifosfamide), antimetabohtes (Methotrexate), purine antagonists and pjrimidine
antagonists (6-Mercaptop\irine, S-Fluoronracil, Cytarabile, Gemcitabine), spindle poisons
(Vinblastine, Vincristine, Vinorelbine, Paclitaxel), podophyllotoxins (Etoposide,
Irinotecan, Topotecan), antibiotics (Doxorubicin, Bleomycin, Mitomycin), nitrosoureas
(Carmustine, Lomustine), inorganic ions (Cisplatin, Carboplatin), enzymes
(Asparaginase), and hormones (Tamoxifen, Leiiprolide, Flutamide, and Megestrol),
Gleevec"™, adriamycin, dexamethasone, and cyclophosphamide. For a more
comprehensive discussion of updated cancer therapies see, http://www.nci.nih.gov/, a list
of the FDA approved oncology drugs at
http://www.fda.gov/cder/cancer/druglistframe.htm, and The Merck Manual, Seventeenth
E(i 1999, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[00134] The amount of additional therapeutic agent present in the compositions of this
invention will be no more than the amo\mt that would normally be administered in a
composition comprising that therapeutic agent as the only active agent. Preferably the
amount of additional therapeutic ag^it in the presently disclosed compositions will range
from about 50% to 100% of the amoimt normally present in a composition comprising
that agent as the only therapeutically active agent.
[00135] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of
inhibiting Aurora-1, Aurora-2, Aurora-3, and/or FLT-3 kinase activity in a biological
sample comprising the step of contacting said biological sample with a compound of
formula V, or a composition comprising said compound.
[00136] The term "biological sample", as used herein, includes, without limitation,
ceU cultures or extracts thereof; biopsied material obtained from a mammal or extracts
thereof; and blood, saliva, urine, feces, semen, tears, or other body fluids or extracts
thereof.
[00137] Inhibition of Aurora-l, Aurora-2, Aurora-3, and/or FLT-3 kinase activity in a
biological sample is useful for a variety of purposes that are known to one of skill in the
art. Examples of such purposes include, but are not limited to, blood transftision, organ-
transplantation, biological specimen storage, and biological assays.
[00138] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of
inhibiting Avirora-1 kinase activity in a patient comprising the step of administering to
sail patient a compovmd of formula V, or a composition comprising said compound.
[001391 According to mddxm embo^Bmeaat, the invention relates to a method ot
inhibiting Auiora-2 kinase activity in a patieait comprising Ihe step of administering to
said patimt a compound of formula V, or a composition comprising said componnd.
100140] According to another anbodimrait, the invention relate to a mettiod of
inhibitii^ Aurora-3 kinase activity in a patient comprising the step of administering to
said padent a compovind of fonnvda V, or a composition comprising said componnd.
1001411 According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of
inhibiting FLT-3 kinase activity in a patient comprising the step of administering to said
patient a compoxavd of formula V, or a composition comprising said compound.
[00142] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a me&od of
inhibiting Aurora-l, AQxora-2, Aurora-3, and FLT-3 kinase activity in a patient
comprising the step of administering to said patient a compound of formula V, or a
composition comprising said compound.
[00143] According to another embodiment, the invention provides a method for
treating or lessening the severity of an Aurora-mediated disease or condition in a patient
comprising the step of administering to said patient a compound of formula V, or
composition comprising said compound.
[001441 The term "Aurora-mediated disease", as used herein, means any disease or
other deleterious condition or disease in which an Aurora family protein kinase is known
to play a role. Such diseases or conditions include, without limitation, melanoma,
leukemia, or a cancer selected from colon, breast, gastric, ovarian, cervical, melanoma,
renal, prostate, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, pancreatic, leukemia and bladder.
[00145} According to another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method
of treating cancer in a patient, comprising the step of administering to said patient a
compound of formula V or composition thereof.
{001461 According to another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method
of treating melanoma, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, leukemia, or a cancer selected from
colon, breast, lung, kidney, ovary, pancreatic, renal, CNS, cervical, prostate, or cancer of
the gastric tract in a patient, comprising the step of administering to said patient a
compound of formula V or composition thereof.
[00147] According to another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method
of ti-eating acute-myelogenous leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL),+
mastocytosis or gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in a patient, comprising the step of
administering to said patient a compound of formula V or composition thereof.
[00148] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the disruption of mitosis of
cancer cells in a patient, comprising the step of administering to said patient a compound
of form-ila V or composition thereof.
[00149] According to another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method
of treating or lessening the severity of a cancer in a patient comprising the step of
disrupting mitosis of the cancer cells by inhibiting Aurora-1, Aurora-2, and/or Aurora-3
with a compound of formula V or composition thereof.
[00150] In an alternate embodiment, the methods of this invention that utilize
compositions that do not contaia an additional therapeutic agent, comprise the additional
step of separately administaring to said patient an additional therapeutic agent When
these additional therapeutic agents are administered separately they may be administered
to the patient prior to, sequentially with or following administration of the compositions
of this invention.
[00151] In order that the invention described herein may be more fully xmderstood, the
following examples are set forth. It should be understood that these examples are for
illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting this invention in any
manner.
Example 1
4,6-Dichloropyiiiiu(lme-2-met]iylsu]fone (A): Prepared by methods siibstantially
similar to those set forth in Koppell et al, JOCy 26,1961,792, in the following manner.
To a stirred solution of 4,6-dichloro-2-(methylthio)pyrimidine (50 g, 0.26 mol) in
dichloromethane (1 L) at 0°C was added meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (143.6 g, 0.64
mol) over a period of 20 minutes. The solution was allowed to warm to room
temperature and was stirred for 4 hours. The naixture was diluted with dichloromethane
(1.5 L) and then treated sequentially with 50% NaaSiOs / NaHCOs solution (2 x 200 ml),
sat. NaHCOs solution (4 x 300 ml), and brine (200 ml) then dried (MgS04). The solvent
was removed in vacuo to afford an off-white solid which was redissolved in EtOAc (IL)
and treated sequentially with sat NaHCOa solution (3 x 300 ml), and brine (100 ml) thai
dried (MgS04). The solvent was ronoved in vacuo to afford the title compound (A) as a
white solid (55.6 g, 96% yield). 'H NMR CDCI3 5 3.40 (3H, s, CH3), 7.75 (IH. s. ArH).
Example 2
Cyclopropane carboxylic acid [4-(4,6-dichIoro-pyrimidin-2-ylsulphanyl)-pheiiyI]-
amide (C): A suspension of compound A (lOg, 44.04 mmol) and cyclopropane
carboxylic acid (4-mercapto-phenyl)-amide (B, 8.51 g, 44.04 mmol) in t-butanol (300 ml)
was degassed by evacuation, then flushing with nitrogen. The mixture was stirred at 90°
C under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 hour then the solvent was removed in vacuo. The
residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (600 ml) and washed with an aqueous solution of
potassium carbonate and sodium chloride. The organic extract was dried over
magnesium sulphate, concentrated to a low volume and allowed to crystallize. The
product C was collected as colourless crystals, (11.15 g, 74%). ^H-NMR DMSO-d^ 5
0.82-O.89 (4H, m), 1.8O-1.88 (IH, m), 7.55 (2H, d), 7.7O-7.76 (3H, m), 10.49 (IH, s);
M+H, 340.
Example 3
Cyclopropane carboxylic acid{4-[4-chloro-6-(5-methyl-2H-pyrazol-3-ylamino)-
pyrimidin-2-ylsulphanyl]-phenyl} amide (D): A mixture of compound C (1.0 g, 2.94
mmol)and 3-amiuo-5-methylpyrazole (314 mg, 3.23 mmol) in dimethylformamide (6 ml)
was treated with diisopropylethylamine (0.614 ml, 3.53 mmol) and sodium iodide (530
mg, 3.53 mmol). The mixture was stirred under nitrogen at 85 ° for 4 hours, cooled to

crystallization and harvesting of colourless crystals, the title compound D (920 mg, 78%).
*H-NMR DMSO-d^ 8 0.8O-O.87 (4H, m), 1.77-1.85 (IH, m), 1.92 (IH, s), 5,24 (IH, br s),
6.47 (IH, br s), 7.55 (2H, d), 7.7O-7.80 (2H, m), 10.24 (IH, s), 10.47 (IH, s), 11.92 (IH,
s).
Example 4
Cyclopropane carboxylic acid {4-[4-(4-methyl-plperazfai-l-yl)-6-(5-methyl-2H-
pyrazoI-3-ylaimno)-pyrinnidin-2-ylsulphanyl]-phenyl}-anude (V-1): Compound D
(2.373 g, 5.92 mmol) was treated with N-methylpiperazine (10 ml) and the imxture stirred
at 110° for 2 hours. The excess N-methylpiperazine was removed in vacuo then the
residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution,
dried over magnesium sulphate, and concentrated. The residue was crystallised from
methanol to give colourless crystals of desired product V-1 (1.82 g, 66%), *H-NMR
DMSO-d^ 5 0.81 (4H, d), 1.79 (IH, m), 2,01 (3H, s), 2.18 (3H, s), 2,30 (4H, m), 3.35
(masked signal), 5.42 (IH, s), 6.02 (IH, br s), 7.47 (2H, d), 7.69 (2H, d), 9.22 (IH, s),
10.39 (lH,s), 11.69 (lH,s).
Example 5

N-{4-[4-(5-Methyl-2H-pyrazol-3-ylmethyl)-6-(4-propyl-piperazin-l-yl)-pyrimidm-2-
ylsulfanyl]-phenyl}-propionainide (V-5): Ethane carboxylic acid {4-[4-chloro-6-(5-
methyl-2H-pyrazol-3-ylamino)~pyrimidin-2-ylsulphanyl]-phenyl} amide (119 mg, 0.306
mmol, prepared by methods analogous to those set forth in Examples 1, 2, and 3) in n-
BuOH (5 mL) was treated with N-propylpiperazine dihydrobromide (887 mg, 3.06 mmol)
followed by diisopropylethylamine (1.066 mL, 6.12 mmol). The resulting mixture was
residue was punned using preparative tUfLfJ to arrord tne tme compound. Jti iNivm.
(DMSO): 5 1.10 (3H, t), 2.05 (3H, s), 2.35 (2H, d), 3.30 (4H, s), 3.70 (4H, s), 5.45 (IH,
s), 6.05 (IH, br s), 7.45 (2H, d), 7.70 (2H, d), 9.20 (IH, s), 10.05 (IH, s), 11.70 (IH, br s).
Example 6

iV-[4-(4,6-Dichloro-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-phenyll-acetamide:_A solution of 4-
acetamidophenol (666 mg, 4.40 mmol) in anhydrous THF (40 ml), stirring at ambient
temperature, was treated with a 60 % dispersion of sodium hydride in mineral oil (176
mg, 4.40 mmol). The reaction mixture was then allowed to stir for 30 minutes at ambient
temperature before 4,6-dichloro-2-methanesulfonyl-pyrimidine (1.0 g, 4.40 nmiol) was
added. The reaction was then allowed to stir for a further 3 hours before the reaction was
diluted with saturated aqueous NH4CI and EtOAc. The organic layer was separated,
washed with saturated aqueous NaCl and dried over sodiiim sulfate then concentrated in
vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Silica Gel, MeOHrCHiCla,
5:95) yield the title compound 1.25g, (95%) as a solid. ^H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-de):
5 2.06 (3 H, s), 7.18 (2 H, d, J = 8.5 Hz), 7.62 (2 H, d, J = 8.5 Hz), 10.05 (1 H, s), LC-
MS: ES-t^298.16, ES-=296.18).
Example 7
Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid {4- [4-(4-methyl-4-oxy-piperazin-l-yl)-6-(5-methyl-2JBr-
pyrazol-3-ylammo)-pyrimidin-2-ylsulfanyl]-phenyl}-amide (V-19): Compound V-1
(Ig, 2.1 mmol) was suspended in dichloromethane (20 mL), cooled to 0°C and treated
withi a dichloromethane solution of mCPBA in 10 aliquots at 10 minute intervals (each
aliquot consisting of 100 mg, 0.44 mmol in 1 ml DC1-4). Each time an aliquot was added
the solution turned brown and gradually returned to a yellow colour as the mCPBA was
consumed. Once all the starting material had been consumed, the solvent was removed in
vacuo and the resulting orange oil was purified by preparative HPLC to give the title
compound as an off-white soUd (69 mg, 7%); 'h NMR (DMSO-de): 0.85-O.91 (4H, m),
1.90 (IH, m), 2.10 (3H, s), 3.1O-3.17 (2H, m), 3.25 (3H, s), 3.5O-3.66 (4H, m), 3.98 (2H,
d), 5.50 (IH, s), 6.11 (IH, br s), 7.56 (2H, d), 7.80 (2H, d), 9.42 (IH, s), 10.50 (IH, s),
11.82 (lH,brs).
Example 8
Cyclopropane carboxylic acid {4-[4-(4-meth.yl-piperazin-l-yl)-6-(5-metliyl-2B[-
pyrazol-3-ylaiumo)-pyrimidin-2-ylsiilphanyl]-phe]iyI}-amide methanesulfonate (V-
lii): Compound V-1 (515mg, 1.1 Immol) was suspended in ethanol (80 mL) and heated to
reflux. To the clear solution was added methanesulfonic acid (106mg, 1.11 mmol) and
the reaction mixture was refluxed for a further 10 minutes. The mixture was allowed to
cool to room temperature and the solvent was evaporated until a precipitate began to
form. The mixture was then cooled to 0 °C and the resulting precipitate collected by
filtration before being dried under vacuum to afford the title compound as a white solid
(290mg, 47%); *H NMR (400MHz, DMSO-dfi) 0.81-O.82 (4H, d), 1.82 (IH, m), 2.36
(6H, s), 2.83 (3H, d), 3.03-3.12 (4H, m), 3.4O-3.47 (2H, m), 3.79 (br s, OH), 4.14-4.18
(2H, m), 5.50 (IH, s), 6.05 (IH, s), 7.49 (2H, d), 7.72 (2H, d), 9.61 (IH, s), 10.41 (lH,br
s), 10.80 (IH, s)
Example 9
The following compounds set forth in Table 4 below were prepared according to
the processes of the present invention and by methods substantially similar to those set
forth in Examples 1-8 above. The characterization data for these compounds is
sunamarized in Table 4 below and includes 'h NMR, melting point (m.p.), and mass
spectral (MS) data.
Unless otherwise indicated each annotated 'H NMR, set forth in Table 4, was
obtained at 400 MHz in deuterated dimethylsulfoxide (dmso-de).
BIOLOGICAL ASSAYS
The activity of the compounds of this invention as kinase inhibitors may be
assayed in vitro, in vivo or in a cell line. In vitro assays include assays that determine
inhibition of either the kinase activity or ATPase activity of activated Aurora and/or
FLT-3 enzyme. Alternate in vitro assays quantitate the ability of the inhibitor to bind to
Aurora and/or FLT-3 and may be measured either by radiolabelling the inhibitor prior to
binding, isolating the inhibitor/Aurora and/or inhibitor/FLT-3 complex and determining
the amount of radiolabel bound, or by running a competition experiment where new
compounds are incubated with Aurora and/or FLT-3 bound to known radioligands. One
may use any type or isoform of Aurora, depending upon which Aurora type or isoform is
to be inhibited. The details of the conditions used for the enzymatic assays are set forth in
the Examples hereinbelow.
Example 10
Kj Determination for the Inhibition of Aurora
Compounds were screened in the following manner for their ability to inhibit
Aurora using a standard coupled enzyme assay (Fox et al (1998) Protein Sci 7,2249). To
an assay stock buffer solution containing O.IM HEPES 7.5,10 mM MgCla, 1 mM DTT,
25 mM NaCl, 2.5 mM phosphoenolpyruvate, 300 mM NADH, 30 mg/ml pyruvate kinase,
10 mg'ml lactate dehydrogenase, 40 mM ATP, and 800 ^M peptide (LRRASLG,
American Peptide, Sunnyvale, CA) was added a DMSO solution of a compound of the
present invention to a final concentration of 30 |J.M. The resulting mixture was incubated
at 30 °C for 10 nainutes. The reaction was initiated by the addition of 10 |j.L of Aurora
stock solution to give a final concentration of 70 nM in the assay. The rates of reaction
were obtained by monitoring absorbance at 340 nm over a 5 minute read time at 30 °C
using a BioRad Ultramark plate reader (Hercules, CA). The Kj values were determined
firom the rate data as a function of inhibitor concentration.
Compounds of formula V of the present invention were found to be inhibitors of
Aurora-1, Aurora-2, and Aurora-3.
Example 11
K; Determination for the Inhibition of FLT-3
Compoimds were screened for their ability to inhibit FLT-3 activity using a
radiometric filter-binding assay. This assay monitors the "P incorporation into a
substrate poly(Glu, Tyr) 4:1 (pE4Y). Reactions were carried out in a solution containing
100 mM HEPES (pH 7.5), 10 mM MgCk, 25 mM NaCl, 1 mM DTT, 0.01% BSA and
2.5% DMSO. Final substrate concentrations in the assay were 90 ^iM ATP and 0.5mg/ml
pE4Y (both from Sigma Chemicals, St Louis, MO). The final concentration of a
compound of the present invention is generally between 0.01 and 5 nM. Typically, a 12-
point titration was conducted by preparing serial dilutions from 10 mM DMSO stock of
test compound. Reactions were carried out at room temperature.
Two assay solutions were prepared. Solution 1 contains 100 mM HEPES (pH
7.5), 10 mM MgCl2,25 mMNaCl, 1 mg/ml pE4Y and 180 MM ATP(containing 0.3nCi of
[Y-^^P]ATP for each reaction). Solution 2 contains 100 mM HEPES (pH 7.5), 10 mM
MgCb, 25 mM NaCl, 2 mM DTT, 0.02% BSA and 3 nM FLT-3. The assay was run on a
96 well plate by mixing 50nl each of Solution 1 and 2.5 ml of the compoimds of the
present invention. The reaction was initiated with Solution 2. After incubation for 20
minutes at room tanperature, the reaction was stopped with 50|4.1 of 20% TCA containing
0.4mM of ATP. All of the reaction volume was then transferred to a filter plate and
washed with 5% TCA by a Harvester 9600 fix)m TOMTEC (Hamden, CT). The amount
of ^^P incorporation into pE4y was analyzed by a Packard Top Count Microplate
Scintillation Counter (Meriden, CT). The data was fitted using Prism software to get an
ICso or Kf.
Compounds of formula V of the present invention were foimd to be inhibitors of
FLT-3.
Example 12
ICgn Determination for the Inhibition of Aurora in a Colo205 Cellular Assay
Compounds were also assayed for the inhibition of cell proliferation. In this
assay, a complete media was prepared by adding 10% fetal bovine serum, L-glutamine
and penicillin/streptomycin solution to RPMI1640 medimn (Sigma). Colon cancer cells
(COLO-205 cell line) were added to a 96 well plate at a seeding density of 1.25 x 104
cells/well/150 p,L. A solution of test compound was prepared in complete media by serial
dilution, the test compoimd solution (50 nL) was added to each per well.
Each plate contained a series of wells in which only complete media (200 |J.L) was
added to form a control group in order to measure maximal proUferation. A vehicle
control group was also added to each plate. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 2 days.
A stock solution of ^H-thymidine (1 mCi/mL, Amersham Phamacia UK) was diluted to
20 jiCi/mL in RPMI mediiim then 25 nL of this solution was added to each well. The
plates were further incubated at 37°C for 3 hours thea harvested and analyzed for 'H-
thymidine uptake using a liquid scintillation counter.
Compounds of formula V of the present invention were found to be inhibitors of
proliferation of Colo205 cancer cells.
Example 13
Measurement of Cell Proliferation in a Panel of Tumour and Normal Cell Types:
^H thymidine lucorDoration Assay
The ^H thymidine incorporation assay was chosen as a well characterized method
of determining cell proliferation. Cells from normal tissues and a wide variety of
different tumour types were diosen for analysis. Many of the tumour cells were selected
because they express high levels of Aurora proteins (e.g. MCF-7, PC3, A375, A549)
(See section 5.3.5 and Bischoffet al EMBO J. 1998 17, 3052-3065) and/or are able to
form tumours in nude mice or rats (e.g. HCT116, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231).
Logarithmically growing cells were incubated with compound for 96 hours. To
measure cell proliferation, 3 hours prior to the end of the experiment 0.5 ^iCi of ^H
thymidine was added to each well. Cells were then harvested, washed and the
incorporated radioactivity counted on a Wallac microplate beta-counter. To determine
the inhibition of proliferation, cpm were plotted versus compound concentration, and the
IC50 graphically determined.
Table 5 below sets forth the cell lines utilized in the above described cell
proliferation assay. For each cell line, the inhibition of cell proUferation and ^H
thymidine incorporation (96 hour time-point) was determined.

[00152] While "a number of embodimeats of this invention have been described, it is
apparent that tiie basic examples may be altered to provide other embodiments which
utilize the compounds and methods of this invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated
that the scope of this invention is to be defoied by the appended claims rather than by the
specific embodiments which have been represented by way of example.
WE CLAIM:
1. A substituted pyrimidinecompomid of fonnulaV:

or a pharmceutically accq)tiable denvative or salt th&eof, wheieui:
R' is fidected fC1-4n hydrogeo or Q^ aliphatic;
R3 is selected fcom C1-4 aliphatic;
R3 is selected fcom C1-4 alipbaiic; and
provided that Ifae compound is sot:

2. TliB compound as daimed in claim 1, wheirein R' is selected from hydrogen,
methyl, ediyl, t-butyl, or isopropyL
3. The compound as claimed in daim 2, vAierein R' is selected from methyl,
ethyl, or cyclopiopyL
4. The compound as claimed in. claim 3, wherein. R' is selected from methyl,
eihyl, t-butyU or cyclopropyL
7. A compositLon comprising a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6,
and a phannaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or vehicle.
8. A compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, or the composition
as claimed in claim 7, additionally compriskig an antiproliferative agent or a
chemotherapeutic agent, such as herein described.
9. A method of screening Aurora-1 in a biological sample, comprising contacting
said sample with:
(a) a compound as claimed in any of clahns 1 to 6; or
(b) a composition as claimed m claim 7.
10. A method of screening Aurora-2 in a biological sample, comprising contacting
said sample with:
(a) a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6; or
(b) a composition as claimed in claim 7.
11. A method of screening Aurora-3 in a biological sample, comprising contacting
said sample with:
(a) a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6; or
(b) a composition as claimed in claim 7.
12. A method of screening FLT-3 in a biological sample, comprising contacting
said sample with:
(a) a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6; or
(b) a composition as claimed in claim 7.
13. A compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, or a composition as
claimed in claim 7, for use in inhibiting Aurora-1, Aurora-2, or Aurora-3 and / or FLT-3
in a patient.
14. A compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, or a composition as
claimed in claim 7, for use in treating cancer.
15. A compound or composition for use as claimed in claim 14, comprising an
additional chemotherapeutic or anti-proliferative agent.
16. A compound or composition for use as claimed in claim 14 , wherein said
cancer is selected from melanoma, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, leukemia, or a cancer
selected from colon, breast, lung, kidney, ovary, pancreatic, renal, CNS, cervical, prostate,
or cancer of the gastric tract.
17. A compound or composition for use as claimed in claim 14, wherein said
cancer is selected from acute-myelogenous leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia
(ALL), mastocytosis or gastroiatestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
18. A compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, or a composition as
claimed in claim?, fortreatingorlessemngtheseverity of a cancer in a patient.
19. A compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, or a composition as
claimed in claim 7, for use with an additional therapeutic agent, wherein said additional
therapeutic agent is used prior to, sequentially with, or following a compound as claimed
in any one of claims 1 to 6, or a composition as claimed in claim 7.
20. A compound as claimed m any one of claims 1 to 6, or of a composition as
claimed in claim 7, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or lessening the
severity of a disease or disorder selected fi:om:
cancer;
melanoma, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, leukemia, or a cancer selected from colon,
breast, lung, kidney, ovary, pancreatic, renal, CNS, cervical, prostate, or cancer of
the gastric tract; or
acute-myelogenous leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL),
mastocytosis or gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
21. A compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, or of a composition as
claimed in claim 7, whereio. the medicament does not comprise an additional therapeutic
agent, and wherein said additional therapeutic agent is admiaistered to the patient prior to,
sequentially with or following administration of the medicament.

The instant invention discloses a substituted pyrimidine compound of formula V: or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or salt thereof, wherein: R5 is selected from hydrogen or C1-4 aliphatic; R6 is selected from C1-3 aliphatic; and R7 is selected from C1-4 aliphatic.

Documents:

36-KOLNP-2005-FORM-27.pdf

36-kolnp-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

36-kolnp-2005-granted-assignment.pdf

36-kolnp-2005-granted-claims.pdf

36-kolnp-2005-granted-correspondence.pdf

36-kolnp-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

36-kolnp-2005-granted-examination report.pdf

36-kolnp-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

36-kolnp-2005-granted-form 13.pdf

36-kolnp-2005-granted-form 18.pdf

36-kolnp-2005-granted-form 3.pdf

36-kolnp-2005-granted-form 5.pdf

36-kolnp-2005-granted-gpa.pdf

36-kolnp-2005-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

36-kolnp-2005-granted-specification.pdf


Patent Number 236587
Indian Patent Application Number 36/KOLNP/2005
PG Journal Number 46/2009
Publication Date 13-Nov-2009
Grant Date 11-Nov-2009
Date of Filing 14-Jan-2005
Name of Patentee VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
Applicant Address 130 WAVERLY STREET, CAMBRIDGE, MA
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 CHARRIER, JEAN-DAMIEN 2 EASTERFIELD GROVE, WANTAGE, OXFORDSHIRE OX12 7LL
2 MAZZEI, FRANCESCA 27 WEST QUAY, ABINGDON, OXFORDSHIRE OX14 5TL
3 KAY DAVID 4 CHURCH PATH PURTON, WILSHIRE SN5 9DR
4 MILLER ANDREW CHERRY COTTAGE, CHILTON ROAD, UPTON, OXFORDSHIRE OX11 9JL
PCT International Classification Number C07D 403/12
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2003/019266
PCT International Filing date 2003-06-19
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/411,609 2002-09-18 U.S.A.
2 60/390,658 2002-06-20 U.S.A.