Title of Invention | "CONDENSED IMIDAZOLO DERIVATIVES FOR THE INHIBITION OF ALDOSTERONE SYNTHASE AND AROMATASE" |
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Abstract | The present invention provides a compound of formula (I): Said compound is inhibitor of aldosterone synthase and aromatase, and thus can be employed for the treatment of a disorder or disease mediated by aldosterone synthase or aromatase. Accordingly, the compound of formula I can be used in treatment of hypokalemia, hypertension, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, renal failure, in particular, chronic renal failure, restenosis, atherosclerosis, syndrome X, obesity, nephropathy, post-myocardial infarction, coronary heart diseases, inflammation, increased formation of collagen, fibrosis such as cardiac or myocardiac fibrosis and remodeling following hypertension and endothelial dysfunction, gynecomastia, osteoporosis, prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, polycystic ovarian disease, infertility, fibrocystic breast disease, breast cancer and fibrocystic mastopathy. Finally, the present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition. |
Full Text | CONDENSED IMIDAZOLO DERIVATIVES FOR THE INHIBITION OF ALDOSTERONE SYNTHASE AND AROMATASE The present invention relates to novel imidazole derivatives that are used as aldosterone synthase and aromatase inhibitors, as well as for treatment of a disorde! or disease mediated by aldosterone synthase or aromatase. The present invention provides a compound of formula (I) (Formula Removed) wherein n is 1, or 2, or 3; R is hydrogen, (C1-C7) alkyl, or (C1-C7) alkenyl, said (C1-C7) alkyl and (C1-C7) alkenyl being optionally substituted by one to five substituents independently selected from the group consisting of-O-Rs and -N(R8)(R9), wherein R8 and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (C1-C7) alkyl, acyl, aryi and heteroaryl, each of which is further optionally substituted by one to four substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halo, (C1-C7) alkoxy and (C1-C7) alkyl; or R is -C(O)O-R10, or -C(O)N(R11)(R12), wherein R10, RH and Ri2 ara selected independently from the group consisting of hydrogen, (C1-C7) alkyl, (C3-C8) cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl-(C1-C7) alkyl, (C1-C7) haloalkyl and heteroaryl, each of which is further optionally substituted by one to four substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl, (C1-C7) alkoxy, (C1-C7) alkyl, and aryl, wherein RH and R12 taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached optionally form a 3-8-membered ring; RI, R2, Ra, R4, and Rs are selected independently from the group consisting of hydrogen, (C1-C7) alkenyl, (C1-C7) alkyl, (C3-C8) cycloalkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, H2N-, (C1-C7) haloalkyl, (C1-C7) alkoxy, (C3-C8) cycloalkoxy, aryloxy, aryl, heretoaryl, -C(O)OR10, and -N(R13)(R14), said (C1-C7) alkyl, (C1-C7) alkenyl, (C1-C7) alkoxy, aryl and heteroaryl being further optionally substituted by one to three substituents selected from (C1-C7) alkyl, hydroxyl, halo, (C1-C7) alkoxy, nitro, cyano, (C1-C7) dialkylamino, (C1-C7) alkoxy- (C1-C7) alky-, and (C1-C7) haloalkyl, said R10 having the same meanings as defined above, said R13 and R14 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (C1-C7) alkyl, (C3-C8) cycloalkyl, (C1-C7) haloalkyl, (C1-C7) haloalkoxy, aryl and cyano, with the proviso that no more than three of RI, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are simultaneously hydrogen; R13 and R14 taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached optionally form a 3-8-membered ring; R and RI taken together optionally form a 5-6-membered ring containing 0 or 1 heteroatom selected from O, N, or S; R6 and R7 are independently hydrogen, hydroxyl, (C1-C7) alkyl, (C1-C7) alkoxy, phenyl, or benzyl, wherein phenyl and benzyl are optionally substituted by one to four substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halo, (C1-C7) alkoxy and (C1-C7) alkyl; when Re and R7 are attached to the same carbon atom, they optionally form a moiety (A) represented by the following structure: (Structure Removed) wherein Ra and Rb are independently hydrogen, (C1-C7) alkyl, (C1-C7) alkoxy, acyl, -COOR16 or-COR15, said R15 being hydrogen, (C1-C7) alkyl, (C1-C7) haloalkyl, aryl, or -NH2; or when R8 and R7 are attached to the same carbon atom, they taken together with said carbon atom optionally form a 3-8-membered ring; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or an optical isomer thereof; or a mixture of optical isomers. Preferably, the present invention provides the compound of formula (I), wherein R is hydrogen, (C1-C4) alM, (C1-C4) alkenyl, -C(O)O-R10, or-C(0)N(R11)fR12), said (C1-C4) alkyl and (C1-C4) alkenyl are optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from hydroxyl, (C1-C4) alkoxy, halo, -NH2, or (C1-C4) dialkylamino; wherein R10, RH and R12 are independently hydrogen, (C1-C4) alkyl, (C8-C10) aryl-(Ci-C4) alkyl-, (C3-C8) cycloalkyl, or (C1-C4) alkenyl, each of which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from halo, hydroxyl, or (C1-C4) alkoxy; wherein RH and R12 taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached optionally form a 3-8-membered ring; RI, Ra, Rs, R-t, and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen, halo, cyano, ~NH2> (C1-C4) dialkylamino, (C1-C4) alkoxy, (C1-C4) alkenyl, (C1-C4) alkyl, (C1-C4) haloalkyl, (C6-C10) aryl, or (5-9)-membered heteroaryl, said (C1-C4) alkoxy, (C1-C4) alkenyl, (C1-C4) alkyl and (C6-C10) aryl being optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from halo, (C1-C4) alkoxy, (C1-C4) alkyl, -NH2, cyano, nitro, (C1-C4) a!koxy-(C1-C4) alkyl-, or (C1-C4) haloalkyl, with the proviso that no more than three of R1r R2, R3, R4, and R6 are simultaneously hydrogen; R and RI taken together optionally form a 5-6-membered ring containing 0 or 1 heteroatom selected from O, N, or S; R6 and R7 are independently hydrogen, (C1-C4) alkyl, (C3-C8) cycloalkyl, (C1-C4) alkoxy, phenyl, or benzyl, said phenyl and benzyl are optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from halo, (C1-C4) alkyl, or (C1-C4) alkoxy; when R6 and R7 are attached to the same carbon atom, they optionally form a moiety (A) described above, wherein Ra and Rb are independently hydrogen, or (C1-C4) alkyl, or Ra and Rb taken together with said carbon atom optionally form a 3-8-membei ed ring; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or an optical isomer thereof; or a mixture of optical isomers. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a compound of formula (II) (Formula Removed) wherein R, RI, R2, Rs, R-t, Rs, Re and R7 have the same meanings as those defined for formula (I) above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or an optical isomer thereof; or a mixture of optical isomers thereof; or a mixture of optical isomers thereof. Preferably, the present invention provides the compound of formu'n (II), wherein R is hydrogen, (C1-C4) alkyl, (C1-C4) alkenyl, -C(O)O-R10, or ~C(O)N(R1i)(R12), said (C1-C4) alkyl and (C1-C4) alkenyl are optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from hydroxyl, (C1-C4) alkoxy, halo, ~NH2, or (C1-C4) dialkylamino; wherein R1Q, RH and R12 are independently hydrogen, (C1-C4) alkyl, (C8-C10) aryl-(Cr C4) alkyl-, (C3-CB) cycloalkyl, or (C1-C4) alkenyl, each of which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from halo, hydroxyl, or (C1-C4) alkoxy; wherein R-11 and R12 taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached optionally form a 3-8-membered ring; RI, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen, hale, cyano, -NH2, (C1-C4) dialkylamino, (C1-C4) alkoxy, (C1-C4) alkenyl, (C1-C4) alkyl, (C1-C4) haloalkyl, (C6-C10) aryl, or (5-9)-membered heteroaryl, said (C1-C4) alkoxy, (C1-C4) alkenyl, (C1-C4) alkyl and (C6-C10) aryl being optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from halo, (C1-C4) alkoxy, (C1-C4) alkyl, -NH2, cyano, nitro, (C1-C4) alkoxy-(C1-C4) alkyl--, or (C1-C4) haloalkyl, with the proviso that no more than three of R1t R2, R3, R4, and R5 are simultaneously hydrogen; R and R! taken together optionally form a 5-6-membered ring containing 0 or 1 heteroatom selected from O, N, or S; 6 and R7 are independently hydrogen, (C1-C4) alkyl, (C3-C8) cycloalkyl, (C1-C4) alkoxy, phenyl, or benzyl, said phenyl and benzyl are optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from halo, (C1-C4) alkyl, or (C1-C4) alkoxy; when Ra and R7 are attached to the same carbon atom, they coticnally form a moiety (A) described above, wherein Ra and Rb are independently hydrogen, or (C1-C4) alkyl, or Ra and Rb taken together with said carbon atom optionally form a 3-8-membered ring; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or an optical isomer thereof; or a mixture of optical isomers. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound of formula (III) (Formula Removed) wherein R, RL R2l R3, R4, Rs, Ra and R7 have the same meanings as those defined for formula (I) above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or an optical isomer thereof; or a mixture of optical isomers thereof; or a mixture of optical isomers thereof. Preferably, the present invention provides the compound of formula (III), wherein R is hydrogen, (C1-C4) alkyl, (C1-C4) alkenyl, -C(O)0-R10, or-C(O)N(R11)(R12), said (C1-C4) alkyl and (C1-C4) alkenyl are optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from hydroxyl, (C1-C4) alkoxy, halo, -NH2, or (C1-C4 dialkylamino; wherein R10, R11 and R12 are independently hydrogen, (C1-C4) alkyl, (C8-C10) ary\-(C1-C4) alkyl--, (C3-C8) cycloalkyl, or (C1-C4) alkenyl, each of which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from halo, hydroxyl, or (C1-C4) alkoxy; wherein R11 and R12 taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached optionally form a 3-8-membered ring; RI, R2, Ra, R4, and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen, halo, cyano, --NH2, (C1-C4) dialkylamino, (C1-C4) alkoxy, (C1-C4) alkenyl, (C1-C4) alkyl, (C1-C4) haloalkyl, (C6-C10) aryl, or (5-9)-membered heteroaryl, said (C1-C4) alkoxy, (C1-C4) alkenyl, (C1-C4) alkyl and (C6-C10) aryl being optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from halo, (C1-C4) alkoxy, (C1-C4) alkyl, --NH2, cyano, nitro, (C1-C4) alkoxy-(C1-C4) alkyl-, or (C1-C4) haloalkyl, with the proviso that no more than three of R1t R2, R3, R4, and RB are simultaneously hydrogen; R and RI taken together optionally form a 5-6-membered ring containing 0 or 1 heteroatom selected from O, N, or S; Re and R7 are independently hydrogen, (C1-C4) alkyl, (C3-C8) cycloalkyl, (C1-C4) alkoxy, phenyl, or benzyl, said phenyl and benzyl are optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from halo, (C1-C4) alkyl, or (C1-C4) alkoxy; when when Re and R7 are attached to the same carbon atom, they optionally form a moiety (A) described above, wherein Ra and Rb are independently hydrogen, or (C1-C4) alkyl, or Ra and Rb taken together with said carbon atom optionally form a 3-8-membered ring; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or an optical isomer thereof; or a mixture of optical isomers. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound of formula (IV) (Formula Removed) wherein R, RI, R2, Ra, R4, Rs, Re and R7 have the same meanings as those defined for formula (I) above, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; or an optical isomer thereof; or a mixture of optical isomers thereof; or a mixture of optical isomers thereof. Preferably, the present invention provides the compound of formula (IV), wherein R is hydrogen, (C1-C4) alkyl, (C1-C4) alkenyl, -C(O)O-Ri0, or -C(O)N(R11)(R12), said (C1-C4) alkyl and (C1-C4) alkenyl are optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from hydroxyl, (C1-C4) alkoxy, halo, ~NH2, or (C1-C4) dialkylamino; wherein RIO, RH and Ri2 are independently hydrogen, (C1-C4) alkyl, (C8-C10) aryl-(Cr C4) alkyl-, (C3-C8) cycloalkyl, or (C1-C4) alkenyl, each of which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from halo, hydroxyl, or (C1-C4) alkoxy; wherein RH and R12 taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached optionally form a 3-8-membered ring; RI, R2, Ra, R4, and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen, halo, cyano, -NH2, (C1-C4) dialkylamino, (C1-C4) alkoxy, (C1-C4) alkenyl, (C1-C4) alkyl, (C1-C4) haloalkyl, (C6-C10) aryl, or (5-9)-membered heteroaryl, said (C1-C4) alkoxy, (C1-C4) alkenyl, (C1-C4) alkyl and (C6-C10) aryl being optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from halo, (C1-C4) alkoxy, (C1-C4) alkyl, ~NH2, cyano, nitro, (C1-C4) alkoxy-(C1-C4) alkyl-, or (d-C4) haloalkyl, with the proviso that no more than three of R1 R2, R8, R4, and R5 are simultaneously hydrogen; R and R! taken together optionally form a 5-6-membered ring containing 0 or 1 heteroatom selected from 0, N, or S; R6 and R7 are independently hydrogen, (C1-C4) alkyl, (C3-C8) cycloalkyl, (C1-C4) alkoxy, phenyl, or benzyl, said phenyl and benzyl are optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from halo, (C1-C4) alkyl, or (C1-C4) alkoxy; when R6 and R7 are attached to the same carbon atom, they optionally form a moiety (A) described above, wherein Ra and Rb are independently hydrogen, or (C1-C4) alkyl, or Ra and Rb taken together with said carbon atom optionally form a 3-8-membered ring; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or an optical isomer thereof; or a mixture of optical isomers. For purposes of interpreting this specification, the following definitions will apoly and whenever appropriate, terms used in the singular will also include the plural and vice versa. As used herein, the term "alky!" refers to a fully saturated branched or unbranched hydrocarbon moiety. Preferably the alkyl comprises 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 16 carbon atoms, 1 to 10 carbon atoms, 1 to 7 carbon atoms, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Representative examples of alkyl include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, /so-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, n-hexyl, 3-methylhexyl, 2,2- dimethylpentyl, 2,3-dimethylpentyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, n- decyl and the like. As used herein, the term "alkoxy" refers to alkyl-0-, wherein alkyl is defined herein above. Representative examples of alkoxy include, but are not limited tu, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, 2-propoxy, butoxy, tert-butoxy, pentyloxy, hexyloxy, cyclof-ropyloxy-, cycloiiexyloxy-and the like. As used herein, the term "lower alkoxy" refers to the alkoxy groups having about 1-7 preferably about 1-4 carbons. As used herein, the term "acyl" refers to a group R-C(O)- of from 1 to 10 carbon atoms of a straight, branched, or cyclic configuration or a combination thereof, attached to / the parent structure through carbonyl functionality. Such group may be saturated or unsaturated, and aliphatic or aromatic. Preferably, R in the acyl residue is alkyl, or alkoxy, or aryl, or heteroaryl. Also preferably, one or more carbons in the acyl residue may be replaced by nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur as long as the point of attachment to the parent remains at the carbonyl. Examples include but are not limited to, acetyl, benzoyl, proplonyl, isobutyryl, t-butoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl and the like. Lower acy) refers to acyl containing one to four carbons. As used herein, the term "cycloalkyl" refers to optionally substituted saturated or unsaturated monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic hydrocarbon groups of 3-12 carbon atoms, each of which may be substituted by one or more substituents, such as alkyl, halo, oxo, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkanoyl, acylamino, carbamoyl, alkylamino, dialkylamino, thiol, alkylthio, nitro, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamido, sulfamoyl, heterocycly! and the like. Exemplary monocyclic hydrocarbon groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexyl and cyclohexenyl and the like. Exemplary bicyclic hydrocarbon groups include bornyl, indyl, hexahydroindyl, tetrahydronaphthyi, decahydronaphthyl, bicyclo[2.1.1]hexyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptenyl, 6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]heptyl, 2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]heptyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl and the like. Exemplary tricyclic hydrocarbon groups include adamantyl and the iike. As used herein, the term "cycloalkoxy" refers to -O~cycloalkyl groups. The term "aryl" refers to monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon groups having 6-20 carbon atoms in the ring portion. Preferably, the aryl is a (C8-C10) aryl. Non-limiting examples include phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl or tetrahydronaphthyl, each of which may optionally be substituted by 1-4 substituents, such as alkyl, trifluoromethyl, cycloalkyl, halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, acyl, alkyl-C(O)-O-, aryl-O-, heteroaryl-O-, amino, HS-, alkyl-S--, aryl-S--, nitro, cyano, carboxy, alkyl-O-C(O)-, carbamoyl, alkyl-S(O)-, sulfonyl, sulfonamido, heterocyclyl and the like, wherein R is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryi, heteroaryl, aryl-alkyl-, heteroaryl-alkyl- and the like. Furthermore, the term "aryl" as used herein, refers to an aromatic substituent which can be a single aromatic ring, or multiple aromatic rings that are fused together, linked covalently, or linked to a common group such as a methylene or ethylene moiety. The common linking group also can be a carbonyl as in benzophenone or oxygen as in diphenylether or nitrogen as in diphenylamine. As used herein, the term "carbamoyl" refers to H2NC(O)-, alkyl-NHC(O)-, (alkyl)2NC(0)-, aryl-NHC(O)-, alkyl(aryl)-NC(O)-, heteroaryl-NHC(O)-, alkyl(heteroaryl)-NC(O)-, aryl-alkyl-NHC(O)-, alkyl(aryl-alkyl)-NC(O)- and the like. As used herein, the term "sulfonyl" refers to R-SO2~, wherein R is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, hereoaryl, aryl-alkyl, heteroaryl-alkyl, aryl-O-, heteroaryl-O-, alkoxy, aryloxy, cycloalkyl, or heterocyclyl. As used herein, the term "sulfonamido" refers to alkyl-S(0)2 -NH-, aryl-S(O)?.-NH-, aryl-alkyl-S(0)2-NH-, heteroaryl-S(O)2-NH-, heteroaryl-alkyl-S(O)2-NH-, alky!-S(O)2-N(alkyl)-, aryl-S(O)2-N(alkyl)-, aryl-alkyl-S(O)2-N(alkyl)-, heteroaryl-S(O)2-N(alkyl)-, heteroarrl-alkyl-S(O)2-N(alkyl)-and the like. As used herein, the term "heterocyclyl" or "heterocyclo" refers to an optionally substituted, fully saturated or unsaturated, aromatic or nonaromatic cyclic group, e.g., which is a 4- to 7-membered monocyclic, 7- to 12-membered bicyclic or 10- to 15-membered tricyclic ring system, which has at least one heteroatom in at least one carbon atom-containing ring. Each ring of the heterocyclic group containing a heteroatom may have 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen atoms, oxygen atoms and sulfur atoms, where the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may also optionally be oxidized. The heterocyclic group may be attached at a heteroatom or a carbon atom. Exemplary monocyclic heterocyclic groups include pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, oxetanyl, pyrazolinyl, imidazolyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, triazolyl, oxazolyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolinyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolyl, isothiazolidinyl. furyl, tetrahydrofuryl, thienyl, oxadiazolyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, 2-oxopyrrolodinyl, 2-oxoazepinyl, azepinyl, 4-piperidonyl, pyridyl, pyraziny!, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, morpholinyl, thiamorpholinyl, thiamorpholinyl sulfoxide, thiamorpholinyl sulfone, 1,3-dioxolane and tetrahydro-1,1-dioxothienyl, 1,1,4-trioxo-1,2,5-thiadiazolidin-2-yl and the like. Exemplary bicyclic heterocyclic groups include indolyl, dihydroidolyi, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazinyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothienyl, benzothiazinyl, quinuclidinyl, quinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, decahydroisoquinolinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzopyranyl, indolizinyl, benzofuryl, chromonyi, coumarinyl, benzopyranyl, cinnolinyl, quinoxalinyl, indazolyl, pyrrolopyridyl, furopyridinyl (such as furo[2,3-c]pyridinyl, furo[3,2-b]-pyridinyl] or furo[2,3-b]pyridinyl), dihydroisoindolyl, 1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydroisoindol-2-yl, dihydroquinazolinyl (such as 3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-quinazolinyl), phthalazinyl and the like. Exemplary tricyclic heterocyclic groups include carbazolyl, dibenzoazepinyl, dithienoazepinyl, benzindolyl, phenanthrolinyl, acridinyl, phenanthridinyl, phenoxazmyl, phenothiazinyl, xanthenyl, carbolinyl and the like. The term "heterocyclyl" further refers to heterocyclic groups as defined herein substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the groups consisting of the following: (a) alkyl; (b) hydroxyl (or protected hydroxy); (c) halo; (d) oxo, i.e., =O; (e) amino, alkylamino or dialkylamino; (f) alkoxy; (g) cycloalkyl; (h) carboxy; (i) heterocyclooxy, wherein heterocyclooxy denotes a heterocyclic group bonded through an oxygen bridge; G) alkyl-O-C(O)-; (k) mercapto; (I) nitro; (m) cyano; (n) sulfamoyl or sulfonamido; (o) aryl; (p) alkyl-C(0)-0»; (q) aryl-C(0)-0»; (r) aryl-S-; (s) aryloxy; (t) alkyl-S-; (u) formyl, i.e., HC(O)-; (v) carbamoyl; (w) aryl-alkyl-; and (x) aryl substituted with alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, hydroxy, amino, alkyl-C(O)-NH-, alkylamino, dialkylamino or halogen. As used herein, the term "sulfamoyl" refers to H2NS(O)2-, alkyl-NHS(O)2-, (alkyl)2NS(O)r, aryl-NHS(O)z-, alkyl(aryl)-NS(O)r, (aryl)2NS(O)r, heteroaryl-NHS(O)2-; aralkyl-NHS(O)2-, heteroaralkyl-NHS(0)2- and the like. As used herein, the term "aryloxy" refers to both an -O-aryl and an -O- heteroaryl group, wherein aryl and heteroaryl are defined herein. As used herein, the term "heteroaryl" refers to a 5-14 memberec! rrsonocyclic- or bicyclic- or fused polycyclic-ring system, having 1 to 8 heteroatoms selected from N O or S. Preferably, the heteroaryl is a 5-10 or 5-7 membered ring system. Typical hetercaryl groups include 2- or 3-thienyl, 2- or 3-furyl, 2- or 3-pyrrolyl, 2-, 4-, or 5-imidazolyi, 3-, 4-, or 5-pyrazolyl, 2-, 4-, or 5-thiazolyl, 3-, 4-, or 5-isothiazolyl, 2-, 4-, or 5-oxazolyl, 3-, 4--, or 5-isoxazolyl, 3- or 5-1,2,4-triazolyl, 4- or 5-1,2, 3-triazolyl, tetrazolyl, 2-, 3-, or4-pyridyl, 3- or 4-pyridazinyl, 3-, 4-, or 5-pyrazinyl, 2-pyrazinyl, 2-, 4-, or 5-pyrimidinyl. The term "heteroaryl" also refers to a group in which a heteroaromatic ring is fused to one or more aryl, cycloaliphatic, or heterocyclyl rings, where the radical or point of attachment is on the heteroaromatic ring. Nonlimiting examples include but are not limited to 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8- indolizinyl, 1-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-isoindolyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-indolyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-indazolyl, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8- purinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 7-, 8-, or 9-quinolizinyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-quinoliyl, 1-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, ?-, or 8-isoquinoliyl, 1-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-phthalazinyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-naphthyridinyl, 2-, ?-, 5-, 6-, 7~, v 8-quinazolinyl, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-cinnolinyl, 2-, 4-, 6-, or 7-pteridiny!, 1-. 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-4aH carbazolyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-carbzaolyl, 1-, 3-, 4-, 5-. 6-. 7-, 8-, or 9-carbolinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, or 10-phenanthridinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, or 9-acridinyl, 1-, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, or 9-perimidinyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 8-, 9-, or 10-phenathrolinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 7-, 8-, or 9-phenazinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, or 10-phenothiazinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, or 10-phenoxazinyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or I-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, or 10- benzisoqinolinyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, or thieno[2,3-b]furanyl, 2-, 3-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, or11-7H-pyrazino[2,3-c]carbazolyl,2-, 3-, 5-, 6-, or 7-2H- furo[3,2-b]-pyranyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 7-, or8-5H-pyrido[2,3-d]-o-oxazinyl, 1-, 3-, or5-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]-oxazolyl, 2-, 4-, or 5-4H-imidazo[4,5-d] thiazolyl, 3-, 5-, or 8-pyrazino[2,3-d]pyridazinyl, 2-, 3-, 5-, or 6-imidazo[2,1-b] thiazolyl, 1-, 3-, 6-, 7-, 8-, or 9-furo[3,4-c]cinnolinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6~, 8-, 9-, 10, or 11-4H-pyrido[2,3-c]carbazolyl, 2-, 3-, 6-, or7-imidazo[1,2-b][1l2,4]triazinyl, 7-benzo[b]thienyl, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-benzoxazolyl, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-benzirnidazolyl, 2-, 4-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-benzothiazolyl, 1-, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, or 9- benzoxapinyl, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-benzoxazinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, or 11-1H-pyrrolo[1,2-b][2]benzazapinyl. Typical fused heteroary groups include, but are not limited to 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-quinoiinyl, 1-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-isoquinolinyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-indolyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-benzo[b]thienyl, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-benzoxazolyl, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-benzimidazolyl, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-benzothiazolyl. A heteroaryl group may be mono-, bi-, tri-, or polycyclic, preferably mono-, bi-, or tricyclic, more preferably mono- or bicyclic. As used herein, the term "halogen" or "halo" refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo, and iodo. As used herein, the term "acylamino" refers to acyl-NH-, wherein "acyl" is defined herein. As used herein, the term "alkoxycarbonyl" refers to alkoxy-C(O)-, wherein alkoxy is defined herein. As used herein, the term "alkanoyl" refers to alkyl-C(O)-, wherein alkyl is defined herein. As used herein, the term "alkenyl" refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms and that contains at least one doub'e bonds. The alkenyl groups preferably have about 2 to 8 carbon atoms. As used herein, the term "haloalkyl" refers to an alkyl as defined herein, tnat is substituted by one or more halo groups as defined herein. Preferably the haloalkyl can be monohaloalkyl, dihaloalkyl or polyhaloalkyl including perhaloalkyl. A monohaloalkyi can have one iodo, bromo, chloro or fluoro within the alkyl group. Dihaloalkyl and poiyhaloalkyl groups can have two or more of the same halo atoms or a combination of different halo groups within the alkyl. Preferably, the polyhaloalkyl contains up to 12,10, or 8, or 6, or 4, or 3, or 2 halo groups. Non-limiting examples of haloalkyl include fhoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethy!: pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyi and dichloropropyl. A perhaloalkyl refers to an alkyi having all hydrogen atoms replaced with halo atoms. As used herein, the term "haloalkoxy" refers to haloalkyl-O-, wherein haloalkyl is defined herein. As used herein, the term "alkylamino" refers to alkyl-NH-, wherein alkyl is defined herein. As used herein, the term "dialkylamino" refers to (alkyl)(alkyl)N•-, wherein alkyl is defined herein. As used herein, the term "isomers" refers to different compounds that have the same molecular formula. Also as used herein, the term "an optical isomer" refers to any of the various stereo isomeric configurations which may exist for a given compound of the present invention and includes geometric isomers. It is understood that a substituent "nay be attached at a chiral center of a carbon atom. Therefore, the invention includes enantiomers, diastereomers or racemates of the compound. "Enantiomers" are a pair of stereoisomers that are non- superimposable mirror images of each other. A 1:1 mixture of a pair of enantiomers is a "racemic" mixture. The term is used to designate a racemic mixture where appropriate. "Diastereoisomers" are stereoisomers that have at least two asymmetric atoms, but which are not mirror-images of each other. The absolute stereochemistry is specified according to the Cahn- Ingold- Prelog R-S system. When a compound is ?. pure enantiomer the stereochemistry at each chiral carbon may be specified by either R or S. Resolved compounds whose absolute configuration is unknown can be designated (+} or (-) depending on the direction (dextro- or levorotatory) which they rotate plane polarized light at the wavelength of the sodium D line. Additionally, resolved compounds whose absolute configuration is unknown can be designated by high pressure liquid chromatognaphy (HPLC) retention time (tr) using a chiral adsorbent. Certain of the compounds described herein contain one or more asymmetric centers and may thus give rise to enantiomers, diastereomers, and other stereoisomeric forms that may be defined, in terms of absolute stereochemistry, as (R)- or (S)-. The present invention is meant to include all such possible isomers, including racemic mixtures, optically pure forms and intermediate mixtures. Optically active (R)- and (S)- isomers may be prepared using chiral synfhons or chiral reagents, or resolved using conventional techniques. If the compound contains a double bond, the substituent may be E or Z configuration. If the compound contains a disubstituted cycloalkyl, the cycloalkyl substituent may have a cis- or trans-configuration. All tautomeric forms are also intended to be included. As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable salts" refers to salts that retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the compounds of this invention and, which are not biologically or otherwise undesirable. In many cases, the compounds of the present invention are capable of forming acid and/or base salts by virtue of the presence of amino and/or carboxyl groups or groups similar thereto. Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts can be formed with inorganic acids and organic acids. Inorganic acids from which salts can be derived include, for example, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulf'inc acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like. Organic acids from which salts can be derived include, for example, acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citrc acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid, and the like. Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts can be formed with inorganic and organic bases. Inorganic bases from which salts can be derived include, for example, sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, aluminum, and the like; particularly preferred are the ammonium, potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium salts. Organic bases from which salts can be derived include, for example, primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally occurring substituted amines, cyclic amines, basic ion exchange resins, and the like, specifically such as isopropylamine, trimethylamine. diethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, and ethanolamine. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present invention can be synthesized from a parent compound, a basic or acidic moiety, by conventional chemical methods. Generally, such salts can be prepared by reacting free acid forms of these compounds with a stoichiometric amount of the appropriate base (such as Na, Ca, Mg, or K hydroxide, carbonate, bicarbonate, or the like), or by reacting free base forms of these compounds with a stoichiometric amount of the appropriate acid. Such reactions are typically carried out in water or in an organic solvent, or in a mixture of the two. Generally, non-aqueous media like ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, isopropanol, or acetonitrile are preferred, where practicable. Lists of additional suitable salts can be found, e.g., in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 20th ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., (1985), which is herein incorporated by reference. As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, surfactants, antioxidants, preservatives (e.g., antibacterial agents, antifungal agents), isotonic agents, absorption delaying agents, salts, preservatives, drugs, drug stabilizers, binders, excipients, disintegration agents, lubricants, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, dyes, such like materials and combinations thereof, as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art (see, for example, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Ed. Mack Printing Company, 1990, pp. 1289-1329, incorporated herein by reference). Except insofar as any conventional carrier is incompatible with the active ingredient, its use in the therapeutic or pharmaceutical compositions is contemplated. The term "therapeutically effective amount" of a compound of the present invention refers to an amount of the compound of the present invention that will elicit the biological or medical response of a subject, or ameliorate symptoms, slow or delay disease progression, or prevent a disease, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the "effective amount1" refers to the amount that inhibits or reduces expression of either aldosterone synthase or aromatase. As used herein, the term "subject" refers to an animal. Preferably, the animal is a mammal. A subject also refers to for example, primates (e.g., humans), cows, sheep, goats, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, mice, fish, birds and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the subject is a human. As used herein, the term "a disorder" or" a disease" refers to any derangement or abnormality of function; a morbid physical or mental state. See Demand's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, (W.B. Saunders Co. 27th ed. 1988). As used herein, the term "inhibition" or "inhibiting" refers to the reduction or suppression of a given condition, symptom, or disease, or a significant decrease in the baseline activity of a biological activity or process. Preferably, the condition is due to the abnormal expression of aldosterone synthase or aromatase and the biological activity or process is associated with the abnormal expression of aldosterone synthase or aromatase. As used herein, the term "treating" or "treatment" of any disease or disorder refers in one embodiment, to ameliorating the disease or disorder (i.e., arresting or reducing the development of the disease or at least one of the clinical symptoms thereof). In another embodiment "treating" or "treatment" refers to ameliorating at least one physical parameter, which may not be discernible by the patient. In yet another embodiment, "treating" or "treatment" refers to modulating the disease or disorder, either physically, (e.g., stabilization of a discernible symptom), physiologically, (e.g., stabilization of a physical parameter), or both. In yet another embodiment, "treating" or "treatment" refers to preventing or delaying the onset or development or progression of the disease or disorder. As used herein, the term "abnormal" refers to an activity or feature which differs from a normal activity or feature. As used herein, the term "abnormal activity" refers to an activity which differs from the activity of the wild- type or native gene or protein, or which differs from the activity of the gene or protein in a healthy subject. The abnormal activity can be stronger or weaker than the normal activity. In one embodiment, the "abnormal activity" includes the abnormal (either over- or under-) production of mRNA transcribed from a gene. In another embodiment, the "abnormal activity" includes the abnormal (either over- or under-) production of polypeptide from a gene. In another embodiment, the abnormal activity refers to a level of a mRNA or polypeptide that is different from a normal level of said mRNA or polypeptide by about 15%, about 25%, about 35%, about 50%, about 65%, about 85%, about 100% or greater. Preferably, the abnormal level of the mRNA or polypeptide can be either higher or lower than the normal level of said mRNA or polypeptide. Yet in another embodiment, the abnormal activity refers to functional activity of a protein that is different from a normal activity of the wild-type protein, due to mutations in the corresponding gene. Preferably, the abnormal activity can be stronger or weaker than the normal activity. The mutations can be in the coding region of the gene or non-coding regions such as transcriptional promoter regions. The mutations can be substitutions, deletions, insertions. As used herein, the term "a," "an," "the" and similar terms used in the context of the present invention (especially in the context of the claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and plural unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. Any asymmetric carbon atom on the compounds of the present invention can be present in the (R)-, (S)- or (R,S)- configuration, preferably in the (R)- or (S)- configuration. Substituents at atoms with unsaturated bonds may, if possible, be present in cis- (Z)- or trans (£)- form. Therefore, the compounds of the present invention can be in the form of one of the possible isomers or mixtures thereof, for example, as substantially pure geometric (cis or trans) isomers, diastereomers, optical isomers (antipodes), racemates or mixtures thereof. Any resulting mixtures of isomers can be separated on the basis of the physicochemical differences of the constituents, into the pure geometric or optical isomers, diastereomers, racemates, for example, by chromatography and/or fractional crystallization. Any resulting racemates of final products or intermediates can be resolved into the optical antipodes by known methods, e.g., by separation of the diastereomeric salts thereof, obtained with an optically active acid or base, and liberating the optically active acidic or basic compound. In particular, the imidazolyl moiety may thus be employed to resolve the compounds of the present invention into their optical antipodes, e.g., by fractional crystallization of a salt formed with an optically active acid, e.g., tartaric acid, dibenzoyl tartaric acid, diacetyl tartaric acid, di-0,0'-p-toluoyl tartaric acid, mandelic acid, malic acid or camphor-10-sulfonic acid. Racemic products can also be resolved by chiral chromatography, e.g., high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a chiral adsorbent. Finally, compounds of the present invention are either obtained in the free form, as a salt thereof, or as prodrug derivatives thereof. When a basic group is present in the compounds of the present invention, the compounds can be converted into acid addition salts thereof, in particular, acid addition salts with the imidazolyl moiety of the structure, preferably pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These are formed, with inorganic acids or organic acids. Suitable inorganic acids include but are not limited to, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, a phosphoric or hydrohalic acid. Suitable organic acids include but are not limited to, carboxylic acids, such as (Cr C4)alkanecarboxylic acids which, for example, are unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, e.g., acetic acid, such as saturated or unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, e.g., oxalic, succinic, maleic or fumaric acid, such as hydroxycarboxylic acids, e.g., glycolic, lactic, malic, tartaric or citric acid, such as amino acids, e.g., aspartic or glutamic acid, organic sulfonic acids, such as (CrC4)alkylsulfonic acids, e.g., methanesulfonic acid; or arylsulfonic acids which are unsubstituted or substituted, e.g., by halogen. Preferred are salts formed with hydrochloric acid, methanesulfonic acid and maleic acid. When an acidic group is present in the compounds of the present invention, the compounds can be converted into salts with pharmaceutically acceptable bases. Such salts include alkali metal salts, like sodium, lithium and potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts, like calcium and magnesium salts; ammonium salts with organic bases, e.g., trimethylamine salts, diethylamine salts, fr/s(hydroxymethyl)methylamine salts, dicyclohexylamine salts and W-methyl-D-glucamine salts; salts with amino acids like arginine, lysine and the like. Salts may be formed using conventional methods, advantageously in the presence of an ethereal or alcoholic solvent, such as a lower alkanol. From the solutions of the latter, the salts may be precipitated with ethers, e.g., diethyl ether. Resulting salts may be converted into the free compounds by treatment with acids. These or other salts can also be used for purification of the compounds obtained. When both a basic group and an acid group are present in the same molecule, the compounds of the present invention can also form internal salts. The present invention also provides pro-drugs of the compounds of the present invention that converts in vivo to the compounds of the present invention. A pro-drug is an active or inactive compound that is modified chemically through in vivo physiological action, such as hydrolysis, metabolism and the like, into a compound of this invention following administration of the prodrug to a subject. The suitability and techniques involved in making and using pro-drugs are well known by those skilled in the art. Prodrugs can be -conceptually divided into two non-exclusive categories, bioprecursor prodrugs and carrier prodrugs. See The Practice of Medicinal Chemistry, Ch. 31-32 (Ed. Wermuth, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif., 2001). Generally, bioprecursor prodrugs are compounds are inactive or have low activity compared to the corresponding active drug compound, that contains one or more protective groups and are converted to an active form by metabolism or solvolysis. Both the active drug form and any released metabolic products should have acceptably low toxicity. Typically, the formation of active drug compound involves a metabolic process or reaction that is one of the follow types: 1. Oxidative reactions, such as oxidation of alcohol, carbonyl, and acid functions, hydroxyation of aliphatic carbons, hydroxyation of aiicyclic carbon atoms, oxidation of aromatic carbon atoms, oxidation of carbon-carbon double bonds, oxidation of nitrogen-containing functional groups, oxidation of silicon, phosphorus, arsenic, and sulfur, oxidative N-delakyiation, oxidative O- and S-delakylation, oxidative deamination, as well as other oxidative reactions. 2. Reductive reactions, such as reduction of carbonyl groups, reduction of alcoholic groups and carbon-carbon double bonds, reduction of nitrogen-containing functions groups, and other reduction reactions. 3. Reactions without change in the state of oxidation, such as hydrolysis of esters and ethers, hydrolytic cleavage of carbon-nitrogen single bonds, hydrolytic cleavage of non-aromatic heterocycles, hydration and dehydration at multiple bonds, new atomic linkages resulting from dehydration reactions, hydrolytic dehalogenation, removal of hydrogen halide molecule, and other such reactions. Carrier prodrugs are drug compounds that contain a transport moiety, e.g., that improve uptake and/or localized delivery to a site(s) of action. Desirably for such a carrier prodrug, the linkage between the drug moiety and the transport moiety is a covalent bond, the prodrug is inactive or less active than the drug compound, and any released transport moiety is acceptably non-toxic. For prodrugs where the transport moiety is intended to enhance uptake, typically the release of the transport moiety should be rapid. In other cases, it is desirable to utilize a moiety that provides slow release, e.g., certain polymers or other moieties, such as cyclodextrins. See, Cheng et at., US20040077595, application Ser. No. 10/656,838, incorporated herein by reference. Such carrier prodrugs are often advantageous for orally administered drugs. Carrier prodrugs can, for example, be used to improve one or more of the following properties: increased lipophilicity, increased duration of pharmacological effects, increased site-specificity, decreased toxicity and adverse reactions, and/or improvement in drug formulation (e.g., stability, water solubility, suppression of an undesirable organoleptic or physiochemical property). For example, lipophilicity can be increased by esterification of hydroxy groups with lipophilic carboxylic acids, or of carboxylic acid groups with alcohols, e.g., aliphatic alcohols. Wermuth, The Practice of Medicinal Chemistry, Ch. 31-32, Ed. Werriuth, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif., 2001. Exemplary prodrugs are, e.g., esters of free carboxylic acids and S-acyl and O-acyl derivatives of thiols, alcohols or phenols, wherein acyl has a meaning as defined herein. Preferred are pharmaceutically acceptable ester derivatives convertible by solvolysis under physiological conditions to the parent carboxylic acid, e.g., lower alkyl esters, cycloalkyl esters, lower alkenyl esters, benzyl esters, mono- or di-substituted lower alkyl esters, such as the o-(amino, mono- or di-lower alkylamino, carboxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl)-lower alkyl esters, the a-(lower alkanoyloxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl or di-lower alkylaminocarbonyl)-lower alkyl esters, such as the pivaloyloxymethyl ester and the like conventionally used in the art. In addition, amines have been masked as arylcarbonyloxymethyl substituted derivatives which are cleaved by esterases in vivo releasing the free drug and formaldehyde (Bundgaard, J. Med. Chem. 2503 (1989)). Moreover, drugs containing an acidic NH group, such as imidazole, imide, indole and the like, have been masked with N-acyloxymethyl groups (Bundgaard, Design of Prodrugs, Elsevier (1985)). Hydroxy groups have been masked as esters and ethers. EP 039,051 (Sloan and Little) discloses Mannich-base hydroxamic acid prodrugs, their preparation and use. In view of the close relationship between the compounds, the compounds in the form of their salts and the pro-drugs, any reference to the compounds of the present invention is to be understood as referring also to the corresponding pro-drugs of the compounds of the present invention, as appropriate and expedient. Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention, including their salts, can also be obtained in the form of their hydrates, or include other solvents used for their crystallization. The compounds of the present invention have valuable pharmacological properties. The compounds of the present invention are useful as aldosterone synthase inhibitors. Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) is a mitcohcondrial cytochrome P450 enzyme catalyzing the last step of aldosterone production in the adrenal cortex, i.e., the conversion of 11-deoxycorticosterone to aldosterone. Aldosterone synthase has been demonstrated to be expressed in all cardiovascular tissues such as heart, umbilical cord, mesenteric and pulmonary arteries, aorta, endothelium and vascular cells. Moreover, the expression of aldosterone synthase is closely correlated with aldosterone production in cells. It has been observed that elevations of aldosterone activities or aldosterone levels induce different diseases such as congestive heart failure, cardiac or myocardial fibrosis, renal failure, hypertension, ventricular arrhythmia and other adverse effects, etc., and that the inhibition of aldosterone or aldosterone synthase would be useful therapeutic approaches. See e.g., Ulmschenider et al. "Development and evaluation of a pharmacophore model for inhibitors of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2),° Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 16: 25-30 (2006); Bureik et al., "Development of test systems for the discovery of selective human aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) and 118-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) inhibitors, discovery of a new lead compound for the therapy of congestive heart failure, myocardial fibrosis and hypertension," Moleculare and Cellular Endocrinology, 217: 249-254 (2004); Bos et al., "Inhibition of catechnolamine-induced cardiac fibrosis by an aldosteron antagonist," J. Cardiovascular Pharmacol, 45(1): 8-13 (2005); Jaberand Madias, "Progression of chronic kidney disease: can it be prevented or arrested?" Am. J. Med. 118(12): 1323-1330 (2005); Khan and Movahed, "The role of aldosterone and aldosterone-receptor antagonists in heart failure," Rev. Cardiovasc Med., 5(2): 71-81 (2004); Struthers, "Aldosterone in heart failure: pathophysiology and treatment," Cyrr. Heart Fail., 1(4): 171-175( 2004); Harris and Rangan, "Retardation of kidney failure - applying principles to practice," Ann. Acad. Med. Singapore, 34(1): 16-23 (2005); Arima, "Aldosterone and the kidney: rapid regulation of renal microcirculation," Steroids, online publication November 2005; Brown, "Aldosterone and end-organ damage," Curr. Opin. Nephrol Hypertens, 14:235-241 (2005); Grandi, "Antihypertensive therapy: role of aldosteron antagonists," Curr. Pharmaceutical Design, 11: 2235-2242 (2005); Declayre and Swynghedauw, "Molecular mechanisms of myocardial remodeling: the role of aldosterone," J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol., 34:1577-1584 (2002). Accordingly, the compounds of the present invention as aldosterone synthase inhibitors, are also useful for treatment of a disorder or disease mediated by aldosterone synthase or responsive to inhibition of aldosterone synthase. In particular, the compounds of the present invention as aldosterone synthase inhibitors are useful for treatment of a disorder or disease characterized by abnormal aldosterone synthase activity. Preferably, the compounds of the present invention are also useful for treatment of a disorder or disease selected from hypokalemia, hypertension, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, renal failure, in particular, chronic renal failure, restenosis, atherosclerosis, syndrome X, obesity, nephropathy, post-myocardial infarction, coronary heart diseases, inflammation, increased formation of collagen, fibrosis such as cardiac or myocardiac fibrosis and remodeling following hypertension and endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, the compounds of the present inventions are useful as aromatase inhibitors. Aromatase is a cytochrome P450 enzyme, it plays a central role in the extragonadal biosynthesis of estrogens such as estradiol, estrone and estrol, and is widely distributed in muscular and adipose tissue (Longcope C, Pratt J H, Schneider S H, Fineberg S E, 1977, J. din. Endocrinol. Metab. 45:1134-1145). An increase in aromatase activity has been confirmed to be associated with estrogen-dependent disorders or diseases. Accordingly, the compounds of the present invention are also useful for treatment of a disorder or disease characterized by abnormal expression of aromatase. Preferably, the compounds of the present invention are useful for treatment of an estrogen-dependent disorder or disease. More preferably, the compounds of the present invention are useful for treatment of an estrogen-dependent disorder or disease selected from gynecomastia, osteoporosis, prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, polycystic ovarian disease, infertility, fibrocystic breast disease, breast cancer and fibrocystic mastopathy. . Additionally, the present invention provides: - a compound of the present invention for use as a medicament; - the use of a compound of the present invention for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the delay of progression and/or treatment of a disorder or disease mediated by aldosterone synthase, or responsive to inhibition of aldosterone synthase, or characterized by abnormal activity or expression of aldosterone synthase. - the use of a compound of the present invention for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the delay of progression and/or treatment of a disorder or disease mediated by aromatase, or responsive to inhibition of aromatase, or characterized by abnormal activity or expression of aromatase. - the use of a compound of the present invention for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the delay of progression and/or treatment of a disorder or disease selected from hypokalemia, hypertension, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, renal failure, in particular, chronic renal failure, restenosis, atherosclerosis, syndrome X, obesity, nephropathy, post-myocardial infarction, coronary heart diseases, increased formation of collagen, fibrosis such as cardiac or myocardiac fibrosis and remodeling following hypertension and endothelial dysfunction. - the use of a compound of the present invention for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the delay of progression and/or treatment of a disorder or disease selected from gynecomastia, osteoporosis, prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, polycystic ovarian disease, infertility, fibrocystic breast disease, breast cancer and fibrocystic mastopathy. The compounds of formula (I)-(IV) can be prepared by the procedures described in the following sections. Generally, the compounds of formula (II) can be prepared according to Scheme 1, which contains 13 steps. Scheme 1 (Scheme Removed) As to the individual steps in the above scheme, step 1 involves the introduction of a suitable protecting group on N1 of the imidazole of (V), preferably triphenylmethyl, by reacting (V) with a suitable reagent such as triphenylmethyl chloride, in the presence of pyridine. Step 2 involves the reduction of the carboxylic acid with a suitable reducing reagent, preferably BH3«THF complex. Step 3 involves the protection of the alcohol resulting from step 2 as a silyl ether, preferably as f-butyldimethylsilyl ether, witn a suitable reagent such as f-butyldimethylsilyl chloride in the presence of a suitable base, preferably Et3N or imidazole, and an aprotic solvent, preferably DMF or CH2CI2 to provide (VI). Alternatively (VI) can be prepared from (V) by a four step sequence. In step 1 (V) is converted to the corresponding methyl ester upon reaction with methanol in the presence of an acid, preferably HCI. Step 2 involves the protection of N1 of the imidazole, preferably with triphenylmethyl, upon reaction with triphenylmethyl chloride in the presence of a suitable base, preferably Et3N. Step 3 involves the reduction of the ester formed in step 1 upon reaction with a suitable reducing reagent, preferably LiAIH,, in an aprotic solvent, preferably THF. Step 4 involves the protection of the resulting alcohol moiety as a silyl ether to as described in step 3 of the preceding paragraph to provide (VI). tep 4 involves the reaction of a (VI) with the appropriate alkylating reagent (VII), such as X = Br, in an aprotic solvent, preferably CH3CN to provide (VIII). Alkylating agents (VII) or (IX) may be prepared by treatment of the corresponding toluene or phenyl acetic acid ester derivative with a suitable brominating agent, e.g. NBS, in the presence of a suitable radical initiator, such as AIBN or benzoy! peroxide. Alternatively, alkylating agents (VII) may be generated by conversion of a substituted benzyl alcohol to the corresponding halide by treatment with, for example, CBr4 and PPh3. Step 6 involves the reaction of (VIII) with a suitable base, preferably LHMDS, and suitable electrophilic reagent, preferably cyanomethylformate or chloromethylformate. Step 7 involves the removal of the f-butyldimethylsilyl protecting group upon treatment with acid, preferably HCI, to provide ester (X). Alternatively (X) can be prepared by alkylation of (VI) with an appropriate alkylating reagent (IX), preferably where X = Br, shown in step 5 followed by removal of the silyi i protecting group as described in step 7. Step 8 involves conversion of alcohol (X) to a suitable leaving group, preferably mesylate, by reacting (X) with methanesulfonyl chloride in the presence of a suitable base, preferably Et3N, and an aprotic solvent, preferably CH2CI2. Step 9 involves the intramolecular alkylation upon reaction of the mesylate from step 8 with a suitable base, preferably Et3N, in a polar aprotic solvent, preferably DMF or CH3CN, to provide compounds of formula (1) where R = CO2alkyl. Additionally, compounds from step 9 where R = CO2alkyl, can be treated with a suitable metal alkoxide, preferably lithium hydroxide in a solvent, for example H2O and THF, to provide compounds from step 10 where R = CO2H. Step 11 involves decarboxylation of the compounds, where R = CO2H upon heating in a suitable solvent, preferably DMSO, to provide compounds from step 12 where R = H. Additional compounds of formula (I) may be prepared from conversion of carboxylic acid (I), where R = CO2H, into the corresponding acid chloride upon treatment with a suitable chlorinating reagent, preferably oxalyl chloride, in an aprotic solvent, preferably CH2Cl2. The acid chloride obtained is then reacted with the appropriate nucleophile, preferably an alcohol or an amine, in the presence of a suitable base to provide compounds of formula (I) where R = CO2Rio or CO2NRnNR12 (step 12). Alternatively, the compounds of formula (II) can be prepared according to Scheme 2, which contains four steps. Scheme 2 (Scheme Removed) As to the individual steps in the Scheme 2 above, step 1 involves reduction of the known carboxyiic ester (XI) to the corresponding aldehyde (XII) upon treatment with a suitable reducing reagent, preferably DIBAL-H, and an aprotic solvent, preferably CH2CI2. Step 2 involves the reaction of aldehyde (XII) with an appropriate organometallic reagent (XIII), preferably where M = Li, MgBr, or MgCI, to provide alcohol (XIV). The organometallic reagents (XIII) are obtained from commercial sources or generated under standard conditions by the action of a strong base, e.g. n-BuLi. Step 3 involves the conversion of the alcohol moiety in (XIV) to a leaving group, preferably mesylate, upon reaction of (XIV) with methanesulfonyl chloride, and a suitable base, preferably Et3N, in a solvent, preferably CH2CI2. Step 4 involves the intramolecular N3 alkylation of the imidazole upon warming the mesylate prepared in step 3 in a polar aprotic solvent, preferably CH3CN or DMFto provide compounds of formula (If). Alternatively, the compounds of formula (II) can be prepared from other compounds of formula (II), where R1t R2, or R3 represent a halogen or pseudo halogen, e.g., bromide or triflate by palladium or copper catalyzed coupling of a alkyl, alkenyl, or aryl borortic acid, boronic ester, or boroxine; organostannane; organozinc; metal alkoxide; alcohol; amide; or the like to yield the corresponding alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, or acylamino analog. These transformations involve the conversion of compounds of formula (II) where R^ R2, and/or R3 may be equal to a halogen or pseudohalogen, such as Br, to compounds of formula (II) where R1f R2, and/or R3 may be alkyl or aryl by Suzuki cross-coupling with a boronic acid, or the like, in the presence of a catalyst, preferably Pd(PPh3)4, a base, preferably potassium hydroxide and sodium carbonate, to provide compounds of formula (II). Additional compounds of formula (II) are prepared from existing compounds of formula (II) by independent manipulation of radicals R, R,, R2, Ra, RA, and R6 by methods known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, reduction of a nitro group to an aniline or reduction of an ester to an alcohol. Alternatively, the compounds of formula (II) can be prepared according to Scheme 3, which contains three steps. Scheme 3 (Scheme Removed) As to the individual steps in Scheme 3, Step 1 involves alkylation of N3 of imidazole (XV) with electrophiles (VII) to provide (XVI). Step 2 involves the conversion of the alcohol of (XVI) to a leaving group, preferably chloride, upon reaction with a suitable chlorinating reagent, preferably thionyl chloride. Step 3 involves the intramolecular alkylation upon reaction of the chloride resulting from step 2 with a base, preferably LDA, to provide compounds of the formula (II) where R = H. Generally, compounds of formula (III) or (IV) can be prepared according to Scheme 4 by analogy to the cyclization described above as step 2 and 3 in Scheme 3 for the preparation of (II), e.g. by conversion of an alcohol (XVII) to a suitable leaving group, preferably the chloride generated by treatment with SOCb, followed by deprotonation with strong base, such as f-BuOK, LDA, or LHMDS, or the like, to effect cyclization of the resultant anion onto the leaving group. Scheme 4 (Scheme Removed) Alternatively, compounds of formula (III) or (IV) can be prepared according to Scheme 5, by conversion of a secondary alcohol (XVIIII) to a suitable leaving group, e.g. chloride or mesylate (step 1), and subsequent intramolecular cyclization (step 2) by analogy to steps 3 and 4 of Scheme 2 above. Scheme 5 (Scheme Removed) Additionally, compounds of formula (III) or (IV) are prepared from existing compounds of formula (III) or (IV) by independent manipulation of radicals R, RI, R2, R3, R the corresponding alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, or acylamino analog. These transformations involve the conversion of compounds of formula (III) or (IV) where RI, R2, and/or R3 may be equal to a halogen or pseudohalogen, such as Br, to compounds of formula (III) or (IV) where R^ R2, and/or R3 may be alkyl or aryl by Suzuki cross-coupling with a boronic acid, or the like, in the presence of a catalyst, preferably Pd(PPh3)4, a base, preferably potassium hydroxide and sodium carbonate, to provide compounds of formula (III) or (IV). Additional compounds of formula (III) or (IV) are generated by treatment of compounds (III) or (IV) wrier R=H with a strong base, for example LHMDS, followed by a suitable elecrophile, for example methyl iodide or allyl bromide to give compounds of formula (HI) or (IV) where R is not equal to H. Additionally, compounds of formula (I) are generated from existing compounds of formula (I) where R and R! are not equal to H and R and RI may be reacted to form compounds where R and RI together comprise a ring. Intermediate alcohols (XVII) are prepared by deprotection of a silyl ether (XIX), preferably a TBS ether, under, for example, acidic conditions or by reduction of the analogous ester (XX), preferably with NaBH4, according to Scheme 6. Scheme 6 (Scheme Removed) Ethers (XIX) and esters (XX) are generated by A/-alkylation of a suitably protected imidazoles (XXI) or (XXII), respectively, utilizing a suitable electrophile (VII) according to Scheme 7. Scheme? (Scheme Removed)The N-protected imidazole intermediates (XXI) and (XXII) are prepared according to Scheme 8. Esterification of acid (XXIII) with an alcohol, preferably methano! or ethanol,. under acidic conditions followed by protection of the imidazole nitrogen, preferably as the N-trityl analog gives (XXII), with RB and R7 equal to hydrogen. Reduction of (XXII) to the alcohol by a suitable reducing agent, preferably NaBH4, followed by protection as the TBS ether gives (XXI). Esters (XXII) where Re and R7 are not both hydrogen are generated by alkylation of esters (XXII) with a suitable electrophile, e.g. a benzyl bromide, under basic conditions. Conversion of the ester (XXII) to ether (XXI) with Ra and R? not both hydrogen may be effected by reduction and protection of the resultant alcohol by analogy to above. Substituents R8 and/or R? not equal to hydrogen may be introduced to the carbon adjacent to the imidazole by treatment of ester (XXV) with a suitable base, e.g. LDA, and electrophile, such as methyl iodide. Esters (XXII) where R7 equals H may be generated by Wittig olefination of ketones (XXIV) by analogy to methods outlined in S/oorg. Med. Chem. 2004, 12(9), 2273. Subsequent reduction of the olefinic moiety with a suitable reducing agent, such as hydrogen, utilizing a palladium catalyst yields ester (XXII). Esters (XXV) are produced by alkylations of esters (XXV) where Re and/or R7 are hydrogen under basic conditions in the presence of a suitable electrophile, e.g. methyl iodide. Homologation of ester (XXV) to ether (XXI) can be achieved by reduction with a suitable reagent, such as LAN, followed by oxidation to the aldehyde, treatment of the aldehyde with the ylide generated from methoxymethyl triphenylphosphonium chloride to produce the homolog aldehyde. Reduction of the aldehyde and subsequent protection of the alcohol yields ethers (XXI). Scheme 8(Scheme Removed) Compounds of formula (IV) where R7 is defined above, are prepared from aldehyde or ketone (XXIV), by Wittig olefination utilizing a suitably substituted phosphonium salt, for example 3-(terf-butyldimethylsilyloxy)propyl triphenylphoshonium bromide in the presence of a base, preferably n-BuLi according to Scheme 9. Reduction of the resultant oiefins yields the saturated ether (XXI) with R6 equal to hydrogen, which may be N-alkylated with a bromide (VII) by analogy to step 4 outlined in Scheme 1 for the conversion of (VI) to (VIII). Scheme 9 (Scheme Removed)Additionally, substituent Re not equal to hydrogen may be introduced to compounds of formula (IV) according to Scheme 10 by conversion of ester (XXII) to olefin (XXVI) by a three step process: 1) reduction to the primary alcohol, Swern oxidation to the aldehyde and 3) conversion to the olefin (XXVI) by Wittig olefination. Cross metathesis of olefin (XXVI) with enone (XXVII) utilizing Grubbs' second generation catalyst provides enone (XXVIII), which undergoes copper-mediated conjugate addition with a suitable nucleophile, such as an alkylzinc reagent to give saturated ketone (XXIX). Reduction of (XXIX) with a suitable reagent, such as NaBH4, provides secondary alcohol (XVIII). Scheme 10 (Scheme Removed)Generally, enantiomers of the compounds of the present invention can be prepared by methods known to those skilled in the art to resolve racemic mixtures, such as by formation and recrystallization of diastereomeric salts or by chiral chromotagraphy or HPLC separation utilizing chiral stationery phases. In starting compounds and intermediates which are converted to the compounds of the invention in a manner described herein, functional groups present, such as amino, thiol, carboxyl and hydroxy groups, are optionally protected by conventional protecting groups that are common in preparative organic chemistry. Protected amino, thiol, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups are those that can be converted under mild conditions into free amino thiol, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups without the molecular framework being destroyed or other undesired side reactions taking place. The purpose of introducing protecting groups is to protect the functional groups from undesired reactions with reaction components under the conditions used for carrying out a desired chemical transformation. The need and choice of protecting groups for a particular reaction is known to those skilled in the art and depends on the nature of the functional group to be protected (hydroxyl group, amino group, etc.), the structure and stability of the molecule of which the substituent is a part and the reaction conditions. Well-known protecting groups that meet these conditions and their introduction and removal are described, e.g., in McOmie, "Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry", Plenum Press, London, NY (1973); and Greene and Wuts, "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis", John Wiley and Sons, Inc., NY (1999). The above-mentioned reactions are carried out according to standard methods, in the presence or absence of diluent, preferably, such as are inert to the reagents and are solvents thereof, of catalysts, condensing or said other agents, respectively and/or inert atmospheres, at low temperatures, room temperature or elevated temperatures, preferably at or near the boiling point of the solvents used, and at atmospheric or super-atmospheric pressure. The preferred solvents, catalysts and reaction conditions are set forth in the appended illustrative Examples. The invention further includes any variant of the present processes, in which an intermediate product obtainable at any stage thereof is used as starting material and the remaining steps are carried out, or in which the starting materials are formed in situ under the reaction conditions, or in which the reaction components are used in the form of their salts or optically pure antipodes. Compounds of the invention and intermediates can also be converted into each other according to methods generally known perse. In another aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical composition can be formulated for particular routes of administration such as oral administration, parenteral administration, and rectal administration, etc. In addition, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can be made up in a solid form including capsules, tablets, pills, granules, powders or suppositories, or in a liquid form including solutions, suspensions or emulsions. The pharmaceutical compositions can be subjected to conventional pharmaceutical operations such as sterilization and/or can contain conventional inert diluents, lubricating agents, or buffering agents, as well as adjuvants, such as preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifers and buffers etc. Preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions are tablets and gelatin capsules comprising the active ingredient together with a) diluents, e.g., lactose, dextrose, sucrose, mannitol, sorbitol, cellulose and/or glycine; b) lubricants, e.g., silica, talcum, stearic acid, its magnesium or calcium salt and/or polyethyleneglycol; for tablets also c) binders, e.g., magnesium aluminum silicate, starch paste, gelatin, tragacanth, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone; if desired d) disintegrants, e.g., starches, agar, alginic acid or its sodium salt, or effervescent mixtures; and/or e) absorbents, colorants, flavors and sweeteners. Tablets may be either film coated or enteric coated according to methods known in the art. Suitable compositions for oral administration include an effective amount of a compound of the invention in the form of tablets, lozenges, aqueous or oily suspensions, dispersible powders or granules, emulsion, hard or soft capsules, or syrups or elixirs. Compositions intended for oral use are prepared according to any method known in the art for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions and such compositions can contain one or more agents selected from the group consisting of sweetening agents, flavoring agents, coloring agents and preserving agents in order to provide pharmaceutically elegant and palatable preparations. Tablets contain the active ingredient in admixture with nontoxic pharmaceutically acceptable excipients which are suitable for the manufacture of tablets. These excipients are, for example, inert diluents, such as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, lactose, calcium phosphate or sodium phosphate; granulating and disintegrating agents, for example, corn starch, or alginic acid; binding agents, for example, starch, gelatin or acacia; and lubricating agents, for example magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc. The tablets are uncoated or coated by known techniques to delay disintegration and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained action over a longer period. For example, a time delay material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate can be employed. Formulations for oral use can be presented as hard gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent, for example, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or kaolin, or as soft gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with water or an oil medium, for example, peanut oil, liquid paraffin or olive oil. Injectable compositions are preferably aqueous isotonic solutions or suspensions, and suppositories are advantageously prepared from fatty emulsions or suspensions. Said compositions may be sterilized and/or contain adjuvants, such as preserving, stabilizing, wetting or emulsifying agents, solution promoters, salts for regulating the osmotic pressure and/or buffers. In addition, they may also contain other therapeutically valuable substances. Said compositions are prepared according to conventional mixing, granulating or coating methods, respectively, and contain about 0.1-75%, preferably about 1-50%, of the active ingredient. Suitable compositions for transdermal application include an effective amount of a compound of the invention with carrier. Advantageous carriers include absorbable pharmacologically acceptable solvents to assist passage through the skin of the host. For example, transdermal devices are in the form of a bandage comprising a backing member, a reservoir containing the compound optionally with carriers, optionally a rate controlling barrier to deliver the compound of the skin of the host at a controlled and predetermined rate over a prolonged period of time, and means to secure the device to the skin. Suitable compositions for topical application, e.g., to the skin and eyes, include aqueous solutions, suspensions, ointments, creams, gels or sprayable formulations, e.g., for delivery by aerosol or the like. Such topical delivery systems will in particular be appropriate for dermal application, e.g., for the treatment of skin cancer, e.g., for prophylactic use in sun creams, lotions, sprays and the like. They are thus particularly suited for use in topical, including cosmetic, formulations well-known in the art. Such may contain solubilizers, stabilizers, tonicity enhancing agents, buffers and preservatives. The present invention further provides anhydrous pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms comprising the compounds of the present invention as active ingredients, since water can facilitate the degradation of some compounds. For example, the addition of water (e.g., 5%) is widely accepted in the pharmaceutical arts as a means of simulating long-term storage in order to determine characteristics such as shelf-life or the stability of formulations overtime. See, e.g., Jens T. Carstensen, Drug Stability: Principles & Practice, 2d. Ed., Marcel Dekker, NY, N.Y., 1995, pp. 379-80. In effect, water and heat accelerate the decomposition of some compounds. Thus, the effect of water on a formulation can be of great significance since moisture and/or humidity are commonly encountered during manufacture, handling, packaging, storage, shipment, and use of formulations. Anhydrous pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms of the invention can be prepared using anhydrous or low moisture containing ingredients and low moisture or low humidity conditions. Pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms that comprise lactose and at least one active ingredient that comprises a primary or secondary amine are preferably anhydrous if substantial contact with moisture and/or humidity during manufacturing, packaging, and/or storage is expected. An anhydrous pharmaceutical composition should be prepared and stored such that its anhydrous nature is maintained. Accordingly, anhydrous compositions are preferably packaged using materials known to prevent exposure to water such that they can be included in suitable formulary kits. Examples of suitable packaging include, but are not limited to, hermetically sealed foils, plastics, unit dose containers (e. g., vials), blister packs, and strip packs. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms that comprise one or more agents that reduce the rate by which the compound of the present invention as an active ingredient will decompose. Such agents, which are referred to herein as "stabilizers," include, but are not limited to, antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, pH buffers, or salt buffers, etc. he pharmaceutical compositions contain a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention as defined above, either alone or in a combination with one or more therapeutic agents, e.g., each at an effective therapeutic dose as reported in the art. Such theraprutic agents include at least one or two or more selected from the following groups: (i) angiotensin II receptor antagonist or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (ii) HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (iii) angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (iv) calcium channel blocker (CCB) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (v) dual angiotensin converting enzyme/neutral endopeptidase (ACE/NEP) inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (vi) endothelin antagonist or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (vii) renin inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (viii) diuretic or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (ix) an ApoA-l mimic; (x) an anti-diabetic agent; (xi) an obesity-reducing agent; (xii) an aldosterone receptor blocker; (xiii) an endothelin receptor blocker; (xiv) a CETP inhibitor; (xv) an inhibitor of Na-K-ATPase membrane pump; (xvi) a beta-adrenergic receptor blocker or an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker; (xvii) a neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitor; and (xviii) an inotropic agent. An angiotensin II receptor antagonist or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is understood to be an active ingredients which bind to the AT-] -receptor subtype of angiotensin II receptor but do not result in activation of the receptor. As a consequence of the inhibition of the ATi receptor, these antagonists can, for example, be employed as antihypertensives or for treating congestive heart failure. The class of AT., receptor antagonists comprises compounds having differing structural features, essentially preferred are the non-peptidic ones. For example, mention may be made of the compounds which are selected from the group consisting of valsartan, iosartan, candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, saprisartan, tasosartan, telmisartan, the compound with the designation E-1477 of the following formula (Formula Removed) the compound with the designation SC-52458 of the following formula (Formula Removed) and the compound with the designation ZD-8731 of the following formula (Formula Removed) or, in each case, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Preferred ATrreceptor antagonist are those agents which have been marketed, most preferred is valsartan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitors (also called beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl-co-enzyme-A reductase inhibitors) are understood to be those active agents that may be used to lower the lipid levels including cholesterol in blood. The class of HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitors comprises compounds having differing structural features. For example, mention may be made of the compounds that are selected from the group consisting of atorvastatin, cerivastatin, compactin, dalvastatin, dihydrocompactin, fluindostatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, mevastatin, pravastatin, rivastatin, simvastatin, and velostatin, or, in each case, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Preferred HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitors are those agents which have been marketed, most preferred is fluvastatin and pitavastatin or, in each case, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The interruption of the enzymatic degradation of angiotensin i to angiotensm II with so-called ACE-inhibitors (also called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors) is a successful variant for the regulation of blood pressure and thus also makes available a therapeutic method for the treatment of congestive heart failure. The class of ACE inhibitors comprises compounds having differing structural features. For example, mention may be made of the compounds which are selected from the group consisting alacepril, benazepril, benazeprilat, captopril, ceronapril, cilazapril, delapril, enalapril, enaprilat, fosinopril, imidapril, lisinopril, moveltopril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, spirapril, temocapril, and trandolapril, or, in each case, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Preferred ACE inhibitors are those agents that have been marketed, most preferred are benazepril and enalapril. The class of CCBs essentially comprises dihydropyridines (DHPs) and non-DHPs such as diltiazem-type and verapamil-type CCBs. A CCB useful in said combination is preferably a DHP representative selected from the group consisting of amlodipine, felodipine, ryosidine, isradipine, lacidipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, niguldipine, niludipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine, nitrendipine, and nivaldipine, and is preferably a non-DHP representative selected from the group consisting of flunarizine, prenylamine, diltiazem, fendiline, gallopamil, mibefradil, anipamil, tiapamil and verapamil, and in each case, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. All these CCBs are therapeutically used, e.g. as anti-hypertensive, anti-angina pectoris or anti-arrhythmic drugs. Preferred CCBs comprise amlodipine, diltiazem, isradipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine, nitrendipine, and verapamil, or, e.g. dependent on the specific CCB, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Especially preferred as DHP is amlodipine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, especially the besylate, thereof. An especially preferred representative of non-DHPs is verapamil or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, especially the hydrochloride, thereof. A preferred dual angiotensin converting enzyme/neutral endopetidase (ACE/NEP) inhibitor is, for example, omapatrilate (cf. EP 629627), fasidotril or fasidotrilate, or, if appropriable, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A preferred endothelin antagonist is, for example, bosentan (cf. EP 526708 A), furthermore, tezosentan (cf. WO 96/19459), or in each case, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Suitable renin inhibitors include compounds having different structural features. For example, mention may be made of compounds which are selected from the group consisting of ditekiren (chemical name: [1S-[1R*,2R*,4R*(1R*,2R*)]]-1-[(1,1-dimethylethoxy)carbonyl]- L-proly l-L-phenylalanyl-N-[2-hydroxy-5-methyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)-4-[[[2-methyl-1-[[(2-pyridinylmrthyl)amino]carbonyl]butyl]amino]carbonyl]hexyl]-N-alfa-methyl-L-histidinamide); terlakiren (chemical name: [R-(R*,S*)]-N-(4-morpholinylcarbonyl)-L-phenylalanyl-N-[1-(cyclohexy lmethyl)-2-hydroxy-3-(1-methylethoxy)-3-oxopropyl]-S-methyl-L-cysteineamide); and zankiren (chemical name: [1S-[1R*[R*(R*)],2S*,3R*]]-N-[1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-5-m ethylhexyl]-alfa-[[2-[[(4-methyl-1 -piperazinyl)sulfonyl]methyl]-1 -oxo-3-phenylpropyl]-amino]-4-thiazolepropanamide), preferably, in each case, the hydrochloride salt thereof, SPP630, SPP635 and SPP800 as developed by Speedel. Preferred renin inhibitor of the present invention include RO 66-1132 and RO 66-1168 of formula (A) and (B) (Formula Removed) respectively, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to a renin inhibitor which is is a 5-amino-y-hydroxy-co-aryl-alkanoic acid amide derivative of the formula (C) (Formula Removed) wherein RI is halogen, C1-6halogenalkyl, C1-6alkoxy-C1-6alkyloxy or C1-6alkoxy-C1-6alkyl; Ra is halogen, C1-4alkyl or C1-4alkoxy; RS and R4 are independently branched C3-6alkyl; and R5 is cycloalkyl, C1-6alky!, C1-6hydroxyalkyl, C1-6alkoxy-C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkanoylexy-C1-6alkyl, d-eaminoalkyl, C1-6alkylamino-C1-6alkyl, C1-6dialkylamino-CC1-6alkyl, C1-6alkanoylamino-C1-6alkyl, HO(0)C-C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyl-O-(O)C-C1-6alkyl, H2N-C(O)-C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyl-HN-C(O)-C1-6alkyl or (C1-6alkyl)2N-C(0)-d-6alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. As an alkyl, RI may be linear or branched and preferably comprise 1 to 6 C atoms, especially 1 or 4 C atoms. Examples are methyl, ethyl, n- and i-propyl, n-, i- and t-butyl, pentyl and hexyl. As a halogenalkyl, R-i may be linear or branched and preferably comprise 1 to 4 C atoms, especially 1 or 2 C atoms. Examples are fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, 2-chloroethyl and 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl. As an alkoxy, RI and R2 may be linear or branched and preferably comprise 1 to 4 C atoms. Examples are methoxy, ethoxy, n- and i-propyloxy, n-, i- and t-butyloxy, pentyloxy and hexyloxy. As an alkoxyalkyl, R1 may be linear or branched. The alkoxy group preferably comprises 1 to 4 and especially 1 or 2 C atoms, and the alkyl group preferably comprises 1 to 4 C atoms. Examples are methoxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 3-methoxypropyl, 4-methoxybutyl, 5-methoxypentyl, 6-methoxyhexyl, ethoxymethyl, 2-ethoxyethyl, 3-ethoxypropyl, 4-ethoxybutyl, 5-ethoxypentyl, 6-ethoxyhexyl, propyloxymethyl, butyloxymethyl, 2-propyloxyethyl and 2-butyloxyethyl. As aC1-6alkoxy-C1-6alkyloxy, R, may be linear or branched. The alkoxy group preferably comprises 1 to 4 and especially 1 or 2 C atoms, and the alkyloxy group preferably comprises 1 to 4 C atoms. Examples are methoxymethyloxy, 2-methoxyethyloxy, 3-methoxypropyloxy, 4-methoxybutyloxy, 5-methoxypentyloxy, 6-methoxyhexyloxy, ethoxymethyloxy, 2-ethoxyethyloxy, 3-ethoxypropyloxy, 4-ethoxybutyloxy, 5-ethoxypentyloxy, 6-ethoxyhexyloxy, propyloxymethyloxy, butyloxymethyloxy, 2-propyloxyethyloxy and 2-butyloxyethyloxy. In a preferred embodiment, R-\ is methoxy- or ethoxy-C1-4alkyloxy, and R2 is preferably methoxy or ethoxy. Particularly preferred are compounds of formula (III), wherein RT is 3-methoxypropyloxy and R2 is methoxy. As a branched alkyl, R3 and R4 preferably comprise 3 to 6 C atoms. Examples are i-propyl, i- and t-butyl, and branched isomers of pentyl and hexyl. In a preferred embodiment, R3 and R4 in compounds of formula (C) are in each case i-propy|. As a cycloalkyl, R5 may preferably comprise 3 to 8 ring-carbon atoms, 3 or 5 being especially preferred. Some examples are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cyclooctyl. The cycloalkyl may optionally be substituted by one or more substituents, such as alkyl, halo, oxo, hydroxy, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, thiol, alkylthio, nitro, cyano, heterocyclyl and the like. As an alkyl, R5 may be linear or branched in the form of alkyl and preferably comprise 1 to 6 C atoms. Examples of alkyl are listed herein above. Methyl, ethyl, n- and i-propyl, n-, i- and t-butyl are preferred. As a C1-6hydroxyalkyl, R5 may be linear or branched and preferably comprise 2 to 6 C atoms. Some examples are 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 2-, 3- or 4-hydroxybutyl, hydroxypentyl and hydroxyhexyl. As a C1-6alkoxy-C1-6alkyl, R5 may be linear or branched. The alkoxy group preferably comprises 1 to 4 C atoms and the alkyl group preferably 2 to 4 C atoms. Some examples are 2-methoxyethyl, 2-methoxypropyl, 3-methoxypropyl, 2-, 3- or4-methoxybutyl, 2-ethoxyethyl, 2-ethoxypropyl, 3-ethoxypropyl, and 2-, 3- or 4-ethoxybutyl. As a C1-6alkanoyloxy-C1-6alkyl, R5 may be linear or branched. The alkanoyloxy group preferably comprises 1 to 4 C atoms and the alkyl group preferably 2 to 4 C atoms. Some examples are formyloxymethyl, formyloxyethyl, acetyloxyethyl, propionyloxyethyl and butyroyloxyethyl. As a C1-6aminoalkyl, R5 may be linear or branched and preferably comprise 2 to 4 C atoms. Some examples are 2-aminoethyl, 2- or 3-aminopropyl and 2-, 3- or 4-aminobutyl. As C1-6alkylamino-C1-6alkyl and C1-6dialkylamino-C1-6alkyl, R8 may be linear or branched. The alkylamino group preferably comprises C1-4alky! groups and the alkyl group has preferably 2 to 4 C atoms. Some examples are 2-methylaminoethyl, 2-dimethylaminoethyl, 2-ethylaminoethyl, 2-ethylaminoethyl, 3-methylaminopropyl, 3-dimethylaminopropyl, 4-methylaminobutyl and 4-dimethylaminobutyl. As a HO(O)C-C1-6alkyl, R5 may be linear or branched and the alkyl group preferably comprises 2 to 4 C atoms. Some examples are carboxymethyl, carboxyethyl, carboxypropyl and carboxybutyl. As a Ci-ealkyl-O-fOJC-C1-6alkyl, R6 may be linear or branched, and the alkyl groups preferably comprise independently of one another 1 to 4 C atoms. Some examples are methoxycarbonylmethyl, 2-methoxycarbonylethyl, 3-methoxycarbonylpropyl, 4-methoxy-carbonylbutyl, ethoxycarbonylmethyl, 2-ethoxycarbonylethyl, 3-ethoxycarbonylpropyl, and 4-ethoxy carbonylbutyl. As a H2N-C(O)-C1-6alkyl, R5 may be linear or branched, and the alkyl group preferably comprises 2 to 6 C atoms. Some examples are carbamidomethyl, 2-carbamidoethyl, 2-carbamido-2,2-dimethylethyl, 2- or 3-carbamidopropyl, 2-, 3- or 4-carbamidobutyl, 3-carbamido-2-methylpropyl, 3-carbamido-1,2-dimethylpropyl, 3-carbamido 3-ethylpropyl, 3-carbamido-2,2-dimethylpropyl, 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-carbamidopentyl, 4-carbamidO' 3,3- or -2,2-dimethylbutyl. Preferably, R5 is 2-carbamido-2,2-dimethylethyl. Accordingly, preferred are 8-amino-y-hydroxy-co-aryl-alkanoic acid amide derivatives of formula (C) having the formula (Formula Removed) wherein R^ is 3-methoxypropyloxy; R2 is methoxy; and R3 and R4 are isopropyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; chemically defined as 2(S),4(S),5(S),7(S)-N-(3-amino-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropyl)-2,7-di(1-methylethyl)-4-hydroxy-5-amino-8-[4-methoxy-3-(3-methoxy-propoxy)phenyl]-octanamide, also known as aliskiren. The term "aliskiren", if not defined specifically, is to be understood both as the free base and as a salt thereof, especially a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, most preferably a hemi-fumarate salt thereof. A diuretic is, for example, a thiazide derivative selected from the group consisting of chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, methylclothiazide, and chlorothalidon The most preferred is hydrochlorothiazide. An ApoA-l mimic is, for example, D4F peptide, especially of formula D-W-F-K-A-F-Y-D-K-V-A-E-K-F-K-E-A-F An anti-diabetic agents include insulin secretion enhancers which are active ingredients that have the property to promote the secretion of insulin from pancreatic (3-cells. Examples of insulin secretion enhancers are a biguanide derivative, for example, metformin or, if appropriate, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, especially the hydrochloride thereof. Other insulin secretion enhancers include sulfonylureas (SU), especially those which promote the secretion of insulin from pancreatic p-cells by transmitting signals of insulin secretion via SU receptors in the cell membrane, including (but are not limited to) tolbutamide; chlorpropamide; tolazamide; acetohexamide; 4-chloro-N-[(1-pyrolidinylamino)carbonyl]-benzensulfonamide (glycopyramide); glibenclamide (glyburide); gliclazide; 1-butyl-3-metanilylurea; carbutamide; glibonuride; glipizide; gliquidone; glisoxepid; glybuthiazole; glibuzole; glyhexamide; glymidine; glypinamide; phenbutamide; and tolylcyclamide, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Insulin secretion enhancers furthermore include short-acting insulin secretion enhancers, such as the phenylalanine derivative nateglinide [N-(trans-4-isopropylcyclohexyl-carbonyl)-D-phenylalanine] (cf. EP 196222 and EP 526171) of the formula (Formula Removed) and repaglinide [(S)-2-ethoxy-4-{2-[[3-methyl-1 -[2~(1-piperidinyl)phenyl]butyl]amino]-2-oxoethyljbenzoic acid]. Repaglinide is disclosed in EP 589874, EP 147850 A2, in particular Example 11 on page 61, and EP 207331 A1. It can be administered in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark NovoNorm™; calcium (2S)-2-benzyl-3-(cis-hexahydro-2-isoindolinlycarbonyl)-propionate dihydrate (mitiglinide - cf. EP 507534); furthermore representatives of the new generation of SUs such as glimepiride (cf. EP 31058); in free or pharmaceutically acceptable salt form. The term nateglinide likewise comprises crystal modifications such as disclosed in EP 0526171 B1 or US 5,488,510, respectively, the subject matter of which, especially with respect to the identification, manufacture and characterization of crystal modifications, is herewith incorporated by reference to this application, especially the subject matter of claims 8 to 10 of said U.S. patent (referring to H-form crystal modification) as well as the corresponding references to the B-type crystal modification in EP 196222 B1 the subject matter of which, especially with respect to the identification, manufacture and characterization of the B-form crystal modification. Preferably, in the present invention, the B- or H-type, more preferably the H-type, is used. Nateglinide can be administered in the form as it is marketed e.g. under the trademark STARLIX™. Insulin secretion enhancers likewise include the long-acting insulin secretion enhancer DPP-IV inhibitors, GLP-1 and GLP-1 agonists. DPP-IV is responsible for inactivating GLP-1. More particularly, DPP-IV generates a GLP-1 receptor antagonist and thereby shortens the physiological response to GLP-1. GLP-1 is a major stimulator of pancreatic insulin secretion and has direct beneficial effects on glucose disposal. The DPP-IV inhibitor can be peptidic or, preferably, non-peptidic. DPP-IV inhibitors are in each case generically and specifically disclosed e.g. in WO 98/19998, DE 196 16 486 A1, WO 00/34241 and WO 95/15309, in each case in particular in the compound claims and the final products of the working examples, the subject-matter of the final products, the pharmaceutical preparations and the claims are hereby incorporated into the present application by reference to these publications. Preferred are those compounds that are specifically disclosed in Example 3 of WO 98/19998 and Example 1 of WO 00/34241, respectively. GLP-1 is a insulinotropic proteine which was described, e.g., by W.E. Schmidt et al. in Diabetologia, 28, 1985, 704-707 and in US 5,705,483. The term "GLP-1 agonists" used herein means variants and analogs of GLP-1 (7-36)NH2 which are disclosed in particular in US 5,120,712, US 5,118666, US 5,512,549, WO 91/11457 and by C. Orskov et al in J. Biol. Chem. 264 (1989) 12826. The term "GLP-1 agonists" comprises especially compounds like GLP-1 (7-37), in which compound the carboxy-terminal amide functionality of Arg38 is displaced with Gly at the 37th position of the GLP-1 (7-36)NH2 molecule and variants and analogs thereof including GLN9-GLP-1(7-37), D-GLN9-GLP-1(7-37), acetyl LYS9-GLP-1(7-37), LYS18-GLP-1(7-37) and, in particular, GLP- 1(7-37)OH, VAL8-GLP-1(7-37), GLY8-GLP-1(7-37), THR8-GLP-1(7-37), MET8-GLP-1(7-37) and 4-imidazopropionyl-GLP-1. Special preference is also given to the GLP agonist analog exendin-4, described by Greig et al in Diabetologia 1999, 42, 45-50. An insulin sensitivity enhancer restores impaired insulin receptor function to reduce insulin resistance and consequently enhance the insulin sensitivity. An appropriate insulin sensitivity enhancer is, for example, an appropriate hypoglycemic thiazolidinedione derivative (glitazone). An appropriate glitazone is, for example, (S)-((3,4-dihydro-2-(phenyl-methyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-6-yl)methyl-thiazolidine-2,4-dione(englitazone), 5-{[4-(3-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)-1-oxopropyl)-phenyl]-methyl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (darglitazone), 5-{[4-(1-methyl-cyclohexyl)methoxy)-phenyl]methyl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (ciglitazone), 5-{[4-(2-(1-indolyl)ethoxy)phenyl]methyl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione(DRF2189), 5-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)-ethoxy)]benzyl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione(BM-13.1246), 5-(2-naphthylsulfonyl)-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (AY-31637), bis{4-[(2,4-dioxo-5-thiazolidinyl)methyl]phenyl}methane (YM268), 5-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)-2-hydroxyethoxy]benryl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (AD-5075), 5-[4-(1-phenyl-1-cyclopropanecarbonylamino)-benzyl]-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (DN-108) 5-{[4-(2-(2,3-dihydroindol-1-yl)ethoxy)phenyl]methyl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione, 5-[3-(4-chloro-phenyl])-2-propynyl]-5-phenylsulfonyl)thiazolidine-2,4-dione, 5-[3-(4-chlorophenyl])-2-propynyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl-sulfonyl)thiazolidine-2,4-dione, 5-{[4-(2-(methyl-2-pyridinyl-amino)-ethoxy)phenyl]methyl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione(rosiglitazone),5-{[4-(2-(5-ethyl-2-pyridyl)ethoxy)phenyl]-methyl}thiazolidine-2,4-dione(pioglitazone), 5-{[4-((3,4-dihydro-6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-yl)methoxy)-phenyl]-methyl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione(trog!itazone), 5-[6-(2-fluoro-benzyloxy)naphthalen-2-ylmethyl]-thiazolidine-2,4-dione(MCC555), 5-{[2-(2-naphthyl)-benzoxazol-5-yl]-methyl}thiazolidine-2,4-dione (T-174) and 5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)-2-methoxy~N-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)benzamide (KRP297). Preferred are pioglitazone, rosiglitazone and troglitazone. Other anti-diabetic agents include, insulin signalling pathway modulators, like inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases), antidiabetic non-small molecule mimetic compounds and inhibitors of glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT); compounds influencing a dysregulated hepatic glucose production, like inhibitors of glucose-6-phosphatase (GSPase), inhibitors of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (F-1,6-BPase), inhibitors of glycogen phosphorylase (GP), glucagon receptor antagonists and inhibitors of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK); pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDHK) inhibitors; inhibitors of gastric emptying; insulin; inhibitors of GSK-3; retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonists; agonists of Beta-3 AR; agonists of uncoupling proteins (UCPs); non-glitazone type PPARy agonists; dual PPARp/ PPARv agonists; antidiabetic vanadium containing compounds; incretin hormones, like glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and GLP-1 agonists; beta-cell imidazoline receptor antagonists; miglitol; and a2-adrenergic antagonists; in which the active ingredients are present in each case in free form or in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. An obesity-reducing agent includes lipase inhibitors such as orlistat and appetite suppressants such as sibutramine, phentermine. An aldosteron receptor blocker includes spironolactone and eplerenone. An endothelin receptor blocker includes bosentan, etc. A CETP inbihitor refers to a compound that inhibits the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mediated transport of various cholesteryl esters and triglycerides from HDL to LDL and VLDL. Such CETP inhibition activity is readily determined by those skilled in the art according to standard assays (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,343). The CETP inhibitors include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,343 and U. S. Pat. No. 6,197,786. CETP inhibitors disclosed in these patents include compounds, such as [2R,4S]4-[(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-methoxycarbonyl-amino]-2-ethyl-6-trifluoromethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-quinoline-1-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, which is also known as torcetrapib. CETP inhibitors are also described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,723,752, which includes a number of CETP inhibitors including (2R)-3-{[3-(4-Ch!oro-3-ethyl-phenoxy)-phenyl]-[[3-(1,1,2,2- tetrafluoro-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methyl]-amino}-1,1,1-trifluoro-2-propanol. CETP inhibitors also include those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/807,838 filed Mar. 23, 2004. U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,548 discloses certain polypeptide derivatives having activity as CETP inhibitors, also certain CETP-inhibitory rosenonolactone derivatives and phosphate-containing analogs of cholesteryl ester are disclosed in J. Antibiot, 49(8): 815- 816 (1996), and Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett; 6:1951-1954 (1996), respectively. Furthermore, the CETP inhibitors also include those disclosed in WO2000/017165, WO2005/095409 and WO2005/097806. A Na_K-ATPase inhibitor can be used to inhibit the Na and K exchange across the cell membranes. Such inhibitor can be for example digoxin. A beta-adrenergic receptor blocker includes but is not limited to: esmolol especially the hydrochloride thereof; acebutolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,857, 952; alprenolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in Netherlands Patent Application No. 6,605,692; amosulalol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,217,305; arotinolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,932,400; atenolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,663,607 or 3,836,671; befunolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,853,923; betaxolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,984; bevantolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,857,981; bisoprolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,171, 370; bopindolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4, 340,541; bucumolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3, 663,570; bufetolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3, 723,476; bufuralol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3, 929,836; bunitrolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,940,489 and 3,961,071; buprandolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,309,406; butiridine hydrochloride, which may be prepared as disclosed in French Patent No. 1,390,056; butofiloloi, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,825; carazolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in German Patent No. 2,240,599; carteolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,910,924; carvedilol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,503,067; celiprolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,034, 009; cetamolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,059, 622; cloranolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in German Patent No. 2,213, 044; dilevalol, which may be prepared as disclosed in Clifton et al., Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 1982, 25, 670; epanolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in European Patent Publication Application No. 41, 491; indenolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4, 045, 482; labetalol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,012, 444; levobunolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4, 463,176; mepindolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in Seeman et al., Helv. Chim. Acta, 1971, 54, 241; metipranolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in Czechoslovakian Patent Application No. 128,471; metoprolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,873,600; moprolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,501,7691; nadolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,935,267; nadoxolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,819,702; nebivalol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,362; nipradilol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,382; oxprenolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in British Patent No. 1, 077,603; perbutolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,551,493; pindolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in Swiss Patent Nos. 469,002 and 472,404; practolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,408,387; pronethalol, which may be prepared as disclosed in British Patent No. 909,357; propranolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,337,628 and 3,520,919; sotalol, which may be prepared as disclosed in Uloth et al., Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 1966, 9, 88; sufinalol, which may be prepared as disclosed in German Patent No. 2,728,641; talindol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,935,259 and 4,038,313; tertatolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,960,891; tilisolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,129,565; timolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,655,663; toliprolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,432,545; and xibenolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,018,824. An alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker includes but is not limited to: amosulalol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,217, 307; arotinolol, which may be prepared as disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 3, 932,400; dapiprazole, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,721; doxazosin, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,390; fenspiride, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,399,192; indoramin, which maybe prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,527,761; labetolol, which may be prepared as disclosed above; naftopidil, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,997,666; nicergoline, which may be prepared as disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 3,228, 943; prazosin, which may be prepared as disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 3,511, 836; tamsulosin, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4, 703,063; tolazoline, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,161,938; trimazosin, which may be prepared as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,669,968; and yohimbine, which may be isolated from natural sources according to methods well known to those skilled in the art. The natriuretic peptides constitute a family of peptides that include the atrial (ANP), brain-derived (BNP) and C-type natriuretic (CNP) peptides. The natriuretic peptides effect vasodilation, natriuresis, diuresis, decreased aldosterone release, decreased cell growth, and inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin- angiotensin-aldosterone system indicating their involvement in the regulation of blood pressure and of sodium and water balance. Neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP) inhibitors impede degradation of natriuretic peptides and elicit pharmacological actions potentially beneficial in the management of several cardiovascular disorders. A NEP inhibitor useful in the said combination is an agent selected from the group represented by candoxatril, sinorphan, SCH 34826 and SCH 42495. An inotropic agent is selected from the group consisting of: digoxin, digitoxin, digitalis, dobutamine, dopamine, epinephrine, milrinone, amrinone and ncrepinephrine, etc. A compound of the present invention may be administered either simultaneously, before or after the other active ingredient, either separately by the same or different route of administration or together in the same pharmaceutical formulation. Furthermore, the combinations as described above can be administered to a subject via simultaneous, separate or sequential administration (use). Simultaneous administration (use) can take place in the form of one fixed combination with two or three or more active ingredients , or by simultaneously administering two or three or more compounds that are formulated independently. Sequential administration(use) preferably means administration of one (or more) compounds or active ingredients of a combination at one time point, other compounds or active ingredients at a different time point, that is, in a chronically staggered manner, preferably such that the combination shows more efficiency than the single compounds administered independently (especially showing synergism). Separate administration (use) preferably means administration of the compounds or active ingredients of the combination independently of each other at different time points, preferably meaning that two, or three or more compounds are administered such that no overlap of measurable blood levels of both compounds are present in an overlapping manner (at the same time). Also combinations of two or three or more of sequential, separate and simultaneous administrations are possible, preferably such that the combination compound-drugs show a joint therapeutic effect that exceeds the effect found when the combination compound-drugs are used independently at time intervals so large that no mutual effect on their therapeutic efficiency can be found, a synergistic effect being especially preferred. Alternatively, the pharmaceutical compositions contain a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention as defined above, either alone or in a combination with one or more therapeutic agents, e.g., each at an effective therapeutic dose as reported in the art, selected from the group consisting of an antiestrogen; an anti-androgen; a gonadorelin agonist; a topoisomerase I inhibitor; a topoisomerase II inhibitor; a microtubule active agent; an alkylating agent; an anti-neoplastic anti-metabolite; a platin compound; a compound targeting/decreasing a protein or lipid kinase activity or a protein or lipid phosphatase activity, a anti-angiogenic compound; a compound which induces cell differentiation processes; monoclonal antibodies; a cyclooxygenase inhibitor; a bisphosphonate; a heparanase inhibitor; a biological response modifier; an inhibitor of Ras oncogenic isoforms; a telomerase inhibitor; a protease inhibitor, a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, a methionine aminopeptidase inhibitor; a proteasome inhibitor; agents which target, decrease or inhibit the activity of Flt-3; an HSP90 inhibitor; antiproliferative antibodies; an HDAC inhibitor; a compound which targets, decreases or inhibits the activity/function of serine/theronine mTOR kinase; a somatostatin receptor antagonist; an anti-leukemic compound; tumor cell damaging approaches; an EDG binder; a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor; an S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase inhibitor; a monoclonal antibody of VEGF or VEGFR; photodynamic therapy; an Angiostatic steroid; an implant containing corticosteroids; an AT1 receptor antagonist; and an ACE inhibitor. Additionally, the present invention provides: - a pharmaceutical composition or combination of the present invention for use as a medicament; - the use of a pharmaceutical composition or combination of the present invention for the delay of progression and/or treatment of a disorder or disease mediated by aldosterone synthase, or responsive to inhibition of aldosterone synthase, or characterized by abnormal activity or expression of aldosterone synthase. - the use of a pharmaceutical composition or combination of the present invention for the delay of progression and/or treatment of a disorder or disease mediated by aromatase, or responsive to inhibition of aromatase, or characterized by abnormal activity or expression of aromatase. - the use of a pharmaceutical composition or combination of the present invention for the delay of progression and/or treatment of a disorder or disease selected from hypokalemia, hypertension, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, renal failure, in particular, chronic renal failure, restenosis, atherosclerosis, syndrome X, obesity, nephropathy, post-myocardial infarction, coronary heart diseases, increased formation of collagen, fibrosis such as cardiac or myocardiac fibrosis and remodeling following hypertension and endothelial dysfunction. - the use of a pharmaceutical composition or combination of the present invention for the delay of progression and/or treatment of a disorder or disease selected from gynecomastia, osteoporosis, prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, polycystic ovarian disease, infertility, fibrocystic breast disease, breast cancer and fibrocystic mastopathy. The pharmaceutical composition or combination of the present invention can be in unit dosage of about 1-1000 mg of active ingredients for a subject of about 50-70 kg, preferably about 5-500 mg of active ingredients. The therapeutically effective dosage of a compound, the pharmaceutical composition, or the combinations thereof, is dependent on the species of the subject, the body weight, age and individual condition, the disorder or disease or the severity thereof being treated. A physician, clinician or veterinarian of ordinary skill can readily determine the effective amount of each of the active ingredients necessary to prevent, treat or inhibit the progress of the disorder or disease. The above-cited dosage properties are demonstrable in vitro and in vivo tests using advantageously mammals, e.g., mice, rats, dogs, monkeys or isolated organs, tissues and preparations thereof. The compounds of the present invention can be applied in vitro in the form of solutions, e.g., preferably aqueous solutions, and in vivo either enterally, parenterally, advantageously intravenously, e.g., as a suspension or in aqueous solution. The dosage in vitro may range between about 10'3 molar and 10"B molar concentrations. A therapeutically effective amount in vivo may range depending on the route of administration, between about 0.1-500 mg/kg, preferably between about 1-100 mg/kg. The activities of a compound according to the present invention can be assessed by the following in vitro & in vivo methods well-described in the art. See Fieber, A et al. (2005), "Aldosterone Synthase Inhibitor Ameliorates Angiotensin ll-lnduced Organ Damage," Circulation, 111:3087-3094; see also Stresser DM, Turner SD, McNarnara J, et al (2000), "A high-throughput screen to identify inhibitors of aromatase (CYP19)," Anal Biochenr, 284:427-30. All the references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In particular, the aldosterone synthase and aromatase inhibitory activities in vitro can be determined by the following assays. Human adrenocortical carcinoma NCI-H295R cell line is obtained from American Type Culture Collection (Manassas, VA). Insulin/transferrin/selenium (ITS)-A supplement (100x), DMEM/F-12, antibiotic/antimycotic (100x), and fetal calf serum (PCS) are purchased from Gibco (Grand Island, NY). Anti-mouse PVT scintillation proximity assay (SPA) beads and NBS 96-well plates are obtained from Amersham (Piscataway, NJ) and Corning (Acton, MA), respectively. Solid black 96-well flat bottom plates are purchased from Costar (Corning, NY). Aldosterone and angiotensin (Ang II) are purchased from Sigma (St. Louis, MO). D-[1,2,6,7-3H(N)]aldosterone was acquired from PerkinElmer (Boston, MA). Nu-serum was a product of BD Biosciences (Franklin Lakes, NJ). The NADPH regenerating system, dibenzylfluorescein (DBF), and human aromatase supersomes® are obtained from Gentest (Woburn, MA). For in vitro measurement of aldosterone activity, human adrenocortical carcinoma NCI-H295R cells are seeded in NBS 96-well plates at a density of 25,000 cells/well in 100 ul of a growth medium containing DMEM/F12 supplemented with 10% FCi?, 2.5% Nu-serum, 1 ug ITS/ml, and 1x antibiotic/antimycotic. The medium is changed after culturing for 3 days at 37 °C under an atmosphere of 5% CO2/95% air. On the following day, cells are rinsed with 100 ul of DMEM/F12 and incubated with 100 ul of treatment medium containing 1 uM Ang II and a compound at different concentrations in quadruplicate wells at 37 °C for 24 hr. At the end of incubation, 50 ul of medium is withdrawn from each well for measurement of aldosterone production by an RIA using mouse anti-aldosterone monoclonal antibodies. Measurement of aldosterone activity can also be performed using a 96-well plate format. Each test sample is incubated with 0.02 uCi of D-[1,2,6,7-3H(N)]aldosterone and 0.3 ug of anti-aldosterone antibody in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 0.1% Triton X-100, 0.1% bovine serum albumin, and 12% glycerol in a total volume of 200 pi at room temperature for 1 hr. Anti-mouse PVT SPA beads (50 ul) are then added to each well and incubated overnight at room temperature prior to counting in a Microbeta plate counter. The amount of aldosterone in each sample is calculated by comparing with a standard curve generated using known quantities of the hormone. To measure aromatase activity, the human aromatase assay is performed in 96-well flat bottom plates according to a published protocol (Stresser et al, 2000) with minor modifications. Briefly, 10 pi of an NADPH regenerating system containing 2.6 mM NADP+, 6.6 mM glucose 6-phosphate, 6.6 mM MgCI2, and 0.8 U/ml glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in 50 mM potassium phosphate, pH 7.4, is pre-incubated with the test compound at a desired concentration at 30 °C for 10 min in a total volume of 100 ul. Afterwards, 4 pmol of human aromatase, 20 ug of control microsoma! protein, and 4 uM DBF in 100 ul of 50 mM potassium phosphate, pH 7.4, is added to each well and incubated at 30 °C for 90 min. The reaction is terminated by the addition of 75 u! of 2 N NaOH to each well. After 2 hr, the product, fluorescein, is measured by a fluorimeter using excitation and emission wavelengths of 485 and 538 nm, respectively. Full concentration-response curves of the test compound are performed at least 3 times. The IC60 values are derived using a non-linear least squares curve-fitting program from Microsoft XLfit. The in vivo inhibitory activities for aldosterone synthase and aromatase can be determined by the following assays. Test compounds (i.e., potential aldosterone synthase inhibitors) are profiled in vivo in a conscious rat model of acute secondary hyperaldosteronism. Wild-type rats are instrumented with chronically indwelling arterial and venous cannulas, which are exteriorized through a tether/swivel system. The ambulatory rats are housed in specialized cages to allow blood sampling and parenteral drug administration without disturbing the animals. Angiotensin II is continuously infused intravenously at a level sufficient to elevate plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) by -200-fold to 1-5 nM. This PAC increase is sustained at a stable level for at least 8-9 hours. Test compounds are administered p.o. (via oral gavage) or parenterally (via the arterial catheter) after one hour of angiotensin II infusion at a time when PAC has increased to a steady-state level. Arterial blood samples are collected before and at various times (up to 24 hours) after test agent administration for later determination of PAC and concentration of test agent. From these measurements, various parameters can be derived, e.g., 1) onset and duration of PAC reduction by the test agent, 2) pharmacokinetic parameters of the test agent such as half-life, clearance, volume of distribution, and oral biovailability, 3) dose/PAC response, dose/test-agent concentration, and test-agent concentration/PAC response relationships, and 4) dose- and concentration-potencies and efficacy of the test agent. A successful test compound decreases PAC in a dose- and time-dependent fashion in the dose range of about 0.01 to about 10 mg/kg i.a. or P.O. Table 1. Inhibitory Activities of the Compounds (Table Removed) Abbreviations DCM: dichloromethane DIBALdiisobutylaluminum hydride DMAP: N,N-dimethylaminopyridine DME: dimethoxyethane DMF: N,N-dimethylformamide DMSO: dimethylsulfoxide ESI: electrospray ionization h: hours HPLC: high pressure liquid chromatography HRMS: high resolution mass spectrometry IPA: /so-propyl alcohol IR: infrared spectroscopy KHMDS: Potassium hexamethyldisilazide LAH: lithium aluminum hydride LCMS: liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry IDA: lithium diisoproylamide LHMDS: lithium hexamethyldisilazide min: minutes MS: mass spectrometry BS: N-bromosuccinimide NMR: nuclear magnetic resonance PS -PPh3-Pd(0): polymer supported palladium triphenylphosphine complex TBSCI: tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride TFA: trifluoroacetic acid THF: tetrahydrofuran TMEDA: tetramethylethylenediamine TBS: terf-butyl dimethylsilyl TMSCI: trimethylsilyl chloride TLC: thin layer chromatography Tr: trityl tr: retention time TMEDA: tetramethylethylene diamine EXAMPLES The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention and are not to be construed as being limitations thereon. Temperatures are given in degrees centrigrade. If not mentioned otherwise, all evaporations are performed under reduced pressure, preferably between about 15 mm Hg and 100 mm Hg (= 20-133 mbar). The structure of final products, intermediates and starting materials is confirmed by standard analytical methods, e.g., microanalysis and spectroscopic characteristics, e.g., MS, IR, NMR. Abbreviations used are those conventional in the art. The compounds in the following examples have been found to have IC60 values in the range of about 0.1 nM to about 10,000 nM for both aldosterone synthase and aromatase. Example 1 Benzyl bromides A. 4-Bromomethyl-3-chlorobenzonitrile (cas # 21924-83-4) (Figure Removed) 3-Chloro-4-methylbenzonitrile (2.34 g, 15.4 mmol), NBS (3.0 g, 16.9 mmol) and benzoyi peroxide (0.37 g, 1.54 mmol) are taken up in carbon tetrachloride (50 ml, 0.3M) and refluxed until the reaction is judged complete by TLC. The mixture is then allowed to cool to room temperature and is filtered. The filtrate is concentrated and purified via flash column chromatography (0-5% EtOAc/hexanes) to give 4-bromomethyl-3-chlorobenzonitrile as a white solid. HRMS (ESI) m/z. 229.9133 (229.9193 calcd for C8H6CIBrN, M+H). Similarly prepared are the following compounds from the corresponding toluenes: 4-Bromomethyl-3-fluorobenzonitrile (cas # 105942-09-4) 4-Bromomethyl-2-bromobenzonitrile (cas # 89892-38-6) 4-Broniomethyl-3-methoxybenzonitrile (cas # 104436-60-4) 4-Bromomethyl-3-nitrobenzonitrile (cas # 223512-70-7) 3-Bromo-4-bromomethylbenzoic acid methyl ester (cas # 78946-25-5) B. 4-Bromomethyl-3-trifluoromethylbenzonitrile (Figure Removed) 4-Methyl-3-trifluoromethylbenzonitrile is brominated with NBS according to Example 1A to give 4-bromomethyl-3-trifluoromethylbenzonitrile. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3) 5 (ppm) 7.94 (s, 1H), 7.85 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 4.63 (s, 2H). C. 4-Bromomethyl-3-trifluoromethoxybenzonitrile (Figure Removed) To a mixture of CuBr2 (25.5 g, 114 mmol) in CH3CN (500 ml) at 0 °C is added f-butyl nitrite (17.7 ml, 148 mmol). Then 4-amino-3-trifluoromethoxybenzonitrile (20.0 g, 99.0 mmol) is added in 4 portions over a 10 min period. The mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature and stir overnight. The solvent is removed and the residue is partitioned between Et2O and 1M HCI. The aqueous phase is further extracted with Et2O and the combined organic layers are dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated. Solid residue is then triturated with hexanes to give 4-Bromo-3-trifluoromethoxybenzonitrtle as a yellow crystalline solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3)δ (ppm) 7.47 (dd, J=6.0, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.59 (m, 1H), 7.80 (d, >8.0Hz, 1H). A mixture oi4-Dromo-a-triTiuoromethoxybenzonitrile (10.0 g, 37.6 mmol), K2CO3 (15.6 g, 113 mmol), trimethylboroxine (5.5 mL, 39.5 mmol) and DMF (150 ml) is degassed for 10 min with nitrogen before Pd(PPh3)4 (4.34 g, 3.76 mmol) is added. The mixture is then sealed and heated to 120 °C for 14 h. The mixture is then concentrated and then partitioned between Et2O and 50% brine solution. The aqueous phase is further extracted with Et2O and the combined organic layers are dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated. The residue is purified via flash chromatography (10% EtOAc/hexanes) to give 4-methyl-3-trifluoromethoxybenzonitrile. H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3) δ(ppm) 2.40 (s, 3H), 7.40 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (s, 1 H), 7.51 (dd, J=7.7, 1.5 Hz, 1 H). MS (ESI) m/z 202.1. 4-Methyl-3-Trifluoromethoxybenzonitrile is brominated with NBS according to Example 1A to give 4-bromomethyl-3-trifluoromethoxybenzonitrile. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3) 8 (ppm) 4.51 (s, 2H), 7.55 (br s, 1H), 7.59 (d, J=8.0z, 1 H), 7.64 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1 H). D. 4-Bromomethyl-2,5-dimethoxybenzonitrile (Figure Removed) By analogy to steps outlined in J. Med. Chem. 1976, 19(12), 1400-1404. 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde (14.8 g, 82.2 mmol) is dissolved in pyridine (300 ml) and to it is added hydroxylamine hydrochloride (6.8 g, 98.6 mmol). The suspension is heated at 105 °C for 2 h. Acetic anhydride (15.5 ml, 164 mmol) is then added to the reaction and stirring is continued for another 2 h. The solution is evaporated to dryness and partitioned between EtOAc and saturated aqueous NaHCO3. The organic fraction is dried (NarSO4) and evaporated to give a yellow solid which is taken up in hexanes and filtered to give 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylbenzonitrile as a white solid, (cas # 51267-09-5) MS (ESI) m/z 178.2 (M+H). \,5-Dimethoxy-4-methylbenzonitrile (4.06 g, 21.5 mmol) is brominates with NBS according to Example 1A to give 4-bromomethyl-2,5-dimethoxybenzonitrile. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3) 6 (ppm) 6.95 (s, 1H), 6.91 (s, 1H), 4.43 ($, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.80 (s, 3H). Similarly prepared is the following: 4-Bromomethyl-3-bromobenzonitrile (cas # 89892-39-7). 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm) 7.87 (d, 1H, J= 1.2 Hz), 7.60 (dd, 1H, J= 7.6, 1.2 Hz), 7.57 (d, 1H, J= 7.6 Hz), 4.58 (s, 2H). (Figure Removed) To a mixture of 4-fluorophenylboronic acid (2.5 g, 13.4 mmol), 2-bromobenzyl alcohol (2.81 g, 20.1 mmol) and Pd(PPh3)4 (0.25 g, 0.216 mmol) in DME (20 ml) is added an aqueous solution of Na2C03 (11.5 mL, 2.7 M, 31 mmol). The mixture is heated to 115 °C in sealed vessel overnight. The reaction is allowed to cool to room temperature and is diluted with EtOAc and water. The aqueous layer is extracted further with EtOAc (2X). The combined organic layers are washed with water, saturated NH4CI, brine and dried over Na2SO4. After concentration, the resulting residue is purified by flash chromatography (hexane/CH2CI2) to give (4'-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-methanol as oil. (cas # 773871-75-3) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3)δ (ppm) 7.46-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.32-7.22 (m, 4H), 7.18-7.16 (m, 1H), 7.04-6.99 (m, 2H), 4.48 (d, J= 5.5 Hz, 2H), 1.68 (brs, 1H). To a solution of (4'-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-methanol (2.58 g, 12.8 mmol) in CH2CI2 (100 mL), carbon tetrabromide (7.40 g, 22.3 mmol) is added. The solution is cooled to 0 °C and then triphenylphosphine (7.53 g, 28.7 mmol) is added portionwise. The reaction is stirred at 0 °C for 1.5h and then at room temperature for 90 h before the solvent is removed. The resulting residue is partitioned between Et20 and water and then filtered. The layers are separated and the aqueous layer is extracted with Et2O. The combined organic layers are washed with water, brine and dried over Na2SO4. After concentration, the residue is purified by flash chromatography (hexane) to give 2-bromomethyl-4'-fluorobiphenyl as an oil. (an alternative preparation appears in J. Med. Chem. 2004, 47(22;, 5441) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.53-7.50 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.31 (m, 4H), 7.24-7.21 (m, 1H), 7.15-5.80 (m, 2H), 4.42 (s, 2H). E. Bromo-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)acetic acid methyl ester (Figure Removed) (3-Fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)acetic acid (5.0 g, 27.1 mmol) is dissolved in MeOH (100 ml). To it is added concentrated H2SO4 (5 ml) and the solution is warmed to reflux for 2 h. At that point, the solution is evaporated to dryness and taken up in EtOAc. The solution is washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO3, dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated to give (3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)acetic acid methyl ester (cas# 588-14-7) as a yellow oil. MS (ESI) m/z 199.3(M+H). The (3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)acetic acid methyl ester (5.16 g, 26.0 mmol) is dissolved in carbon tetrachloride (300 ml) along with NBS (5.56 g, 313 mmol) and benzoyl peroxide (0.63 g, 2.60 mmol) and refluxed for 2 h. The solution is then allowed to cool to room temperature and is filtered. The filtrate is evaporated and the residue purified via flash column chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 5:95->EtOAc/hexanes 2:8) to give bromo-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)acetic acid methyl ester as a yellow oil. 1H NMR (CDCI3) 6 7.37 (d, J = 12 Hz, 1H), 7.26-7.23 (m, 1H), 6.93 (t, J = 8 Hz, 1H), 5.31 (s, 1H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 3.81 s, 3H). Example 2 Substituted Imidazole Intermediates A. 1-Trityl-4-carboxaldehyde-1H-imidazole (cas #33016-47-6} (Figure Removed) According to procedure outlined in J. Med. Chem. 2002, 45(1), 177, to imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde (15.0 g, 156.2 mmol) in DMF (300 mL) is added triethylamine (43.8 ml, 312 mmol) followed by trityl chloride (44.4 g, 159.0 mmol). The reaction mixture is stirred at ambient temperature for 18 h before the solvent is removed in vacua. The resulting solid is dissolved in dichloromethane and washed with sodium bicarbonate and water. The organic phase is concentrated in vacua to give the desired material as a solid. B. 1-(1-TrityMH-imidazol-4-yI)ethanol(cas #62266-50-2) , (Figure Removed) To 1-trityl-4-carboxaldehyde-1H-imidazole (11.7 g, 34.6 mmol) in THF (250ml) at 0 °C is added methylmagnesium bromide (12.6 mL, 38 mmol, 3.0 M in diethyl ether). The reaction mixture is stirred at 15 °C for 4 h before quenching with water (10 mL), followed by aqueous ammonium chloride. The reaction is extracted into ethyl acetate and washed with 30 mL of saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The organic solvent is removed in vacua. Chromatography (silica gel, ethyl acetate:hexanes, 1:1 to 1:0) yields the desired product. MS (ESI) m/z 355 (M+H). (prepared similarly in J. Med. Chem. 1977, 20(5), 721) C. 1-(1-Trityl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethanone (cas #116795-55-2) (Figure Removed) To 1-(1-trityl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethanol (8.06 g, 22.7 mmol) in dioxane (400 ml) is added manganese dioxide (9.9 g, 113.8 mmol). The reaction mixture is heated to 90 °C and stirred for 18 h. The reaction is allowed to cool to room temperature and filtered through diatomaceous earth. The filtered solvent is removed in vacua to yield the product. MS (ESI) m/z 353 (M+H) (prepared similarly in Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2004, 12(9), 2251.) D. (1-Trltyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)acetic acid (cas # 168632-03-9) (Figure Removed) Trityl chloride (51 g, 0.18 mol) is added to a suspension of (1/-/-imidazol-4-yl)acetic acid hydrochloride (25 g, 0.15 mol) in pyridine (500 ml). This is stirred at room temperature for 16 h, at the end of which MeOH (150 ml) is added. This solution is stirred at room temperature for 1 h. Solvents are evaporated and the residue is taken up in CH2CI2 and washed with 1 M aqueous citric acid solution (2X) and brine. The organic phase is dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and evaporated to give a sticky residue which when taken up in diethyl ether and evaporated gave the product as a white solid that is used without further purification. MS (ESI) m/z 368.9 (M+H) (Procedure adapted from J. Org. Chem. 1993, 58, 4606, also prepared in WO2003013526) E. 2-(1 -Trityl-1 tf-im idazol-4-yl)ethanol (cas # 127607-62-9) (Figure Removed) (1-Trityl-1 H-imidazol-4-yl)acetic acid (65 g, 0.17mol) is suspended in THF (400 mL) and cooled to 0 °C. To this is added BH3THF solution (350 mL, 1.0 M). The clear solution obtained is stirred at 0 °C for 30 min before warming to room temperature until LCMS indicated completion of the reaction. The solution is cooled again to 0 °C and quenched carefully with water (250 mL). The resulting solution is diluted with EtOAc (300 mL) and transferred to a separatory funnel and the aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase is dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and evaporated to give a sticky residue which is taken up in ethanolamine (800 mL) and heated to 90 °C for 2 h. The reaction is transferred to a separatory funnel, diluted with EtOAc (1 L) and washed with water (3 X 600 mL). The organic phase is dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and evaporated to give 2-(1-trityl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-ethanol as a white solid that is used as is without further purification. MS (ESI) m/z 354.8 (M+H) (prepared by alternate method in J. Med. Chem. 1996, 39(19), 3806) F.4-[2-(fert-Butyldimethylsilanyloxy)ethyl]-1-trityl-1 H-imidazole (Figure Removed) 2-(1 -Trityl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethanol (20 g, 56.5 mmol) is dissolved in CH2CI2 (500 ml). To this is added imidazole (11.5 g, 169 mmol) and tert-butyldimethylsilylchloride (10.2 g, 67.8 mmol). The solution is stirred at room temperature until LCMS indicated the reaction is complete. The solution is partitioned between CH2CI2and aqueous saturated NaHCO3. The organic layer is washed further with aqueous saturated NaHC03 and brine. The organic phase is dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and evaporated to give an oil that is i purified via flash column chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 3:7) to give 3-[2-(tert- butyldimethylsilanyloxy)ethyl]-1-trityl-1H-imidazole as a white solid. MS (ESI) m/z 469.3 (M+H). G. Methyl 4-[(1-Trityl-1W-imidazol-4-yl)]propanoic acid ester (cas# 102676-60-8) (Figure Removed) To a white suspension of 3-(1H-imidazole-4-yl)propionic acid (5 g, 35.7 mrnol) in MeOH (140 ml_) is added dropwise HCI/Dioxane (4M, 29 ml, 116 mmol). The resulting clear solution is slowly warmed up to ambient temperature and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture is concentrated in vacua and dried on a high vacuum pump to give an oil. To a solution of 3-(1W-imidazol-4-yl)propionic acid methyl ester hydrochloride (6.8 g, 35.7 mmol) in CH3CN (160 mL) is added trityl chloride (11.0 g, 39.5 mmol) in portion at 0 °C and followed by triethylamine (40 ml). The white suspension mixture is stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The solvent is evaporated and the residue is suspended in 200 ml H2O-ice and stirred for 1 h. The solid is collected and dried under a high vacuum pump to give a white solid, (prepared in J. Med. Chem. 1996, 39(6), 1220.) H. (1-Trityl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)acetic acid methyl ester (cas# 145133-11-5) (Figure Removed) Prepared from the corresponding acid according to the procedure G above, (prepared in US5140034) I. 4-[3-(tert-Butyldimethylsilanyloxy)propyl]-1 -trityl-1 h-imidazole (Figure Removed) To a suspension of LAH (1.0 g, 26.4 mmol) in THF (80 mL) at 0 °C is added 3-(1-trityl-1 H-imidazol-4-yl)propanoic acid methyl ester (6.76 g, 17.1 mmol) in portion. Then the resulting mixture is stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The reaction is quenched with water, 15% sodium hydroxide, and water, then diluted with methylene chloride and filtered. The precipitate on the filter is washed with methylene chloride. The filtrate is evaporated to dryness to give the crude compound. To a solution of the above crude compound (7.46 g, 20.3 mmol) in DMF (60 ml) at ambient temperature is added imidazole (2.07 g, 30.4 mmol), tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (3.5 g, 23.2 mmol) and followed by DMAP (70 mg). The mixture is stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The mixture is partitioned between EtOAc and brine. The organic layer is washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to"give the desired compound. J. 3-(1-Trityl-1 H-imidazoI-4-yl)butyric acid ethyl ester (cas# 698367-52-1) (Figure Removed) The title ester is prepared according to the strategy outlined in Bioorg. Med Chem. 2004, 12(9), 2273. To a suspension of NaH (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 1.7 g, 42.5 mmol) in THF (10 ml) at ambient temperature is added dropwise triethylphosphonoacetate (8.53 mL, 42.6 mmol). To this mixture is slowly added a solution of 1-(1 -trityl-1 H-imidzaol-4-yl)ethanone (10 g, 28.4 mmol) in THF (100 mL). The resulting mixture is heated at reflux for 3 h. The reaction mixture is poured onto ice and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer is washed by brine, dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated to give the crude solid. To a degassed solution of 3-(1-trityJ-1 W-imidazo[-4-yl)but-2-enoic acid ethyl ester (5 g, 11.8 mmol) in ethanol (100 ml) in a Parr bottle is added 5% palladium on carbon (0.5 g). The bottle is purged with nitrogen, evacuated, and hydrogen gas (15 psi) added. The bottle is placed upon a Parr hydrogenation apparatus and shaken for 18 h. The hydrogen is evacuated and the bottle purged with nitrogen gas. The reaction mixture is then filtered through diatomaceous earth and the clear liquid solution collected and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the crude oil, which is subject to flash chromatography (silica gel) eluting with MeOH:CH2CI2 to yield the desired compound. K. 2,2-Dimethyl-2-(1-trityl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-propionic acid methyl ester (Figure Removed) To a solution of (1-trityl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)acetic acid methyl ester (10 g, 26.2 mm THF (150 ml) at 0 °C is added NaH powder (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 3.15 g, 78 mmol). The suspension is stirred at 0 °C for 0.5 h then is added CH3I (4 ml, 64.1 mmol). The resulting mixture is warmed up to ambient temperature and stirred overnight. To the suspension mixture is added Florisil (2.5 g), and the solid is removed by filtration through a Celite pad. The filtrate is concentrated and the residue is partitioned between EtOAc and brine, and the organic layer is washed by brine, dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated to give the crude oil, which is subject to flash chromatcgraphy (silica gel) eluting with MeOH:CH2CI2 to yield the desired compound. L. 2,2-Dimethyl-2-(1-trityl-1tf-imidazol-4-yl)propionaldehyde (cas# 64464-49-9) (Figure Removed) To a solution of 2,2-dimethyl-2-(1-trityl-1 H-imidazol-4-yl)propionic acid methyl ester (4.2 g, 10.2 mmol) in THF (40 ml) at 0 °C is added LAH (600mg, 15.8 mmol). The resulting suspension is stirred at 0 °C for 2 h. The reaction is quenched with water, 15% sodium hydroxide, and water, then diluted with methylene chloride and filtered. The precipitate on the filter is washed with methylene chloride. The filtrate is evaporated to dryness to give the crude compound. To a solution of the above crude compound (3.83 g, 10.0 mmol) in CH2CI2(50 ml) at ambient temperature is added Dess-Martin periodinane in portion. The resulting clear solution is stirred at ambient temperature for 2 h. The reaction is quenched with 1 N aqueous Na2S2O3> saturated aqueous NaHCO3, and extracted with CH2CI2. The organic layer is washed by brine, dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated to give the crude oil, which is subject to flash chromatography (silica gel) eluting with MeOH:CH2CI2 to yield the desired compound, (prepared by an alternate method in Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2004, 12(9), 2251.) M. 3,3-Dimethyl-3-(1 -trityl-1 H-imidazol-4-yl)butan-1 -ol (Figure Removed) To a suspension of methoxymethyl triphenylphosphonium chloride (11.0 g, 32.1 mmol) in THF (15 mL) at ambient temperature is added f-BuOK/THF (1,0 M, 30 mL 30 mmol). The resulting mixture is stirred at ambient temperature about 10 min then is added a solution of 2,2-dimethyl-2-(1 -trityl-1 H-imidazol-4-yl)propionaldehyde (3.6 g, 9.5 mmol) in THF (70 mL). The mixture is stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The reaction is quenched by sat. NHUCI, and the mixture is partitioned between EtOAc and brine. The organic layer is washed by brine, dried and concentrated to give an oil, which is subjected to flash chromatography (silica gel) eluting with MeOH:CH2CI2 to yield the desired compound. To the above compound (1.04g, 2.55 mmol) in 10% H2O-THF (22 mL) at ambient temperature is added TsOH resin. The mixture is stirred at ambient temperature for 2 h. The reaction mixture is filtered off the resin and washed with CH2CI2. The organic layer is neutralized and washed with brine, dried and concentrated to give the crude compound. To the above crude compound in THF (10 ml) at 0 °C is added LAH (150 mg, 3.95 mmol) and the mixture is stirred at 0 °C for 30 min. The reaction is quenched with water, 15% sodium hydroxide, and water, then diluted with methylene chloride and filtered. The precipitate on the filter is washed with methylene chloride. The filtrate is evaporated to dryness to give an oil, which is subject to flash chromatography (silica gel) eluting with MeOH:CH2CI2 to yield the desired compound. N. 4-[3-(fert-Butyldimethylsilanyloxy)-1,1-dimethyl-propyl]-1-trityl-1H-imidazole (Figure Removed) To a solution of 3,3-dimethyl-3-(1-trityl-1W-imidazol-4-yl)butan-1-ol (0.87 g, 2.2 mmol) in CH2CI2 (10 ml) at ambient temperature is added imidazole (200 mg, 2.94 mmo!), tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (350 mg, 2.32 mmol). The mixture is stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The mixture is partitioned between EtOAc and brine. The organic layer is washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to give an oil, which is subject to flash chromatography (silica gel) eiuting with MeOH:CH2CI2 to yield the desired compound. O. (£ and Z)-4-[4-tert-Butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxy)-but-1 -enyfl-1 -trityl-1 W-imidazole (Figure Removed) To 3-(terf-butyldimethylsilanyloxy)propyl-1 -bromide is converted to the triphenyl phosphonium salt according to literature precedent (Tetrahedron Letters 1997, 38(20), 3647-3650). To the bromide (25 g, 95 mmol) in toluene (200 mL) is added triphenylphosphine (40 g, 158 mmol). The reaction mixture is stirred at 105 °C for 18 h. The mixture is then allowed to cool to room temperature over the course of an hour. The white solid is filtered off, washed with hexane (50 mL), then washed with ethyl acetate, and dried under vacuum for 24 h. To [3-(teAf-butyldimethylsilanyloxy)propyl]triphenylphosphonium bromide (35.5 g, 68.9 mmol) is added anhydrous THF (300 ml) via cannula. This suspension is cooled to -78 °C and />buty!lithium in hexanes (2.5 M, 30 ml, 75 mmol) is added via syringe. The mixture is allowed to stir for 20 minutes at -78 °C before a solution of 1-trityl-4-carboxaldehyde-1H-imidazole (20.0 g, 59.1 mmal) in THF (300 ml) is added via cannula. The mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature over 30 minutes, then stirred an additional 3.5 h at room temperature. The reaction is quenched by the addition of methanol (20 ml) followed by aqueous saturated ammonium chloride. The reaction mixture is then partitioned between ethyl acetate and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The organic layer in concentrated in vacua to yield crude product. Chromatography purification (silica gel, ethyl acetateihexanes 0:1 to 3:2) yields the product as a white solid, a mixture of cis and trans isomers. MS (ESI) m/^ 495 (M+H) P. (£ and Z)-4-[4-ferf-Butyldimethylsllanyloxy)-1 -methyl-but-1 -enyl]-1 -trityl-1 H-imidazole (Figure Removed) The title compound is prepared from Example 2C in a similar manner to preparation O above. MS (ESI) m/z 509 (M+H) Q. 4-[4-(tert-Butyldimethylsilanyloxy)butyl]-1-trityl-1H-imIdazole (Figure Removed) To a mixture of E- and Z-4-[4-fert-butyldimethylsilanyloxy)bui-1-enyl]-1-trityl-1H-imidazole (7.4 g, 14.9 mmol) in degassed ethanol in a Parr bottle is added 5% pailadium on carbon (0.1 g). The bottle is purged with nitrogen, evacuated, and hydrogen gas (30 psi) added. The bottle is placed upon a Parr hydrogenation apparatus and shaken for 18 hours. The hydrogen is evacuated and the bottie purged with nitrogen gas. The reaction mixture is then filtered through diatomaceous earth and the clear liquid solution collected and the solvent removed in vacua to give the product as a white solid. MS (ESI) m/z 497 (M+H) R. 4-[4-(fert-Butyldimethylsilanyloxy}-1-methylbutyl]-1-trityl-1H-imidazole (Figure Removed) The title compound is prepared from a mixture of E- and Z-4-[4-terf-butyldimethylsilanyloxy)-1-methylbut-1-enyl]-1-trityl-1H-imidazole in a similar manner to preparation Q above. MS (ESI) m/z 511 (M+H) Example 3 A. 4-{5-[2-fert-Butyldimethylsilanyloxy)ethyl]imidazol-1-ylmethyl}-3-chlorobenzonitrile TBSO (Figure Removed) 4-[2-(te/f-Butyldimethylsilanyloxy)ethyl]-1-trityl-1H-irnidazole (3.98 g, 8.5 mmol) and 4-bromomethyl-3-chlorobenzonitrile (2.93 g, 12.7 mmoi) are dissolved in MeCN (40 ml) and heated at 80 °C for 5 h. After cooling to room temperature MeOH (40 ml) and Et2NH (7 ml) are then added and the solution is warmed 70 °C for 1 h. The solution is evaoo^ated to dryness and the residue purified via flash column chromatography (acetone/CH2C!21:3 -> MeOH/ CH2CI2 5:95) to give 4-{5-l2-tert-butyl-dimethylsilanyloxy)ethyl]-imidazol-1 -ylmethyl}-3-chiorobenzonitrile as an oil. MS (ESI) m/z 376.3, 378.3 (M+H). B. {5-[2-Tert-butyldimethylsilanyloxy)ethyl]imidazol-1-yl}-(2-chloro-4-cyancphenyl) acetic acid methyl ester (Figure Removed) 4-{5-[2-terf-Butyldimethylsilanyloxy)ethyl]imidazol-1 -ylmethylJ-S-chlorobenzonitrile (1.7 g, 4.52 mmol) is dissolved in anhydrous THF (30 ml) and stirred at -78 °C before a THF solution of LHMDS (8.1 ml, 1.0 M) is added. After 15 min, methyl cyanoformate (0.38 ml, 4.74 mmol) is added and the solution is left at -78 °C for 2 h. The excess LHMDS is quenched with aqueous saturated NH4CI and the mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature. The mixture is then diluted with EtOAc and washed with aqueous saturated NH4CI (2X). Organic is dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated. The crude residue is purified via flash column chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:1 -* EtOAc) to give {5-[2-terf-butyldimethylsilanyloxy)ethyl]-imidazol-1 -yl}-(2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)acetic acid methyl ester as an oil. MS (ESI) m/z 434.3, 436.3 (M+H). C. 5-(2-Chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-5-carboxylic acid methyl ester (Figure Removed) {5-[2-tert-Butyldimethylsilanyloxy)ethyl]-imidazol-1-yl}-(2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-acetic acid methyl ester (2.8 g, 6.46 mmol) in THF (25 mL) is cooled to 0 °C before a solution of HCI in 1,4-dioxane (10 mL, 4.0 M, 40 mmol) is added. After completion of the reaction as judged by LCMS, the solution is partitioned between EtOAc and aqueous saturated NaHCO3. The organic layer is dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated to give the crude alcohol, (2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-[5-(2-hydroxyethyl)imidazol-1-yl]-acetic acid methyl ester that is used without further purification. MS (ESI) m/z 320.1, 322.1 (M+H). The crude (2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-[5-(2-hydroxyethyl)imidazol-1-yl]acetic acid methyl ester (2.06 g, 6.46 mmol) is dissolved in CH2CI2 (25 ml) and stirred at 0 °C before Et3N (1.4 ml, 9.69 mmol) and methanesulfonyl chloride (0.6 ml, 7.75 mmol) are added. After completion of the reaction, the solution is partitioned between CH2CI2 and aqueous saturated NaHCO3. The organic layer is dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated to give the crude (2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-[5-(2-methanesulfonyloxyethyl)imidazol-1-yl]-acetic acid methyl ester that is used without further purification. MS (ESI) m/z 398.2, 400.2 (M+H). The crude (2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-[5-(2-methanesulfonyloxyethyl)imidazoM-yl]-acetic acid methyl ester (2.56 g, 6.45 mmol) is dissolved in dry DMF (50 ml) and to it is added K2CO3(2.67 g, 19.4 mmol), Nal (2.9 g, 19.4 mmol) and Et3N (2.7 ml, 19.4 mmol). The reaction is stirred at 80 °C for 2 h before being concentrated to dryness. The residue is then diluted with EtOAc and washed with water. The organic layer is dried (Na?SO4) and evaporated to give a crude residue that is purified via flash column chromatography (Acetone/ CH2Cl21:3) to give 5-(2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrro!o[1,2-c]imidazole-5-carboxylic acid methyl ester as an oil. MS (ESI) m/z 302.2, 304.2 (M+H). 'H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3) 8 ppm 2.64-2.76 (m, 2 H), 2.97-3.06 (m, 1 H), 3.84 (s, 3 H), 3.86- 3.93 (m, 1 H), 6.56 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.87 (s, 1 H), 7.50 (obs d, J=8.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.73 (s, 1H). D. 5-(2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Figure Removed) 5-(2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pynrolo[1,2-c]imidazo!e-5-carboxylicacid methyl ester (0.6 g, 2.0 mmol) is dissolved in THF/water 3:2 (20 mL) and to it is added UOH (0.17 g, 4.0 mmol). The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 2 h before being neutralized to pH 6 with 1M HCI. The solution is evaporated to dryness to give acid, 5-(2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-5-carboxy!ic acid as a solid. MS (ESI) m/2 288.2, 290.2 (M+H); 1H NMR (400 MHz, MeOD) (ammonium salt) 6 ppm 2.64-2.74 (m, 1 H), 2.77-2.86 (m, 1 H), 2.94-3.02 (m, 1 H), 3.74 (ddd, J=13.1, 9.1, 8.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.74 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.85 (s, 1 H), 7.59 (dd, J=8.1,1.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.84 (d, J=1.S Hz, 1 H), 7.91 (s, 1 H). E. 3-Chloro-4-(6,7-d!hydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazol-5-yl)benzonitriie (Figure Removed) Trie5-(2-chloro-4-cyanopheny()-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-5-carboxylic acid (0.02g, 70 umol) is dissolved in DMSO (2 ml) and Et3N (0.2 ml) and heated at 100 °C for 2 h. The solution is evaporated to dryness and residue purified via reverse phase HPLC (5-100% MeCN/water w/ 0.1% TFA) to give 3-chloro-4-(6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazo!-5-y()-benzonitrile as a white solid. MS (ESI) m/z. 244.2, 246.2 (M+H); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3) (TFA salt) 8 ppm 2.60-2.73 (m, 1 H), 3.08-3.20 (m, 2 H), 3.22-3.36 (m, 1 H), 6.04 (dd, .7=7.6, 5.8 Hz, 1 H), 6.91 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.24 (s, 1 H), 7.61 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.81 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.53 (s, 1 H). Similarly prepared are the following compounds (Table 2): Table 2. Compounds of Formula (II) (Table Removed) F. Chiral resolution of selected compounds of formula II given as Example 3. 1) (R) and (S>3-Chloro-4-(6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazol-5-yl)benzonitrile Resolution of the enantiomers of the title compound is achieved by chiral HPLC using ChiralPak IA column with a 70% EtOAc:hexane mobile phase to give enantiomer A (tr = 22.4 min) and enantiomer B (tr = 41.9 min). 2) (R) and (S>5-(2-Chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrroIo[1,2-c]imidazole-5- carboxylic acid methyl ester Resolution of the enantiomers of the title compound is achieved by chiral HPLC using ChiralPak AS column with a 15% IPA:hexane mobile phase to give enantiomer A (tr = 51.8 min) and enantiomer B (tr = 63.2 min). 3) (R) and (S> 4-(6,7-Dihydro-5AY-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazol-5-yl)-3-methoxybenzonitrile Resolution of the enantiomers of the title compound is achieved by chhal HPLC using ChiralPak AS-H column with a 1% EtOH:MeCN mobile phase to give enantiomer A (tr = 16.7 min) and enantiomer B (tr = 25.7 min). 4) (R) and (S;-5-(4-Cyano-2-methoxyphenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole- 5-carboxylic acid methyl ester Resolution of the enantiomers of the title compound is achieved by chiral HPLC using ChiralPak AD column with a 30% IPA:hexane mobile phase to give enantiorner A |
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733-delnp-2008-Correspondence Others-(08-08-2014).pdf
733-delnp-2008-Correspondence Others-(14-03-2014).pdf
733-delnp-2008-Correspondence Others-(25-07-2014).pdf
733-delnp-2008-correspondnece-others.pdf
733-delnp-2008-description(complete).pdf
733-delnp-2008-Form-3-(14-03-2014).pdf
733-delnp-2008-Form-3-(25-07-2014).pdf
733-delnp-2008-GPA-(25-07-2014).pdf
Claims (marked up and clean).pdf
Patent Number | 265497 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Indian Patent Application Number | 733/DELNP/2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||
PG Journal Number | 09/2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Publication Date | 27-Feb-2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Grant Date | 25-Feb-2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Date of Filing | 25-Jan-2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Name of Patentee | NOVARTIS AG., | |||||||||||||||||||||
Applicant Address | LICHTSTRASSE 35, CH-4056 BASEL SWITZERLAND. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Inventors:
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PCT International Classification Number | C07D 487/04 | |||||||||||||||||||||
PCT International Application Number | PCT/US2006/032912 | |||||||||||||||||||||
PCT International Filing date | 2006-08-23 | |||||||||||||||||||||
PCT Conventions:
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