Inhibition of matrix metalloproteases by substituted biaryl oxobutyric acids Number:6,762,184 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent This application relates to matrix metalloprotease inhibitors having the generalized formula ##STR1##in which r is 0-2, T is selected from ##STR2##and R.sup.40 is a mono-or bi-heterocyclic structure. More particularly, the present application claims the various stereoisomeric forms of 4-(4'-choloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-4-oxo-2-[2-(4-oxo-4H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazin-3 -yl)ethyl]butyric acid, as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and methods for inhibiting matrix metalloprotease activity in mammals such as humans and for treating various conditions by administering such compounds are also claimed.<H metalloproteases, substituted, Inhibition, of, m, 6762184.html, Patent, pto, 6762184

Title: Inhibition of matrix metalloproteases by substituted biaryl oxobutyric acids

Abstract: This application relates to matrix metalloprotease inhibitors having the generalized formula ##STR1##in which r is 0-2, T is selected from ##STR2##and R.sup.40 is a mono-or bi-heterocyclic structure. More particularly, the present application claims the various stereoisomeric forms of 4-(4'-choloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-4-oxo-2-[2-(4-oxo-4H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazin-3 -yl)ethyl]butyric acid, as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and methods for inhibiting matrix metalloprotease activity in mammals such as humans and for treating various conditions by administering such compounds are also claimed.

Patent Number: 6,762,184 Issued on 07/13/2004 to VanZandt, et al.

Inventors: VanZandt; Michael C. (Guilford, CT), Brittelli; David R. (Branford, CT), Dixon; Brian R. (Woodbridge, CT)
Assignee: Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation (West Haven, CT)

Appl. No.: 09/845,379

Filed: April 30, 2001

Related U.S. Patent Documents


Application Number	Filing Date	Patent Number	Issue Date
343142	Jun., 1999	6225314
856693	May., 1997	5925637

Current U.S. Class: 514/243 ; 544/183

Current International Class: C07D 237/32 (20060101); C07D 237/00 (20060101); C07D 253/08 (20060101); C07C 62/38 (20060101); C07C 62/00 (20060101); C07D 253/00 (20060101)

Field of Search: 544/183 514/243

References Cited [Referenced By]

U.S. Patent Documents


5886043	March 1999	Kluender et al.
5925637	July 1999	VanZandt et al.

Foreign Patent Documents


9519961	Jul., 1995	WO

Other References

Sahoo, Soumya P., et al, "Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinases by N.-Carboxyalkyl Dipeptides: Enhanced Potency and Selectivity with Substituted P.sub.1 Homophenylalanines", Biorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 5 (20): 2441-2446 (1995). .
Child., Ralph G., et al., "Fenbufen, a new Anti-Inflammatory Analgesic: Syntheses and Structure-Activity relationships of Analogs", Journal of Pharamceutical Science, 66 (4): 466-476 (1977)..

Primary Examiner: Rotman; Alan L.
Assistant Examiner: Sackey; Ebenezer

Claims

We claim:

1. A matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor selected from the group consisting of: (rac)-4-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-4-oxo-2-[2-(4-oxo-4H-benzo[d][1,2,3]tria zin-3-yl)ethyl]butyric acid; (-)-4-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-4-oxo-2-[2-4-oxo-4H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazin -3-yl)ethyl]butyric acid; (+)-4-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-4-oxo-2-[2-(4-oxo-4H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazi n-3-yl)ethyl]butyric acid; and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

2. A composition having matrix metalloprotease inhibitory activity, comprising a compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

3. A method of inhibiting matrix metalloprotease activity in a mammal comprising administration of an effective amount matrix metalloprotease inhibitor compound of claim 1 to said mammal.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said mammal is a human.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to enzyme inhibitors, and more particularly, to novel substituted biaryl oxobutyric acid compounds or derivatives thereof useful for inhibiting matrix metalloproteases.

2. Description of the Related Art

The matrix metalloproteases (a.k.a. matrix metalloendo-proteinases or MMPs) are a family of zinc endoproteinases which include, but are not limited to, interstitial collagenase (a.k.a. MMP-1), stromelysin (a.k.a. proteoglycanase, transin, or MMP-3), gelatinase A (a.k.a. 72 kDa-gelatinase or MMP-2) and gelatinase B (a.k.a. 95 kDa-gelatinase or MMP-9). These MMPs are secreted by a variety of cells including fibroblasts and chondrocytes, along with natural proteinaceous inhibitors known as TIMPs (Tissue Inhibitor of MetalloProteinase).

All of these MMPs are capable of destroying a variety of connective tissue components of articular cartilage or basement membranes. Each MMP is secreted as an inactive proenzyme which must be cleaved in a subsequent step before it is able to exert its own proteolytic activity. In addition to the matrix destroying effect, certain of these MMPs such as MMP-3 have been implemented as the in vivo activator for other MMPs such as MMP-1 and MMP-9 (Ito, et al., Arch Biochem Biophys. 267, 211 (1988); Ogata, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 267, 3581 (1992)). Thus, a cascade of proteolytic activity can be initiated by an excess of MMP-3. It follows that specific MMP-3 inhibitors should limit the activity of other MMPs that are not directly inhibited by such inhibitors.

It has also been reported that MMP-3 can cleave and thereby inactivate the endogenous inhibitors of other proteinases such as elastase (Winyard, et al., FEBS Letts. 279, 1, 91 (1991)). Inhibitors of MMP-3 could thus influence the activity of other destructive proteinases by modifying the level of their endogenous inhibitors.

A number of diseases are thought to be mediated by excess or undesired matrix-destroying metalloprotease activity or by an imbalance in the ratio of the MMPs to the TIMPs. These include: a) osteoarthritis (Woessner, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 259(6), 3633 (1984); Phadke, et al., J. Rheumatol. 10, 852 1983)), b) rheumatoid arthritis (Mullins, et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 695, 117 (1983)); Woolley, et al., Arthritis Rheum. 20, 1231 (1977); Gravallese, et al., Arthritis Rheum. 34, 1076 (1991)), c) septic arthritis (Williams, et al., Arthritis Rheum. 33, 533 (1990)), d) tumor metastasis (Reich, et al., Cancer Res., 48, 3307 (1988), and Matrisian, et al., Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci., U.S.A. 83 9413, (1986)), e) periodontal diseases (Overall, et al., J. Periodontal Res. 22, 81 (1987)), f) corneal ulceration (Burns, et al., Invest. Opthalmol. Vis. Sci. 30, 1569 (1989)), g) proteinuria (Baricos, et al., Biochem. J. 254, 609 (1988)), h) coronary thrombosis from atherosclerotic plaque rupture (Henney, et al., Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci., U.S.A. 88, 8154 (1991)), I) aneurysmal aortic disease (Vine, et al., Clin. Sci. 81, 233 (1991)), j) birth control (Woessner, et al., Steroids 54, 491 (1989)), k) dystrophobic epidermolysis bullosa (Kronberger, et al., J. Invest. Dermatol. 79, 208 (1982)), and l) degenerative cartilage loss following traumatic joint injury, m) conditions leading to inflammatory responses, osteopenias mediated by MMP activity, n) tempero mandibular joint disease, o) demyelating diseases of the nervous system (Chantry, et al., J. Neurochem. 50, 688 (1988)).

The need for new therapies is especially important in the case of arthritic diseases. The primary disabling effect of osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and septic arthritis is the progressive loss of articular cartilage and thereby normal joint function. No marketed pharmaceutical agent is able to prevent or slow this cartilage loss, although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been given to control pain and swelling. The end result of these diseases is total loss of joint function which is only treatable by joint replacement surgery. MMP inhibitors are expected to halt or reverse the progression of cartilage loss and obviate or delay surgical intervention.

Proteases are critical elements at several stages in the progression of metastatic cancer. In this process, the proteolytic degradation of structural protein in the basal membrane allows for expansion of a tumor in the primary site, evasion from this site as well as homing and invasion in distant, secondary sites. Also, tumor induced angiogenesis is required for tumor growth and is dependent on proteolytic tissue remodeling. Transfection experiments with various types of proteases have shown that the matrix metalloproteases play a dominant role in these processes in particular gelatinases A and B (MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively). For an overview of this field see Mullins, et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 695, 177 (1983); Ray, et al., Eur. Respir. J. 7, 2062 (1994); Birkedal-Hansen, et al., Crit. Rev. Oral Biol. Med. 4, 197 (1993).

Furthermore, it was demonstrated that inhibition of degradation of extracellular matrix by the native matrix metalloprotease inhibitor TIMP-2 (a protein) arrests cancer growth (DeClerck, et al., Cancer Res. 52, 701 (1992)) and that TIMP-2 inhibits tumor-induced angiogenesis in experimental systems (Moses, et al. Science 248, 1408 (1990)). For a review, see DeClerck, et al., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 732, 222 (1994). It was further demonstrated that the synthetic matrix metalloprotease inhibitor batimastat when given intraperitoneally inhibits human colon tumor growth and spread in an orthotopic model in nude mice (Wang, et al. Cancer Res. 54, 4726 (1994)) and prolongs the survival of mice bearing human ovarian carcinoma xenografts (Davies, et. al., Cancer Res. 53, 2087 (1993)). The use of this and related compounds has been described in Brown, et al., WO-9321942 A2 (931111).

There are several patents and patent applications claiming the use of metalloproteinase inhibitors for the retardation of metastatic cancer, promoting tumor regression, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, slowing or preventing cartilage loss associated with osteoarthritis or for treatment of other diseases as noted above (e.g. Levy, et al., WO-9519965 A1; Beckett, et al., WO-9519956 A1; Beckett, et al., WO-9519957 A1; Beckett, et al., WO-9519961 A1; Brown, et al., WO-9321942 A2; Crimmin, et al., WO-9421625 A1; Dickens, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,599,361; Hughes, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,937; Broadhurst, et al., EP 574758 A1; Broadhurst, et al., EP 276436; and Myers, et al., EP 520573 A1. The preferred compounds of these patents have peptide backbones with a zinc complexing group (hydroxamic acid, thiol, carboxylic acid or phosphinic acid) at one end and a variety of sidechains, both those found in the natural amino acids as well as those with more novel functional groups. Such small peptides are often poorly absorbed, exhibiting low oral bioavailability. They are also subject to rapid proteolytic metabolism, thus having short half lives. As an example, batimastat, the compound described in Brown, et al., WO-9321942 A2, can only be given intra peritoneally.

Certain 3-biphenoylpropanoic and 4-biaryloylbutanoic acids are described in the literature as anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-phlogistic, anti-proliferative, hypolipidemic, antirheumatic, analgesic, and hypocholesterolemic agents. In none of these examples is a reference made to MMP inhibition as a mechanism for the claimed therapeutic effect. Certain related compounds are also used as intermediates in the preparation of liquid crystals.

Specifically, Tomcufcik, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,784,701 claims certain substituted benzoylpropionic acids to treat inflammation and pain. These compounds include 3-biphenoylpropanoic acid (a.k.a fenbufen) shown below. ##STR3##

Child, et al., J. Pharm. Sci., 66, 466 (1977) describes structure-activity relationships of several analogs of fenbufen. These include several compounds in which the biphenyl ring system is substituted or the propanoic acid portion is substituted with phenyl, halogen, hydroxyl or methyl, or the carboxylic acid or carbonyl functions are converted to a variety of derivatives. No compounds are described which contain a 4'-substituted biphenyl and a substituted propanoic acid portion combined in one molecule. The phenyl (compounds XLIX and LXXVII) and methyl (compound XLVII) substituted compounds shown below were described as inactive. ##STR4##

Kameo, et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull., 36, 2050 (1988) and Tomizawa, et al., JP patent 62132825 A2 describe certain substituted 3-biphenoylpropionic acid derivatives and analogs thereof including the following. Various compounds with other substituents on the propionic acid portion are described, but they do not contain biphenyl residues. ##STR5##

wherein X=H, 4'-Br, 4'-Cl, 4'-CH.sub.3, or 2'-Br.

Cousse, et al., Eur. J. Med. Chem., 22, 45 (1987) describe the following methyl and methylene substituted 3-biphenoyl-propanoic and -propenoic acids. The corresponding compounds in which the carbonyl is replaced with either CH.sub.2 OH or CH.sub.2 are also described. ##STR6##

wherein X=H, Cl, Br, CH.sub.3 O, F, or NH.sub.2.

Nichl, et al. DE patent 1957750 also describes certain of the above methylene substituted biphenoylpropanoic acids.

El-Hashash, et al., Revue Roum. Chim. 23, 1581 (1978) describe products derived from .beta.-aroyl-acrylic acid epoxides including the following biphenyl compound. No compounds substituted on the biphenyl portion are described. ##STR7##

Kitamura, et al., JP patent 60209539 describes certain biphenyl compounds used as intermediates for the production of liquid crystals including the following. The biphenyl is not substituted in these intermediates. ##STR8##

wherein R.sup.1 is an alkyl of 1-10 carbons.

Thyes, et al., DE patent 2854475 uses the following compound as an intermediate. The biphenyl group is not substituted. ##STR9##

Sammour, et al., Egypt J. Chem. 15, 311 (1972) and Couquelet, et al., Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr. 9, 3196 (1971) describe certain dialkylamino substituted biphenoylpropanoic acids including the following. In no case is the biphenyl group substituted. ##STR10##

wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 =alkyl, benzyl, H, or, together with the nitrogen, morpholinyl.

Others have disclosed a series of biphenyl-containing carboxylic acids, illustrated by the compound shown below, which inhibit neural endopeptidase (NEP 24.11), a membrane-bound zinc metalloprotease (Stanton, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 4, 539 (1994); Lombaert, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 4, 2715 (1994); Lombaert, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 5, 145 (1995); Lombaert, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 5, 151 (1995)). ##STR11##

It has been reported that N-carboxyalkyl derivatives containing a biphenylethylglycine, illustrated by the compound shown below, are inhibitors of stromelysin-1 (MMP-3), 72 kDA gelatinase (MMP-2) and collagenase (Durette, et al., WO-9529689). ##STR12##

It would be desirable to have effective MMP inhibitors which possess improved bioavailability and biological stability relative to the peptide-based compounds of the prior art, and which can be optimized for use against particular target MMPs. Such compounds are the subject of the present application.

The development of efficacious MMP inhibitors would afford new therapies for diseases mediated by the presence of, or an excess of MMP activity, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, tumor metastasis, periodontal diseases, corneal ulcerations, and proteinuria. Several inhibitors of MMPs have been described in the literature, including thiols (Beszant, et al., J. Med. Chem. 36, 4030 (1993), hydroxamic acids (Wahl, et al. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 5, 349 (1995) Conway, et al. J. Exp. Med. 182, 449 (1995); Porter, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 4, 2741 (1994); Tomczuk, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 5, 343 (1995); Castelhano, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 5, 1415 (1995)), phosphorous-based acids (Bird, et al. J. Med. Chem. 37, 158 (1994); Morphy, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 4, 2747 (1994); Kortylewicz, et al., J. Med. Chem. 33, 263 (1990)), and carboxylic acids (Chapman, et al. J. Med. Chem. 36, 4293 (1993); Brown, et al. J. Med. Chem. 37, 674 (1994); Morphy, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 4, 2747 (1994); Stack, et al., Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 287, 240 (1991); Ye, et al., J. Med. Chem. 37, 206 (1994); Grobelny, et al., Biochemistry 24, 6145 (1985); Mookitiar, et al., Biochemistry 27, 4299 (1988)). However, these inhibitors generally contain peptidic backbones, and thus usually exhibit low oral bioactivity due to poor absorption and short half lives due to rapid proteolysis. Therefore, there remains a need for improved MMP inhibitors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides compounds having matrix metalloprotease inhibitory activity. These compounds are useful for inhibiting matrix metalloproteases and, therefore, combating conditions to which MMP's contribute. Accordingly, the present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating such conditions.

The compounds described relate to a method of treating a mammal comprising administering to the mammal a matrix metalloprotease inhibiting amount of a compound according to the invention sufficient to: (a) alleviate the effects of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, periodontal disease, corneal ulceration, proteinuria, aneurysmal aortic disease, dystrophobic epidermolysis, bullosa, conditions leading to inflammatory responses, osteopenias mediated by MMP activity, tempero mandibular joint disease, demyelating diseases of the nervous system; (b) retard tumor metastasis or degenerative cartilage loss following traumatic joint injury; (c) reduce coronary thrombosis from athrosclerotic plaque rupture; or (d) temporarily reduce fertility (i.e., act as effective birth control agents).

The compounds of the present invention are also useful scientific research tools for studying functions and mechanisms of action of matrix metalloproteases in both in vivo and in vitro systems. Because of their MMP-inhibiting activity, the present compounds can be used to modulate MMP action, thereby allowing the researcher to observe the effects of reduced MMP activity in the experimental biological system under study.

This invention relates to compounds having matrix metalloprotease inhibitory activity and the generalized formula:

In the above generalized formula (L), (T).sub.x A represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic 6-membered ring or heteroaromatic 5-6 membered ring containing 1-2 atoms of N, O, or S. T represents one or more substituent groups, the subscript x represents the number of such substituent groups, and A represents the aromatic or heteroaromatic ring.

In the generalized formula (L), B represents an aromatic 6-membered ring or a heteroaromatic 5-6 membered ring containing 1-2 atoms independently selected from the group of N, O, or S. It is referred to as the B ring or B unit. When N is employed in conjunction with either S or O in the B ring, these heteroatoms are separated by at least one carbon atom.

In the generalized formula (L), D represents ##STR13##

In the generalized formula (L), E represents a chain of n carbon atoms bearing m substituents R.sup.6 in which the R.sup.6 groups are independent substituents, or constitute spiro or nonspiro rings. Rings may be formed in two ways: a) two groups R.sup.6 are joined, and taken together with the chain atom(s) to which the two R.sup.6 group(s) are attached, and any intervening chain atoms, constitute a 3-7 membered ring, or b) one group R.sup.6 is joined to the chain on which this one group R.sup.6 resides, and taken together with the chain atom(s) to which the R.sup.6 group is attached, and any intervening chain atoms, constitutes a 3-7 membered ring. The number n of carbon atoms in the chain is 2 or 3, and the number m of R.sup.6 substituents is an integer of 1-3. The number of carbons in the totality of R.sup.6 groups is at least two.

Each group R is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroaryl, non-aromatic cyclic, and combinations thereof optionally substituted with one or more heteroatoms.

In the generalized formula (L), E preferably represents a linear or cyclic alkyl moiety substituted with a mono- or bi-heterocyclic ring structure.

In the generalized formula (L), G represents --PO.sub.3 H.sub.2, --M, ##STR14## in which M represents --CO.sub.2 H, --CON(R.sup.11).sub.2 wherein R.sup.11 is H or simple alkyl, or --CO.sub.2 R.sup.12 wherein R.sup.12 lower alkyl and R.sup.13 represents any of the side chains of the 19 noncyclic naturally occurring amino acids.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds are also within the scope of the invention.

In most related reference compounds of the prior art, the biphenyl portion of the molecule is unsubstituted, and the propanoic or butanoic acid portion is either unsubstituted or has a single methyl or phenyl group. Presence of the larger phenyl group has been reported to cause prior art compounds to be inactive as anti-inflammatory analgesic agents. See, for example, Child, et al., J. Pharm. Sci. 66, 466(1977). By contrast, it has now been found that compounds which exhibit potent MMP inhibitory activity contain a substituent of significant size on the propanoic or butanoic portion of the molecule. The biphenyl portions of the best MMP inhibitors also preferably contain a substituent on the 4'-position, although when the propanoic or butanoic portions are optimally substituted, the unsubstituted biphenyl compounds of the invention have sufficient activity to be considered realistic drug candidates.

The foregoing merely summarizes certain aspects of the present invention and is not intended, nor should it be construed, to limit the invention in any way. All of the patents and other publications recited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

More particularly, the compounds of the present invention are materials having matrix metalloprotease inhibitory activity and the generalized formula:

in which (T).sub.x A represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety selected from the group consisting of: ##STR15##

in which R.sup.1 represents H or alkyl of 1-3 carbons.

Throughout this application, in the displayed chemical structures, an open bond indicates the point at which the structure joins to another group. For example, ##STR16##

where R.sup.50 is ##STR17##

is the structure ##STR18##

In the above structures for (T).sub.x A, the aromatic ring is referred to as the A ring or A unit, and T represents a substituent group, referred to as a T group or T unit. x is preferably 1.

The B ring of generalized formula (L) is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or heteroaromatic ring, in which any substituents are groups which do not cause the molecule to fail to fit the active site of the target enzyme, or disrupt the relative conformations of the A and B rings, such that they would be detrimental. Such substituents may be moieties such as lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, CN, NO.sub.2, halogen, etc., but are not to be limited to such groups.

In the generalized formula (L), B represents an aromatic or heteroaromatic ring selected from the group consisting of:

portion comprises 4-9 carbons and at least one N, O, or S heteroatom and the alkyl portion contains 1-4 carbons.

R.sup.4 represents H; alkyl of 1-12 carbons; aryl of 6-10 carbons; heteroaryl comprising 4-9 carbons and at least one N, O, or S heteroatom; arylalkyl in which the aryl portion contains 6-10 carbons and the alkyl portion contains 1-4 carbons; heteroaryl-alkyl in which the heteroaryl portion comprises 4-9 carbons and at least one N, O, or S heteroatom and the alkyl portion contains 1-4 carbons; alkenyl of 2-12 carbons; alkynyl of 2-12 carbons; --(C.sub.q H.sub.2q O).sub.r R.sup.5 in which q is 1-3, r is 1-3, and R.sup.5 is H provided q is greater than 1, or R.sup.5 is alkyl of 1-4 carbons, or phenyl; --(CH.sub.2).sub.s X in which s is 2-3 and X is halogen; or --C(O)R.sup.2.

Any unsaturation in a moiety which is attached to Q or which is part of Q is separated from any N, O, or S of Q by at least one carbon atom, and the number of substituents, designated x, is 0, 1, or 2.

The substituent group T can be an acetylene containing moiety with the general formula:

where n' is 1-4 and R.sup.30 is selected from the group consisting of: HO--, MeO--, N(n-Pr).sub.2 --, CH.sub.3 CO.sub.2 --, CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 OCO.sub.2 --, HO.sub.2 C--, OHC--, Ph--, 3-HO--Ph--, and PhCH.sub.2 O--, provided that when R.sup.30 is Ph or 3-HO--Ph, n'=0.

The B ring of generalized formula (L) is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or heteroaromatic ring, in which any substituents are groups which do not cause the molecule to fail to fit the active site of the target enzyme, or disrupt the relative conformations of the A and B rings, such that they would be detrimental. Such substituents may be moieties such as lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, CN, NO.sub.2, halogen, etc., but are not to be limited to such groups.

In the generalized formula (L), B represents an aromatic or heteroaromatic ring selected from the group consisting of: ##STR19##

in which R.sup.1 is defined as above. These rings are referred to as the B ring or B unit.

In an alternative embodiment, compounds of the general formula (L) include those in which the combination (T).sub.x -A-B has the structure: ##STR20##

where Z may be (CH.sub.2).sub.e --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 --(CH.sub.2).sub.f or (CH.sub.2)g, e=0-8, f=0-5 and g=0-14, r' is 0-6. R.sup.15 may be a straight, or cyclic alkyl group of 6-12 carbons atoms, preferably of 7-11 carbon atoms, and optionally may bear one or more pharmaceutically acceptable substituents which are discussed more fully below.

R.sup.15 may also be a polyether of the formula R.sup.32 O(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.h in which the subscript "h" is 1 or 2, and the group R.sup.32 is a straight, branched or cyclic alkyl group of 1-5 carbon atoms, preferably of 1-3 carbon atoms and straight, or phenyl, or benzyl. R.sup.32 optionally may bear one or more pharmaceutically-acceptable substituents.

R.sup.15 also be a substituted alkynyl group of the formula:

in which the subscript "b" is 1-10 and the group R.sup.33 is H--, HO-- or R.sup.34 O-- and the group is preferably the HO-- group. R.sup.34 may be an alkyl group of 1-3 carbon atoms, or phenyl or benzyl. R.sup.33 optionally may bear one or more pharmaceutically-acceptable substituents.

R.sup.15 also be H, Cl, MeO or ##STR21##

wherein n" is 0-4, R.sup.17 is C.sub.2 H.sub.5, allyl, or benzyl.

In the generalized formula (L), D represents the moieties: ##STR22##

In the generalized formula (L), E represents the moiety between D and G shown by the following formula: ##STR23##

wherein r is 0-2 and R.sup.40 is a mono- or bi-heterocyclic structure. When r=0 the above structure takes the form ##STR24##

When r is 1 or 2, a cyclobutyl or cyclopentyl ring is formed, respectively. Each ring of the mono- or bi-heterocylic structures comprise 5-7 membered rings substituted with 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from N, S, and O; one or two carbons of the ring are optionally carbonyl carbons; any sulfur of the ring is optionally --S(O)-- or --S(O).sub.2 --; one or more ring members are optionally substituted with one or two methyl groups.

In addition, aryl or heteroaryl portions of any of the T or R.sup.6 groups optionally may bear up to two substituents such as --(CH.sub.2).sub.y C(CR.sup.11)(R.sup.12)OH, --(CH.sub.2).sub.y OR.sup.11, --(CH.sub.2).sup.y SR.sup.11, --(CH.sub.2).sub.y S(O)R.sup.11, --(CH.sub.2).sub.y S(O).sub.2 R.sup.11, --(CH.sub.2).sub.y SO.sub.2 N(R.sup.11).sub.2, --(CH.sub.2).sub.y N(R.sup.11).sub.2, --(CH.sub.2).sub.y N(R.sup.11)COR.sup.12, --OC(R.sup.11).sub.2 O-- in which both oxygen atoms are connected to the aryl ring.

The D unit is most preferably a carbonyl group.

In the E unit, r is preferably 0 or 2 and R.sup.40 is preferably one of the following: ##STR25##

or PhCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --.

The G unit is most preferably a carboxylic acid group and is attached to the E unit at the 2 position, i.e., the carbon atom of the E unit beta to the D unit.

It is to be understood that as used herein, the term "alkyl" means straight, branched, cyclic, and polycyclic materials. The term "haloalkyl" means partially or fully halogenated alkyl groups such as --(CH.sub.2).sub.2 Cl, --CF.sub.3 and --C.sub.6 F.sub.13, for example.

In the generalized formula (L), the A and B rings are preferably phenyl and phenylene, respectively, the A ring preferably bears at least one substituent group T preferably located on the position furthest from the position of the A ring which is connected to the B ring, the D unit is preferably a carbonyl group, and the G unit is preferably a carboxyl group.

Certain alternative embodiments include compounds having matrix metalloproteinase inhibitory activity and the following generalized formula: ##STR26##

where Z=(CH.sub.2).sub.e --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 --(CH.sub.2).sub.f or (CH.sub.2).sub.g, e=0-8, f=0-5, g=0-14, r' is 0-6 and where y is 0, 2, or 3.

R.sup.15 be H, Cl, MeO or ##STR27##

wherein n" is 0-4, R.sup.17 is C.sub.2 H.sub.5, allyl or benzyl, and R.sup.40 is one of: ##STR28##

and --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 Ph.

The most preferred compounds of generalized formula (L) are ##STR29##

wherein T is selected from a group consisting of: ##STR30##

r is 0-2, and R.sup.40 is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR31##

and --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 Ph.

The invention also relates to certain intermediates useful in the synthesis of some of the claimed inhibitors. These intermediates are compounds having the generalized formula ##STR32##

where Bn is benzyl, TMSE is trimethylsilyl ethyl and R.sup.40 is as defined above.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many of the compounds of the invention exist in enantiomeric or diastereomeric forms, and that it is understood by the art that such stereoisomers generally exhibit different activities in biological systems. This invention encompasses all possible stereoisomers which possess inhibitory activity against an MMP, regardless of their stereoisomeric designations, as well as mixtures of stereoisomers in which at least one member possesses inhibitory activity.

The most prefered compounds of the present invention are as indicated and named in the list below: I) 2-[(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[(4-oxo-1,2,3-benzotriazin-3 (4H)-yl)methyl]-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, II) 2-[(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[phenoxymethoxymethyl]-cyclo pentanecarboxylic acid, III) 2-[4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[[(1-pyrrolidinylthioxomethyl )thio]methyl]-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, IV) 2-[(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[(1,1-dioxido-3-oxo-1,2-benz isothiazol-2(3H)-yl)methyl]-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, V) 2-[(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[1-oxo-2(1H)-phthalazinyl)me thyl]-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, VI) 2-[4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[(2-oxo-3(2H)-benzoxazolyl)me thyl]-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, VII) 2-[(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[5,5-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-3-ox azolidinylmethyl]-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, VIII) 2-[(4'-chloro [1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[(2,4-dioxo-3-thiazolidinyl)methyl]-cyclo pentanecarboxylic acid, IX) 2-[(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[2,4,5-trioxo-1-imidazolidin yl)methyl]-cyclopentanecarboxyl acid X) 2-[(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[(3,6-dihydro-2,6-dioxo-1(2H )-pyrimidinyl)methyl]-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, XI) 2-[(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[3,4-dihydro-2,4-dioxo-1(2H) -pyrimidinyl)methyl]-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, XII) 2-[(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[(1,4-dihydro-2,4-dioxo-3(2H )-quinazolinyl)methyl]-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, XIII) 2-[(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[3,4-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-2(1H) -isoquinolinyl)methyl]-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, XIV) 2-[(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[(1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-3(2H)-qu inazolinyl)methyl]-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, XV) 2-[4'-chloro [1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[(1,3-dihydro-3-oxo-2H-indazol-2-yl)methy l]-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, XVI) 2-[(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[2,3-dihydro-1H-benzimidazol -1-yl)methyl]-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, XVII) 2-[(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5-[(3,4-dihydro-1,4-dioxo-2(1H )-phthalazinyl)methyl]-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, XVIII) R/S .alpha.-[2-(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]4-yl )-2oxoethyl]-1-oxo-2(1H)-phthalazinebutanoic acid, XIX) R-.alpha.-[2-(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]4-yl)-2-oxoethyl]-1-oxo-2(1H)-phthal azinebutanoic acid, XX) S-.alpha.-[2-(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]4-yl)-2-oxoethyl]-1-oxo-2(1H)-phthal azinebutanoic acid, XXI) .alpha.-[2-(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)2-oxoethyl]-4-oxo-1,2,3,-Benzotr iazine-3(4H)-butanoic acid, and XXII) .alpha.-[2-(4'-chloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)-2-oxoethyl]-2,3-dihydro-5-methy l-2-oxo-1H-1,4-benzodiazepine-1-butanoic acid.

General Preparative Methods:

The compounds of the invention may be prepared readily by use of known chemical reactions and procedures. Nevertheless, the following general preparative methods are presented to aid the reader in synthesizing the inhibitors, with more detailed particular examples being presented below in the experimental section describing the working examples. All variable groups of these methods are as described in the generic description if they are not specifically defined below. The variable subscript n is independently defined for each method. When a variable group with a given symbol (i.e. R.sup.9) is used more than once in a given structure, it is to be understood that each of these groups may be independently varied within the range of definitions for that symbol.

General Method A--The compounds of this invention in which the rings A and B are substituted phenyl and phenylene respectively are conveniently prepared by use of a Friedel-Crafts reaction of a substituted biphenyl MII with an activated acyl-containing intermediate such as the succinic or glutaric anhydride derivative MIII or acid chloride MIV in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst such as aluminum trichloride in an aprotic solvent such as 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane. The well known Friedel-Crafts reaction can be accomplished with use of many alternative solvents and acid catalysts as described by Berliner, Org. React., 5, 229, 1949 and Heaney, Comp. Org. Synth. 2, 733, 1991.

If the anhydride MIII is monosubstituted or multiply-substituted in an unsymmetrical way, the raw product MI-A often exists as a mixture of isomers via attack of the anhydride from either of the two carbonyls. The resultant isomers can be separated into pure forms by crystallization or chromatography using standard methods known to those skilled in the art.

When they are not commercially available, the succinic anhydrides MIII can be prepared via a Stobbe Condensation of a dialkyl succinate with an aldehyde or ketone (resulting in side chain R.sup.6), followed by catalytic hydrogenation, hydrolysis of a hemiester intermediate to a diacid, and then conversion to the anhydride MIII by reaction with acetyl chloride or acetic anhydride. Alternatively, the hemiester intermediate is converted by treatment with thionyl chloride or oxalyl chloride to the acid chloride MIV. For a review of the Stobbe condensation, including lists of suitable solvents and bases see Johnson and Daub, Org. React., 6, 1, 1951.

This method, as applied to the preparation of MIII(R.sup.6 =H, isobutyl and H, n-pentyl), has been described Wolanin, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,038. ##STR33##

Method A is especially useful for the preparation of cyclic compounds such as MI-A-3, in which two R.sup.6 groups are connected in a methylene chain to form a 3-7 member ring. Small ring (3-5 member) anhydrides are readily available only as cis isomers which yield cis invention compounds MI-A-3. The trans compounds MI-A-4 are then prepared by treatment of MI-A-3 with a base such as DBU in THF. The substituted four member ring starting material anhydrides such as MIII-A-1 are formed in a photochemical 2+2 reaction as shown below. This method is especially useful for the preparation of compounds in which R.sup.40 is acetoxy or acetoxymethylene. After the subsequent Friedel-Crafis reaction the acetate can be removed by basic hydrolysis and the carboxyl protected by conversion to 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl ester. The resultant intermediate with R.sup.40 =CH.sub.2 OH can be converted to invention compounds with other R.sup.40 groups by using procedures described in General Method G. ##STR34##

The Friedel-Crafts method is also useful when double bonds are found either between C-2 and C-3 of a succinoyl chain (from maleic anhydride or 1-cyclopentene-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride, for example) or when a double bond is found in a side chain, such as in the use of itaconic anhydride as starting material to yield products in which two R.sup.6 groups are found on one chain carbon together to form an exo-methylene (.dbd.CH.sub.2) group. Subsequent uses of these compounds are described in Methods D.

General Method B--Alternatively the compounds MI can be prepared via a reaction sequence involving mono-alkylation of a dialkyl malonate MVI with an alkyl halide to form intermediate MVII, followed by alkylation with a halomethyl biphenyl ketone MVIII to yield intermediate MIX. Compounds of structure MIX are then hydrolyzed with aqueous base and heated to decarboxylate the malonic acid intermediate and yield MI-B-2 (Method B-1). By using one equivalent of aqueous base the esters MI-B-2 with R.sup.12 as alkyl are obtained, and using more than two equivalents of base the acid compounds (R.sup.12 =H) are obtained. Optionally, heat is not used and the diacid or acid-ester MI-B-1 is obtained.

Alternatively, a diester intermediate MIX, which contains R.sup.12 =allyl, can be exposed to Pd catalysts in the presence of pyrrolidine to yield MI-B-2 (R.sup.12 =H) (Dezeil, Tetrahedron Lett. 28, 4371, 1990.

Intermediates MVII are formed from biphenyls MII in a Friedel-Craft reaction with haloacetyl halides such as bromoacetyl bromide or chloroacetyl chloride. Alternatively, the biphenyl can be reacted with acetyl chloride or acetic anhydride and the resultant product halogenated with, for example, bromine to yield intermediates MVIII (X=Br).

Method B has the advantage of yielding single regio isomers when Method A yields mixtures. Method B is especially useful when the side chains R.sup.6 contain aromatic or heteroaromatic rings that may participate in intramolecular acylation reactions to give side products if Method A were to be used. This method is also very useful when the R.sup.6 group adjacent to the carboxyl of the final compound contains heteroatoms such as oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen, or more complex functions such as imide rings. ##STR35##

When R.sup.6 contains selected functional groups Z, malonate MVII can be prepared by alkylating a commercially available unsubstituted malonate with prenyl or allyl halide, subject this product to ozonalysis with reductive work-up, and the desired z group can be coupled via a Mitsunobu reaction (Mitsunobu, Synthesis 1, 1981). Alternatively, the intermediate alcohol can be subjected to alkylation conditions to provide malonate MVII containing the desired Z group. ##STR36##

General Method C--Especially useful is the use of chiral HPLC to separate the enantiomers of racemic product mixtures (see, for example, Arit, et al., Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 12, 30 (1991)). The compounds of this invention can be prepared as pure enantiomers by use of a chiral auxiliary route. See, for example, Evans, Aldrichimica Acta, 15(2), 23, 1982 and other similar references known to one skilled in the art.

General Method D--Compounds in which R.sup.6 are all- or aryl- or heteroaryl- or acyl- or heteroarylcarbonyl-thiomethylene are prepared by methods analogous to those described in the patent WO 90/05719. Thus substituted itaconic anhydride LEVI (n=1) is reacted under Friedel-Crafts conditions to yield acid MI-D-1 which can be separated by chromatography or crystallization from small amounts of isomeric MI-D-5. Alternatively, MI-D-5s are obtained by reaction of invention compounds MI-D-4 (from any of Methods A through C) with formaldehyde in the presence of base.

Compounds MI-D-1 or MI-D-5 are then reacted with a mercapto derivative MXVII or MXVIII in the presence of catalyst such as potassium carbonate, ethyldiisobutylamine, tetrabutylammonium fluoride or free radical initiators such as azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) in a solvent such as diethylformamide or tetrahydrofuran to yield invention compounds MI-D-2, MI-D-3, MI-D-6, or MI-D-7. ##STR37##

General Method E--Biaryl compounds such as those of this application may also be prepared by Suzuki or Stille cross-coupling reactions of aryl or heteroaryl metallic compounds in which the metal is zinc, tin, magnesium, lithium, boron, silicon, copper, cadmium or the like with an aryl or heteroaryl halide or triflate (trifluoromethane-sulfonate) or the like. In the equation below either Met or X is the metal and the other is the halide or triflate (OTf). Pd(com) is a soluble complex of palladium such as tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)-palladium(O) or bis-(triphenylphosphine)-palladium(III) chloride. These methods are well known to those skilied in the art. See, for example, Suzuki, Pure Appl. Chem. 63, 213 (1994); Suzuki, Pure Appl. Chem. 63 419 (1991); and Farina and Roth, "Metal-Organic Chemistry" Volume 5 (Chapter 1), 1994.

The starting materials MXXIII (B=1,4-phenylene) are readily formed using methods analogous to those of methods A, B, C, or D but using a halobenzene rather than a biphenyl as starting material. When desired, the materials in which X is halo can be converted to those in which X is metal by reactions well known to those skilled in the art, such as treatment of a bromo intermediate with hexamethylditin and palladium tetrakistriphenylphosphine in toluene at reflux to yield the trimethyltin intermediate. The starting materials MXXIII (B=heteroaryl) are most conveniently prepared by method C but using readily available heteroaryl rather than biphenyl starting materials. The intermediates MXXII are either commercial or easily prepared from commercial materials by methods well known to those skilled in the art. ##STR38##

These general methods are useful for the preparation of compounds for which Friedel-Crafts reactions such as those of Methods A, B, C, or D would lead to mixtures with various biaryl acylation patterns. Method E is also especially useful for the preparation of products in which the aryl groups, A or B, contain one or more heteroatoms (heteroaryls) such as those compounds that contain thiophene, furan, pyridine, pyrrole, oxazole, thiazole, pyrimidine or pyrazine rings or the like instead of phenyls.

General Method F--When the R.sup.6 groups of method F form together a 4-7 member carbocyclic ring as in Intermediate MXXV below, the double bond can be moved out of conjugation with the ketone group by treatment with two equivalents of a strong base such as lithium diisopropylamide or lithium hexamethylsilylamide or the like followed by acid quench to yield compounds with the structure MXXVI. Reaction of MXXVI with mercapto derivatives using methods analogous to those of General Method D then leads to cyclic compounds MI-F-1 or MI-F-2. ##STR39##

General Method G--The compounds of this invention in which two R.sup.6 groups are joined to form a substituted 5-member ring are most conveniently prepared by method G. In this method acid CLII (R=H) is prepared using the protocols described in Tetrahedron 37, Suppl., 411 (1981). The acid is protected as an ester [e.g. R=benzyl (Bn) or 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl (TMSE)] by use of coupling agents such as 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride and procedures well known to those skilled in the art. Substituted bromobiphenyl CIII is converted to its Grignard reagent by treatment with magnesium and reacted with CLII to yield alcohol CVI. Alcohol CVI is eliminated via base treatment of its mesylate by using conditions well known to those skilled in the art to yield olefin CVII. Alternatively CIII is converted to a trimethyltin intermediate via initial metallation of the bromide with n-butyllithium at low temperature (-78.degree. C.) followed by treatment with chlorotrimethyltin and CI is converted to an enoltriflate (CII) by reaction with 2-[N,N-bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amino]-5-chloropyridine in the presence of a strong aprotic base. The tin and enoltriflate intermediates are then coupled in the presence of a Pd.sup.0 catalyst, CuI and AsPh.sub.3 to yield directly intermediate CVII. Ozonolysis of CVII (workup with methylsufide) yields aldehyde CVIII. Alternatively treatment with OsO.sub.4 followed by HIO.sub.4 converts CVII to CVIII. ##STR40##

Conversion of key intermediate CVIII to the targeted patent compounds is accomplished in several ways depending on the identity of side chain function Z. Reaction of CVIII with Wittig reagents followed by hydrogenation yields products in which Z is alkyl and or arylalkyl. Selective reduction of aldehyde CVIII with a reducing agent such as lithium tris [(3-ethyl-3pentyl)oxy]aluminum hydride (LTEPA) yields alcohol CIX. The alcohol is converted to phenyl ethers or a variety of heteroatom substituted derivatives used to generate sidechain Z via the Mitsunobu reaction using conditions well known to those skilled in the art (see Mitsunobu, Synthesis, 1 (1981)). Alternatively the alcohol of CIX is converted to a leaving group such as tosylate (CX) or bromide by conditions well known to those skilled in the art and then the leaving group is displaced by an appropriate nucleophile. Several examples of this type of reaction can be found in Norman, et al., J. Med. Chem. 37, 2552 (1994). Direct acylation of the alcohol CIX yields invention compounds in which Z=OAcyl and reaction of the alcohol with various alkyl halides in the presence of base yields alkyl ethers. In each case a final step is removal of acid blocking group R to yield acids (R=H) by using conditions which depend on the stability of R and Z, but in all cases well known to those skilled in the art such as removal of benzyl by base hydrolysis or of 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl by treatment with tetrabutylammonium fluoride.

General Method H--Amides of the acids of the invention compounds can be prepared from the acids by treatment in an appropriate solvent such as dichloromethane or dimethylformamide with a primary or secondary amine and a coupling agent such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. These reactions are well known to those skilled in the art. The amine component can be simple alkyl or arylalkyl substituted or can be amino acid derivatives in which the carboxyl is blocked and the amino group is free.

General Method I--The compounds of this invention in which (T).sub.x is an alkynyl or substituted alkynyl are prepared according to general method I (Austin, J. Org. Chem 46, 2280 (1981)). Intermediate MX is prepared according to methods A, B, C, D or G by starting with commercial MII (T=Br). Reaction of MX with substituted acetylene MXI in the presence of Cu(I)/palladate reagent gives invention compound MI-I-1. In certain cases, R.sup.3 may be an alcohol blocked as trialkylsilyl. In such cases the silyl group can be removed by treatment with acids such as trifluoroacetic acid or HF--pyridine reagent. ##STR41##

Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the present invention include addition salts formed with organic or inorganic bases. The salt forming ion derived from such bases can be metal ions, e.g., aluminum, alkali metal ions, such as sodium of potassium, alkaline earth metal ions such as calcium or magnesium, or an amine salt ion, of which a number are known for this purpose. Examples include ammonium salts, arylalkylamines such as dibenzylamine and N,N-dibenzylethylenediamine, lower alkylamines such as methylamine, t-butylamine, procaine, lower alkylpiperidines such as N-ethylpiperidine, cycloalkylamines such as cyclohexylamine or dicyclohexylarnine, 1-adamnantylamine, benzathine, or salts derived from amino acids like arginine, lysine or the like. The physiologically acceptable salts such as the sodium or potassium salts and the amino acid salts can be used medicinally as described below and are preferred.

These and other salts which are not necessarily physiologically acceptable are useful in isolating or purifying a product acceptable for the purposes described below. For example, the use of commercially available enantiomerically pure amines such as (+)-cinchonine in suitable solvents can yield salt crystals of a single enatiomer of the invention compounds, leaving the opposite enantiomer in solution in a process often referred to as "classical resolution." As one enantiomer of a given invention compound is usually substantially greater in physiological effect than its antipode, this active isomer can thus be found purified in either the crystals or the liquid phase. The salts are produced by reacting the acid form of the invention compound with an equivalent of the base supplying the desired basic ion in a medium in which the salt precipitates or in aqueous medium and then lyophilizing. The free acid form can be obtained from the salt by conventional neutralization techniques, e.g., with potassium bisulfate, hydrochloric acid, etc.

The compounds of the present invention have been found to inhibit the matrix metalloproteases MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-2, and to a lesser extent MMP-1, and are therefore useful for treating or preventing the conditions referred to in the background section. As other MMPs not listed above share a high degree of homology with those listed above, especially in the catalytic site, it is deemed that compounds of the invention should also inhibit such other MMPs to varying degrees. Varying the substituents on the biaryl portions of the molecules, as well as those of the propanoic or butanoic acid chains of the claimed compounds, has been demonstrated to affect the relative inhibition of the listed MMPs. Thus compounds of this general class can be "tuned" by selecting specific substituents such that inhibition of specific MMP(s) associated with specific pathological conditions can be enhanced while leaving non-involved MMPs less affected.

The method of treating matrix metalloprotease-mediated conditions may be practiced in mammals, including humans, which exhibit such conditions.

The inhibitors of the present invention are contemplated for use in veterinary and human applications. For such purposes, they will be employed in pharmaceutical compositions containing active ingredient(s) plus one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents, fillers, binders, and other excipients, depending on the administration mode and dosage form contemplated.

Administration of the inhibitors may be by any suitable mode known to those skilled in the art. Examples of suitable parenteral administration include intravenous, intraarticular, subcutaneous and intramuscular routes. Intravenous administration can be used to obtain acute regulation of peak plasma concentrations of the drug. Improved half-life and targeting of the drug to the joint cavities may be aided by entrapment of the drug in liposomes. It may be possible to improve the selectivity of liposomal targeting to the joint cavities by incorporation of ligands into the outside of the liposomes that bind to synovial-specific macromolecules. Alternatively intramuscular, intraarticular or subcutaneous depot injection with or without encapsulation of the drug into degradable microspheres e.g., comprising poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) may be used to obtain prolonged sustained drug release. For improved convenience of the dosage form it may be possible to use an i.p. implanted reservoir and septum such as the Percuseal system available from Pharmacia. Improved convenience and patient compliance may also be achieved by the use of either injector pens (e.g. the Novo Pin or Q-pen) or needle-free jet injectors (e.g. from Bioject, Mediject or Becton Dickinson). Prolonged zero-order or other precisely controlled release such as pulsatile release can also be achieved as needed using implantable pumps with delivery of the drug through a cannula into the synovial spaces. Examples include the subcutaneously implanted osmotic pumps available from ALZA, such as the ALZET osmotic pump.

Nasal delivery may be achieved by incorporation of the drug into bioadhesive particulate carriers (<200 .mu.m) such as those comprising cellulose, polyacrylate or polycarbophil, in conjunction with suitable absorption enhancers such as phospholipids or acylcarnitines. Available systems include those developed by DanBiosys and Scios Nova.

A noteworthy attribute of the compounds of the present invention in contrast to those of various peptidic compounds referenced in the background section of this application is the demonstrated oral activity of the present compounds. Certain compounds have shown oral bioavailability in various animal models of up to 90-98%. Oral delivery may be achieved by incorporation of the drug into tablets, coated tablets, dragees, hard and soft gelatine capsules, solutions, emulsions or suspensions. Oral delivery may also be achieved by incorporation of the drug into enteric coated capsules designed to release the drug into the colon where digestive protease activity is low. Examples include the OROS-CT/Osmet.TM. and PULSINCAP.TM. systems from ALZA and Scherer Drug Delivery Systems respectively. Other systems use azo-crosslinked polymers that are degraded by colon specific bacterial azoreductases, or pH sensitive polyacrylate polymers that are activated by the rise in pH at the colon. The above systems may be used in conjunction with a wide range of available absorption enhancers.

Rectal delivery may be achieved by incorporation of the drug into suppositories.

The compounds of this invention can be manufactured into the above listed formulations by the addition of various therapeutically inert, inorganic or organic carriers well known to those skilled in the art. Examples of these include, but are not limited to, lactose, corn starch or derivatives thereof, talc, vegetable oils, waxes, fats, polyols such as polyethylene glycol, water, saccharose, alcohols, glycerin and the like. Various preservatives, emulsifiers, dispersants, flavorants, wetting agents, antioxidants, sweeteners, colorants, stabilizers, salts, buffers and the like are also added, as required to assist in the stabilization of the formulation or to assist in increasing bioavailability of the active ingredient(s) or to yield a formulation of acceptable flavor or odor in the case of oral dosing.

The amount of the pharmaceutical composition to be employed will depend on the recipient and the condition being treated. The requisite amount may be determined without undue experimentation by protocols known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the requisite amount may be calculated, based on a determination of the amount of target enzyme which must be inhibited in order to treat the condition.

The matrix metalloprotease inhibitors of the invention are useful not only for treatment of the physiological conditions discussed above, but are also useful in such activities as purification of metalloproteases and testing for matrix metalloprotease activity. Such activity testing can be both in vitro using natural or synthetic enzyme preparations or in vivo using, for example, animal models in which abnormal destructive enzyme levels are found spontaneously (use of genetically mutated or transgenic animals) or are induced by administration of exogenous agents or by surgery which disrupts joint stability.

Experimental:

General Procedures:

All reactions were performed in flame-dried or oven-dried glassware under a positive pressure of argon and were stirred magnetically unless otherwise indicated. Sensitive liquids and solutions were transferred via syringe or cannula and were introduced into reaction vessels through rubber septa. Reaction product solutions were concentrated using a Buchi evaporator unless otherwise indicated.

Materials:

Commercial grade reagents and solvents were used without further purification except that diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran were usually distilled under argon from benzophenone ketyl, and methylene chloride was distilled under argon from calcium hydride. Many of the specialty organic or organometallic starting materials and reagents were obtained from Aldrich, 1001 West Saint Paul Avenue, Milwaukee, Wis. 53233. Solvents are often obtained from EM Science as distributed by VWR Scientific.

Chromatography:

Analytical thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was performed on Whatman.RTM. pre-coated glass-backed silica gel 60 A F-254 250 .mu.m plates. Visualization of spots was effected by one of the following techniques: (a) ultraviolet illumination, (b) exposure to iodine vapor, (c) immersion of the plate in a 10% solution of phosphomolybdic acid in ethanol followed by heating, and (d) immersion of the plate in a 3% solution of p-anisaldehyde in ethanol containing 0.5% concentrated sulfuric acid followed by heating, and e) immersion of the plate in a 5% solution of potassium permanganate in water containing 5% sodium carbonate followed by heating.

Column chromatography was performed using 230-400 mesh EM Science.RTM. silica gel.

Analytical high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed at 1 mL min.sup.-1 on a 4.6.times.250 mm Microsorb.RTM. column monitored at 288 n=, and semi-preparative HPLC was performed at 24 mL min on a 21.4.times.250 mm Microsorb.RTM. column monitored at 288 nm.

Instrumentation:

Melting points (mp) were determined with a Thomas-Hoover melting point apparatus and are uncorrected.

Proton (.sup.1 H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were measured with a General Electric GN-OMEGA 300 (300 MHz) spectrometer, and carbon thirteen (.sup.13 C) NMR spectra were measured with a General Electric GN-OMEGA 300 (75 MHz) spectrometer. Most of the compounds synthesized in the experiments below were analyzed by NMR, and the spectra were consistent with the proposed structures in each case.

Mass spectral (MS) data were obtained on a Kratos Concept 1-H spectrometer by liquid-cesium secondary ion (LCIMS), an updated version of fast atom bombardment (FAB). Most of the compounds systhesized in the experiments below were analyzed by mass spectroscopy, and the spectra were consistent with the proposed structures in each case.

General Comments:

For multi-step procedures, sequential steps are noted by numbers. Variations within steps are noted by letters. Dashed lines in tabular data indicates point of attachment.

EXAMPLE 1

Preparation of Compound I

##STR42##

Step 1. A solution of exo-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-7-carboxylic acid (prepared using the protocols described in Tetrahedron, 37, suppl., 411, 1981) (3.04 g. 19.7 mmol) in CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (45 mL) was cooled to 0.degree. C. and treated with 2-(trimethylsilyl) ethanol (2.7 mL, 18.6 mmol), EDC (3.94 g, 20.55 mmol) and DMAP (0.11 g, 0.9 mmol). After warming to room temperature and stirring for 2 hrs., the reaction mixture was quenched with water and diluted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2. After separating the layers, the organic phase was washed with satd. aq. NaCl, dried over MgSO.sub.4 and concentrated. Purification by MPLC (0-25% EtOAc-hexanes) provided the target compound (3.9 g, 78%) as a colorless oil. .sup.1 HNMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 4.18 (in, 2H), 2.88 (in, 2H), 2.76 (in, 1H), 2.05 (in, 4H), 1.50 (in, 2H), 0.99 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 0.99 (s, 9H). ##STR43##

Step 2. A solution of the ketone from step 1 (3.18 g, 12.50 mmol) and 2-[N,N-bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amino]-5-chloropyridine (6.6 g, 16.30 mmol) in THF was cooled to -78.degree. C. and carefully treated with a 0.5M solution of KHMDS in toluene (24 mL, 12 mmol). After the addition was complete and the solution stirred for 2 h, the reaction mixture was quenched with water (30 mL), warmed to room temperature and diluted with EtOAc. The two phases were the separated. The organic layer was washed with satd. aq. NaCl, dried over MgSO.sub.4 and concentrated. Purification by MPLC (0-15% EtOAc-hexanes) provided the target compound (4.2 g, 91%) as a colorless oil. .sup.1 H NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 5.75 (d, J=4.8Hz, 1H), 4.13 (t, J=9.0 Hz, 2H),3.18 (m, 2H),2.62 (m, 1H), 2.62 (m, 2H), 1.41 (t, J=9.3Hz, 1H), 1.23 (t, J=9.1 Hz, 1H), 0.96 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 0.04 (s, 9H). ##STR44##

Step 3. A solution of 4-chlorobiphenyl (3.0 g, 15.9 mmol) in acetic acid (50 mL) was carefully treated with bromine (1.1 mL, 20.7 mmol) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 4 h, cooled to room temperature and treated with excess propene until the mixture became clear. The solution was concentrated to a thick slurry, diluted with CH.sub.2 C.sub.2 (50 mL)