EP1173429A1 - Protease inhibitors - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides 4-amino-4,5-dihydro-benzo[b][1,4] dioxocin-3-one protease inhibitors, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates and solvates thereof which inhibit proteases, including cathepsin K, pharmaceutical compositions of such compounds, and methods for treating diseases of excessive bone loss or cartilage or matrix degradation, including osteoporosis; gingival disease including gingivitis and periodontitis; arthritis, more specifically, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; Paget's disease; hypercalcemia of malignancy; and metabolic bone disease, comprising inhibiting said bone loss or excessive cartilage or matrix degradation by administering to a patient in need thereof a compound of the present invention.

Description

PROTEASE INHIBITORS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to 4-amino-4,5-dihydro-benzo[b][l,4]dioxocin-3- one protease inhibitors, particularly such inhibitors of cysteine and serine proteases, more particularly compounds which inhibit cysteine proteases, even more particularly compounds which inhibit cysteine proteases of the papain superfamily, yet more particularly compounds which inhibit cysteine proteases of the cathepsin family, most particularly compounds which inhibit cathepsin K. Such compounds are particularly useful for treating diseases in which cysteine proteases are implicated, especially diseases of excessive bone or cartilage loss, e.g., osteoporosis, periodontitis, and arthritis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cathepsins are a family of enzymes which are part of the papain superfamily of cysteine proteases. Cathepsins B, H, L, N and S have been described in the literature. Recently, cathepsin K polypeptide and the cDNA encoding such polypeptide were disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,501,969 (called cathepsin O therein). Cathepsin K has been recently expressed, purified, and characterized. Bossard, M. J., et al., (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 12517-12524; Drake, F.H., et al., (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 12511-12516; Bromme, D., et al., (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 2126-2132.

Cathepsin K has been variously denoted as cathepsin O or cathepsin 02 in the literature. The designation cathepsin K is considered to be the more appropriate one.

Cathepsins function in the normal physiological process of protein degradation in animals, including humans, e.g., in the degradation of connective tissue. However, elevated levels of these enzymes in the body can result in pathological conditions leading to disease. Thus, cathepsins have been implicated as causative agents in various disease states, including but not limited to, infections by pneumocystis carinii, trypsanoma cruzi, trypsanoma brucei brucei, and Crithidia fusiculata; as well as in schistosomiasis, malaria, tumor metastasis, metachromatic leukodystrophy, muscular dystrophy, amytrophy, and the like. See International Publication Number WO 94/04172, published on March 3, 1994, and references cited therein. See also European Patent Application EP 0 603 873 Al, and references cited therein. Two bacterial cysteine proteases from P. gingivallis, called gingipains, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of gingivitis. Potempa, J., et al. (1994) Perspectives in Drug Discovery and Design, 2, 445-458.

Cathepsin K is believed to play a causative role in diseases of excessive bone or cartilage loss. Bone is composed of a protein matrix in which spindle- or plate-shaped crystals of hydroxyapatite are incorporated. Type I collagen represents the major structural protein of bone comprising approximately 90% of the protein matrix. The remaining 10% of matrix is composed of a number of non-collagenous proteins, including osteocalcin, proteoglycans, osteopontin, osteonectin, thrombospondin, fibronectin, and bone sialoprotein. Skeletal bone undergoes remodelling at discrete foci throughout life. These foci, or remodelling units, undergo a cycle consisting of a bone resorption phase followed by a phase of bone replacement.

Bone resorption is carried out by osteoclasts, which are multinuclear cells of hematopoietic lineage. The osteoclasts adhere to the bone surface and form a tight sealing zone, followed by extensive membrane ruffling on their apical (i.e., resorbing) surface. This creates an enclosed extracellular compartment on the bone surface that is acidified by proton pumps in the ruffled membrane, and into which the osteoclast secretes proteolytic enzymes. The low pH of the compartment dissolves hydroxyapatite crystals at the bone surface, while the proteolytic enzymes digest the protein matrix. In this way, a resorption lacuna, or pit, is formed. At the end of this phase of the cycle, osteoblasts lay down a new protein matrix that is subsequently mineralized. In several disease states, such as osteoporosis and Paget's disease, the normal balance between bone resorption and formation is disrupted, and there is a net loss of bone at each cycle. Ultimately, this leads to weakening of the bone and may result in increased fracture risk with minimal trauma. Several published studies have demonstrated that inhibitors of cysteine proteases are effective at inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, and indicate an essential role for a cysteine proteases in bone resorption. For example, Delaisse, et al., Biochem. J., 1980, 192, 365, disclose a series of protease inhibitors in a mouse bone organ culture system and suggest that inhibitors of cysteine proteases (e.g., leupeptin, Z-Phe-Ala-CHN2) prevent bone resorption, while serine protease inhibitors were ineffective. Delaisse, et al, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 1984, 125, 441, disclose that E-64 and leupeptin are also effective at preventing bone resorption in vivo, as measured by acute changes in serum calcium in rats on calcium deficient diets. Lerner, et al., J. Bone Min. Res., 1992, 7, 433, disclose that cystatin, an endogenous cysteine protease inhibitor, inhibits PTH stimulated bone resorption in mouse calvariae. Other studies, such as by Delaisse, et al, Bone, 1987, 8, 305, Hill, et al., J. Cell. Biochem., 1994, 56, 118, and Everts, et al., J. Cell. Physiol., 1992, 750, 221, also report a correlation between inhibition of cysteine protease activity and bone resorption. Tezuka, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1994, 269, 1106, Inaoka, et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 1995, 206, 89 and Shi, et al., FEBS Lett, 1995, 357, 129 disclose that under normal conditions cathepsin K, a cysteine protease, is abundantly expressed in osteoclasts and may be the major cysteine protease present in these cells.

The abundant selective expression of cathepsin K in osteoclasts strongly suggests that this enzyme is essential for bone resorption. Thus, selective inhibition of cathepsin K may provide an effective treatment for diseases of excessive bone loss, including, but not limited to, osteoporosis, gingival diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, Paget's disease, hypercalcemia of malignancy, and metabolic bone disease. Cathepsin K levels have also been demonstrated to be elevated in chondroclasts of osteoarthritic synovium. Thus, selective inhibition of cathepsin K may also be useful for treating diseases of excessive cartilage or matrix degradation, including, but not limited to, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Metastatic neoplastic cells also typically express high levels of proteolytic enzymes that degrade the surrounding matrix. Thus, selective inhibition of cathepsin K may also be useful for treating certain neoplastic diseases.

Several cysteine protease inhibitors are known. Palmer, (1995) J. Med. Chem., 38, 3193, disclose certain vinyl sulfones which irreversibly inhibit cysteine proteases, such as the cathepsins B, L, S, 02 and cruzain. Other classes of compounds, such as aldehydes, nitriles, α-ketocarbonyl compounds, halomethyl ketones, diazomethyl ketones, (acyloxy)methyl ketones, ketomethylsulfonium salts and epoxy succinyl compounds have also been reported to inhibit cysteine proteases. See Palmer, id, and references cited therein.

U.S. Patent No. 4,518,528 discloses peptidyl fluoromethyl ketones as irreversible inhibitors of cysteine protease. Published International Patent Application No. WO 94/04172, and European Patent Application Nos. EP 0 525 420 Al, EP 0 603 873 Al, and EP 0 611 756 A2 describe alkoxymethyl and mercaptomethyl ketones which inhibit the cysteine proteases cathepsins B, H and L. International Patent Application No.

PCT/US94/08868 and and European Patent Application No. EP 0 623 592 Al describe alkoxymethyl and mercaptomethyl ketones which inhibit the cysteine protease IL-lβ convertase. Alkoxymethyl and mercaptomethyl ketones have also been described as inhibitors of the serine protease kininogenase (International Patent Application No.

PCT/GB91/01479).

Azapeptides which are designed to deliver the azaamino acid to the active site of serine proteases, and which possess a good leaving group, are disclosed by Elmore et al., Biochem. J., 1968, 107, 103, Garker et al, Biochem. J., 1974, 139, 555, Gray et al,

Tetrahedron, 1977, 33, 837, Gupton et al, J. Biol. Chem., 1984, 259, 4279, Powers et al., J.

Biol. Chem., 1984, 259, 4288, and are known to inhibit serine proteases. In addition, J.

Med. Chem., 1992, 35, 4279, discloses certain azapeptide esters as cysteine protease inhibitors. Antipain and leupeptin are described as reversible inhibitors of cysteine protease in

McConnell et al., J. Med. Chem., 33, 86; and also have been disclosed as inhibitors of serine protease in Umezawa et al., 45 Meth. Enzymol. 678. E64 and its synthetic analogs are also well-known cysteine protease inhibitors (Barrett, Biochem. J., 201, 189, and

Grinde, Biochem. Biophys. Ada, , 701, 328). 1 ,3-diamido-propanones have been described as analgesic agents in U.S. Patent

Nos.4,749,792 and 4,638,010.

Thus, a structurally diverse variety of cysteine protease inhibitors have been identified. However, these known inhibitors are not considered suitable for use as therapeutic agents in animals, especially humans, because they suffer from various shortcomings. These shortcomings include lack of selectivity, cytotoxicity, poor solubility, and overly rapid plasma clearance. A need therefore exists for methods of treating diseases caused by pathological levels of cysteine proteases, including cathepsins, especially cathepsin K, and for novel inhibitor compounds useful in such methods. We have now discovered a novel class of to 4-amino-4,5-dihydro- benzo[b][l,4]dioxocin-3-one compounds which are protease inhibitors, most particularly of cathepsin K.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide to 4-amino-4,5-dihydro- benzo[b][l,4]dioxocin-3-one protease inhibitors, particularly such inhibitors of cysteine and serine proteases, more particularly such compounds which inhibit cysteine proteases, even more particularly such compounds which inhibit cysteine proteases of the papain superfamily, yet more particularly such compounds which inhibit cysteine proteases of the cathepsin family, most particularly such compounds which inhibit cathepsin K, and which are useful for treating diseases which may be therapeutically modified by altering the activity of such proteases.

Accordingly, in the first aspect, this invention provides a compound according to Formula I.

In another aspect, this invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to Formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.

In still another aspect, this invention provides a method of treating diseases in which the disease pathology may be therapeutically modified by inhibiting proteases, particularly cysteine and serine proteases, more particularly cysteine proteases, even more particularly cysteine proteases of the papain superfamily, yet more particularly cysteine proteases of the cathepsin family, most particularly cathepsin K.

In a particular aspect, the compounds of this invention are especially useful for treating diseases characterized by bone loss, such as osteoporosis and gingival diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, or by excessive cartilage or matrix degradation, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compounds of Formula I:

wherein:

R¹ is selected from the group consisting of: R", R"C(0), R"C(S), R"S02, R"OC(0), R"R NC(O), and R"0C(0)NR CH(R⁶)C(0);

R2* is selected from the group consisting of: H, C_j.galkyl, C2-6alkenyl, Ar-Cθ- 6alkyl, and Het-C )-6^alkyl; R3 is selected from the group consisting of: H, Cj.galkyl, C2-6 lkenyl, C2- βalkynyl, C3_gcycloalkyl-Co-6alkyl, Ar-C()-6^alkyl, and Het-C()-6^alkyl;

R4 is selected from the group consisting of: H, C_j.galkyl, C2_6alkenyl, Ar-Cθ- 6alkyl, and Het-Co_6alkyl; R is selected from the group consisting of: H, C_]_5alkyl, C2_6 lkenyl, Ar-Cθ-

6alkyl, and Het-C()-6^alkyl;

R" is selected from the group consisting of: H, C_].galkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C3. 6cycloalkyl-Co-6-^alkyl, Ar-C_υ-6 lkyl, and Het-C()-6 lkyl;

R' is selected from the group consisting of: H, Ci .galkyl, C2_6alkenyl, C3. 6cycloalkyl-Co-6-^alkyl, Ar-Co-6^alkyk and Het-Cg-galkyl;

R° is selected from the group consisting of: H, Cj.galkyl, C2_6alkenyl, C3. gcycloalkyl-CQ-6-alkyl, Ar-Co-ζalkyl, and Het-Co-6^a'kyl;

R is selected from the group consisting of: H, Cj.galkyl, C2_6 l enyl, Ar-C_υ- 6alkyl, and Het-CQ.6^alkyl; R is selected from the group consisting of: Cj.galkyl, Ar-Cfj-6 lkyl, Het-Cø- galkyl, Ar-C2_6alkenyl and Het-C2_6alkenyl;

X is selected from the group consisting of: O and S; and

Y is selected from the group consisting of: O and S;

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

With respect to Formula I:

R2 and R^ are preferably H and R- is preferably C_j.galkyl or C2-6 lkenyl. More preferably, R^**** is /-butyl.

R-5 is preferably H.

R¹ is preferably R"OC(0), R"S0₂ or R"C(0), more preferably R"C(0), in which R is preferably Ar-C()-6^alkyl or Het-Cg-galkyl, and, most preferably, R is selected from the group consisting of:

in which B2 is selected from the group consisting of: OH, CN, OCF3, CF3, OCj.galkyl, OAr, S0₂C].6alkyl, C1.galkyl or halo.

X and Y are preferably O.

In one particular embodiment, this invention is a compound of Formula II:

II

Preferably, the compound of Formula I of this invention is a compound of Formula

Ila:

Ila

Compounds of Formula I selected from the following group are particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention:

Quinoline-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-3-methyl-l-(4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- benzo[b][l,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide; and

Benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-3-methyl- 1 -(4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- benzo[b] [ 1 ,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide.

Naphthalene-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-3-methyl-l-(4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- benzo[b][l,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide. Benzofb ]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-3-methyl- 1 -(4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- benzo[b][l,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide.

5-(2-Morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)-benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-3-methyl- 1 -(4-oxo-2,3,4,5- tetrahydro-benzo[b][l,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoy])-butyl]-arnide.

5-(3-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-3-methyl-l-(4-oxo-2,3,4,5- tetrahydro-benzo b][l,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide.

Specific representative compounds of the present invention are set forth in Examples 1-6.

Definitions The present invention includes all hydrates, solvates, complexes and prodrugs of the compounds of this invention. Prodrugs are any covalently bonded compounds which release the active parent drug according to Formula I in vivo. If a chiral center or another form of an isomeric center is present in a compound of the present invention, all forms of such isomer or isomers, including enantiomers and diastereomers, are intended to be covered herein. Inventive compounds containing a chiral center may be used as a racemic mixture, an enantiomerically enriched mixture, or the racemic mixture may be separated using well-known techniques and an individual enantiomer may be used alone. In cases in which compounds have unsaturated carbon-carbon double bonds, both the cis (Z) and trans (E) isomers are within the scope of this invention. In cases wherein compounds may exist in tautomeric forms, such as keto-enol tautomers, each tautomeric form is contemplated as being included within this invention whether existing in equilibrium or predominantly in one form.

The meaning of any substituent at any one occurrence in Formula I or any subformula thereof is independent of its meaning, or any other substituent's meaning, at any other occurrence, unless specified otherwise.

Abbreviations and symbols commonly used in the peptide and chemical arts are used herein to describe the compounds of the present invention. In general, the amino acid abbreviations follow the IUPAC-IUB Joint Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature as described in Eur. J. Biochem., 158, 9 (1984).

The term "proteases" refers to enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of amide bonds of peptides and proteins by nucleophilic substitution at the amide bond, ultimately resulting in hydrolysis. Such proteases include: cysteine proteases, serine proteases, aspartic proteases, and metalloproteases. The compounds of the present invention are capable of binding more strongly to the enzyme than the substrate and in general are not subject to cleavage after enzyme catalyzed attack by the nucleophile. They therefore competitively prevent proteases from recognizing and hydrolyzing natural substrates and thereby act as inhibitors.

The term "amino acid" as used herein refers to the D- or L- isomers of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine and valine. "Ci-6alkyl" as applied herein is meant to include substituted and unsubstituted methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl and t-butyl, pentyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl and hexyl and the simple aliphatic isomers thereof. Any Cι_6alkyl group may be optionally substituted independently by one to five halogens, SR'", OR"', N(R"')2, C(O)N(R'")2, carbamyl or Ci-4alkyl, where R'" is C]-6alkyl. Cgalkyl means that no alkyl group is present in the moiety. Thus, Ar-Cgalkyl is equivalent to Ar.

"C3_6cycloalkyl" as applied herein is meant to include substituted and unsubstituted cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclopentane and cyclohexane.

"C2-6 alkenyl" as applied herein means an alkyl group of 2 to 6 carbons wherein a carbon-carbon single bond is replaced by a carbon-carbon double bond. C2-6 lkenyl includes ethylene, 1-propene, 2-propene, 1-butene, 2-butene, isobutene and the several isomeric pentenes and hexenes. Both cis and trans isomers are included.

"C2-6^alkynyl" means an alkyl group of 2 to 6 carbons wherein one carbon-carbon single bond is replaced by a carbon-carbon triple bond. C2-6 alkynyl includes acetylene, 1- propyne, 2-propyne, 1-butyne, 2-butyne, 3-butyne and the simple isomers of pentyne and hexyne.

"Halogen" means F, Cl, Br, and I.

"Ar" or "aryl" means phenyl or naphthyl, optionally substituted by one or more of Ph-Co-6 lkyl; Het-C₀_6^alkyl; Cj.galkoxy; Ph-C()-6^alkoxy; Het-C₀-6^alkoxy; OH, (CH₂)ι_ ₆NR⁹R¹⁰; 0(CH₂)ι.6NR⁹R¹⁰; Cι.6alkyl, OR^{1 1}, N(Rⁿ)₂, SR^{1 1}, CF₃, N0₂, CN, CO2R^{1 1}, CON R¹ !), F, Cl, Br or I; where R⁹ and R¹⁰ are H, Cj.galkyl, Ph-C₀-6 lkyl, naphthyl-CQ-6^alkyl or Het-C()-6^alkyl; and R^ 1 is phenyl, naphthyl, or Cj.galkyl. As used herein "Het" or "heterocyclic" represents a stable 5- to 7-membered monocyclic, a stable 7- to 10-membered bicyclic, or a stable 11- to 18-membered tricyclic heterocyclic ring which is either saturated or unsaturated, and which consists of carbon atoms and from one to three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O and S, and wherein the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized, and the nitrogen heteroatom may optionally be quatemized, and including any bicyclic group in which any of the above-defined heterocyclic rings is fused to a benzene ring. The heterocyclic ring may be attached at any heteroatom or carbon atom which results in the creation of a stable structure, and may optionally be substituted with one or two moieties selected from C₀_6Ar, Cι_6alkyl, OR', N(R ₂, SR', CF₃, N0₂, CN, C0₂R', CON(R'), F, Cl, Br and I, where R' is phenyl, naphthyl, or Cι_6alkyl. Examples of such heterocycles include piperidinyl, piperazinyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, 2-oxopyrrolodinyl, 2- oxoazepinyl, azepinyl, pyrrolyl, 4-piperidonyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrazinyl, oxazolidinyl, oxazolinyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, morpholinyl, thiazolidinyl, thiazolinyl, thiazolyl, quinuclidinyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzopyranyl, benzoxazolyl, furyl, pyranyl, tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydropyranyl, thienyl, benzoxazolyl, thiamorpholinyl sulfoxide, thiamorpholinyl sulfone, and oxadiazoly, as well as triazolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, triazinyl and tetrazinyl which are available by routine chemical synthesis and are stable. The term heteroatom as applied herein refers to oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur.

Here and throughout this application the term CQ denotes the absence of the substituent group immediately following; for instance, in the moiety ArCr_j-6^alkyl, when C is 0, the substituent is Ar, e.g., phenyl. Conversely, when the moiety ArC()-6^alkyl is identified as a specific aromatic group, e.g., phenyl, it is understood that C is 0. Certain radical groups are abbreviated herein. t-Bu refers to the tertiary butyl radical, Boc refers to the t-butyloxycarbonyl radical, Fmoc refers to the fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl radical, Ph refers to the phenyl radical, Cbz refers to the benzyloxycarbonyl radical. Certain reagents are abbreviated herein. DMF refers to dimethyl formamide; 2,5- Dihydro-benzo[b][l,4]dioxocine was prepared as desribed in: Miller, Scott J., et al J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, 117, 2108-9; Methyltrioxorhenium (MTO) review: Gansauer, Andreas. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1997, 36, 2591-2592; Dess Martin periodinane: Dess, D. B.; Martin, J. C. J. Org. Chem. 1983, 48, 4155-6, Albany Molecular Research, Inc.; HBTU: O- Benzotriazolyl-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate, Aldrich Chemical Co.: Dourtoglou, Vassilis, et al Synthesis 1984, 1984, 572-4; EDC: l-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)- 3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride, Aldrich Chemical Co.; HOBt: Hydroxybenzotriazole, Aldrich Chemical Co.; NMM: N-methyl morpholine, Aldrich Chemical Co.

Methods of Preparation

Compounds of Formula I wherein Rl-R° are H, are prepared by methods analogous to those described in Scheme 1.

Scheme 1

a: methyltrioxorhenium, urea/hydrogen peroxide, MeCN; b: sodium azide, NH₄C1, MeOH, H₂0; c: H₂, Pd/C, EtOH, EtOAc; d: Boc-L-Leucine, EDC, HOBt, DMF; e: 4N HC1, dioxane; f: 2-quinoline carboxylic acid, HBTU, NMM, DMF; g: Dess-Martin periodinane, CH-C1..

2,5-Dihydro-l,6-Benzodioxocin was epoxidized with methyltrioxorhenium (MTO). Then, the epoxide was opened by SN2 displacement with sodium azide. The azide was then reduced to the amine using catalytic hydrogenation. The primary amine was then acylated with Boc-L-leucine using standard coupling conditions. Deprotection of the amine group under acidic conditions followed by acylation of the amine with 2-quinoline carboxylic acid gave the intermediate alcohol, which was in turn oxidized using Dess- Martin periodinane to provide the desired ketone. The starting materials used herein are commercially available amino acids or are prepared by routine methods well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and can be found in standard reference books, such as the COMPENDIUM OF ORGANIC SYNTHETIC METHODS , Vol . I- VI (published by Wiley-Interscience) .

Coupling methods to form amide bonds herein are generally well known to the art. The methods of peptide synthesis generally set forth by Bodansky et al., THE PRACTICE OF PEPTIDE SYNTHESIS, Springer- Verlag, Berlin, 1984; E. Gross and J. Meienhofer, THE PEPTIDES, Vol. 1, 1-284 (1979); and J.M. Stewart and J.D. Young, SOLID PHASE PEPTIDE SYNTHESIS, 2d Ed., Pierce Chemical Co., Rockford, 111., 1984. are generally illustrative of the technique and are incorporated herein by reference.

Synthetic methods to prepare the compounds of this invention frequently employ protective groups to mask a reactive functionality or minimize unwanted side reactions. Such protective groups are described generally in Green, T.W, PROTECTIVE GROUPS IN ORGANIC SYNTHESIS, John Wiley & Sons, New York (1981). The term "amino protecting groups" generally refers to the Boc, acetyl, benzoyl, Fmoc and Cbz groups and derivatives thereof as known to the art. Methods for protection and deprotection, and replacement of an amino protecting group with another moiety are well known.

Acid addition salts of the compounds of Formula I are prepared in a standard manner in a suitable solvent from the parent compound and an excess of an acid, such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydrofluoric, sulfuric, phosphoric, acetic, trifluoroacetic, maleic, succinic or methanesulfonic. Certain of the compounds form inner salts or zwitterions which may be acceptable. Cationic salts are prepared by treating the parent compound with an excess of an alkaline reagent, such as a hydroxide, carbonate or alkoxide, containing the appropriate cation; or with an appropriate organic amine. Cations such as Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺ and NH-ι⁺ are specific examples of cations present in pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Halides, sulfate, phosphate, alkanoates (such as acetate and trifluoroacetate), benzoates, and sulfonates (such as mesylate) are examples of anions present in pharmaceutically acceptable salts. This invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound according to Formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient. Accordingly, the compounds of Formula I may be used in the manufacture of a medicament. Pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds of Formula I prepared as hereinbefore described may be formulated as solutions or lyophilized powders for parenteral administration. Powders may be reconstituted by addition of a suitable diluent or other pharmaceutically acceptable carrier prior to use. The liquid formulation may be a buffered, isotonic, aqueous solution. Examples of suitable diluents are normal isotonic saline solution, standard 5% dextrose in water or buffered sodium or ammonium acetate solution. Such formulation is especially suitable for parenteral administration, but may also be used for oral administration or contained in a metered dose inhaler or nebulizer for insufflation. It may be desirable to add excipients such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, gelatin, hydroxy cellulose, acacia, polyethylene glycol, mannitol, sodium chloride or sodium citrate.

Alternately, these compounds may be encapsulated, tableted or prepared in an emulsion or syrup for oral administration. Pharmaceutically acceptable solid or liquid carriers may be added to enhance or stabilize the composition, or to facilitate preparation of the composition. Solid carriers include starch, lactose, calcium sulfate dihydrate, terra alba, magnesium stearate or stearic acid, talc, pectin, acacia, agar or gelatin. Liquid carriers include syrup, peanut oil, olive oil, saline and water. The carrier may also include a sustained release material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone or with a wax. The amount of solid carrier varies but, preferably, will be between about 20 mg to about 1 g per dosage unit. The pharmaceutical preparations are made following the conventional techniques of pharmacy involving milling, mixing, granulating, and compressing, when necessary, for tablet forms; or milling, mixing and filling for hard gelatin capsule forms. When a liquid carrier is used, the preparation will be in the form of a syrup, elixir, emulsion or an aqueous or non-aqueous suspension. Such a liquid formulation may be administered directly p.o. or filled into a soft gelatin capsule. For rectal administration, the compounds of this invention may also be combined with excipients such as cocoa butter, glycerin, gelatin or polyethylene glycols and molded into a suppository.

Utility of the Present Invention

The compounds of Formula I are useful as protease inhibitors, particularly as inhibitors of cysteine and serine proteases, more particularly as inhibitors of cysteine proteases, even more particularly as inhibitors of cysteine proteases of the papain superfamily, yet more particularly as inhibitors of cysteine proteases of the cathepsin family, most particularly as inhibitors of cathepsin K. The present invention also provides useful compositions and formulations of said compounds, including pharmaceutical compositions and formulations of said compounds.

The present compounds are useful for treating diseases in which cysteine proteases are implicated, including infections by pneumocystis carinii, trypsanoma cruzi, trypsanoma brucei, and Crithidia fusiculata; as well as in schistosomiasis, malaria, tumor metastasis, metachromatic leukodystrophy, muscular dystrophy, amy trophy; and especially diseases in which cathepsin K is implicated, most particularly diseases of excessive bone or cartilage loss, including osteoporosis, gingival disease including gingivitis and periodontitis, arthritis, more specifically, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, Paget's disease; hypercalcemia of malignancy, and metabolic bone disease.

Metastatic neoplastic cells also typically express high levels of proteolytic enzymes that degrade the surrounding matrix, and certain tumors and metastatic neoplasias may be effectively treated with the compounds of this invention. The present invention also provides methods of treatment of diseases caused by pathological levels of proteases, particularly cysteine and serine proteases, more particularly cysteine proteases, even more particularly as inhibitors of cysteine proteases of the papain superfamily, yet more particularly cysteine proteases of the cathepsin family, which methods comprise administering to an animal, particularly a mammal, most particularly a human in need thereof a compound of the present invention. The present invention especially provides methods of treatment of diseases caused by pathological levels of cathepsin K, which methods comprise administering to an animal, particularly a mammal, most particularly a human in need thereof an inhibitor of cathepsin K, including a compound of the present invention. The present invention particularly provides methods for treating diseases in which cysteine proteases are implicated, including infections by pneumocystis carinii, trypsanoma cruzi, trypsanoma brucei, and Crithidia fusiculata; as well as in schistosomiasis, malaria, tumor metastasis, metachromatic leukodystrophy, muscular dystrophy, amytrophy, , and especially diseases in which cathepsin K is implicated, most particularly diseases of excessive bone or cartilage loss, including osteoporosis, gingival disease including gingivitis and periodontitis, arthritis, more specifically, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, Paget's disease, hypercalcemia of malignancy, and metabolic bone disease. This invention further provides a method for treating osteoporosis or inhibiting bone loss which comprises internal administration to a patient of an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, alone or in combination with other inhibitors of bone resorption, such as bisphosphonates (i.e., allendronate), hormone replacement therapy, anti-estrogens, or calcitonin. In addition, treatment with a compound of this invention and an anabolic agent, such as bone morphogenic protein, iproflavone, may be used to prevent bone loss or to increase bone mass.

For acute therapy, parenteral administration of a compound of Formula I is preferred. An intravenous infusion of the compound in 5% dextrose in water or normal saline, or a similar formulation with suitable excipients, is most effective, although an intramuscular bolus injection is also useful. Typically, the parenteral dose will be about

0.01 to about 100 mg/kg; preferably between 0.1 and 20 mg/kg, in a manner to maintain the concentration of drug in the plasma at a concentration effective to inhibit cathepsin K. The compounds are administered one to four times daily at a level to achieve a total daily dose of about 0.4 to about 400 mg/kg/day. The precise amount of an inventive compound which is therapeutically effective, and the route by which such compound is best administered, is readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art by comparing the blood level of the agent to the concentration required to have a therapeutic effect.

The compounds of this invention may also be administered orally to the patient, in a manner such that the concentration of drug is sufficient to inhibit bone resorption or to achieve any other therapeutic indication as disclosed herein. Typically, a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound is administered at an oral dose of between about 0.1 to about 50 mg/kg in a manner consistent with the condition of the patient. Preferably the oral dose would be about 0.5 to about 20 mg/kg.

No unacceptable toxicological effects are expected when compounds of the present invention are administered in accordance with the present invention. Biological Assays The compounds of this invention may be tested in one of several biological assays to determine the concentration of compound which is required to have a given pharmacological effect.

Determination of cathepsin K proteolytic catalytic activity

All assays for cathepsin K were carried out with human recombinant enzyme. Standard assay conditions for the determination of kinetic constants used a fluorogenic peptide substrate, typically Cbz-Phe-Arg-AMC, and were determined in 100 mM Na acetate at pH 5.5 containing 20 mM cysteine and 5 mM EDTA. Stock substrate solutions were prepared at concentrations of 10 or 20 mM in DMSO with 20 uM final substrate concentration in the assays. All assays contained 10% DMSO. Independent experiments found that this level of DMSO had no effect on enzyme activity or kinetic constants. All assays were conducted at ambient temperature. Product fluorescence (excitation at 360 nM; emission at 460 nM) was monitored with a Perceptive Biosystems Cytofluor II fluorescent plate reader. Product progress curves were generated over 20 to 30 minutes following formation of AMC product.

Inhibition studies Potential inhibitors were evaluated using the progress curve method. Assays were carried out in the presence of variable concentrations of test compound. Reactions were initiated by addition of enzyme to buffered solutions of inhibitor and substrate. Data analysis was conducted according to one of two procedures depending on the appearance of the progress curves in the presence of inhibitors. For those compounds whose progress curves were linear, apparent inhibition constants (Ki_>app) were calculated according to equation 1 (Brandt et al., Biochemitsry, 1989, 28, 140):

v = V_mA /[K_a(l + I/K_if app) +AJ (1)

where v is the velocity of the reaction with maximal velocity V_m , A is the concentration of substrate with Michaelis constant of K_a, and I is the concentration of inhibitor. For those compounds whose progress curves showed downward curvature characteristic of time-dependent inhibition, the data from individual sets was analyzed to give k₀b_s according to equation 2:

[AMC] = v_ss t + (vo - v_ss) [1 - exp (-k₀b_st)] / k_Qbs (2)

where [AMC] is the concentration of product formed over time t, vo is the initial reaction velocity and v_ss is the final steady state rate. Values for k_0Ds were then analyzed as a linear function of inhibitor concentration to generate an apparent second order rate constant (k_0DS / inhibitor concentration or k_0Ds / [I]) describing the time-dependent inhibition. A complete discussion of this kinetic treatment has been fully described (Morrison et al., Adv. Enzymol. Relat. Areas Mol. Biol., 1988, 61, 201).

Human Osteoclast Resorption Assay Aliquots of osteoclastoma-derived cell suspensions were removed from liquid nitrogen storage, warmed rapidly at 37°C and washed x 1 in RPMI- 1640 medium by centrifugation (1000 rpm, 5 min at 4°C). The medium was aspirated and replaced with murine anti-HLA-DR antibody, diluted 1 :3 in RPMI- 1640 medium, and incubated for 30 min on ice The cell suspension was mixed frequently. The cells were washed x2 with cold RPMI- 1640 by centrifugation (1000 rpm, 5 min at 4°C) and then transferred to a sterile 15 mL centrifuge tube. The number of mononuclear cells were enumerated in an improved Neubauer counting chamber.

Sufficient magnetic beads (5 / mononuclear cell), coated with goat anti-mouse IgG, were removed from their stock bottle and placed into 5 mL of fresh medium (this washes away the toxic azide preservative). The medium was removed by immobilizing the beads on a magnet and is replaced with fresh medium.

The beads were mixed with the cells and the suspension was incubated for 30 min on ice. The suspension was mixed frequently. The bead-coated cells were immobilized on a magnet and the remaining cells (osteoclast-rich fraction) were decanted into a sterile 50 mL centrifuge tube. Fresh medium was added to the bead-coated cells to dislodge any trapped osteoclasts. This wash process was repeated xlO. The bead-coated cells were discarded. The osteoclasts were enumerated in a counting chamber, using a large-bore disposable plastic pasteur pipette to charge the chamber with the sample. The cells were pelleted by centrifugation and the density of osteoclasts adjusted to 1.5xlθ4/mL in EMEM medium, supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum and 1.7g/litre of sodium bicarbonate. 3 mL aliquots of the cell suspension ( per treatment) were decanted into 15 mL centrifuge tubes. These cells were pelleted by centrifugation. To each tube 3 mL of the appropriate treatment was added (diluted to 50 uM in the EMEM medium). Also included were appropriate vehicle controls, a positive control (87MEM1 diluted to 100 ug/mL) and an isotype control (IgG2a diluted to 100 ug/mL). The tubes were incubate at 37°C for 30 min. 0.5 mL aliquots of the cells were seeded onto sterile dentine slices in a 48-well plate and incubated at 37°C for 2 h. Each treatment was screened in quadruplicate. The slices were washed in six changes of warm PBS (10 mL / well in a 6- well plate) and then placed into fresh treatment or control and incubated at 37°C for 48 h. The slices were then washed in phosphate buffered saline and fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde (in 0.2M sodium cacodylate) for 5 min., following which they were washed in water and incubated in buffer for 5 min at 37°C. The slices were then washed in cold water and incubated in cold acetate buffer / fast red garnet for 5 min at 4°C. Excess buffer was aspirated, and the slices were air dried following a wash in water.

The TRAP positive osteoclasts were enumerated by bright-field microscopy and were then removed from the surface of the dentine by sonication. Pit volumes were determined using the Nikon/Lasertec ILM21 W confocal microscope.

General

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were recorded at either 250 or 400 MHz using, respectively, a Bruker AM 250 or Bruker AC 400 spectrometer. CDCI3 is deuteriochloroform, DMSO-dβ is hexadeuteriodimethylsulfoxide, and CD3OD is tetradeuteriomethanol. Chemical shifts are reported in parts per million (d) downfield from the internal standard tetramethylsilane. Abbreviations for NMR data are as follows: s = singlet, d = doublet, t = triplet, q = quartet, m = multiplet, dd = doublet of doublets, dt = doublet of triplets, app = apparent, br = broad. J indicates the NMR coupling constant measured in Hertz. Continuous wave infrared (IR) spectra were recorded on a Perkin- Elmer 683 infrared spectrometer, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were recorded on a Nicolet Impact 400 D infrared spectrometer. IR and FTIR spectra were recorded in transmission mode, and band positions are reported in inverse wavenumbers (cm^{" 1}). Mass spectra were taken on either VG 70 FE, PE Syx API III, or VG ZAB HF instruments, using fast atom bombardment (FAB) or electrospray (ES) ionization techniques. Elemental analyses were obtained using a Perkin-Elmer 240C elemental analyzer. Melting points were taken on a Thomas-Hoover melting point apparatus and are uncorrected. All temperatures are reported in degrees Celsius.

Analtech Silica Gel GF and E. Merck Silica Gel 60 F-254 thin layer plates were used for thin layer chromatography. Both flash and gravity chromatography were carried out on E. Merck Kieselgel 60 (230-400 mesh) silica gel. Where indicated, certain of the materials were purchased from the Aldrich

Chemical Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Chemical Dynamics Corp., South Plainfield, New Jersey, and Advanced Chemtech, Louisville, Kentucky.

Examples In the following synthetic examples, temperature is in degrees Centigrade (°C).

Unless otherwise indicated, all of the starting materials were obtained from commercial sources. Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. These Examples are given to illustrate the invention, not to limit its scope. Reference is made to the claims for what is reserved to the inventors hereunder.

Example 1

Preparation of Quinoline-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-3-methyl-l -(4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- benzofb] [ 1 ,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide

a) la,2,9,9a-Tetrahvdro-l,3,8-trioxa-benzofa lcyclopropale lcyclooctene:

2,5-Dihydro-benzo[b][l,4]dioxocine (0.5 g, 3 mmol, Miller, Scott J., et al J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, 117, 2108-9) was dissolved in acetonitrile (10 ml), then hydrogen peroxide/urea (0.564 g, 6 mmol) and methyltrioxorhenium (75 mg, 0.3 mmol) were added and a bright yellow color developed. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight, then 10% aq. NaHC0₃ was added and the reaction mixture was extracted with 3 x with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were dried with MgS0₄, filtered, concentrated in vacuo, chromatographed (silica gel, 5% EtOAc/ hexanes) to give the title compound (0.56g,

51 % yield):

Η NMR(400 MHZ, CDC1₃): δ 3.29-3.30(m, 2H), 4.43-4.48(dd, J=13.1Hz, J=3.4Hz, 2H),

4.75-4.80(dd, J=13.1Hz, J=5.0Hz, 2H), 6.97-7.03(m, 4H); M+H⁺(ES): 179.2.

b) 4-Azido-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-benzorbiπ,41dioxocin-3-ol la,2,9,9a-Tetrahydro-l,3,8-trioxa-benzo[a ]cyclopropa[e jcyclooctene (0.56 g, 3.15 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH/H₂0 (7: 1, 10 ml), then sodium azide (0.6 g, 9.4 mmol) and ammonium chloride (0.5 g, 9.4 mmol) were added and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 8 h. The reaction mixture was then extracted with CH₂C1,, washed with 10% aq.

NaHC0₃, then the combined organic extracts were dried with MgS0₄, filtered, concentrated in vacuo, chromatographed (silica gel, 10% EtOAc/ hexanes) to give the title compound

(0.66g, 95% yield):

Η NMR(400 MHZ, CDC1₃): δ 2.40-2.60(br, IH), 3.82-3.86(m, IH), 3.96-4.04(m, IH), 4.20-4.30(m, 2H), 4.40-4.44(dd, J=12.1Hz, J=3.1Hz, IH), 6.97-7.03(m, 4H); M+Na⁺(ES):

244.2.

c) 4-Amino-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-benzorbiπ ,41dioxocin-3-ol

4-Azido-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-benzo[b][l,4]dioxocin-3-ol (0.1 g, 0.45 mmol) was dissolved in EtOH/ EtOAc ( 1 : 1 , 20 ml), then 10% Pd/C (30 mg) was added. The reaction mixture was hydrogenated on a Parr shaker at 38 psi for 6 h. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite, then concentrated in vacuo and was used in the next reaction without further purification: Η NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃): 6 2.18-2.40(br, 3H), 3.14-3.21(m, IH), 3.68-3.77(m, IH), 4.00-4.09(m, IH), 4.23-4.33(m, 2H), 4.70-4.79(m, IH), 6.92- 6.98(m, 4H); M+H⁺(ES): 196.0

d) [(S)- 1 -(4-Hydroxy-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-benzo[b] [ 1 ,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-3-mefhyl- butylj-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester 4-Amino-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-benzo[b][l,4]dioxocin-3-ol (80 mg, 0.41 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (1 ml), then NMM (83 mg, 0.82 mmol), Boc-Leucine (125 mg, 0.50 mmol), EDC (108 mg, 0.57 mmol), and HOBt (77 mg, 0.57 mmol) were added and the reaction was stirred at RT overnight. The DMF was removed in vacuo, then EtOAc was added and the reaction mixture was extracted with water, then brine. The combined organic extracts were dried with MgS0 , filtered, concentrated in vacuo, chromatographed (silica gel, 50% EtOAc/ hexanes) to give the title compound (74 mg, 44% yield): Η NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 0.93-0.97(m, 6H), 1.42-1.45(s, 9H), 1.51-1.60(m, IH), 1.62-1.75(m, 2H), 3.89-3.95(m, IH), 4.00-4.12(m, IH), 4.15-4.39(m, 4H), 4.45-4.60(m, IH), 4.89- 5.02(m, IH), 6.90-7.05(m, 4H); M+H⁺(ES): 409.0.

e) Quinoline-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-l-(4-hydroxy-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-benzo[b][l,4] dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide 4N HC1 in dioxane (2 ml, 8 mmol) was added to [(S)-l-(4-Hydroxy-2,3,4,5- tetrahydro-benzo[b][l,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-3-methyl-butyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (74 mg, 0.18 mmol) and was stirred at RT for lh. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the crude product was then redissolved in DMF (1 ml), then 2- quinoline carboxylic acid (31 mg, 0.18 mmol), NMM (55 mg, 0.54 mmol), and HBTU (68 mg, 0.18 mmol) were added and the reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight. The DMF was then removed in vacuo, and EtOAc was added. Then the reaction mixture was extracted with water, then brine. The combined organic extracts were dried with MgS0₄, filtered, concentrated in vacuo and was used in the next reaction without further purification (60 mg, 72% yield): Η NMR(400 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 0.85-0.95(m, 6H), 1.72- 1.95(m, 4H), 3.92-4.00(m, IH), 4.20-4.39(m, 4H), 4.41-4.58 (m, IH), 4.62-4.71(m, IH), 6.85-7.02(m, 4H), 7.60-7.65(m, IH), 7.75-7.90(m, 2H), 8.10-8.32(m, 4H), 8.55-8.65(m, IH); M+H⁺(ES): 464.2.

f) Quinoline-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-3-methyl-l-(4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- benzo biπ,41dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyll-amide

Quinoline-2-carboxylic acid [(S)- 1 -(4-hydroxy-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- benzo[b][l,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide (60 mg, 0.13 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂C1, (10 ml), then Dess-Martin periodinane (68 mg, 0.16 mmol, Dess, D. B.; Martin, J. C. J. Org. Chem. 1983, 48, 4155-6) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 4h. The reaction mixture was then diluted with CH,C1₂ (50 ml), and was then extracted with 10% aq. Na,S0₃, then 10% aq. NaHC0₃. The combined organic extracts were dried with MgS0₄, filtered, concentrated in vacuo, chromatographed (silica gel, 50% EtOAc/ hexanes) to give the title compound (30 mg, 50% yield): 'H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 0.92-1.01(m, 6H), 1.72-1.92(m, 3H), 4.10-4.28(s, 1.5H), 4.65-4.84(m, 1.5H), 5.15-5.30(m, 2H), 6.08(br, IH), 6.68-8.70(m, 12H); M+H⁺ (ES): 462.3.

Example 2

Preparation of Benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid r(S)-3-methyl-l-(4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- benzorbl \ 1 ,4]dioxocin-3-y lcarbamovD-butyll-amide

a) Benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid r(S)-3-methyl-l-(4-oxo-2.3,4,5-tetrahydro- benzorbiπ ,41dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyll-amide

Following the Procedure of Example 1 (a-f), except substituting "2-benzofuran carboxylic acid" for "2-quinoline carboxylic acid," the title compound was prepared. Η NMR (400 MHz, CDCL): δ 0.92-0.98(m, 6H), 1.69-1.77(m, 3H), 3.81-4.1 l(m, 1.5H), 4.60- 4.75(m, 1.5H), 5.14-5.21(m, 2H), 5.97-6.00(m, IH), 6.70-8.44(m, 11H); M+H⁺(ES): 450.8.

Example 3

Naphthalene-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-3-methyl- 1 -(4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- benzorbir 41dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butvn-amide Following the Procedure of Example 1 (a-f), except substituting "naphthalene-2- carboxylic acid" for "2-quinoline carboxylic acid," the title compound was prepared. Η NMR(400 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 0.95-1.06(m, 6H), 1.72-1.92(m, 3H), 3.85-4.20(m, 1.5H), 4.70- 4.92(m, 1.5H), 5.1 l-6.10(m, 3H), 6.80-8.73(m, 13H); M+H⁺(ES): 460.9; M+Na⁺(ES): 482.8.

Example 4

Benzorblthiophene-2-carboxylic acid r(S)-3-methyl- 1 -(4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- benzorbiri,41dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyll-amide

Following the Procedure of Example 1 (a-f), except substituting "benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid" for "2-quinoline carboxylic acid," the title compound was prepared. Η NMR(400 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 0.92-1.08(m, 6H), 1.68-1.78(m, 3H), 3.86-4.21(m, 1.5H), 4.68-5.16(m, 3.5H), 5.62-6.12(m, IH), 6.79-8.62(m, 11H); M+H⁺(ES): 466.7; M+Na⁺(ES): 488.8.

Example 5

5-(2-Morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)-benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid r(S)-3-methyl-l-(4-oxo-2,3,4,5- tetrahydro-benzofbiri,41dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyll-amide a) ethyl 5-hydroxybenzofuran-2-carboxylate

To a mixture of aluminum chloride (6.3g, 47.7mmol) and ethanethiol (4.5g, 72.9mmol) in dichloromethane (81mL) at 0°C was added ethyl 5-methoxybenzofuran-2- carboxylate (3.0g, 13.6mmol). After stirring for 16h at room temperature, the mixture was poured into water, acidified with 3N HC1 and extracted with dichloromethane (2x). The organic layers were combined, washed with brine, collected, dried (MgSO i), filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, ethyl acetate/hexane) to yield the title compound as a white solid (2.16g, 77%). ^H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.45 (m, 2H), 7.08 (m, IH), 7.02 (m, IH), 5.35 (s b, IH), 4.44 (q, 2H), 1.42 (t, 3H).

b) ethyl 5-(2-N-morpholino)ethoxybenzofuran-2-carboxylate To a solution of the compound of Example 169(a) (0.200g 0.971 mmol), 4-(2- hydroxyethyl)morpholine (0.165g, 1.26mmol), and triphenylphosphine (0.33 lg, 1.26mmol) in THF (4mL) at 0°C was added dropwise diisopropylazodicarboxylate (0.254g, 1.26mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 16h, the solution was concentrated and purified by column chromatography (silica gel, ethyl acetate/hexane) to yield the title compound as a white solid (0.235g, 76%). ^]H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.48 (m, 2H), 7.07 (m, 2H), 4.43 (q, 2H), 4.14 (m, 2H), 3.76 (m, 4H), 2.86 (m, 2H), 2.61 (m, 4H), 1.40 (t, 3H).

c) 5-(2-N-morpholino)ethoxybenzofuran-2-carboxylic acid

A solution of the compound of Example 49 (b) (0.235 g, 0.736 mmol) and lithium hydroxide monohydrate (0.033 g, 0.810 mmol) in THF (2mL) and water (2mL) was stirred at reflux for 2h. The solution was concentrated, and the residue dissolved in water and acidified with l .leq of IN HCl. The solution was placed on a lyophilizer for 16h to yield the title compound as a white solid (0.150 g, 70%). MS (ESI): 292.1 (M+H)+.

d) 5-(2-Morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)-benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-3-methyl-l-(4-oxo- 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-benzo[b][l ,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide Following the Procedure of Example 1 (a-f), except substituting "5-(2-morpholin-4- yl-ethoxy)-benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid" for "2-quinoline carboxylic acid," the title compound was prepared.

'H NMR(400 MHZ, CDC1₃): δ 0.97-1.08(m, 6H), 1.58-1.92(m, 3H), 2.51(br, 4H), 2.84(t, J=5.5Hz, 2H), 3.52-4.05(m, 5H), 4.05-4.18(m, 3H), 4.58-4.80(m, IH), 5.10-5.22(m, 2H), 5.17-6.10(m, IH), 6.78-8.57(m, 10H); M+H⁺(ES): 579.8.

Example 6

5-(3-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-carboxylic acid r(S)-3-methyl-l-(4-oxo-2,3,4,5- tetrahydro-benzo blf l ,41dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyll-amide

Following the Procedure of Example 1 (a-f), except substituting "5-(3-

Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-carboxylic acid" for "2-quinoline carboxylic acid," the title compound was prepared.

Η NMR(400 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 0.98-1.08(m, 6H), 1.63-1.90(m, 3H), 3.92-4.23(m, 1.5H), 4.68-4.82(m, 1.5H), 5.16-5.45(m, 2 H), 5.72-6.1 l(m, IH), 6.65-8.62(m, 12H); M+H⁺(ES):

545.0; M+Na⁺(ES): 566.8. The above specification and Examples fully disclose how to make and use the compounds of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described hereinabove, but includes all modifications thereof within the scope of the following claims. The various references to journals, patents and other publications which are cited herein comprise the state of the art and are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth.

Claims

We claim:

1. A compound of Formula I:

wherein:

R¹ is selected from the group consisting of: R", R 'C(O), R"C(S), R"Sθ2, R"OC(0), R"R'NC(0), and R"OC(0)NR CH(R⁶)C(0); R- is selected from the group consisting of: H, Ci.galkyl, C2_6alkenyl, Ar-Cθ- galkyl, and Het-Co-6^alkyl;

R3 is selected from the group consisting of: H, Ci.galkyl, C2-6^a'kenyl, C2- 6alkynyl, C3_6cycloalkyl-C()-6^alkyl, Ar-C()-6^alkyl, and Het-C()-6alkyl;

R4 is selected from the group consisting of: H, Cj.^alkyl, C2_6alkenyl, Ar-Cθ- 6^alkyl, and Het-Co_6^alkyl;

R^**' is selected from the group consisting of: H, Ci .galkyl, C2_6alkenyl, Ar-Cθ- 6alkyl, and Het-Co_6alkyl;

R" is selected from the group consisting of: H, C_j.galkyl, C2_6alkenyl, C^_ 6cycloalkyl-Co-6-^alkyl, Ar-C )-6^alkyl, and Het-Co_6 lkyl; R' is selected from the group consisting of: H, C_j.galkyl, C2_6alkenyl, C3.

6cycloalkyl-Co_6- lkyl, Ar-Cø.galkyl, and Het-Co-6 lkyl;

R° is selected from the group consisting of: H, C_j.galkyl, C2_6^alkenyl, C3. gcycloalkyl-Co-6-alkyl, Ar-CQ.galkyl, and Het-Co-βalkyl;

R is selected from the group consisting of: H, Ci .galkyl, C2_6 lkenyl, Ar-Cø- 6^a*lkyl, and Het-Co_6^alkyl;

R is selected from the group consisting of: Cj.galkyl, Ar-C()-6^alkyl, Het-Cø. galkyl, Ar-C2-6^a' enyl and Het-C2_6alkenyl;

X is selected from the group consisting of: O and S; and

Y is selected from the group consisting of: O and S; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates and solvates thereof.

2. A compound according to Claim 1 wherein R2 and R^ are H and R-^*> is selected from the group consisting of: Cj.galkyl and C2-6^alkenyl.

3. A compound according to Claim 2 wherein R3 is /-butyl.

4. A compound according to Claim 1 wherein R* is H.

5. A compound according to Claim 1 wherein R! is selected from the group consisting of: R"OC(0), R"S0₂ or R' C(O).

6. A compound according to Claim 5 wherein R is selected from the group consisting of: Ar-Cθ-6^alkyl and Het-Co-6^alkyl.

7. A compound according to Claim 6 wherein R is selected from the group consisting of:

8. A compound according to Claim 7 wherein B2 is selected from the group consisting of: OH, CN, OCF3, CF₃, OC_].₆alkyl, OAr, S0₂C₁.₆alkyl, C_j^alkyl or halo.

9. A compound according to Claim 1 wherein X is O.

10. A compound according to Claim 1 of Formula II:

II

11. A compound according to Claim 10 of Formula Ila:

Ila

12. A compound of Claim 1 selected from the group consisting of:

Quinoline-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-3-methyl- 1 -(4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- benzo[b][l,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide; and

Benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-3-methyl-l-(4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- benzo[b][l,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide.

Naphthalene- 2-carboxy lie acid [(S)-3-methyl- 1 -(4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- benzo[b][l,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide

Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-3-methyl- 1 -(4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- benzo[b][l,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide 5-(2-Morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)-benzofuran-2-carboxy lie acid [(S)-3-methyl- 1 -(4-oxo-2,3,4,5- tetrahydro-benzo[b] [ 1 ,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide

5-(3-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-3-methyl-l-(4-oxo-2,3,4,5- tetrahydro-benzo b][l,4]dioxocin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide

13. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to Claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.

14. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to Claim 12 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.

15. A method of inhibiting a protease selected from the group consisting of a cysteine protease and a serine protease, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to Claim 1.

16. A method of inhibiting a protease selected from the group consisting of a cysteine protease and a serine protease, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to Claim 12.

17. A method according to Claim 15 wherein said protease is a cysteine protease.

18. A method according to Claim 16 wherein said protease is a cysteine protease.

19. A method according to Claim 17 wherein said cysteine protease is cathepsin K.

20. A method according to Claim 18 wherein said cysteine protease is cathepsin K.

21. A method of treating a disease characterized by bone loss comprising inhibiting said bone loss by administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to Claim 1.

22. A method according to Claim 21 wherein said disease is osteoporosis.

23. A method according to Claim 21 wherein said disease is periodontitis.

24. A method according to Claim 21 wherein said disease is gingivitis.

25. A method of treating a disease characterized by excessive cartilage or matrix degradation comprising inhibiting said excessive cartilage or matrix degradation by administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to Claim 1.

26. A method according to Claim 25 wherein said disease is osteoarthritis.

27. A method according to Claim 25 wherein said disease is rheumatoid arthritis.

28. A method of treating a disease characterized by bone loss comprising inhibiting said bone loss by administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to Claim 12.

29. A method according to Claim 28 wherein said disease is osteoporosis.

30. A method according to Claim 28 wherein said disease is periodontitis.

31. A method according to Claim 28 wherein said disease is gingivitis.

32. A method of treating a disease characterized by excessive cartilage or matrix degradation comprising inhibiting said excessive cartilage or matrix degradation by administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to Claim 12.

33. A method according to Claim 32 wherein said disease is osteoarthritis.

34. A method according to Claim 32 wherein said disease is rheumatoid arthritis.

35. Use of a compound according to any one of Claims 1 to 12 in the manufacture of a medicament for use in inhibiting a protease selected from the group consisting of a cysteine protease and a serine protease.

36. A use according to Claim 35 wherein said protease is a cysteine protease.

37. A use according to Claim 36 wherein said cysteine protease is cathepsin K.

38. Use of a compound according to any one of Claims 1 to 12 in the manufacture of a medicament for use in treating a disease characterized by bone loss.

39. A use according to Claim 38 wherein said disease is osteoporosis.

40. A use according to Claim 38 wherein said disease is periodontitis.

41. A use according to Claim 38 wherein said disease is gingivitis.

42. Use of a compound according to any one of Claims 1 to 12 in the manufacture of a medicament for use in treating a disease characterized by excessive cartilage or matrix degradation.

43. A use according to Claim 42 wherein said disease is osteoarthritis.

44. A use according to Claim 42 wherein said disease is rheumatoid arthritis.