CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/748,362 filed May 14, 2007; which claims the benefit (under 35 U.S.C. Â§119(e)) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/799,874 filed May 12, 2006; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/822,159 filed Aug. 11, 2006; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/865,140 filed Nov. 9, 2006; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/883,707 filed Jan. 5, 2007; all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to novel compounds and their use to treat diseases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

- Cancer is prevalent: In the United States, the probability of developing invasive cancer is 38% for females and 46% for males that live to be 70 years older and older. There will be about 1.4 million new cases of cancer in 2006. Although the five year survival rate for cancer is now 65%, up from about 50% in the mid-nineteen seventies, cancer is deadly. It is estimated that 565,000 people in the United States will die from cancer in 2006. (American Cancer Society, Surveillance Research, 2006). Although numerous treatments are available for various cancers, the fact remains that many cancers remain uncurable, untreatable, and/or become resistant to standard therapies. Thus, there is a need for new cancer treatments.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to compounds of Formulae I-III below. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions having one or more compounds of Formulae I-III and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The compounds of Formulae I-III were discovered by the inventors to have pharmacological activity. One particular activity the compounds of Formulae I-III were found to have is anticancer activity.

The invention provides compounds of Formula I wherein:

- A is chosen from a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, or carbocyclic group;
- B is chosen from a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, or carbocyclic group;

R1 is chosen from hydro, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl.

L₁can be saturated, partially saturated, or unsaturated, and is chosen from â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)O(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nOC(â• O)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNH(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”Oâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nS(CH₂)_nâ€”, and â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, where each n is independently chosen from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and wherein each carbon and/or nitrogen can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkoxy, alkyl, amino, cycloalkyl, â€”NR₂R₃, â€”NSO₂R₄, â€”NC(â• O)NR₂R₃, heteroaryl, aryl, cycloalkyl, and heterocyclic; wherein â€”R₂and â€”R₃are independently chosen from â€”H, alkyl, and â€”C(â• O)OR₄; and wherein R₄is an alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, or tert-butyl).

L₂can be saturated, partially saturated, or unsaturated, and is chosen from â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)O(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nOC(â• O)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNH(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”Oâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nS(CH₂)_nâ€”, and â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, where each n is independently chosen from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and wherein each carbon and/or nitrogen can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkoxy, alkyl, amino, cycloalkyl, â€”NR₂R₃, â€”NSO₂R₄, â€”NC(â• O)NR₂R₃, heteroaryl, aryl, cycloalkyl, and heterocyclic; wherein â€”R₂and â€”R₃are independently chosen from â€”H, alkyl, and â€”C(â• O)OR₄; and wherein R₄is an alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, or tert-butyl).

L₁and L₂can be in either orientation, e.g., â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, refers to purine-(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)S(CH₂)_n-phenyl and purine-(CH₂)_nSC(â• S)N(CH₂)_n-phenyl orientations unless otherwise specified.

According to one aspect, A is an aryl group having one or more substituents chosen from halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, hydroxyl, â€”Câ‰¡N, â€”SO₃, and â€”COOH. In a more specific aspect of the invention, A is a phenyl group having one or more substituents chosen from halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, hydroxyl, and â€”COOH. In an even more specific aspect, A is a phenyl group having one or more substituents chosen from â€”F, â€”Cl, â€”Br, â€”I, â€”OCH₃, â€”CF₃, â€”CH₃, â€”OCF₃, â€”C(â• O)CH₃, â€”COOH, â€”Câ‰¡N, and â€”NO₂.

In one aspect of the compounds of the invention, A is an aryl group with one or more substituents chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, â€”N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”C(â• O)NH₂, â€”C(â• O)NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”C(â• O)N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”S(â• O)₂(C_1-3alkyl), â€”S(â• O)₂NH₂, â€”S(â• O)₂N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”S(â• O)₂NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”CHF₂, â€”OCF₃, â€”OCHF₂, â€”SCF₃, â€”CF₃, â€”CN, â€”NH₂, and â€”NO₂. In one specific aspect, A is a phenyl group.

In one aspect of the compounds of the invention, A is a phenyl group having from 1-5 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido.

According to one aspect of the compounds of the invention, B is an aryl group having one or more substituents chosen from halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, hydroxyl, â€”SO₃, and â€”COOH. In one specific aspect, B is a phenyl group. In a more specific aspect, B is a phenyl group having one or more substituents chosen from halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, hydroxyl, and â€”COOH. In an even more specific aspect, B is a phenyl group having one or more substituents chosen from â€”F, â€”Cl, â€”Br, â€”I, â€”CH₃, â€”OCH₃, â€”CF₃, â€”OCF₃, â€”C(â• O)CH₃, â€”COOH, â€”Câ‰¡N, and â€”NO₂.

In one aspect of the compounds of the invention, B is an aryl group with one or more substituents chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, â€”N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”C(â• O)NH₂, â€”C(â• O)NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”C(â• O)N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”S(â• O)₂(C_1-3alkyl), â€”S(â• O)₂NH₂, â€”S(â• O)₂N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”S(â• O)₂NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”CHF₂, â€”OCF₃, â€”OCHF₂, â€”SCF₃, â€”CF₃, â€”CN, â€”NH₂, â€”SO₃, and â€”NO₂.

In one aspect of the compounds of the invention, B is a phenyl group having from 1-5 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido.

According to one embodiment, A is a substituted or unsubstituted benzo[1,3]dioxole group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A is a 6-bromo-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A is an unsubstituted benzo[1,3]dioxole group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A is a 6-iodo-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A is a 6-chloro-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A is a 6-fluoro-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A has from 1-5 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido.

According to one embodiment, A is a substituted or unsubstituted indanone group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A has from 1-5 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido.

According to one embodiment, A is a substituted or unsubstituted indane group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A has from 1-5 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido.

According to one embodiment, A is a substituted or unsubstituted benzo[1,4]dioxane group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A has from 1-5 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido.

According to one embodiment, A is a substituted or unsubstituted benzoxazinone group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A has from 1-5 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido.

According to one embodiment, A is a substituted or unsubstituted benzoxazine group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A has from 1-5 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido.

According to one embodiment, A is a substituted or unsubstituted benzodioxine group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A has from 1-5 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido.

According to one embodiment, A is a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A has from 1-6 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido.

According to one embodiment, A is a substituted or unsubstituted pyrrole group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A has from 1-3 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido. According to one aspect A is unsubstituted.

According to one embodiment, A is a substituted or unsubstituted pyridine group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A has from 1-4 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido. According to one aspect of this embodiment, A is unsubstituted.

According to one embodiment, A is a substituted or unsubstituted cyclohexyl group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A has from 1-5 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido. According to one aspect of this embodiment, A is unsubstituted.

According to one embodiment, B is a substituted or unsubstituted benzo[1,3]dioxole group. In one aspect of this embodiment, B is a 6-bromo-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl group. In one aspect of this embodiment, B is an unsubstituted benzo[1,3]dioxole group. In one aspect of this embodiment, B is a 6-iodo-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl group. In one aspect of this embodiment, B is a 6-chloro-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl group. In one aspect of this embodiment, B is a 6-fluoro-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl group. In one aspect of this embodiment, B has from 1-4 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido.

According to one embodiment, B is a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl group. In one aspect of this embodiment, B has from 1-6 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido. According to one aspect of this embodiment, B is unsubstituted.

According to one embodiment, B is a substituted or unsubstituted pyrrole group. In one aspect of this embodiment, B has from 1-3 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido. According to one aspect of this embodiment, B is unsubstituted.

According to one embodiment, B is a substituted or unsubstituted pyridine group. In one aspect of this embodiment, B has from 1-4 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido. According to one aspect of this embodiment, B is unsubstituted.

According to one embodiment, B is a substituted or unsubstituted cyclohexyl group. In one aspect of this embodiment, B has from 1-5 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido. According to one aspect of this embodiment, B is unsubstituted.

According to one aspect of the invention, compounds of Formula I are provided wherein:

A is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group;

B is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group;

R1 is chosen from hydro, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl.

L₁can be saturated, partially saturated, or unsaturated, and is chosen from â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)O(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nOC(â• O)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNH(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”Oâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nS(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, where each n is independently chosen from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and wherein each carbon and/or nitrogen can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkoxy, C_1-3alkyl, and C_3-6cycloalkyl groups;

L₂can be saturated, partially saturated, or unsaturated, and is chosen from â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)O(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nOC(â• O)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNH(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”Oâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nS(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, where each n is independently chosen from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and wherein each carbon and/or nitrogen can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkoxy, C_1-3alkyl, and C_3-6cycloalkyl groups; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

According to one aspect of the invention, compounds of Formula I are provided wherein:

A is a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group;

B is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group;

R1 is chosen from hydro, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl;

L₁can be saturated, partially saturated, or unsaturated, and is chosen from â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)O(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nOC(â• O)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNH(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”Oâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nS(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, where each n is independently chosen from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and wherein each carbon and/or nitrogen can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkoxy, C_1-3alkyl, and C_3-6cycloalkyl groups;

L₂can be saturated, partially saturated, or unsaturated, and is chosen from â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)O(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nOC(â• O)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNH(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”Oâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nS(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, where each n is independently chosen from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and wherein each carbon and/or nitrogen can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkoxy, C_1-3alkyl, and C_3-6cycloalkyl groups; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

According to one aspect of the invention, compounds of Formula I are provided wherein A is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group; B is a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group; R1 is chosen from hydro, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

According to one aspect of the invention, compounds of Formula I are provided wherein A is a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group; B is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group; and R1 is chosen from hydro, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl.

According to one aspect of the invention, compounds of Formula I are provided wherein A is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group; B is a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group; R1 is chosen from hydro, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl.

According to some aspects of the invention, in the compound of Formula I, A is substituted or unsubstituted and chosen from indazolyl, 1H-indolyl, benzothiazolyl, 1H-benzotriazolyl, benzooxazolyl, 1H-benzoimadazolyl, 3H-benzooxazol-2-one, 4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one, 1,3 dihydro-benzoimadazol-2-one, 3H-benzothialo-2-one, 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, 1H-quinaxolino-2-one, 1H-quinaxolin-2-one, 4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one, isoquinoline, indoline, 1,3 dihydro-indol-2-one, 2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxine, thienyl (thiophenyl), benzo[b]thienyl, naphtho[2,3-b]thienyl, thianthrenyl, furyl (furanyl), isobenzofuranyl, chromenyl, xanthenyl, phenoxanthiinyl, pyrrolyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl (pyridinyl), 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, indolyl, purinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, isoquinolyl, quinolyl, phthalzinyl, naphthyridinyl, quinozalinyl, cinnolinyl, pteridinyl, carbazolyl, Î²-carbolinyl, phenanthridinyl, acrindinyl, perimidinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenazinyl, isothiazolyl, phenothiazinyl, isoxazolyl, furazanyl, phenoxazinyl, 1,4-dihydroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, 7 aminoisocoumarin, pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidinyl, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl, 1,2-benzoisoxazol-3-yl, benzimidazolyl, 2-oxindolyl, 2 oxobenzimidazolyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, pyranyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, quinuclidinyl, morpholinyl, isochromanyl, chromanyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, tetronoyl, and tetramoyl.

According to some aspects of the invention, in the compound of Formula I, B is substituted or unsubstituted and chosen from indazolyl, 1H-indolyl, benzothiazolyl, 1H-benzotriazolyl, benzooxazolyl, 1H-benzoimadazolyl, 3H-benzooxazol-2-one, 4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one, 1,3 dihydro-benzoimadazol-2-one, 3H-benzothialo-2-one, 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, 1H-quinaxolin-2-one, 1H-quinaxolin-2-one, 4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one, isoquinoline, indoline, 1,3 dihydro-indol-2-one, 2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxine, thienyl (thiophenyl), benzo[b]thienyl, naphtho[2,3-b]thienyl, thianthrenyl, furyl (furanyl), isobenzofuranyl, chromenyl, xanthenyl, phenoxanthiinyl, pyrrolyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl (pyridinyl), 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, indolyl, purinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, isoquinolyl, quinolyl, phthalzinyl, naphthyridinyl, quinozalinyl, cinnolinyl, pteridinyl, carbazolyl, Î²-carbolinyl, phenanthridinyl, acrindinyl, perimidinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenazinyl, isothiazolyl, phenothiazinyl, isoxazolyl, furazanyl, phenoxazinyl, 1,4-dihydroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, 7 aminoisocoumarin, pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidinyl, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl, 1,2-benzoisoxazol-3-yl, benzimidazolyl, 2-oxindolyl, 2 oxobenzimidazolyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, pyranyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, quinuclidinyl, morpholinyl, isochromanyl, chromanyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, tetronoyl, and tetramoyl.

In some aspects of the compounds of the invention, the A ring is substituted with one or more substituents chosen from -L₁-C(â• O)OH, -L₁-CHâ• CHC(â• O)OH, -L₁-C(â• O)NH₂, -L₁-C(â• O)NH(C_1-3alkyl), -L₁-C(â• O)N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, -L₁-S(â• O)₂(C_1-3alkyl), -L₁-S(â• O)₂NH₂, -L₁-S(â• O)₂N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, -L₁-S(â• O)₂NH(C_1-3alkyl), -L₁-C(â• O)NHOH, -L₁-C(â• O)CH₂NH₂, -L₁-C(â• O)CH₂OH, -L₁-C(â• O)CH₂SH, -L₁-C(â• O)NHCN, -L₁-NHC(â• O)OR_n, -L₁-C(â• O)NHR_o, -L₁-NH(Câ• O)NHR_o, -L₁-C(â• O)N(R_o)₂, -L₁-NH(Câ• O)N(R_o)₂, -L₁-sulfo; where R_ois chosen from alkyl and haloalkyl, and L₁is independent of any other L₁in the compound and is defined as above.

In some aspects of the compounds of the invention, the B ring is substituted with one or more substituents chosen from -L, â€”C(â• O)OH, -L₁-CHâ• CHC(â• O)OH, -L₁-C(â• O)NH₂, -L₁-C(â• O)NH(C_1-3alkyl), -L₁-C(â• O)N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, -L₁-S(â• O)₂(C_1-3alkyl), -L₁-S(â• O)₂NH₂, -L₁-S(â• O)₂N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, -L₁-S(â• O)₂NH(C_1-3alkyl), -L₁-C(â• O)NHOH, -L₁-C(â• O)CH₂NH₂, -L₁-C(â• O)CH₂OH, -L₁-C(â• O)CH₂SH, -L₁-C(â• O)NHCN, -L₁-NHC(â• O)OR_o, -L₁-C(â• O)NHR_o, -L₁-NH(Câ• O)NHR_o, -L₁-C(â• O)N(R_o)₂, -L₁-NH(Câ• O)N(R_o)₂, -L₁-sulfo; where R_ois chosen from alkyl and haloalkyl, and L₁is independent of any other L₁in the compound and is defined as above.

According to one aspect of the compounds of the invention, L₁is chosen from â€”CH₂â€”, â€”CH₂CH₂â€”, â€”CH₂CH₂CH₂, â€”CH(CH₃)CH₂â€”, â€”CH(CH₂CH₃)CH₂â€”, â€”CH(CH(CH₃)₂)CH₂â€”, â€”C(CH₂CH₂)CH₂â€”, â€”C(CH₂CH₂CH₂)CH₂â€”, â€”CH(CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃)CH₂â€”, â€”CH(CH(CH₂)₄)CH₂â€”, â€”CH(CH(CH₂)₅)CH₂â€”, â€”CH(OH)CH₂â€”, and â€”CH(CH₂OH)CH₂â€”. In a more specific aspect L₁is chosen from â€”CH₂CH₂â€” and â€”CH₂CH₂CH₂. In an even more specific aspect, L₁is â€”CH₂CH₂â€”. L₁can be in either orientation, e.g., â€”CH(CH₂CH₂)CH₂â€” refers to purine-CH(CH₂CH₂)CH₂-phenyl and purine-CH₂CH(CH₂CH₂)-phenyl orientations unless otherwise specified.

According to one aspect of the invention, compounds of Formula I are provided where L₂is chosen from â€”CH₂â€”, â€”CH₂CH₂â€”, â€”CH₂CH₂CH₂, â€”CH(CH₃)CH₂â€”, â€”CH(CH₂CH₃)CH₂â€”, â€”CH(CH(CH₃)₂)CH₂â€”, â€”C(CH₂CH₂)CH₂â€”, â€”C(CH₂CH₂CH₂)CH₂â€”, â€”CH(CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃)CH₂â€”, â€”CH(CH(CH₂)₄)CH₂â€”, â€”CH(CH(CH₂)₅)CH₂â€”, â€”CH(OH)CH₂â€”, and â€”CH(CH₂OH)CH₂â€”. In a more specific aspect L₂is chosen from â€”CH₂CH₂â€” and â€”CH₂CH₂CH₂â€”. In an even more specific aspect L₂is â€”CH₂CH₂â€”. L₂can be in either orientation, e.g., â€”CH(CH₂CH₂)CH₂â€” refers to e.g., purine-CH(CH₂CH₂)CH₂-phenyl and purine-CH₂CH(CH₂CH₂)-phenyl orientations unless otherwise specified.

According to one aspect of the compounds of the invention, A is a group chosen from 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 2,5-diethoxyphenyl, 2,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, and 4-benzonitrile. In this aspect, the positions (numbering) of the substituents are relative to the linkage of the phenyl group to the purine core. In a specific embodiment of this aspect L₁is â€”Sâ€”.

According to one aspect of the compounds of the invention, B is a group chosen from 2-bromophenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-chlorophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 3-iodophenyl, 3-bromophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 2,3-dichlorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,6-dichlorophenyl, 2,3-difluorophenyl, 3,5-difluorophenyl, 4-chloro-2-fluorophenyl, 2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, 2-nitrophenyl, 3-nitrophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 4-benzoic acid, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl, p-tolyl, o-tolyl, 2,5-dimethylphenyl, 3,5-dimethylphenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 4-phenylethanone, 4-phenol, 4-benzenesulfonic acid, 4-dimethylaminophenyl, 4-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester phenyl, 4-aminophenyl, 3-trifluoromethoxyphenyl, and 3,5 bistrifluoromethylphenyl. In this aspect, the positions (numbering) of the substituents are relative to the linkage of the phenyl group to the purine core. In a specific embodiment of this aspect, L₂is chosen from â€”CH₂â€”CH₂â€” and â€”CH₂â€”CH₂â€”CH₂â€”.

The invention also provides compounds of Formula II where the variables are as in any of the above embodiments and aspects of the invention for the compounds of Formula I.

The invention also provides compounds of Formula III where the variables are as in any of the above embodiments and aspects of the invention for the compounds of Formula I.

According to one aspect of the invention, compounds of Formula I are provided wherein:

A is a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group;

B is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group;

R1 is chosen from hydro, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl;

L₁can be saturated, partially saturated, or unsaturated, and is chosen from â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)O(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nOC(â• O)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNH(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”Oâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nS(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, where each n is independently chosen from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and wherein each carbon and/or nitrogen can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkoxy, C_1-3alkyl, and C_3-6cycloalkyl groups;

L₂can be saturated, partially saturated, or unsaturated, and is chosen from â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)O(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nOC(â• O)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNH(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”Oâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nS(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, where each n is independently chosen from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and wherein each carbon and/or nitrogen can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkoxy, C_1-3alkyl, and C_3-6cycloalkyl groups; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, A can be substituted or unsubstituted and is chosen from an aryl or heterocyclic group;

B can be substituted or unsubstituted and is chosen from a heteroaryl or heterocyclic group having one or more hetero atoms chosen from â€”Nâ€”, â€”Oâ€”, â€”Sâ€”, and â€”Pâ€”;

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁and L₂are as defined above in their broadest aspects; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect of the invention, A can be substituted or unsubstituted and is chosen from a benzo[1,3]dioxole or phenyl group;

B can be a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl or heterocyclic group having one or more hetero atoms chosen from â€”Nâ€”, â€”Oâ€”, â€”Sâ€”, and â€”Pâ€”;

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁and L₂are as defined above in their broadest aspects; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, A can be substituted or unsubstituted and is a group chosen from 5-halo-benzo[1,3]dioxole (e.g., 5-bromo-benzo[1,3]dioxole), dimethoxybenzene (e.g., 1,4-dimethoxybenzene, 2,3-dimethoxybenzene, and 2,4-dimethoxybenzene), and diethoxybenzene (e.g., 1,4-diethoxybenzene, 2,3-diethoxybenzene, and 2,4-diethoxybenzene);

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁and L₂are as defined above in their broadest aspects; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, A can be substituted or unsubstituted and is chosen from a aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, and carbocyclic group;

B can be substituted or unsubstituted and is a heterocyclic group chosen from piperidine, pyrrolidine, azetidine, piperazine, morpholine, and tetrahydro-pyran;

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁and L₂are defined as above; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, A can be substituted or unsubstituted and is chosen from an aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, and carbocyclic group;

B is a group chosen from piperidine, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine, piperidine-2,6-dione, piperidine-1-carbaldehyde, 1-methyl-pyrrolidine, 1-isopropyl-piperazine, tetrahydro-pyran, adamantane, piperidine-1-carbaldehyde, 1-piperidin-1-yl-ethanone, 1-methanesulfonyl-piperidine, 1-propyl-piperidine, 1-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-piperidine, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, morpholine-4-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, 1-pyrrolidin-1-yl-ethanone, 1-methanesulfonyl-pyrrolidine, pyrrolidine-1-carbaldehyde, azetidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, 1-methyl-azetidine, azetidine, azetidine-1-carbaldehyde, 1-azetidin-1-yl-ethanone, 1-methanesulfonyl-azetidine, and 1-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-azetidine, cycloheptane, imidazole, undecafluorocyclohexane, cyclohexyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester, 1-piperazin-1-yl-ethanone, 6,6-dimethyl-bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene, 5-methyl 2,4-dihydro-pyrazol-3-one, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid benzyl ester, morpholine, pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid benzyl ester, piperidine-1,2-dicarboxylic acid 1-tert butyl ester 2-ethyl ester, benzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridine, hexahydro-4b-aza-cyclopropa[cd]pentalene, 2-isopropyl-piperidine-1carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ethyl amide, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid isopropyl amide, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl amide, [{piperidine-1-carbonyl}amino]-acetic acid ethyl ester, isopropyl piperidine, isobutyl piperidine, 2,2-dimethyl-1-piperidin-1-yl-propan-1-one, 2,2-dimethyl-1-piperidin-1-yl-butan-1-one, 2-isopropyl-piperidine, 1-isopropyl piperazine, and 1-cyclopentyl-piperazine.

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁and L₂are as defined above in their broadest aspects; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, A can be substituted or unsubstituted and is chosen from a benzo[1,3]dioxole and phenyl group;

B can be substituted or unsubstituted and is a heteroaryl or heterocyclic group chosen from piperidine, pyrrolidine, azetidine, piperazine, morpholine, and tetrahydro-pyran.

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁and L₂are as defined above in their broadest aspects; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, A can be substituted or unsubstituted and is chosen from a benzo[1,3]dioxole and phenyl group;

B is a group chosen from piperidine, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine, piperidine-2,6-dione, piperidine-1-carbaldehyde, 1-methyl-pyrrolidine, 1-isopropyl-piperazine, tetrahydro-pyran, adamantane, piperidine-1-carbaldehyde, 1-piperidin-1-yl-ethanone, 1-methanesulfonyl-piperidine, 1-propyl-piperidine, 1-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-piperidine, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, morpholine-4-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, 1-pyrrolidin-1-yl-ethanone, 1-methanesulfonyl-pyrrolidine, pyrrolidine-1-carbaldehyde, azetidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, 1-methyl-azetidine, azetidine, azetidine-1-carbaldehyde, 1-azetidin-1-yl-ethanone, 1-methanesulfonyl-azetidine, and 1-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-azetidine, cycloheptane, imidazole, undecafluorocyclohexane, cyclohexyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester, 1-piperazin-1-yl-ethanone, 6,6-dimethyl-bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene, 5-methyl 2,4-dihydro-pyrazol-3-one, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid benzyl ester, morpholine, pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid benzyl ester, piperidine-1,2-dicarboxylic acid 1-tert butyl ester 2-ethyl ester, benzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridine, hexahydro-4b-aza-cyclopropa[cd]pentalene, 2-isopropyl-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ethyl amide, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid isopropyl amide, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl amide, [{piperidine-1-carbonyl}amino]-acetic acid ethyl ester, isopropyl piperidine, isobutyl piperidine, 2,2-dimethyl-1-piperidin-1-yl-propan-1-one, 2,2-dimethyl-1-piperidin-1-yl-butan-1-one, 2-isopropyl-piperidine, 1-isopropyl piperazine, and 1-cyclopentyl-piperazine;

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁and L₂are as defined above in their broadest aspects; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, A is a group chosen from 5-halo-benzo[1,3]dioxole, dimethoxybenzene, and diethoxybenzene;

B is a group chosen from piperidine, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine, piperidine-2,6-dione, piperidine-1-carbaldehyde, 1-methyl-pyrrolidine, 1-isopropyl-piperazine, tetrahydro-pyran, adamantane, piperidine-1-carbaldehyde, 1-piperidin-1-yl-ethanone, 1-methanesulfonyl-piperidine, 1-propyl-piperidine, 1-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-piperidine, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, morpholine-4-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, 1-pyrrolidin-1-yl-ethanone, 1-methanesulfonyl-pyrrolidine, pyrrolidine-1-carbaldehyde, azetidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, 1-methyl-azetidine, azetidine, azetidine-1-carbaldehyde, 1-azetidin-1-yl-ethanone, 1-methanesulfonyl-azetidine, and 1-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-azetidine, cycloheptane, imidazole, undecafluorocyclohexane, cyclohexyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester, 1-piperazin-1-yl-ethanone, 6,6-dimethyl-bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene, 5-methyl 2,4-dihydro-pyrazol-3-one, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid benzyl ester, morpholine, pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid benzyl ester, piperidine-1,2-dicarboxylic acid 1-tert butyl ester 2-ethyl ester, benzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridine, hexahydro-4b-aza-cyclopropa[cd]pentalene, 2-isopropyl-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ethyl amide, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid isopropyl amide, piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl amide, [{piperidine-1-carbonyl}amino]-acetic acid ethyl ester, isopropyl piperidine, isobutyl piperidine, 2,2-dimethyl-1-piperidin-1-yl-propan-1-one, 2,2-dimethyl-1-piperidin-1-yl-butan-1-one, 2-isopropyl-piperidine, 1-isopropyl piperazine, and 1-cyclopentyl-piperazine;

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁and L₂are as defined above in their broadest aspects; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

According to one aspect of the invention, in the compounds of Formula I, A is an aryl or heterocyclic group having one or more substituents chosen from halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, hydroxyl, â€”Câ‰¡N, â€”SO₃, and â€”COOH. In a more specific aspect A is a phenyl group having one or more substituents chosen from halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, hydroxyl, and â€”COOH. In another specific aspect, A is a phenyl group having one or more substituents chosen from â€”F, â€”Cl, â€”Br, â€”I, â€”OCH₃, and â€”OCH₂CH₃. In another aspect A is a benzo[1,3]dioxole group having one or more substituents chosen from halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, hydroxyl, and â€”COOH. In another specific aspect, A is a benzo[1,3]dioxole group having one or more substituents chosen from â€”F, â€”Cl, â€”Br, â€”I, â€”OCH₃, and â€”OCH₂CH₃.

In one aspect, in the compounds of Formula I, A is an aryl or heterocyclic group with one or more substituents chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, â€”N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”C(â• O)NH₂, â€”C(â• O)NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”C(â• O)N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”S(â• O)₂(C_1-3alkyl), â€”S(â• O)₂NH₂, â€”S(â• O)₂N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”S(â• O)₂NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”CHF₂, â€”OCF₃, â€”OCHF₂, â€”SCF₃, â€”CF₃, â€”CN, â€”NH₂, and â€”NO₂. In one specific aspect, A is a phenyl group having one or more substituents chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, â€”N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”C(â• O)NH₂, â€”C(â• O)NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”C(â• O)N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”S(â• O)₂(C_1-3alkyl), â€”S(â• O)₂NH₂, â€”S(â• O)₂N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”S(â• O)₂NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”CHF₂, â€”OCF₃, â€”OCHF₂, â€”SCF₃, â€”CF₃, â€”CN, â€”NH₂, and â€”NO₂. In another specific aspect, A is a benzo[1,3]dioxole group having one or more substituents chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, â€”N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”C(â• O)NH₂, â€”C(â• O)NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”C(â• O)N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”S(â• O)₂(C_1-3alkyl), â€”S(â• O)₂NH₂, â€”S(â• O)₂N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”S(â• O)₂NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”CHF₂, â€”OCF₃, â€”OCHF₂, â€”SCF₃, â€”CF₃, â€”CN, â€”NH₂, and â€”NO₂.

In one aspect, in the compounds of Formula I, A is a phenyl or benzo[1,3]dioxole group having from 1-5 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido.

According to one aspect, in the compounds of Formula I, B is a heterocyclic group having one or more heteroatoms chosen from â€”Nâ€” and â€”Oâ€” wherein the heterocyclic group can have one or more substituents chosen from hydro, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”CH₂-aryl, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, â€”C(â• O)cycloalkyl, â€”C(â• O)â€”NH-Alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, â€”SO₃, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), amino acid (chosen from natural and non-natural amino acids), peptide having 1-5 amino acid residues (chosen from natural and non-natural amino acids), â€”C(â• O)alkyl where the alkyl is substituted with one or more substituents (chosen from alkyl, amino, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, cyano, hydroxyl, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), sulfonyl, sulfonamide) and sulfonyl. In one specific aspect, B is a piperidine (piperidinyl) group. In one specific aspect, B is a piperidine group substituted with one or more substituents chosen from hydro, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”CH₂-aryl, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, â€”C(â• O)cycloalkyl, â€”C(â• O)â€”NH-Alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, â€”SO₃, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), amino acid (chosen from natural and non-natural amino acids), peptide having 1-5 amino acid residues (chosen from natural and non-natural amino acids), â€”C(â• O)alkyl where the alkyl is substituted with one or more substituents (chosen from alkyl, amino, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, cyano, hydroxyl, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), sulfonyl, sulfonamide) and sulfonyl. In a more specific aspect, B is a piperidine group having one or more substituents chosen from hydro, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”CH₂-aryl, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, â€”C(â• O)â€”NH-Alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, â€”SO₃, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), and sulfonyl. In an even more specific aspect, B is a piperidine group having one or more substituents chosen from â€”C(â• O), â€”C(â• O)CH₃, â€”CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CF₃, â€”C(â• O)OC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂-phenyl, â€”CH₂-phenyl, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)C(CH₃)₃, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)CH₂C(CH₃)₃, and cyclopentyl.

In one specific aspect, B is a homopiperidine (homopiperidinyl) group. In a more specific aspect, B is a homopiperidine group having one or more substituents chosen from hydro, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”CH₂-aryl, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, â€”C(â• O)cycloalkyl, â€”C(â• O)â€”NH-Alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, â€”SO₃, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), amino acid (chosen from natural and non-natural amino acids), peptide having 1-5 amino acid residues (chosen from natural and non-natural amino acids), â€”C(â• O)alkyl where the alkyl is substituted with one or more substituents (chosen from alkyl, amino, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, cyano, hydroxyl, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), sulfonyl, sulfonamide) and sulfonyl. In an even more specific aspect, B is a homopiperidine group having one or more substituents chosen from â€”C(â• O), â€”C(â• O)CH₃, â€”CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CF₃, â€”C(â• O)OC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂-phenyl, â€”CH₂-phenyl, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)C(CH₃)₃, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)CH₂C(CH₃)₃, and cyclopentyl.

In one specific aspect, B is a piperazine (piperazinyl) group. In a more specific aspect, B is a piperazine group having one or more substituents chosen from hydro, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”CH₂-aryl, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, â€”C(â• O)cycloalkyl, â€”C(â• O)â€”NH-Alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, â€”SO₃, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), amino acid (chosen from natural and non-natural amino acids), peptide having 1-5 amino acid residues (chosen from natural and non-natural amino acids), â€”C(â• O)alkyl where the alkyl is substituted with one or more substituents (chosen from alkyl, amino, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, cyano, hydroxyl, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), sulfonyl, sulfonamide) and sulfonyl. In an even more specific aspect, B is a piperazine group having one or more substituents chosen from â€”C(â• O), â€”C(â• O)CH₃, â€”CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CF₃, â€”C(â• O)OC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂-phenyl, â€”CH₂-phenyl, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)C(CH₃)₃, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)CH₂C(CH₃)₃, and cyclopentyl.

In one specific aspect, B is a pyrrolidine (pyrrolidinyl) group. In a more specific aspect, B is a pyrrolidine group having one or more substituents chosen from hydro, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”CH₂-aryl, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, â€”C(â• O)cycloalkyl, â€”C(â• O)â€”NH-Alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, â€”SO₃, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), amino acid (chosen from natural and non-natural amino acids), peptide having 1-5 amino acid residues (chosen from natural and non-natural amino acids), â€”C(â• O)alkyl where the alkyl is substituted with one or more substituents (chosen from alkyl, amino, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, cyano, hydroxyl, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), sulfonyl, sulfonamide) and sulfonyl. In an even more specific aspect, B is a pyrrolidine group having one or more substituents chosen from â€”C(â• O), â€”C(â• O)CH₃, â€”CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CF₃, â€”C(â• O)OC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂-phenyl, â€”CH₂-phenyl, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)C(CH₃)₃, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)CH₂C(CH₃)₃, and cyclopentyl.

In one specific aspect, B is an azetidine (azetidinyl) group. In a more specific aspect, B is an azetidine group having one or more substituents chosen from hydro, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”CH₂-aryl, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, â€”C(â• O)cycloalkyl, â€”C(â• O)â€”NH-Alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, â€”SO₃, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), amino acid (chosen from natural and non-natural amino acids), peptide having 1-5 amino acid residues (chosen from natural and non-natural amino acids), â€”C(â• O)alkyl where the alkyl is substituted with one or more substituents (chosen from alkyl, amino, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, cyano, hydroxyl, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), sulfonyl, sulfonamide) and sulfonyl. In an even more specific aspect, B is an azetidine group having one or more substituents chosen from â€”C(â• O), â€”C(â• O)CH₃, â€”CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CF₃, â€”C(â• O)OC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂-phenyl, â€”CH₂-phenyl, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)C(CH₃)₃, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)CH₂C(CH₃)₃, and cyclopentyl.

In one aspect of the compounds of Formula I, B is a heterocyclic group with one or more substituents chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, â€”N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”C(â• O)NH₂, â€”C(â• O)NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”C(â• O)N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”S(â• O)₂(C_1-3alkyl), â€”S(â• O)₂NH₂, â€”S(â• O)₂N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, â€”S(â• O)₂NH(C_1-3alkyl), â€”CHF₂, â€”OCF₃, â€”OCHF₂, â€”SCF₃, â€”CF₃, â€”CN, â€”NH₂, â€”SO₃, and â€”NO₂. In a specific aspect, B a group is chosen piperidine, piperazine, pyrrolidine, azetidine, tetrahydro-pyran, and morpholine group, each having one or more substituents. In a more specific aspect, B is a piperidine group having one or more substituents.

In one aspect, B is a group chosen from piperidine, piperazine, pyrrolidine, azetidine, tetrahydro-pyran, and morpholine, wherein said B group can have from 1-5 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido. In a more specific aspect, B is a piperidine group having one or more substituents.

According to one embodiment, A is a substituted or unsubstituted benzo[1,3]dioxole group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A is a 5-bromo-benzo[1,3]dioxole group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A is an unsubstituted benzo[1,3]dioxole group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A is a 5-iodo-benzo[1,3]dioxole group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A is a 5-chloro-benzo[1,3]dioxole group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A is a 5-fluoro-benzo[1,3]dioxole group. In one aspect of this embodiment, A has from 1-5 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido.

In one aspect of the invention, A is substituted with one or more substituents and is a group chosen from a phenyl, benzo[1,3]dioxole, indanone, group; B is substituted with one or more substituents and is a group chosen from piperidine, piperazine, pyrrolidine, azetidine, tetrahyro-pyran, and morpholine; R₁is a hydro; L₁is â€”Sâ€”; L₂is â€”CH₂CH₂â€”, and pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. According to this aspect of the invention, the A group substituents are chosen from halo, â€”CN, alkoxy, and the B group substituents are chosen from â€”C(â• O), â€”C(â• O)CH₃, â€”CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CF₃, â€”C(â• O)OC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂-phenyl, â€”CH₂-phenyl, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)C(CH₃)₃, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)CH₂C(CH₃)₃, and cyclopentyl.

In one aspect of the invention, A can be substituted or unsubstituted and is chosen from an aryl and heterocyclic group;

B can be substituted or unsubstituted and is chosen from a cycloalkyl and heterocyclic group;

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁and L₂are as defined above in their broadest aspects; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect of the invention, A can be substituted or unsubstituted and is chosen from a benzo[1,3]dioxole and phenyl group; B can be substituted or unsubstituted and is chosen from a heteroaryl, heterocyclic, and cycloalkyl group;

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁and L₂are as defined above in their broadest aspects; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁and L₂are as defined above in their broadest aspects; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, A can be substituted or unsubstituted and is chosen from an aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, and carbocyclic group; B can be substituted or unsubstituted and is a group chosen from cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, oxepanyl (oxepane), tetrahydro-thiophenyl (tetrahydro-thiophene), thiopyranyl, thiepanyl (thiepane), and tetrahydro-pyranyl;

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁and L₂are defined as above; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, A can be substituted or unsubstituted and is chosen from an aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, and carbocyclic group;

-L₂-B is a group chosen from (1-Cyclopropyl-propyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester, [1-(Tetrahydro-thiopyran-4-yl)-propyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester, (1-Cyclohexyl-propyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester, (1-Cyclobutyl-propyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester, N-(1-Cyclopropyl-propyl)-methanesulfonamide, 1-(1-Cyclopropyl-propyl)-3-isopropyl-urea, (1-Cyclopentyl-propyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester, [1-(Tetrahydro-pyran-4-yl)-propyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester, 1-Cyclopropyl-propylamine, 1-Cyclohexyl-propylamine, 1-Cyclobutyl-propylamine, 1-Cyclopentyl-propylamine, 1-(Tetrahydro-pyran-4-yl)-propylamine, 1-(Tetrahydro-thiopyran-4-yl)-propyl amine, and 1-(1-Cyclohexyl-propyl)-1H-pyrrole;

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁is as defined above; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In some specific aspects of the invention, L₂is as defined above and has one or more substituents chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkoxy, amino, C_1-3alkyl, C_3-7cycloalkyl, â€”Nâ€”C(â• O)OC(CH₃)₃, â€”NSO₂CH₃, â€”NC(â• O)NC(CH₃)₂, and pyrrolyl.

In one aspect of the invention, A can be substituted or unsubstituted and is chosen from a benzo[1,3]dioxole and phenyl group; B can be substituted or unsubstituted and is a heteroaryl or heterocyclic group chosen from cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, oxepanyl (oxepane), tetrahydro-thiophenyl (tetrahydro-thiophene), thiopyranyl, thiepanyl (thiepane), and tetrahydro-pyranyl;

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁and L₂are as defined above in their broadest aspects; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, A can be substituted or unsubstituted and is chosen from a benzo[1,3]dioxole and phenyl group;

B is a group chosen from cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, oxepanyl (oxepane), tetrahydro-thiophenyl (tetrahydro-thiophene), thiopyranyl, thiepanyl (thiepane), and tetrahydro-pyranyl;

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁and L₂are as defined above in their broadest aspects; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, A is a group chosen from 5-halo-benzo[1,3]dioxole, dimethoxybenzene, and diethoxybenzene;

B is a group chosen cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, oxepanyl (oxepane), tetrahydro-thiophenyl (tetrahydro-thiophene), thiopyranyl, thiepanyl (thiepane), and tetrahydro-pyranyl;

R1 is chosen from a hydro, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, carbocyclic, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl group;

L₁and L₂are as defined above in their broadest aspects; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

According to one aspect of the invention, in the compounds of Formula I, A is an aryl or heterocyclic group having one or more substituents chosen from halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, hydroxyl, â€”Câ‰¡N, â€”SO₃, and â€”COOH. In another specific aspect, A is a phenyl group having one or more substituents chosen from halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, hydroxyl, and â€”COOH. In another specific aspect, A is a phenyl group having one or more substituents chosen from â€”F, â€”Cl, â€”Br, â€”I, â€”OCH₃, and â€”OCH₂CH₃. In another aspect, A is a benzo[1,3]dioxole group having one or more substituents chosen from halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, hydroxyl, and â€”COOH. In another specific aspect, A is a benzo[1,3]dioxole group having one or more substituents chosen from â€”F, â€”Cl, â€”Br, â€”I, â€”OCH₃, and â€”OCH₂CH₃.

In one specific aspect of the compounds of the invention, B is a cycloalkyl (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclohexyl, or cycloheptyl) group. In another specific aspect, B is a cycloalkyl group having one or more substituents chosen from hydro, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”CH₂-aryl, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, â€”C(â• O)â€”NH-Alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, â€”SO₃, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), and sulfonyl. In another specific aspect, B is a cycloalkyl group having one or more substituents chosen from â€”C(â• O), â€”C(â• O)CH₃, â€”CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CF₃, â€”C(â• O)OC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂-phenyl, â€”CH₂-phenyl, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)C(CH₃)₃, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)CH₂C(CH₃)₃, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl.

In one specific aspect of the compounds of the invention, B is a thiopyranyl group. In another specific aspect, B is a thiopyranyl group having one or more substituents chosen from hydro, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”CH₂-aryl, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, â€”C(â• O)â€”NH-Alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, â€”SO₃, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), and sulfonyl. In another specific aspect, B is a thiopyranyl group having one or more substituents chosen from â€”C(â• O), â€”C(â• O)CH₃, â€”CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CF₃, â€”C(â• O)OC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂-phenyl, â€”CH₂-phenyl, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)C(CH₃)₃, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)CH₂C(CH₃)₃, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl.

In one specific aspect of the compounds of the invention, B is a tetrahydro-pyranyl group. In another specific aspect, B is a tetrahydro-pyranyl group having one or more substituents chosen from hydro, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, â€”CH₂-aryl, â€”C(â• O)alkyl, â€”C(â• O)â€”NH-Alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, â€”SO₃, â€”COOH (and esters thereof), and sulfonyl. In another specific aspect, B is a tetrahydro-pyranyl group having one or more substituents chosen from â€”C(â• O), â€”C(â• O)CH₃, â€”CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CF₃, â€”C(â• O)OC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂-phenyl, â€”CH₂-phenyl, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)C(CH₃)₃, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)CH₂C(CH₃)₃, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl.

In one aspect, B is a group chosen cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, oxepanyl (oxepane), tetrahydro-thiophenyl (tetrahydro-thiophene), thiopyranyl, thiepanyl (thiepane), and tetrahydro-pyranyl, wherein said B group can have from 1-5 substituents independently chosen from acylamino, acyloxy, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkylthio, alkynyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, arylalkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, carbocycle, cyano, cyanato, halo, haloalkyl, halophenyl, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocycle, heteroarylalkoxy, isocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, thiocarbonyl, thiocyanato, trihalomethanesulfonamido, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, and C-amido.

In one aspect of the invention, A is substituted with one or more substituents and is a group chosen from a phenyl or benzo[1,3]dioxole group; B is substituted with one or more substituents and is a group chosen from cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, pyrrolyl, thiopyranyl, and tetrahydro-pyranyl; R₁is a hydro; L₁is â€”Sâ€”; L₂is â€”CH₂CH₂â€”, and pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. According to this aspect of the invention, the A group substituents are chosen from halo and alkoxy, and the B group substituents are chosen from â€”C(â• O), â€”C(â• O)CH₃, â€”CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₃, â€”CH₂CH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CH₃, â€”S(â• O)₂CF₃, â€”C(â• O)OC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)OCH₂-phenyl, â€”CH₂-phenyl, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)NHC(CH₃)₃, â€”C(â• O)NHCH₂C(â• O)OCH₂CH₃, â€”C(â• O)C(CH₃)₃, â€”CH(CH₃)₂, â€”CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, â€”C(â• O)CH₂C(CH₃)₃, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl.

In one aspect, the invention provides compounds of Formula I wherein R1 is hydro.

In one aspect, the invention provides compounds of Formula I wherein L₁is â€”Sâ€”.

In one aspect, the invention provides compounds of Formula I wherein L₂-CH₂CH₂â€”.

In one aspect, the invention provides compounds of Formula I, wherein the B ring is an optionally substituted admantane ring.

In one aspect, the invention provides compounds of Formula I wherein wherein L₂is â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, and each n is independently chosen from 0, 1, 2, and 3 and wherein each carbon can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkoxy, alkyl, amino, cycloalkyl, â€”NR₂R₃, â€”NSO₂R₄, â€”NC(â• O)NR₂R₃, heteroaryl, aryl, cycloalkyl, and heterocyclic; wherein â€”R₂and â€”R₃are independently chosen from â€”H, alkyl, and â€”C(â• O)OR₄; and wherein R₄is an alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, or tert-butyl).

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, and from the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION1. Definitions

As used herein, â€œacylaminoâ€ (or â€œacylamidoâ€ ) groups are any C_1-6acyl (alkanoyl) as defined herein, attached to an amino nitrogen, e.g., acetamido, chloroacetamido, propionamido, butanoylamido, pentanoylamido and hexanoylamido, as well as aryl-substituted C_1-6acylamino groups, e.g., benzoylamido, and pentafluorobenzoylamido.

As used herein, â€œacyloxyâ€ groups are any C1-6 acyl (alkanoyl) as defined herein, attached to an oxy (â€”Oâ€”) group, e.g., formyloxy, acetoxy, propionoyloxy, butanoyloxy, pentanoyloxy and hexanoyloxy.

As used herein, the term â€œalkenylâ€ refers to, by itself or as part of another group, a straight or branched chain radical of 2-10 carbon atoms, unless the chain length is limited thereto, including at least one double bond between two of the carbon atoms in the chain. Typical non-limiting examples of alkenyl groups include ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-butenyl and 2-butenyl.

As used herein, the term â€œalkoxyâ€ refers to both an â€”O-alkyl and an â€”O-cycloalkyl group, as defined herein. Lower alkoxy refers to â€”O-lower alkyl groups. Non-limiting alkoxy groups include oxygen substituted by one of the C_1-10alkyl groups mentioned above, which may be optionally substituted. Alkoxy substituents include, without limitation, halo, morpholino, amino including alkylamino and dialkylamino, and carboxy including esters thereof.

As used herein, the term â€œalkylâ€ refers to a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon including straight chain and branched chain groups. In one aspect, the alkyl group has 1 to 20 carbon atoms (whenever it appears herein, a numerical range such as â€œ1 to 20â€ refers to each integer in the given range; e.g., â€œ1 to 20 carbon atomsâ€ means that the alkyl group may consist of 1 carbon atom, 2 carbon atoms, 3 carbon atoms, etc. up to and including 20 carbon atoms). In another aspect, it is a medium size alkyl having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. In yet another aspect, it is a lower alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The alkyl group may be substituted or unsubstituted. When substituted, the substituent group(s) can be one or more independently chosen from cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, mercapto, alkylthio, arylthio, cyano, halo, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, C-amido, N-amido, C-carboxy, O-carboxy, cyanato, isocyanato, thiocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, silyl, and amino. Typical non-limiting examples of C_1-10alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec butyl, tert butyl, pentyl, hexyl and octyl groups, which may be optionally substituted.

As used herein, the term â€œalkylthioâ€ group refers to both an S-alkyl and an â€”S-cycloalkyl group, as defined herein. Non-limiting alkylthio groups include sulfur substituted by one of the C1-10 alkyl groups mentioned above, which may be optionally substituted. Also included are the sulfoxides and sulfones of such alkylthio groups.

As used herein, the term â€œalkynylâ€ refers to a straight or branched chain radical of 2-10 carbon atoms, unless the chain length is limited thereto, wherein there is at least one triple bond between two of the carbon atoms in the chain. Typical alkynyl groups include ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 1-methyl-2-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl and 2-butynyl.

As used herein, the term â€œaminoâ€ refers to an â€”NR₁₇R₁₈group, with R₁₇and R₁₈being hydro to give an â€”NH₂group. Independently, R₁₇and R₁₈may also be hydro, C1-10 alkyl or cycloalkyl groups, or R₁₇and R₁₇are combined with the N to form a ring structure, such as a piperidine, or R₁₇and R₁₈are combined with the N to form a ring, such as a piperazine. One of R₁₇and R₁₈can be hydro and the other alkyl or cycloalkyl. The alkyl or cycloalkyl group may be optionally substituted.

As used herein, the term â€œamino acidâ€ refers to natural and non-natural amino acids. Examples of natural amino acids include, but are not limited, Alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, and protected versions thereof (e.g., boc). Examples of non-natural amino acids include, but are not limited to, O-methyl-L-tyrosine, an L-3-(2-naphthyl)alanine, a 3-methyl-phenylalanine, an O-4-allyl-L-tyrosine, a 4-propyl-L-tyrosine, a tri-O-acetyl-GlcNAcÎ²-serine, an L-Dopa, a fluorinated phenylalanine, an isopropyl-L-phenylalanine, a p-azido-L-phenylalanine, a p-acyl-L-phenylalanine, a p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine, an L-phosphoserine, a phosphonoserine, a phosphonotyrosine, a p-iodo-phenylalanine, a p-bromophenylalanine, a p-amino-L-phenylalanine, and an isopropyl-L-phenylalanine.

As used herein, the term â€œarylâ€ refers to, by itself or as part, of another group a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic aromatic groups containing from 6 to 14 carbons in the ring portion. Non-limiting aryl groups include C6-14 aryl, preferably C6-10 aryl. Typical C6-14 aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl, phenanthrenyl, anthracenyl, indenyl, azulenyl, biphenyl, biphenylenyl and fluorenyl groups.

As used herein, the term â€œarylalkylâ€ refers to any of the C_1-10alkyl groups substituted by any of the above-mentioned C_6-14aryl groups as defined herein. Non-limiting examples of arylalkyl group include benzyl, phenethyl, and naphthylmethyl.

As used herein, the term â€œarylalkenylâ€ is used herein to mean any of the above-mentioned C2-10 alkenyl groups substituted by any of the above-mentioned C6-14 aryl groups.

As used herein, the term â€œarylalkynylâ€ refers to any of C2-10 alkynyl groups substituted by any of the above-mentioned C6-14 aryl groups as defined herein.

As used herein, the term â€œarylalkoxyâ€ refers to any of the C_1-10alkoxy groups substituted by any of the aryl groups as defined herein, which may be optionally substituted. Examples of arylalkoxy groups include benzyloxy and phenethyloxy.

As used herein, the term â€œaryloxyâ€ refers to oxygen substituted by any of the C6-14 aryl groups defined herein, which may be optionally substituted. Examples of aryloxy groups include phenoxy and 4-methylphenoxy.

As used herein, the term â€œarylthioâ€ group refers to both an â€”S-aryl and an â€”S-heteroaryl group, as defined herein.

As used herein, the term â€œcarbocycleâ€ or â€œcarbocyclicâ€ refers to cycloalkyl and partially saturated carbocyclic groups. Non-limiting carbocyclic groups are C_3-8cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl. Typical cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, and cycloheptyl.

As used herein, the term â€œcyanoâ€ refers to a â€”Câ‰¡N group.

As used herein, the term â€œcyanatoâ€ refers to a â€”CNO group.

As used herein, the term â€œhaloâ€ or â€œhalogen groupâ€ refers to a fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo group.

As used herein, the term â€œhaloalkylâ€ refers to C_1-10alkyl groups substituted by one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo groups, e.g., fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, 1,1-difluoroethyl, chloromethyl, chlorofluoromethyl and trichloromethyl groups. The halo groups can be independently chosen.

As used herein, the term â€œhalophenylâ€ refers to a phenyl group substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo groups. The halo groups can be independently chosen, e.g., a di-halo substituted phenyl can have a fluoro and a chloro substituent.

As used herein, the term â€œhydroâ€ refers to an â€”H group.

As used herein, the term â€œhydroxylâ€ refers to an â€”OH group.

As used herein, the term â€œheteroarylâ€ refers to groups having 5 to 14 ring atoms; 6, 10 or 14Ï€ electrons shared in a cyclic array; and containing carbon atoms and 1, 2 or 3 oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur heteroatoms. Non-limiting heteroaryl groups include thienyl (thiophenyl), benzo[b]thienyl, naphtho[2,3-b]thienyl, thianthrenyl, furyl (furanyl), isobenzofuranyl, chromenyl, xanthenyl, phenoxanthiinyl, pyrrolyl, including without limitation 2H-pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl (pyridinyl), including without limitation 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, and 4-pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, indolyl, indazolyl, purinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, isoquinolyl, quinolyl, phthalzinyl, naphthyridinyl, quinozalinyl, cinnolinyl, pteridinyl, carbazolyl, Î²-carbolinyl, phenanthridinyl, acrindinyl, perimidinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenazinyl, isothiazolyl, phenothiazinyl, isoxazolyl, furazanyl, phenoxazinyl, 1,4-dihydroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, 7 aminoisocoumarin, pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidinyl, including without limitation pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl, 1,2-benzoisoxazol-3-yl, benzimidazolyl, 2-oxindolyl and 2 oxobenzimidazolyl. Where the heteroaryl group contains a nitrogen atom in a ring, such nitrogen atom may be in the form of an N-oxide, e.g., a pyridyl N oxide, pyrazinyl N-oxide and pyrimidinyl N-oxide. Heteroaryl groups can be monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic, and/or polycyclic.

As used herein, the term â€œheteroaryloxyâ€ refers to oxygen substituted by a heteroaryl group as defined herein, which may be optionally substituted. Non-limiting heteroaryloxy groups include pyridyloxy, pyrazinyloxy, pyrrolyloxy, pyrazolyloxy, imidazolyloxy and thiophenyloxy.

As used herein, the term â€œheterocycleâ€ or heterocyclicâ€ refers to a saturated or partially saturated 3-7 membered monocyclic, 7-10 membered bicyclic ring system, or 7-14 membered polycyclic ring system, which carbon atoms and from one to five heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of O, N, and S, wherein the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms can be optionally oxidized, the nitrogen can be optionally quaternized, and including any bicyclic group in which any of the above-defined heterocyclic rings is fused to a benzene ring, and wherein the heterocyclic ring can be substituted on carbon or on a nitrogen atom if the resulting compound is stable (as is readily recognized by the skilled artisan). Non-limiting saturated or partially saturated heterocyclic groups include tetrahydrofuranyl, pyranyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, quinuclidinyl, morpholinyl, isochromanyl, chromanyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, tetronoyl, and tetramoyl groups.

As used herein, the term â€œheteroarylalkoxyâ€ refers to a C_1-10alkoxy groups substituted by a heteroaryl group as defined herein, which may be optionally substituted.

As used herein, the term â€œisocyanatoâ€ refers to a â€”NCO group.

As used herein, the term â€œisothiocyanatoâ€ refers to a â€”NCS group.

As used herein, the term â€œnitroâ€ refers to a â€”NO₂group.

As used herein, the term â€œsulfinylâ€ refers to a â€”S(â• O)Râ€³ group. Râ€³ can be a cycloalkyl or alkyl group. The alkyl or cycloalkyl group may be optionally substituted.

As used herein, the term â€œsulfonylâ€ refers to a â€”S(â• O)₂Râ€³ group. Râ€³ can be a cycloalkyl or alkyl group. The alkyl or cycloalkyl group may be optionally substituted.

As used herein, the term â€œsulfonamidoâ€ refers to a â€”S(â• O)₂NR₁₇R₁₈. Independently, R₁₇and R₁₈may be hydro, C_1-10alkyl or cycloalkyl groups, or R₁₇and R₁₈are combined with the N to form a ring structure, such as a piperidine, or R₁₇and R₁₈are combined with the N and to form a ring, such as a piperazine. One of R₁₇and R₁₈can be hydro and the other alkyl or cycloalkyl. The alkyl or cycloalkyl group may be optionally substituted.

As used herein, the term â€œthiocarbonylâ€ group refers to a â€”C(â• S)Râ€³ group. Râ€³ can be a cycloalkyl or alkyl group. The alkyl or cycloalkyl group may be optionally substituted.

As used herein, the term â€œthiocyanatoâ€ refers to a â€”CNS group.

As used herein, the term â€œtrihalomethanesulfonamidoâ€ refers to a X₃CS(â• O)₂NR₁₇-group with X being independently chosen from â€”Br, â€”Cl, â€”F, and â€”I groups and R₁₇is as defined herein.

As used herein, the term â€œO-carbamylâ€ refers to a â€”OC(â• O)NR₁₇R₁₈group. R₁₇and R₁₈may be hydro, C1-10 alkyl or cycloalkyl groups, or R₁₇and R₁₈are combined with the N to form a ring structure, such as a piperidine, or R₁₇and R₁₈are combined with the N and to form a ring, such as a piperazine. One of R₁₇and R₁₈can be hydro and the other alkyl or cycloalkyl. The alkyl or cycloalkyl group may be optionally substituted.

As used herein, the term â€œN-carbamylâ€ refers to a R₁₈OC(â• O)NR₁₇-group. R₁₈may be hydro; R₁₇and R₁₈may be C_1-10alkyl or cycloalkyl groups, or R₁₇and R₁₈are combined with the N to form a ring structure, such as a piperidine, or R₁₇and R₁₈are combined with the N and to form a ring, such as a piperazine. One of R₁₇and R₁₈can be hydro and the other alkyl or cycloalkyl. The alkyl or cycloalkyl group may be optionally substituted.

As used herein, the term â€œO-thiocarbamylâ€ refers to a â€”OC(â• S)NR₁₇R₁₈group. R₁₇and R₁₈may be hydro, C1-10 alkyl or cycloalkyl groups, or R₁₇and R₁₈are combined with the N to form a ring structure, such as a piperidine, or R₁₇and R₁₈are combined with the N and to form a ring, such as a piperazine. One of R₁₇and R₁₈can be hydro and the other alkyl or cycloalkyl. The alkyl or cycloalkyl group may be optionally substituted.

As used herein, the term â€œN-thiocarbamylâ€ refers to a R₁₇OC(â• S)NR₁₈-group. R₁₇may be hydro; R₁₇and R₁₈may be C1-10 alkyl or cycloalkyl groups. The alkyl or cycloalkyl group may be optionally substituted.

As used herein, the term â€œC-amidoâ€ refers to a â€”C(â• O)NR₁₇R₁₈group. An â€œN-amidoâ€ refers to a R₁₇C(â• O)NR₁₈â€” group (R₁₈is not hydro). R₁₇and R₁₈may be hydro, C1-10 alkyl or cycloalkyl groups, or R₁₇and R₁₈are combined with the N to form a ring structure, such as a piperidine, or R₁₇and R₁₈are combined with the N and to form a ring, such as a piperazine. One of R₁₇and R₁₈can be hydro and the other alkyl or cycloalkyl. The alkyl or cycloalkyl group may be optionally substituted.

In some aspects, the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, carbocyclic and heterocyclic groups include one or more halo, hydroxy, carboxyl, amino, nitro, cyano, C1-C6 acylamino, C1-C6 acyloxy, C1-C6 alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, C6-C10 aryl, C4-C7 cycloalkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2 C6 alkynyl, C6-C10 aryl(C2-C6)alkenyl, C6-C10 aryl(C2-C6)alkynyl, heterocyclic or heteroaryl groups, unless otherwise specified.

In some aspects, the aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl and heteroaryl and heteroarylalkyl groups can be optionally substituted with one or more halo, C1-C6 haloalkyl, C6-C10 aryl, C4-C7 cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C6 C10 aryl(C1 C6)alkyl, C6-C10 aryl(C2-C6)alkenyl, C6-C10 aryl(C2-C6)alkynyl, C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl, nitro, amino, ureido, cyano, C1-C6 acylamino, hydroxy, thiol, C1-C6 acyloxy, azido, C1-C6 alkoxy, carboxy or C1-2 alkylenedioxy (e.g., methylenedioxy) groups, unless otherwise specified.

2. Compounds and Compositions of the Invention

The invention relates to compounds of Formulae I-III. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions having one or more compounds of Formulae I-III and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier (excipient). The compounds of Formulae I-III were discovered by the inventors to have pharmacological activity. One particular activity the compounds of Formulae I-III were found to have is anticancer activity. The invention relates to compounds of Formulae I-III below. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions having one or more compounds of Formulae I-III and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The compounds of Formulae I-III were discovered by the inventors to have pharmacological activity. One particular activity the compounds of Formulae I-III were found to have is anticancer activity. The invention relates to compounds of Formulae I-III below. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions having one or more compounds of Formulae I-III and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The compounds of Formulae I-III were discovered by the inventors to have pharmacological activity. One particular activity the compounds of Formulae I-III were found to have is anticancer activity.

The invention provides compounds of Formula I wherein:

A is chosen from a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, or carbocyclic group;

B is chosen from a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, or carbocyclic group;

R1 is chosen from hydro, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl.

According to one aspect of the invention, compounds of Formula I are provided wherein:

A is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group;

B is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group;

R1 is chosen from hydro, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl.

L₁can be saturated, partially saturated, or unsaturated, and is chosen from â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)O(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nOC(â• O)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNH(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”Oâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nS(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, where each n is independently chosen from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and wherein each carbon and/or nitrogen can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkoxy, C_1-3alkyl, and C_3-6cycloalkyl groups;

L₂can be saturated, partially saturated, or unsaturated, and is chosen from â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)O(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nOC(â• O)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNH(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”Oâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nS(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, where each n is independently chosen from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and wherein each carbon and/or nitrogen can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkoxy, C_1-3alkyl, and C_3-6cycloalkyl groups; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

According to one aspect of the invention, compounds of Formula I are provided wherein:

A is a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group;

B is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group;

R1 is chosen from hydro, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, amino, halo, sulfur, and thioalkyl;

L₁can be saturated, partially saturated, or unsaturated, and is chosen from â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)O(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nOC(â• O)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNH(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”Oâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nS(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, where each n is independently chosen from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and wherein each carbon and/or nitrogen can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkoxy, C_1-3alkyl, and C_3-6cycloalkyl groups;

L₂can be saturated, partially saturated, or unsaturated, and is chosen from â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)O(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• O)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nOC(â• O)S(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNH(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nâ€”Oâ€”(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nS(CH₂)_nâ€”, â€”(CH₂)_nNC(â• S)N(CH₂)_nâ€”, where each n is independently chosen from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and wherein each carbon and/or nitrogen can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently chosen from hydroxyl, halo, alkoxy, C_1-3alkyl, and C_3-6cycloalkyl groups; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

According to some aspects of the invention, in the compound of Formula I, A is substituted or unsubstituted and chosen from indazolyl, 1H-indolyl, benzothiazolyl, 1H-benzotriazolyl, benzooxazolyl, 1H-benzoimadazolyl, 3H-benzooxazol-2-one, 4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one, 1,3 dihydro-benzoimadazol-2-one, 3H-benzothialo-2-one, 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, 1H-quinaxolin-2-one, 1H-quinaxolin-2-one, 4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one, isoquinoline, indoline, 1,3 dihydro-indol-2-one, 2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxine, thienyl (thiophenyl), benzo[b]thienyl, naphtho[2,3-b]thienyl, thianthrenyl, furyl (furanyl), isobenzofuranyl, chromenyl, xanthenyl, phenoxanthiinyl, pyrrolyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl (pyridinyl), 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, indolyl, purinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, isoquinolyl, quinolyl, phthalzinyl, naphthyridinyl, quinozalinyl, cinnolinyl, pteridinyl, carbazolyl, Î²-carbolinyl, phenanthridinyl, acrindinyl, perimidinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenazinyl, isothiazolyl, phenothiazinyl, isoxazolyl, furazanyl, phenoxazinyl, 1,4-dihydroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, 7 aminoisocoumarin, pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidinyl, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl, 1,2-benzoisoxazol-3-yl, benzimidazolyl, 2-oxindolyl, 2 oxobenzimidazolyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, pyranyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, quinuclidinyl, morpholinyl, isochromanyl, chromanyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, tetronoyl, and tetramoyl.

In some aspects of the compounds of the invention, the A ring is substituted with one or more substituents chosen from -L₁-C(â• O)OH, -L₁-CHâ• CHC(â• O)OH, -L₁-C(â• O)NH₂, -L₁-C(â• O)NH(C_1-3alkyl), -L₁-C(â• O)N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, -L₁-S(â• O)₂(C_1-3alkyl), -L₁-S(â• O)₂NH₂, -L₁-S(â• O)₂N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, -L₁-S(â• O)₂NH(C_1-3alkyl), -L₁-C(â• O)NHOH, -L₁-C(â• O)CH₂NH₂, -L₁-C(â• O)CH₂OH, -L₁-C(â• O)CH₂SH, -L₁-C(â• O)NHCN, -L₁-NHC(â• O)OR_o, -L₁-C(â• O)NHR_o, -L₁-NH(Câ• O)NHR_o, -L₁-C(â• O)N(R_o)₂, -L₁-NH(Câ• O)N(R_o)₂, -L₁-sulfo; where R_ois chosen from alkyl and haloalkyl, and L₁is independent of any other L₁in the compound and is defined as above.

In some aspects of the compounds of the invention, the B ring is substituted with one or more substituents chosen from -L₁-C(â• O)OH, -L₁-CHâ• CHC(â• O)OH, -L₁-C(â• O)NH₂, -L₁-C(â• O)NH(C_1-3alkyl), -L₁-C(â• O)N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, -L₁-S(â• O)₂(C_1-3alkyl), -L₁-S(â• O)₂NH₂, -L₁-S(â• O)₂N(C_1-3alkyl)₂, -L₁-S(â• O)₂NH(C_1-3alkyl), -L₁-C(â• O)NHOH, -L₁-C(â• O)CH₂NH₂, -L₁-C(â• O)CH₂OH, -L₁-C(â• O)CH₂SH, -L₁-C(â• O)NHCN, -L₁-NHC(â• O)OR_o, -L₁-C(â• O)NHR_o, -L₁-NH(Câ• O)NHR_o, -L₁-C(â• O)N(R_o)₂, -L₁-NH(Câ• O)N(R_o)₂, -L₁-sulfo; where R_ois chosen from alkyl and haloalkyl, and L₁is independent of any other L₁in the compound and is defined as above.