WO1997008174A1

WO1997008174A1 - Interleukin converting enzyme and apoptosis

Info

Publication number: WO1997008174A1
Application number: PCT/US1996/013967
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Alan Levy; Dennis Lee; John Gerald Gleason; Andrew William Taylor; David Francis Corbertt
Original assignee: Smithkline Beecham Corporation; Smithkline Beecham Plc
Priority date: 1995-08-31
Filing date: 1996-08-29
Publication date: 1997-03-06
Also published as: EP0859779A4; EP0859779A1; JPH11511463A

Abstract

The present invention is to the novel compounds of Formula (I), their pharmaceutical compositions, and to the novel inhibition of ICE and ICE-like proteins for use in the treatment of apoptosis, and disease states caused by excessive or inappropriate cell death.

Description

Interleukin Converting Enzyme and Apoptosis

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is to the discovery of a new method to block excessive or inappropriate apoptosis in a mammal.

BACKGROUND

It has been recognized for over a century that there are different forms of cell death. One form of cell death, necrosis, is usually the result of severe trauma and is a process that involves loss of membrane integrity and uncontrolled release of cellular contents, often giving rise to inflammatory responses. In contrast, apoptosis is a more physiological process that occurs in a controlled manner and is generally non¬ inflammatory in nature. For this reason apoptosis is often referred to as programmed cell death. The name itself (apoptosis: Greek for "dropping off, for example leaves from trees) implies a cell death that is part of a normal physiological process (Kerr et al., Br. J. Cancer. 26: 239-257 (1972)).

Apoptosis appears to be a carefully controlled series of cellular events which ultimately leads to death of the cell. This process for elimination of unwanted cells is active and requires expenditure of cellular energy. The morphological characteristics of apoptosis include cell shrinkage and loss of cell-cell contact, condensation of nuclear chromatin followed by fragmentation, the appearance of membrane ruffling, membrane blebbing and apoptotic bodies. At the end of the process, neighboring cells and macrophages phagocytose the fragments from the apoptotic cell. The process can be very fast, occurring in as little as a few hours (Bright et al., Biosci. Rep.. 14: 67-82 (1994)).

The best defined biochemical event of apoptosis involves the orderly destruction of nuclear DNA. Signals for apoptosis promote the activation of specific calcium- and magnesium-dependent endonucleoases that cleave the double stranded DNA at linker regions between nucleosomes. This results in production of DNA fragments that are multiples of 180-200 base pair fragments (Bergamaschi et al., Haematologica. 79: 86-93 (1994); Stewart, JNCI, 86: 1286-1296 (1994)). When examined by agarose gel electrophoresis, these multiple fragments form a ladder pattern that is characteristic for most cells undergoing apoptosis. There are numerous stimuli that can signal cells to initiate or promote cellular apoptosis, and these can be different in different cells. These stimuli can include glucocorticoids, TNFa, growth factor deprivation, some viral proteins, radiation and anticancer drugs. Some of these stimuli can induce their signals through a variety of cell surface receptors, such as the TNF / nerve growth factor family of receptors, which include CD40 and Fas/Apo-1 (Bright et al., supra). Given this diversity in stimuli that cause apoptosis it has been difficult to map out the signal transduction pathways and molecular factors involved in apoptosis. However, there is evidence for specific molecules being involved in apoptosis. The best evidence for specific molecules that are essential for apoptosis comes from the study of the nematode C. elegans. In this system, genes that appear to be required for induction of apoptosis are Ced-3 and Ced-4. These genes must function in the dying cells and, if either gene is inactivated by mutation, cell death fails to occur (Yuan et al., Devel. Biol.. 138: 33-41 (1990)). In mammals, genes that have been linked with induction of apoptosis include the proto-oncogene c-myc and the tumor suppresser gene p53 (Bright et al., supra; Symonds et al., Cell. 78: 703-711 (1994)). In this critical determination of whether or not to undergo apoptosis, it is not suφrising that these are genes that program for proteins that inhibit apoptosis. An example in C. elegans is Ced-9. When it is abnormally activated, cells survive that would normally die and, conversely, when Ced-9 is inactivated cells die that would normally live (Stewart, B.W., supra). A mammalian counterpart is bcl-2, which had been identified as a cancer-causing oncogene. This gene inhibits apoptosis when its product is overexpressed in a variety of mammalian cells, rendering them less sensitive to radiation, cytotoxic drugs and apoptotic signals such as c-myc (Bright et al., supra). Some viral proteins have taken advantage of this ability of specific proteins to block apoptosis by producing homologous viral proteins with analogous functions. An example of such a situation is a protein produced by the Epstein Barr virus that is similar to bcl-2, which prevents cell death and thus enhances viral production (Wells et al.. J. Reprod. Fertil.. 101: 385-391 (1994)). In contrast, some proteins may bind to and inhibit the function of bcl-2 protein, an example being the protein bax (Stewart, B.W., supra). The overall picture that has developed is that entry into apoptosis is regulated by a careful balancing act between specific gene products that promote or inhibit apoptosis (Barinaga. Science. 263: 754-756 (1994).

Apoptosis is an important part of normal physiology. The two most often cited examples of this are fetal development and immune cell development. In development of the fetal nervous system, over half of the neurons that exist in the early fetus are lost by apoptosis during development to form the mature brain (Bergamaschi et al., Haematologica. 79: 86-93 (1994)). In the production of immune competent T cells (and to a lesser extent evidence exists for B cells), a selection process occurs that eliminates cells that recognize and react against self. This selection process is thought to occur in an apoptotic manner within areas of immune cell maturation (Williams, G. T., J. Pathol.. 173: 1-4 (1994); Krammer et al., Curr. Opin. Immunol.. 6: 279-289 (1994)). Dysregulation of apoptosis can play an important role in disease states, and diseases can be caused by both excessive or too little apoptosis occurring. An example of diseases associated with too little apoptosis would be certain cancers. There is a follicular B-cell lymphoma associated with an aberrant expression of functional bcl-2 and an inhibition of apoptosis in that cell (Bergamaschi et al., supra). There are numerous reports that associate deletion or mutation of p53 with the inhibition of apoptosis and the production of cancerous cells (Kerr et al., Cancer. 73: 2013-2026 (1994): Ashwell et al.. Immunol. Today. JL5: 147-151, (1994)). In contrast, one example of excessive or inappropriate apoptosis is the loss of neuronal cells that occurs in Alzheimer disease, possible induced by b-amyloid peptides (Barr et al., BioTechnology. 12: 487-493 (1994)). Other examples include excessive apoptosis of CD4⁺ T cells that occurs in HIV infection, of cardiac myocytes during infarction / reperfusion and of neuronal cells during ischemia (Bergamaschi et al., supra); Barr et al., supra).

Some pharmacological agents attempt to counteract the lack of apoptosis that is observed in cancers. Examples include topoisomerase II inhibitors, such as the epipodophyllotoxins, and antimetabohtes, such as ara-c, which have been reported to enhance apoptosis in cancer cells (Ashwell et al., supra). In many cases with these anti-cancer drugs, the exact mechanism for the induction of apoptosis remains to be elucidated. In the last few years, evidence has built that ICE and proteins homologous to

ICE play a key role in apoptosis. This area of research has been spurred by the observation of homology between the protein coded by Ced-3, a gene known to be critical for C. Elegans apoptosis, and ICE. These two proteins share 29% amino acid identity, and complete identity in the 5 amino acid portion thought to be responsible for protease activity (QACRG) (Yuan et al., CeU, 75: 641-652 (1993)). Additional homologies are observed between ICE and the product of the nedd-2 gene in mice, a gene suspected of involvement in apoptosis in the developing brain (Kumar et al., Genes Dev.. 8: 1613-1626 (1994)) and Ich-1 and CPP32 (ICE and Ced-3 homolog-1), human counterparts of nedd-2 isolated from human brain cDNA libraries (Wang et al., Cell, 78: 739-750 (1994); Fernandes-Alnemiri et al., J. Biol. Chem.. 269: 30761- 30764 (1994)).

Further proof for the role of these proteins in apoptosis comes from transfection studies. Over expression of murine ICE caused fibroblasts to undergo programmed cell death in a transient transfection assay (Miura et al.. Cell. 75: 653-660 (1993)). Cell death could be prevented by point mutations in the transfected gene in the region of greatest homology between ICE and Ced-3. As very strong support for the role of ICE in apoptosis, the authors showed that ICE transfection-induced apoptosis could be antagonized by overexpression of bcl-2, the mammalian oncogene that can prevent programmed cell death (Miura et al., supra). Additional experiments were performed using the crmA gene. This gene of the cowpox virus encodes a serpin protein, a family of proteins that are inhibitors of proteases (Ray et al., Cell. 69: 597-604 (1992)). Specifically, the protein of crmA has been shown to inhibit processing of pro- interleukin -lb by ICE. (Gagliardini et al. Science. 263: 826-828 (1994)) showed that microinjection of the crmA gene into dorsal root ganglion neurons prevented cell death induced by nerve growth factor deprivation. This result shows that ICE is involved in neuronal cell apoptosis. A more direct demonstration of ICE involvement comes from experiments in which ICE transfection is coupled with the co-expression of crmA, demonstrating a crmA-induced suppression of the ICE-induced apoptosis response (Miura et al., supra; Wang et al., supra).

In addition to ICE, researchers have examined the ability of ICE-like genes to promote apoptosis. (Kumar et al. supra) demonstrated that over expression of nedd-2 in fibroblasts and neuroblastoma cells resulted in cell death by apoptosis and that this apoptosis could also be suppressed by expression of the bcl-2 gene. Most recently,

Wang et al., (Wang et al. , supra) examined the over expression of Ich-1 in a number of mammalian cells. Expression resulted in cell apoptosis, which could be antagonized by bcl-2 co-expression. Mutation of a cysteine residue, contained within the QACRG motif and presumed to be critical for protease function, to serine abolished apoptotic activity.

Further evidence for a role of a cysteine protease in apoptosis comes from a recent report by Lazebnik et al. (Nature. 371: 346-347 (1994)). These authors have used a cell-free system to mimic and study apoptosis. In their system there is a protease activity that cleaves the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase at a site identical to a cleavage site in pre-interleukin-lb. However, this yet to be isolated protease and ICE appear to be different and to act on different substrate proteins. Blockade of protease activity in the system, using non-selective cysteine protease inhibitors, resulted in inhibition of apoptosis.

Taken together, the above evidence provides striking involvement of ICE and ICE-like proteins in the induction of apoptosis in mammalian cells. Brain interleukin- 1 has been reported to be elevated in Alzheimer disease and Down syndrome (Griffin et al.. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A.. 86: 7611-7615 (1989)). There are also reports that interleukin- 1 can increase the mRNA and production of b-amyloid protein, a major component of senile plaques in Alzheimer disease as well as in brains of people with

Down syndrome and with aging (Forloni et al., Mol. Brain Res.. 16: 128-134 (1992);

Buxbaum et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A.. 89: 10075-10078 (1992); Goldgaber et al.. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A.. 86: 7606-7610 (1989)). These reports can be viewed as additional evidence for the involvement of ICE in these diseases and the need for use of a novel therapeutic agent and therapy thereby.

To date, no useful therapeutic strategies have blocked excessive or inappropriate apoptosis. In one patent application, EPO 0 533 226 a novel peptide structure is diclosed which is said to be useful for determining the activity of ICE, and therefore useful in the diagnoses and monitoring of IL-1 mediated diseases.

Therefore, a need exists to find better therapeutic agents which have non-toxic pharmacological and toxicological profiles for use in mammals. These compounds should block excessive or inappropriate apoptosis cells, and hence provide treatment for diseases and conditions in which this condition appears.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Another aspect of the present invention is to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Another aspect of the present invention is to a method for the treatment of diseases or disorders associated with excessive IL-lb convertase activity, in a mammal in need thereof, which method comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another aspect of the present invention is to a method of preventing, or reducing apoptosis (i.e.blocking excess or inappropriate apoptosis) in a mammal, preferably a human, in need of such treatment which method comprises adininistering to said mammal or human an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another aspect of the present invention is to a method of blocking or decresing the production of IL-lb and/or TNF, in a mammal, preferably a human, in need of such treatment which method comprises administering to said mammal or human an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The compounds of the present invention may contain one or more asymmetric carbon atoms, in particular positions 6 and 7, and may exist in racemic and optically active forms. All of these compounds are included within the scope of the present invention. Preferably the compound has a 6R, 7S configuration.

Preferably the compounds of Formula (I) are represented by the structure:

wherein

Rl is hydrogen, an optionally substituted alkoxy, or halogen;

R₂ is OR_a;

R_a is Ci-4alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl C\ galkyl;

R3 is hydrogen, -OC(O)R5, S(O)_n R6_> or bromine; provided that when R3 is hydrogen, R4 is other than hydrogen;

R4 is hydrogen; R5 is Ci-6 alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted arylalkyl; R6 is optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; m is an integer having a value of 1 or 2; n is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 or 2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Suitably, for compounds of Formula (I), Ri is hydrogen, an optionally substituted Ci-4 alkoxy or halogen. When Ri is alkoxy, the carbon chain may be optionally substituted, one or more times, suitably one to three times, independently by hydroxy, halogen, alkoxy, C(O)H, C(O)2Rc, or C(O)CH3 moieties; wherein Rc is hydrogen, Cl-6 alkyl, aryl, or arylCι_4alkyl. Preferably Ri is methoxy.

Suitably, for compounds of Formula (I), R2 is OR_a; wherein R_a is Ci-4alkyl, or an optionally substituted arylCi-4alkyl, preferably benzyl. It is recognized that the alkyl group in the arylalkyl moiety may be branched or straightsuch as a methylene or substituted methylene group , i.e., -CH(CH3) - aryl. When R_a is an optionally substituted arylCι_4alkyl, the aryl ring may be substituted one or more times independently by hydroxy, halogen, alkyl or alkoxy. When R_a is an alkyl, it is preferably methyl or t-butyl.

Suitably, for compounds of Formula (I), m is 1 or 2. Preferably m is 2.

Suitably, for compounds of Formula (I), R3 is hydrogen, -OC(O)R5, S(O)n-R6, or bromo; provided that when R3 is hydrogen, then R4 is other than hydrogen. When R3 is -OC(O)R5, the R5 group is suitably Cl-6 alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted arylalkyl; preferably R5 is Cl-6 alkyl, more preferably methyl.

When R3 is S(O)n R6, R6 is suitably an optionally substituted aryl, or an optionally substituted aryl heteroaryl; and n is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 or 2. When R6 is heteroaryl, as defined below, it is preferably a triazole, oxadiazole, or tetrazole moiety. When R6 is aryl, as also defined below, it is preferably a phenyl; the n value is preferably 1 or 2. When R6 is a heteroaryl, n is preferably 0. The heteroaryl or aryl ring may be optionally substituted one or more times independently by hydroxy, halogen, alkyl or alkoxy, preferably alkyl, more preferably methyl.

Compounds exemplified by Formula (I) include, but are not limited to:

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide tert-Butyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-l,l- dioxide

3,4- and 2,3-Dimethylbenzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

4-Nitrobenzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide 3 ,4-Dichlorobenzyl ( 1 RS ,6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate

1 -oxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7R)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-

1,1 -dioxide

4-Iodobenzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide

3-Iodobenzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-l,l- dioxide 3-Iodo-4-methylbenzyl -(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxyrnethyl-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl -(6R,7S)-7-[2-hydroxyethoxy]-3-acetoxymefhyl-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide 3,4-Dichlorobenzyl -(6R,7S)-7-[n-butoxy]-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-

1,1 -dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl -(6R,7S)-7-ethoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-bromomethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-l,l- dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-phenylsulfonylmethyl -7-methoxy-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-[5-methyl-(l,3,4-oxadiazol)-2-thiomethyl]-7-methoxy-3- cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide 3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-[(l-methyltetrazole)-5-thio]methyl -7-methoxy-3- cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-[( 1 ,2,3-triazole)-4-thiomethyl] -7-methoxy-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

Compounds of Formula (I) for use in the methods of the present invention include those noted above and: tert-Butyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide tert-Butyl (6R,7R)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

Methyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

Benzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

The term "excessive IL-lb convertase activity" is used herein to mean an excessive expression of the protein, or activation of the enzyme.

The term "Cι_6 alkyl" or "alkyl" is used herein to mean both straight and branched chain radicals of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, unless the chain length is otherwise specified, including, but not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec- butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, and the like.

The term "heteroaryl" (on its own or in any combination, such as "heteroaryloxy", or "heteroaryl alkyl") is used herein to mean a 5-10 membered aromatic ring system in which one or more rings contain one or more heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O or S, such as, but not limited, to pyrrole, pyrazole, furan, thiophene, quinoline, isoquinoline, quinazolinyl, pyridine, pyrimidine, oxazole, oxadiazole, tetrazole, thiazole, thiadiazole, triazole, imidazole, or benzimidazole. The term "aryl" (on its own or in any combination, such as "aryloxy", or "arylalkyl") is used herein to mean a phenyl and naphthyl ring.

The term "cycloalkyl" is used herein to mean cyclic radicals, preferably of 3 to 7 carbons, including but not limited to cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and the like.

The term"halo" or "halogens", is used herein to include, unless otherwise specified, chloro, fluoro, bromo and iodo.

The present invention is to the inhibition of ICE and ICE-like proteases by compounds of Formula (I). What is meant by the term "ICE-like proteases" are fragment, homologs, analogs and derivatives of the polypeptides Interleukin- 1 b converting enzyme (or convertase). These analogs are structurally related to the ICE family. They generally encode a protein (s) which exhibits high homology to the human ICE over the entire sequence. Preferably, the pentapeptide QACRG is conserved. The ICE like proteases , which may include many natural allelic variants (such as substitutions, deletion or addition of nucleotides) does not substantially alter the function of the encoded polypeptide. That is they retain essentially the same biological function or activity as the ICE protease, although it is recognized that the biological function may be enhanced or reduced activity. The suitable activity is not IL-lb convertase activity, but the ability to induce apoptosis or involved in programmed cell death in some manner. Suitable ICE like proteases encompasses within this invention are those described in PCT US94/07127 filed 23 June 1994, Attorney Docket No.: 325800-184; and in USSN 08/334,251, filed 1 November 1994, Attorney Docket No.: 325800-249 whose disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The term "blocking or inhibiting, or decreasing the production of IL-lb and/or TNF" as used herein refers to: a) a decrease of excessive levels, or a down regulation, of the cytokine in a human to normal or sub-normal levels by inhibition of the in vivo release of the cytokine; or b) a down regulation, at the genomic level, of excessive in vivo levels of the cytokine (IL-1 or TNF) in a human to normal or sub-normal levels; or c) a down regulation, by inhibition of the direct synthesis of the cytokine (IL-1, or TNF) as a postranslational event; or d) a down regulation, at the translational level, of excessive in vivo levels of the cytokine (IL-1, or TNF) in a human to normal or sub-normal levels.

The blocking or inhibiting, or decreasing the production of IL-lb and or TNF is a discovery that the compounds of Formula (I) are inhibitors of the cytokines, IL-1 and TNF is based upon the effects of the compounds of Formulas (I) on the production of the IL-1 and TNF in in vitro and in vivo assays which are well known and recognized in the art, some of which are described herein.

Compound of the present invention may be synthesized by methods well known in the art, such as those described by the procedures of Doherty et al, J. Med. Chem., 1990, 33, 2513 whose disclosure is incoφorated herein by reference. Alternatively, compounds of Formula (I) may be made in accordance with the schemes illustrated below.

I π

IIIA ΠIB

Scheme 1

The t-Butyl ester, 2-Scheme I, is synthesized by treating commercially available 7-aminocephalosporonic acid (1 -Scheme I) with isobutylene and sulfuric acid in dioxane. Following the procedure of Doherty et al. (J. Med. Chem. 1990, 33, 2513- 2521, which is incoφorated herein by reference), 7-alkoxy substituted 3a-Scheme I and 3b-Scheme I are produced as a separable mixture. Deprotection of 3-Scheme I with trifluoroacetic acid/anisole at 0 C gives the free acid 5-Scheme I or the sodium salt 4- Scheme I upon titration with aqueous sodium bicarbonate. Benzyl halide alkylations of IV in DMF give esters 6-Scheme I. Treatment of 5-Scheme I with diazo derivatives (Braun et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1958, 80, 359-363,which is incoφorated herein by reference) or with alkoxyisoureas (Schmidt et al. Justus Liebigs Ann. Chem. 1965, 685, 161-166,which is incoφorated herein by reference) yields various alkylester derivatives (6-Scheme I). Finally, sulfone or sulfoxides 7-Scheme I are obtained by m- chloroperoxybenzoic acid or oxone oxidation of 6-Scheme I.

xra xrv

XV

Scheme 2

Alkoxy derivative 9-Scheme 2 is obtained in one step from 8-Scheme 2 by treatment with NaNO2 and the alcohol in perchloric acid (Alpegiani et al. US

5,254,680, which is incoφorated herein by reference). Ester 10-Scheme I is formed by esterification of 9-Scheme 2 by procedures described for 6-Scheme 1 ; m- chloroperoxybenzoic acid or oxone oxidation of 10-Scheme I yields 11 -Scheme 2. The following derivatives can be synthesized according to procedures outlined by Alpegiani et al. J. Med. Chem. 1994, 37, 4003-4019, which is incoφorated herein by reference: exposure of 11 -Scheme 2 to N-bromosuccinimide under radical conditions gives the 3- bromomethyl derivative 12-Scheme 2; 13-Scheme 2 and 14-Scheme 2 are accessible through displacement of the bromide by aromatic thiols and mercuric acetate derivatives. Sulfones 15-Scheme 2 are obtained by oxidation of their corresponding thioethers (13-Scheme 2).

SYNTHETIC CHEMISTRY

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding descriptions, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The following examples further illustrate the synthesis of compounds of this invention. The following examples are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative and not a limitation of the scope of the present invention in any way.

Temperatures are recorded in degrees centigrade unless otherwise noted.

Example 1 tert-Butyl (6R.7SV 3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1.1 -dioxide The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Doherty et al, J. Med. Chem., 1990, 33, 2513.

Example 2 tert-Butyl (6R.7R)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1.1 -dioxide Following the procedure of Doherty et al, J. Med. Chem., 1990, 33, 2513, the title compound is isolated as a minor component of the final mixture.

Example 3

3.4-Dichlorobenzyl (6R.7SV 3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1.1- dioxide a) 3,4-Dichlorobenzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate To tert-Butyl (6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (prepared by the procedure of Doherty et al, J. Med. Chem., 1990, 33, 2513) (1.0 g,

2.9 mmol) and anisole (3.2 mL, 29 mmol) was added trifluoroacetic acid (16 mL) at

0_C under Ar. The solution was stirred for 30 min, and concentrated in vacuo.

The residue was dissolved in methylene chloride (50 mL), washed with water, washed with brine, dried (MgSO4), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to an oil. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (30 mL), and water (30 mL) was added. A solution of saturated sodium bicarbonate was dropped in until the aqueous layer reached pH 7. The aqueous layer was separated, and the procedure was repeated with another 30 mL of water. The aqueous layers were combined and freeze-dried to afford a yellow solid (870 mg).

To the sodium salt (187 mg) in dimethylformamide (6 mL) was added 3,4- dichlorobenzyl chloride (168 uL) under Ar and the solution was stirred for 22 h. To the solution was added ether, the mixture was washed with water, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The oil was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 25- 45% ethyl acetate/hexanes) to yield a 3:2 mixture of the title compound and the !&^■ regioisomer (85 mg, 30% overall yield). ^lΕL NMR(400 MHz, CDCI3) d 7.1-7.6 (m,

3H), 6.46, 4.5-5.3 (m, 6H), 3.3-3.7 (m, 5H), 3.55 (m, 3H).

b) 3,4-Dichlorobenzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-

1,1 -dioxide

To the ester (83 mg, 186 umol) of Example 2(a) in methylene chloride (3 mL) was added 85% m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (114 mg, 558 umol) and the solution was stirred for 4 h. To the solution was added 20% sodium metabisulfite, followed by saturated sodium bicarbonate and the mixture was extracted with methylene chloride.

The organic extract was dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 40-50% ethyl acetate/hexanes) to yield the title compound (75 mg, 84%). MS(ES+) m/e 478 [M+H]+.

Example 4 tert-Butyl (6R.7S V3-acetoxymethyl-7-(2-hydroxyethoxy V3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1.1- dioxide a) tert-Butyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate Following the procedure of Doherty et al, J. Med. Chem., 1990, 33, 2513, except substituting ethylene glycol for methanol, the title compound was prepared. H

NMR(400 MHz, CDCI3) d 4.93 (d, J=13.7 Hz, IH), 4.73 (d, J=13.7 Hz, IH), 4.70 (s,

IH), 4.61 (s, IH), 3.81 (br s, 4H), 3.58 (d, J=18.4 Hz, IH), 2.07 (s, 3H), 1.54 (s, 9H).

b) tert-Butyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-(2-hydroxyethyloxy)-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

Following the procedure of Example 3(b), except substituting the title compound of Example 4(a) for the ester of Example 3(a), the title compound was prepared. MS(ES") m/e 404 [M-H]". Example 5 Methyl (6R.7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1.1-dioxide a) (6R,7S)-3-Acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid

The intermediate sodium salt (85 mg) from Example 3(a) was purified by flash chromatography (0.5% acetic acid/10% methanol/methylene chloride) to yield the free acid (50 mg). 1H NMR(400 MHz, 2:1 CDCI3/CD3OD) d 4.87 (d, J=12.6 Hz, IH),

4.73 (d, J=12.6 Hz, IH), 4.61 (s, IH), 4.40 (d, J=1.7 Hz, IH), 3.49 (d, J=17.8 Hz, IH), 3.44 (s, 3H), 3.17 (d, J=17.8 Hz, IH), 2.09 (s, 3H).

b) Methyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate

To the acid of Example 5(a) (48 mg, 167 umol) in tetrahydrofuran (3 mL) was added a 0.1 M ethereal solution of diazomethane (10 mL) at 0°C. The solution was stirred for 15 min, and quenched with an excess of acetic acid. The mixture was diluted with methylene chloride, washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate, concentrated in vacuo and purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 15-25% ethyl acetate/hexanes) to yield the title compound (25 mg, 52%). ^lH NMR(400 MHz, CDCI3) d 4.97 (d, J=13.2 Hz, IH), 4.76 (d, J=13.2 Hz, IH), 4.69 (s, IH), 4.51 (s, IH),

3.89 (s, 3H), 3.58 (d, J=18.3 Hz, IH), 3.55 (s, 3H), 3.32 (d, J=18.3 Hz, IH), 2.07 (s, 3H).

c) Methyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

Following the procedure of Example 3(b), except substituting the title compound of Example 5(b) for the ester of Example 3(a), the title compound was prepared. MS(ES") m/e 332 [M-H]".

Example 6 Benzyl (6R.7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1.1 -dioxide

Following the procedure of Example 3, except substituting benzyl bromide for 3,4-dichlorobenzyl chloride, the title compound was prepared. MS(ES⁺) m/e 410 [M+H]+. Example 7 3.4- and 2.3-Dimethylbenzyl (6R.7SV3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1.1 -dioxide

Following the procedure of Example 3, except substituting 70% 3,4- dimethy Ibenzyl chloride (30% 2,3-dimethy Ibenzyl chloride) for 3,4-dichlorobenzyl chloride, the title compound was prepared as a 1:1 mixture with 2,3-dimethylbenzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1 -dioxide. MS(ES⁺) m/e 438 [M+HJ+.

Example 8

4-Nitrobenzyl (6R.7S -3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1.1- dioxide

Following the procedure of Example 3, except substituting 4-nitrobenzyl bromide for 3,4-dichlorobenzyl chloride, the title compound was prepared. MS(ES") m/e 453 [M-H]".

Example 9 3.4-Dichlorobenzyl (lRS.6R.7SV7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate 1 -oxide Following the procedure of Example 3,. except one equivalent of m- chloroperoxybenzoic acid is used. MS(ES") m/e 460 [M-H]".

Example 10 3.4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R.7R -7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1.1 -dioxide

Following the procedure of Example 3, except substituting tert-Butyl (6R,7R)- 3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide for tert-Butyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1-dioxide, the title compound was prepared. MS(ES") m/e 478 [M-H]".

Example 11 4-Iodobenzyl-(6R.7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1.1- dioxide

Following the procedure of Example 3, except substituting 4-iodobenzyl chloride for 3,4-dichlorobenzyl chloride, the title compound was prepared. MS(ES⁺) m e 536 [M+H]+. Example 12 3-Iodobenzyl-(6R.7SV7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1.1- dioxide

Following the procedure of Example 3, except substituting 3-iodobenzyl chloride for 3,4-dichlorobenzyl chloride, the title compound was prepared. MS(ES^") m/e 534 [M-H]".

Example 13 3-Iodo-4-methylbenzyl -(6R.7SV7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1.1 -dioxide

Following the procedure of Example 3, except substituting 3-iodo-4- methylbenzyl chloride for 3,4-dichlorobenzyl chloride, the title compound was prepared. MS(ES+) m e 550 [M+H]+.

Example 14

3.4-Dichlorobenzyl -(6R.7S)-7-r2-hydroxyethoxy1-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1.1 -dioxide

Following the procedure of Example 3, except substituting the title compound of Example 4(a) for tert-butyl (6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4- carboxylate. MS(ES") m/e 506 [M-H]".

Example 15 3.4-Dichlorobenzyl -(6R.7SV7-ln-butoxy1-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1.1 -dioxide Following the procedure of Example 16, except substituting n-butanol for ethylene glycol, the title compound was prepared. MS(ES^") m/e 518 [M-H]^".

Example 16 3.4-Dichlorobenzyl -(6R.7SV7-ethoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-l.l- dioxide

Following the procedure of Example 16, except substituting ethanol for 3,4- dichlorobenzyl chloride, the title compound was prepared. MS(ES") m/e 490 [M-H]". Example 17 3.4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R.7SV3-bromomethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1.1- dioxide a) 3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate To a solution of (6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-methyl-3-ceρhem-4-carboxylic acid ( 1 g) in ethyl acetate (30 mL) is added water (30 mL). A solution of saturated sodium bicarbonate is dropped in until a pH of 7 in the aqueous layer is obtained. The aqueous layer is separated and lyophylized to afford sodium-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-methyl-3- cephem-4-carboxylate (670 mg). To sodium-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (312 mg) in dimethylformamide (2 mL) is added 3,4-dichlorobenzyl chloride (500 uL), and the solution was stirred for 24 h. To the solution was added water and the solution was extracted with ether. The organic extract was dried (MgSO_ι) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 15-25% ethyl acetate/hexanes) to yield 3,4-dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-methyl-3-cephem- 4-carboxylate (148 mg). ^lH NMR(250 MHZ, CDCI3) d 7.2-7.6 (m, 3H), 5.23 (s, 2H),

4.67 (s, IH), 4.50 (s, IH), 3.4-3.6 (m, 4H), 3.19 (d, J=18.4 Hz, IH), 2.10 (s, 3H).

b) 3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-l,l- dioxide

Following the procedure of Example 3b, except substituting 3,4- dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate for the ester of example 2a, the sulfone was prepared. *H NMR(250 MHz, CDCI3) d 7.2-7.6 (m, 3H),

5.21 (s, 2H), 5.13 (s, IH), 4.62 (s, IH), 3.88 (d, J=18.4 Hz, IH), 3.66 (d, J=18.4 Hz, IH), 3.56 (s, 3H), 2.10 (s, 3H).

c) 3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-bromomethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-

1,1 -dioxide.

To the sulfone of Example 17b (91 mg) in carbon tetrchloride (4 mL) is added AIBN (5 mg) and N-bromosuccinimide (44 mg), and solution was reluxed under argon for 3 h. the reaction mixture was cooled, saturated sodium bicarbonate was added, and the mixture was extracted with methylene chloride. The organic extract was dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 15-35% ethyl acetate/hexanes) to yield the title compound (45 mg). MS(ES-) m/e 496 [M-H]". Example 18 3.4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R.7S)-3-phenylsulfonylmethyl -7-methoxy-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1.1 -dioxide a) 3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-phenylthiomethyl -7-methoxy-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1,1 -dioxide

To the bromide of Example 17 (110 mg) in dimethylformamide (15 mL) at 0°C was added thiophenol (25 uL) and N,N-diisopropyl-N-ethylamine (42 uL). The solution was stirred until the disappearance of starting material. Water was added, and the solution was extracted with ether. The organic extract concentrated in vacuo, and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, ethyl acetate/hexanes) to yield the title compound. MS(ES+) m/e 528 [M+H]⁺.

b) 3 ,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-phenylsulfonylmethyl -7-methoxy-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide Following the procedure of Example 3b, except substituting 3,4- dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate for the ester of example 2a, the sulfone was prepared. MS(ES⁺) m e 560 [M+H]⁺.

Example 19 3.4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R.7SV3-r5-methyl-(1.3.4-oxadiazoD-2-thiomethvn-7-methoxy-3- cephem-4-carboxylate- 1.1 -dioxide

Following the procedure of Example 18a, except substituting 5-methyl-( 1,3,4- oxadiazol)-2-mercaptan for thiophenol, the title compound was prepared. MS(ES⁺) m/e 534 [M+H]+.

Example 20 3.4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R.7SV3-r(l-methyltetrazoleV5-thio1methyl -7-methoxy-3- cephem-4-carboxylate- 1.1 -dioxide

Following the procedure of Example 18a, except substituting (1- methyltetrazole)-5-mercaptan for thiophenol, the title compound was prepared. MS(ES+) m/e 534 [M+H]+.

Example 21 3.4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R.7S 3-K 1.2.3-triazoleV4-thiomethyll -7-methoxy-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1.1 -dioxide

Following the procedure of Example 18a, except substituting (l,2,3-triazole)-4- mercaptan for thiophenol, the title compound was prepared. MS(ES⁺) m e 519 [M+H]+. BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS: Assay I - DNA Ladder:

The present invention utilizes a model that measures apoptosis, by measuring the production of DNA ladders visualized on agarose gels. The observation of DNA ladders has been a hallmark of the apoptosis response for many years. The model used in our studies is the production of apoptosis in human monocytic HL-60 cells by the anti-cancer ether lipid l-O-octadecyl-2-O-methyl-5n-3-phosphocholine (ET-I8-OCH3) and tumor necrosis factor a (TNF). The production of DNA ladders by ET-I8-OCH3 was recently reported (MoUinedo et al. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.. 192: 603- 609 (1993)) and confirmed in house. The general method is to treat HL-60 cells with 6 μM ET-I8-OCH3 or 10 units of TNF for 24 hours, followed by extraction of small molecular weight DNA and removal of protein and RNA. The DNA is separated on a agarose gel and visualized with ethidium bromide staining. An internal standard is added to the cells just prior to extraction and preparation of DNA. Drugs are provided to cells 10 minutes prior to the apoptotic insult. This method provides a qualitative assessment of the ability of compounds to inhibit apoptosis.

Cell Conditions • HL-60 cells (American Type Cell Culture) were grown and kept at log phase in

RPMI 1640 w L-glutamine and 10 % heat inactivated Fetal Bovine Serum ( RPMI complete).

• On the day of the experiment, the desired number of cells (for example, 5 x 10^ cells/treatment group) were resuspend in RPMI complete to give a final cell concentration of approximately 0.5 x 10^ cells/ml. For each treatment group, 10 mis of cell suspension were placed in a culture flask. Cells were incubated for 2 hours at 37°C. Exposures:

• For typical expose to ET-I8-OCH3, a 100 mM ET-I8-OCH3 stock solution in CHCI3 was prepared, then diluted in RPMI complete to 600 μM. Then 100 μl of

600 μM ET-I8-OCH3 was added into 10 ml treatment group yielding a final concentration of 6 μM. The cell suspensions are then incubated overnight (18 hours). For a typical exposure to TNF, 300 to 3000 units of TNF were added to 10 ml of cell suspension. • Cells were pretreated with desired agents (ICE compounds, etc.) 10 minutes prior to ET-I8-OCH3 or TNF addition. ICE compounds stocks were in DMSO. 50 μl of compound or DMSO vehicle was added to the 10 ml treatment groups yielding the final concentration of compound and 0.5 % DMSO. DNA Extraction:

• Cells were spun (400 x g, 5 min) and washed 2x in 10 mLs PBS.

• Cells were lysed by resuspending them into 200 μL of cold, sterile detergent buffer ( 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, 1 mM EDTA, 0.2% Triton X- 100) and transferring the approximately 250 μL volume to sterile, 1.5 mL eppendorf tubes on ice. Then, tubes were incubated for 30 min. at 4°C, with mild shaking.

• Tubes were spun in a Microfuge for 15 min., the supernatant collected, taking care to avoid the cellular debris. • The supematants were incubated with 75 μg/mL RNAse A for 1 hr at 37°C then incubated with 200 μg/mL ProteinaseK and 0.5 % SDS [final] for 1 hr at 37°C.

• Ten μl of a 300 bp DNA was added as an internal standard to observe extraction efficiency.

• Supematants were extracted twice with equal volume (200-300 μL) of cold, buffer saturated phenol (add phenol, vortex 15 seconds, microfuge 2 min., collect the top aqueous layer, avoiding the organic waste in between the two phases), once with 200 μL Phenol/Chloroform Isoamyl alcohol 25:24:1 (v/v) and once with 100 μL Chloroform (lOOμL/sample is retrieved).

• Add 10 μL of sterile 3M NaCl (300 mM [final]) to the 100 μL sample and 200 μL of cold ethanol, vortex well and let stand ovemight at -20°C.

• Samples were spun (Microfuge) 15 min and all but 25 μl of the ethanol was carefully removed. The DNA pellets were dried and resuspended in 30 μL of sterile 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0, 0.1 mM EDTA and 10 μL of gel loading Buffer. Load 20 μl/well.

• A DNA standard (for example, Sigma # D 5042, 123 bp ladder) was run on each gel. • Samples were run on 1-2 % agarose gel with TBE buffer (5X TBE = 54 g Tris Base,

27.5 g Boric acid, 20ml 0.5 M EDTA, pH 8.0) with ethidium bromide added, for example for 90 - 120 min at 100 V, 50 mA.

• The resulting gels were visualized under UV light and the results recorded in a captured image.

Results

In HL-60 cells, treatment with ET-I8-OCH3 or TNF induced an apoptotic response that was prominent after 24 hours. Pretreatment with 50 μM of the compound of Example 3 was found to completely block the apoptotic response to both ET-18- OCH3 or TNF (Table 1). Pretreatment with 5 μM of the compound of Example 3 was not effective over the 24 hour experiment. Addition of IL-lb (10 nM) had no effect on the ability of the compound of Example 3 to block apoptosis, suggesting that its primary mechanism of action is not inhibition of IL-1 production. These data support that the compound of Example 3 blocks apoptosis by a novel mechanism of action, i.e., by inhibiting the activity of ICE and ICE-like proteases.

Table 1. Effect of Compound on Apoptosis

Drug Concentration Apoptotic Concentration Presence of Signal Apoptosis

None ET-I8-OCH3 6 μM yes

Example 3 50 μM ET-I8-OCH3 6 μM no

Example 3 5 μM ET-I8-OCH3 6 μM yes

None TNF 270 U/ml yes

Example 3 50 uM TNF 270 U/ml no

Assay II: Inhibition of ICE Source of Enzyme

Human ICE was cloned and expressed in E. coli as its inactive precursor (p45) bearing a hexa-His flag on its α/nmo-terminal end. Following harvesting, the cells were lysed, centrifuged, and the pellet containing the p45 solubilized with phosphate buffered 7 M urea at pH 7.5. The flagged p45 was applied to a Ni-nitrilo-acetic acid column, washed, and eluted with 300 mM imidazole. This yielded a highly enriched proenzyme preparation (^0% pure p45). Catalytic autoproteolytic activation to pl0/p20 dimer was achieved by concentrating the p45 on a Centricon ultrafiltration membrane (Amicon) at 10 _C for several hours. The formation of the catalytic subunits (plO and p20) in activated samples was demonstrated by correlating time-dependent generation of ICE activity with pl0/p20 signals in Westem blots and by reversed-phase HPLC. Formation of authentic plO and p20 was also confirmed by N-terminal sequence and MALD-mass spectral analyses of samples purified by reversed-phase HPLC. The activated enzyme was stored frozen at -80 C.

Assay Protocol

ICE was assayed at 25 _C using the fluorogenic tetrapeptide substrate N-acetyl- L-tyrosyl-L-valyl-L-alanyl-L-aspartyl-7-amido-4-mefhylcoumarin (Ac-YVAD-AMC). The assays were conducted at pH 7.5 in a buffered system containing 25 mM Hepes, 10% sucrose, 0.1% CHAPS, and 2 mM DTT. The concentration of substrate was fixed at 25 uM. Fluorescence of the liberated 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin was continuously monitored at 460 nm following excitation at 335 nm. Compound Testing

Compounds of Formula (I) were tested at a single dose of 100 uM following a 30 to 60-min preincubation with enzyme. The assay was initiated by the addition of 25 uM substrate (Ac-YVAD-AMC) and activity was monitored as described above. Representative compounds of Formula (I), as exemplified by Examples 1 to 7 and 9 demonstrated positive inhibitiory activity in this assay ranging from about 36% to about 96%.

Assay III: Inhibition of ICE ICE was assayed at 25 _C in 96-well plates using the fluorogenic tetrapeptide substrate N-acetyl-L-tyrosyl-L-valyl-L-alanyl-L-aspartyl-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin (Ac-YVAD-AMC). The assays were conducted at pH 7.5 in a buffered system containing 25 mM Hepes, 10% sucrose, 0.1% CHAPS, and 20-50 uM DTT. The concentration of substrate was fixed at 20 uM. Fluorescence of the liberated 7-amino-4- methy Icoumarin was continuously monitored at 460 nm following excitation at 360 nm.

Compound Testing

Compounds were tested at a single dose of 50 to 100 uM. Activity was monitored as described above over a 30 to 60-minute time period following the simultaneous addition of substrate and inhibitor to initiate the reaction. The progress curves thus generated were fit by computer to Eq. 1 in order to assess potency and time-dependency:

Representative compounds of formula (I) have demonstrated positive inhibitory activity in the above noted assay:

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-l,l- dioxide tert-Butyl 7-alpha-methoxycephalosporanate sulfone 3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-(l-methyltetrazol-5-yl)thiomethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-

4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-(phenylsulfonyl)methyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-[2-methyl(l,3,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-2-thiomethyl]-7- methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl (6R,7S)-3-( 1 ,2,3-triazol-5-yl)thiomefhyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4- carboxylate 1,1 -dioxide 3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-5,5-dioxo-7-alpha-[2-hydroxyethyloxy]-cephalosporanate

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7R)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide

Benzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide [(3,4)- and (2,3)-]Dimethylbenzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

4-Nitrobenzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide N-3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-N-methyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3- cephem-4-carboxamide- 1 , 1 -dioxide (6R,7S)-4-Iodobenzyl~7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-l,l- dioxide

3-Iodobenzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide

3-Iodo-4-methylbenzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1 -dioxide

METHODS OF TREATMENT

For therapeutic use the compounds of the present invention will generally be administered in a standard pharmaceutical composition obtained by admixture with a pharmaceutical carrier or diluent selected with regard to the intended route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice. For example, they may be administered orally in the form of tablets containing such excipients as starch or lactose, or in capsule, ovules or lozenges either alone or in admixture with excipients, or in the form of elixirs or suspensions containing flavouring or colouring agents. They may be injected parenterally, for example, intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. For parenteral administration, they are best used in the form of a sterile aqueous solution which may contain other substances, for example, enough salts or glucose to make the solution isotonic with blood. The choice of form for administration as well as effective dosages will vary depending, inter alia, on the condition being treated. The choice of mode of administration and dosage is within the skill of the art.

The compounds of the present invention, particularly those noted herein or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts which are active when given orally, can be formulated as liquids, for example syrups, suspensions or emulsions, tablets, capsules and lozenges. A liquid formulation will generally consist of a suspension or solution of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt in a suitable liquid carrier(s) for example, ethanol, glycerin, non-aqueous solvent, for example polyethylene glycol, oils, or water with a suspending agent, preservative, flavouring or colouring agent. A composition in the form of a tablet can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutical carrier(s) routinely used for preparing solid formulations. Examples of such carriers include magnesium stearate, starch, lactose, sucrose and cellulose. A composition in the form of a capsule can be prepared using routine encapsulation procedures. For example, pellets containing the active ingredient can be prepared using standard carriers and then filled into a hard gelatin capsule; altematively, a dispersion or suspension can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutical carrier(s), for example aqueous gums, celluloses, silicates or oils and the dispersion or suspension then filled into a soft gelatin capsule. Preferably the composition is in unit dose form such as a tablet or capsule.

Typical parenteral compositions consist of a solution or suspension of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt in a sterile aqueous carrier or parenterally acceptable oil, for example polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, lecithin, arachis oil or sesame oil. Altematively, the solution can be lyophilized and then reconstituted with a suitable solvent just prior to administration.

A typical suppository formulation comprises a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof which is active when administered in this way, with a binding and/or lubricating agent such as polymeric glycols, gelatins or cocoa butter or other low melting vegetable or synthetic waxes or fats. The pharmaceutically acceptable compounds of the invention will normally be administered to a subject in a daily dosage regimen. For a patient this may be, for example, from about .001 to about lOOmg/kg, preferably from about 0.001 to about lOmg/kg animal body weight. A daily dose, for a larger mammal is preferably from about 1 mg to about 1000 mg, preferably between 1 mg and 500 mg or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, calculated as the free base, the compound being administered 1 to 4 times per day. Unit dosage forms may contain from aobut 25μg to about 500mg of the compound.

There are many diseases and conditions in which dysregulation of apoptosis plays an important role. All of these conditions involve undesired, deleterious loss of specific cells with resulting pathological consequences. Bone remodeling involves the initial resoφtion by osteoclasts, followed by bone formation by osteoblasts. Recently, there have been a number of reports of apoptotic events occurring during this process. Apoptotic events have been observed in both the bone forming and bone resorbing cells in vitro and indeed at the sites of these remodeling units in vivo. Apoptosis has been suggested as one of the possible mechanisms of osteoclast disappearance from reversal sites between resoφtion and formation. TGF-β 1 induces apoptosis (approx. 30%) in osteoclasts of murine bone marrow cultures grown for 6 days in vitro . (Hughes, et al., J. Bone Min. Res. 9 , SI 38 (1994)). The anti-resoφtive bisphosphonates (clodronate, pamidronate or residronate) promote apoptosis in mouse osteoclasts in vitro and in vivo . (Hughes, et al., supra at S347). M-CSF, which has previously been found to be essential for osteoclast formation can suppress apoptosis, suggesting not only that maintenance of osteoclast populations, but also that formation of these multinucleated cells may be determined by apoptosis events. (Fuller, et al., J. Bone Min. Res. 8 , S384 (1993); Perkins, et al., J. Bone Min. Res. 8 , S390 (1993)). Local injections of IL-1 over the calvaria of mice once daily for 3 days induces intense and aggressive remodeling. (Wright, et al., J. 5one Min. Res. 9 , S174 (1994)). In these studies, 1% of osteoclasts were apoptotic 1 day after treatment, which increased 3 days later to 10%. A high percentage (95%) of these apoptotic osteoclasts were at the reversal site. This data suggests that ICE or ICE-like homologues are functionally very important in osteoclast apoptosis.

Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is the promotion of apoptosis in osteoclasts as a novel therapy for inhibiting resoφtion in diseases of excessive bone loss, such as osteoporosis, using compounds of Formula (I) as defined herein.

Apoptosis can been induced by low serum in highly differentiated rat osteoblast- like (Ros 17/2.8) cells (Ihbe, et al., (1994) J. Bone Min. Res. 9, S167)). This was associated with a temporal loss of osteoblast phenotype, suggesting that maintenance of lineage specific gene expression and apoptosis are physiologically linked. Fetal rat calvaria derived osteoblasts grown in vitro undergo apoptosis and this is localized to areas of nodule formation as indicated by in situ end-labeling of fragmented DNA. (Lynch, et al., (1994) J. Sone Min. Res.9, S352). It has been shown that the immediate early genes c-fos and c-jun are expressed prior to apoptosis; c-fos and c-jun-Lac Z transgenic mice show constitutive expression of these transcription factors in very few tissues, one of which is bone (Smeyne, et al., (1992) Neuron. 8, 13-23; and Morgan, J. (1993) Apoptotic Cell Death: Functions and Mechanisms. Cold Spring Harbor 13- 15th October). Apoptosis was observed in these animals in the epiphyseal growth plate and chondrogenic zones as the petula ligament calcifies. Chondrogenic apoptosis has also been observed in PTHRP-less mice and these transgenics exhibit abnormal endochondral bone formation (Lee, et al., (1994) J. Bone Min. Res. 9, S159). A very recent paper examined a human osteosarcoma cell line which undergoes spontaneous apoptosis. Using this cell line, LAP-4, but not ICE, could be detected and in vitro apoptosis could be blocked by inhibition or depletion of LAP-4 (Nicholson, et al., (1995) Nature 376, 37-43). Thus, apoptosis may play a role in loss of osteoblasts and chondrocytes and inhibition of apoptosis could provide a mechanism to enhance bone formation. Therefore, another aspect of the present invention is the inhibition of apoptosis as a novel therapy to enhance bone formation using compounds of Formula (I) as defined herein.

Osteoarthritits (OA) is a degenerative disease characterized by progressive erosion of articular cartilage. Chondrocytes are the single cell-type found in articular cartilage and perturbations in metabolism of these cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of OA. Injury to cartilage initiates a specific reparative response which involves an increase in the production of proteoglycan and collagen in an attempt to reestablish normal matrix homeostasis. However, with the progress of the disease, the 3-dimensional collagen network is disrupted and cell death of chondrocytes occurs in OA lesions (Malemud, et al.: Regulation of chondrocytes in osteoarthritis. In: Adolphe, M. ed. Biological Regulation of Chondrocytes. Boca RatomCRC Press, 1992, 295- 319). It has been shown that in OA, chondrocytes adjacent to cartilage defects express high levels of bcl-2 (Erlacher, et al., (1995) J. of Rheumatology, 926-931). This represents an attempt to protect chondrocytes from apoptosis induced by the disease process.

Protection of chondrocytes during early degenerative changes in cartilage by inhibition of apoptosis may provide a novel therapeutic approach to this common disease. Therefore, another aspect of the present invention is the inhibition of apoptosis as a novel therapy to treat osteoarthritis, using compounds of Formula (I) as defined herein.

Recent evidence shows that chronic, degenerative conditions of the liver are linked to hepatocellular apoptosis. These conditions include chemical-, infectious- and immune/inflammatory-induced hepatocellular degeneration. Apoptosis of liver cells has been observed in liver degenerative states induced by a variety of chemical agents, including acetaminophen (Ray, et a l.,(1993) FASEB. J. 7, 453-463), cocaine (Cascales, et al., (1994) Hepatology 20, 992-1001) and ethanol (Baroni, etal., (1994) J. Hepatol. 20, 508-513). Infectious agents and their chemical components that have been shown to induce apoptosis include hepatitis ((Hiramatsu, et al., (1994) Hepatology 19, 1354- 1359; Mita, et al., (1994) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 204, 468-474)), tumor necrosis factor and endotoxin . (Leist, et al., (1995) J. Immunol. 154, 1307-1316; and Decker, K. (1993) Gastroenterology 28(S4), 20-25). Stimulation of immune / inflammatory responses by mechanisms such as allograft transplantation and hypoxia followed by reperfusion have been shown to induce apoptosis of hepatocytes (Krams, et al., (1995) Transplant. Proc. 27, 466-467). Together, this evidence supports that hepatocellular apoptosis is central to degenerative liver diseases. Therefore, another aspect of the present invention is the inhibition of apoptosis as a novel therapy to treat degenerative liver diseases., using compounds of Formula (I) as defined herein.

Apoptosis is recognized as a fundamental process within the immune system where cell death shapes the immune system and effects immune functions. Apoptosis also is implicated in viral diseases (e.g AIDS). Recent reports indicate that HIV infection may produce an excess of apoptosis, contributing to the loss of CD4 T cells. Of additional interest is the observation that APO-1/Fas shares sequence homology with HIV-l gpl20.

Therefore, another aspect of the present invention is the inhibition of apoptosis as a novel therapy to treat viral diseases, using compounds of Formula (I) as defined herein.

Additional therapeutic directions and other indications in which inhibition of apoptotic cysteine proteases is of therapeutic utility, along with relevant citations in support of the involvement for apoptosis in each indication, are presented below in Table 1.

Table 1: Therapeutic Indications Related to Apoptosis

Indication Citations

Ischemia / reperfusion Barr et al., (1994) BioTechnology 12, 487-493; Thompson, C. B. (1995) Science 267, 1456-1462

Stroke Barr et al supra; and Thompson, C, supra

Polycystic kidney disease Barr et al., supra; and Mondain, et al., (1995) ORLJ. Otorhinolaryngol Relat. Spec. 57, 28-32

Glomerulo-nephritis Barr et al., supra

Osteoporosis Lynch et al., (1994) J. Bone Min. Res. 9, S352; Nicholson et al., (1995) Nature 376, 37-43

Erythropoiesis / Thompson, C, supra; Koury et al., Aplastic anemia (1990) Science 248, 378-381 Chronic liver degeneration Thompson, C, supra; Mountz et al., 1994) Arthritis Rheum. 37, 1415-1420;

Goldin et al., (1993) Am. J. Pathol. Ill, 73-76

T-cell death Thompson, C, supra; Ameison et al., (1995) Trends Cell Biol. 5, 27-32

Osteoarthritis - chondrocytes Ishizaki et al., (1994) J. Cell Biol. 126, 1069-1077; Blanco et al., (1995) Am. J. Pathol 146, 75-85

Male pattem baldness Mondain et al., supra; Seiberg et al., (1995) J. Invest. Dermatol. 104, 78-82;

Tamada et al., (1994) Br. J. Dermatol. 131, 521-524

Alzheimer's disease Savill, J.,(1994) Eur. J. Clin. Invest. 24, 715-723; Su et al., (1994) Neuroreport 5, 2529-2533; Johnson, E., (1994) Neurobiol. Aging 15 Suppl. 2, SI 87- S189

Parkinson's disease Savill, J., supra; Thompson, C, supra

Type I diabetes Barr et al., supra

The IL-1 and TNF inhibiting effects of compounds of the present invention are determined by the following in vitro assays: Interleukin - 1 (IL-1)

Human peripheral blood monocytes are isolated and purified from either fresh blood preparations from volunteer donors, or from blood bank buffy coats, according to the procedure of Colotta et al, J Immunol, 132, 936 (1984). These monocytes (1x10^) are plated in 24-well plates at a concentration of 1-2 million/ml per well. The cells are allowed to adhere for 2 hours, after which time non-adherent cells are removed by gentle washing. Test compounds are then added to the cells for about lhour before the addition of lipopolysaccharide (50 ng/ml), and the cultures are incubated at 37°C for an additional 24 hours. At the end of this period, culture super-natants are removed and clarified of cells and all debris. Culture supematants are then immediately assayed for IL-1 biological activity, either by the method of Simon et al, J. Immunol. Methods, 84, 85, (1985) (based on ability of IL-1 to stimulate a Interleukin 2 producing cell line (EL-4) to secrete IL-2, in concert with A23187 ionophore) or the method of Lee et al, J. ImmunoTherapy, 6 (1), 1-12 (1990) (ELISA assay).

Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF):

Human peripheral blood monocytes are isolated and purified from either blood bank buffy coats or platelet pheresis residues, according to the procedure of Colotta, R. et al, J Immunol, 132(2), 936 (1984). The monocytes are plated at a density of 1x10^ cells/ml medium/well in 24-well multi-dishes. The cells are allowed to adhere for 1 hour after which time the supematant is aspirated and fresh medium (lml, RPMI-1640, Whitaker Biomedical Products, Whitaker, CA) containing 1% fetal calf serum plus penicillin and streptomycin (10 units/ml) added. The cells are incubated for 45 minutes in the presence or absence of a test compound at lnM-lOmM dose ranges (compounds are solubilized in dimethyl sulfoxide/ethanol, such that the final solvent concentration in the culture medium is 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide/0.5% ethanol). Bacterial lipopoly-saccharide (E. coli 055:B5 [LPS] from

Sigma Chemicals Co.) is then added (100 ng/ml in 10 ml phosphate buffered saline) and cultures incubated for 16-18 hours at 37°C in a 5% CO2 incubator. At the end of the incubation period, culture supematants are removed from the cells, centrifuged at 3000 φm to remove cell debris. The supematant is then assayed for TNF activity using either a radio- immuno or an ΕLISA assay, as described in WO 92/10190 and by Becker et al, J Immunol, 1991, 147, 4307.

The above description fully discloses the invention including preferred embodiments thereof. Modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed herein are within the scope of the following claims. Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the are can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. Therefore the Examples herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and not a limitation of the scope of the present invention in any way. The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A compound of the formula:

wherein

Rl is hydrogen, an optionally substituted alkoxy or halogen; R2 is OR_a; R_a is C i -4alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl C -4alkyl;

R3 is hydrogen, -OC(O)R5, S(O)_n R6_» or bromine; provided that when R3 is hydrogen,

R4 is other than hydrogen; R4 is hydrogen; R5 is Cl-6 alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl;

R6 is optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; m is an integer having a value of 1 or 2; n is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 or 2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; excluding the compounds tert-Butyl 7- alpha-methoxycephalosporanate sulfone; tert-Butyl 7-beta-methoxycephalosporanate sulfone; Methyl (6R,7S)-7-Methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid -1,1- dioxide; and Benzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-l,l- dioxide.

2. The compound according to Claim 1 wherein R_a is a benzyl moiety optionally substituted independently one or more times by hydroxy, halogen, alkyl, or alkoxy.

3. The compound according to Claim 1 wherein R_a is methyl or t-butyl.

4. The compound according to Claim 1 wherein the Ri moiety is an optionally substituted alkoxy moiety.

5. The compound according to Claim 4 wherein the Rl alkoxy is methoxy or 2- hydroxy ethoxy.

6. The compound according to Claim 1 wherein m is 2.

7. The compound according to Claim 1 wherein R3 is S(O)n R6-

8. The compound according to Claim 7 wherein Rβ is a heteroaryl which is an optionally substituted tetrazole, triazole, or oxadiazole.

9. The compound according to Claim 1 wherein R3 is hydrogen.

10. The compound according to Claim 1 which is: tert-Butyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide tert-Butyl (6R,7R)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

3 ,4-Dichlorobenzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide tert-Butyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide

Methyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

Benzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide 3,4- and 2,3-Dimethylbenzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

4-Nitrobenzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl (lRS,6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate 1 -oxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7R)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-

1,1 -dioxide

4-Iodobenzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide 3-Iodobenzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide

3-Iodo-4-methylbenzyl -(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl -(6R,7S)-7-[2-hydroxyethoxy]-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1,1 -dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl -(6R,7S)-7-[n-butoxy]-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-

1,1 -dioxide 3,4-Dichlorobenzyl -(6R,7S)-7-ethoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-l,l- dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-bromomethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-l,l- dioxide 3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-phenylsulfonylmethyl -7-methoxy-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-[5-methyl-(l,3,4-oxadiazol)-2-thiomethyl]-7-methoxy-3- cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

3 ,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3- [( 1 -methy ltetrazole)-5-thio]methyl -7-methoxy-3- cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-[( 1 ,2,3-triazole)-4-thiomethyl] -7-mefhoxy-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

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

12. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to Claim 10 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

13. A method of blocking excess or inappropriate apoptosis in a mammal in need of such treatment which method comprises administering to said mammal or human an effective amount of a compound of the formula:

wherein

Rl is hydrogen, an optionally substituted alkoxy or halogen;

R₂ is OR_a;

R_a is Cι_4alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl Ci-4alkyl;

R3 is hydrogen, -OC(O)R5, S(O)_n R6_> °^r bromine; provided that when R3 is hydrogen, R4 is other than hydrogen, and that only one of R3 and R4 can be bromine;

R4 is hydrogen;

R5 is Ci-6 alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl; R6 is optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; m is an integer having a value of 1 or 2; n is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 or 2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

14. The method according to Claim 13 wherein the excessive or inappropriate apoptosis occurs in Alzheimer disease.

15. The method according to Claim 13 wherein the excessive or inappropriate apoptosis occurs in viral infections.

16. The method according to Claim 13 wherein the excessive or inappropriate apoptosis occurs during infarction or reperfusion injury.

17. The method according to Claim 13 wherein the excessive or inappropriate apoptosis occurs during ischemia.

18. The method according to Claim 13 wherein the excessive or inappropriate apoptosis results in excessive bone loss.

19. The method according to Claim 13 wherein the excessive or inappropriate apoptosis results in the disease of osteoarthritis.

20. The method according to Claim 13 wherein the excessive or inappropriate apoptosis results in hepatocellular degeneration.

21. The method according to Claim 13 wherein the compound is: tert-Butyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide tert-Butyl (6R,7R)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide tert-Butyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide

Methyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

Benzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide 3,4- and 2,3-Dimethylbenzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxyr3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

4-Nitrobenzyl (6R,7S)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephern-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide 3,4-Dichlorobenzyl (lRS,6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate

1 -oxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7R)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate-

1,1 -dioxide 4-Iodobenzyl-(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide

3-Iodo-4-methylbenzyl -(6R,7S)-7-methoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4- carboxy late- 1,1 -dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl -(6R,7S)-7-[2-hydroxyethoxy]-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

1,1 -dioxide 3 ,4-Dichlorobenzyl -(6R,7S)-7-ethoxy-3-acetoxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide

3 ,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-bromomethyl-7-methoxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylate- 1,1- dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-phenylsulfonylmethyl -7-methoxy-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1,1 -dioxide

3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-[(l-methyltetrazole)-5-thio]methyl -7-methoxy-3- cephem-4-carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide 3,4-Dichlorobenzyl-(6R,7S)-3-[(l,2,3-triazole)-4-thiomethyl] -7-methoxy-3-cephem-4- carboxylate- 1 , 1 -dioxide

22. A method for the treatment of diseases or disorders associated with excessive IL-lb convertase activity, in a mammal in need thereof, which method comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of the formula:

wherein Rl is hydrogen, an optionally substituted alkoxy or halogen; R2 is ORa;

R_a is Ci-4alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl Ci-4alkyl;

R3 is hydrogen, -OC(O)R5, S(O)_n R6, or bromine; provided that when R3 is hydrogen, R4 is other than hydrogen, and provided that only one of R3 and R4 can be bromine;

R4 is hydrogen; R5 is Ci-6 alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl; R6 is optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; m is an integer having a value of 1 or 2; n is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 or 2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

23. A method of blocking or decresing the production of IL-lb and/or TNF, in a mammal in need of such treatment, which method comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of the formula:

wherein Ri is hydrogen, an optionally substituted alkoxy or halogen;

R2 is OR_a;

R_a is Ci-4alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl Ci-4alkyl;

R3 is hydrogen, -OC(O)R5, S(O)_n R6_> or bromine; provided that when R3 is hydrogen, R4 is other than hydrogen, and that only one of R3 and R4 can be bromine; R4 is hydrogen;

R5 is Cl-6 alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl; R is optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; m is an integer having a value of 1 or 2; n is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 or 2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.