WO2008138591A2

WO2008138591A2 - Bicyclic and heterobicyclic derivatives,processes for preparing them and their uses

Info

Publication number: WO2008138591A2
Application number: PCT/EP2008/003838
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard John Davenport; Andrew James Ratcliffe; Mark William Jones
Original assignee: Ucb Pharma, S.A.
Priority date: 2007-05-14
Filing date: 2008-05-13
Publication date: 2008-11-20
Also published as: WO2008138591A3

Abstract

The present invention concerns bicyclic and heterobicyclic derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals.

Description

BICYCLIC AND HETEROBICYCLIC DERIVATIVES, PROCESSES FOR PREPARING THEM AND THEIR USES

The present invention concerns bicyclic and heterocyclic derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals.

The integrin α4 is predominantly expressed on eosinophils, T and B lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils. It binds primarily to the vascular cell surface adhesion molecule VCAM-1 that is expressed on endothelium in response to inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1 and selectively IL-4 and IL-13), extracellular matrix protein fibronectin and a cell surface adhesion molecule MAdCAM-1 that is expressed preferentially in the gastrointestinal track.

Because α4 is not expressed on circulating neutrophils, which are the first defence against infection, it is a target for the pharmacological control of inflammatory diseases. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated an important role of α4 in cell adhesion mediated inflammatory pathologies and that blocking its function is beneficial. Diseases include asthma, multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or inflammatory bowel diseases. α4 is also expressed on leukemic cells that show increased survival through binding to fibronectin expressed on bone marrow stormal cells. Blocking this interaction in the presence of chemotherapy is beneficial in preventing relapse of acute myelogenous leukemia. oc4 and VCAM-1 have also been identified in smooth muscle cells from intimal atherosclerotic thickening of adult aorta. Blocking this interaction is beneficial in preventing smooth muscle differentiation and atherosclerosis.

The interaction of α4 on inflammatory cells with fibronectin has also been shown to increase chronic allograft failure. Blocking this interaction is beneficial in supporting transplant survival. α4-has also been related to cancers (including cancers, whether solid or haematopoietic) but not limited to, lung e.g. non-small cell lung, pancreatic, prostate, renal, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, mammary carcinoma, endometrial, bladder, malignant melanoma, seminomas, thyroid, acute myelogenous leukaemia and gastric cancer.

Linus S. Lin et al. (Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, vol. 14, n⁰ 9, 2004, pp 2331-2334) describes some benzoxazole and benzimidazole derivatives, and in particular benzoxazol-5-yl propionic acid derivatives, as VLA-4 antagonist. We have now found some bicyclic and heterobicyclic compounds that are potent inhibitors of α4 integrins.

In one aspect, the invention therefore provides a compound having formula I, its enantiomers, diastereoisomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,

formula I wherein: Y is O, S or NR;

X is CH or N;

R is C-|_6 alkyl or hydrogen;

R¹ is chlorine or methoxy;

R2 is chlorine or methoxy; Y¹ is CH, N, CR³, CR¹⁰ Or CR¹⁷;

Y² is CH, N, CR³, CR¹⁰ or CR¹⁷;

Y³ is CH, N, CR³, CR¹⁰ or CR¹⁷;

Y⁴ is CH, N, CR³, CR¹ ° or CR¹⁷;

Y⁵ is CH, N, CR³, CR¹⁰ or CR¹⁷; R³ is R⁴ Or -Gi R⁵;

G₁ is -0-, -C(O)-, -S-, -S=O₁ -S(O)₂-, C(O)N(RS)-, -N(R⁷JC(O)- , -N(RS)S(O)₂-, -N(R9)-_; n is O to 3;

R⁴ is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.-10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C^ _g dialkylamino, C6_io aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C₂-6 alkenyl; or is halogen; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-|_g alkyl; or is C6_io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-μg alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C-j.g alkyloxy, C-|_g alkylsulfides, Ci_g alkylsulfones, C«|_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-μg alkyl, halogen; or is Cβ_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_g alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-|_g alkylamino, C-|_g dialkylamino, C-|_6 alkyloxy, C<|_g alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C-₎ .5 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C<|_6 alkyl, halogen, C-|_g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is hydroxyl; or is carboxylic acid; or is cyano; or is nitro; R^ is hydrogen; or is C-|.β alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C<|_g alkylamino, C-|_g dialkylamino, Cg_irj aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C^ .5 alkyl; or is C6_io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-] .5 alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, Ci_g alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|_g alkyl, halogen; or is Cg.10 heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C^.g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C«|_6 alkyloxy, Ci_g alkylsulfides,

C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C<|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_6 alkyl, halogen, C-|_g alkylamino, C-]. g dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R6 is hydrogen; or is C-|.g alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C«|_g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, Cg.^rj aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, Ci_g alkyl; or is Cg.10 aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-μg alkylamino, C-|.g dialkylamino, C-|.g alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C-₎. g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, Ci_g alkyl, halogen; or is C6_i o heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-j.g alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-|_g alkylamino, C-|_g dialkylamino, Ci_g alkyloxy, C-|_g alkylsulfides, Ci_6 alkylsulfones, C<|_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-J _6 alkyl, halogen, C-μρ alkylamino, C<|.g dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R⁷ is hydrogen; or is C<|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, Cβ-io ^ary'. cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is Cs. -jo aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-|_g alkylamino,

C-|_6 dialkylamino, C-|_6 alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|_g alkyl, halogen; or is Cg-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μg alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, Ci_g alkylamino, C<|_g dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C-|_g alkylsulfides, C-] _6 alkylsulfones, C<|_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_6 alkyl, halogen, C<\ .Q alkylamino, C-] _g dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R^ is hydrogen; or is C<|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|_g alkylamino, C-μβ dialkylamino, Cg-io ^ary'. cyano, nitro; or is C3.-10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is Cg-io ^ary' optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-μg alkylamino,

C-|.g alkylsulfones, C-|.g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-| ,g alkyl, halogen, C-|_g alkylamino, Ci_g dialkylamino, C3-10 cycloalkyl; R^ is hydrogen; or is C-|.g alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|.g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, Cg_io ary'. cyano, nitro; or is C3-10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-_|.g alkyl; or is C5_<io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-μg alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C-|_g alkyloxy, C<|_g alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|_g alkyl, halogen; or is C6_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-|_g alkylamino, C<|_g dialkylamino, C-|_g alkyloxy, C<|_g alkylsulfides, C-|.6 alkylsulfones, C<|_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-j.6 alkyl, halogen, C-|_g alkylamino, C<|_g dialkylamino, C3.-10 cycloalkyl;

R1O is R1 1 Or -G₂R¹²; G₂ is -O-, -C(O)-, -S-, -S=O, -S(O)₂-, C(O)N(R¹3)-, -N(R¹⁴JC(O)- , -N(R¹S)S(O)₂-, - N(R¹6)-; m is O to 3;

R^{1 1} is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, 05.10 ^ary'- cyano, nitro; or is C₂_6 alkenyl; or is halogen; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is Cβ-io ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-μg alkylamino, C-] _e dialkylamino, C-|_g alkyloxy, Ci_g alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C<\ .Q alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, Ci_g alkyl, halogen; or is Cø-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C<|_6 alkyl, C₂_6 alkenyl, halogen, C<|_6 alkylamino, C-μø dialkylamino, C<|_6 alkyloxy, C-j.g alkylsulfides, Ci_6 alkylsulfones, C^g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_6 alkyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C^ .Q dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is hydroxyl; or is carboxylic acid; or is cyano; or is nitro; R¹² is hydrogen; or is C<|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|.g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, Cg_io aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-|.g alkyl; or is C6-10 aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C1.5 alkyloxy, C-μø alkylsulfides, C-_|_6 alkylsulfones, C-μρ alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|_6 alkyl, halogen; or is Cβ-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-) .5 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, C<\ .Q alkyloxy, C-|_6 alkylsulfides, C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C-] _β alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_5 alkyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R13 js hydrogen; or is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, Ci_β dialkylamino, C5.10 aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μρ alkyl; or is C6_io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-μ_β alkylamino,

C-|_6 dialkylamino, C-|_6 alkyloxy, Ci_β alkylsulfides, C-μβ alkylsulfones, C-|.g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-μg alkyl, halogen; or is Cβ-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-j.g alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-_j.ρ alkylamino, C-μ_β dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C-|_6 alkylsulfides,

C-|_5 alkylsulfones, C-] _ρ alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_6 alkyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C3.-10 cycloalkyl;

R14 is hydrogen; or is C<|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-μβ dialkylamino, Cg.^rj aryl. cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, Ci_6 alkyl; or is Cβ-io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-|_6 alkylamino,

C<|_6 dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C-|_6 alkylsulfides, C-μβ alkylsulfones, C-|.6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C<|_6 alkyl, halogen; or is C5.10 heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C<\.Q alkylamino, C-|.β dialkylamino, C-|_6 alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C<|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C<|.6 alkyl, halogen, C<|_6 alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C3.-10 cycloalkyl;

R^ is hydrogen; or is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, Cβ-io aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C<|_6 alkyl; or is 05.-10 ^ary! optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, Ci_ρ alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C-|_6 alkyloxy, C-|.g alkylsulfides, C-\.Q alkylsulfones, C-|._β alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|_6 alkyl, halogen; or is C6_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-j.g alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-) .Q alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C-] _6 alkyloxy, C-|_6 alkylsulfides, C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C<|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_6 alkyl, halogen, C<\ .Q alkylamino, C-μβ dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl; R¹⁶ is hydrogen; or is C-] .β alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C^.Q alkylamino, C-μs dialkylamino, 05.10 aryl. cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-₎.5 alkyl; or is C5.10 aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-] .5 alkylamino, C-| _5 dialkylamino, C-|_6 alkyloxy, C-|_6 alkylsulfides, C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C-] _Q alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C<\.Q alkyl, halogen; or is Cg.10 heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μg alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-μρ alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, Ci .Q alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides,

C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-| _g alkyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

Ri7 ^js Ri8 _Or -G₃R¹⁹;

G₃ is -O-, -C(O)-, -S-, -S=O, -S(O)₂-, C(O)N(R20)_, -N(R21 )C(O)- , -N(R22)_S(O)₂-, - N(R23)-; o is 0 to 3;

R¹S is C-| _6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.-10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-] .Q dialkylamino, C5.10 aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C₂-6 alkenyl; or is halogen; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-|_6 alkyl; or is 05.10 aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C1.5 alkylamino, Ci_6 dialkylamino, Ci_6 alkyloxy, Ci_g alkylsulfides, Ci_6 alkylsulfones, Ci_β alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, Ci_e alkyl, halogen; or is Cs. -|o heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C 1.5 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C<_|_g alkylamino, C-|_g dialkylamino, C-j_g alkyloxy, C<_|_g alkylsulfides, Ci_6 alkylsulfones, C-|_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C<|_6 alkyl, halogen, C-] _g alkylamino, C-1.5 dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is hydroxyl; or is carboxylic acid; or is cyano; or is nitro; R19 is hydrogen; or is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C<|_g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, 05.-10 ^ary'_> cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is Cg-io ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-μg alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C^_g alkylsulfides, C-|_g alkylsulfones, C^g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-j.g alkyl, halogen; or is Cg_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μg alkyl, C2-g alkenyl, halogen, C-|.g alkylamino, C-|_g dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C-|.g alkylsulfides,

C-|.g alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from Ci_g alkyl, halogen, C-|.g alkylamino, C-|.g dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R20 is hydrogen; or is C-|.g alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|.g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, Cg. -J Q ary'. cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, Ci_g alkyl; or is Cg_io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, Ci_g alkylamino,

C-). g dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, Ci_g alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|.g alkyl, halogen; or is Cg_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|.g alkyl, C2-g alkenyl, halogen, C-|.g alkylamino, C-|.g dialkylamino, C-|.g alkyloxy, C-_j.g alkylsulfides,

C-j.g alkylsulfones, Ci_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|.g alkyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-|.g dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R21 is hydrogen; or is C-|.g alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C1.5 dialkylamino, Cg-io ^ary'. cyano, nitro; or is C3.-10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is Cβ-io ^ary' optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-j.5 alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C^.5 alkyloxy, Ci_6 alkylsulfides, C<|_6 alkylsulfones, C-μs alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|_6 alkyl, halogen; or is C6_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μs alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C<|_6 alkylamino, C-|.ø dialkylamino, C-μ_β alkyloxy, C-μβ alkylsulfides, C-|.6 alkylsulfones, C<\ .Q alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_6 alkyl, halogen, C<|_6 alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R22 js hydrogen; or is C-j. β alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C<|_ø alkylamino, C-μ_β dialkylamino, Cβ_io aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.-J0 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C1.5 alkyl; or is C6_io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-|_6 alkylamino,

C-|_6 dialkylamino, C<|_6 alkyloxy, C-μρ alkylsulfides, C-] __β alkylsulfones, Ci_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C1.5 alkyl, halogen; or is Cβ-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-j.β alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C<|_6 alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C-|.6 alkyloxy, C<|_6 alkylsulfides,

C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C<|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C^«|_6 alkyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-μρ dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R23 J_S hydrogen; or is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-μβ dialkylamino, 05.-10 ^ary'- cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C<_|_6 alkyl; or is C5.10 aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-|_6 alkylamino,

C-| _6 dialkylamino, C-μβ alkyloxy, C-)_6 alkylsulfides, C-|.ρ alkylsulfones, C-μø alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C<|_6 alkyl, halogen; or is C6-10 heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_e alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-μβ dialkylamino, C-j.β alkyloxy, C^ .Q alkylsulfides,

C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C-|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.-10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_6 alkyl, halogen, C<|_6 alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl; except (S)-2-(2,6-Dichloro-benzoylamino)-3-[2-(2,6-dichloro-phenyl)-3H-benzimidazol-5- yl]-propionic acid.

In another aspect, the invention therefore provides a compound having formula Ia, and the configuration at the asymmetric carbon atom is in the "S" configuration or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,

formula Ia wherein: Y ₁ X ₁ R₁ R¹ , R², Y¹ ,Y², Y³, Y⁴, Y⁵, R³, R¹ °, R¹⁷ are as defined above; except (S)-2-(2,6-Dichloro-benzoylamino)-3-[2-(2,6-dichloro-phenyl)-3/-/-benzimidazol-5- yl]-propionic acid.

The term "C-|_6 alkyl", as used herein, represents saturated, monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having linear or branched moieties or combinations thereof and containing 1-6 carbon atoms. One methylene (-CH2-) group, of the alkyl, can be replaced by oxygen or sulfur. Alkyl moieties can be optionally substituted by halogen, C3.1 Q cycloalkyl, amino, C-|.β alkylamino, C-|.g dialkylamino, C5.10 ary'. cyano, nitro.

The term "C3-10 cycloalkyl", as used herein, refers to a monovalent or divalent group of 3 to 10 carbon atoms, derived from a saturated cyclic hydrocarbon. Cycloalkyl groups can be mono- or polycyclic. Cycloalkyl groups can be optionally substituted by halogen or C-μβ alkyl groups as defined above.

The term "C2-6 alkenyl", as used herein, represents a 2-6 carbon atom chain as defined above, having an unsaturated bond.

The term "cyano", as used herein, refers to a group of formula -CN. The term "nitro", as used herein, refers to a group of formula -NO2. The term "amino", as used herein, refers to a group of formula -NH2.

The term "carboxylic acid", as used herein, refers to a group of formula -COOH. The term "halogen", as used herein, refers to an atom of chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine. Usually halogen is chlorine. The term "methoxy", as used herein, refers to a group of formula -OCH3.

The term "hydroxyl", as used herein, refers to a group of formula -OH.

The term "Cβ-io ^ary'" ^{as use}d herein, refers to an organic moiety derived from an aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of a ring or multiple rings, containing 6 to 10 carbon atoms by removal of one hydrogen atom, which can optionally be substituted by amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-|_g dialkylamino, C-j_g alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C-|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|. g alkyl, halogen.

The term "Cg _<ιo heteroaryl", as used herein refers to a 6 -10 member ring, containing at least one nitrogen atom interrupting the carbocyclic ring structure. The 6 member aromatic heterocycles can be optionally substituted by C-μg alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-|_g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C-|_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

The term "3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle", as used herein refers to a 3 to 10 ring member, containing one N or O heteroatom interrupting the carbocyclic ring structure. The 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle can be optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μg alkyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

The term " C-|_g alkyloxy", as used herein refers, to a refers to a group of formula -

OR^a, wherein R^a is a C-_|_g alkyl group as defined above.

The term " C<|_g alkylsulfides", as used herein refers to a group of formula -SR&, wherein R^ is a C-μg alkyl group as defined above.

The term " C-_j.g alkylsulfones", as used herein refers to a group of formula - S(=O)2R^C, wherein R^c is a C-μg alkyl group as defined above.

The term " C-μg alkylsulfoxides", as used herein refers to a group of formula - S^O)Rd, wherein R^ is a C-μg alkyl group as defined above. The term "C-|.g alkylamino", as used herein refers to a group of formula -NHRⁿ, wherein Rⁿ is a C-μg alkyl group as defined above.

The term "C-|.g dialkylamino", as used herein refers to a group of formula -NR'RJ, wherein R' is a C-|.g alkyl group as defined above and Rl is a C-|.g alkyl group as defined above. Generally X is CH or N. Usually X is CH. Generally Y is O, S or NR. Usually Y is O or S. Generally R is C₁ _6 alkyl or hydrogen.

Generally R-I is chlorine or methoxy. Usually R1 is chlorine. Generally R² is chlorine or methoxy. Usually R² is chlorine. Generally Y¹ is CH, N, CR³, CR¹⁰ or CR¹⁷. Usually Y¹ is CR³ or CR¹⁰.

Generally Y² is CH, N, CR³, CR¹⁰ or CR¹⁷. Usually Y² is CH. Generally Y³ is CH, N, CR³, CR¹⁰ or CR¹⁷. Usually Y³ is CH or N. Generally Y⁴ is CH, N, CR³, CR¹⁰ or CR¹⁷. Usually Y⁴ is CH. Generally Y⁵ is CH, N, CR³, CR¹⁰ or CR¹⁷. Usually Y⁵ is CR³ or CR¹⁰. Generally n is 0 to 3. Usually n is 1.

Generally R³ is R⁴ or -G₁ R^. Usually R³ is R⁴.

Generally G₁ is -O-, -C(O)-, -S-, -S=O, -S(O)₂-, C(O)N(R⁶)-, -N(R⁷)C(0)- , - N(RS)S(O)₂-, -N(R⁹)-.

Generally R⁴ is C-j_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, ^3-10 cycloalkyl, amino, C₁.5 alkylamino, C₁.5 dialkylamino, Cø.-to ^ary'. cyano, nitro; or is C₂_6 alkenyl; or is halogen; or is C3.-1Q cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C₁. Q alkyl; or is C6--10 ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C₁.5 alkylamino, C-\ .Q dialkylamino, C₁^ alkyloxy, C-\ .Q alkylsulfides, C-\.Q alkylsulfones, C₁^ alkylsulfoxides, C3.-10 cycloalkyl, C₁^ alkyl, halogen; or is C6_-|o heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μø alkyl, C₂_s alkenyl, halogen, C₁^ alkylamino, C₁. Q dialkylamino, C₁ _6 alkyloxy, C₁.6 alkylsulfides, C-i_6 alkylsulfones,

cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C₁^ alkyl, halogen, C<|_6 alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, C3.-10 cycloalkyl; or is hydroxyl; or is carboxylic acid; or is cyano; or is nitro.

Usually R⁴ is halogen.

Generally R^ is hydrogen; or is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.-]o cycloalkyl, amino, C₁.5 alkylamino, C₁. Q dialkylamino, C6--IQ aryl. cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-\ .Q alkyl; or is Cβ-io ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-μg alkylamino, C-_] .5 dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C<|_g alkylsulfides, C-_|_g alkylsulfones, C-1.5 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|_g alkyl, halogen; or is C5.10 heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C<|_6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C<|_g dialkylamino, C<|_g alkyloxy, C-|_g alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C<|_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-j.g alkyl, halogen, C^ .5 alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

Generally R^ is hydrogen; or is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-μg alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, Cβ-io ^ary'. cyano, nitro; or is C3.-10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C<_|_g alkyl; or is Cg.10 ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C<|_g alkylamino,

C<| _6 dialkylamino, C<|_6 alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-i_g alkyl, halogen; or is Cg-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-] .5 alkyl,

C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-] _g dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C-] .5 alkylsulfides, C-|_g alkylsulfones, C-|. Q alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C<|_6 alkyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C^g dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

Generally R⁷ is hydrogen; or is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-μg alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, Cg-io ^ary'_> cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is Cg-10 ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, Ci_g alkylamino, C-j.g dialkylamino, C-|.g alkyloxy, C-|.g alkylsulfides, C-_|.g alkylsulfones, C-j. g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-i_g alkyl, halogen; or is Cg.10 heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|.g alkyl, C2-6 ^a'kenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-|.g dialkylamino, C-i_g alkyloxy, C-|.g alkylsulfides, C-) _g alkylsulfones, C-|.g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|.g alkyl, halogen, C-|.g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl. Generally R^ is hydrogen; or is C-| .6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, Ci_6 alkylamino, C-μρ dialkylamino, C6_I Q aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C^ _Q alkyl; or is C6_io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C1-6 dialkylamino, C^.g alkyloxy, C-\ .Q alkylsulfides, C<|_6 alkylsulfones, C-i_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C<\ .Q alkyl, halogen; or is Cø.-|o heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μρ alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-μρ dialkylamino, C<|_6 alkyloxy, C-).5 alkylsulfides, C-). Q alkylsulfones, C-|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μρ alkyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, Ci_ρ dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

Generally R^ is hydrogen; or is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-μρ alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, Cg.10 aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μβ alkyl; or is Cρ_<ιo aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-_|_ Q alkylamino, C-| . g dialkylamino, C-μø alkyloxy, C-μβ alkylsulfides, C<|_6 alkylsulfones, C-|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|.6 alkyl, halogen; or is Cβ-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μρ alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C^ _Q alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C1.5 alkyloxy, C-|_6 alkylsulfides, C<\ .Q alkylsulfones, C-μρ alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_6 alkyl, halogen, C-μρ alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

Generally R¹ ° is R^{1 1} or -G₂R¹². Usually R¹ ° is R^{1 1}.

Generally G₂ is -O-, -C(O)-, -S-, -S=O, -S(O)₂-, C(O)N(R¹³)-, -N(R¹⁴JC(O)- , - N(R¹⁵JS(O)₂-, -N(R¹⁶)-. Generally m is O to 3. Usually m is 1.

Generally R^{1 1} is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-i.ρ alkylamino, C-j.g dialkylamino, C6_io aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C₂_6 alkenyl; or is halogen; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-|_6 alkyl; or is Cβ-io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C<|_g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C<_|_g alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, Ci_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.-10 cycloalkyl, C<|_g alkyl, halogen; or is Cβ-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_g alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C<|_g alkyloxy, C<|_g alkylsulfides, C-] _g alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μg alkyl, halogen, C-|_g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is hydroxyl; or is carboxylic acid; or is cyano; or is nitro. Usually R^{1 1} is halogen.

Generally R12 j$ hydrogen; or is C-|_5 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|_g alkylamino, C-] .5 dialkylamino, Cg_<io aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is C6_io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-|_g alkylamino,

C-|_6 dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C-] _g alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C-j.g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, Ci.g alkyl, halogen; or is Cg_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-_|.g alkyl,

C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-j.g alkylamino, C-j.g dialkylamino, C-|.g alkyloxy, C-|.g alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C-|.g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-j.g alkyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

Generally R13 is hydrogen; or is C-| _g alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-j.g alkylamino, C-|.g dialkylamino, Cg_io aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is Cg.10 aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-|.g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C-|.g alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, C-₎.g alkylsulfones, C-_j.g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|.g alkyl, halogen; or is Cβ-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_g alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C1.5 dialkylamino, C-j.g alkyloxy, C-) .5 alkylsulfides, C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C1.5 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_g alkyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, C<|_g dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

Generally R^ is hydrogen; or is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-j_g alkylamino, C-|_g dialkylamino, 05.10 aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is CQ.<\ Q aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-|_g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C<\ .Q alkylsulfides, C-|_g alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.-10 cycloalkyl, C<|_g alkyl, halogen; or is C6-10 heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-j.g alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-j.g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C-|_g alkyloxy, C-|_g alkylsulfides, C-].5 alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.-10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μg alkyl, halogen, C<|_g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

Generally R^ j_s hydrogen; or is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, Ci_g alkylamino, C-|_g dialkylamino, Cg_io aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-j.g alkyl; or is Cβ-io ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-μg alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C<|_6 alkyloxy, C^g alkylsulfides, C«|_g alkylsulfones, C-|.g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|.g alkyl, halogen; or is Cg.10 heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-_|.g alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-|.g dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C-|.g alkylsulfides, C-|.g alkylsulfones, C-|.g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μg alkyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

Generally R¹6 is hydrogen; or is C-j _g alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-^g alkylamino, C^g dialkylamino, Cg.10 aryl. cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-] _g alkyl; or is Cβ-10 ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-μg alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, C>\ _Q alkyloxy, C-|_g alkylsulfides, C-_|_g alkylsulfones, C-|_g alkylsulfoxides, C₃_<|rj cycloalkyl, C-|_g alkyl, halogen; or is Cβ-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C1.5 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-j.g dialkylamino, C-_|_g alkyloxy, C-i_g alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C-|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_g alkyl, halogen, C<|_6 alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

Generally R¹⁷ is R¹⁸ or -G₃R¹⁹.

Generally G₃ is -O-, -C(O)-, -S-, -S=O, -S(O)₂-, C(O)N(R²O)-, -N(R21 )C(O)- , - N(R²²JS(O)₂-, -N(R²³)-.

Generally o is O to 3. Usually o is O. Generally R¹⁸ is C-|_g alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen,

C₃.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|_g alkylamino, C-|_g dialkylamino, Cg_io ^ary'. cyano, nitro; or is C₂_g alkenyl; or is halogen; or is C₃_io cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is C6_io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-μg alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, C-|_g alkyloxy, C<|_g alkylsulfides, C-|.g alkylsulfones, Ci_g alkylsulfoxides, C₃_<ιo cycloalkyl, C-|.g alkyl, halogen; or is Cg_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μg alkyl, C₂.g alkenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-|.g dialkylamino, C-j.g alkyloxy, C-|.g alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C-|.g alkylsulfoxides, C₃.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|.g alkyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-|.g dialkylamino, C₃.10 cycloalkyl; or is hydroxyl; or is carboxylic acid; or is cyano; or is nitro.

Generally R¹9 is hydrogen; or is C-| _g alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C₃_I Q cycloalkyl, amino, C-μg alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, Cg_irj ^aryl- cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alky!; or is Cβ-io ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-μg alkylamino, C-^g dialkylamino, C-|_g alkyloxy, Ci_g alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C<\ .Q alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|_g alkyl, halogen; or is C6_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_ 6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, C<|_g dialkylamino, C-j.5 alkyloxy, C-|_ 6 alkylsulfides, C1.5 alkylsulfones, C-|_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|.g alkyl, halogen, C-|_g alkylamino, C-j.g dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

Generally R²^ is hydrogen; or is C<|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|.g alkylamino, C-|_g dialkylamino, Cg_io aryl. cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is Cg-io ^ary! optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-] _g alkylamino, C-|_g dialkylamino, C-) _g alkyloxy, C<|_g alkylsulfides, C-j.g alkylsulfones, C-|_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-μg alkyl, halogen; or is Cg_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-] _g alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C<|_g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C-|_6 alkyloxy, Ci_g alkylsulfides, C-] _g alkylsulfones, Ci_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_g alkyl, halogen, C-|_g alkylamino, C-|.g dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

Generally R^ 1 is hydrogen; or is C-|.g alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-μg alkylamino, C^ .g dialkylamino, Cg-io ^a|Υl. cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-|.g alkyl; or is Cg_io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-μg alkylamino, C^.g dialkylamino, C<\ _Q alkyloxy, C-|.g alkylsulfides, C-|.g alkylsulfones, C-i_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|.g alkyl, halogen; or is Cg.10 heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-j.g alkyl, C2-g alkenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-|. g dialkylamino, C-|.g alkyloxy, C-|.g alkylsulfides, C-|.g alkylsulfones, Ci_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C<|_β alkyl, halogen, C-|.β alkylamino, C-μs dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

Generally R^2 is hydrogen; or is C-|.β alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-μg alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, Cβ-io ^aιΥ'. cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μβ alkyl; or is C6_io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-μρ dialkylamino, C-|_6 alkyloxy, C<|_6 alkylsulfides, C-|.g alkylsulfones, C-μø alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C<|_6 alkyl, halogen; or is 05.10 heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-μø alkylamino, C<\ .Q dialkylamino, C<|_6 alkyloxy, Ci_6 alkylsulfides, C-μβ alkylsulfones, C<|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μβ alkyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

Generally R²³ is hydrogen; or is C<|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-μβ alkylamino, C-j.0 dialkylamino, Cβ-io ^ary'. cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-] .5 alkyl; or is Cβ-io ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-μg alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C<|_6 alkyloxy, C-|.g alkylsulfides, C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C-|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C1-6 alkyl, halogen; or is Cø.10 heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-μø alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C<|_6 alkyloxy, C-).5 alkylsulfides, C<\ _Q alkylsulfones, C<|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C^.Q alkyl, halogen, C<\.Q alkylamino, C-μe dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention X is CH; and Y is O or S; and R¹ is halogen; and R^ is halogen; and n is 1 ; and R^ is halogen; and m is 1 ; and R-O is halogen; and Y¹ is CR³ or CR¹⁰; and Y² is CH and Y³ is CH or N; and Y⁴ is CH; and Y⁵ is CR³ or CR¹⁰.

Compounds of the invention are:

2-(2,6-Dichloro-benzoylamino)-3-[2-(2,6-dichloro-phenyl)-benzoxazol-6-yl]- propionic acid; 3-[2-(2,6-Dichloro-phenyl)-benzoxazol-6-yl]-2-[(3,5-dichloro-pyridine-4-carbonyl)- amino]-propionic acid;

2-(2,6-Dichloro-benzoylamino)-3-[2-(2,6-dichloro-phenyl)-benzothiazol-6-yl]- propionic acid; 3-[2-(2,6-Dichloro-phenyl)-benzothiazol-6-yl]-2-[(3,5-dichloro-pyridine-4-carbonyl)- amino]-propionic acid.

Compounds of formula I and some of their intermediates have at least one stereogenic centre in their structure. This stereogenic centre may be present in R or S configuration, said R and S notation is used in correspondence with the rules described in Pure Appl. Chem. (1976), 45, 11-30.

In all the above-mentioned scopes, the asymmetric carbon atom, is preferably in the "S" configuration.

The "pharmaceutically acceptable salts" according to the invention include therapeutically active, non-toxic base and acid salt forms which the compounds of formula I are able to form.

The acid addition salt form of a compound of formula I that occurs in its free form as a base can be obtained by treating the free base with an appropriate acid such as an inorganic acid, for example, a hydrohalic such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric and the like; or an organic acid, such as, for example, acetic, hydroxyacetic, propanoic, lactic, pyruvic, malonic, succinic, maleic, fumaric, malic, tartaric, citric, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, p-toluenesulfonic, cyclamic, salicylic, p- aminosalicylic, pamoic, formic and the like (Handbook of Pharmaceutical Salts, P. Heinrich Stahl & Camille G. Wermuth (Eds), Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta - Zurich, 2002, 329- 345). The compounds of formula I containing acidic protons may be converted into their therapeutically active, non-toxic base addition salt forms, e.g. metal or amine salts, by treatment with appropriate organic and inorganic bases. Appropriate base salt forms include, for example, ammonium salts, alkali and earth alkaline metal salts, e.g. lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium salts and the like, salts with organic bases, e.g. N-methyl-D-glucamine salts, and salts with amino acids such as, for example, arginine, lysine and the like (Handbook of Pharmaceutical Salts, P. Heinrich Stahl & Camille G. Wermuth (Eds), Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta - Zurich, 2002, 329-345). Conversely said salt forms can be converted into the free forms by treatment with an appropriate base or acid. Compounds of formula I and their salts can be in the form of a solvate, which is included within the scope of the present invention. Such solvates include for example hydrates, alcoholates and the like.

The invention also relates to all stereoisomeric forms such as enantiomeric and diastereoisomeric forms of the compounds of formula I or mixtures thereof (including all possible mixtures of stereoisomers).

Some of the compounds of formula I may also exist in tautomeric forms. Such forms although not explicitly indicated in the above formula are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. With respect to the present invention reference to a compound or compounds, is intended to encompass that compound in each of its possible isomeric forms and mixtures thereof unless the particular isomeric form is referred to specifically.

Compounds according to the present invention may exist in different polymorphic forms. Although not explicitly indicated in the above formula, such forms are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention concerns also processes for preparing the compounds of formula I.

When compounds of formula I present one stereogenic centre, and that non- stereoselective methods of synthesis are used, resolution of the mixture of stereoisomers can best be effected in one or several steps, involving generally sequential separation of mixtures of diastereomers into their constituting racemates, using preferably chromatographic separations on achiral or chiral phase in reversed or preferably in direct mode, followed by at least one ultimate step of resolution of each racemate into its enantiomers, using most preferably chromatographic separation on chiral phase in reversed or preferably in direct mode. Alternatively, when partly stereoselective methods of synthesis are used, the ultimate step may be a separation of diastereomers using preferably chromatographic separations on achiral or chiral phase in reversed or preferably in direct mode.

It has now been found that compounds of formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are useful in a variety of pharmaceutical indications.

For example, the compounds according to the invention are useful for the treatment of asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, food allergy, inflammatory skin disorders including dermatitis, psoriasis, urticaria, pruritus and eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders, acute myelogenous leukaemia, transplantation and atherosclerosis, transplant rejection, α4-related cancers such as lung e.g. non-small cell lung, pancreatic, prostate, renal, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, mammary carcinoma, endometrial, bladder, malignant melanoma, seminomas, thyroid, acute myelogenous leukaemia and gastric cancer. Thus, the present invention, in a further aspect, concerns the use of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of disorders such as mentioned above.

In particular, the present invention concerns the use of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of α4 dependent inflammatory or medical conditions such as for example asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, food allergy, inflammatory skin disorders including dermatitis, psoriasis, urticaria, pruritus and eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders, acute myelogenous leukaemia, transplantation and atherosclerosis, transplant rejection, α4-related cancers such as lung e.g. non-small cell lung, pancreatic, prostate, renal, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, mammary carcinoma, endometrial, bladder, malignant melanoma, seminomas, thyroid, acute myelogenous leukaemia and gastric cancer.

The compounds of the invention are useful for treating conditions mediated by adhesion mechanisms. These conditions include asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, food allergy, inflammatory skin disorders including dermatitis, psoriasis, urticaria, pruritus and eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders, acute myelogenous leukaemia, transplantation and atherosclerosis, transplant rejection, α4-related cancers such as lung e.g. non-small cell lung, pancreatic, prostate, renal, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, mammary carcinoma, endometrial, bladder, malignant melanoma, seminomas, thyroid, acute myelogenous leukaemia and gastric cancer.

Subjects in need of treatment for a α4 dependent inflammatory or medical condition, asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, food allergy, inflammatory skin disorders including dermatitis, psoriasis, urticaria, pruritus and eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders, acute myelogenous leukaemia, transplantation and atherosclerosis, transplant rejection, α4-related cancers such as lung e.g. non-small cell lung, pancreatic, prostate, renal, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, mammary carcinoma, endometrial, bladder, malignant melanoma, seminomas, thyroid, acute myelogenous leukaemia and gastric cancer, can be treated by administering to the patient an effective amount of one or more of the above-identified compounds or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or salt thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent to reduce formation of oxygen radicals. The active materials can be administered by any appropriate route, for example, orally, parenterally, intravenously, intradermally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly or topically, in liquid, cream, gel or solid form, via a buccal or nasal spray, or aerosol, a patch or suppositories. The invention further concerns the use of the compounds of formula I for the manufacture of a medicament for therapeutic application. In particular, the invention concerns the use of the compounds of formula I for the manufacture of a medicament useful for treating conditions in which there is likely to be a α4 dependent component. The invention concerns the use of the compound of formula I for the manufacture of a medicament useful for treating asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, food allergy, inflammatory skin disorders including dermatitis, psoriasis, urticaria, pruritus and eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders, acute myelogenous leukaemia, transplantation and atherosclerosis, transplant rejection, α4-related cancers such as lung e.g. non-small cell lung, pancreatic, prostate, renal, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, mammary carcinoma, endometrial, bladder, malignant melanoma, seminomas, thyroid, acute myelogenous leukaemia and gastric cancer.

The invention further concerns the compounds of formula I for use as medicaments. The invention concerns the compounds of formula I for use as a medicament for treating asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, food allergy, inflammatory skin disorders including dermatitis, psoriasis, urticaria, pruritus and eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders, acute myelogenous leukaemia, transplantation and atherosclerosis, transplant rejection, α4-related cancers such as lung e.g. non-small cell lung, pancreatic, prostate, renal, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, mammary carcinoma, endometrial, bladder, malignant melanoma, seminomas, thyroid, acute myelogenous leukaemia and gastric cancer.

The activity and properties of the active compounds, oral availability and stability in vitro or in vivo can vary significantly among the optical isomers of the disclosed compounds.

In a preferred embodiment, the active compound is administered in an enantiomerically enriched form, i.e., substantially in the form of one isomer. The present invention also concerns a method for treating α4 dependent inflammatory or medical condition (preferably asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, food allergy, inflammatory skin disorders including dermatitis, psoriasis, urticaria, pruritus and eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders, acute myelogenous leukaemia, transplantation and atherosclerosis, transplant rejection, α4-related cancers such as lung e.g. non-small cell lung, pancreatic, prostate, renal, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, mammary carcinoma, endometrial, bladder, malignant melanoma, seminomas, thyroid, acute myelogenous leukaemia and gastric cancer) in a mammal in need of such treatment, comprising administering a therapeutic dose of at least one compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a patient.

The methods of the invention comprise administration to a mammal (preferably human) suffering from above mentioned conditions or disorders, of a compound according to the invention in an amount sufficient to alleviate or prevent the disorder or condition. The compound is conveniently administered in any suitable unit dosage form, including but not limited to one containing 0.01 to 2000 mg, preferably 0.05 to 500 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage form.

The term "treatment" as used herein includes curative treatment and prophylactic treatment. The term "substantially" as used herein refers to a composition of equal or higher than 85% of one isomer, usually 90 % and preferably 95%.

By "curative" is meant efficacy in treating a current symptomatic episode of a disorder or condition.

By "prophylactic" is meant prevention of the occurrence or recurrence of a disorder or condition.

The compounds are of use in modulating cell adhesion and in particular are of use in the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases or disorders in which the extravasation of leukocytes plays a role and the invention extends to such a use and to the use of the compounds for the manufacture of a medicament for treating such diseases or disorders. Diseases or disorders of this type include inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis or polydermatomyositis, multiple sclerosis, transplantation, diabetes, inflammatory dermatoses such as psoriasis or dermatitis, asthma and inflammatory bowel disease.

One aspect of the invention includes methods for treating α4-related cancers (including cancers, whether solid or haematopoietic). Examples of such cancers include, but are not limited to, lung e.g. non-small cell lung, pancreatic, prostate, renal, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, mammary carcinoma, endometrial, bladder, malignant melanoma, seminomas, thyroid, acute myelogenous leukaemia and gastric cancer.

Results obtained with compounds of formula I are indicative of a strong pharmacological effect.

For treating diseases, compounds of formula I or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, may be employed at an effective daily dosage and administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition.

Therefore, another embodiment of the present invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.

To prepare a pharmaceutical composition according to the invention, one or more of the compounds of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is intimately admixed with a pharmaceutical diluent or carrier according to conventional pharmaceutical compounding techniques known to the skilled practitioner.

Suitable diluents and carriers may take a wide variety of forms depending on the desired route of administration, e.g., oral, rectal, or parenteral.

Pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds according to the invention can, for example, be administered orally or parenterally, i.e., intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously or intrathecal Iy.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for oral administration can be solids or liquids and can, for example, be in the form of tablets, pills, dragees, gelatine capsules, solutions, syrups, and the like. To this end the active ingredient may be mixed with an inert diluent or a non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carrier such as starch or lactose. Optionally, these pharmaceutical compositions can also contain a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatine, a disintegrant such as alginic acid, a lubricant such as magnesium stearate, a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide, a sweetener such as sucrose or saccharin, or colouring agents or a flavouring agent such as peppermint or methyl salicylate.

The invention also contemplates compositions which can release the active substance in a controlled manner. Pharmaceutical compositions which can be used for parenteral administration are in conventional form such as aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions generally contained in ampoules, disposable syringes, glass or plastics vials or infusion containers.

In addition to the active ingredient, these solutions or suspensions can optionally also contain a sterile diluent such as water for injection, a physiological saline solution, oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents, antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol, antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulphite, chelating agents such as ethylene diamine-tetra-acetic acid, buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates and agents for adjusting the osmolarity, such as sodium chloride or dextrose.

These pharmaceutical forms are prepared using methods which are routinely used by pharmacists.

The amount of active ingredient in the pharmaceutical compositions can fall within a wide range of concentrations and depends on a variety of factors such as the patient's sex, age, weight and medical condition, as well as on the method of administration. Thus the quantity of compound of formula I in compositions for oral administration is at least 0.5 % by weight and can be up to 80 % by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.

For the preferred oral compositions, the daily dosage is in the range 0.01 to 2000 milligrams (mg) of compounds of formula I.

In compositions for parenteral administration, the quantity of compound of formula I present is at least 0.5 % by weight and can be up to 33 % by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition. For the preferred parenteral compositions, the dosage unit is in the range 0.01 mg to 2000 mg of compounds of formula I.

The daily dose can fall within a wide range of dosage units of compound of formula I and is generally in the range 0.01 to 2000 mg. However, it should be understood that the specific doses could be adapted to particular cases depending on the individual requirements, at the physician's discretion.

The compounds of the invention may be co-administered with another therapeutic agent most likely from a different therapeutic area.

Co-administration in this context means the dosing either of components, which are formulated together as a single dosage form; or the administration of separately formulated agents at substantially the same time, or sequential dosing of a compound of the invention followed by a therapeutic agent of a different therapeutic area.

In this context suitable examples of therapeutic agents may include, but are not limited to, histamine H1 antagonists such as cetirizine, histamine H2 antagonists, histamine H3 antagonists, leukotriene antagonists, PDE4 inhibitors such as 3-cyclo- propylmethoxy-4-difluoromethoxy-Λ/-[3,5-di-chloropyrid-4-yl]-benzamide, muscarinic M3 antagonists, β₂ agonists, theophylline, sodium cromoglycate, anti-TNF antibodies such as certolizumab pegol or adalimumab, anti-IL6 antibodies, anti-IL17 antibodies, adhesion molecule inhibitors, inhibitors of cytokine synthesis such as P38 MAP kinase inhibitors and inhibitors of PI3 kinase, methotrexate.

The compounds of formula I according to the invention can be prepared analogously to conventional methods as understood by the person skilled in the art of synthetic organic chemistry.

The following processes description sets forth certain synthesis routes in an illustrative manner. Other alternative and/or analogous methods will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art.

Most compounds of formula I may be prepared for example, according to the following scheme:

"*" point of attachment

Compounds of formula I can be prepared according to scheme 1 , starting with 2- Amino-5-methylbenzenethiol (RN 23451-96-9) coupled up with an acid chloride, in the presence of triethlylamine. The resulting amide is dehydrated under Dean-Stark conditions to yield the corresponding benzthiazole. In the case of the benzoxazole, this is formed by the condensation of 2-amino-5-methylphenol (RN 918779-57-4) with an aldehdye, followed by oxidation using DDQ. In both cases the methyl group is brominated using N- bromosuccinimide, followed by alkylation guided by the conditions of Corey et al. (JACS 1997, 119, 12415). The amino group is unmasked using acidic hydrolysis, followed by amide formation using an appropriate acid chloride and base. Finally the f-butyl ester is removed using Trifluoroacetic acid to yield the desired products. Compounds of formula Ia, can be prepared according to the general scheme 1, applying asymmetric alkylation conditions such as the ones described in Corey et al. (JACS 1997, 119, 12415).

The present invention also relates to synthetic intermediates geometrical isomers, enantiomers, diastereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and all possible mixtures thereof.

Specific synthetic intermediates are selected from the group consisting of: 2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-6-methyl-1 ,3-benzoxazole; 2,6-dichloro-N-(2-mercapto-4-methylphenyl)benzamide; 2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-6-methyl-1 ,3-benzothiazole; 6-(bromomethyl)-2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-1 ,3-benzothiazole.

The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended, nor should they be construed, as limiting the invention in any manner. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that routine variations and modifications of the following examples can be made without exceeding the spirit or scope of the invention. Unless specified otherwise in the examples, characterization of the compounds is performed according to (LCMS) liquid chromatography mass spectra, preparative liquid chromatography LC, NMR, and silica gel chromatography methods. NMR spectra are recorded on Bruker AV300 and DRX 400 spectrometers at 300 and 400 MHz respectively. Chromatographic separations are performed on Davis 5 μM silica gel.

The Waters mass spectrometers used are of model ZMD or ZQ both Waters.

Various reactions took place in an Emrys Optimiser microwave reactor.

The following abbreviations are used in the examples: CDCI3 - chloroform-d DCM - dichloromethane; DDQ - 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone DMSO - dimethyl sulphoxide d_β-DMSO - dimethyl- dρ sulphoxide EtOH - ethanol

EtOAc - ethyl acetate MgSθ4 - magnesium Sulfate

NaHCO3 - sodium hydrogen carbonate NBS - Λ/-bromosuccinimide

NaOH - sodium hydroxide Na2SO4 - sodium sulfate TBS - Tris buffered saline THF - tetrahydrofuran

RT - Retention time TEA - triethylamine

TFA - trifluoroacetic acid FACS - Fluorescent Activated Cell

Sorting LCMS_Prep LC conditions and abbreviations The following LCMS conditions are used to obtain the retention times (RT) as described herein: LCMS conditions (Method A):

HP1100 (Diode Array) linked to a Finnigan LC-Q Mass Spectrometer, ESI mode with Pos/Neg ionisation

Column: Luna C 18(2) 100χ4.6mm, 5μm particle size Analytical column

Column Temp: 35°C

Mobile Phase: A: Water + 0.08% formic acid

B: Acetonitrile + 0.08% formic acid Flow rate: 3ml/min

Gradient: Time (mins): % Composition B:

0 5

4.4 95 5.30 95 5.32 5

6.5 5 Run time: 6.5 mins

Typical Injection VoI: 10μl

Detector Wavelength: DAD 200-400nm Preparative LC conditions (Method B):

Gilson 215 liquid handler setup.

Column: Luna C18(2) 250x21.2mm, 5μM particle size prep column

Column Temp: Ambient

Gradient: Variable - depends on retention time of sample in LC-MS analysis. Run Time: 20 mins

Flow rate: 25ml/min

Typical Injection VoI: 0.5 - 4.0ml at 25mg/ml

Detector Wavelength :210 and 254nm

Mobile Phase: A: Water + 0.08% formic acid B: Acetonitrile + 0.08% formic acid

The IUPAC names of the compounds mentioned in the examples are generated with ACD version 6.00.

Unless specified otherwise in the examples, characterization of the compounds is performed according to the following methods: NMR spectra are recorded on a Bruker AV-300 or DRX-400 Spectrometers operating at 300.13 MHz or 400.13 MHz for protons, and running the Bruker XWINNMR software package. Spectra are acquired at room temperature unless otherwise stated. Chemical shifts are given in ppm referenced either to internal TMS or to the residual solvent signal.

Synthetic examples

Example 1: Synthesis of 2-(2.6-dichlorophenyl)-6-methyl-1.3-benzoxazole

(Intermediate 1)

To 2-amino-5-methylphenol (2g, 16.24mmol) (CAS No 2835-98-5) in EtOH (50ml) is added 2,6-dichlorobenzaldehyde (2.84g, 16.24mmol) (CAS No 83-38-5) followed by acetic acid (50OuI) at room temperature. The reaction is stirred at reflux under N2 for 1 hour then allowed to cool to room temperature. The solvents are removed in vacuo and the residue taken up in anhydrous toluene (100ml) and 1 , 4-dioxan (10ml). The mixture is heated to 5O⁰C and DDQ (7.37g, 32.48mmol) (CAS No 84-58-2) charged to the mixture over 5 minutes. Heating is continued at reflux under N2 for 2 hours. The mixture is cooled, diluted with EtOAc (200ml) and washed with sat. NaHCθ3 solution. The organic layer is washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent removed in vacuo.

Purification of the crude compound by chromatography on silica eluting with 5% to 15%

EtOAc/heptane yields the title compound as a purple solid (2.18g). LCMS (Method A) 278.2 [M+H]⁺, RT 4.40mins. ¹HNMR 300MHz (d₆-DMSO) δ 2.49 (s, 3 H), 7.31 (dd, 1 H),

7.64-7.83 (m, 5 H).

Example 2: Synthesis of 2.6-dichloro-N-(2-mercapto-4-methylphenyl)benzamide

(Intermediate 2)

2-amino-5-methylbenzenethiol RN 23451-96-9 (3.7g), 2,6-dichlorobenzoylchloride (CAS No 4659-45-4, 5.5g), TEA (7.3ml) are stirred for 3hrs in DCM (20ml), before being diluted with EtOAC (100ml) and washed with aqueous NaHCθ3 (100ml), brine (100ml) and dried using MgSOφ Removal of the solvent yields the title compound as a yellow oil

(7.87g). (LCMS (Method A) M+1 (311 , 313). Retention Time 4.23min, ¹ H NMR 300 MHz (CDCI₃) δ 2.26 (s, 3H), 6.78 (d, 1H), 7.11 (dd, 1H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 7.29-7.43 (m, 3H). Example 3: Synthesis of 2-(2.6-dichlorophenyl)-6-methyl-1.3-benzothiazole (Intermediate 3)

Intermediate 2 (7.87g) and Tosic acid (0.2g) are taken up in Toluene (150ml) and heated at reflux under Dean-Stark conditions for 18hrs. On cooling the Toluene is removed in vacuo and the resulting slurry dissolved in EtOAc (150ml) and washed with aqueous NaHCθ3 (100ml), brine (100ml) and dried using MgSO^ Removal of the solvent yields the title compound as a yellow solid (7.32g). (LCMS (Method A) M+1 (294, 296), Retention Time 4.55min, ¹ H NMR 300 MHz (CDCI₃) δ 2.55 (s, 3H), 7.35-7.46 (m, 4H), 7.75 (s, 1H),

8.05 (s, 1H).

Example 4: Synthesis of 6-(bromomethyl)-2-(2.6-dichlorophenyl)-1.3-benzothiazole (Intermediate 4)

To Intermediate 3 (3.88g, 13.19mmol) in anhydrous 1 ,2-dichloroethane (60ml) is added NBS (2.35g, 13.19mmol) (CAS No 128-08-5) and benzoyl peroxide (456mg, 1.32mmol) (CAS No 94-36-0) and the mixture heated to 8O⁰C for 24 hours under N2. The mixture is cooled and the solvent removed in vacuo. Purification of the crude compound by chromatography on silica eluting with 1% to 10% EtOAc/heptane yields the title compound as an off white solid (1.92g). LCMS (Method A) 374.0 [M+HJ+, RT 4.57mins.

¹ HNMR 300MHz (CDCI₃) δ 4.67 (s, 2 H), 7.36-7.49 (m, 3 H), 7.58 (dd, 1 H), 8.01 (d, 1H),

8.14 (d, 1 H).

Example 5: Synthesis of ΛM3,5-dichlorobenzoyl)-3-r2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-1.3- benzoxazol-6-yll-alanine (Compound 1)

A mixture of Λ/-(diphenylmethylene)glycine tert-butyl ester (500mg, 1.693mmol) (CAS No 81477-94-3), O-allyl-Λ/-(9-anthracenylmethyl)cinchonidinium bromide (103mg, 0.169mmol) (CAS No 200132-54-3) and cesium hydroxide monohydrate (2.84g, 16.93mmol) (CAS No 35103-79-8) in DCM (15ml) is treated with a solution of 6- (bromomethyl)-2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-1 ,3-benzoxazole (RN 681215-93-0), (906mg, 2.54mmol) in DCM (10ml) at -78°C dropwise. After complete addition the mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 24 hours. To the reaction mixture is added amine derivatised silica gel (4g, 1.59mmol/g) and the mixture stirred for 30 minutes. The mixture is filtered to remove all solids, the filtrate placed on a rotary evaporator and the solvent removed in vacuo. The residue is dissolved in THF (20ml) and treated with 0.5M citric acid solution (20ml) for 90 minutes at room temperature. The solution is extracted into ether and washed with water; the aqueous layer is washed with ether and basified to pH8 with NaHCO₃. The aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc, the organic layer dried with Na2SO4 and the solvent removed in vacuo. A portion of the residue (108mg, 0.265mmol) in anhydrous THF (5ml) is treated with TEA (41 ul, 0.292mmol) and

2,6-dichlorobenzoyl chloride (4OuI, 0.279mmol) (CAS No 4659-45-4) for 20 hours at room temperature. The mixture is diluted with DCM and washed with saturated NaHCO₃ solution. The organic layer is dried with Na2SO4, filtered and the solvent removed in vacuo. The residue is dissolved in DCM (2ml) and treated with TFA (2ml) at room temperature for 24 hours. The solvents are removed in vacuo and purification of the crude compound by preparative HPLC (Method B) gives the title compound (78mg). LCMS (Method A) 525.0/527.0 [M+H]⁺, RT 3.60 mins. ¹ HNMR 300MHz (d₆-DMSO) δ 3.08 (dd,

1 H), 3.37 (dd, 1H), 4.79 (m, 1H), 7.34-7.48 (m, 4H), 7.68-7.85 (m, 5H), 9.13 (d, 1 H), 12.89 (br s, 1 H). Example 6: Synthesis of Λ/-(3.5-dichloroisonicotinoyl)-3-f2-(2.6-dichlorophenyl)-1.3- benzoxazol-6-yll-alanine (Compound 2)

A mixture of Λ/-(diphenylmethylene)glycine tert-butyl ester (500mg, 1.693mmol) (CAS No 81477-94-3), O-allyl-/V-(9-anthra∞nylmethyl)cinchonidinium bromide (103mg, 0.169mmol) (CAS No 200132-54-3) and cesium hydroxide monohydrate (2.84g, 16.93mmol) (CAS No 35103-79-8) in DCM (15ml) is treated with a solution of 6- (bromomethyl)-2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-1 ,3-benzoxazole RN 681215-93-0, (906mg, 2.54mmol) in DCM (10ml) at -78⁰C dropwise. After complete addition the mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 24 hours. To the reaction mixture is added amine derivatised silica gel (4g, 1.59mmol/g) and the mixture stirred for 30 minutes. The mixture is filtered to remove all solids, the filtrate placed on a rotary evaporator and the solvent removed in vacuo. The residue is dissolved in THF (20ml) and treated with 0.5M citric acid solution (20ml) for 90 minutes at room temperature. The solution is extracted into ether and washed with water; the aqueous layer is washed with ether and basified to pH8 with NaHCC^. The aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc, the organic layer dried with Na2SO4 and the solvent removed in vacuo. A portion of the residue

(108mg, 0.265mmol) in anhydrous THF (5ml) is treated with TEA (41 ul, 0.292mmol) and 2,6-dichloroisonicotinoyl chloride (58mg, 0.279mmol) (CAS No 229328-97-6) for 20 hours at room temperature. The mixture is diluted with DCM and washed with saturated NaHCθ3 solution. The organic layer is dried with Na2SO4, filtered and the solvent removed in vacuo. The residue is dissolved in DCM (2ml) and treated with TFA (2ml) at room temperature for 24 hours. The solvents are removed in vacuo and purification of the crude compound by preparative HPLC (Method B) gives the title compound (72mg). LCMS (Method A) 526.0/528.0 [M+H]⁺, RT 3.39 mins. ¹ HNMR 300MHz (d₆-DMSO) δ

3.08 (dd, 1H), 3.40 (dd, 1H), 4.84 (m, 1H), 7.43 (dd, 1H), 7.68-7.79 (m, 4H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 8.63 (S₁ 2H), 9.34 (d, 1 H), 13.04 (br s, 1 H).

Example 7: Synthesis of Λ/-(2,6-dichlorobenzoyl)-3-r2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-1,3- benzothiazol-β-yll-alanine (Compound 3)

A mixture of N-(diphenylmethylene)glycine tert-butyl ester (1.Og, 3.385mmol) (CAS

No 81477-94-3), O-allyl-N-(9-anthracenylmethyl)cinchonidinium bromide (205mg, 0.339mmol) (CAS No 200132-54-3) and cesium hydroxide monohydrate (5.68g, 33.85mmol) (CAS No 35103-79-8) in DCM (50ml) is treated with a solution of Intermediate 4 (1.89g, 5.078mmol) in DCM (20ml) at -78⁰C dropwise. After complete addition the mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 65 hours. The mixture is diluted with ether (200ml) and washed with water (200ml), brine (200ml), dried with Na2SC>4 and the solvents removed in vacuo. The residue is dissolved in THF (30ml) and treated with 0.5M citric acid solution (30ml) for 2 hours at room temperature. The solution is extracted into ether and washed with water; the aqueous layer is washed with ether and basified to pH8 with NaHCC>3. The aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc, the organic layer dried with Na2SC"4 and the solvent removed in vacuo. A portion of the residue (117mg, 0.2764mmol) in anhydrous THF (5ml) is treated with TEA (39ul, 0.2764mmol) and 2,6-dichlorobenzoyl chloride (4OuI, 0.2764mmol) (CAS No 4659-45-4) for 15 minutes at room temperature. The solvent is removed in vacuo. The residue is dissolved in DCM (2ml) and treated with TFA (2ml) at room temperature for 20 hours. The solvents are removed in vacuo and purification of the crude compound by preparative HPLC (Method B) gives the title compound (21.6mg). LCMS (Method A) 540.9/542.9 [M+H]+, RT 3.71 mins. ¹ HNMR 300MHz (d₆-DMSO) δ 3.12 (dd, 1H), 3.36 (dd, 1H), 4.79 (m, 1 H)₁ 7.34-7.48

(m, 3H), 7.55 (d, 1 H), 7.60-7.76 (m, 3H), 8.01-8.13 (m, 2H), 9.12 (d, 1 H), 12.89 (br s, 1 H). Example 8: Synthesis of Λ/-(3.5-dichloroisonicotinoyl)-3-r2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-1,3- benzothiazol-6-vn-alanine (Compound 4) A mixture of N-(diphenylmethylene)glycine tert-butyl ester (1.Og, 3.385mmol) (CAS

No 81477-94-3), O-allyl-N-(9-anthracenylmethyl)cinchonidinium bromide (205mg, 0.339mmol) (CAS No 200132-54-3) and cesium hydroxide monohydrate (5.68g, 33.85mmol) (CAS No 35103-79-8) in DCM (50ml) is treated with a solution of Intermediate 4 (1.89g, 5.078mmol) in DCM (20ml) at -78⁰C dropwise. After complete addition the mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 65 hours. The mixture is diluted with ether (200ml) and washed with water (200ml), brine (200ml), dried with Na2SO4 and the solvents removed in vacuo. The residue is dissolved in THF (30ml) and treated with 0.5M citric acid solution (30ml) for 2 hours at room temperature. The solution is extracted into ether and washed with water; the aqueous layer is washed with ether and basified to pH8 with NaHCθ3 The aqueous layer is extracted with EtOAc, the organic layer dried with Na2SO4 and the solvent removed in vacuo. A portion of the residue

(117mg, 0.2764mmol) in anhydrous THF (5ml) is treated with TEA (39ul, 0.2764mmol) and

2,6-dichloroisonicotinoyl chloride (58mg, 0.2764mmol) (CAS No 229328-97-6) for 15 minutes at room temperature. The solvent is removed in vacuo. The residue is dissolved in DCM (2ml) and treated with TFA (2ml) at room temperature for 20 hours. The solvents are removed in vacuo and purification of the crude compound by preparative HPLC

(Method B) gives the title compound (54.1mg). LCMS (Method A) 541.9/543.9 [M+H]⁺, RT 3.47 mins. 1 [HNMR 300MHz (d₆-DMSO) δ 3.12 (dd, 1 H), 3.39 (dd, 1H), 4.85 (m, 1 H), 7.55

(dd, 1H), 7.61-7.75 (m, 3H), 8.05-8.10 (m, 2H), 8.64 (s, 2H), 9.36 (d, 1H)₁ 13.04 (br s, 1H). Biological example Example 9

The following cellular assay is used to demonstrate the potency and selectivity of the compounds according to the invention. In each of these assays an IC50 value is determined for each test compound and represents the concentration of compound necessary to achieve 50% inhibition of cell adhesion where 100% = adhesion assessed in the absence of the test compound and 0% = absorbance in wells that did not receive cells. Whole blood VCAM-binding assay for α4 inteqrins:

The following reagents are added to FACS tubes: 3μl 10OmM MnCl2 (100X required cone), 1μl 1mg/ml streptavidin-FITC (supplier Pierce 100X required cone), 2μl 500 μg/ml biotinylated hVCAM-1-mFc (5OX required cone), and 2μl serially-diluted test compound at 5OX desired final concentrations. 100μl heparinised blood from healthy human donors is then added to each FACS tube which are then sealed and rocked for 30 minutes at RT. 2ml "FACS Lysing Solution" (BD Biosciences) solution is added to tubes for 5 minutes at room temperature RT, and tubes are spun at 1200 rpm and washed 2X in 3ml TBS, before final suspension in 100μl TBS. Flow cytometry is then performed on a

Becton Dickinson FACScan to assess the % of cells in the lymphocyte gate capable of binding VCAM.

The compounds of the invention are tested in this assays and show IC50 values of 10 μM and below. 3-[2-(2,6-Dichloro-phenyl)-benzothiazol-6-yl]-2-[(3,5-dichloro-pyridine-4- carbonyl)-amino]-propionic acid has an activity between 0.4 - 0.7 μM in the above assay.

Claims

1. A compound having formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof or stereoisomeric forms thereof, and the geometrical isomers, enantiomers, diastereoisomers, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof

formula I wherein: Y is O, S or NR;

X is CH or N;

R is C<| _6 alkyl or hydrogen;

R1 is chlorine or methoxy;

R² is chlorine or methoxy; Y¹ is CH, N, CR³, CR¹⁰ or CR¹⁷;

Y² is CH, N, CR³, CR¹⁰ or CR¹⁷;

Y³ is CH, N, CR³, CR¹ ° or CR¹⁷;

Y⁴ is CH, N, CR³, CR¹⁰ or CR¹⁷;

Y⁵ is CH, N, CR³, CR¹⁰ or CR¹⁷; R³ is R⁴ or -Gi R⁵;

G₁ is -O-, -C(O)-, -S-, -S=O, -S(O)₂-, C(O)N(R6)-, -N(R⁷)C(O)- , -N(RS)S(O)₂-, -N(R9)-; n is O to 3;

R⁴ is C-| _β alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-μβ dialkylamino, Cβ-io ^ary'_> cyano, nitro; or is C₂_6 alkenyl; or is halogen; or is C3.-10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-] _ g alkyl; or is Cβ.io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-i_g alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-μg alkyl, halogen; or is C6_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μg alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, C1.5 alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μg alkyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is hydroxyl; or is carboxylic acid; or is cyano; or is nitro;

R5 is hydrogen; or is C-μg alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-μg alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, Cg.10 ^ary'_> cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is Cβ-io ^afy' optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, C-|_6 alkyloxy, C^g alkylsulfides, C-|.g alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|.g alkyl, halogen; or is Cg_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|.g alkyl, C2-g alkenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, Ci_g dialkylamino, C-|.g alkyloxy, C-] _g alkylsulfides, Ci_g alkylsulfones, C-i_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C<|_g alkyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, Ci_g dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R6 is hydrogen; or is C-|.g alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-j.g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, Cg_irj aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is Cβ-io ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-|.ø alkylamino, C-j.β dialkylamino, C1.5 alkyloxy, C-_|_6 alkylsulfides, C-1.5 alkylsulfones, C<|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C1.5 alkyl, halogen; or is C6_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C<|_β alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, CJ.Q dialkylamino, C<|_6 alkyloxy, C<|_6 alkylsulfides, C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C1.5 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-) .5 alkyl, halogen, C<|_6 alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R^ is hydrogen; or is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.-10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-μø alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, 05.10 ^ar^_< cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C<\ .Q alkyl; or is C6-10 ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, C-|_6 alkyloxy, C-|_g alkylsulfides, C-|_6 alkylsulfones, Ci_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|.6 alkyl, halogen; or is Cβ_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μβ alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-μρ dialkylamino, C-] .Q alkyloxy, C-j.g alkylsulfides, C^g alkylsulfones, C-|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-j.g alkyl, halogen, C-|.β alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R8 is hydrogen; or is Ci_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-μg alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, Cg-irj ^aιΥ'. cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is Cβ-io ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-) _Q alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C-|_6 alkyloxy, C-|_6 alkylsulfides, C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C<\ .Q alkylsulfoxides, C-|_6 cycloalkyl, C<|_6 alkyl, halogen; or is Cβ-10 heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C^ _Q alkyl,

C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, Ci_6 dialkylamino, C-|.6 alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, C1.6 alkylsulfones, C<\_Q alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μβ alkyl, halogen, C<|_6 alkylamino, C-μø dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl; R9 is hydrogen; or is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|.g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, Cg_<io ^a|Py'- cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is Cg-io ^apy' optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C^ _g alkylamino, C-|_g dialkylamino, Ci_g alkyloxy, C-|_6 alkylsulfides, C-|.g alkylsulfones, C<|_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|_g alkyl, halogen; or is Cg-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μg alkyl, C2-g alkenyl, halogen, C<|_g alkylamino, C-j.g dialkylamino, C-|.g alkyloxy, C-|.g alkylsulfides, C-|.g alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.-10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μg alkyl, halogen, C-|.g alkylamino, C-μ g dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R1O is RH or -G₂R¹²;

G₂ is -O-, -C(O)-, -S-, -S=O₁ -S(O)₂-, C(O)N(Ri 3)., ._N(R14)_C(O)- , -N(R¹S)S(O)₂-, - N(R¹6)-; m is O to 3;

R^{1 1} is C-|.g alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|. g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, Cg_io ^a|py'. cyano, nitro; or is C₂.g alkenyl; or is halogen; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is Cg_io ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-|.g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C-|.g alkyloxy, C-|.g alkylsulfides, C-|.g alkylsulfones, C-|.g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, Ci_g alkyl, halogen; or is Cg_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|.g alkyl, C₂.g alkenyl, halogen, C-|.g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C-|.g alkyloxy, C-|.g alkylsulfides, C-j.g alkylsulfones, C-|.g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|.g alkyl, halogen, C-|_g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is hydroxyl; or is carboxylic acid; or is cyano; or is nitro; R¹² is hydrogen; or is C<|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-μρ alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, 05.10 aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-|_6 alkyl; or is C6_io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C1-6 alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C-μβ alkyloxy, C-μρ alkylsulfides, C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C^.Q alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, Ci_5 alkyl, halogen; or is Cβ-10 heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-\ .Q alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C-|.g alkyloxy, Ci__β alkylsulfides, C-μβ alkylsulfones, C-j.ρ alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|.g alkyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R¹3 is hydrogen; or is C<|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-μø alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, 05.10 aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C1.5 alkyl; or is C5.10 aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, Ci_6 alkylamino, Ci_β dialkylamino, C1.5 alkyloxy, Ci_6 alkylsulfides, Ci_6 alkylsulfones, C1.5 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C1.5 alkyl, halogen; or is C5.10 heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C1.5 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, Ci_6 alkylamino, C1.5 dialkylamino, Ci_6 alkyloxy, C1.5 alkylsulfides, C1.5 alkylsulfones, C1.5 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C1.5 alkyl, halogen, C1.5 alkylamino, Ci_6 dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R14 js hydrogen; or is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C1.5 alkylamino, C1.5 dialkylamino, C5.10 aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C1.5 alkyl; or is C5.10 aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C1.5 alkylamino, Ci_6 dialkylamino, C1.5 alkyloxy, C1.5 alkylsulfides, C1.5 alkylsulfones, C1.5 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C1.5 alkyl, halogen; or is C6_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C<|_6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C-μβ alkyloxy, C<|_6 alkylsulfides, C-μβ alkylsulfones, C-|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyt; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C<|_β alkyl, halogen, C^ .5 alkylamino, C<| _β dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R¹5 is hydrogen; or is C<|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-μø alkylamino, C-j.β dialkylamino, Cβ-io ary'. cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C^ .5 alkyl; or is Cβ-10 ^afyl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C<|_6 alkylamino, C-) .5 dialkylamino, C-|.g alkyloxy, C-|_6 alkylsulfides, C-μβ alkylsulfones, C-μβ alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-μρ alkyl, halogen; or is Cβ-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μg alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, C<\ .Q alkyloxy, C-|_6 alkylsulfides, C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C-\ .Q alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C<|_6 alkyl, halogen, C<|_6 alkylamino, C-μβ dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R¹ ^ is hydrogen; or is C<_|_5 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-μβ alkylamino, C-μβ dialkylamino, 05.10 ^ary'_> cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μβ alkyl; or is Cβ-io ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-μβ alkylamino, C-μ_β dialkylamino, C^ .Q alkyloxy, C-μ_β alkylsulfides, C<|_6 alkylsulfones, Cή.g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|.β alkyl, halogen; or is C6_<ιo heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|.g alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-) .5 alkylamino, Ci_g dialkylamino, C-|_6 alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C-|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|.6 alkyl, halogen, Ci_6 alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R¹⁷ Js R¹⁸ Or -G₃R¹⁹;

G₃ is -O-, -C(O)-, -S-, -S=O, -S(O)₂-, C(O)N(R²⁰)-, -N(R²¹ JC(O)- , -N(R²²JS(O)₂-, - N(R²3)-; o is O to 3; R18 js C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-μg alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, Cg_io aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C2-6 alkenyl; or is halogen; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-|. g alkyl; or is Cβ-io ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-j.6 alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C-|_g alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, C-|_g alkylsulfones, C-|.β alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-μg alkyl, halogen; or is Cg_io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-j.g alkyl,

C2-g alkenyl, halogen, C-j.g alkylamino, C-|.g dialkylamino, C-|.g alkyloxy, C^ _g alkylsulfides, C-|.g alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from Ci_g alkyl, halogen, C-|.g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is hydroxyl; or is carboxylic acid; or is cyano; or is nitro;

R19 is hydrogen; or is C-_j.g alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C_ή_ g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, Cg.10 aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-|.g alkyl; or is Cg_io aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-j.g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, C-|.g alkylsulfones, C-|.g alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|.g alkyl, halogen; or is Cg.10 heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μg alkyl, C2-g alkenyl, halogen, C-|_g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C-μg alkyloxy, C-|.g alkylsulfides, C-|.g alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|.g alkyl, halogen, C-|.g alkylamino, C-). g dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R20 is hydrogen; or is C-|.g alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-|.g alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, Cg_io aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-) .5 alkyl; or is Cβ-10 aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C<|_6 alkylamino, C^_6 dialkylamino, C-|_6 alkyloxy, C-|_6 alkylsulfides, C-μg alkylsulfones, C<|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C<|_β alkyl, halogen; or is Cø-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|.g alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C<|_6 alkyloxy, C-μg alkylsulfides, C-μø alkylsulfones, C-] .5 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C<|_6 alkyl, halogen, C-μe alkylamino, C-μg dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R21 is hydrogen; or is C-|_5 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-μβ alkylamino, C1.5 dialkylamino, Cg^rj aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C-μg alkyl; or is C5.-10 aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-_|.g dialkylamino, Ci_ρ alkyloxy, Ci_g alkylsulfides, C<|_6 alkylsulfones, C<|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|.ρ alkyl, halogen; or is Cg-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C<|_6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-j.g dialkylamino, C-^.g alkyloxy, C-). Q alkylsulfides, Ci.g alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-|_6 alkyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-μρ dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl;

R22 is hydrogen; or is C-_|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C^ .5 alkylamino, C-) .Q dialkylamino, C5.10 aryl. cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C<|_6 alkyl; or is CQ. -| Q aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C<|_6 alkylamino, C<|_6 dialkylamino, C-|_6 alkyloxy, C-|_6 alkylsulfides, C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C<|_6 alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C-|.g alkyl, halogen; or is Cg-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C-j.g alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-μg alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C-). Q alkyloxy, C-\ .Q alkylsulfides, C-j.g alkylsulfones, Ci_g alkylsulfoxides, C3.-10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C<\_Q alkyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, C<_|_6 dialkylamino, C3_-| Q cycloalkyl;

R23 is hydrogen; or is C-|_6 alkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C3.10 cycloalkyl, amino, C-] .5 alkylamino, C-\ .Q dialkylamino, 05.10 aryl, cyano, nitro; or is C3.10 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by groups selected from halogen, C<|_6 alkyl; or is Cβ-io ^aryl optionally substituted by groups selected from amino, C<|_6 alkylamino, C-μø dialkylamino, C<|_6 alkyloxy, C<|_e alkylsulfides, C-|_6 alkylsulfones, C<|_ø alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl, C<|_6 alkyl, halogen; or is Cβ-io heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups selected from C<|_6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, halogen, C-|_6 alkylamino, C-|_6 dialkylamino, C-|_6 alkyloxy, C^«|_6 alkylsulfides, C-μρ alkylsulfones, C-μg alkylsulfoxides, C3.10 cycloalkyl; or is 3-10 ring member non-aromatic heterocycle optionally substituted by groups selected from C-μρ alkyl, halogen, C<|_6 alkylamino, C<\ .Q dialkylamino, C3.10 cycloalkyl; except (S)-2-(2,6-Dichloro-benzoylamino)-3-[2-(2,6-dichloro-phenyl)-3/-/-benzimidazol-5- yl]-propionic acid.

2. A compound according to claim 1 , wherein the configuration at the asymmetric carbon atom, is in the "S" configuration according to formula Ia such as:

formula Ia

3. A compound according to claim 1 and 2 wherein X is CH; and Y is O or S; and R^ is halogen; and R^ is halogen; and n is 1 ; and R³ is halogen; and m is 1 ; and R-O is halogen; and Y¹ is CR³ or CR¹⁰; and Y² is CH and Y³ is CH or N; and Y⁴ is CH; and Y⁵ is CR³ or CR¹⁰.

4. A compound according to claim 1 selected from the group consisting of: 2-(2,6-Dichloro-benzoylamino)-3-[2-(2,6-dichloro-phenyl)-benzoxazol-6-yl]-propionic acid; 3-[2-(2,6-Dichloro-phenyl)-benzooxazol-6-yl]-2-[(3,5-dichloro-pyridine-4-carbonyl)- aminoj-propionic acid;

2-(2,6-Dichloro-benzoylamino)-3-[2-(2,6-dichloro-phenyl)-benzothiazol-6-yl]-propionic acid;

3-[2-(2,6-Dichloro-phenyl)-benzothiazol-6-yl]-2-[(3,5-dichloro-pyridine-4-carbonyl)- amino]-propionic acid.

5. Synthetic intermediates selected from a group consisting of : 2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-6-methyl-1 ,3-benzoxazole; 2,6-dichloro-N-(2-mercapto-4-methylphenyl)benzamide; 2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-6-methyl-1 ,3-benzothiazole; 6-(bromomethyl)-2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-1 ,3-benzothiazole.

6. A pharmaceutical composition comprising as active ingredient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.

7. A pharmaceutical composition comprising as active ingredient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 4 for use as a medicine.

8. A pharmaceutical composition comprising as active ingredient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in the manufacture of a medicament.

9. A pharmaceutical composition comprising as active ingredient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cc4 dependent inflammatory or medical conditions.

10. Use of a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 4 for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, food allergy, inflammatory skin disorders including dermatitis, psoriasis, urticaria, pruritus and eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases including

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders, acute myelogenous leukaemia, transplantation and atherosclerosis, transplant rejection, α4-related cancers such as lung e.g. non-small cell lung, pancreatic, prostate, renal, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, mammary carcinoma, endometrial, bladder, malignant melanoma, seminomas, thyroid, acute myelogenous leukaemia and gastric cancer.

11. Compound according to any one of claims 1 to 4 for use as a medicament.

12. Compound according to any one of claims 1 to 4 for curing asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, food allergy, inflammatory skin disorders including dermatitis, psoriasis, urticaria, pruritus and eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders, acute myelogenous leukaemia, transplantation and atherosclerosis, transplant rejection, cc4-related cancers such as lung e.g. non-small cell lung, pancreatic, prostate, renal, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, mammary carcinoma, endometrial, bladder, malignant melanoma, seminomas, thyroid, acute myelogenous leukaemia and gastric cancer.