U.S. patent application number 10/970346 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-01 for compounds and methods for use thereof in the treatment of viral infections.
This patent application is currently assigned to UAF Technologies and Research, LLC. Invention is credited to Agyin, Joseph K., Camden, James Berger, Quada, James C. JR..
Application Number | 20050192328 10/970346 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25326784 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050192328 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Camden, James Berger ; et
al. |
September 1, 2005 |
Compounds and methods for use thereof in the treatment of viral
infections
Abstract
Benzimidazole derivatives and salts and prodrugs thereof are
disclosed, together with methods for the treatment of cancers or
viral infections in warm blooded animals by administration of these
compounds. Such compounds may be used in combination with a
chemotherapeutic agent and/or a potentiator.
Inventors: |
Camden, James Berger; (West
Chester, OH) ; Quada, James C. JR.; (San Antonio,
TX) ; Agyin, Joseph K.; (San Antonio, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAYNES AND BOONE, LLP
901 MAIN STREET, SUITE 3100
DALLAS
TX
75202
US
|
Assignee: |
UAF Technologies and Research,
LLC
Tucson
AZ
85721
|
Family ID: |
25326784 |
Appl. No.: |
10/970346 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10970346 |
Oct 21, 2004 |
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09676034 |
Sep 29, 2000 |
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6864275 |
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09676034 |
Sep 29, 2000 |
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08857811 |
May 16, 1997 |
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6506783 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
514/394 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 35/00 20180101;
A61K 31/4184 20130101; A61P 31/12 20180101; A61P 31/18
20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
514/394 |
International
Class: |
A61K 031/4184 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for treating a viral infection in a warm-blooded animal
comprising administering to the warm-blooded animal a
therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the following
formula A-1: 11wherein, R is --CONR.sub.1R.sub.2, --OCOR.sub.1 or
--NHCOR.sub.1; R.sub.1 is alkyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkenyl,
haloalkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkalkyl, heterocycloalkyl,
heterocycloalkalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl,
substituted or unsubstituted phenylamino, substituted or
unsubstituted benzyl, alkoxyalkyl, poly(alkoxy)alkyl,
hydroxyalkoxyalkyl, hydroxypoly(alkoxy)alkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl,
halopoly(alkoxy)alkyl, or aminoalkyl; and R.sub.2 is hydrogen or
alkyl, a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the compound is in the
form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
3. A method according to claim 2 wherein said pharmaceutically
acceptable salt is a hydrochloride salt.
4. A method according to claim 1 wherein the compound is in the
form of a prodrug thereof.
5. A method according to claim 11 wherein the carrier is a liposome
delivery system.
6. A method according to claim 1 wherein R is --OCOR.sub.1.
7. A method according to claim 6 wherein R.sub.1 is alkyl or
substituted or unsubstituted phenyl.
8. A method according to claim 1 wherein said compound is
micronized and is suitable for administering to said warm-blooded
animal by injection.
9. A method according to claim 1 wherein said compound is
administered in an amount of from 10 mg/kg body weight to 10,000
mg/kg body weight.
10. A method according to claim 1 wherein said compound is
administered orally, enterically, intravenously, peritoneally, or
by injection.
11. A method according to claim 1 wherein said compound is
administered in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
12. A method according to claim 1 wherein the method is for
treating a retroviral infection.
13. A method according to claim 1 wherein the method is for
treating a DNA virus infection.
14. A method for treating an HIV viral infection in a warm-blooded
animal comprising administering to the warm-blooded animal a
therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the following
formula A-1: 12wherein, R is --CONR.sub.1R.sub.2, --OCOR.sub.1 or
--NHCOR.sub.1; R.sub.1 is alkyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkenyl,
haloalkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkalkyl, heterocycloalkyl,
heterocycloalkalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl,
substituted or unsubstituted phenylamino, substituted or
unsubstituted benzyl, alkoxyalkyl, poly(alkoxy)alkyl,
hydroxyalkoxyalkyl, hydroxypoly(alkoxy)alkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl,
halopoly(alkoxy)alkyl, or aminoalkyl; and R.sub.2 is hydrogen or
alkyl.
15. A method according to claim 14 wherein said compound is
administered in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
16. A method according to claim 14 wherein R.sub.1 is alkyl or
substituted or unsubstituted phenyl.
17. A method according to claim 14 wherein said compound is
micronized and is suitable for administering to said warm-blooded
animal by injection.
18. A method according to claim 14 wherein said compound is
administered in an amount of from 10 mg/kg body weight to 10,000
mg/kg body weight.
19. A method according to claim 14 wherein said compound is
administered orally, enterically, intravenously, peritoneally, or
by injection.
20. A method for treating an HIV viral infection in a warm-blooded
animal comprising administering to the warm-blooded animal a
therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the following
formula A-1: 13wherein, R is --CONR.sub.1R.sub.2, --OCOR.sub.1 or
--NHCOR.sub.1; R.sub.1 is alkyl, and R.sub.2 is hydrogen or alkyl.
Description
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of
co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/857,811, filed May 16,
1997, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference
herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to benzimidazole derivatives
and their use for the treatment of cancer or a viral infection in
warm blooded animals, particularly in humans and other mammals. The
methods may use such a compound in combination with a potentiator
or a chemotherapeutic agent.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cancers are a leading cause of death in animals and humans.
The exact cause of cancer is not known, but links between certain
activities such as smoking or exposure to carcinogens and the
incidence of certain types of cancers and tumors has been shown by
a number of researchers.
[0004] Many types of chemotherapeutic agents have been shown to be
effective against cancers and tumor cells, but not all types of
cancers and tumors respond to these agents. Unfortunately, many of
these agents also destroy normal cells. The exact mechanism for the
action of these chemotherapeutic agents are not always known.
[0005] Despite advances in the field of cancer treatment the
leading therapies to date are surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Chemotherapeutic approaches are said to fight cancers that are
metastasized or ones that are particularly aggressive. Such
cytocidal or cytostatic agents work best on cancers with large
growth factors, i.e., ones whose cells are rapidly dividing. To
date, hormones, in particular estrogen, progesterone and
testosterone, and some antibiotics produced by a variety of
microbes, alkylating agents, and anti-metabolites form the bulk of
therapies available to oncologists. Ideally cytotoxic agents that
have specificity for cancer and tumor cells while not affecting
normal cells would be extremely desirable. Unfortunately, none have
been found and instead agents that target especially rapidly
dividing cells (both tumor and normal) have been used.
[0006] Clearly, the development of materials that would target
cancer cells due to some unique specificity for them would be a
breakthrough. Alternatively, materials that were cytotoxic to
cancer cells while exerting mild effects on normal cells would be
desirable.
[0007] Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the etiological agent
for AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), is a member of the
lentiviruses, a subfamily of retroviruses. HIV integrates its
genetic information into the genome of the host. Most importantly,
HIV infects and invades cells of the immune system; it breaks down
the body's immune system and renders the patient susceptible to
opportunistic infections and neoplasms. HIV-1 is cytopathic for T4
lymphocytes, cells of the immune system that express the cell
surface differentiation antigen CD4. In addition to CD4+ T cells,
the host range of HIV includes cells of the mononuclear phagocytic
lineage, including blood monocytes, tissue macrophages, Langerhans
cells of the skin and dendritic reticulum cells within lymph
nodes.
[0008] Precursor cells in the bone marrow are released into the
blood in an immature circulating form known as monocytes. Monocytes
use the blood strictly as a transport medium. Once they arrive
where they're going to be used, they leave the blood and complete
differentiation into macrophages. Cells of the monocyte/macrophage
lineage are a major target population for infection with HIV in the
body and are thought to provide reservoirs of virus for
disseminating infection throughout the body. HIV is also
neurotropic, capable of infecting monocytes and macrophages in the
central nervous system causing severe neurologic damage. They can
interact and fuse with CD4-bearing T cells, causing T cell
depletion and thus contributing to the pathogenesis of AIDS.
[0009] Progression from HIV infection to AIDS is primarily
determined by the effects of HIV on the cells that it infects,
including CD4+ T lymphocytes and macrophages. In turn, cell
activation, differentiation and proliferation regulate HIV
infection and replication in those cells. HIV and other
lentiviruses can proliferate in nonproliferating, terminally
differentiated macrophages and growth-arrested T lymphocytes. This
ability of lentiviruses, including HIV, to replicate in
nonproliferating cells, particularly in macrophages, is believed to
be unique among retroviruses.
[0010] Due to the above-mentioned problems in the art, the present
inventors have sought improvements and provide such improvements
herein.
[0011] Carbendazim or 2-methoxycarbonylaminobenzimidazole has been
studied as a cancer treatment. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,767,138 issued
Jun. 16, 1998 to J. B. Camden. Carbendazim metabolizes in the body
through the hydroxylation of the benzene ring, primarily in the
5-position. The metabolite is not as active in the treatment of
cancer as the 2-methoxycarbonylaminobenzimidazole. Moreover, the
benzimidazoles are not easily soluble in water. The derivatives
described herein are more soluble and still maintain cytoxicity
comparable to carbendazim.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The compounds of the present invention are represented by
the following formula A: 1
[0013] wherein
[0014] R is --COOR.sub.1, --CONR.sub.1R.sub.2, --OCOR.sub.1 or
--NHCOR.sub.1;
[0015] R.sub.1 is alkyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkenyl,
haloalkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkalkyl, heterocycloalkyl,
heterocycloalkalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl,
substituted or unsubstituted phenylamino, substituted or
unsubstituted benzyl, alkoxyalkyl, poly(alkoxy)alkyl,
hydroxyalkoxyalkyl, hydroxypoly(alkoxy)alkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl,
halopoly(alkoxy)alkyl, or aminoalkyl; and
[0016] R.sub.2 is hydrogen or alkyl.
[0017] The phenyl group, the phenylamino group, or the benzyl group
may optionally be substituted with one or more nitro, carboxy,
hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, or halide substituents.
[0018] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the benzimidazole
derivatives of formula A are also included in the present
invention. Further included in the invention are the prodrugs of
the compounds of formula A.
[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the benzimidazole
derivatives of the invention are of the formula A-1: 2
[0020] and preferably the compounds are of formula A-1 where R is
--OCOR.sub.1, more preferably where R.sub.1 is substituted or
unsubstituted phenyl.
[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, the benzimidazole
derivatives are of the formula A-2: 3
[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, the benzimidazole
derivatives are of the formula A-3: 4
[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, the benzimidazole
derivatives are of the formula A-4: 5
[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, the benzimidazole
derivatives are of the formula A-5: 6
[0025] Methods are provided by the present invention for treatment
of warm blooded animals, and in particular, humans and other
mammals, that are affected by cancer or viral infection, the
methods comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount
of a benzimidazole derivative of formula A, or a salt or a prodrug
thereof, to the animal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] A. Definitions:
[0027] The term "alkyl" refers to a fully saturated monovalent
hydrocarbon radical of 1 to 12 carbon atoms. It may be
straight-chain or branched. Preferred are those alkyl groups
containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, with 2 to 8 carbon atoms
particularly preferred.
[0028] The term "alkenyl" refers to an unsaturated monovalent
hydrocarbon radical of 2 to 12 carbon atoms containing only carbon
and hydrogen and having one or more double bonds. It may be
straight-chain or branched. Preferred are those alkenyl groups
containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, with 2 to 8 carbon atoms
particularly preferred.
[0029] The term "alkoxy" means the group --OR' wherein R' is alkyl.
Preferred are alkoxy groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more
preferably 2 to 8 carbon atoms.
[0030] The term "alkoxyalkyl" refers to an alkoxy group covalently
attached to an alkyl group. The alkoxy group contains from 1 to 12,
preferably from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The alkoxy group may be
substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups (an
"hydroxyalkoxyalkyl") or with one or more halogen atoms (a
"haloalkoxyalkyl"); preferably the hydroxyl or halogen is on the
terminal end of the alkoxyalkyl substituent.
[0031] The term "poly(alkoxy)alkyl" denotes 2 to 200, preferably 2
to 20, alkoxy groups covalently linked in either a linear or a
branched configuration and attached to an alkyl group. Linear
poly(alkoxy)alkyl moieties have a structure such as
[0032]
--(CH.sub.2).sub.m--O--(CH.sub.2).sub.m--O--(CH.sub.2)--O--(CH.sub.-
2).sub.m-- . . . --O--C.sub.mH.sub.2m+1, where "m" is an integer,
the same or different along the length of the chain. Branched
moieties have two or more (--O--(CH.sub.t).sub.m--) groups bound to
a common third (--O--(CH.sub.t).sub.m--) group, where "t" has a
value that is independently selected from 0, 1 and 2 for each
(CH.sub.t).sub.m group. Linear configurations are preferred. The
number of repeating (--O--(CH.sub.t).sub.m--) groups within a
substituent may be up to 200, preferably from 2 to 20, more
preferably from 2 to 7, and most preferably is 2-5. The individual
alkoxy groups may be the same or different, and individual alkoxy
groups preferably contain from 1 to 6 carbon atoms each, and most
preferably from 1 to 3 carbon atoms each. A presently preferred
poly(alkoxy)alkyl is --(CH.sub.2).sub.y--(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).su-
b.x--OCH.sub.3 or
[0033]
--(CH.sub.2).sub.y(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.x--OCH.sub.2CH.sub.3,
where y=1-4 and x=1-100, preferably 1-10, and more preferably, 2-5.
The individual alkoxy groups may be substituted with one or more
hydroxyl groups (an "hydroxypoly(alkoxy)alkyl") or with one or more
halogen atoms (a "halopoly(alkoxy)alkyl"); preferably the hydroxyl
or halogen is on the terminal end of the poly(alkoxy)alkyl
substituent.
[0034] "Heterocyclo" designates a heterocyclic group; that is, a
closed-ring structure, usually of either 5 or 6 members, in which
one or more of the atoms in the ring is an element other than
carbon, such as for example sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen. A
heterocyclic group may be, but is not limited to, pyridine,
pyrrole, furan, thiophene, morpholine, and purine, optionally
substituted with one or more nitro, carboxy, sulfonic acid,
hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, or halide substituents.
[0035] The term "amino" refers to primary amines (--NH.sub.2),
secondary amines (--NHR'), and tertiary amines (--NR'R"), where R'
and R" are the same or different substituent groups, such as alkyl,
alkenyl, halogen, hydroxy, and the like.
[0036] "Independently" signifies that two or more of the groups
immediately preceding the term are either identical or different;
i.e., selection of one from the list following the term does not
affect selection of the other(s).
[0037] "Substituted" encompasses both single and multiple
substitutions, the latter including multiple substitutions by the
same substituent as well as mixtures of different substituents.
[0038] The term "optional" or "optionally" means that the
subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur,
and that the description includes instances in which said event or
circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not. For
example, "optionally substituted phenyl" means that the phenyl may
or may not be substituted and that the description includes both
unsubstituted phenyl and phenyl wherein there is substitution. As
another example, "optionally" followed by "converting the free base
to the acid addition salt" means that such conversion may or may
not be carried out in order for the process described to fall
within the invention, and the invention includes those processes
wherein the free base is converted to the acid addition salt and
those processes in which it is not.
[0039] As used herein, "a therapeutically effective amount" means
the concentration or quantity or level of the compound of the
present invention that can attain a particular medical end, such as
control or destruction of cancer cells, virally-infected cells, or
viruses without producing unacceptable toxic symptoms. The term
"safe and effective amount" refers to the quantity of a component
which is sufficient to yield a desired therapeutic response without
undue adverse side effects (such as toxicity, irritation, or
allergic response) commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk
ratio when used in the manner of this invention. The specific "safe
and effective amount" will vary with such factors as the particular
condition being treated, the physical condition of the patient, the
type of mammal being treated, the duration of the treatment, the
nature of concurrent therapy (if any), and the specific
formulations employed and the structure of the compounds or its
salts.
[0040] As used herein, a "pharmaceutical addition salt" or
"pharmaceutically acceptable salt" is a salt of the benzimidazole
derivative compound with an organic or inorganic acid. These
preferred acid addition salts are chlorides, bromides, sulfates,
nitrates, phosphates, sulfonates, formates, tartrates, maleates,
malates, citrates, benzoates, salicylates, ascorbates, and others
known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0041] As used herein, the term "prodrug" refers to a form of a
benzimidazole derivative compound that has minimal therapeutic
activity until it is converted to its desired biologically active
form. A prodrug is a compound having one or more functional groups
or carriers covalently bound thereto, which functional groups or
carriers are removed from the compound by metabolic processes
within the body to form the respective bioactive compound.
[0042] As used herein, the term "metabolite" refers to the
break-down or end product of a benzimidazole derivative compound or
its salt produced by metabolism or biotransformation in the animal
or human body; e.g., biotransformation to a more polar molecule
such as by oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis, or to a conjugate
(see Goodman and Gilman, "The Pharmacological Basis of
Therapeutics" 8.sup.th Ed., Pergamon Press, Gilman et al. (eds),
1990 for a discussion of biotransformation). As used herein, the
metabolite of a benzimidazole derivative compound or its salt may
be the biologically active form of the compound in the body. An
assay for activity of a metabolite of a benzimidazole derivative of
the present invention is known to one of skill in the art in light
of the present disclosure, for example, testing for efficacy
against a virus in vitro or in vivo.
[0043] As used herein, a "subject in need thereof" is a warm
blooded animal having cancer or having a viral infection.
[0044] As used herein, "cancer" refers to all types of cancers, or
neoplasms or benign or malignant tumors. In one embodiment, those
cancers that attack normal healthy blood cells or bone marrow are
contemplated by the present invention. Preferred cancers for
treatment using methods provided herein include carcinoma, sarcoma,
lymphoma, or leukemia. By "carcinoma" is meant a benign or
malignant epithelial tumor and includes, but is not limited to,
breast carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, non-small cell lung
carcinoma, colon carcinoma, CNS carcinoma, melanoma carcinoma,
ovarian carcinoma, or renal carcinoma. A preferred host is a human
host.
[0045] A "viral infection" as used herein means an infection due to
a DNA virus or an RNA virus (retrovirus). Examples of a
double-stranded DNA virus are the Herpes virus and the influenza
virus. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a prototype for
retroviruses, i.e., viruses that use reverse transcription to
replicate. However, certain DNA viruses use, in part, reverse
transcription mechanisms to replicate such as, for example, the
Hepatitus B virus. "Viruses" include retroviruses such as HIV or
HTLV, influenza, rhinoviruses, herpes, hepatitis, or the like.
[0046] As used herein, a benzimidazole derivative of formulas A and
A-1 through A-5, or a pharmaceutical salt thereof or a prodrug
thereof, are "compounds of the present invention." Such compounds
are further set forth under B infra.
[0047] As used herein, "chemotherapeutic agents" includes
DNA-interactive agents, antimetabolites, tubulin-interactive
agents, hormonal agents and others, such as asparaginase or
hydroxyurea, and are as further set forth under D infra.
[0048] As used herein, "potentiators" are materials that affect the
immune system or enhance the effectiveness of a compound of the
present invention and are further set forth under E herein.
[0049] Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms "a"
and "an" mean "one or more" when used in this application,
including the claims.
[0050] B. Benzimidazole Derivatives
[0051] The benzimidazole derivatives of the present invention are
those of formula A, as set forth above. Presently preferred
compounds are those of formulas A-1 through A-5.
[0052] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the benzimidazole
compounds are considered within the scope of compounds of the
present invention. They are salts with an organic or inorganic
acid. Preferred acid addition salts are chlorides, bromides,
sulfates, nitrates, phosphates, sulfonates, formates, tartrates,
maleates, malates, citrates, benzoates, salicylates, ascorbates, or
the like. Such salts may be synthesized from the compound of the
present invention, or derivative thereof, that contains a basic or
acidic moiety, by conventional chemical methods. Generally, such
salts may be prepared by reacting a free acid or base form of the
compound, or derivative thereof, with a stoichiometric amount of
the appropriate base or acid in water or in an organic solvent, or
in a mixture of the two. Generally, nonaqueous media like ether,
ethyl acetate, ethanol, isopropanol, or acetonitrile are preferred.
Further suitable salts may be found in Remington: The Science and
Practice of Pharmacy, 19th ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton,
Pa., 1995, p. 1457.
[0053] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the
present invention include conventional non-toxic salts or the
quaternary ammonium salts of the compounds or derivatives formed,
for example, from non-toxic inorganic or organic acids. For
example, such conventional non-toxic salts include those derived
from inorganic acids such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric,
sulfamic, phosphoric, nitric, or the like; and salts prepared from
organic acids such as acetic, propionic, succinic, glycolic,
stearic, lactic, malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, maleic,
hydroxymaleic, phenylacetic, glutamic, benzoic, salicylic,
sulfanilic, 2-acetoxybenzoic, fumaric, toluenesulfonic,
methanesulfonic, ethane disulfonic, oxalic, isethionic, or the
like. Preferred acid addition salts are chlorides, bromides,
sulfates, nitrates, phosphates, sulfonates, formates, tartrates,
maleates, malates, citrates, benzoates, salicylates, ascorbates, or
the like. A presently preferred salt is the hydrochloride salt.
[0054] Further included within the scope of the compound, or salts
thereof, useful for the present invention are prodrugs thereof. As
used herein, a "prodrug" is a drug covalently bonded to a carrier
wherein release of the drug occurs in vivo when the prodrug is
administered to a mammalian subject. Prodrugs of the compounds of
the present invention are prepared by modifying functional groups
present in the compounds in such a way that the modifications are
cleaved, either in routine manipulation or in vivo, to yield the
desired compound. Prodrugs include compounds wherein hydroxy,
amine, or sulfhydryl groups are bonded to any group that, when
administered to a mammalian subject, is cleaved to form a free
hydroxyl, amino, or sulfhydryl group, respectively. Examples of
prodrugs include, but are not limited to, acetate, formate, or
benzoate derivatives of alcohol or amine functional groups in the
compounds of the present invention; phosphate esters,
dimethylglycine esters, aminoalkylbenzyl esters, aminoalkyl esters
or carboxyalkyl esters of alcohol or phenol functional groups in
the compounds of the present invention; or the like.
[0055] Synthetic Reaction Parameters
[0056] The terms "solvent", "inert organic solvent" and "inert
solvent" mean a solvent that is passive or non-reactive under the
conditions of the reaction being described in conjunction therewith
(including, for example, benzene, toluene, acetonitrile,
tetrahydrofuran ("THF"), dimethylformamide ("DMF"), chloroform,
methylene chloride (or dichloromethane), diethyl ether, methanol,
pyridine, and the like). Unless specified to the contrary, the
solvents used in the reactions of the present invention are inert
organic solvents.
[0057] The reaction temperature can vary widely depending on the
reactivity of the reactants. However, the temperature should not be
so high as to decompose the reactants or so low as to cause
inhibition of the condensation or freezing of the solvent. Unless
specified to the contrary, the reactions described herein take
place at atmospheric pressure over a temperature range from the
temperature of dry ice to about 100.degree. C., more preferably
from about 10.degree. C. to about 50.degree. C., and most
preferably at "room" or "ambient" temperature ("RT"), e.g. about
20.degree. C.
[0058] Unless otherwise specified, the reaction times and
conditions are intended to be approximate.
[0059] The time required for the reactions herein will depend to a
large extent on the temperature being used and the relative
reactivities of the starting materials. Therefore, the reaction
time can vary greatly, for example from about five minutes to about
two days. Various known techniques such as different types of
chromatography, especially thin layer chromatography ("TLC"), gas
chromatography ("GC"), or optical spectroscopy can be used to
follow the progress of the reaction by the disappearance of the
starting compound(s).
[0060] Isolation and purification of the compounds and
intermediates described herein can be effected, if desired, by any
suitable separation or purification procedure such as, for example,
filtration, extraction, crystallization, column chromatography,
thin-layer chromatography, thick-layer chromatography, centrifugal
chromatography, or preparatory HPLC, or a combination of these
procedures. Specific illustrations of suitable separation and
isolation procedures can be found by reference to the examples
hereinbelow. However, other equivalent separation or isolation
procedures can, of course, also be used.
[0061] Synthesis of Compounds of Formula A
[0062] The compounds of the invention are prepared by modification
to the benzimidazole carbamate nucleus: 7
[0063] In one synthetic process, the known 5(6) carboxylic acid
benzimidazole carbamate (101) is treated with thionyl chloride in
benzene to activate the carboxyl group, then is derivatized with
alcohols or amines to form compounds of formula A-2 (102)or A-3
(103) (Reaction Scheme 1), following procedures known to those of
skill in the art. 8
[0064] Similarly, to prepare compounds of Formula A-1 where R is
--COOR.sub.1 or --CONR.sub.1R.sub.2, the 4(7) carboxylic acid
benzimidazole carbamate is treated with thionyl chloride in benzene
to activate the carboxyl group, then is derivatized with alcohols
or amines following the procedures of Reaction Scheme 1 to form the
compounds of formula A-1 where R is --COOR.sub.1 or
--CONR.sub.1R.sub.2.
[0065] To prepare compounds of Formula A-5, the known 5(6)-amino
benzimidazole carbamate (201) is reacted with a carbonyl chloride
(202) to give the 5(6)-carboxamide benzimidazole derivatives of
formula A-5 (203) (Reaction Scheme 2), following procedures known
to those of skill in the art. 9
[0066] In a similar manner, to prepare compounds of Formula A-1 or
A-4, the known 4(7) or 5(6) hydroxylated benzimidazole carbamate
(301 or 302, respectively) is reacted with a carbonyl chloride
(303) to give the 4(7) or the 5(6) carboxy benzimidazole
derivatives of formula A-2 (304) or formula A-4 (305), respectively
(Reaction Scheme 3), following procedures known to those of skill
in the art. 10
[0067] Presently Preferred Embodiments
[0068] In one embodiment of the present invention, presently
preferred benzimidazole derivatives are those of Formula A-1 where
R is selected from those groups listed in Table 1.
[0069] Solubility is based on a standard measure used in medicinal
chemistry, the octanol-water partition coefficient, LogP, Lower
Log) values indicate higher aqueous solubility. There are a variety
of methods to estimate this value for a proposed structure using
computer calculations. The below LogP solubility values were
determined using the atom typing method of Ghose, Pritchett et al.
(J. Comput. Chem 9(1): 80-90, 1988). Carbendazim has a LogP of
1.302.
1 TABLE 1 Cpd. No. R Log P 1--1
--OCOCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.3 3.712 1-2
--OCOPh(3-OCH.sub.3-4-OCH.sub.3-5-OCH.sub.3) 1.955 1-3
--COOCH.sub.2CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 -- 1-4 --COOCH.sub.2CCl.sub.3 -- 1-5
--CONHCH.sub.2CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 -- 1-6 --CONHCH.sub.2CCl3 --
[0070] In another embodiment of the invention, presently preferred
benzimidazole derivatives are those of Formula A-2 where R.sub.1
and R.sub.2 are selected from those groups listed in Table 2:
2TABLE 2 Cpd. No. R.sub.1 R.sub.2 LogP 2-1
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3).sub.2 H 1.098 2--2
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2-morpholino H 0.018 2-3
--CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 H 1.606 2-4 --CH.sub.2-(2-tetrahydr-
ofuryl) H 0.613 2-5 --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2 H 1.920
2-6 --CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2 H 2.333 2-7
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.3 H 2.353 2-8
--CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 H 1.992 2-9 --CH
(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3).sub.2 H 2.075 2-10 --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2N(-
CH.sub.3).sub.2 H 0.413 2-11 --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.3 H 0.217
2-12 --NH-Ph H 1.737 2-13 --Ph(2-OH) H 1.779 2-14
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 H 0.361 2-15
--Ph(3-OCH.sub.3-4-OCH.sub.3-5-OCH.sub.3) H 1.305 2-16 cyclohexyl
CH.sub.3 2.213 2-17 --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3
1.836 2-18 --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3
2.250
[0071] In another embodiment of the present invention, presently
preferred benzimidazole derivatives are those of Formula A-3 where
R.sub.1 is selected from those groups listed in Table 3:
3TABLE 3 Cpd. No. R.sub.1 Log P 3-1
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Cl 2.239 3-2
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2Cl 1.571 3--3
--CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 1.772 3-4 --(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.2CH.-
sub.2CH.sub.3 1.045 3-5 --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH 0.424
3-6 --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 2.024 3-7 --CH.sub.2Ph 2.808
3-8 --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 1.011 3-9
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Cl 1.788 3-10
--CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CHCH.sub.2OH 1.121 3-11 --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.-
2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH 1.488 3-12 --CH(CH.sub.2Cl).sub.2 2.510 3-13
--CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.3 3.802 3-14
--CH.sub.2CF.sub.2CF.sub.3 2.841 3-15 --CH(CH.sub.2F).sub.2 1.423
3-16 --CH(CH.sub.3)(cyclopropyl) 2.155 3-17 --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2F
0.542 3-18 --CH(CH.sub.2Br).sub.2 2.636 3-19
--CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 2.256 3-20
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.3 4.126 3-21
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.dbd.C(CH.sub.3).sub.2
4.048
[0072] In a further embodiment, a preferred compound of the
invention is of Formula A-4 where R.sub.1 is
--Ph(3--OCH.sub.3-4-OCH.sub.3-5-OCH.sub.3- ) (Cpd. No. 4-1;
LogP=1.955).
[0073] In yet another embodiment, a preferred compound is of
Formula A-5 where R.sub.1 is
--CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.3 (Cpd. No. 5-1;
LogP=3.062).
[0074] C. Screening Assays
[0075] Screening assays for determining those cancers susceptible
to treatment using compounds of the present invention include
incubating cell line models representing specific cancers as set
forth, for example, by the National Cancer Institute, in the
presence and absence of such compounds. Viability of cells may be
determined by the MTT assay (Promega Corp., Madison, Wis. 53711),
or the SRB (sulforhodamine B) assay (Skehan, et al., JNCI,
82:13,1107,1990). Susceptibility to said compounds exists when
viability in the presence of a compound of the present invention is
less than viability in the absence of such compound.
[0076] Exemplary cell line models representing specific cancers
include, but are not limited to, the following:
[0077] Non-small cell lung cancer: NCIH23, NCIH324, NCIH522,
A549/ATCC, A549(ASC), CALU1, EKVX, NCIH125M, NCIH226, NCIH520,
SKMES1, NCIH322M, NCIH358M, NCIH460, NCIH292, HOP62, HOP18, HOP19,
HOP92, LXFL 529, SW1573, LXFS 650L, ML1019, ML1076, ML1045, or
UABLG22;
[0078] Small cell lung cancer: NCIH69, NCIH146, NCIH82, NCIH524,
DMS 114, DMS 273, HOP27, SHP77, or RHOS;
[0079] Colon cancer: HT29, HCC2998, HCT116, LOVO, SW1116, SW620,
COLO 205, DLD1, WIDR, COLO 320DM, HCT15, CXF 280, KM12, KM20L2,
COLO 741, CXF 264L, COLO 746, UABC02, MLI059, CAC02, HT29/PAR,
HT29/MDR1, or NB4;
[0080] Breast cancer: MCF7, MCF7/ADRRES, ZR751, ZR7530,
MDAMB231/ATCC, HS 578T, UISOBCA1, MCF7/ATCC, SKBR3, MDAMB435, MDAN,
BT549, T47D, MDAMB231, MAXF 401, BT474, or MDAMB468;
[0081] Ovarian cancer: OVCAR3, OVCAR4, OVCAR5, OVCAR8, A2780,
IGROV1, SKOV3, OVXF 899, A1336, or ES2;
[0082] Leukemia: P388, P3888/ADR, CCRFCEM, CCRFSB, K562, MOLT4,
L1210, HL60(TB), RPM18226, SR, or K562/ADR;
[0083] Fibroblast: IMR90, or CCD19LU;
[0084] Renal cancer: UO31, SN12C, SN12S1, SN12K1, SN12L1, SN12A1,
A498, A704, CAKI1, RXF 393, RXF631, 7860, SW156, TK164, 769P, SS78,
ACHN, TK10, RXF 486L, UOK57, or UOK57LN;
[0085] Melanoma: LOX IMVI, MALME3M, RPMI7951, SKMEL2, SKMEL5,
SKMEL28, SKMEL31, UCSD 242L, UCSD 354L, M14, M19MEL, UACC62,
UACC257, MEXF 514L, or UABMEL3;
[0086] Prostate cancer: PC3, PC3M, DU145, LNCAP, 1013L, UMSCP1,
WIS, JE, RER, MRM, DHM, AG, RB, RVP, FC, WAE, DB/SMC, JCA1, ND1,
WMF, TSUPRI, JECA, GDP, T10, WBW, RVP1, or WLL;
[0087] CNS cancer: SNB7, SNB19, SNB44, SNB56, SNB75, SNB78, U251,
TE671, SF268, SF295, SF539, XF 498, SW 1088, SW 1783, U87 MG,
SF767, SF763, A172, or SMSKCNY;.
[0088] Bone/muscle: A204/ATCC, OHS, TE85, A673, CHA59, MHM 25,
RH18, RH30, or RD; and
[0089] Lymphoma: AS283, HT, KD488, PA682, SUDHL7, RL, DB, SUDHL1,
SUDHL4, SUDHL10, NUDUL1, or HUT 102.
[0090] D. Chemotherapeutic Agents
[0091] Chemotherapeutic agents are generally grouped as
DNA-interactive agents, antimetabolites, tubulin-interactive
agents, hormonal agents, other agents such as asparaginase or
hydroxyurea, and agents as set forth in Table 3. Each of the groups
of chemotherapeutic agents can be further divided by type of
activity or compound. Chemotherapeutic agents used in combination
with a compound of the present invention or salts thereof may be
selected from any of these groups but are not limited thereto. For
a detailed discussion of the chemotherapeutic agents and their
method of administration, see Dorr, et al, Cancer Chemotherapy
Handbook, 2d edition, pages 15-34, Appleton & Lange
(Connecticut, 1994) herein incorporated by reference.
[0092] DNA-interactive agents include alkylating agents, e.g.
cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, and altretamine; DNA strand-breakage
agents, such as bleomycin; intercalating topoisomerase II
inhibitors, e.g., dactinomycin and doxorubicin; nonintercalating
topoisomerase II inhibitors such as etoposide and teniposide; and
the DNA minor groove binder plicamycin, for example.
[0093] The alkylating agents form covalent chemical adducts with
cellular DNA, RNA, or protein molecules, or with smaller amino
acids, glutathione, or similar chemicals. Generally, alkylating
agents react with a nucleophilic atom in a cellular constituent,
such as an amino, carboxyl, phosphate, or sulfhydryl group in
nucleic acids, proteins, amino acids, or in glutathione. The
mechanism and the role of these alkylating agents in cancer therapy
is not well understood.
[0094] Typical alkylating agents include, but are not limited to,
nitrogen mustards, such as chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide,
isofamide, mechlorethamine, melphalan, uracil mustard; aziridine
such as thiotepa; methanesulphonate esters such as busulfan;
nitroso ureas, such as carmustine, lomustine, streptozocin;
platinum complexes, such as cisplatin, carboplatin; bioreductive
alkylator, such as mitomycin, and procarbazine, dacarbazine and
altretamine.
[0095] DNA strand breaking agents include bleomycin, for
example.
[0096] DNA topoisomerase II inhibitors include the following
intercalators, such as amsacrine, dactinomycin, daunorubicin,
doxorubicin (adriamycin), idarubicin, and mitoxantrone;
nonintercalators, such as etoposide and teniposide, for
example.
[0097] A DNA minor groove binder is plicamycin, for example.
[0098] Antimetabolites interfere with the production of nucleic
acids by one of two major mechanisms. Certain drugs inhibit
production of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates that are the
immediate precursors for DNA synthesis, thus inhibiting DNA
replication. Certain of the compounds are analogues of purines or
pyrimidines and are incorporated in anabolic nucleotide pathways.
These analogues are then substituted into DNA or RNA instead of
their normal counterparts.
[0099] Antimetabolites useful herein include, but are not limited
to, folate antagonists such as methotrexate and trimetrexate;
pyrimidine antagonists, such as fluorouracil, fluorodeoxyuridine,
CB3717, azacitidine, cytarabine, and floxuridine; purine
antagonists include mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, fludarabine,
pentostatin and ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors include
hydroxyurea.
[0100] Tubulin interactive agents act by binding to specific sites
on tubulin, a protein that polymerizes to form cellular
microtubules. Microtubules are critical cell structure units. When
the interactive agents bind the protein, the cell can not form
microtubules Tubulin interactive agents include vincristine and
vinblastine, both alkaloids and paclitaxel, for example.
[0101] Hormonal agents are also useful in the treatment of cancers
and tumors. They are used in hormonally susceptible tumors and are
usually derived from natural sources. Hormonal agents include, but
are not limited to, estrogens, conjugated estrogens and ethinyl
estradiol and diethylstilbesterol, chlortrianisen and idenestrol;
progestins such as hydroxyprogesterone caproate,
medroxyprogesterone, and megestrol; and androgens such as
testosterone, testosterone propionate; fluoxymesterone, and
methyltestosterone.
[0102] Adrenal corticosteroids are derived from natural adrenal
cortisol or hydrocortisone. They are used because of their
anti-inflammatory benefits as well as the ability of some to
inhibit mitotic divisions and to halt DNA synthesis. These
compounds include, but are not limited to, prednisone,
dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and prednisolone.
[0103] Leutinizing hormone releasing hormone agents or
gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists are used primarily the
treatment of prostate cancer. These include leuprolide acetate and
goserelin acetate. They prevent the biosynthesis of steroids in the
testes.
[0104] Antihormonal antigens include, for example, antiestrogenic
agents such as tamoxifen, antiandrogen agents such as flutamide;
and antiadrenal agents such as mitotane and aminoglutethimide.
[0105] Further agents include the following: hydroxyurea appears to
act primarily through inhibition of the enzyme ribonucleotide
reductase, and asparaginase is an enzyme which converts asparagine
to nonfunctional aspartic acid and thus blocks protein synthesis in
the tumor.
[0106] TAXOL.RTM. (paclitaxel) is a preferred chemotherapeutic
agent.
[0107] A listing of currently available chemotherapeutic agents
according to class, and including diseases for which the agents are
indicated, is provided as Table 3A.
4TABLE 3A Neoplastic Diseases.sup.1 for which Exemplary
Chemotherapeutic agents are Indicated Class Type of Agent Name
Disease.sup.2 Alkylating Agents Nitrogen Mustards Mechlorethamine
Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (HN.sub.2)
Cyclophosphamide Ifosfamide Acute and chronic lymphocytic
leukemias, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, multiple
myeloma, neuroblastoma, breast, ovary, lung, Wilms' tumor, cervix,
testis, soft-tissue sarcomas Melphalan Multiple myeloma, breast,
ovary Chlorambucil Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, primary
macroglobulinemia, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas
Estramustine Prostate Ethylenimines and Hexamethylmelamine Ovary
Methylmelamines Thiotepa Bladder, breast, ovary Alkyl Sulfonates
Busulfan Chronic granulocytic leukemia Nitrosoureas Carmustine
Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, primary brain tumors,
multiple myeloma, malignant melanoma Lomustine Hodgkin's disease,
non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, primary brain tumors, small-cell lung
Semustine Primary brain tumors, stomach, colon Streptozocin
Malignant pancreatic insulinoma, malignant carcinoid Triazenes
Dacarbazine Malignant melanoma, Hodgkin's disease, soft-tissue
sarcomas Procarbazine Aziridine Antimetabolites Folic Acid Analogs
Methotrexate Trimetrexate Acute lymphocytic leukemia,
choriocarcinoma, mycosis fungoides, breast, head and neck, lung,
osteogenic sarcoma Pyrimidine Analogs Fluorouracil Breast, colon,
stomach, pancreas, ovary, head and neck, urinary Floxuridine
bladder, premalignant skin lesions (topical) Cytarabine Azacitidine
Acute granulocytic and acute lymphocytic leukemias Purine Analogs
and Related Mercaptopurine Acute lymphocytic, acute granulocytic,
and chronic Inhibitors granulocytic leukemias Thioguanine Acute
granulocytic, acute lymphocytic, and chronic granulocytic leukemias
Pentostatin Hairy cell leukemia, mycosis fungoides, chronic
lymphocytic leukemia Fludarabine Chronic lymphocytic leukemia,
Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, mycosis fungoides Natural
Products Vinca Alkaloids Vinblastine (VLB) Hodgkin's disease,
non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, breast, testis Vincristine Acute
lymphocytic leukemia, neuroblastoma, Wilms' tumor,
rhabdomyosarcoma, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas,
small-cell lung Vindesine Vinca-resistant acute lymphocytic
leukemia, chronic myelocytic leukemia, melanoma, lymphomas, breast
Epipodophyllotoxins Etoposide Testis, small-cell lung and other
lung, breast, Hodgkin's Teniposide disease, non-Hodgkin's
lymphomas, acute granulocytic leukemia, Kaposi's sarcoma
Antibiotics Dactinomycin Choriocarcinoma, Wilms' tumor,
rhabdomyosarcoma, testis, Kaposi's sarcoma Daunorubicin Acute
granulocytic and acute lymphocytic leukemias Doxorubicin
Soft-tissue, osteogenic, and other sarcomas; Hodgkin's disease,
4'-Deoxydoxorubicin non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, acute leukemias,
breast, genitourinary, thyroid, lung, stomach, neuroblastoma
Bleomycin Testis, head and neck, skin, esophagus, lung, and
genitourinary tract; Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas
Plicamycin Testis, malignant hypercalcemia Mitomycin Stomach,
cervix, colon, breast, pancreas, bladder, head and neck Enzymes
L-Asparaginase Acute lymphocytic leukemia Taxanes Docetaxel Breast,
ovarian Taxoids Paclitaxel Biological Response Interferon Alfa
Hairy cell leukemia, Kaposi's sarcoma, melanoma, carcinoid,
Modifiers renal cell, ovary, bladder, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas,
mycosis fungoides, multiple myeloma, chronic granulocytic leukemia
Tumor Necrosis Factor Investigational Tumor-Infiltrating
Investigational Lymphocytes Miscellaneous Agents Platinum
Coordination Cisplatin Testis, ovary, bladder, head and neck, lung,
thyroid, cervix, Complexes Carboplatin endometrium, neuroblastoma,
osteogenic sarcoma Anthracenedione Mitoxantrone Acute granulocytic
leukemia, breast Substituted Urea Hydroxyurea Chronic granulocytic
leukemia, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis, malignant
melanoma Methyl Hydrazine Procarbazine Hodgkin's disease Derivative
Adrenocortical Suppressant Mitotane Adrenal cortex
Aminoglutethimide Breast Hormones Adrenocorti-costeroids Prednisone
Acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemias, non-Hodgkin's and
Antagonists lymphomas, Hodgkin's disease, breast Progestins
Hydroxy-progesterone caproate Endometrium, breast
Medroxy-progesterone acetate Megestrol acetate Estrogens
Diethylstil-bestrol Breast, prostate Ethinyl estradiol Antiestrogen
Tamoxifen Breast Androgens Testosterone Breast propionate
Fluoxymesterone Antiandrogen Flutamide Prostate Gonadotropin-
Leuprolide Prostate, Estrogen-receptor- positive breast releasing
hormone analog Goserelin .sup.1Adapted from Calabresi, P., and B.
A. Chabner, "Chemotherapy of Neoplastic Diseases" Section XII, pp
1202-1263 in: Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of
Therapeutics, Eighth ed., 1990 Pergamin Press, Inc.; and Barrows,
L. R., "Antineoplastic and Immunoactive Drugs", Chapter 75, pp
1236-1262, in: Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy,
Mack Publishing Co. Easton, PA, 1995.; both references are #
incorporated by reference herein, in particular for treatment
protocols. .sup.2Neoplasms are carcinomas unless otherwise
indicated.
[0108] E. Potentiators
[0109] A "potentiator," as used herein, is a material that improves
or increases the efficacy of the benzimidazole derivatives or a
salt or a prodrug thereof, or that acts on the immune system as an
immunomodulator. Potentiators can be used in combination with a
compound of the present invention. A potentiator may be an
antiviral agent. One such potentiator is triprolidine or its
cis-isomer. Triprolidine is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,951
(1992, the patent is incorporated by reference herein). A further
potentiator is procodazole, (also named 1H-benzimidazole-2-propan-
oic acid, or .beta.-(2-benzimidazole) propionic acid or
2-(2-carboxyethyl)benzimidazole or propazol). Procodazole is a
non-specific immunoprotective agent active against viral and
bacterial infections and may be used in combination with the
compounds set forth herein. Procodazole is effective with a
compound of the present invention, alone in treating cancers,
tumors, leukemia or viral infections, or combined with a
chemotherapeutic agent.
[0110] Further potentiators include, but are not limited to,
propionic acid, salts thereof, or esters thereof; antioxidant
vitamins such as vitamins A, C, E, or beta-carotene; abacavir;
AL-721 (lipid mixture); amprenavir; Amphotericin B methyl ester;
AMPLIGEN.RTM. (mismatched RNA); anti-AIDS antibody; anti-human
interferon-.alpha. antibody; anti-AIDS antibody, ascorbic acid and
derivatives thereof; AS-101 (heavy metal based immunostimulant);
azidothymidine; .beta.-interferon; Bropirimine; butylated
hydroxytoluene; Ciamexon, Cimetidine; CL-246,738, colony
stimulating factors, including GM-CSF; Creme Pharmatex
(benzalkonium chloride); CS-82 (5-unsubstituted derivative of
Zidovudine); Cyclosporin; D-penicillamine (3-mercapto-D-valine);
delavirdine; dextran sulphate; dinitrochlorobenzene; efavirenz;
erythropoietin; Foscamet (trisodium phosphonoformate); fusidic
acid; ganciclovir; glucan; glycyrrhizin, HPA-23
(ammonium-21-tungsto-9-antimonate); human immunevirus antiviral;
hyperimmune gamma-globulin, IMREG.RTM.-1, IMREG.RTM.-2, low
molecular weight subfractions derived from human leukocyte
dialysates; indinavir; interferon-.alpha.; interferon-gamma;
interleukin-1 or interleukin-2; isoprinosine; Krestin; LC-9018;
lamivudine; lentilart; LF-1695; methionine-enkephalin;
MINOPHAGEN.RTM. C (glycyrrhizin); muramyl tripeptide; naltrexone;
nelfinavir; Neutropin; nevirapine; Nonoxinol; ORNIDYL.RTM.
(eflornithine); non-nucleoside inhibitors of reverse transcriptase;
nucleoside analogues (ddA, ddC, ddI, ddT, ddG, AZT, and the like);
pentamidine isethionate; Phenyloin; polymannoacetate; Peptide
T.RTM. (octapeptide sequence); protease inhibitors; Ribavirin;
Rifabutin (ansamycin); ritonavir; RNA immunomodulator; rsT4
(recombinant soluble T4); saquinavir; shosaikoto and ginseng;
SK-818 (germanium-derived antiviral); sodium diethylthiocarbarmate;
stavudine; stearic acid derivative; suramin and analogues thereof;
thymic humoral factor; TP-5; Thymosin fraction 5 and Thymosin 1;
Thymostimulin; TNF (tumor necrosis factor), vitamin B preparations;
Trimetrexate; UA001; .alpha.-interferon or acyclovir, for
example.
[0111] A compound, or a salt or a prodrug thereof, of the present
invention may be combined with a potentiator and with a
chemotherapeutic agent in the methods of the present invention.
[0112] F. Dosage
[0113] Any suitable dosage may be administered in the methods of
the present invention. The compound or salt or prodrug thereof
chosen for a particular application, the carrier and the amount
will vary widely depending on the species of the warm blooded
animal or human, the type of cancer, or the particular viral
infection being treated, and depending upon the effective
inhibitory concentrations observed in trial studies. The dosage
administered will, of course, vary depending upon known factors,
such as the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the particular
compound, salt, or combination and its mode and route of
administration; the age, health, or weight of the subject; the
nature and extent of symptoms; the metabolic characteristics of the
drug and patient, the kind of concurrent treatment; the frequency
of treatment; or the effect desired.
[0114] Generally a dosage of as little as about 1-2 milligram (mg)
per kilogram (kg) of body weight is suitable, but preferably as
little as 10 mg/kg and up to about 10,000 mg/kg may be used.
Preferably, a dosage from 15 mg/kg to about 5000 mg/kg is used.
Most preferably, the dose is between 150 mg/kg to about 1000 mg/kg.
Doses useful in the treatment of cancer or viral infections are 250
mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, 1500 mg/kg, 2500 mg/kg,
3500 mg/kg, 4000 mg/kg, 5000 mg/kg, or 6000 mg/kg. Any range of
doses can be used. Generally, a compound, salt thereof, prodrug
thereof, or combination of the present invention can be
administered on a daily basis one or more times a day, or one to
four times a week, either in a single dose or separate doses during
the day. Twice-weekly dosing over a period of at least several
weeks is preferred, and often dosing will be continued over
extended periods of time and possibly for the lifetime of the
patient. However, the dosage and the dosage regimen will vary
depending on the ability of the patient to sustain the desired and
effective plasma levels of the compounds of the present invention,
or salt or prodrug thereof, in the blood.
[0115] The compound, salt thereof, prodrug thereof, or combination
may be micronized or powdered so that it is more easily dispersed
and solubilized by the body. Processes for grinding or pulverizing
drugs are well known in the art. For example, a hammer mill or
similar milling device can be used. The preferred particle size is
less than about 100.mu. and preferably less than 50.mu..
[0116] Intravenously, the most preferred doses may range from about
1 to about 10 mg/kg/minute during a constant rate infusion.
[0117] The dosage for humans is generally less than that used in
mice and is typically about {fraction (1/12)} of the dose that is
effective in mice. Thus, if 500 mg/kg was effective in mice, a dose
of 42 mg/kg would be used in humans. For a 60 kg man, this dose
would be 2520 mg.
[0118] The compounds and salts and prodrugs thereof of the present
invention are generally safe. The LD.sub.50 is high, about 1500
mg/kg given orally in mice and there are no special handling
requirements. The compounds can be given orally, and since they are
not very soluble, they are preferably given in tablet form or as a
suspension. Alternatively, when micronized to sufficiently small
size, they may be and preferably are given as an injection.
[0119] The compounds and salts and prodrugs thereof of the present
invention may be administered in a unit dosage form which may be
prepared by any methods known to one of skill in the art in light
of the present disclosure. Unit dosages may include from 1
milligram to 1000 milligrams of active ingredient. Preferably the
dosage unit will contain from about 10 mg to about 500 mg active
ingredient. The active ingredient is generally present in an amount
of about 0.5% to about 95% by weight based on the total weight of
the dosage unit.
[0120] For intravenous use, preferred dosages may range from about
1 to about 10 mg/kg/minute during a constant rate infusion.
[0121] A dosage unit may comprise a single compound, or mixtures
thereof, with other compounds or other cancer- or viral-inhibiting
compounds. The dosage unit may comprise diluents, extenders,
carriers, liposomes, or the like. The unit may be in solid or gel
form such as pills, tablets, capsules and the like or in liquid
form suitable for oral, rectal, topical, intravenous injection or
parenteral administration or injection into or around the treatment
site. The range and ratio of benzimidazole derivative, or salt or
prodrug thereof, to chemotherapeutic agent or to potentiator will
depend on the type of cancer or viral infection being treated and
the particular chemotherapeutic agent or potentiator.
[0122] G. Formulations
[0123] Formulations of the present invention include the compound
of the present invention, a salt thereof or a prodrug thereof and,
optionally, a chemotherapeutic agent and, optionally, a potentiator
generally mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A
"pharmaceutical carrier" is a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent,
suspending agent or vehicle for delivering a compound of the
present invention to the animal or human. The carrier may be liquid
or solid and is selected with the planned manner of administration
in mind. A "pharmaceutically acceptable" component is one that is
suitable for use with humans and/or animals without undue adverse
side effects (such as toxicity, irritation, and allergic response)
commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.
[0124] Oral formulations suitable for use in the practice of the
present invention include capsules, gels, cachets, tablets,
effervescent or non-effervescent powders or tablets, powders or
granules; as a solution or suspension in aqueous or non-aqueous
liquid; or as an oil-in-water liquid emulsion or a water-in-oil
emulsion. The compounds of the present invention may also be
presented as a bolus, electuary, or paste.
[0125] Generally, formulations are prepared by uniformly mixing the
active ingredient with liquid carriers or finely divided solid
carriers or both, and then if necessary shaping the product. A
pharmaceutical carrier is selected on the basis of the chosen route
of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice. Each
carrier must be "acceptable" in the sense of being compatible with
the other ingredients of the formulation and not injurious to the
subject. This carrier can be a solid or liquid and the type is
generally chosen based on the type of administration being used.
Examples of suitable solid carriers include lactose, sucrose,
gelatin, agar and bulk powders. Examples of suitable liquid
carriers include water, pharmaceutically acceptable fats and oils,
alcohols or other organic solvents, including esters, emulsions,
syrups or elixirs, suspensions, solutions and/or suspensions, and
solution and or suspensions reconstituted from non-effervescent
granules and effervescent preparations reconstituted from
effervescent granules. Such liquid carriers may contain, for
example, suitable solvents, preservatives, emulsifying agents,
suspending agents, diluents, sweeteners, thickeners, and melting
agents. Preferred carriers are edible oils, for example, corn or
canola oils. Polyethylene glycols, e.g. PEG, are also preferred
carriers.
[0126] The formulations for oral administration may comprise a
non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable, inert carrier such as
lactose, starch, sucrose, glucose, methyl cellulose, magnesium
stearate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, mannitol, sorbitol,
cyclodextrin, cyclodextrin derivatives, or the like.
[0127] Capsule or tablets can be easily formulated and can be made
easy to swallow or chew. Tablets may contain suitable carriers,
binders, lubricants, diluents, disintegrating agents, coloring
agents, flavoring agents, flow-inducing agents, or melting agents.
A tablet may be made by compression or molding, optionally with one
or more additional ingredients. Compressed tables may be prepared
by compressing the active ingredient in a free flowing form (e.g.,
powder, granules) optionally mixed with a binder (e.g., gelatin,
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose), lubricant, inert diluent,
preservative, disintegrant (e.g., sodium starch glycolate,
cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose) surface-active or dispersing
agent. Suitable binders include starch, gelatin, natural sugars
such as glucose or beta-lactose, corn sweeteners, natural and
synthetic gums such as acacia, tragacanth, or sodium alginate,
carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, waxes, or the like.
Lubricants used in these dosage forms include sodium oleate, sodium
stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate,
sodium chloride, or the like. Disintegrators include, for example,
starch, methyl cellulose, agar, bentonite, xanthan gum, or the
like. Molded tablets may be made by molding in a suitable machine a
mixture of the powdered active ingredient moistened with an inert
liquid diluent.
[0128] The tablets may optionally be coated or scored and may be
formulated so as to provide slow- or controlled-release of the
active ingredient. Tablets may also optionally be provided with an
enteric coating to provide release in parts of the gut other than
the stomach.
[0129] Exemplary pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and
excipients that may be used to formulate oral dosage forms of the
present invention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,903,297 to
Robert, issued Sep. 2, 1975, incorporated by reference herein.
Techniques and compositions for making dosage forms useful in the
present invention are described in the following references: 7
Modern Pharmaceutics, Chapters 9 and 10 (Banker & Rhodes,
Editors, 1979); Lieberman et al., Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms:
Tablets (1981); and Ansel, Introduction to Pharmaceutical Dosage
Forms 2nd Edition (1976).
[0130] Formulations suitable for topical administration in the
mouth wherein the active ingredient is dissolved or suspended in a
suitable carrier include lozenges which may comprise the active
ingredient in a flavored carrier, usually sucrose and acacia or
tragacanth; gelatin, glycerin, or sucrose and acacia; and
mouthwashes comprising the active ingredient in a suitable liquid
carrier.
[0131] Topical applications for administration according to the
method of the present invention include ointments, cream,
suspensions, lotions, powder, solutions, pastes, gels, spray,
aerosol or oil. Alternately, a formulation may comprise a
transdermal patch or dressing such as a bandage impregnated with an
active ingredient and optionally one or more carriers or diluents.
To be administered in the form of a transdermal delivery system,
the dosage administration will, of course, be continuous rather
than intermittent throughout the dosage regimen.
[0132] The topical formulations may desirably include a compound
that enhances absorption or penetration of the active ingredient
through the skin or other affected areas. Examples of such dermal
penetration enhancers include dimethylsulfoxide and related
analogues.
[0133] The oil phase of an emulsion used to treat subjects in the
present invention may be constituted from ingredients known to one
of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure. An emulsion
may comprise one or more emulsifiers. For example, an oily phase
may comprise at least one emulsifier with a fat or an oil, with
both a fat and an oil, or a hydrophilic emulsifier may be included
together with a lipophilic emulsifier that acts as a stabilizer.
Together, the emulsifier(s), with or without stabilizer(s), make up
an emulsifying wax, and the wax together with the oil and/or fat
make up the emulsifying ointment base that forms the oily dispersed
phase of the cream formulations.
[0134] Emulsifiers and emulsion stabilizers suitable for use in the
formulation include Tween 60, Span 80, cetosteryl alcohol, myristyl
alcohol, glyceryl monostearate and sodium lauryl sulphate,
paraffin, straight or branched chain, mono-or dibasic alkyl esters,
mineral oil. The choice of suitable oils or fats for the
formulation is based on achieving the desired cosmetic properties,
the properties required and compatibility with the active
ingredient.
[0135] Compounds of the present invention may also be administered
vaginally, for example, as pessaries, tampons, creams, gels,
pastes, foams or spray formulations containing appropriate carriers
in addition to the active ingredient. Such carriers are known in
the art in light of the present disclosure.
[0136] Formulations for rectal administration may be presented as a
suppository with a suitable base comprising, for example, cocoa
butter or a salicylate.
[0137] Formulations suitable for nasal administration may be
administered in a liquid form, for example, nasal spray, nasal
drops, or by aerosol administration by nebulizer, including aqueous
or oily solutions of the active ingredient. Formulations for nasal
administration, wherein the carrier is a solid, include a coarse
powder having a particle size, for example, of less than about 100
microns, preferably less than about 50 microns, which is
administered in the manner in which snuff is taken, i.e., by rapid
inhalation through the nasal passage from a container of the powder
held close up to the nose.
[0138] Formulations suitable for parenteral administration include
aqueous and non-aqueous formulations isotonic with the blood of the
intended recipient; and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions
which may include suspending systems designed to target the
compound to blood components or one or more organs. The
formulations may be presented in unit-dose or multi-dose sealed
containers, for example, ampoules or vials. Extemporaneous
injections solutions and suspensions may be prepared from sterile
powders, granules and tablets of the kind previously described.
Parenteral and intravenous forms may also include minerals and
other materials to make them compatible with the type of injection
or delivery system chosen.
[0139] In general, water, a suitable oil, saline, aqueous dextrose
(glucose), or related sugar solutions and glycols such as propylene
glycol or polyethylene glycols are suitable carriers for parenteral
solutions. Solutions for parenteral administration preferably
contain a water soluble salt of the active ingredient, suitable
stabilizing agents and, if necessary, buffer substances.
Antioxidizing agents, such as sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfite, or
ascorbic acid, either alone or combined, are suitable stabilizing
agents. Also used are citric acid salts thereof, or sodium EDTA. In
addition, parenteral solutions may contain preservatives, such as
benzalkonium chloride, methyl- or propyl-paraben, or chlorobutanol.
Suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in Remington, cited
supra.
[0140] The present invention additionally contemplates
administering compounds of the herein described invention for use
in the form of veterinary formulations, which may be prepared, for
example, by methods that are conventional in the art in light of
the present disclosure.
[0141] Useful pharmaceutical dosage formulations for administration
of the compounds of the present invention are illustrated as
follows:
[0142] Capsules: A large number of unit capsules are prepared by
filling standard two-piece hard gelatin capsules each with 100
milligrams of powdered active ingredient, 150 milligrams of
lactose, 50 milligrams of cellulose, and 6 milligrams magnesium
stearate.
[0143] Soft Gelatin Capsules: A mixture of active ingredient in a
digestible oil such as soybean oil, cottonseed oil or olive oil is
prepared and injected by means of a positive displacement pump into
gelatin to form soft gelatin capsules containing 100 milligrams of
the active ingredient. The capsules are washed and dried.
[0144] Tablets: A large number of tablets are prepared by
conventional procedures so that the dosage unit was 100 milligrams
of active ingredient, 0.2 milligrams of colloidal silicon dioxide,
5 milligrams of magnesium stearate, 275 milligrams of
microcrystalline cellulose, 11 milligrams of starch and 98.8
milligrams of lactose. Appropriate coatings can be applied to
increase palatability or delay absorption.
[0145] Injectable: A parenteral composition suitable for
administration by injection is prepared by stirring 1.5% by weight
of active ingredient in 10% by volume propylene glycol and water.
The solution is made isotonic with sodium chloride and
sterilized.
[0146] Suspension: An aqueous suspension is prepared for oral
administration so that each 5 ml contains 100 mg of finely divided
active ingredient, 200 mg of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, 5 mg
of sodium benzoate, 1.0 g of sorbitol solution, U.S.P., and 0.025
ml of vanillin.
[0147] Compounds of the present invention may be administered in
the form of liposome delivery systems, such as small unilamellar
vesicles, large unilamellar vesicles, and multilamellar vesicles.
Liposomes can be formed from a variety of phospholipids, such as
cholesterol, stearylamine, or phosphatidylcholines.
[0148] Compounds of the present invention may be coupled with
soluble polymers as targetable drug carriers. Such polymers can
include polyvinylpyrrolidone, pyran copolymer,
polyhydroxylpropylmethacrylamide-p- henol,
polyhydroxyethylaspartamidephenol, or polyethyleneoxide-polylysine
substituted with palmitoyl residues. Furthermore, the compounds of
the present invention can be coupled to a class of biodegradable
polymers useful in achieving controlled release of a drug, for
example, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, copolymers of
polylactic and polyglycolic acid, polyepsilon caprolactone,
polyhydroxy butyric acid, polyorthoesters, polyacetals,
polydihydropyrans, polycyanoacylates, and crosslinked or
amphipathic block copolymers of hydrogels.
[0149] H. Method Of Treatment
[0150] The method of treatment can be any suitable method which is
effective in the treatment of the particular cancer or viral
infection that is being treated. Treatment includes administering a
therapeutically effective amount of the compounds of the present
invention in a form described hereinabove, to a subject in need of
treatment.
[0151] Compounds of the present invention can be administered by
any means that produces contact of the active agent with the
agent's site of action in the body, for example, suitable means
including, but not limited to, oral, rectal, nasal, topical
(including transdermal, aerosol, buccal or sublingual), vaginal,
parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous or
intradermal), intravesical, or injection into or around the cancer
or site of viral infection. They can be administered by any
conventional means available for use in conjunction with
pharmaceuticals, either as individual therapeutic agents or in a
combination of therapeutics. Preferably, compounds of the present
invention are administered as a pharmaceutical formulation
comprising at least one compound of the present invention, as
defined above, together with one or more pharmaceutically
acceptable carriers. It can be co-administered in the form of a
tablet or capsule, as an agglomerated powder, or in a liquid form,
or as a liposome.
[0152] The preferred route will vary with the condition and age of
the recipient, virus or cancer being treated nature of the
disorder, or severity of disorder. It is believed that oral
administration, or parenteral treatment is the preferred method of
administering the compounds to subjects in need thereof.
[0153] In each of the above-described methods, the administering
may be in vivo, or may be ex vivo. In vivo treatment is useful for
treating diseases in a mammal, preferably the mammal is a human;
and ex vivo treatment is useful for purging body fluids, such as
blood, plasma, bone marrow, and the like, for return to the body.
The nation's blood supply is currently tested for antibodies to
HIV. However, the test is still imperfect and samples that yield
negative tests can still contain HIV virus. Treating blood and
blood products with the compounds of the present invention can add
an extra margin of safety to kill any retrovirus that may have gone
undetected. Body tissue may be internal or external to an animal
body, or, for example, may be the surface skin of the animal.
[0154] I. Combination Therapy
[0155] Compounds of the present invention may additionally be
combined with chemotherapeutic agents and/or potentiators to
provide a combination therapy. Combination therapy is intended to
include any chemically compatible combination of a compound of the
present invention with other compounds of the present invention or
other compounds outside of the present invention, as long as the
combination does not eliminate the activity of the compound of the
present invention. For example, one or more compounds may be
combined with a potentiator or with a chemotherapeutic agent. In
the case of retroviral infection, a combination therapy with
nucleoside analogues such as AZT, normucleoside reverse
transcriptase inhibitors, TC-3, or protease inhibitors is
contemplated by the present invention. In the case of hepatitis,
acyclovir, famciclovir or valacyclovir, Ribavirin, interferon, or
combinations of Ribavirin and interferon or beta globulin is
contemplated as a combination therapy. For herpes, a recombinant
alpha interferon can be used as a combination therapy. The active
agent can be coadministered, for example, in the form of a tablet
or capsule, liposome, as an agglomerated powder, or in a liquid
form. The amount of chemotherapeutic agent or potentiator used can
be lower than that of the benzimidazole derivative. It will be
present in a dosage unit in an amount that provides an operative
combination with the benzimidazole derivative. The dosage of the
chemotherapeutic agent or the potentiator can range from about 0.5
mg/kg body weight to about 400 mg/kg body weight.
[0156] Combination therapy can be sequential, that is the treatment
with one agent first and then the second agent, or it can be
treatment with both agents at the same time. The sequential therapy
can be within a reasonable time after the completion of the first
therapy before beginning the second therapy. The treatment with
both agents at the same time can be in the same daily dose or in
separate doses. For example, treatment with one agent on day 1 and
the other on day 2. The exact regimen will depend on the disorder
being treated, the severity of the disorder, and the response to
the treatment.
[0157] In addition to the use of chemotherapeutic agents and
potentiators, a benzimidazole derivate or a salt or a prodrug
thereof can be combined with a fungicide or an herbicide. Preferred
herbicides and fungicides include carbendazim, fluoconazole,
benomyl, glyphosate, and propicodazole.
[0158] J. Pharmaceutical Kits
[0159] The present invention also includes pharmaceutical kits
useful, for example, for the treatment of cancer or viral
infection. The kits comprise one or more containers containing a
pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective
amount of a compound of the present invention or a salt or a
prodrug thereof. Such kits can further include, if desired, one or
more of various conventional pharmaceutical kit components, such
as, for example, containers with one or more pharmaceutically
acceptable carriers, additional containers, etc., as will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Instruction, such as
e.g. printed instructions either as inserts or as labels or the
like, the instruction indicating quantities of the components to be
administered, guidelines for administration, and/or guidelines for
mixing the components, can also be included with the kit.
[0160] K. Studies
[0161] The following studies were performed to test the
effectiveness of the benzimidazole derivatives of the present
invention against certain cancers and viral infections.
[0162] Colon and Melanoma Tumor Cells Test:
[0163] The following cell culture tests were performed to test the
toxicity of benzimidazole derivative compounds of the present
invention on colon and melanoma tumor cells. The viability of the
cells were tested by looking at MTT
(3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide)
reduction. MTT assay is a well known measure of cell viability.
[0164] The colon tumor cells (HT29) and the melanoma cells (B16
murine melanoma) were seeded (1000-2000 cells) into each well of a
96-well microtiter plate and allowed to grow. Twenty-four hours
later, increasing concentrations of each benzimidazole derivative
were added to the plates and the cells were allowed to incubate for
3-6 days in the presence of the drugs. MTT reagent was then added
to the wells and allowed to incubate for 4 hours at 37.degree. C.,
after which the formazan metabolite was solubilized with acidic
isopropanol and the absorbance was read. Experimental controls
included blank wells to which no cells were added (zero point of
formazan absorbance) and control wells to which no drug was added
(highest level of formazan absorbance). Each drug concentration was
tested in duplicate and the resulting average absorbance was
plotted against drug concentration using the EZ-ED50 computer
program on a personal computer interfaced to the microtiter plate
reader. The program fit the resulting curves to a four-parameter
equation: 1 Y = A max - A min ( 1 + X / IC50 ) n + A min
[0165] where A.sub.max and A.sub.min are, respectively, the
absorbances in the absence and presence of highest drug
concentration, X is the drug concentration and Y is the absorbance
at that concentration, n is the slope of the curve, and IC.sub.50
is the concentration of drug that gives 50% growth inhibition. The
IC.sub.50 value is then derived from this equation by EZ-ED50. The
IC.sub.50 values for growth inhibition of both B16 and HT29 cancer
cell lines are reported in Table 4 below (Y.dbd.H unless otherwise
indicated).
5 TABLE 4 IC.sub.50(.mu.M) Cpd. No. Murine Melanoma Human Colon
Carcinoma 1--1 20.1 15.8 1-2 14.0 26.3 2-1 530.3 397.8 2--2 80.5
121.0 2-3 2.9 1.6 2-4 47.2 35.7 2-5 5.9 5.1 2-6 0.84 0.50 2-7 0.41
0.42 2-8 5.0 4.9 2-9 0.37 228.3 2-10 553.2 446.9 2-11 30.5 17.1
2-12 271.3 25.4 2-13 2.8 2.3 2-14 402.7 158.0 2-15 6.1 4.2 2-16
0.32 0.23 2-17 4.6 2.5 2-18 9.4 3.1 3-1 0.011 0.010 3-2 0.082 0.036
3--3 0.22 0.059 3-4 0.084 0.027 3-5 2.6 -- 3-6 0.044 0.0076 3-7
0.085 0.033 3-8 70.4 48.6 3-9 0.21 0.054 3-10 1.0 0.60 3-11 248.1
107.4 3-12 0.99 2.1 3-13 0.0046 0.019 3-14 588.2 313.5 3-15 0.94
0.61 3-16 0.062 0.030 3-17 0.97 0.30 3-18 1.2 2.1 3-19 0.048 0.012
3-20 <0.001 0.013 3-21 0.077 0.046 4-1 0.25 0.17 5-1 6.6 7.0
[0166] Microtubule Inhibition Assay:
[0167] The benzimidazole derivatives of this invention were
evaluated for their ability to inhibit formation of microtubules,
following the procedure of Luduena, R. F. and M. C. Roach
(Pharmacol. Ther. 49: 133-152 (1991)). Tubulin was purified from
bovine brain by a cycle of assembly and disassembly, followed by
phosphocellulose chromatography and gel filtration (Fellous, A. et
al., Eur. J. Biochem. 78(1): 167-174 (1977)). The assay was
performed by preparing a sample of tubulin protein under conditions
which promote polymerization into microtubules (Prasad, V. et al.,
J. Protein Chem. 11(5): 509-515 (1992)), then adding the
benzamidazole derivatives, at 2 .mu.M, and following the time
course of polymerization. Microtubule polymerization was followed
by performing the reaction in a cuvette and monitoring UV
absorbance at 350 nm, allowing direct visualization of the time
course of the polymerization. After 30 minutes, polymerization was
complete and the percent inhibition of polymerization was
calculated as the final absorbance of the reaction taken as a
percentage of the final absorbance of a control polymerization
reaction run in parallel without drug added. These data are
reported in Table 5 below.
6TABLE 5 Tubulin Polymerization Inhibition Cpd. No. % Inhibition
1--1 38 1-2 35 2-1 24 2--2 11 2-3 26 2-4 36 2-5 37 2-6 12 2-7 43
2-8 none 2-9 16 2-10 5 2-11 19 2-12 50 2-13 27 2-14 none 2-15 5
2-16 39 2-17 none 2-18 42 3-1 28 3-2 14 3--3 42 3-4 12 3-5 10 3-6
12 3-7 26 3-8 none 3-9 none 3-10 none 3-11 50 3-12 11 3-13 28 3-14
23 3-15 45 3-16 44 3-17 8 3-18 none 3-19 28 3-20 35 3-21 2 4-1 2
5-1 none
[0168] DNA Binding Assay:
[0169] The DNA binding assay was performed in a manner very similar
to that of the MTT cell growth inhibition assay above. The assay
was based upon the ability of the test compounds to displace methyl
green (Sigma) from DNA and the resultant hydration of the free
methyl green molecule to a colorless derivative (Burres, N. S. et
al., J. Nat. Prod. 55(11): 1582-1587 (1992); Kim and Nordn, FEBS
Lett. 315(1): 61-64 (1993)). As for the MTT assay, each drug
concentration was assayed in duplicate and the data were averaged
before analysis. Experimental controls in this assay included wells
containing free methyl green solution with no DNA, for fully
decolorized background absorbance, and methyl green-DNA complex
(Sigma) without drug, for the highest possible methyl green
absorbance. Methyl green-DNA in buffer was added to each well to
obtain A.sub.655 of approximately 0.7. Serial dilutions of drug in
buffer were added and the plates were mixed, then allowed to stand
at room temperature for 24 hours to allow for displacement and
hydration of the free methyl green. The absorbance at 655 m was
measured as a function of added drug concentration in an automated
microplate reader, and the data were reduced by the computer
program EZ-ED50 to derive IC.sub.50 values (concentration at which
50% of the methyl green is displaced from DNA).
[0170] None of the benzimidazole derivatives listed in Table 4 or 5
showed any DNA interaction by this assay.
[0171] In vivo B16 Murine Melanoma Tumor Model
[0172] B6D2F1 mice received interperitoneally (i.p.) inocula of B16
murine melanoma brei prepared from B16 tumors growing s.c. in mice
(Day 0). On Day 1, mice were randomized into groups, with 20 mice
in the control group and 10 mice in each treated group (except
there were 8 mice in selected groups given compound 3-13. Treatment
with drugs or vehicle control was started on Day 1.
[0173] The mean survival times of all groups were calculated and
results were expressed as mean survival of treated mice/mean
survival of control mice (T/C).times.100%. A "T/C" value of 150
means that the mice in the treated group lived 50% longer than
those of the control group; this is sometimes referred to as the
increase in life span, or ILS value.
[0174] Mice that survived for at least 60 days were considered to
be long-term survivors, or cures, in the B16 model. The universally
accepted cut-off for activity in this model, which has been used
for years by the NCI, is T/C=125. Conventional use of B16 over the
years has set the following levels of activity:
[0175] T/C<125, no activity
[0176] T/C=125-150, weak activity
[0177] T/C=150-200, modest activity
[0178] T/C=200-300, high activity
[0179] T/C>300, with long-term survivors=excellent, curative
activity.
[0180] Three of the four analogs tested were generally inactive
against the B16 murine melanoma model using the dosing regimen
described above. Compound 3-1, at 50 mg/kg/i.p., showed weak
activity using the NCI's criteria for defining antitumor activity.
In addition, one long-term survivor was observed with this compound
and dosing regimen. The results are presented in Table 6,
below.
7TABLE 6 Benzimidazole Derivatives vs. B16 Murine Melanoma Weight
Change # of # of Sched- (Day T/C Survi- Toxic Cpd. #
Dose/Route.sup.1 ule 12) (%) vors Deaths Cntrl 20 Tween 80/i.p qd
.times. 5 +6.9% 100 0 0 3-1 10 100 mg/kg/i.p qd .times. 5 +12.9%
108 0 0 3-1 10 50 mg/kg/i.p qd .times. 5 +7.5% 132 1 0 3-1 10 20
mg/kg/i.v qd .times. 5 +6.3% 98 0 0 3-1 10 10 mg/kg/i.v qd .times.
5 +9.3% 97 0 0 3-6 10 100 mg/kg/i.p qd .times. 5 +8.9% 118 0 0 3-6
10 50 mg/kg/i.p qd .times. 5 +9.4% 119 0 0 3-6 10 20 mg/kg/i.v qd
.times. 5 +6.5% 99 0 0 3-6 10 10 mg/kg/i.v qd .times. 5 +8.7% 107 0
0 3-13 10 100 mg/kg/i.p qd .times. 5 +9.8% 75 0 0 3-13 10 50
mg/kg/i.p qd .times. 5 +12.5% 94 0 0 3-13 8 5 mg/kg/i.v qd .times.
5 +3.6% 91 0 7 3-13 8 2.5 mg/kg/i.v qd .times. 5 +11.7% 92 0 0 3-19
10 100 mg/kg/i.p qd .times. 5 +10.8% 124 0 0 3-19 10 50 mg/kg/i.p
qd .times. 5 +9.6% 119 0 0 3-19 10 40 mg/kg/i.v qd .times. 5 +2.5%
73 0 6 3-19 10 20 mg/kg/i.v qd .times. 5 +7.8% 106 0 0 .sup.1i.p =
interperitoneally i.v = intravenously
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Synthesis of Cpd. No. 1-1
[0181] 0.100 Grams (0.482 mmol) of methyl
2-amino-5-hydroxybenzimidazole carbamate and 0.171 g (0.966 mmol)
of 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl chloride were mixed in 3 mL dry
tetrahydrofuran under argon. The mixture was stirred at 23.degree.
C. for 16 hours and at 40.degree. C. for 1 hour. The mixture was
cooled to 23.degree. C. and a precipitate was collected by
filtration and recrystallized from ethyl acetate. The tan powder
weighed 0.096 g (0.276 mmol, 57.2% yield).
Example 2
Synthesis of Cpd. No. 1-2
[0182] 0.135 Grams (0.65 mmol) of methyl
2-amino-4-hydroxybenzimidazole carbamate and 0.150 g (0.65 mmol) of
3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl chloride were mixed in 2 mL dry
tetrahydrofuran under argon. The mixture was stirred at 23.degree.
C. for 16 hours and at 40.degree. C. for 1 hour. The mixture was
cooled to 23.degree. C. and a solid was collected by filtration and
recrystallized from ethyl acetate. The gray powder weighed 0.128 g
(0.318 mmol, 48.9% yield).
Example 3
Synthesis of methyl
5-chlorocarbonyl-1H-benzimidazole-2-carbamate
[0183] 7.4 mL (12.069 g, 101.4 mmol) thionyl chloride and 1.80 g
(7.66 mmol) methyl 5-carboxy-1H-benzimidazole-2-carbamate in 37 mL
dry benzene were heated to reflux under argon for 3.5 hours. The
mixture was then cooled to 23.degree. C. and the solvent and excess
thionyl chloride were distilled under reduced pressure. The
resulting brown solid was stored under vacuum to remove all traces
of thionyl chloride and used in the following Examples without
further purification.
Example 4
Synthesis of Cpd. No. 2-14
[0184] 0.150 Grams (0.591 mmol) of methyl
5-chlorocarbonyl-1H-benzimidazol- e-2-carbamate and 2.0 mL (1.606
g, 18.22 mmol) N,N-dimethylethylenediamine were stirred together in
3 mL dry tetrahydrofuran under argon for 16 hours at 23.degree. C.,
then at 40.degree. C. for one hour. The mixture was diluted with 5
mL dichloromethane, washed with saturated aqueous sodium carbonate,
and the organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated
by evaporation under reduced pressure and cooled on an ice-water
bath. The precipitated solid was collected by filtration and washed
with ice-cold ethyl acetate to provide 0.018 g (0.059 mmol, 10.0%
yield) of product as a tan powder.
Example 5
Synthesis of Cpd. No. 2-12
[0185] 0.150 Grams (0.591 mmol) of methyl
5-chlorocarbonyl-1H-benzimidazol- e-2-carbamate and 2.0 mL (2.198
g, 20.33 mmol) phenylhydrazine were stirred together in 3 mL dry
tetrahydrofuran under argon for 16 hours at 23.degree. C., then at
40.degree. C. for one hour. The mixture was diluted with 5 mL
dichloromethane, washed with saturated aqueous sodium carbonate,
and the organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated
by evaporation under reduced pressure and cooled on an ice-water
bath. The precipitated solid was collected by filtration and washed
with ice-cold ethyl acetate to provide 0.038 g (0.117 mmol, 19.8%
yield) of product as a tan powder.
Example 6
Synthesis of Cpd. No. 2-6
[0186] To 0.203 g (0.800 mmol) of methyl
5-chlorocarbonyl-1H-benzimidazole- -2-carbamate was added 2 mL dry
tetrahydrofuran, followed by 1.0 mL (0.717 g, 7.09 mmol)
1,3-dimethylbutylamine under argon. The mixture was stirred for 16
hours at 23.degree. C., then the precipitated solid was collected
by filtration, washed with diethyl ether, and recrystallized from
methanol/diethyl ether to provide 0.157 g (0.493 mmol, 61.6% yield)
of product as a white powder.
Example 7
Synthesis of Cpd. No. 2-16
[0187] To 0.166 g (0.654 mmol) of methyl
5-chlorocarbonyl-1H-benzimidazole- -2-carbamate was added 2 mL dry
tetrahydrofuran, followed by 1.0 mL (0.868 g, 7.668 mmol)
N-methylcyclohexylamine under argon. The mixture was stirred for 16
hours at 23.degree. C., then the precipitated solid was collected
by filtration, washed with diethyl ether, and recrystallized from
methanol/diethyl ether to provide 0.134 g (0.406 mmol, 62.1% yield)
of product as a tan powder.
Example 8
Synthesis of Cpd. No. 3-4
[0188] 0.121 Grams (0.477 mmol) of methyl
5-chlorocarbonyl-1H-benzimidazol- e-2-carbamate and 2.0 mL (1.998
g, 14.89 mmol) 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethanol were stirred together
under argon for 16 hours at 23.degree. C., then at 40.degree. C.
for one hour. The mixture was diluted with 75 mL dichloromethane,
washed with saturated aqueous sodium carbonate, and the organic
layer was dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated by evaporation
under reduced pressure and cooled on an ice-water bath. The
precipitated solid was collected by filtration and washed with
ice-cold ethyl acetate to provide 0.083 g (0.236 mmol, 49.5% yield)
of product as an off-white powder.
Example 9
Synthesis of Cpd. No. 3-5
[0189] 0.247 Grams (0.974 mmol) of methyl
5-chlorocarbonyl-1H-benzimidazol- e-2-carbamate and 2.0 mL (2.236
g, 21.07 mmol) diethylene glycol were stirred together under argon
for 16 hours at 23.degree. C., then at 40.degree. C. for one hour.
The mixture was diluted with 75 mL dichloromethane, washed with
saturated aqueous sodium carbonate, and the organic layer was dried
over sodium sulfate, concentrated by evaporation under reduced
pressure and cooled on an ice-water bath. The precipitated solid
was collected by filtration and washed with ice-cold ethyl acetate
to provide 0.001 g (0.030 mmol, 3.1% yield) of product as a
cream-colored powder.
Example 10
Synthesis of Cpd. No. 3-8
[0190] 0.151 Grams (0.595 mmol) of methyl
5-chlorocarbonyl-1H-benzimidazol- e-2-carbamate and 2.0 mL (1.774
g, 19.90 mmol) N,N-dimethylethanolamine were stirred together under
argon for 16 hours at 23.degree. C., then at 40.degree. C. for one
hour. The mixture was diluted with 75 mL dichloromethane, washed
with saturated aqueous sodium carbonate, and the organic layer was
dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated by evaporation under
reduced pressure and cooled on an ice-water bath. The precipitated
solid was collected by filtration and washed with ice-cold ethyl
acetate to provide 0.066 g (0.215 mmol, 36.1% yield) of product as
a tan powder.
Example 11
Synthesis of Cpd. No. 3-12
[0191] 0.100 Grams (0.394 mmol) of methyl
5-chlorocarbonyl-1H-benzimidazol- e-2-carbamate and 1.0 mL (1.351
g, 10.47 mmol) 1,3-dichloropropanol were stirred together under
argon for 2.5 hours at 23.degree. C., then at 40.degree. C. for 16
hours. The mixture was diluted with 75 mL dichloromethane, washed
with saturated aqueous sodium carbonate, and the organic layer was
dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated by evaporation under
reduced pressure and diluted with ice-cold diethyl ether. The
precipitated solid was collected by filtration and dried under
reduced pressure to provide 0.045 g (0.130 mmol, 33.0% yield) of
product as an off-white powder.
Example 12
Synthesis of Cpd. No. 4-1
[0192] 0.135 Grams (0.65 mmol) of methyl
2-amino-5-hydroxybenzimidazole carbamate and 0.150 g (0.65 mmol) of
3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl chloride were mixed in 2 mL dry
tetrahydrofuran under argon. The mixture was stirred at 23.degree.
C. for 16 hours and at 40.degree. C. for 1 hour. The mixture was
cooled to 23.degree. C. and a solid was collected by filtration and
recrystallized from ethyl acetate. The tan powder weighed 0.080 g
(0.199 mmol, 30.6% yield).
Example 13
Synthesis of Cpd. No. 5-1
[0193] To 0.171 g (0.966 mmol) of 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl chloride
in 3 mL dry tetrahydrofuran under argon was added 0.074 g (0.359
mmol)of methyl 2-amino-(5-aminobenzimidazole) carbamate. The
mixture was stirred at 23.degree. C. for 16 hours and at 40.degree.
C. for 1 hour. The mixture was then cooled to 23.degree. C. and a
precipitate was collected by filtration and recrystallized from
ethyl acetate. The white powder weighed 0.055 g (0.159 mmol, 44.3%
yield).
* * * * *