Pyrazolopyridine Derivates

Abstract

New compounds of formula (I) and the salts thereof, wherein the meanings for the various substituents are as disclosed in the description, are useful as p38 kinase inhibitors. ##STR00001##

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a new series of pyrazolopyridine derivatives, a process to prepare them, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and their application in medicine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Kinases are proteins involved in different cellular responses to external signals. In the Nineties, a new family of kinases called MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinases) was discovered. MAPK activate their substrates by phosphorylation in serine and threonine residues.

[0003] MAPK are activated by other kinases in response to a wide range of signals including growth factors, pro-inflammatory cytokines, UV radiation, endotoxins and osmotic stress. Once they are activated, MAPK activate by phosphorylation other kinases or proteins, such as transcription factors, which, ultimately, induce an increase or a decrease in expression of a specific gene or group of genes.

[0004] The MAPK family includes kinases such as p38, ERK (extracellular-regulated protein kinase) and JNK (C-Jun N-terminal kinase).

[0005] Kinase p38 plays a crucial role in cellular response to stress and in the activation pathway in the synthesis of numerous cytokines, especially tumor necrosis factor (TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8).

[0006] IL-1 and TNF-.alpha. are produced by macrophages and monocytes and are involved in the mediation of immunoregulation processes and other physiopathological conditions. For example, elevated levels of TNF-.alpha. are associated with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and with processes that trigger the degradation of connective and bone tissue such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and sepsis.

[0007] Thus, p38 kinase inhibitors could be useful to treat or prevent diseases mediated by cytokines such as IL-1 and TNF-.alpha., as mentioned previously.

[0008] On the other hand, it has also been found that p38 inhibitors inhibit other pro-inflammatory proteins such as IL-6, IL-8, interferon-.gamma. and GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor). Moreover, in recent studies it has been found that p38 inhibitors not only block cytokine synthesis but also the cascade of signals that these induce, such as induction of the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (COX-2).

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One aspect of the present invention relates to the new compounds of general formula I

##STR00002##

wherein: A represents N or N.sup.+O.sup.-; R.sup.1 represents phenyl or Het optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.a and R.sup.b; R.sup.2 represents Het optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.a and R.sup.b; R.sup.3 represents H, Cy optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.a and R.sup.b, or R.sup.3 represents C.sub.1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and Cy*, wherein Cy* can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and R.sup.c; R.sup.4 represents H, R.sup.a, halogen, --OR.sup.a', --OCOR.sup.a, --OSO.sub.2R.sup.a, --OCONR.sup.aR.sup.a', --NO.sub.2, --CN, --COR.sup.a', --CO.sub.2R.sup.a', --CONR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'COR.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'CONR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'CO.sub.2R.sup.a, --NR.sup.a'SO.sub.2R.sup.a, --SR.sup.a', --SOR.sup.a, --SO.sub.2R.sup.a or --SO.sub.2NR.sup.a'R.sup.a'; R.sup.5 can be placed on any of the 2 N of the pyrazole ring of formula I and represents H or R.sup.f; each R.sup.a independently represents C.sub.1-6alkyl, C.sub.2-6alkenyl, C.sub.2-6alkynyl or Cy, wherein the groups C.sub.1-6alkyl, C.sub.2-6alkenyl or C.sub.2-6alkynyl can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and Cy*, and wherein any of the groups Cy or Cy* can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and R.sup.c; each R.sup.a' independently represents H or R.sup.a; each R.sup.b independently represents halogen, --OR.sup.c', --OCOR.sup.c, --OSO.sub.2R.sup.c, --OCONR.sup.cR.sup.c', --NO.sub.2, --CN, --COR.sup.c', --CO.sub.2R.sup.c', --CONR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --CONR.sup.c'NR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'COR.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'CONR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'CO.sub.2R.sup.c, --NR.sup.c'SO.sub.2R.sup.c, --SR.sup.c', --SOR.sup.c, --SO.sub.2R.sup.c, --SO.sub.2NR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --C(NR.sup.c')NR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --C(NSO.sub.2NR.sup.c'R.sup.c')NR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --C(NOR.sup.c')R.sup.c', --C(NNR.sup.c'R.sup.c')R.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'C(NR.sup.c')NR.sup.c'R.sup.c' or --NR.sup.c'C(NCN)NR.sup.c'R.sup.c'; each R.sup.c independently represents C.sub.1-6alkyl, C.sub.2-6alkenyl, C.sub.2-6alkynyl or Cy, wherein all these groups can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents R.sup.d; each R.sup.c' independently represents H or R.sup.c; each R.sup.d independently represents halogen, R.sup.e, --OR.sup.e', --OCOR.sup.e, --OSO.sub.2R.sup.e, --OCONR.sup.eR.sup.e', --NO.sub.2, --CN, --COR.sup.e', --CO.sub.2R.sup.e', --CONR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --CONR.sup.e'NR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --NR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --NR.sup.e'COR.sup.e', --NR.sup.e'CONR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --NR.sup.e'CO.sub.2R.sup.e, --NR.sup.e'SO.sub.2R.sup.e, --SR.sup.e', --SOR.sup.e, --SO.sub.2R.sup.e, --SO.sub.2NR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --C(NR.sup.e')NR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --C(NSO.sub.2NR.sup.e'R.sup.e')NR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --C(NOR.sup.e')R.sup.e', --C(NNR.sup.e'R.sup.e')R.sup.e', --NR.sup.e'C(NR.sup.e')NR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --NR.sup.e'C(NCN)NR.sup.e'R.sup.e' or Cy optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen, R.sup.e, --OR.sup.e', --OCOR.sup.e, --OSO.sub.2R.sup.e, --OCONR.sup.eR.sup.e', --NO.sub.2, --CN, --COR.sup.e', --CO.sub.2R.sup.e', --CONR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --CONR.sup.e'NR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --NR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --NR.sup.e'COR.sup.e', --NR.sup.e'CONR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --NR.sup.e'CO.sub.2R.sup.e, --NR.sup.e'SO.sub.2R.sup.e, --SR.sup.e', --SOR.sup.e, --SO.sub.2R.sup.e, --SO.sub.2NR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --C(NR.sup.e')NR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --C(NSO.sub.2NR.sup.e'R.sup.e')NR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --C(NOR.sup.e')R.sup.e', --C(NNR.sup.e'R.sup.e')R.sup.e', --NR.sup.e'C(NR.sup.e')NR.sup.e'R.sup.e' and --NR.sup.e'C(NCN)NR.sup.e'R.sup.e'; each R.sup.e independently represents C.sub.1-6alkyl or haloC.sub.1-6alkyl; each R.sup.e' independently represents H or R.sup.e; R.sup.f represents C.sub.1-6alkyl, C.sub.2-6alkenyl, C.sub.2-6alkynyl or Cy, wherein the groups C.sub.1-6alkyl, C.sub.2-6alkenyl or C.sub.2-6alkynyl can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.g and Cy*, and wherein any of the groups Cy or Cy* can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.g and R.sup.a; each R.sup.g independently represents halogen, --OR.sup.a', --OCOR.sup.a, --OSO.sub.2R.sup.a, --OCONR.sup.aR.sup.a', --NO.sub.2, --CN, --COR.sup.a', --CO.sub.2R.sup.a', --CONR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --CONR.sup.a'NR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'COR.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'CONR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'CO.sub.2R.sup.a, --NR.sup.a'SO.sub.2R.sup.a, --SR.sup.a', --SOR.sup.a, --SO.sub.2R.sup.a, --SO.sub.2NR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --C(NR.sup.a')NR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --C(NSO.sub.2NR.sup.a'R.sup.a')NR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --C(NOR.sup.a')R.sup.a', --C(NNR.sup.a'R.sup.a')R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'C(NR.sup.a')NR.sup.a'R.sup.a' or --NR.sup.a'C(NCN)NR.sup.a'R.sup.a'; Het in the above definitions represents pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, 2(1H)-pyridone, 2(1H)-pyrazinone, 2(1H)-pyrimidinone or 2(1H)-pyridazinone; Cy or Cy* in the above definitions represent a partially unsaturated, saturated or aromatic 3- to 7-membered monocyclic or 8- to 12-membered bicyclic carbocyclic ring, which optionally contains from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from N, S and O, which can optionally contain 1 or 2 oxo groups when the ring is saturated or partially unsaturated, and wherein said ring or rings can be bonded to the rest of the molecule through a carbon or a nitrogen atom.

[0010] The present invention also relates to the addition salts of the compounds of the invention as well as their solvates and prodrugs. A prodrug is defined as any precursor of a compound of formula I that can be transformed in vivo into a compound of formula I.

[0011] Some compounds of formula I can have chiral centres that can give rise to various stereoisomers. The present invention relates to each of these stereoisomers and also mixtures thereof. Moreover, some of the compounds of the present invention can show cis/trans isomers. The present invention relates to each of the geometric isomers and mixtures thereof.

[0012] The compounds of formula I are selective p38 kinase inhibitors.

[0013] Thus, another aspect of this invention relates to the pharmaceutical compositions which comprise an effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of diseases mediated by p38.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of diseases mediated by cytokines.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of diseases mediated by TNF-.alpha., IL-1, IL-6 and/or IL-8.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a disease selected from immune, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, bone resorption disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, proliferative diseases and processes associated with the induction of cyclooxygenase-2.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof for the treatment or prevention of diseases mediated by p38.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof for the treatment or prevention of diseases mediated by cytokines.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof for the treatment or prevention of diseases mediated by TNF-.alpha., IL-1, IL-6 and/or IL-8.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof for the treatment or prevention of a disease selected from immune, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, bone resorption disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, proliferative diseases and processes associated with the induction of cyclooxygenase-2.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating or preventing diseases mediated by p38 in a subject in need thereof, especially a human being, which comprises administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating or preventing diseases mediated by cytokines in a subject in need thereof, especially a human being, which comprises administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating or preventing diseases mediated by TNF-.alpha., IL-1, IL-6 and/or IL-8 in a subject in need thereof, especially a human being, which comprises administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.

[0025] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating or preventing a disease selected from immune, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, bone resorption disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, proliferative diseases and processes associated with the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 in a subject in need thereof, especially a human being, which comprises administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of formula I, which comprises:

(a) reacting a ketone of formula IV

##STR00003##

wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have the meaning described above, with an aminopyrazole of formula V and an aldehyde of formula VI

##STR00004##

wherein R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 have the meaning described above; or (b) when in a compound of formula I, R.sup.5 represents H and R.sup.3 has the same meaning as R.sup.1, reacting a ketone of formula IV or an enolate of formula VII

##STR00005##

wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have the meaning described above, with an aminopyrazole of formula Va

##STR00006##

wherein R.sup.4 has the meaning described above; or (c) when in a compound of formula I R.sup.4 represents NH.sub.2, treating a compound of formula XIX

##STR00007##

wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 have the meaning described above, with a hydrazine of formula VIIIa

##STR00008##

wherein R.sup.5 has the meaning described above; or (d) converting, in one or a plurality of steps, a compound of formula I into another compound of formula I; and (e) if desired, after the previous steps, reacting a compound of formula I with a base or an acid to give the corresponding salt.

[0027] In the previous definitions, the term C.sub.1-6alkyl, as a group or part of a group, means a straight or branched alkyl chain which contains from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples include among others the groups methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl and hexyl.

[0028] A haloC.sub.1-6alkyl group means a group resulting from the replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms from a C.sub.1-6alkyl group with one or more halogen atoms (i.e. fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo), which can be the same or different. Examples include, among others, trifluoromethyl, fluoromethyl, 1-chloroethyl, 2-chloroethyl, 1-fluoroethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2-bromoethyl, 2-iodoethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, pentafluoroethyl, 3-fluoropropyl, 3-chloropropyl, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl, 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl, heptafluoropropyl, 4-fluorobutyl, nonafluorobutyl, 5-fluoropentyl and 6-fluorohexyl.

[0029] The term C.sub.2-6alkenyl, as a group or part of a group, means a straight or branched alkyl chain which contains from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and that also contains one or more double bonds. Examples include, among others, the groups ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, isopropenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1,3-butadienyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl and 5-hexenyl.

[0030] The term C.sub.2-6alkynyl, as a group or part of a group, means a straight or branched alkyl chain which contains from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and that also contains one or more triple bonds. Examples include the groups ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 3-butynyl, 1,3-butadiynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 3-pentynyl, 4-pentynyl, 1-hexynyl, 2-hexynyl, 3-hexynyl, 4-hexynyl and 5-hexynyl.

[0031] An oxo group means a carbonyl group (--CO--).

[0032] A halogen radical means fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo.

[0033] Het in the definitions of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 means pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, 2(1H)-pyridone, 2(1H)-pyrazinone, 2(1H)-pyrimidinone or 2(1H)-pyridazinone. As mentioned previously, these groups can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.a and R.sup.b, which can be placed on any available position of the Het group, and can be bonded to the rest of the molecule via any available carbon or nitrogen atom.

[0034] The term Cy or Cy*, as a group or part of a group, means a 3- to 7-membered monocyclic carbocyclic group or an 8- to 12-membered bicyclic carbocyclic group which can be partially unsaturated, saturated or aromatic and which can optionally contain from 1 to 4 heteratoms selected from N, S and O. When the Cy or Cy* group is saturated or partially unsaturated, it can optionally contain 1 or 2 oxo groups. The Cy or Cy* ring or rings can be substituted as mentioned in the definition of general formula I, these substituents being placed on any available position, and can be bonded to the rest of the molecule through any available carbon or nitrogen atom. Examples of Cy or Cy* groups include, among others, cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, aziridine, oxirane, oxetane, imidazolidine, isothiazolidine, isoxazolidine, oxazolidine, pyrazolidine, pyrrolidine, thiazolidine, dioxane, morpholine, piperazine, piperidine, pyran, tetrahydropyran, azepine, oxazine, oxazoline, pyrroline, thiazoline, pyrazoline, imidazoline, isoxazoline, isothiazoline, phenyl, naphthyl, 1,2,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,4-thiadiazole, 1,3,4-oxadiazole, 1,3,4-thiadiazole, furan, imidazole, isoxazole, isothiazole, oxazole, pyrazole, pyrrole, thiazole, thiophene, 1,2,3-triazole, 1,2,4-triazole, pyrazine, pyridazine, pyridine, pyrimidine, benzimidazole, benzofuran, benzothiazole, benzothiophene, imidazopyrazine, imidazopyridazine, imidazopyridine, imidazopyrimidine, indazole, indole, isoindole, isoquinoline, tetrahydroisoquinoline, naphthyridine, pyrazolopyrazine, pyrazolopyridine, pyrazolopyrimidine, purine, quinazoline, quinoline, quinoxaline, cyclobutanone, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone, cycloheptanone, pyrrolidin-2-one, piperidin-2-one, piperidin-4-one, 2(1H)-pyridone, 2(1H)-pyrazinone, 2(1H)-pyrimidinone, 2(1H)-pyridazinone and phthalimide.

[0035] The term heteroaryl, as a group or part of a group, means an aromatic 5- or 6-membered monocyclic or 8- to 12-membered bicyclic ring which contains from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from N, S and O and which can be optionally substituted as disclosed whenever this term is used, wherein said substituents can be placed on any available position. The heteroaryl group can be bonded to the rest of the molecule through any available carbon or nitrogen atom. Examples of heteroaryl groups include among others 1,2,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,4-thiadiazole, 1,3,4-oxadiazole, 1,3,4-thiadiazole, furan, imidazole, isoxazole, isothiazole, oxazole, pyrazole, pyrrole, thiazole, thiophene, 1,2,3-triazole, 1,2,4-triazole, pyrazine, pyridazine, pyridine, pyrimidine, benzimidazole, benzofuran, benzothiazole, benzothiophene, imidazopyrazine, imidazopyridazine, imidazopyridine, imidazopyrimidine, indazole, indole, isoindole, isoquinoline, naphthridine, pyrazolopyrazine, pyrazolopyridine, pyrazolopyrimidine, purine, quinazoline, quinoline and quinoxaline.

[0036] In the previous definitions of Het, heteroaryl, Cy and Cy*, the term is meant to be the radical derived from the corresponding cycle.

[0037] In the previous definitions of heteroaryl, Cy and Cy*, when the specified examples refer to a bicycle in general terms, all possible dispositions of the atoms are included. For example, the term pyrazolopyridine is to be understood as including groups such as 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine, 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridine, 1H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine and 1H-pyrazolo[4,3-b]pyridine; the term imidazopyrazine is to be understood as including groups such as 1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyrazine, imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine and imidazo[1,5-a]pyrazine and the term pyrazolopyrimidine is to be understood as including groups such as 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine, 1H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidine, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine and pyrazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine.

[0038] The expression "optionally substituted with one or more" means that a group can be substituted with one or more, preferably with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents, provided that this group has 1, 2, 3 or 4 positions susceptible of being substituted.

[0039] In the previous definitions, when it is mentioned that R.sup.5 can be placed on any one of the 2N of the pyrazole ring this means that R.sup.5 can be placed on the N at position 1 of the ring or on the N at position 2. Thus, the compounds of formula I include the following two types of compounds:

##STR00009##

[0040] An embodiment of the invention are those compounds of formula I as defined above wherein A represents N.

[0041] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein A represents N and R.sup.5 can be placed on any of the 2 N of the pyrazole ring of formula I and represents H or R.sup.a.

[0042] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein when R.sup.3 and R.sup.5 both represent H and R.sup.2 represents Het optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen, --CN, --CF.sub.3, --OH, --NO.sub.2, --OR.sup.6, --NR.sup.6R.sup.6, --OCF.sub.3, C.sub.1-6alkyl, C.sub.2-6alkenyl, C.sub.2-6alkynyl and Cy, wherein Cy can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and R.sup.c, and wherein R.sup.6 represents C.sub.1-6alkyl, then R.sup.4 is not --NR.sup.a'COR.sup.a, --NHCONHR.sup.a or --NHCO.sub.2R.sup.a.

[0043] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein when R.sup.3 and R.sup.5 both represent H, then R.sup.4 is not --NR.sup.a'COR.sup.a, --NHCONHR.sup.a or --NHCO.sub.2R.sup.a.

[0044] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein A represents N; R.sup.4 represents H, R.sup.a, halogen, --OR.sup.a', --OCOR.sup.a, --OSO.sub.2R.sup.a, --OCONR.sup.aR.sup.a', --NO.sub.2, --CN, --COR.sup.a', --CO.sub.2R.sup.a', --CONR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'SO.sub.2R.sup.a, --SR.sup.a', --SOR.sup.a, --SO.sub.2R.sup.a or --SO.sub.2NR.sup.a'R.sup.a'; and R.sup.5 can be placed on any of the 2 N of the pyrazole ring of formula I and represents H or R.sup.a.

[0045] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.1 represents pyridine or phenyl, wherein all these groups can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.a and R.sup.b.

[0046] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.1 represents phenyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.a and R.sup.b.

[0047] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.1 represents phenyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen, --OR.sup.c', --NO.sub.2, --CN, --CONR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'R.sup.c' and C.sub.1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen, --OR.sup.c', --COR.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'R.sup.c' and --NR.sup.c'COR.sup.c'.

[0048] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.1 represents phenyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen and haloC.sub.1-6alkyl.

[0049] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.2 represents pyridine or pyrimidine, wherein all these groups can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.a and R.sup.b.

[0050] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.2 represents 4-pyridine or 4-pyrimidine, wherein all these groups can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.a and R.sup.b.

[0051] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.2 represents 4-pyridine or 4-pyrimidine, wherein all these groups can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen, --OR.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --SR.sup.c' and --SO.sub.2R.sup.c.

[0052] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.2 represents 4-pyridine.

[0053] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.2 represents 4-pyrimidine substituted with --NR.sup.c'R.sup.c', wherein in R.sup.2:

each R.sup.c' independently represents H or R.sup.c; each R.sup.c independently represents C.sub.1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from Cy and --OR.sup.e'; and each R.sup.e' independently represents H or R.sup.e.

[0054] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.3 represents H or Cy optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.a and R.sup.b.

[0055] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.3 represents H, heteroaryl or phenyl, wherein all these groups can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.a and R.sup.b.

[0056] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.3 represents heteroaryl or phenyl, wherein all these groups can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.a' and R.sup.b.

[0057] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.3 represents monocyclic heteroaryl or phenyl, wherein all these groups can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen, --NO.sub.2, --OR.sup.c', C.sub.1-6alkyl and Cy, wherein C.sub.1-6alkyl can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and Cy*, and any of the groups Cy or Cy* can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and R.sup.c.

[0058] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.3 represents monocyclic heteroaryl or phenyl, wherein all these groups can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen, --NO.sub.2, --OR.sup.c', C.sub.1-6alkyl, haloC.sub.1-6alkyl and Cy; and wherein in R.sup.3:

each R.sup.c' independently represents H or R.sup.c; each R.sup.c independently represents C.sub.1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents R.sup.d; and each R.sup.d independently represents Cy.

[0059] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.4 represents H, R.sup.a, halogen, --OR.sup.a', --CN, --CONR.sup.a'R.sup.a, --NR.sup.a'R.sup.a' or --NR.sup.a'COR.sup.a'.

[0060] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.4 represents H.

[0061] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.5 represents H or R.sup.5 represents R.sup.f and is placed on the N at position 2 of the pyrazole ring.

[0062] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.5 represents R.sup.f and is placed on the N at position 2 of the pyrazole ring.

[0063] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.f represents C.sub.1-6alkyl, C.sub.2-6alkenyl or Cy, wherein the groups C.sub.1-6alkyl or C.sub.2-6alkenyl can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.g and Cy*, and wherein any of the groups Cy or Cy* can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.g and R.sup.a.

[0064] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.f represents C.sub.1-6alkyl, C.sub.2-6alkenyl or Cy, wherein the groups C.sub.1-6alkyl or C.sub.2-6alkenyl can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.g and Cy*, and wherein any of the groups Cy or Cy* can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.g and R.sup.a, wherein each R.sup.g independently represents halogen, --OR.sup.a', --COR.sup.a', --CO.sub.2R.sup.a', --CONR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'COR.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'CONR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'SO.sub.2R.sup.a', --SR.sup.a', --SOR.sup.a' or --SO.sub.2R.sup.a'.

[0065] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.f represents C.sub.1-6alkyl, C.sub.2-6alkenyl or Cy, wherein the groups C.sub.1-6alkyl or C.sub.2-6alkenyl can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.g and Cy*, and wherein any of the groups Cy or Cy* can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.g and R.sup.a, wherein in R.sup.f:

each R.sup.g independently represents --OR.sup.a', --COR.sup.a', --CONR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'COR.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'CONR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'SO.sub.2R.sup.a', --SOR.sup.a' or --SO.sub.2R.sup.a'; each R.sup.a' independently represents H or R.sup.a; each R.sup.a independently represents Cy or C.sub.1-6alkyl, wherein C.sub.1-6alkyl can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and Cy*, and any of the groups Cy or Cy* can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and R.sup.c; each R.sup.b independently represents --OR.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --CN, --COR.sup.c', --SR.sup.c' or --SOR.sup.c'; each R.sup.c' independently represents H or R.sup.c; each R.sup.c independently represents C.sub.1-6alkyl or Cy, wherein all these groups can be optionally substituted with one or more R.sup.d.

[0066] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.5 is placed on the N at position 2 of the pyrazole ring and represents R.sup.f, wherein R.sup.f represents C.sub.1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from --OR.sup.a', --COR.sup.a', --CONR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'COR.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'CONR.sup.a'R.sup.a', --NR.sup.a'SO.sub.2R.sup.a' and Cy* optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.a; wherein in R.sup.f:

each R.sup.a' independently represents H or R.sup.a; each R.sup.a independently represents Cy or C.sub.1-6alkyl, wherein C.sub.1-6alkyl can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and Cy*, and any of the groups Cy or Cy* can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and R.sup.c; each R.sup.b independently represents --OR.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --CN, --COR.sup.c', --SR.sup.c' or --SOR.sup.c'; each R.sup.c' independently represents H or R.sup.c; each R.sup.c independently represents C.sub.1-6alkyl or Cy, wherein all these groups can be optionally substituted with one or more R.sup.d; and each R.sup.d independently represents --OR.sup.e'.

[0067] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.5 represents H or R.sup.5 represents R.sup.a and is placed on the N at position 2 of the pyrazole ring.

[0068] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.5 represents R.sup.a and is placed on the N at position 2 of the pyrazole ring.

[0069] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.a in R.sup.5 represents C.sub.1-6alkyl, C.sub.2-6alkenyl or Cy, wherein the groups C.sub.1-6alkyl or C.sub.2-6alkenyl can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and Cy*, and wherein any of the groups Cy or Cy* can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and R.sup.c.

[0070] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.a in R.sup.5 represents C.sub.1-6alkyl, C.sub.2-6alkenyl or Cy, wherein the groups C.sub.1-6alkyl or C.sub.2-6alkenyl can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and Cy*, and wherein any of the groups Cy or Cy* can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and R.sup.c, wherein each R.sup.b in R.sup.5 independently represents halogen, --OR.sup.c', --COR.sup.c', --CO.sub.2R.sup.c', --CONR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'COR.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'CONR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'SO.sub.2R.sup.c', --SR.sup.c', --SOR.sup.c' or --SO.sub.2R.sup.c'.

[0071] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.a in R.sup.5 represents C.sub.1-6alkyl, C.sub.2-6alkenyl or Cy, wherein the groups C.sub.1-6alkyl or C.sub.2-6alkenyl can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and Cy*, and wherein any of the groups Cy or Cy* can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.b and R.sup.c, wherein in R.sup.5:

each R.sup.b independently represents --OR.sup.c', --COR.sup.c', --CONR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'COR.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'CONR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'SO.sub.2R.sup.c', --SOR.sup.c' or --SO.sub.2R.sup.c'; each R.sup.c' independently represents H or R.sup.c; each R.sup.c independently represents Cy or C.sub.1-6alkyl, wherein all these groups can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.d; each R.sup.d independently represents R.sup.e, --OR.sup.e', --NR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --CN, --COR.sup.e', --SR.sup.e', --SOR.sup.e' or Cy.

[0072] Another embodiment of the invention are the compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.5 is placed on the N at position 2 of the pyrazole ring and represents R.sup.a, wherein R.sup.a in R.sup.5 represents C.sub.1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from --OR.sup.c', --COR.sup.c', --CONR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'COR.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'CONR.sup.c'R.sup.c', --NR.sup.c'SO.sub.2R.sup.c' and Cy* optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.c; wherein in R.sup.5:

each R.sup.c' independently represents H or R.sup.c; each R.sup.c independently represents Cy or C.sub.1-6alkyl, wherein all these groups can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from R.sup.d; each R.sup.d independently represents --OR.sup.e', --NR.sup.e'R.sup.e', --CN, --COR.sup.e', --SR.sup.e', --SOR.sup.e' or Cy; each R.sup.e' independently represents H or R.sup.e; and each R.sup.e independently represents C.sub.1-6alkyl.

[0073] Furthermore, all possible combinations of the above-mentioned embodiments form also part of this invention.

[0074] The compounds of the present invention may contain one or more basic nitrogens and may, therefore, form salts with organic or inorganic acids that also form part of this invention. Examples of these salts include: salts with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, nitric acid, perchloric acid, sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid, and salts with organic acids such as methanesulfonic acid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid, acetic acid or malic acid, among others. The compounds of the present invention may contain one or more acidic protons and, therefore, they may also form salts with bases, which also form part of the present invention. Examples of these salts include: salts with inorganic cations such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, lithium, aluminium, zinc, etc; and salts formed with pharmaceutically acceptable amines such as ammonia, alkylamines, hydroxylalkylamines, lysine, arginine, N-methylglucamine, procaine and the like b. There is no limitation on the type of salt that can be used provided that these are pharmaceutically acceptable when they are used for therapeutic purposes. Salts can be prepared by treating the compound of formula I with a sufficient amount of the desired acid or base to give a salt in the conventional manner. The compounds of formula I and their salts differ in some physical properties but they are equivalent for the purposes of the present invention.

[0075] Some of the compounds of the present invention can exist in solvated form, including hydrated forms. In general, the solvated forms with pharmaceutically acceptable solvents such as water, ethanol and the like are equivalent to the unsolvated form for the purposes of the invention.

[0076] Some of the compounds of the present invention may exist as several diastereoisomers and/or several optical isomers. Diastereoisomers can be separated by conventional techniques such as chromatography or fractional crystallization. Optical isomers can be resolved by conventional techniques of optical resolution to give optically pure isomers. This resolution can be carried out on any chiral synthetic intermediate or on products of general formula I. Optically pure isomers can also be individually obtained using enantiospecific synthesis. The present invention covers all isomers and mixtures thereof (for example racemic mixtures) whether obtained by synthesis and also by physically mixing them.

[0077] Moreover, some compounds of the present invention may exhibit cis/trans isomers. The present invention includes each of the geometric isomers and its mixtures.

[0078] The compounds of formula I can be obtained by following the processes described below. As it is obvious to one skilled in the art the exact method used to prepare a given compound can vary depending on its chemical structure. Moreover, in some of the processes described below it may be necessary or advisable to protect the reactive or labile groups by conventional protective groups. Both the nature of these protective groups and the procedures followed to introduce or remove these are well known and form part of the state of the art (see for example Greene T. W. and Wuts P. G. M, "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis", John Wiley & Sons, 3.sup.rd edition, 1999). As an example, as protective groups of an amino function tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) or benzyl (Bn) can be used. The carboxyl groups can be protected for example in the form of C.sub.1-6alkyl esters or arylalkyl esters, such as benzyl, while the hydroxyl groups can be protected for example with tetrahydropyranyl (THP). Whenever a protective group is present a later deprotection step will be required, which can be performed under standard conditions in organic synthesis, such as those described in the above-mentioned reference.

[0079] The compounds of formula I can be obtained in general by reaction of a compound of formula IV with an aminopyrazole of formula V and an aldehyde of formula VI, as shown in the following scheme:

##STR00010##

wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 have the same meaning as in general formula I. This reaction is carried out preferably in the presence of an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid, in a suitable polar solvent such as 2-methoxyethanol or ethanol, and heating, preferably to reflux.

[0080] The compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.5 represents R.sup.5* (i.e. compounds of formula Ia and Ib) are generally obtained by reaction of a compound of formula I wherein R.sup.5 represents H (i.e. a compound of formula Ic) with an alkylating agent of formula R.sup.5*--X (II), as shown in the following scheme:

##STR00011##

wherein R.sup.5* represents R.sup.a or R.sup.f. R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.a and R.sup.f have the meaning described in general formula I and X represents a leaving group, for example an alkylsulfonate or an arylsulfonate such as mesylate or tosylate, or a halogen such as Cl, Br or I. This reaction is performed in the presence of a base such as KOH, K.sub.2CO.sub.3 or NaH in a suitable solvent, such as for example acetone, toluene, dimethylformamide, 1,2-dimethoxyethane or diglyme, and heating, preferably to reflux. In the case of using apolar solvents such as toluene this reaction can be carried out in the presence of a cation sequestering agent such as crown ether 18-C-6 or a phase transfer agent such as a tetraalkylammonium salt.

[0081] Compounds of formula Ia and Ib wherein R.sup.a represents --CH.sub.2OH can be prepared by the reaction of a compound of formula Ic with formaldehyde in a suitable polar solvent, such as water, and heating, preferably to reflux.

[0082] Compounds of formula Ia and Ib wherein R.sup.a represents optionally substituted phenyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl can be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula Ic with a boronic acid of formula R.sup.a--B(OH).sub.2 (III) wherein R.sup.a represents optionally substituted phenyl or heteroaryl in the presence of a base, such as pyridine and/or triethylamine, and in the presence of a catalyst, such as copper acetate (II), in a suitable solvent, such as an aprotic solvent such as dichloromethane.

[0083] Compounds of formula II and III are commercially available, are widely described in the literature or can be prepared by methods similar to those described, and can be conveniently protected as required.

[0084] Compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.5 represents H and R.sup.3 has the same meaning as R.sup.1 (i.e., a compound Id) can be also prepared by reaction of a compound of formula IV with an aminopyrazole of formula Va, as shown in the following scheme:

##STR00012##

or alternatively by, reaction of a compound of formula VII with a compound of formula Va

##STR00013##

wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.4 have the meaning described in general formula I. This reaction is carried out preferably in the presence of an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid, in a suitable polar solvent such as 2-methoxyethanol or ethanol, and heating, preferably to reflux.

[0085] Aminopyrazoles of formula V and Va and aldehydes of formula VI, are commercially available and can be conveniently protected. Alternatively, compounds of formula Va can be conveniently prepared by reaction of a compound of formula VIII with a compound of formula IX, as shown in the following scheme:

##STR00014##

wherein R.sup.4 has the meaning described in general formula I. This reaction is carried out in a suitable polar solvent such as ethanol and by heating, preferably to reflux. Compounds of formula V can also be obtained by this method, starting from a compound of formula IX and a compound of formula NH.sub.2--NHR.sup.5 (VIIIa).

[0086] Compounds of formula IX are commercially available and can be conveniently protected or can be conveniently prepared by reaction of a compound of formula X

##STR00015##

with acetonitrile, in the presence of a base such as butyl lithium, in a suitable solvent such as tetrahydrofuran and at a suitable temperature, preferably -78.degree. C.

[0087] Esters of formula X are commercially available or can be prepared by methods widely described in the literature and can be conveniently protected.

[0088] Enol ethers of formula VII can be conveniently prepared by reaction of a ketone of formula IV with a compound of formula R.sup.1--COY (XI) wherein Y represents a halogen, preferably Cl, in the presence of a base, such as NaH, in a suitable polar solvent such as dimethylformamide.

[0089] Compounds of formula XI are commercially available or can be prepared by conventional reactions from the corresponding carboxylic acids of formula R.sup.1--CO.sub.2H (XII).

[0090] Compounds of formula XII are commercially available or can be prepared by methods widely described in the literature and can be conveniently protected.

[0091] Compounds of formula IV can be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula R.sup.1--H (XIII) with a compound of formula XIV

##STR00016##

wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have the meaning described in general formula I, in the presence of a Lewis acid, such as AlCl.sub.3, in a suitable halogenated solvent such as dichloromethane.

[0092] Compounds of formula XIV are commercially available or can be prepared readily from the corresponding carboxylic acid following conventional procedures.

[0093] Alternatively, compounds of formula IV can be conveniently prepared by reaction of a compound of formula R.sup.2--CH.sub.3 (XV) with a compound of formula R.sup.1--CN (XVI), wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have the meaning described in general formula I, in the presence of a base such as lithium diisopropylamide, generated from butyl lithium and N,N'-diisopropylamine, in an aprotic polar solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran and cooling, preferably to -78.degree. C.

[0094] Alternatively, compounds of formula IV can be conveniently prepared by reaction of a compound of formula R.sup.2--CH.sub.3 (XV) with a compound of formula R.sup.1--CO.sub.2R.sup.6 (XVII), wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have the meaning described in general formula I and R.sup.6 represents C.sub.1-6 alkyl, in the presence of a base such as sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide or sodium hydride, in an aprotic polar solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran or dimethylformamide and at a suitable temperature, preferably room temperature.

[0095] The compounds XIII, XV, XVI and XVII are commercially available or can be prepared by methods widely described in the literature.

[0096] Alternatively, compounds of formula IV can be conveniently prepared by reaction of a compound of formula R.sup.2--CH.sub.3 (XV) with a compound of formula XVIII in the same conditions as those described previously for reaction of the compound of formula XV with a compound of formula XVI.

##STR00017##

[0097] Compounds of formula XVIII can be conveniently prepared by reaction of a compound of formula XI with N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride in the presence of a base, such as triethylamine, in a suitable halogenated solvent such as dichloromethane and cooling, preferably to 0.degree. C.

[0098] Alternatively, the compounds of formula XVIII can be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula XII with N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride in the presence of a suitable condensing agent such as for example N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide or dicyclohexylcarbodiimide optionally in the presence of 1-hydroxybenzotriazole, or in the presence of a suitable base, such as pyridine, in a suitable solvent such as dimethylformamide.

[0099] The compounds of formula I can also be obtained from a compound of formula XIX, as shown in the scheme below.

##STR00018##

wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 have the meaning described in general formula I. The reaction of XIX with a compound of formula VIIIa gives rise to a compound of formula I wherein R.sup.4=NH.sub.2 (Ie). This reaction is carried out in a suitable solvent such as ethanol and heating, preferably to reflux. Starting from these compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.4=NH.sub.2, compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.4 is different from NH.sub.2 can be generated by interconversion reactions, explained in more detail further on. This method is useful to prepare compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.3 represents H, optionally substituted C.sub.1-6alkyl or Cy different from R.sup.1.

[0100] Compounds of formula VIIIa are commercially available and can be conveniently protected.

[0101] Compounds of formula XIX can be conveniently prepared by reaction of a compound of formula XX

##STR00019##

wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 have the meaning described in general formula I, with a chlorinating agent such as POCl.sub.3 or PCl.sub.3 without solvent or in a suitable solvent such as dimethylformamide and heating, preferably to reflux.

[0102] Compounds of formula XX are generally obtained by reaction of a compound of formula XXI with 2-cyanoacetamide, as shown in the following scheme:

##STR00020##

wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 have the meaning described in general formula I and each R.sup.6 independently represents C.sub.1-6alkyl. This reaction is carried out in the presence of a base such as sodium methoxide, in a suitable solvent such as dimethylformamide and heating, preferably to reflux.

[0103] Compounds of formula XXI can be conveniently prepared by reaction of a compound of formula IV with a compound of formula XXII

##STR00021##

wherein R.sup.3 and R.sup.6 have the meaning previously described, in a suitable solvent such as tetrahydrofuran.

[0104] Compounds of formula XXII are commercially available or can be prepared by methods described in the literature, for example by reacting an amide of formula XXIII

##STR00022##

with triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate in the presence of a base such as sodium ethoxide in a suitable solvent such as ethanol or a mixture of ethanol-diethyl ether.

[0105] Alternatively, compounds of the present invention can also be obtained by interconversion of another compound of formula I, in one or several steps, by using well-known reactions in organic chemistry under the reported standard experimental conditions.

[0106] Thus, R.sup.4 can be transformed into another R.sup.4, generating new compounds of formula I. For example, R.sup.4=H can be transformed into R.sup.4=Br by reaction with an appropriate brominating agent, such as Br.sub.2, in a suitable solvent such as chloroform, and at an appropriate temperature comprised between room temperature and the boiling point of the solvent;

[0107] or R.sup.4H can be converted into R.sup.4=Cl by reaction with an appropriate chlorinating agent such as N-chlorosuccinimide, in a suitable solvent such as dimethylformamide at an appropriate temperature comprised between room temperature and the boiling point of the solvent;

[0108] or R.sup.4=NH.sub.2 can be converted into R.sup.4=halogen by formation of a diazonium salt with NaNO.sub.2 followed by reaction with a copper halide such as CuBr or CuCl, in the presence of an acid such as for example HBr or HCl;

[0109] or R.sup.4=NH.sub.2 can be converted into R.sup.4=H by forming a diazonium salt with NaNO.sub.2 followed by reaction with H.sub.3PO.sub.2, in a suitable solvent such as water;

[0110] or R.sup.4=halogen can be converted into R.sup.4=CN by reaction with a cyanide salt such as CuCN, in a suitable solvent such as N-methylpyrrolidone and heating, preferably to reflux.

[0111] Other conversions of R.sup.4, which can also be applied to R.sup.5 and also to the substituents of the R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 groups to generate other compounds of formula I include, for example:

[0112] conversion of CN into CONH.sub.2 by hydrolysis with a base such as KOH in a suitable solvent such as tert-butanol and heating, preferably to reflux;

[0113] conversion of CN into CH.sub.2NH.sub.2 by reaction with a reducing agent, such as LiAlH.sub.4, in a suitable solvent such as diethyl ether;

[0114] conversion of a carboxylic acid group into an ester or an amide by reaction with an alcohol or an amine, respectively, in the presence of an activating agent such as N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 4-dimethylaminopyridine and in a suitable solvent such as diethyl ether;

[0115] conversion of an ester group into a carboxylic group by hydrolysis in the presence of a base, such as KOH, in a suitable solvent such as ethanol;

[0116] conversion of OH, SH or NH.sub.2 into OR, SR and NHR or NRR, respectively, by reaction of an alkylating agent R--X wherein R represents R.sup.a, R.sup.c, R.sup.e or R.sup.f and X represents halogen, preferably chloro or bromo, in the presence of a base such as triethylamine, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate or sodium hydride in a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane, chloroform, dimethylformamide, ethanol or butanol, at a temperature comprised between room temperature and the temperature of the boiling point of the solvent;

[0117] alternatively, NHR can be converted into NCH.sub.3R, wherein R represents R.sup.a, R.sup.c, R.sup.e or R.sup.f, by reaction with formaldehyde in acid medium, such as formic acid and heating, preferably to reflux;

[0118] conversion of an amine into an amide by reaction of a carboxylic acid in the presence of an appropriate condensing agent such as N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide or dicyclohexylcarbodiimide optionally in the presence of 1-hydroxybenzotriazole, or in the presence of an appropriate base such as pyridine, in a suitable solvent, such as dimethylformamide; or alternatively, an amine can be converted into an amide by reaction with an acyl chloride in pyridine or in the presence of a base such as triethylamine in a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane, and cooling, preferably to 0.degree. C.;

[0119] conversion of an amine into a urea or a carbamate by a two step sequence that involves reacting the amine with an activating agent such as triphosgene, in the presence of a base such as diisopropylethylamine, triethylamine or N-methylmorpholine, in a suitable solvent such as acetonitrile or a halogenated hydrocarbon such as chloroform or dichloromethane, and then reacting the resulting compound with the second amine in the case of a urea or with an alcohol in the case of a carbamate, in a suitable solvent, such as the solvent used in the first step; or alternatively an amine can be converted into a urea or carbamate by reaction with an isocyanate or a chloroformate, respectively, in a suitable solvent, such as dimethylformamide, at a suitable temperature, preferably room temperature;

[0120] conversion of an amine into a sulfonamide by reaction with a sulfonyl halide, such as sulfonyl chloride, optionally in the presence of a base such as 4-dimethylaminopyridine, in a suitable solvent such as dioxane, chloroform, dichloromethane or pyridine;

[0121] conversion of a hydroxyl group into an ester group by reaction with a carboxylic acid in the standard conditions mentioned previously;

[0122] conversion of a sulfanyl group into a sulfinyl or sulfonyl group by reaction with 1 or 2 equivalents, respectively, of an appropriate oxidizing agent such as m-chloroperbenzoic acid in a suitable solvent such as for example dichloromethane;

[0123] conversion of a primary or secondary hydroxyl group into a leaving group, for example an alkylsulfonate or arylsulfonate such as mesylate or tosylate or a halogen such as Cl, Br or I, by reaction with a sulfonyl halide such as methanesulfonyl chloride, in the presence of a base, such as pyridine or triethylamine, in a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane or chloroform, or with a halogenating agent, such as SOCl.sub.2, in a suitable solvent such as tetrahydrofuran;

[0124] the substitution of said leaving group by reaction with an alcohol, amine or thiol, optionally in the presence of a base, such as K.sub.2CO.sub.3, and in a suitable solvent such as dimethylformamide, 1,2-dimethoxyethane or acetonitrile;

[0125] the elimination of a leaving group bonded to an alkyl group to give an alkenyl group by reaction with a base, such as KOH, in a suitable solvent, such as toluene and heating, preferably to reflux;

[0126] conversion of a primary amide into a secondary amide by reaction with an alkylating agent in the presence of a strong base, such as sodium hydride, in a suitable solvent and at a temperature comprised between room temperature and the boiling point of the solvent;

[0127] conversion of CHO into an amine by reaction with an amine in the presence of a reducing agent such as sodium triacetoxyborohydride, in a suitable solvent such as for example 1,2-dichloroethane;

[0128] conversion of an acetal group into an aldehyde by reaction in acid medium, for example in HCl, at an appropriate temperature, preferably to reflux;

[0129] conversion of an ester group into an alcohol group by reaction with a reducing agent, such as LiAlH.sub.4, in a suitable solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran;

[0130] conversion of a sulfonyl group bonded to an aromatic ring into an amino derivative by reaction with the corresponding amine, in a suitable solvent such as tetrahydrofuran or using the amine as a solvent, heating, preferably to a temperature comprised between room temperature and 100.degree. C. and preferably carrying out the reaction in a closed vessel under atmospheric pressure;

[0131] conversion of a sulfonyl group bonded to an aromatic ring by displacement with an alkoxide to give the corresponding alkoxy derivative, in a suitable solvent such as tetrahydrofuran or using the corresponding alcohol as a solvent, heating, preferably to a temperature comprised between room temperature and 100.degree. C. and preferably carrying out the reaction in a closed vessel under atmospheric pressure;

[0132] conversion of a vinylic or aromatic halogen into NHR, wherein R represents R.sup.a, R.sup.c, R.sup.e or R.sup.f, by reacting with an amine of formula H.sub.2NR and preferably heating;

[0133] alternatively, a vinylic or aromatic halogen can be converted into NHR by reaction with an amine of formula H.sub.2NR in the presence of a base, such as Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 or sodium tert-butoxide, in the presence of a palladium catalyst, such as palladium acetate (II), and a phosphine such as 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl, in a solvent, such as toluene, and preferably heating;

[0134] conversion of a vinylic or aromatic halogen into a phenyl or heteroaryl group by treatment with a phenyl- or a heteroarylboronic acid in the presence of a catalyst, such as a palladium catalyst, such as palladium acetate (II) or tetraquis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (0) and of a base such as Na.sub.2CO.sub.3, K.sub.2CO.sub.3 or CsF, in a suitable polar solvent, such as 1,2-dimethoxyethane or toluene-water mixtures, and preferably heating;

[0135] conversion of an aromatic halogen into H by halogenolysis, with a reducing agent such as Zn, in a suitable solvent, such as acetic acid and heating, preferably to reflux; and

[0136] oxidation of the N at position 7 of the pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine ring to give the corresponding N-oxide by reaction with an oxidizing agent, such as m-chloroperbenzoic acid, in a suitable solvent, such as for example dichloromethane.

[0137] Likewise, any of the aromatic rings of the compounds of the present invention can undergo electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions, widely described in the literature.

[0138] Many of these interconversion reactions are explained in greater detail in the examples.

[0139] As it will be obvious to those skilled in the art, these interconversion reactions can also be carried out on synthesis intermediates of compounds of formula I.

[0140] The present invention also includes the salts of the compounds of formula I. These salts can be prepared by conventional methods by treating a compound of formula I with an appropriate amount of an acid such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, oxalic acid or methanesulfonic acid. In the case of compounds of formula I that contain an acidic proton, salts can also be obtained. by treatment with a base such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate. Salts of the compounds of formula I can be converted in turn into other salts of compounds of formula I by ion exchange using a ionic exchange resin.

[0141] As mentioned previously, the compounds of the present invention act as p38 kinase inhibitors, inducing reduction of proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, these compounds are expected to be useful to treat or prevent diseases in which kinase p38 plays a role. This includes diseases caused by overproduction of cytokines such as TNF-.alpha., IL-1, IL-6 or IL-8. These diseases include, but are not limited to, immune, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, bone resorption disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, proliferative diseases and processes associated with cyclooxygenase-2 induction.

[0142] As an example, immune, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that can be treated or prevented with the compounds of the present invention include rheumatic diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, infectious arthritis, progressive chronic arthritis, deforming arthritis, osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis, gouty arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, polychondritis, acute synovitis and spondylitis), glomerulonephritis (with or without nephrotic syndrome), autoimmune hematologic disorders (e.g. hemolytic anemia, aplasic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenia and neutropenia), autoimmune gastritis and autoimmune inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), host versus graft disease, allograft rejection, chronic thyroiditis, Graves' disease, schleroderma, diabetes (type I and type II), active hepatitis (acute and chronic), primary binary cirrhosis, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, skin sunburns, chronic renal insufficiency, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, idiopathic sprue, sarcoidosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, uveitis, conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis, otitis media, periodontal disease, pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, pneumoconiosis, pulmonary insufficiency syndrome, pulmonary emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, silicosis, chronic inflammatory pulmonary disease (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and other inflammatory or obstructive diseases of the airways.

[0143] Cardiovascular diseases that can be treated or prevented include, among others, myocardial infarction, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac insufficiency, ischaemia-reperfusion disorders, thrombosis, thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, acute coronary syndromes, atherosclerosis and cerebrovascular accidents.

[0144] Infectious diseases that can be treated or prevented include, among others, sepsis, septic shock, endotoxic shock, sepsis by Gram-negative bacteria, shigellosis, meningitis, cerebral malaria, pneumonia, tuberculosis, viral myocarditis, viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C), HIV infection, retinits caused by cytomegalovirus, influenza, herpes, treatment of infections associated with severe burns, myalgias caused by infections, cachexia secondary to infections, and veterinary viral infections such as lentivirus, caprine arthritic virus, visna-maedi virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, bovine immunodeficiency virus or canine immunodeficiency virus.

[0145] Bone resorption disorders that can be treated or prevented include osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis, gouty arthritis and bone disorders related with multiple myeloma, among others.

[0146] Neurodegenerative diseases that can be treated or prevented include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cerebral ischaemia and traumatic neurodegenerative disease, among others.

[0147] Proliferative diseases that can be treated or prevented include endometriosis, solid tumors, acute and chronic myeloid leukemia, Kaposi sarcoma, multiple myeloma, metastatic melanoma and angiogenic disorders such as ocular neovascularisation and infantile haemangioma.

[0148] p38 kinase inhibitors also inhibit the expression of proinflammatory proteins such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the enzyme responsible for prostaglandin production. Therefore, the compounds of the present invention can also be used to treat or prevent diseases mediated by COX-2 and especially to treat processes with inflammation, fever and neuromuscular pain such as cephalea, pain caused by cancer, tooth pain and arthritic pain.

[0149] According to the activity of the products herein described, the present invention also relates to compositions which contain a compound of the present invention, together with an excipient or other auxiliary agents if necessary. The compounds of the present invention can be administered in the form of any pharmaceutical formulation, the nature of which, as it is well known, will depend upon the nature of the active compound and its route of administration. Any route of administration may be used, for example oral, parenteral, nasal, ocular, rectal and topical administration.

[0150] According to the present invention, solid compositions for oral administration include tablets, granulates and capsules. In any case the manufacturing method is based on a simple mixture, dry granulation or wet granulation of the active compound with excipients. These excipients can be, for example, diluents such as lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol or calcium hydrogenphosphate; binding agents such as for example starch, gelatin or povidone; disintegrants such as sodium carboxymethyl starch or sodium croscarmellose; and lubricating agents such as for example magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc. Tablets can be additionally coated with suitable excipients by using known techniques with the purpose of delaying their disintegration and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained action over a longer period, or simply to improve their organoleptic properties or their stability. The active compound can also be incorporated by coating onto inert pellets using natural or synthetic film-coating agents. Soft gelatin capsules are also possible, in which the active compound is mixed with water or an oily medium, for example coconut oil, mineral oil or olive oil.

[0151] Powders and granulates for the preparation of oral suspensions by the addition of water can be obtained by mixing the active compound with dispersing or wetting agents, suspending agents and preservatives. Other excipients can also be added, for example sweetening, flavouring and colouring agents.

[0152] Liquid forms for oral administration include emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs containing commonly-used inert diluents, such as purified water, ethanol, sorbitol, glycerol, polyethylene glycols (macrogolsy and propylene glycol. Said compositions can also contain coadjuvants such as wetting, suspending, sweetening, flavouring agents, preservatives and buffers.

[0153] Injectable preparations, according to the present invention, for parenteral administration, comprise sterile solutions, suspensions or emulsions, in an aqueous or non-aqueous solvent such as propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol or vegetable oils. These compositions can also contain coadjuvants, such as wetting, emulsifying, dispersing agents and preservatives. They may be sterilized by any known method or prepared as sterile solid compositions which will be dissolved in water or any other sterile injectable medium immediately before use. It is also possible to start from sterile materials and keep them under these conditions throughout all the manufacturing process.

[0154] For the rectal administration, the active compound can be preferably formulated as a suppository on an oily base, such as for example vegetable oils or solid semisynthetic glycerides, or on a hydrophilic base such as polyethylene glycols (macrogol).

[0155] The compound can also be formulated for its topical application for the treatment of pathologies occurring in zones or organs accessible through this route, such as eyes, skin and the intestinal tract. Formulations include creams, lotions, gels, powders, solutions and patches wherein the compound is dispersed or dissolved in suitable excipients.

[0156] The compounds of the present invention can also be formulated as a solid form, dissolved or dispersed in a suitable vehicle, for inhalation in single or multidose container. Preparations to be administered as an aerosol (dispersion of solid or liquid particles in a gas) use suitable devices such as nebulisers, pressured metered-dose inhalers or dry-powder inhalers. Depending on this, the compound will be formulated with excipients such as propellants responsible for developing the proper pressure within the container to force the content out through the opening of the valve, solvents, emulsifying agents, viscosity-increasing agents, preservatives, stabilizing agents and lubricants to avoid the blockade of the valve.

[0157] The dosage and frequency of doses will depend upon the nature and severity of the disease to be treated, the age, the general condition and body weight of the patient, as well as the particular compound administered and the route of administration, among other factors. A representative example of a suitable dosage range is from about 0.01 mg/Kg to about 100 mg/Kg per day, which can be administered as a single or divided doses. However, the dosage administered is generally left to the discretion of the physician.

[0158] The activity of the compounds of this invention can be assessed using the following tests:

Test 1: Inhibition of TNF-.alpha. Release Induced by LPS in Human Histiocytic Lymphoma Cells, U-937

[0159] Maintenance and differentiation of U-937 cells: U-937 cells (ATCC N.sup.o CRL-159.2) are cultivated in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% inactivated fetal bovine serum (Gibco). A total of 0.5.times.10.sup.6 cells are incubated in the presence of 20 ng/mL of PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) for 24 h to achieve complete monocytic differentiation. All the incubations are carried out at 37.degree. C. in an atmosphere with 5% CO.sub.2. The cells are centrifuged (200.times.g for 5 min) and resuspended in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 2% inactivated fetal bovine serum at a density of 2.times.10.sup.6 cells/mL.

[0160] Inhibition of TNF-.alpha. release: 100 .mu.L of cells U-937 (2.times.10.sup.6 cells/mL) are incubated with 100 .mu.L of the test product (final concentration, 0.001-10 .mu.M) for 30 min in 96-well plates. The mother solutions of the products (10 mM in DMSO) are diluted in culture medium to reach a final DMSO concentration equal to or less than 0.1%. A total of 20 .mu.L of LPS (E. coli 055B5, Sigma) are added to a final concentration of 100 ng/mL and after incubation for 4 hours the amount of TNF-.alpha. released in the supernatant is quantified using a commercial ELISA kit (Biosource International).

Test 2: Inhibition of TNF-.alpha. Release Induced by LPS in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

[0161] To obtain the mononuclear cells: heparinized venous blood, obtained from healthy volunteers, is diluted with an equal volume of saline phosphate buffer without calcium or magnesium. Aliquots of 30 mL of the mixture are transferred to 50 mL centrifuge tubes containing 15 mL of Ficoll-Hypaque (1.077 g/mL). The tubes are centrifuged at 1200.times.g for 20 min at room temperature without braking. Approximately two-thirds of the band of platelets lying above the mononuclear cells is removed with a pipette. The mononuclear cells are carefully transferred to a 50 mL tube, washed twice with saline phosphate buffer, centrifuged at 300.times.g for 10 min at room temperature and resuspended in RPMI supplemented with 1% inactivated fetal bovine serum at a cell density of 2.times.10.sup.6 cells/mL.

[0162] Inhibition of TNF-.alpha. release: 100 .mu.L of mononuclear cells (2.times.10.sup.6 cells/mL) are incubated on 96-well plates with 50 .mu.L of the test product (final concentration, 0.001-10 .mu.M) and 50 .mu.L LPS (E. coli 055B5, Sigma) at a final concentration of 400 ng/mL for 19 h at 37.degree. C. in an atmosphere with CO.sub.2 at 5%. The amount of TNF-.alpha. released in the supernatant is quantified using a commercial ELISA kit (Biosource International).

Test 3: Inhibition of p38-.alpha. Kinase:

[0163] In a final volume of 25 .mu.L, a total of 5 .mu.L of the test product (final concentration, 0.001-10 .mu.M), 5-10 mU of p38-.alpha. with 0.33 mg/mL of myelin basic protein, Mg.sup.2+ acetate (10 mM) and [.gamma..sup.33P-ATP] (100 .mu.M, specific activity 500 cpm/pmol) in buffer Tris 25 mM pH7.5, EGTA 0.02 mM is incubated. The reaction is started by adding Mg.sup.2+[.gamma..sup.33P-ATP]. After incubation for 40 min at room temperature, the reaction is quenched by adding 5 .mu.L of 3% phosphoric acid solution. The reaction mixture (10 .mu.L) is passed through a filter (P30) and washed three times for 5 min with a 75 mM phosphoric acid solution and once with methanol before drying it and counting it, by liquid scintillation.

[0164] The following table shows the results obtained with representative compounds of the invention in test 2:

TABLE-US-00001 % Inhibition Example at 0.1 .mu.M 1 57.5 4 68.4 6 81.4 8 66.3 18 82.6 22 56.5 30 83.6 36 92.0 39 51.1 41 90.6 43 61.2 56 58.7 59 60.0 63 53.2 68 50.0 72 52.7 78 73.3 80 69.3 82 59.9 90 86.3 102 67.9 106 69.3 121 52.1 128 82.0 136 67.0 137 61.4 183 66.7 184 71.2 188 73.2 196 70.2 208 67.7 209 84.2 210 57.3 211 70.6 212 67.5 213 68.1 214 71.1 217 53.8 232 67.9 237 53.4 240 58.4 248 53.2 250 67.0 268 69.1 272 65.6 279 100.0 282 65.2 283 52.4 287 71.2 289 51.3 290 65.8

[0165] The following examples illustrate, but do not limit, the scope of the invention.

[0166] The following abbreviations have been used in the examples: [0167] AcOH: acetic acid [0168] EtOAc: ethyl acetate [0169] NH.sub.4OAc: ammonium acetate [0170] BuLi: butyl lithium [0171] .sup.tBuOH: tert-butanol [0172] conc.: concentrated [0173] DMAP: 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine [0174] DMF: dimethylformamide [0175] EtOH: ethanol [0176] MeOH: methanol [0177] THF: tetrahydrofuran [0178] t.sub.R: retention time [0179] LC-MS: liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

[0180] LC-MS spectra have been performed using the following chromatographic methods:

[0181] Method 1: Column Tracer Excel 120, ODSB 5 .mu.m (10 mm.times.0.21 mm), temperature: 30.degree. C., flow: 0.35 mL/min, eluent: A=acetonitrile, B=0.1% HCOOH, gradient: 0 min 10% A-10 min 90% A.

[0182] Method 2: Column X-Terra MS C18 5 .mu.m (150 mm.times.2.1 mm), temperature: 30.degree. C., flow: 0.40 mL/min, eluent: A=acetonitrile, B=10 mM NH.sub.4OAc (pH=6.80), gradient: 0 min 25% A-6 min 80% A-7.5 min 25% A.

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 1

1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone

a) 4-Fluoro-N-methoxy-N-methylbenzamide

[0183] In a volumetric flask N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (25.54 g, 261.8 mmol) and CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (443 mL) were introduced under argon atmosphere at 0.degree. C. 4-Fluorobenzoyl chloride (34.59 g, 218.2 mmol) was added followed by the slow addition of triethylamine (48.13 g, 475.6 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 30 min at 5.degree. C. and allowed to reach room temperature. It was washed with 5% aqueous citric acid (180 mL) and with 5% aqueous NaHCO.sub.3 (180 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted with CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness, to afford 20.23 g of the desired compound (yield: 88%).

b) Title Compound

[0184] To a solution of diisopropylamine (23.4 mL, 165.7 mmol) in THF (250 mL), cooled to -78.degree. C., BuLi (103.5 mL of a 1.6 M solution in hexane, 165.7 mmol) was added dropwise under argon atmosphere. After .about.5 minutes, a solution of 4-methylpyridine (10.28 g, 110.4 mmol) in THF (85 mL) was added over 20 min. The mixture was stirred at 0.degree. C. for 15 min and a solution of 4-fluoro-N-methoxy-N-methylbenzamide (obtained in section a) in THF (85 mL) was added over 30 min period. The reaction was allowed to reach room temperature. Water (100 mL) and EtOAc (100 mL) were added and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. The organic phase was separated, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness, to afford 24.32 g of the desired compound (yield: 100%).

[0185] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.29 (s, 2H), 7.14-7.23 (complex signal, 4H), 8.05 (m, 2H), 8.59 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 2

2-(4-Pyridyl)-1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethanone

a) N-Methoxy-N-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide

[0186] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 1 section a, but using 3-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl chloride instead of 4-fluorobenzoyl chloride, the desired product was obtained (yield: 86%).

b) Title Compound

[0187] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 1 section b, but using N-methoxy-N-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide (obtained in section a of this example) instead of 4-fluoro-N-methoxy-N-methylbenzamide, the title compound was obtained (yield: 22%).

[0188] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.31 (s, 2H), 7.20 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 7.63 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 8.16 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 8.24 (s, 1H), 8.56 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 2H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 3

1-Phenyl-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone

[0189] A solution of diisopropylamine (22 mL, 15.03 mmol) in THF (200 mL) under argon atmosphere was cooled to -78.degree. C. BuLi (96 mL of a 1.6 M solution in hexane, 153.0 mmol) was added dropwise. After 1 h, a solution of 4-methylpyridine (15.00 g, 161.1 mmol) in THF (75 mL) was added and allowed to warm to 0.degree. C. At this temperature it was stirred for 30 minutes. It was cooled to -78.degree. C. and benzonitrile (18.27 g, 177.2 mmol) in THF (75 mL) was added and stirred at -78.degree. C. for 2 h. It was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water (225 mL) was added, it was cooled with a water-ice bath and adjusted to pH 1 with 48% HBr. The organic phase was separated. The aqueous phase was heated to reflux for 2 h, allowed to cool and extracted with diethyl ether. The aqueous phase was taken to neutral pH with 1 N NaOH and extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness, to afford 28.53 g of title compound (yield: 90%).

[0190] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.29 (s, 2H), 7.20 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (m, 2H), 7.58 (m, 1H), 8.00 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 8.56 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 4

1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)vinyl 4-fluorobenzoate

[0191] To a suspension of NaH (0.81 g, 18.6 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) under argon atmosphere and cooled to 0.degree. C., a solution of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone (2.00 g, 9.3 mmol, obtained in reference example 1) in DMF (15 mL) was added and stirred to room temperature for 30 minutes. It was then cooled to 0.degree. C. and a solution of 4-fluorobenzoyl chloride (2.95 g, 1.9 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added. It was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water was added and the solvent was evaporated off. The residue was dissolved in a mixture of CHCl.sub.3 and water and the phases were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with CHCl.sub.3 (.times.3). The organic phase was washed with water (.times.2), dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 0.98 g of the desired compound as a yellow solid (yield: 31%).

[0192] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 6.68 (s, 1H), 7.11 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 7.60 (dd, J.sub.o=5.2 Hz, J.sub.m=8.8 Hz, 2H), 8.27 (dd, J.sub.o=5.4 Hz, J.sub.m=8.8 Hz, 2H), 8.58 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H)

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 5

1-Phenyl-2-(4-pyridyl)vinyl benzoate

[0193] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 4, but using 1-phenyl-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone (obtained in reference example 3) instead of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone and benzoyl chloride instead of 4-fluorobenzoyl chloride, the title compound was obtained (yield: 62%).

[0194] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 6.72 (s, 1H), 7.38-7.42 (complex signal, 5H), 7.60-7.63 (complex signal, 4H), 7.71 (t, J=7.4, 1H), 8.23 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 8.51 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.6 Hz, 2H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 6

2-[2-(Methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethanone

a) 4-Methyl-2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidine

[0195] To a solution of NaOH (7.46 g, 186.4 mmol) in water (120 mL), 4-methylpyrimidine-2-thiol hydrochloride (13.78 g, 84.7 mmol) was added and subsequently iodomethane (13.23 g, 93.2 mmol) was added dropwise under argon atmosphere. It was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. It was extracted with CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (.times.2). The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 10.26 g of the desired compound (yield: 86%).

b) Title Compound

[0196] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 1 section b, but using N-methoxy-N-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide (obtained in section a of the reference example 2) instead of 4-fluoro-N-methoxy-N-methylbenzamide and 4-methyl-2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidine (obtained in section a of this example) instead of 4-methylpyridine, the title compound as a crude product was obtained that was directly used in the following reactions (yield: quantitative).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 7

3-(Dimethylamino)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)prop-2-en-1-one

[0197] To a solution of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone (0.30 g, 1.4 mmol, obtained in reference example 1) in anhydrous THF (5 mL), dimethyl dimethylformamide acetal (0.27 g, 3.2 mmol) was added under argon atmosphere. This was stirred overnight at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated to afford 0.39 g of the title compound (yield: quantitative).

[0198] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.79 (s, 6H), 6.97 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 7.45 (m, 2H), 8.48 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 8

3-(Dimethylamino)-2-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-1-[3-(trifluorometh- yl)phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one

[0199] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 7, but using 2-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethanon- e (obtained in reference example 6) instead of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone, the desired compound was obtained in the form of a crude product that was directly used in the following reactions.

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 9

1-(6-Chloropyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone

a) 6-Chloronicotinoyl chloride hydrochloride

[0200] A solution of 6-chloronicotinic acid (10.00 g, 63.5 mmol) in SOCl.sub.2 (37 mL) was heated to reflux for 2 h. The SOCl.sub.2 was evaporated to dryness, to afford 12.56 g of the desired product (yield: 93%).

b) 6-Chloro-N-methoxy-N-methylnicotinamide

[0201] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 1 section a, but using 6-chloronicotinoyl chloride hydrochloride (obtained in section a of this example) instead of 4-fluorobenzoyl chloride, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 71%).

c) Title Compound

[0202] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 1 section b, but using 6-chloro-N-methoxy-N-methylnicotinamide (obtained in section b of this example) instead of 4-fluoro-N-methoxy-N-methylbenzamide, the title compound was obtained (yield: quantitative).

[0203] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.27 (s, 2H), 7.18 (dd; J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (dd, J.sub.o=0.6 Hz, J.sub.m=8.4 Hz, 1H), 8.20 (dd, J.sub.o=2.5 Hz, J.sub.m=8.3 Hz, 2H s, 1H), 8.56 (18 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 8.98 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 10

2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxy-3,4'-bipyridine-5-carbonitrile

[0204] To a solution of 3-(dimethylamino)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)prop-2-en-1-one (12.77 g, 47.2 mmol, obtained in reference example 7) in DMF (175 mL), 2-cyanoacetamide (4.41 g, 52.0 mmol) was added under argon atmosphere. Then, sodium methoxide (5.35 g, 99.2 mmol) was added and heated to reflux for 1 hour. The mixture was allowed to cool, concentrated and diluted with water. The pH was adjusted to 4 with 1 N HCl. A precipitate was obtained that was filtered and dried to give 6.57 g of the desired compound as a solid (yield: 48%).

[0205] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3+CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 4.20 (s, OH+NH+CD.sub.3OD), 6.96 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.23 (m, 2H), 7.96 (s, 1H), 8.39 (dd, J.sub.o=1.4 Hz, J.sub.m=4.6 Hz, 2H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 11

2-Hydroxy-5-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)pheny- l]pyridine-3-carbonitrile

[0206] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 10, but using 3-(dimethylamino)-2-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-1-[3-(trifluoromet- hyl)phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one (obtained in reference example 8) instead of 3-(dimethylamino)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)prop-2-en-1-one, the title compound was obtained (yield: 20%).

[0207] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3+CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 3.28 (s, 3H), 3.84 (s, OH+CD.sub.3OD), 6.38 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (s, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 8.18 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.35 (s, 1H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 12

6-Chloro-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3,4'-bipyridine-5-carbonitrile

[0208] A mixture of 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxy-3,4'-bipyridine-5-carbonitrile (6.57 g, 22.5 mmol, obtained in reference example 10), POCl.sub.3 (26.3 mL, 287.5 mmol) and DMF (0.37 mL) was heated to reflux under argon atmosphere for 2 h. It was cooled with an ice bath and basified by adding 30% aqueous NH.sub.3. The precipitate obtained was filtered and washed with water. The product was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 3.86 g of the desired product as a yellow solid (yield: 55%).

[0209] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (m, 2H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 8.62 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 13

1-(6-Methylpyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone

a) N-Methoxy-6,N-dimethylnicotinamide

[0210] To a solution of 6-methylnicotinic acid (5.00 g, 36.5 mmol) in DMF (150 mL), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (4.92 g, 36.5 mmol), N-ethyl-N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (8.38 g, 45.7 mmol) and 4-methylmorpholine (16.0 mL, 145.8 mmol) were added under argon atmosphere. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes after which N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride was added (3.55 g, 36.5 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was evaporated off. The residue was dissolved in a mixture of CHCl.sub.3 and 0.2 N NaHCO.sub.3. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with CHCl.sub.3. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The product was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 1.11 g of the desired product (yield: 29%).

b) Title Compound

[0211] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 1 section b, but using N-methoxy-6,N-dimethylnicotinamide (obtained in section a of this example) instead of 4-fluoro-N-methoxy-N-methylbenzamide, the title compound was obtained (yield: 87%).

[0212] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.64 (s, 3H), 4.28 (s, 2H), 7.20 (dd, J.sub.o=1.4 Hz, J.sub.m=4.6 Hz, 2H), 7.28 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (dd, J.sub.o=2.4 Hz, J.sub.m=8.1 Hz, 1H), 8.57 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 9.10 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 14

2-Chloro-5-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl- ]pyridine-3-carbonitrile

[0213] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 12 but using 2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phen- yl]pyridine-3-carbonitrile (obtained in reference example 11) instead of 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxy-3,4'-bipyridine-5-carbonitrile, the title compound was obtained (yield: 44%).

[0214] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.48 (s, 3H), 6.62 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (m, 2H), 7.71 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 8.39 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.42 (s, 1H), 8.42 (s, 1H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 15

3-Amino-5-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-2H-pyrazole

a) Methyl 1-benzylpiperidine-4-carboxylate

[0215] To a solution of methyl piperidine-4-carboxylate (10.00 g, 6.4 mmol) and triethylamine (10.32 g, 10.2 mmol) in CHCl.sub.3 (100 mL), benzyl bromide (14.69 g, 8.6 mmol) was added under argon atmosphere while cooling with a water and ice bath. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. CHCl.sub.3 and water were added and the two phases were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with CHCl.sub.3. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness, to afford 13.80 g of the desired compound as an orange solid (yield: 88%).

b) 3-(1-Benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-3-oxopropiononitrile

[0216] To a solution of BuLi (12.4 mL of a 1.6 M solution in hexane, 19.8 mmol) in THF (25 mL) cooled to -78.degree. C., acetonitrile (1 mL) was added dropwise under argon atmosphere. After stirring the resulting suspension for 5 min at -78.degree. C., a solution of methyl 1-benzylpiperidine-4-carboxylate (2.0 g, 8.1 mmol, obtained in the previous section) in THF (5 mL) was added dropwise and stirred for 30 min at -78.degree. C. It was allowed to reach room temperature and stirred at this temperature overnight. 1 N HCl was added to adjust the pH to 7 and the aqueous phase was extracted with CHCl.sub.3. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness, to afford 1.92 g of the desired compound in a solid orange form (yield: 98%).

c) Title Compound

[0217] To a solution of 3-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-3-oxopropiononitrile (1.85 g, 7.6 mmol, obtained in the previous section) in EtOH (77 mL), hydrazine monohydrate (0.74 mL, 15.3 mmol) was added under argon atmosphere. The mixture was heated to reflux overnight. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in a mixture of water-CHCl.sub.3. The aqueous phase was extracted with CHCl.sub.3. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 0.46 g of the desired compound (yield: 23%)

[0218] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 1.72 (m, 2H), 1.90 (m, 2H), 2.15 (m, 2H), 2.56 (m, 1H), 2.97 (m, 2H), 3.57 (s, 2H), 4.89 (broad s, NH+NH.sub.2+H.sub.2O), 5.43 (s, 1H), 7.27-7.34 (complex signal, 5H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 16

3-(Dimethylamino)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)but-2-en-1-one

[0219] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 7, but using dimethylacetamide dimethyl acetal instead of dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal, the desired compound was obtained in the form of a crude product that was directly used in the following reactions.

[0220] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.15 (5, 3H), 3.00 (s, 6H), 6.80 (m, 4H), 7.45 (m, 2H), 8.30 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 17

2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxy-4-methyl-3,4'-bipyridine-5-carbonitrile

[0221] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 10, but using 3-(dimethylamino)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)but-2-en-1-one (obtained in reference example 16) instead of 3-dimethylamino-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)prop-2-en-1-one, the title compound was obtained (yield: 21%).

[0222] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.55 (broad s, OH+H.sub.2O), 2.30 (s, 3H), 6.97 (m, 4H), 7.25 (m, 2H), 8.52 (m, 2H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 18

6-Chloro-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-methyl-3,4'-bipyridine-5-carbonitrile

[0223] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 12, but using 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxy-4-methyl-3,4'-bipyridine-5-carbonitrile (obtained in reference example 17) instead of 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxy-3,4'-bipyridine-5-carbonitrile, the title compound was obtained (yield: 52%).

[0224] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.41 (s, 3H), 6.90 (m, 2H), 7.09 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (m, 2H), 8.62 (m, J=4.0 Hz, 2H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 19

1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]ethanone

[0225] To a solution of 4-methyl-2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidine (21.00 g, 150.0 mmol, obtained in reference example 6, section a) and ethyl 4-fluorobenzoate (25.14 g, 150.0 mmol) in THF (300 mL) under argon atmosphere, a solution of sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (150 mL of a 2 M solution in THF, 300 mmol) in THF (150 mL) was added dropwise while cooling with an ice-bath. It was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. Saturated NH.sub.4Cl was added and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was taken up in a mixture of EtOAc and water and the phases were separated. The aqueous phase was reextracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness, to afford 36.36 g of the title compound (yield: 93%).

[0226] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.52 (ketone: s, 3H), 2.61 (enol: s, 3H), 4.35 (ketone: s, 2H), 5.92 (enol: s, 1H), 6.64 (enol: d, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 6.95 (ketone: d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 7.08-7.19 (m, 2H), 7.83 (enol: m, 2H), 8.07 (ketone: m, 2H), 8.31 (enol: d, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 8.56 (ketone: d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 20

3-(Dimethylamino)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]p- rop-2-en-1-one

[0227] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 7, but using 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]ethanone (obtained in reference example 19) instead of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone, the title compound was obtained.

[0228] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.50 (s, 3H), 2.96 (s, 6H), 6.20-8.20 (complex signal, 7H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 21

6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(hydroxy)-5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)pyridine-- 3-carbonitrile

[0229] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 10, but using 3-(dimethylamino)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]- prop-2-en-1-one (obtained in reference example 20) instead of 3-(dimethylamino)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)prop-2-en-1-one, the title compound was obtained (yield: 91%).

[0230] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=7.09 min; m/z=338.9 [M+H].sup.+

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 22

2-Chloro-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)pyridine-3-c- arbonitrile

[0231] A mixture of 6-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(hydroxy)-5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)pyridin-- 3-carbonitrile (48.84 g, 144.6 mmol, obtained in reference example 21), POCl.sub.3 (166 mL, 1.8 mol) and DMF (2.2 mL) was heated to 100.degree. C. for 2 h. It was allowed to cool to room temperature and concentrated. It was cooled with an acetone-CO.sub.2 bath and EtOAc and ice were subsequently added. The organic phase was decanted, washed with saturated NaHCO.sub.3, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity, to afford 31.00 g of the title compound (yield: 60%).

[0232] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.54 (s, 3H), 6.60 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 7.08 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.44 (m; 2H), 8.37 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.39 (s, 1H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 23

2-(2-Chloropyridin-4-yl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)ethanone

[0233] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 19, but starting from 2-chloro-4-methylpyridine and ethyl 4-fluorobenzoate, the title compound was obtained.

[0234] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=7.96 min; m/z=250.0, 252.0 [M+H].sup.+

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 24

2-[2-(Methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-1-phenylethanone

[0235] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 19, but starting from 4-methyl-2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidine (obtained in reference example 6, section a) and ethyl benzoate, the title compound was obtained.

[0236] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.52 (ketone: s, 3H), 2.62 (enol: s, 3H), 4.39 (ketone: s, 2H), 5.99 (enol: s, 1H), 6.65 (enol: d, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (ketone: d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.51 (m, 3H), 7.85 (enol: m, 2H), 8.03 (ketone: m, 2H), 8.32 (enol: d, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 8.46 (ketone: d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 25

3-(Dimethylamino)-2-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-1-phenylprop-2-en-1- -one

[0237] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 7, but starting from 2-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-1-phenylethanone (obtained in reference example 24), the title compound was obtained.

[0238] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.50 (s, 3H), 2.90 (s, 6H), 6.20-8.00 (complex signal, 8H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 26

2-Hydroxy-5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-6-phenyl pyridine-3-carbonitrile

[0239] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 10, but using 3-(dimethylamino)-2-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-1-phenylprop-2-en-- 1-one (obtained in reference example 25) instead of 3-dimethylamino-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)prop-2-en-1-one, the title compound was obtained.

[0240] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=6.90 min; m/z=320.9 [M+H].sup.+

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 27

1-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)pyridin-- 3-yl]ethanone

[0241] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 10, but starting from 3-(dimethylamino)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]- prop-2-en-1-one (obtained in reference example 20) and 3-oxobutyramide, the title compound was obtained.

[0242] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.43 (s, 3H), 2.66 (enol: s, 3H), 6.53 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (m, 2H), 8.29 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.63 (s, 1H).

REFERENCE EXAMPLES 28-29

[0243] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 12, but starting from the appropriate compounds in each case, the compounds in the following table were obtained:

TABLE-US-00002 LC-MS Reference Starting t.sub.R m/z example Compound name compounds Method (min) [M + H].sup.+ 28 2-Chloro-5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin- Reference 1 10.18 338.9 4-yl) 6-phenylpyridine-3-carbonitrile example 26 29 4-[6-Chloro-5-(1-chlorovinyl)-2-(4- Reference 1 11.62 391.9 fluorophenyl)pyridin-3-yl]-2- example 27 393.9 methylsulfanylpyrimidine 395.9

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 30

1-(4-Fluorophonyl)-2-pyrimidin-4-ylethanone

[0244] To a suspension of NaH (2.26 g 50%, 47.7 mmol) in DMF (92 mL) under argon atmosphere and cooled to 0.degree. C., 4-methylpyrimidine (3.00 g, 31.9 mmol) was added slowly. Then, ethyl 4-fluorobenzoate (6.40 g, 38.2 mmol) was added and it was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water was added and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was taken up in a mixture of EtOAc and brine. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was reextracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phases were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 3.30 g of the desired compound (yield: 48%).

[0245] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.11 (ketone: s, 2H), 5.94 (enol: s, 1H), 6.94 (enol: d, J=5.4 Hz, 1H), 7.08-7.16 (m, 2H), 7.37 (ketone: d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (enol: m, 2H), 8.08 (ketone: m, 2H), 8.42 (enol: d, J=5.4 Hz, 1H), 8.69 (ketone: d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.81 (enol: s, 1H), 9.17 (ketone: s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 1

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

Method A

[0246] In a volumetric flask, 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone (23.56 g, 109.4 mmol, obtained in reference example 1) and 2-methoxyethanol (150 mL) were introduced. A solution of 3-amino-2H-pyrazole (10.00 g, 120.3 mmol) in 2-methoxyethanol (170 mL) and 37% HCl (3.23 g, 32.8 mmol) were added under argon atmosphere. This was heated to reflux for 3 days. It was allowed to cool and concentrated. The solid obtained was dissolved in CHCl.sub.3 (400 mL) and MeOH (50 mL) and washed with 0.1 N HCl (300 mL) and 1 N NaOH (300 mL). The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness, to afford 9.93 g of the desired product in solid cream form (yield: 47%)

Method B

[0247] To a solution of 3-amino-2H-pyrazole (60 mg, 71.8 mmol) in EtOH (2 mL) and 1 drop of 37% HCl, 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)vinyl 4-fluorobenzoate (0.22 g, 65.0 mmol, obtained in reference example 4) was added under argon atmosphere. This was heated to reflux for 3 days. The mixture was diluted with CHCl.sub.3 and MeOH. It was washed with saturated NaHCO.sub.3. The aqueous phase was extracted with CHCl.sub.3 (.times.2). The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 58 mg of the desired product in a solid white form (yield: 23%).

[0248] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3+CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 4.08 (s, NH+CD.sub.3OD), 6.80-7.01 (complex signal, 6H), 7.21 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 8.27 (dd, J.sub.o=1.4 Hz, J.sub.m=4.6 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 2

4,6-Diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0249] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 1 method B, but using 1-phenyl-2-(4-pyridyl)vinyl benzoate (obtained in reference example 5) instead of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)vinyl 4-fluorobenzoate, the title compound was obtained in solid white form (yield: 37%).

[0250] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.08 (s, NH+H.sub.2O), 6.85 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 7.12-7.31 (complex signal, 10H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 8.29 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 3

5-(4-Pyridyl)-4,6-bis[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin- e

[0251] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 1 method A, but using 2-(4-pyridyl)-1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethanone (obtained in reference example 2) instead of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone, the title compound was obtained (yield: 10%).

[0252] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.57 (s, NH+H.sub.2O), 6.86 (broad s, 2H), 7.30-7.60 (complex signal, 8H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 8.35 (broad s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 4

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-3-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0253] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 1 method B, but using 3-amino-5-methyl-2H-pyrazole instead of 3-amino-2H-pyrazole, the title compound was obtained in solid white form (yield: 19%).

[0254] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3+CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 2.03 (broad s, 3H), 4.08 (s, NH+CD.sub.3OD), 6.81 (m, 2H), 6.96 (m, 2H), 7.01 (m, 2H), 7.04 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 8.23 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 5

4,6-Diphenyl-3-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0255] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 1 method B, but using 3-amino-5-methyl-2H-pyrazole instead of 3-amino-2H-pyrazole and 1-phenyl-2-(4-pyridyl)vinyl benzoate (obtained in reference example 5) instead of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)vinyl 4-fluorobenzoate, the title compound was obtained in solid white form (yield: 16%).

[0256] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.02 (s, 3H), 2.02 (s, NH+H.sub.2O), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.23-7.33 (complex signal, 6H), 8.25 (83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 6

2-Ethyl-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 7

1-Ethyl-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0257] A suspension of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.39 g, 0.8 mmol, obtained in example 1), KOH (0.05 g, 0.8 mmol) and crown ether 18-C-6 (0.01 g, 0.03 mmol) in toluene (3 mL) was heated to 100.degree. C. for 2 h. A solution of iodoethane (0.18 g, 1.2 mmol) in toluene (1 mL) was added and stirred at 100.degree. C. for 2 days. It was allowed to cool, water and EtOAc were added and the phases were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 0.20 g of 2-ethyl-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (yield: 61%) and 28 mg of 1-ethyl-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (yield: 9%).

[0258] Example 6: .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.68 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H), 4.51 (c, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.78 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0259] Example 7: .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.61 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H), 4.67 (c, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 6.81 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 8

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 9

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0260] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 6 and 7, but using iodomethane instead of iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0261] Example 8: yield: 52%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.26 (s, 3H), 6.81 (d, J=5.3 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.77 (s, 1H), 8.29 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 2H).

[0262] Example 9: yield: 5%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.20 (s, 3H), 6.81 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (m, 2H), 7.26 (m, 2H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 8.29 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 10

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2,3-dimethyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 11

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3-dimethyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0263] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-3-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 4) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine and iodomethane instead of iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0264] Example 10: yield: 53%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.03 (s, 3H), 4.13 (s, 3H), 6.79 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.88 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.98-7.11 (complex signal, 4H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 8.26 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

[0265] Example 11: yield: 30%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3+CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 2.01 (broad s, 3H), 4.15 (broad s, 3H), 6.81 (m, 2H), 6.93 (m, 2H), 7.00 (m, 2H), 7.07 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 8.23 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 12

2-[2-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]ethyl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)- -5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 13

1-[2-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]ethyl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)- -5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

a) 2-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]ethanol

[0266] To a solution of 2-(4-piperidyl)ethanol (9.63 g, 74.5 mmol) in DMF (100 mL) at 0.degree. C., di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (16.26 g, 74.5 mol) was added slowly. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The solvent was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in a mixture of EtOAc and water. The phases were separated. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness, to afford 15.09 g of the desired product (yield: 88%).

b) 2-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]ethyl methanesulfonate

[0267] To a solution of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]ethanol (7.50 g, 32.7 mmol, obtained in section a) in CHCl.sub.3 (180 mL), triethylamine (4.6 mL) was added under argon atmosphere and cooled to 0.degree. C. Then, methanesulfonyl chloride (2.6 mL, 32.7 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. Water was added and the phases were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with CHCl.sub.3 (.times.3). The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness, to afford 11.18 g of the desired compound (yield: quantitative).

c) Title Compounds

[0268] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 6 and 7, but using 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in section b) instead of iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0269] Example 12: yield: 14%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.00-1.40 (complex signal, 3H), 1.45 (s, 9H), 1.70 (m, 2H), 2.66 (m, 2H), 2.05 (m, 2H), 4.09 (m, 2H), 4.90 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.77 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

[0270] Example 13: yield: 29%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.00-1.40 (complex signal, 3H), 1.46 (s, 9H), 1.82 (m, 2H), 1.98 (m, 2H), 2.67 (m, 2H), 4.08 (m, 2H), 4.65 (t, J=7.0 Hz Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 14

2-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-3-methyl- -5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 15

1-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-3-methyl- -5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

a) 1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl methanesulfonate

[0271] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 12 and 13 section b, but using (1-tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ol instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]ethanol, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 97%).

b) Title Compounds

[0272] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-3-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 4) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine and 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl methanesulfonate (obtained in section a) instead of iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0273] Example 14: yield: 13%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.51 (s, 9H), 1.97 (m, 2H), 2.06 (s, 3H), 2.45 (m, 2H), 2.94 (m, 2H), 4.35 (m, 3H), 6.78 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 6.87 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (m, 2H), 7.33 (m, 2H), 8.26 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H).

[0274] Example 15: yield: 52%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.54 (s, 9H), 2.00 (s, 3H), 2.00 (m, 2H), 2.31 (m, 2H), 2.99 (m, 2H), 4.33 (m, 2H), 5.10 (m, 1H), 6.78 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.92 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 8.27 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 16

2-(3-Chloropropyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyr- idine

EXAMPLE 17

1-(3-Chloropropyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyr- idine

[0275] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 1-bromo-3-chloropropane instead of iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0276] Example 16: yield: 28%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.54 (m, 2H), 3.52 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 4.61 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 6.81 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.86 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.83 (s, 1H), 8.29 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0277] Example 17: yield: 19%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.51 (m, 2H), 3.61 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 4.78 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.92 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.26 (m, 2H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 18

3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pirridin-2-yl]propa- n-1-ol

Method A

a) 4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-2-[3-(tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy)pro- pyl]pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0278] A suspension of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.30 g, 0.8 mmol, obtained in example 1), KOH (0.05 g, 0.8 mmol) and crown ether 18-C-6 (0.01 g, 0.03 mmol) in toluene (10 mL) was heated to 100.degree. C. for 1 h. 2-(3-Bromopropoxy)tetrahydropyran (0.17 g, 0.8 mmol) was added and stirred at 100.degree. C. for 24 h. It was allowed to cool, water and EtOAc were added and the phases were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 0.22 g of the desired compound (yield: 54%).

[0279] LC-MS (metodo 1): t.sub.R=7.60 min; m/z=527.2 [M+H].sup.+.

b) Title Compound

[0280] A solution of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-2-[3-(tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy)propy- l]pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.22 g, 0.42 mmol, obtained in section a) in a mixture 4:2:1 of AcOH:THF:H.sub.2O (9 mL) was heated to a 55.degree. C. for 3 h. It was allowed to cool and concentrated. Saturated NaHCO.sub.3 and 1 N NaOH were added to the residue and it was extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness, to afford 0.15 g of the title compound (yield: 83%).

[0281] LC-MS (metodo 1): t.sub.R=5.37 min; m/z=-443.1 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 18

3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pirridin-2-yl]propa- n-1-ol

EXAMPLE 19

3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]propan- -1-ol

Method B

[0282] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 3-iodopropanol instead of iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0283] Example 18: yield: 33%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.58 (s, OH+H.sub.2O), 2.17 (m, 2H), 3.71 (m, 2H), 4.63 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 8.33 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0284] Example 19: yield: 21%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.57 (s, OH+H.sub.2O), 2.17 (m, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.58 (m, 2H), 4.78 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.94 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.27 (m, 2H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 8.34 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 20

2-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyr- idyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 21

1-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyr- idyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0285] Following an analogous procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 14 section a) instead of iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0286] Example 20: yield: 30%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.48 (s, 9H), 2.00-2.20 (m, 4H), 2.87 (m, 2H), 4.21 (m, 2H), 4.50 (m, 1H), 6.73 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.81 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.92 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (m, 2H), 7.20 (m, 2H), 7.73 (s, 1H), 8.23 (dd, J.sub.o=1.4 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

[0287] Example 21: yield: 28%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.46 (s, 9H), 2.10-2.30 (complex signal, 4H), 2.96 (m, 2H), 4.30 (m, 2H), 4.60 (m, 1H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 22

2-Methyl-4,6-diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 23

1-Methyl-4,6-diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0288] To a suspension of 4,6-diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.10 g, 0.3 mmol, obtained in example 2) in acetone (1 mL), KOH (21 mg, 0.4 mmol) was added under argon atmosphere. Then, a solution of iodomethane (47 mg, 0.3 mmol) in acetone (0.1 mL) was added and stirred overnight at room temperature. Water was added and extracted with CHCl.sub.3. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 47 mg of 2-methyl-4,6-diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (yield: 47%) and 38 mg of 1-methyl-4,6-diphenyl-5-(4-pirridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (yield: 38%).

[0289] Example 22: .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.24 (s, 3H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.16-7.21 (complex signal, 4H), 7.26-7.31 (complex signal, 6H), 7.77 (s, 1H), 8.24 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0290] Example 23: .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.23 (s, 3H), 6.81 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (m, 2H), 7.22-7.32 (complex signal, 8H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 8.26 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 24

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-2-[2-(tetrahydropiran-2-yloxy)ethyl]- pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0291] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 2-(2-bromoethoxy)tetrahydropyran instead of iodoethane, the title compound was obtained (yield: 50%).

[0292] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.48-1.63 (complex signal, 6H), 3.47 (m, 1H), 3.67 (m, 1H), 4.02 (m, 1H), 4.22 (m, 1H), 4.57 (m, 1H), 4.65 (m, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.92 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 25

2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]ethano- l

[0293] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 22 and 23, but using

[0294] 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 1) instead of 4,6-diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine and 2-bromoethanol instead of iodomethane, the title compound was obtained.

[0295] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.19 (m, 2H), 4.32 (m, OH), 4.77 (t, J=4.7 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.26 (m, 2H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 8.34 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 26

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfanylbenzyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3- ,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 27

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(4-methylsulfanylbenzyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3- ,4-b]pyridine

a) 1-Chloromethyl-4-(methylsulfanyl)benzene

[0296] A solution of thionyl chloride (0.2 mL, 3.2 mmol) in THF (9 mL) was added slowly to 4-(methylsulfanylphenyl)methanol (0.346 g, 2.2 mmol) under argon atmosphere. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 days. Brine (9 mL) was added and the phases were separated. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness, to afford 0.37 g of the desired compound (yield: 95%).

b) Title Compounds

[0297] In a volumetric flask, 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.30 g, 78.0 mmol, obtained in example 1) and DMF (3.5 mL) were introduced under argon atmosphere. KOH (0.06 g, 1.1 mmol) was added followed by a solution of 1-chloromethyl-4-(methylsulfanyl)benzene (0.15 g, 0.9 mmol, obtained in section a) in DMF (0.4 mL). This was heated to 60.degree. C. overnight. It was allowed to cool and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in a mixture of water and EtOAc. The two phases were separated. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 0.10 g of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfanylbenzyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[- 3,4-b]pyridine (yield: 25%) and 0.19 g of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(4-methylsulfanylbenzyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[- 3,4-b]pyridine (yield: 47%).

[0298] Example 26: .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.50 (s, 3H), 5.60 (s, 2H), 6.84 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.92 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (m, 2H), 7.24-7.37 (complex signal, 6H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 8.34 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0299] Example 27: .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.49 (s, 3H), 5.77 (s, 2H), 6.85 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.24-7.33 (complex signal, 4H), 7.42 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 8.36 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 28

2-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethyl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-- (4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 29

1-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethyl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-- (4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

a) (4-Piperidyl)methanol

[0300] To a suspension of LiAlH.sub.4 (10.10 g, 0.266 mol) in THF (150 mL) at 0.degree. C., a solution of ethyl piperidine-4-carboxylate (18.13 g, 0.120 mol) in THF (300 mL) was added slowly. This was stirred at room temperature overnight. It was cooled with an ice bath and a mixture of water (14 mL) and THF (28 mL) was added slowly. Afterwards, a mixture of 15% aqueous NaOH (14 mL) and water (37 mL) was added followed by stirring at room temperature for 30 min. The precipitate obtained was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated, to afford 17.88 g of the desired compound (yield: quantitative).

b) [1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]methanol

[0301] Following a similar procedure to that described in Example 12 section a, but using (4-piperidyl)methanol (obtained in section a of this example), instead of 2-(4-piperidyl)ethanol, the title compound was obtained (yield: 77%).

c) [1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]methyl methanesulfonate

[0302] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 12 section b, but using [1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]methanol (obtained in section b of this example) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]ethanol, the title compound was obtained (yield: 71%).

d) Title Compounds

[0303] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 26 and 27, but using [1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]methyl methanesulfonate (obtained in section c) instead of 1-chloromethyl-4-(methylsulfanyl)benzene, the title compounds were obtained.

[0304] Example 28: yield: 22%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.47 (s, 9H), 1.63 (m; 2H), 2.43 (m, 1H), 2.72 (m, 2H), 4.15 (m, 2H), 4.33 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 6.86 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (m, 2H), 7.33 (m, 2H), 7.77 (s, 1H), 8.35 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

[0305] Example 29: yield: 71%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.20-1.8 (complex signal, 5H), 1.49 (s, 9H), 2.35 (m, 1H), 2.74 (m, 2H), 4.15 (m, 2H), 4.54 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 6.86 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 8.36 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 30

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[- 3,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 31

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[- 3,4-b]pyridine

[0306] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 26 and 27, but using 4-(2-chloroethyl)morpholine hydrochloride, instead of 1-chloromethyl-4-(methylsulfanyl)benzene and 2 equivalents of KOH, the title compounds were obtained.

[0307] Example 30: yield: 10%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.55 (m, 4H), 3.06 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.70 (m, 4H), 4.58 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 6.86 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (t, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (m, 2H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 8.35 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0308] Example 31: yield: 24%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.63 (m, 4H), 3.04 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 3.69 (m, 4H), 4.77 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 6.86 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 8.36 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 32

Ethyl 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]- acetate

EXAMPLE 33

Ethyl 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]- acetate

[0309] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 26 and 27, but using ethyl bromoacetate instead of 1-chloromethyl-4-(methylsulfanyl)benzene, the title compounds were obtained.

[0310] Example 32: yield: 6%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.32 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 4.32 (c, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 5.27 (s, 2H), 6.86 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (m, 2H), 7.32 (m, 2H), 7.93 (s, 1H), 8.35 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0311] Example 33: yield: 21%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.32 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H), 4.31 (c, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 6.84 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 8.36 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 34

Ethyl 3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]- propionate

EXAMPLE 35

Ethyl 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]- propionate

[0312] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 26 and 27, but using ethyl 3-bromopropionate instead of 1-chloromethyl-4-(methylsulfanyl)benzene, the title compounds were obtained.

[0313] Example 34: yield: 5%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.26 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 3.20 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 4.31 (c, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.76 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 6.85 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (m, 2H), 7.32 (m, 2H), 7.92 (s, 1H), 8.34 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0314] Example 35: yield: 3%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.25 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 3.10 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.17 (c, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 4.94 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 6.85 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.6 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (m, 2H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 8.36 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 36

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-piperidyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridi- ne

[0315] To a solution of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-py- ridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.62 g, 1.1 mmol, obtained in example 20) in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (19 mL) under argon atmosphere and cooled to 0.degree. C., trifluoroacetic acid (1.8 mL) was added. It was stirred at room temperature for 2.5 h. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in CHCl.sub.3 and washed with 1 N NaOH and brine. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness, to afford 319 mg of the title compound (yield: 62%).

[0316] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.71 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), 2.21 (m, 2H), 2.34 (m, 2H), 2.88 (m, 2H), 3.35 (m, 2H), 4.54 (m, 1H), 6.87 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.06 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (m, 2H), 7.34 (m, 2H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 8.36 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 37

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(4-piperidyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridi- ne

[0317] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 36, but using 1-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5- -(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 21) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-py- ridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 29%).

[0318] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.62 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), 2.13 (m, 2H), 2.32 (m, 2H), 2.92 (m, 2H), 3.33 (m, 2H), 4.52 (m, 1H), 6.81 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.94 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.27 (m, 2H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.4 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 38

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-piperidylmethyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]- pyridine

[0319] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 36, but using 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethyl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophe- nyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 28) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4- -pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 13%).

[0320] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.30-1.80 (complex signal, 4H), 1.63 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), 2.38 (m, 1H), 2.64 (m, 2H), 3.14 (m, 2H), 4.32 (d, J=7.2H), 6.86 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (m, 2H), 7.33 (m, 2H), 7.78 (s, 1H), 8.35 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 39

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(4-piperidylmethyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]- pyridine

[0321] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 36, but using 1-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethyl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophe- nyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 29) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4- -pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 12%).

[0322] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.80-2.10 (complex signal, 4H), 2.47 (m, 1H), 3.0 (m, 3H), 3.50 (m, 2H), 4.63 (d, J=6.6, 2H), 7.04 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.12-7.16 (complex signal, 4H), 7.22 (m, 2H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 8.58 (d, J=6.6, 2H).

EXAMPLE 40

4,6-Bis(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0323] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 1 method A, but using 1-(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone (obtained in reference example 9) instead of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone, the title compound was obtained (yield: 17%).

[0324] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 6.90 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.21 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (dd, J.sub.o=2.5 Hz, J.sub.m=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (dd, J.sub.o=2.4 Hz, J.sub.m=8.4 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 8.36 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.46-8.48 (complex signal, 3H), 11.34 (broad s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 41

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenI)-3-methyl-2-(4-piperidyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-- b]pyridine

[0325] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 36, but using 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-3- -methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 14) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-py- ridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 73%).

[0326] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.55 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), (s, 3H), 2.35 (m, 2H), 3.34 (m, 2H), 3.85 (m, 2H), 4.73 (m, 2H), 4.75 (m, 1H), 6.78 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.03-7.19 (complex signal, 4H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 8.27 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 42

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-3-methyl-1-(4-piperidyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4- -b]pyridine

[0327] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 36, but using 1-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-3- -methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 15) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-py- ridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 59%).

[0328] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.55 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), 2.01 (s, 3H), 2.07 (m, 2H), 2.29 (m, 2H), 2.90 (m, 2H), 3.32 (m, 2H), 4.75 (m, 1H), 6.78 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 8.27 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 43

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[2-(4-piperidyl)ethyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4- -b]pyridine

[0329] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 36, but using 2-[2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]ethyl]-4,6-bis(4-fluoro- phenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 12) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-py- ridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 88%).

[0330] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.00-1.60 (complex signal, 3H), 1.66 (s, NH+H.sub.2O), 1.74 (m, 2H), 2.03 (m, 2H), 2.60 (m, 2H), 3.10 (m, 2H), 4.85 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 44

2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]acetic acid

[0331] To a solution of ethyl 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]aceta- te (0.09 g, 0.2 mmol, obtained in example 32) in EtOH (4.2 mL), a solution of KOH (0.09 g, 2.5 mmol) in water (0.5 mL) was added. This was heated to reflux for 1 h. It was allowed to cool and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in a mixture of EtOAc and water. The phases were separated. The aqueous phase was acidified and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phases were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness, to afford 57 mg of title compound (yield: 66%).

[0332] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3+CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 4.00 (broad s, 1H+ CD.sub.3OD), 5.28 (broad s, 2H), 6.92-7.05 (complex signal, 6H), 7.15-7.30 (complex signal, 4H), 8.02 (broad s, 1H), 8.26 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 45

2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]acetic acid

[0333] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 44, but using ethyl 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]aceta- te (obtained in example 33) instead of ethyl 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]aceta- te, the title compound was obtained (yield: 96%).

[0334] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3+CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 3.88 (broad s, 1H+ CD.sub.3OD), 5.32 (s, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.88 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (m, 2H), 7.20 (m, 2H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 8.21 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 46

3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propio- nic acid

[0335] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 44, but using ethyl 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propi- onate (obtained in example 34) instead of ethyl 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]aceta- te, the title compound was obtained (yield: 69%).

[0336] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3+CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 3.08 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 4.50 (broad s, 1H+CD.sub.3OD), 4.72 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 6.88 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.6 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.23 (m, 2H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 8.21 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 47

3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]propio- nic acid

[0337] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 44, but using ethyl 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]propi- onate (obtained in example 35) instead of ethyl 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]aceta- te, the title compound was obtained (yield: 88%).

[0338] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3+CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 3.02 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.50 (broad s, 1H+ CD.sub.3OD), 4.86 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 6.87 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (m, 2H), 7.24 (m, 2H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 8.21 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 48

2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]-1-(mo- rpholin-4-yl)ethanone

[0339] To a solution of 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]aceti- c acid (0.05 g, 0.1 mmol, obtained in example 44) in DMF (1 mL), N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.02 g, 0.1 mmol) and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (0.02 g, 0.1 mmol) were added under argon atmosphere. The mixture was stirred for 15 min and morpholine (0.01 g, 0.1 mmol) was added. This was stirred at room temperature for 2 days. EtOAc was added and the mixture was filtered. The filtrate was washed with saturated NaHCO.sub.3. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using EtOAc-MeOH mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 18 mg of title compound (yield: 35%).

[0340] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 3.66-3.76 (complex signal, 8H), 5.30 (s, 2H), 6.82 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 8.32 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 49

2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]acetam- ide

[0341] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 48, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl- ]acetic acid (obtained in example 45) instead of 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]aceti- c acid, and aqueous NH.sub.3 instead of morpholine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 36%).

[0342] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 5.35 (s, 2H), 5.56 (broad s, 1H), 6.15 (broad s, 1H), 6.85 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.06 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 8.38 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 50

2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]-1-(mo- rpholin-4-yl)ethanone

[0343] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 48, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl- ]acetic acid (obtained in example 45) instead of 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]aceti- c acid, the title compound was obtained (yield: 60%).

[0344] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 3.67-3.70 (complex signal, 4H), 3.75-3.81 (complex signal, 4H), 5.50 (s, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (m, 2H), 7.27 (m, 2H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 8.35 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H)

EXAMPLE 51

3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]-1-(mo- rpholin-4-yl)propan-1-one

[0345] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 48, but using 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]propionic acid (obtained in example 46) instead of 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]aceti- c acid, the title compound was obtained (yield: 64%).

[0346] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 3.20 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.45 (m, 2H), 3.55-3.63 (complex signal, 6H), 4.79 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 6.81 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.94 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H)

EXAMPLE 52

3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]-N-pro- pylpropionamide

[0347] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 48, but using 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl- ]propionic acid (obtained in example 47) instead of 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]aceti- c acid, and propylamine instead of morpholine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 76%).

[0348] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 0.84 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H), 1.42 (m, 2H), 2.98 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 3.18 (m, 2H), 4.95 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 6.05 (m, NH), 6.84 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (m, 2H), 7.32 (m, 2H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 8.36 (dd, J=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 53

3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]-1-(mo- rpholin-4-yl)propan-1-one

[0349] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 48, but using 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl- ]propionic acid (obtained in example 47) instead of 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]aceti- c acid, the title compound was obtained (yield: 72%).

[0350] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 3.13 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 3.49 (m, 2H), 3.63-3.67 (complex signal, 6H), 4.99 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 6.84 (dd, J.sub.o=1.4 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 8.36 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H)

EXAMPLE 54

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfanylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3- ,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 55

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(4-methylsulfanylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3- ,4-b]pyridine

[0351] In a volumetric flask molecular sieves of 4 .ANG. (1 g, previously dried for 3 h at 200.degree. C. under vacuum), 4.+-.6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.30 g, 0.8 mmol, obtained in example 1), (4-methylsulfanylphenyl)boronic acid (0.26 g, 1.6 mmol), copper II acetate (0.28 g, 1.6 mmol), pyridine (0.12 g, 1.6 mmol), triethylamine (0.16 g, 1.6 mmol) and CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (22 mL) were introduced under argon atmosphere. This was stirred at room temperature for 2 days. It was filtered through celite and concentrated. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 40 mg of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfanylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)- pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (yield: 10%) and 90 mg of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(4-methylsulfanylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[- 3,4-b]pyridine (yield: 23%).

[0352] Example 54: .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.46 (s, 3H), 6.76 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (m, 2H), 7.26 (m, 2H), 7.29 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.83 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.16 (s, 1H), 8.26 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

[0353] Example 55: .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.46 (s, 3H), 6.76 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.86 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (m, 2H), 7.22 (m, 2H), 7.34 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.94 (s, 1H), 8.23 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.26 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 56

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3- ,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 57

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3- ,4-b]pyridine

[0354] To a solution of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfanylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[- 3,4-b]pyridine (0.09 g, 0.2 mmol, obtained in example 54) in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (3.5 mL), 3-chloroperbenzoic acid (0.04 g, 0.2 mmol) was added under argon atmosphere and stirred for 2 h at room temperature. CHCl.sub.3 was added and washed with saturated NaHCO.sub.3. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using increasing polarity hexane-EtOAc mixtures as eluent, to afford 15 mg of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[- 3,4-b]pyridine (yield: 16%) and 10 mg of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[- 3,4-b]pyridine (yield: 11%)

[0355] Example 56: .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.83 (s, 3H), 6.90 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.24 (m, 2H), 7.36 (m, 2H), 7.75 (HA from an AB system, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 8.32 (HB from an AB system, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 8.38 (s, 1H), 8.39 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0356] Example 57: .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 3.16 (s, 3H), 6.89 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.09 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.24 (m, 2 H), 7.36 (m, 2H), 8.05 (HA from an AB system, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 8.38 (HB from an AB system, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 8.39 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.6 Hz, 2H), 8.41 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 58

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3- ,4-b]pyridine

[0357] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 56, but using 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(4-methylsulfanylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyr- azolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 55) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfanylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[- 3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 70%).

[0358] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.82 (s, 3H), 6.90 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.09 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.20 (m, 2H), 7.35 (m, 2H), 7.86 (dd, J.sub.o=2.1 Hz, J.sub.m=6.9 Hz, 2H), 8.10 (s, 1H), 8.41 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 8.69 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=6.9 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 59

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylbenzyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3- ,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 60

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfonylbenzyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3- ,4-b]pyridine

[0359] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 56, but using 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfanylbenzyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyr- azolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 26) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfanylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[- 3,4-b]pyridine, the title compounds were obtained.

[0360] Example 59: yield: 48%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.74 (s, 3H), 5.70 (s, 2H), 6.85 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (m, 2H), 7.32 (m, 2H), 7.59 (HA from an AB system, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.68 (HB from an AB system, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.87 (s, 1H), 8.39 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0361] Example 60: yield: 16%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 3.07 (s, 3H), 5.73 (s, 2H), 6.85 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (m, 2H), 7.32 (m, 2H), 7.61 (HA from an AB system, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 7.97 (HB from an AB system, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.36 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 61

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(4-methylsulfinylbenzyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3- ,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 62

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(4-methylsulfonylbenzyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3- ,4-b]pyridine

[0362] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 56, but using 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(4-methylsulfanylbenzyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyr- azolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 27) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfanylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[- 3,4-b]pyridine, the title compounds were obtained.

[0363] Example 61: yield: 69%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.71 (s, 3H), 5.84 (s, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.94 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.61 (HA from an AB system, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.92 (HB from an AB system, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.91 (s, 1H), 8.34 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0364] Example 62: yield: 4%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 3.03 (s, 3H), 5.87 (s, 2H), 6.83 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 6.94 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.26 (m, 2H), 7.60 (HA from an AB system, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.91 (s, 1H), 7.93 (HB from an AB system, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 8.34 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 63

3-Chloro-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0365] To a solution of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.20 g, 0.5 mmol, obtained in example 1) in DMF (5 mL), N-chlorosuccinimide (0.10 g, 0.8 mmol) was added under argon atmosphere and the mixture was heated to 60.degree. C. for 5 h. It was washed with 1 N NaOH and extracted with CHCl.sub.3 and EtOAc. The combined organic phases were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 171 mg of title compound (yield: 79%).

[0366] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.61 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 8.35 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 64

3-Bromo-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0367] To a suspension of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (1.00 g, 2.6 mmol, obtained in example 1) in CHCl.sub.3 (10 mL), a solution of Br.sub.2 (0.69 g, 4.3 mmol) in CHCl.sub.3 (3 mL) was added under argon atmosphere. Acetonitrile (4 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 days. The residue was concentrated, dissolved in CHCl.sub.3 and washed with 1 N NaOH. A precipitate was formed, which was filtered and dissolved with MeOH. The solution was concentrated and washed with 1 N NaOH. It was extracted with EtOAc, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated. This was treated with diethyl ether, the solvent was decanted and the product obtained was dried to afford 1.16 g of the title compound (yield: 97%).

[0368] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 4.78 (broad s, NH+CD.sub.3OD), 6.89 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.93-6.99 (complex signal, 4H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.27 (m, 2H), 8.12 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 65

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-carboni- trile

[0369] In a volumetric flask, 3-bromo-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.20 g, 0.4 mmol, obtained in example 64), copper cyanide (I) (0.05 g, 0.6 mmol) and anhydrous 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (1 mL) were introduced under argon atmosphere and heated to reflux for 2 h. This was poured into a 10% aqueous solution of ethylendiamine (4 mL) and extracted with CHCl.sub.3. Brine was added to the aqueous phase and it was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phases were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford the title compound in a solid form (yield: quantitative).

[0370] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3+CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 4.00 (broad s, NH+CD.sub.3OD), 6.80-7.40 (complex signal, 12H), 8.25 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 66

3-Bromo-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrid- ine

[0371] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 64, but using 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridi- ne (obtained in example 9) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 15%).

[0372] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.21 (s, 3H), 6.78 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 6.93-7.02 (complex signal, 4H), 7.08 (m, 2H), 7.27 (m, 2H), 8.29 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 67

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-carboxa- mide

[0373] A solution of KOH (0.07 g, 1.3 mmol) in tBuOH (2.5 mL) was added under argon atmosphere to 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-carbon- itrile (0.05 g, 0.1 mmol, obtained in example 65) and heated to reflux overnight. Water and EtOAc were added and the phases were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phases were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 15 mg of the title compound in solid form (yield: 28%)

[0374] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.56 (broad s, NH.sub.2+H.sub.2O), 6.80 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90-7.10 (complex signal, 6H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 8.30 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 68

3-Aminomethyl-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyri- dine

[0375] LiAlH.sub.4 (0.06 g, 1.5 mmol) and anhydrous diethyl ether (2 mL) were introduced into a volumetric flask. The mixture was cooled with an ice bath and a solution of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-carbon- itrile (0.15 g, 0.4 mmol, obtained in example 65) in diethyl ether (1 mL) was added dropwise. THF (2 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. It was cooled with an ice bath and successively water (0.1 mL), THF (0.2 mL), a 15% aqueous NaOH (0.1 mL) and water (0.3 mL) were added. The precipitate obtained was filtered and washed with THF. The solvent of the filtrate was evaporated. The residue obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 71 mg of the title compound in solid form (yield: 47%).

[0376] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.10 (broad s, NH.sub.2+H.sub.2O) 3.62 (s, 2H), 6.80 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (m, 2H), 7.25 (m, 2H), 8.30 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 69

4,6-Bis(4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0377] To a solution of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.20 g, 0.5 mmol, obtained in example 1) in conc. H.sub.2SO.sub.4 (3 mL), 65% HNO.sub.3 (0.1 mL, 0.2 mmol) was added under argon atmosphere. This was heated to 90.degree. C. for 30 min. It was cooled with an ice bath and adjusted to pH=8 with 1 N NaOH. It was extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 69 mg of the title compound in solid form (yield: 28%).

[0378] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3+CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 4.28 (s, NH+CD.sub.3OD), 7.03 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.22 (dd, J.sub.o=2.7 Hz, J.sub.m=10.5 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (dd, J.sub.o=2.6 Hz, J.sub.m=10.4 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (m, 2H), 7.99-8.01 (complex signal, 2H), 8.13 (m, 1H), 8.41 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 70

3-Amino-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0379] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 15 section c, but using 6-chloro-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3,4'-bipyridine-5-carbonitrile (obtained in reference example 12) instead of 3-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-3-oxopropiononitrile, the title compound was obtained (yield: 41%).

[0380] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 4.38 (s, NH.sub.2+CD.sub.3OD), 7.05 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.6 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (m, 2H), 8.27 (s, 1H), 8.42 (dd, J.sub.o=1.4 Hz, J.sub.m=4.6 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 71

3-Amino-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0381] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 15 section c, but using 6-chloro-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3,4'-bipyridine-5-carbonitrile (obtained in reference example 12) instead of 3-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-3-oxopropiononitrile and methylhydrazine instead of hydrazine monohydrate, the title compound was obtained (yield: 70%).

[0382] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.00 (s, 3H), 4.17 (broad s, 2H), 6.98 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.09 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (m, 2H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 8.50 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 72

4-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-4-yl]phenol

[0383] To a solution of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone (0.30 g, 1.4 mmol, obtained in reference example 1) in 2-methoxyethanol (2 mL), 3-amino-2H-pyrazole (0.13 g, 1.5 mmol), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (0.17 g, 1.4 mmol), 2-methoxyethanol (2 mL) and 37% HCl (0.04 g, 0.4 mmol) were added under argon atmosphere. The mixture was heated to reflux overnight. It was allowed to cool and concentrated. The solid obtained was dissolved in CHCl.sub.3 and some drops of MeOH. Saturated NaHCO.sub.3 was added and the aqueous phase was extracted 3 times with CHCl.sub.3. The combined organic phases were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 0.22 g of the desired compound (yield: 41%).

[0384] LC-MS (metodo 1): t.sub.R=5.56 min; m/z=383.0 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 73

2-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]- pyridine

EXAMPLE 74

1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]- pyridine

[0385] In a volumetric flask 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.20 g, 0.5 mmol, obtained in example 1), KOH (0.03 g, 0.5 mmol), 2-bromo-1,1-diethoxyethane (0.10 g, 0.5 mmol) and 1-methoxy-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethane (2 mL) were introduced under argon atmosphere. The mixture was heated to 100.degree. C. and stirred at this temperature overnight. It was allowed to cool and a mixture of H.sub.2O-EtOAc was added. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phases were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 139 mg of 2-(2,2-diethoxyethyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b- ]pyridine (yield: 53%) and 60 mg of 1-(2,2-diethoxyethyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4 pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (yield: 24%).

[0386] Example 73: .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.15 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 6H), 3.50 (m, 2H), 3.73 (m, 2H), 4.49 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 2H), 5.06 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 1H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.4 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0387] Example 74: .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.21 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 6H), 3.58 (m, 2H), 3.82 (m, 2H), 4.74 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 5.19 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 6.81 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.92 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.87 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 75

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-ca- rbonitrile

[0388] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 65, but using 3-bromo-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-- b]pyridine (obtained in example 66) instead of 3-bromo-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 48%).

[0389] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.32 (s, 3H), 6.81 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 8.35 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 76

3-Bromo-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0390] To a solution of 3-amino-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.20 g, 0.7 mmol, obtained in example 70) in 48% HBr (1 mL) at 0.degree. C., a solution of NaNO.sub.2 (0.05 g, 0.7 mmol) in water (0.1 mL) was added dropwise over a period of 15 minutes maintaining the temperature at 0-5.degree. C. The mixture was stirred for 15 min at this temperature. Then, a solution of CuBr (0.24 g, 1.7 mmol) in 48% HBr (1 mL) was added slowly at 0.degree. C. The resulting solution was stirred for 3 h at 0.degree. C. It was allowed to reach room temperature, neutralized at pH 7 with saturated sodium bicarbonate and a 30% aqueous NH.sub.3. It was filtered and the solid was washed with a mixture of CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and water. The organic phase was washed with 1 N NaOH and the aqueous phase extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phases were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using CHCl.sub.3-MeOH mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 50 mg of the title compound (yield: 21%).

[0391] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3+CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 4.24 (s, NH+CD.sub.3OD), 6.92 (m, 2H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 8.39 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 77

6-Fluorophenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0392] 3-Amino-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.20 g, 0.7 mmol, obtained in example 70) and a solution of H.sub.3PO.sub.2 (0.2 mL, 2.0 mmol) in water (2 mL) were mixed and allowed to cool to 5.degree. C. A solution of NaNO.sub.2 (0.10 g, 1.4 mmol) in water (0.4 mL) was added dropwise. This was stirred for 30 min at 5.degree. C., allowed to reach room temperature and stirred at room temperature for 4 h. It was neutralized with 1 N NaOH and extracted with CHCl.sub.3. The combined organic phases were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using increasing polarity hexane-EtOAc mixtures as eluent, to afford 63 mg of the title compound (yield: 33%).

[0393] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOH+CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 3.46 (s, NH+CD.sub.3OD), 6.92 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.07 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (m, 2H), 8.08 (s, 1H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 8.37 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 78

N-Methyl-[3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2- -yl]propyl]amine

[0394] To a solution of 2-(3-chloropropyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]py- ridine (0.07 g, 0.1 mmol, obtained in example 16) in acetonitrile (0.3 mL), methylamine (1.8 mL of a 33% solution in EtOH, 14.6 mmol) was added under argon atmosphere. This was heated to 60.degree. C. for 3 days, adding methylamine (0.9 mL and 3.6 mL of a 33% solution in EtOH) after 24 and 48 h respectively. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by silica gel EtOAc-MeOH mixtures of using increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 24 mg of the title compound in solid form (yield: 29%).

[0395] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.00 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), 2.53 (m, 2H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.99 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 4.67 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.27 (m, 2H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 79

[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]methanol

[0396] A suspension of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.20 g, 0.5 mmol, obtained in example 1) in 30-40% aqueous formaldehyde (0.9 mL) was stirred at 130.degree. C. under argon atmosphere for 4 h. The solvent was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in a mixture of CHCl.sub.3 and water and the phases were separated. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified on chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 140 mg of the title compound in solid form (yield: 65%).

[0397] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 3.5 (t, 1H, OH), 6.11 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 6.85 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.08 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (m, 2H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 8.37 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.3 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 80

2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]-N,N-d- imethylacetamide

EXAMPLE 81

2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]-N,N-d- imethylacetamide

[0398] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 73 and 74, but using 2-chloro-N,N-dimethylacetamide instead of 2-bromo-1,1'-diethoxyethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0399] Example 80: yield: 10%

[0400] Example 81: yield 32%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 3.01 (s, 3H), 3.18 (s, 3H), 5.47 (s, 2H), 6.79 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.01 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.23 (m, 2H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.3 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 82

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo- [3,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 83

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo- [3,4-b]pyridine

[0401] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 1-bromo-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethane instead of iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0402] Example 82: yield: 27%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 3.28 (s, 3H), 3.45 (m, 2H), 3.57 (m, 2H), 4.05 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 2H), 4.63 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.93 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

[0403] Example 83: yield: 19%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 3.32 (s, 3H), 3.50 (m, 2H), 3.68 (m, 2H), 4.08 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 4.81 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 6.81 (dd, J.sub.o=1.4 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.92 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.26 (m, 2H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 84

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[3-(morpholin-4-yl)propyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo- [3,4-b]pyridine

a) 3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]pro- pyl methanesulfonate

[0404] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 12 section b, but using 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propa- n-1-ol (obtained in example 18) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]ethanol, the desired compound was obtained (yield: quantitative).

b) Title Compound

[0405] In a volumetric flask, 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate (0.10 g, 0.2 mmol, obtained in section a), NaI (0.003 g, 0.02 mmol), morpholine (0.03 g, 0.4 mmol) and 1,2-dimethoxyethane (2 mL) were introduced under argon atmosphere. The mixture was heated to 90.degree. C. and stirred at this temperature overnight. A mixture of water and EtOAc was added. The phases were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using increasing polarity mixtures of EtOAc-MeOH as eluent, to afford 37 mg of the title compound (yield: 36%).

[0406] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.27 (m, 2H), 2.30-2.43 (complex signal, 6H), 3.69 (m, 4H), 4.53 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.81 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 85

4,6-Bis(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)-2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin- e

EXAMPLE 86

4,6-Bis(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)-1-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin- e

[0407] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 73 and 74, but using 4,6-bis(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 40) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine and iodomethane instead of 2-bromo-1,1-diethoxyethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0408] Example 85: yield: 26%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.56 (s, NH+H.sub.2O), 4.32 (s, 3H), 6.88 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.58 (dd, J.sub.o=2.4 Hz, J.sub.m=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 8.37 (dd, J.sub.o=2.4 Hz, J.sub.m=6.9 Hz, 2H), 8.43 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

[0409] Example 86: yield: 27%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.57 (s, NH+H.sub.2O), 4.26 (s, 3H), 6.88 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.20 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (dd, J.sub.o=2.4 Hz, J.sub.m=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (dd, J.sub.o=2.6 Hz, J.sub.m=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (s, 1H), 8.34 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.43-8.45 (complex signal, 3H)

EXAMPLE 87

4,6-Bis(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)-3-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyr- idine

[0410] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 1 method A, but using 1-(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone (obtained in example reference 9) instead of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone and 3-amino-5-methyl-2H-pyrazole instead of 3-amino-2H-pyrazole, the title compound was obtained (yield: 9%).

[0411] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3+CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 2.09 (s, 3H), 3.51 (s, NH+H.sub.2O), 6.92 (m, 2H), 7.23 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (m, 1H), 7.51 (m, 1H), 7.54 (dd, J.sub.o=2.4 Hz, J.sub.m=8.4 Hz, 1H), 8.26 (broad s, 1H), 8.35-8.38 (complex signal, 3H).

EXAMPLE 88

4,6-Bis(6-methylpyridin-3-yl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0412] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 1 method A, but using 1-(6-methylpyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone (obtained in reference example 13) instead of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone, the title compound was obtained (yield: 23%).

[0413] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.59 (s, NH+H.sub.2O), 2.59 (s, 6H), 6.90 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.09 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (m, 2H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 8.39 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 8.47 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.80 (broad s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 89

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(2-phthalimidoethyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b- ]pyridine

[0414] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using N-(2-bromoethyl)phthalimide instead of iodomethane, the title compound was obtained (yield: 29%).

[0415] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.32 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 4.76 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 6.81 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.88 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.07 (m, 2H), 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.50 (m, 2H), 7.61 (s, 1H), 7.71 (m, 2H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 90

2-(2-Aminoethyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrid- ine

[0416] To a solution of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(2-phthalimidoethyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-- b]pyridine (0.09 g, 0.2 mmol, obtained in example 89) in EtOH (2 mL), hydrazine monohydrate (0.02 g, 0.3 mmol) was added and the mixture was heated to reflux for 3 h. A mixture of water and EtOAc was added. The phases were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using CHCl.sub.3-MeOH mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 57 mg of the title compound (yield: 83%).

[0417] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.57 (s, NH.sub.2+H.sub.2O), 3.38 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 4.49 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.6 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 91

2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]ethano- l

[0418] A solution of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-2-[2-(tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy)ethyl- ]pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (1.08 g, 2.09 mmol, obtained in example 24) in a 4:2:1 mixture of AcOH:THF:H.sub.2O (42 mL) was heated to 55.degree. C. overnight. The mixture was allowed to cool and basified with saturated NaHCO.sub.3 and extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 0.78 g of the title compound (yield: 87%).

[0419] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.61 (broad s, OH+H.sub.2O), 4.21 (t, J=4.7 Hz, 2H), 4.58 (t, J=4.7 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.27 (m, 2H), 7.87 (s, 1H), 8.33 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 92

6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0420] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 6-fluorophenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 77) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine and iodomethane instead of iodoethane, the title compound was obtained (yield: 35%).

[0421] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.56 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), 4.31 (s, 3H), 6.95 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (m, 2H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 8.06 (s, 1H), 8.51 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 93

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(3-phthalimidopropyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-- b]pyridine

[0422] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using N-(3-bromopropyl)phthalimide instead of iodoethane, the title compound was obtained (yield: 31%).

[0423] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.54 (q, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.79 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 4.50 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.71 (m, 2H), 7.83 (m, 2H), 7.93 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 94

2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]acetal- dehyde

[0424] In a volumetric flask, 2-(2,2-diethoxyethyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b- ]pyridine (0.31 g, 0.6 mmol, obtained in example 73) and 1 N HCl (2.6 mL) were introduced. The mixture was heated to 100.degree. C. for 1 hour. It was allowed to cool, adjusted to pH=7 and extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity eluent, to afford 166 mg of the title compound (yield: 65%).

[0425] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 5.26 (s, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.4 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 8.31 (m, 2H), 9.85 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 95

2-(3-Aminopropyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyri- dine

[0426] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 90, but using 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(3-phthalimidopropyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazo- lo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 93) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(2-phthalimidoethyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-- b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 49%).

[0427] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.54 (s, NH.sub.2+H.sub.2O), 2.19 (m, 2H), 2.76 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 4.57 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.81 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 96

N-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-ylmet- hyl]-1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide

[0428] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 48, but using 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid instead of 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]aceti- c acid and 3-aminomethyl-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo- [3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 68) instead of morpholine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 26%).

EXAMPLE 97

N-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-ylmet- hyl]piperidine-4-carboxamide

[0429] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 36, but using N-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-- 3-ylmethyl]-1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide (obtained in example 96) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-py- ridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 63%).

[0430] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.40-1.90 (complex signal, 3H+ H.sub.2O), 2.18 (m, 2H), 2.63 (m, 2H), 3.13 (m, 2H), 4.15 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 2H), 5.20 (broad s, 1H, NH), 6.20 (broad s, 1H, NH), 6.78 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.94 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.08-7.14 (complex signal, 4H), 8.30 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 98

2-(3-Benzyloxypropyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]- pyridine

EXAMPLE 99

1-(3-Benzyloxypropyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]- pyridine

[0431] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 3-bromopropanol benzylic ether instead of Iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0432] Example 98: yield: 43%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.38 (m, 2H), 3.48 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 4.44 (s, 2H), 4.57 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (m, 2H), 7.26-7.32 (complex signal, 7H), 7.73 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0433] Example 99: yield: 20%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.19 (m, 2H), 3.58 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 4.75 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 6.81 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (m, 2H), 7.24-7.33 (complex signal, 7H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 100

N,N-Diethyl-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridi- n-2-yl]ethyl]amine

EXAMPLE 101

N,N-Diethyl-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridi- n-1-yl]ethyl]amine

[0434] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using N-(2-chloroethyl)diethylamine hydrochloride instead of iodoethane and 2 equivalents of KOH, the title compounds were obtained.

[0435] Example 100: yield: 5%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 0.99 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 6H), 2.56 (c, J=7.1 Hz, 4H), 3.08 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 4.48 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0436] Example 101: yield: 73%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.05 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 6H), 2.66 (c, J=7.2 Hz, 4H), 3.09 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.69 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.92 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.26 (m, 2H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 102

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-2-(3-pyridylmethyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]py- ridine

EXAMPLE 103

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1-(3-pyridylmethyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]py- ridine

[0437] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 3-chloromethylpyridine hydrochloride instead of iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0438] Example 102: yield: 16%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 5.63 (s, 2H), 6.81 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (m, 2H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.82 (m, 2H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 8.61 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.8 Hz, 2H), 8.68 (s, 1H).

[0439] Example 103: yield: 22%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 5.80 (s, 2H), 6.81 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.94 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.27 (m, 2H), 7.79 (m, 1H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.4 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 8.56 (d, J=5.0 Hz, 2H), 8.75 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 104

N,N-Dimethyl-[3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrid- in-2-yl]propyl]amine

EXAMPLE 105

N,N-Dimethyl-[3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrid- in-1-yl]propyl]amine

[0440] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using N-(3-chloropropyl)dimethylamine hydrochloride instead of iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0441] Example 104: 22%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.21-2.29 (complex signal, 10H), 4.51 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.81 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

[0442] Example 105: yield: 19%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.18-2.27 (complex signal, 8H), 2.43 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.65 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.27 (m, 2H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 106

1-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]eth- yl]piperidin-4-ol

[0443] In a volumetric flask, 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]aceta- ldehyde (0.08 g, 0.2 mmol, obtained in example 94), sodium triacetoxyborohydride (0.08 g, 0.4 mmol), 4-hydroxypiperidine (0.02 g, 0.2 mmol) and 1,2-dichloroethane (3 mL) were introduced under argon atmosphere. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. It was concentrated and a mixture of water and EtOAc were added. The phases were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using increasing polarity mixtures of EtOAc-MeOH as eluent, to afford 19 mg of the title compound (yield: 20%).

[0444] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.57 (broad s 1H+OH+H.sub.2O), 1.85 (m, 2H), 2.05 (m, 2H), 2.30 (m, 2H), 2.80 (m, 2H), 3.01 (m, 2H), 4.54 (m, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 8.34 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 107

3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]-2-hyd- roxypropan-1-ol

EXAMPLE 108

3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]-2-hyd- roxypropan-1-ol

[0445] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 3-bromopropane-1,2-diol instead of iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0446] Example 107: yield: 17%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 3.49 (s, 1H, OH), 3.72 (m, 2H), 4.32 (m, 1H), 4.60 (m, 2H), 5.30 (s, 1H, OH), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

[0447] Example 108: yield: 26%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 3.65 (m, 2H), 4.26 (m, 1H), 4.78 (m, 2H), 5.30 (s, 2H, OH), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.94 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.91 (s, 1H), 8.34 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 109

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-S-(4-pyridyl)-2-(4-pyridylmethyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]py- ridine

EXAMPLE 110

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1-(4-pyridylmethyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]py- ridine

[0448] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 4-chloromethylpyridine hydrochloride instead of iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0449] Example 109: yield: 29%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 5.63 (s, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (m, 2H), 7.23-7.33 (complex signal, 4H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 8.61 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.8 Hz, 2H).

[0450] Example 110: yield: 15%; 5.80 (s, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.20-7.26 (complex signal, 4H), 7.93 (s, 1H), 8.34 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 8.61 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.8 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 111

N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-[1-[3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazo- lo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propyl]piperidin-4-yl]amine

[0451] To a solution of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate (0.15 g, 0.3 mmol, obtained in example 84 section a) in acetonitrile (2 mL), N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine (0.12 g, 0.6 mmol) was added under argon atmosphere and heated to 60.degree. C. overnight. A mixture of CHCl.sub.3 and saturated NaHCO.sub.3 were added. The phases were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with CHCl.sub.3. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using increasing polarity mixtures of EtOAc-MeOH as eluent, to afford 40 mg of the title compound (yield: 22%).

[0452] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.44 (broad s, 2H+NH.sub.2+H.sub.2O), 1.95 (m, 2H), 2.06 (m, 2H), 2.25 (m, 2H), 2.35 (m, 2H), 3.46 (m, 2H), 4.40 (m, 1H), 4.51 (t, 2H), 6.83 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 8.32 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 112

2-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)- pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 113

1-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)- pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0453] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 6-fluorophenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 77) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine and 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 14 section a) instead of iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained,

[0454] Example 112: yield: 26%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.50 (s, 9H), 2.17-2.32 (complex signal, 2H), 2.99 (m, 2H), 4.33 (m, 2H), 4.60 (m, 1H), 6.95 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (m, 2H), 8.06 (s, 1H), 8.07 (s, 1H), 8.52 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

[0455] Example 113: yield: 55%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.50 (s, 9H), 2.04 (m, 2H), 2.30 (m, 2H), 3.00 (m, 2H), 4.42 (m, 2H), 5.10 (m, 1H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (m, 2H), 8.07 (s, 1H), 8.10 (s, 1H), 8.52 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 114

3-Methyl-4,6-bis(6-methylpyridin-3-yl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyr- idine

[0456] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 1 method A, but using 1-(6-methylpyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone (obtained in reference example 13) instead of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethanone and 3-amino-5-methyl-2H-pyrazole instead of 3-amino-2H-pyrazole, the title compound was obtained (yield: 24%).

[0457] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.07 (s, 3H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 2.57 (s, 3H), 6.85 (m, 2H), 6.99 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.08 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (m, 1H), 8.10 (dd, J.sub.o=2.4 Hz, J.sub.m=8.1 Hz, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 8.38 (s, 1H), 8.57 (s, 1H), 10.74 (broad s, NH).

EXAMPLE 115

1-[3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]pro- pyl]piperidin-4-one

[0458] In a volumetric flask, 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate (0.15 g, 0.3 mmol, obtained in example 84 section a), NaI (0.008 g, 0.06 mmol), 4-piperidone monohydrate hydrochloride (0.04 g, 0.3 mmol), K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (0.07 g, 0.5 mmol) and DMF (2 mL) were introduced under argon atmosphere. The mixture was heated to 60.degree. C. for 24 h. It was allowed to cool and a mixture of water and EtOAc was added. The phases were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using EtOAc-MeOH mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 16 mg of the title compound (yield: 10%).

[0459] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.57 (broad s, 4H+ H.sub.2O), 2.30 (m, 2H), 2.42 (m, 2H), 2.48 (m, 2H), 2.73 (t, 2H), 4.55 (t, 2H), 6.83 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (m, 2H), 7.27 (m, 2H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 8.32 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 116

N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-[1-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazo- lo[3,4-]pyridin-2-yl]ethyl]piperidin-4-yl]amine

a) 2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]eth- yl methanesulfonate

[0460] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 12 section b, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]ethan- ol (obtained in example 91) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]ethanol, the desired compound was obtained (yield: quantitative).

b) Title Compound

[0461] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate the desired compound was obtained (yield: 66%).

[0462] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.44 (s, 9H), 1.57 (broad s, 1H+NH+H.sub.2O), 1.90 (m, 2H), 2.22 (m, 2H), 2.82 (m, 2H), 3.01 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 3.45 (m, 1H), 4.40 (m, 1H), 4.52 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 117

N-Methyl-[1-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridi- n-2-yl]ethyl]piperidin-4-yl]amine

[0463] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and N-methyl-N-(piperidin-4-yl)amine instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 50%).

[0464] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.61 (broad s, 1H+NH+H.sub.2O), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.41 (m, 4H), 2.57 (m, 4H), 3.03 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 4.55 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 118

[1-[3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]pr- opyl]piperidin-4-yl]amine

[0465] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 36, but using N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-[1-[3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl- )pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propyl]piperidin-4-yl]amine (obtained in example 111) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-py- ridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 89%).

[0466] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.35 (m, 2H), 1.62 (broad s NH.sub.2+H.sub.2O), 1.85 (m, 2H), 2.03 (m, 2H), 2.25 (m, 2H), 2.36 (m, 2H), 2.70 (m, 1H), 2.82 (m, 2H), 4.52 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.81 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 119

2-[1-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]- ethyl]piperidin-4-yl]ethanol

[0467] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and 2-(4-piperidyl)ethanol instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 50%).

[0468] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.48-1.53 (complex signal, 5H), 2.11 (m, 2H), 2.88 (m, 2H), 2.99 (m, 2H), 3.70 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 4.55 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 120

[1-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]et- hyl]piperidin-4-yl]amine

[0469] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 36, but using N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-[1-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl- )pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]ethyl]piperidin-4-yl]amine (obtained in example 116) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-py- ridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 77%).

[0470] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.38 (m, 2H), 1.78 (broad s, 2H+NH.sub.2+H.sub.2O), 2.18 (m, 2H), 2.75 (m, 1H), 2.84 (m, 2H), 3.02 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 4.54 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 8.31 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 121

6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(4-piperidyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0471] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 36, but using 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-p- yridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 112) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-py- ridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 77%).

[0472] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.89 (m, NH+H.sub.2O), 2.25 (m, 2H), 2.30 (m, 2H), 2.89 (m, 2H), 3.34 (m, 2H), 4.60 (m, 1H), 6.95 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (m, 2H), 8.07 (s, 1H), 8.08 (s, 1H), 8.51 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 122

6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-(4-piperidyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0473] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 36, but using 1-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-p- yridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 113) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-py- ridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: quantitative).

[0474] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.60 (m, NH+H.sub.2O), 2.42 (m, 2H), 2.67 (m, 2H), 3.28 (m, 2H), 3.72 (m, 2H), 5.28 (m, 1H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (m, 2H), 8.10 (s, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 8.54 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 123

3-Amino-5-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]- -1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0475] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 15 section c, but using 2-chloro-5-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)pheny- l]pyridine-3-carbonitrile (obtained in reference example 14) instead of 3-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-3-oxopropiononitrile, the title compound was obtained (yield: 78%).

[0476] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.44 (s, 3H), 4.32 (broad s, NH.sub.2), 6.61 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 7.44-7.84 (complex signal, 2H), 7.65 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 8.30 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.40 (s, 1H), 9.55 (broad s, NH).

EXAMPLE 124

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[3-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperazin-4-yl]propyl- ]-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0477] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 84 section b, but using 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperazine instead of morpholine and adding triethylamine (1.5 equivalents), the desired compound was obtained (yield: 14%).

[0478] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.66 (m, 2H), 2.98 (m, 4H), 3.10 (m, 2H), 3.66-3.74 (complex signal, 4H), 4.66 (m, 2H), 6.85 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 125

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[3-(piperazin-1-yl)propyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo- [3,4-b]pyridine

[0479] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 36, but using 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[3-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperazin-4-yl- ]propyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 124) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-py- ridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: quantitative).

[0480] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.78 (broad s, 2H+NH+H.sub.2O), 2.26 (m, 2H), 2.40-2.59 (complex signal, 6H), 3.04 (m, 2H), 4.52 (m, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 126

5-[2-(Methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyra- zolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0481] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 77, but using 3-amino-5-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)- phenyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 123) instead of 3-amino-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 34%).

[0482] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.55 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), 6.70 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (m, 2H), 7.72 (m, 1H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.24 (s, 1H), 8.35 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.54 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 127

5-[2-(Methylsulfonyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyra- zolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0483] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 56, but using 5-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-- 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 126) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfanylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[- 3,4-b]pyridine and 2 equivalents of m-chloroperbenzoic acid, the title compound was obtained (yield: quantitative).

[0484] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.56 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), 3.22 (8, 3H), 7.21 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.71 (m, 1H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 8.30 (s, 1H), 8.71 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 128

(1S)-N-(1-Phenylethyl)-[4-[6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b- ]pyridin-5-yl]pyrimidin-2-yl]amine

[0485] A mixture of 5-[2-(methylsulfonyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyr- azolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.55 g, 0.13 mmol, obtained in example 127) and (1S)-1-phenylethylamine (0.16 g, 1.3 mmol) was heated to 100.degree. C. for 1 h. It was allowed to cool and the crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using increasing polarity mixtures of EtOAc-hexane as eluent, to afford 10 mg of the title compound (yield: 16%).

[0486] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3+CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 1.50 (d, 3H), 3.80 (broad s, 2 NH+H.sub.2O), 6.30 (d, 1H), 7.20-7.40 (complex signal, 6H), 7.50 (d, 1H), 7.68 (d, 1H), 7.76 (d, 1H), 7.83 (s, 1H), 8.08 (d, 1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 8.24 (broad s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 129

1-[3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]pro- pyl]piperidin-4-ol

[0487] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using piperidin-4-ol instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 39%).

[0488] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.57 (m, 2H), 1.88-2.50 (complex signal, 5H+OH+H.sub.2O), 2.75 (m, 2H), 3.44-3.51 (complex signal, 4H), 4.52 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.34 (m, 2H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 130

2-[1-[3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]- propyl]piperidin-4-yl]ethanol

[0489] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-(4-piperidyl)ethanol instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 44%).

[0490] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.20-2.00 (broad s, 8H+OH+H.sub.2O), 2.50 (m, 1H), 2.85 (m, 1H), 3.50 (m, 1H), 3.70 (m, 4H), 4.59 (m, 2H), 6.83 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 8.32 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 131

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-piperidyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]py- ridine

a) 3-(1-Benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyr- azolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0491] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 1 method A, but using 3-amino-5-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-2H-pyrazole (obtained in reference example 15) instead of 3-amino-2H-pyrazole, the title compound was obtained (yield: 6%).

b) Title Compound

[0492] To a solution of 3-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyraz- olo[3,4-b]pyridine (23 mg, 0.04 mmol, obtained in the previous section) in MeOH (1 mL), Pd/C and a solution of HCOONH.sub.4 (0.01 g, 0.2 mmol) in water (0.06 mL) were added under argon atmosphere. The mixture was heated to reflux for 5 h. It was filtered through celite and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in CHCl.sub.3 and washed with saturated NaHCO.sub.3, to afford 2 mg of the title compound (yield: 10%).

[0493] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.10-1.90 (broad s, 7H), 2.23 (m, 2H), 2.99 (m, 2H), 6.80 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.92 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 8.28 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 132

6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-carbonitrile

[0494] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 65, but using 3-bromo-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 76) instead of 3-bromo-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 38%).

EXAMPLE 133

2-[2-[[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]amino]ethyl]-4,6-bis(4-fluoro- phenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0495] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and [N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]amine instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 40%).

[0496] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.20 (m, 2H), 1.45 (s, 9H), 1.55 (broad s NH+H.sub.2O), 1.83 (m, 2H), 2.65 (m, 1H), 2.77 (m, 2H), 3.31 (t, 2H), 4.02 (m, 2H), 4.53 (t, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 134

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[2-[(4-piperidyl)amino]ethyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)pyraz- olo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0497] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 36, but using 2-[2-[[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]amino]ethyl]-4,6-bis(4- -fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 133) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-py- ridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 97%).

[0498] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.30 (m, 2H), 1.70 (broad s, 2 NH+H.sub.2O), 1.85 (m, 2H), 2.61 (m, 3H), 3.09 (m, 2H), 3.31 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 4.53 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 135

N-(2-Methoxyethyl)-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b- ]pyridin-2-yl]ethyl]amine

[0499] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and 2-methoxyethylamine instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 63%).

[0500] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.57 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), 2.81 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 2H), 3.30 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.31 (s, 3H), 3.45 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 2H), 4.55 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 136

1-[4-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]- ethyl]piperazin-1-yl]ethanone

[0501] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and 1-(piperazin-1-yl)ethanone instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 50%).

[0502] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.07 (s, 3H), 2.50 (m, 4H), 3.07 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.41 (t, J=4.9 Hz, 2H), 3.57 (t, J=4.9 Hz, 2H), 4.55 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 137

3-[4,6-Diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propan-1-ol

EXAMPLE 138

3-[4,6-Diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]propan-1-ol

[0503] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 4,6-diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 2) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine and 3-iodopropanol instead of iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0504] Example 137: yield: 44%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.56 (s, OH+H.sub.2O), 2.25 (m, 2H), 3.70 (m, 2H), 4.62 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.6 Hz, 2H), 7.17-7.34 (complex-signal, 10H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 8.26 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0505] Example 138: yield: 27%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.58 (s, OH+H.sub.2O), 2.15 (m, 2H), 3.59 (m, 2H), 4.79 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (m, 2H), 7.21-7.33 (complex signal, 8H), 7.91 (s, 1H), 8.27 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 139

2-Ethyl 4,6-diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 140

1-Ethyl-4,6-diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0506] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 4,6-diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 2) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compounds were obtained.

[0507] Example 139: yield: 12%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.67 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H), 4.50 (c, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.15-7.34 (complex signal, 10H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 8.25 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0508] Example 140: yield: 21%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.61 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 4.68 (c, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (m, 2H), 7.23-7.32 (complex signal, 8H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 8.26 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 141

4,6-Diphenyl-2-(2-phthalimidoethyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0509] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using 4,6-diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 2) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine and N-(2-bromoethyl)phthalimide instead of iodoethane, the title compound was obtained (yield: 31%).

[0510] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 4.32 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 4.75 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (m, 2H), 7.18-7.32 (complex signal, 7H), 7.73 (m, 2H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 7.83 (m, 2H), 8.25 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 142

2-(2-Aminoethyl)-4,6-diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0511] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 90, but using 2-(2-phthalimidoethyl)-4,6-diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyr- idine (obtained in example 141) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(2-phthalimidoethyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-- b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 51%).

[0512] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.50 (s, NH.sub.2+H.sub.2O), 3.37 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 2H), 4.48 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.17-7.34 (complex signal, 10H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.25 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 143

2-Allyl-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 144

1-Allyl-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0513] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but using allyl bromide instead of iodoethane, the title compounds were obtained.

[0514] Example 143: yield: 33%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 5.08 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 5.40 (m, 2H), 6.16 (m, 1H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.78 (s, 1H), 8.34 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

[0515] Example 144: yield: 10%; .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 5.22-5.34 (complex signal, 4H), 6.14 (m, 1H), 6.81 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.87 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 145

1-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]eth- yl]piperidin-4-one

[0516] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and 4-piperidone monohydrate hydrochloride instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine and adding triethylamine (3 equivalents), the desired product was obtained (yield: 18%).

[0517] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.41 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 4H), 2.84 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 4H), 3.20 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 4.58 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 8.32 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 146

3-Aminomethyl-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0518] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 68, but using 6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-carbo- nitrile (obtained in example 132) instead of 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-carbon- itrile, the title compound was obtained (yield: 22%).

[0519] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3+CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (TMS): 4.24 (s, 2H), 4.25 (broad s, NH+NH.sub.2+CD.sub.3OD), 6.95 (m, 2H), 7.16 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 8.25 (broad s, 1H), 8.38 (broad s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 147

3-Amino-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridi- ne

[0520] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 15 section c, but using 6-chloro-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-methyl-3,4'-bipyridine-5-carbonitrile (obtained in reference example 18) instead of 3-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-3-oxopropiononitrile, the title compound was obtained (yield: 27%).

[0521] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.56 (broad s, NH+NH.sub.2+H.sub.2O), 2.51 (s, 3H), 6.80-7.20 (complex signal, 4H), 7.22 (m, 2H), 8.55 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 148

3-[N-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]- ethyl]amino]propan-1-ol

[0522] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and 3-amino-1-propanol instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 57%).

[0523] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.50-1.80 (complex signal, 2H+NH+OH+H.sub.2O), 2.91 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.31 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 2H), 3.77 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 2H), 4.54 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 149

N-Ethyl-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-- yl]ethyl]amine

[0524] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 of section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and ethylamine instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 58%).

[0525] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.09 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H), 1.71 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), 2.70 (c, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.29 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 4.56 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 150

2-[N-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]- ethyl]amino]ethanol

[0526] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and 2-aminoethanol instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 54%).

[0527] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.70 (broad s, NH+OH+H.sub.2O), 2.82 (t, J=5.3 Hz, 2H), 3.32 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.62 (t, J=5.3 Hz, 2H), 4.55 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.83 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 151

N-[(2-Pyridyl)methyl]-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,- 4-b]pyridin-2-yl]ethyl]amine

[0528] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and (2-pyridyl)methylamine instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 52%).

[0529] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.62 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), 3.33 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.92 (s, 2H), 4.58 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz; J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 4H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.60 (m, 1H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 8.51 (m, 1H).

EXAMPLE 152

N-[(2-Thienyl)methyl]-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,- 4-b]pyridin-2-yl]ethyl]amine

[0530] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l and (2-thienyl)methylamine instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 25%).

[0531] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.55 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O) 3.32 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 4.00 (s, 2H), 4.54 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (m, 1H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (m, 3H), 7.29 (m, 3H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 153

1-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]eth- yl]piperidine-4-carboxamide

[0532] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and piperidine-4-carboxamide instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 75%).

[0533] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.61-1.76 (complex signal, 5H), 1.84 (m, 2H), 2.91 (m, 2H), 3.01 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 4.52 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 5.27 (broad s, NH), 5.41 (broad s, NH), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.83 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.4 Hz, J.sub.m=4.6 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 154

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo- [3,4-b]pyridine

[0534] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and pyrrolidine instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 75%).

[0535] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.77 (m, 4H), 2.55 (m, 4H), 3.17 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 4.58 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 155

(3R)-1-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazol o[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]ethyl]pyrrolidin-3-ol

[0536] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and (3R)-3-pyrrolidinol instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 52%).

[0537] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.69 (broad s, 1H+OH+H.sub.2O), 2.14 (m, 1H), 2.40 (m, 1H), 2.58 (m, 1H), 2.69 (m, 1H), 2.94 (m, 1H), 3.20 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 4.32 (m, 1H), 4.57 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 156

2-[N-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]- ethyl]-N-methylamino]ethanol

[0538] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l, methanesulfonate and 2-(methylamino)ethanol instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 71%).

[0539] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.56 (broad s, OH+H.sub.2O), 2.34 (s, 3H), 2.60 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 3.14 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.53 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 4.53 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.81 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 157

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-2-[2-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-- 2-yl)ethyl]pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0540] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 57%).

[0541] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.78-2.85 (complex signal, 4H), 3.20 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.72 (s, 2H), 4.63 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 6.81 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.86-7.17 (complex signal, 10H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 158

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)p- yrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0542] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and 1-phenylpiperazine instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 71%).

[0543] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.69 (m, 4H), 3.10 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.16 (m, 4H), 4.59 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.86-7.02 (complex signal, 9H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 159

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[2-[4-(1-piperidyl)piperidin-1-yl]ethyl]-5-(4-py- ridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0544] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and 4-piperidinopiperidine instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 51%).

[0545] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.40-1.60 (complex signal, 8H), 1.78 (m, 2H), 2.04-2.22 (complex signal, 3H), 2.48 (m, 4H), 2.96 (m, 4H), 4.52 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 160

3-[N-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]- ethyl]-N-methylamino]propiononitrile

[0546] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and 3-(methylamino)propiononitrile instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 50%).

[0547] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.35 (complex signal, 5H), 2.71 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 4H), 3.13 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 4.50 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (m, 2H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.87 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 161

N-Methyl-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2- -yl]ethyl]amine

[0548] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and methylamine instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 51%).

[0549] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.61 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), 3.25 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 4.57 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 162

2-[2-[4-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl]-4,6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-- (4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0550] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridil)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propy- l methanesulfonate and 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperazine instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 63%).

[0551] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.45 (s, 9H), 2.46 (m, 4H), 3.05 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.40 (m, 4H), 4.54 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.33 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 163

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[2-(piperazin-1-yl)ethyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[- 3,4-b]pyridine

[0552] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 36, but using 2-[2-[4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl]-4,6-bis(4-fluoro- phenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 162) instead of 2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-py- ridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, the title compound was obtained (yield: 62%).

[0553] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.56 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), 2.45 (m, 4H), 2.85 (m, 4H), 3.00 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 4.55 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J=1.6 Hz, J.sub.m=4.4 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 164

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-2-vinylpyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0554] A solution of 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]ethyl methanesulfonate (0.15 g, 0.3 mmol, obtained in example 116 section a) and KOH (0.02 g, 0.3 mmol) in toluene (4 mL) was heated to 100.degree. C. reflux overnight. Water and EtOAc were added and the phases were separated. The aqueous phase was saturated with NaCl (solid) and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phases were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 110 mg of the title compound (yield: 90%).

[0555] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 5.27 (dd, J.sub.gem=1.8 Hz, J.sub.vec=8.7 Hz, 1H), 6.22 (dd, J.sub.gem=1.4 Hz, J.sub.vec=15.4 Hz, 1H), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.17-7.34 (complex signal, 3H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 8.33 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 165

2-[N-[2-[4,6-Bis-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl]-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethanol

[0556] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-y- l]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]prop- yl methanesulfonate and 2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)ethanol instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 51%).

[0557] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.50 (broad s, 20H+H.sub.2O), 2.73 (t, J=5.0 Hz, 4H), 3.21 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.52 (t, J=5.0 Hz, 4H), 4.54 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (M, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.8 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 166

N-Cyclopropyl-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyri- din-2-yl]ethyl]amine

[0558] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but using 2-[4,6-bis-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-y- l]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in example 116 section a) instead of 3-[4,6-bis-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]prop- yl methanesulfonate and cyclopropylamine instead of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(4-piperidyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 47%).

[0559] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 0.30 (m, 2H), 0.45 (m, 2H), 1.60 (broad s, NH+H.sub.2O), 2.20 (m, 1H), 3.36 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 4.55 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 167

N-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]eth- yl]acetamide

[0560] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 1 section a, but using acetyl chloride instead of 4-fluorobenzoyl chloride and 2-(2-aminoethyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyri- dine (obtained in example 90) instead of N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine, the desired compound was obtained (yield: 48%).

[0561] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.98 (s, 3H), 3.95 (m, 2H), 4.58 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 2H), 6.47 (m, NH), 6.83 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 8.33 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 168

N-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]eth- yl]-N-isopropylurea

[0562] To a solution of 2-(2-aminoethyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyri- dine (0.06 g, 0.15 mmol, obtained in example 90) in DMF (1 mL), isopropylisocyanate (0.02 g, 0.18 mmol) was added under argon atmosphere. This was stirred at room temperature for 2 days. The solvent was concentrated again and diethyl ether was added to the residue obtained. The solvent was concentrated, to afford 38 mg of title compound in solid form (yield: 50%).

[0563] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.05 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 6H), 3.84 (m, 3H), 4.22 (m, NH), 4.58 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 2H), 5.30 (m, NH), 6.82 (dd, J.sub.o=1.4 Hz, J.sub.m=4.6 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 169

N-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]eth- yl]methanesulfonamide

[0564] To a solution of 2-(2-aminoethyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyri- dine (0.06 g, 0.15 mmol, obtained in example 90) and DMAP (0.001 g, 0.0058 mmol) in pyridine (0.6 mL), methanesulfonyl chloride (0.017 mL, 0.22 mmol) was added under argon atmosphere and cooled with an ice bath (0.017 mL, 0.22 mmol). This was stirred overnight at room temperature. The solvent was concentrated. The residue was dissolved in CHCl.sub.3 and saturated NaHCO.sub.3 was added. The phases were separated. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using EtOAc as solvent, and 70 mg of the title compound was obtained (yield: 95%).

[0565] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.99 (s, 3H), 3.86 (m, 2H), 4.64 (t, J=5.3 Hz, 2H), 5.33 (m, NH), 6.83 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 2H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 8.33 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLEs 170-178

[0566] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 72, but starting from the appropriate compounds in each case, the compounds in the following table were obtained:

TABLE-US-00003 LC-MS t.sub.R m/z Example Compound name Starting compounds Method (min) [M + H].sup.+ 170 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(4- Reference example 1,3- 1 3.34 374.1 piperidyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H- amino-2H-pyrazole and pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)- piperidine-4- carbaldehyde 171 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(2- Reference example 1,3- 1 5.72 357.1 furyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H- amino-2H-pyrazole and pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine furan-2-carbaldehyde 172 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(1H- Reference example 1,3- 1 3.25 357.1 imidazol-4-yl)-5-(4-pyridyl)- amino-2H-pyrazole and 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine 2H-pyrazole-3- carbaldehyde 173 4-(5-Bromothien-2-yl)-6-(4- Reference example 1,3- 1 7.46 450.9 fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)- amino-2H-pyrazole and 452.9 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine 5-bromothiophene-2- carbaldehyde 174 4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5- Reference example 19, 1 9.11 432.2 (2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin- 3-amino-2H-pyrazole and 4-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- 4-fluorobenzaldehyde b]pyridine 175 5-(2-Chloropyridin-4-yl)- Reference example 23, 1 8.99 419.0 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1H- 3-amino-2H-pyrazole and 421.0 pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine 4-fluorobenzaldehyde 176 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(2- Reference example 1,3- 1 6.52 395.0 phenylethyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)- amino-2H-pyrazole and 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine 3-phenylpropionaldehyde 177 4-(6-Chloropyridin-3-yl)-6- Reference example 1,6- 1 5.50 402.0 (4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4- chloropyridine-3- 404.0 pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- carbaldehyde and amino- b]pyridine 2H-pyrazole 178 4-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-1- Reference example 1, 1 10.56 462.9 ethyl-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5- 3,4-dichlorobenzaldehyde 464.9 (4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4- and 3-amino-2- b]pyridine ethylpyrazole

EXAMPLE 179

6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,- 4-b]pyridine

[0567] To a suspension of 6-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-piperidyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridi- ne (0.24 g, 0.6 mmol, obtained in example 170) in formic acid (0.64 mL), 35-40% aqueous formaldehyde (0.96 mL) was added. It was heated to 70-80.degree. C. for 24 h. It was allowed to cool and 1 N NaOH was added. It was extracted with CHCl.sub.3 and the combined organic phases were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using CHCl.sub.3-MeOH--NH.sub.3 mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 47 mg of the desired compound (yield: 19%).

[0568] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=3.28 min; m/z=388.1 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 180

3-Amino-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[- 3,4-b]pyridine

[0569] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 15 section c, but using 2-chloro-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)pyridine-3-- carbonitrile (obtained in reference example 22) instead of 3-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-3-oxopropiononitrile, the title compound was obtained,

[0570] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=6.70 min; m/z=353.0 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 181

6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]py- ridine

[0571] To a solution of 3-amino-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazolo- [3,4-b]pyridine (10.00 g, 28.4 mmol, obtained in example 180) in AcOH (52 mL), water (22 mL) and HCl conc. (5.7 mL), cooled to 0.degree. C., a solution of NaNO.sub.2 (2.30 g, 33.4 mmol) in water (7.5 mL) was added dropwise. It was stirred for 30 min at 0.degree. C., and H.sub.3PO.sub.2 (50% aqueous solution, 56.8 mL) was added slowly. It was stirred at 0.degree. C. for 6 h. It was allowed to cool to room temperature, basified at 0.degree. C. by slow addition of 6 N NaOH hasta pH=8 and was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phases were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 4.00 g of the title compound (yield: 42%)

[0572] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=7.80 min; m/z=338.0 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLEs 182-193

[0573] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but starting from the appropriate compounds in each case, the compounds in the following table were obtained:

TABLE-US-00004 LC-MS t.sub.R m/z Example Compound name Starting compounds Method (min) [M + H].sup.+ 182 4,6-Diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-2-[2- Example 2 and 2-(2- 1 6.70 477.1 (tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy)ethyl]- bromoethoxy)tetra- pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine hydropyran 183 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(2-furyl)-2- Example 171 and 1 5.32 371.1 methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4- iodomethane b]pyridine 184 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-4-(1- Example 172 and 1 3.66 385.2 methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-5-(4- iodomethane (2 pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine equivalents) 185 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2- Example 181 and 2- 1 8.79 466.1 methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-2- (2-bromoethoxy)- [2-(tetrahydropyran-2- tetrahydropyran yloxy)ethyl]-pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridine 186 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2- Example 181 and 2- 1 9.11 480.2 methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-2- (3-bromopropoxy)- [3-(tetrahydropyran-2- tetrahydropyran yloxy)propyl]-pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridine 187 4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2- Example 174 and 2- 1 10.26 574.2 methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-2- (3-bromopropoxy)- [3-(tetrahydropyran-2- tetrahydropyran yloxy)propyl]-pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridine 188 4-(5-Bromothien-2-yl)-6-(4-fluoro- Example 173 and 1 6.94 464.9 phenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)- iodomethane 466.9 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine 189 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(2- Example 181 and 1 7.29 352.0 methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4- iodomethane yl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine 190 5-(2-Chloropyridin-4-yl)-4,6-bis(4- Example 175 and 1 8.55 433.0 fluorophenyl)-2-methylpyrazolo- iodomethane 435.0 [3,4-b]pyridine 191 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(2-phenyl- Example 176 and 2- 1 7.74 537.0 ethyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-2-[3- (3-bromopropoxy)- (tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy)propyl]- tetrahydropyran pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine 192 4-(6-Chloropyridin-3-yl)-6-(4- Example 177 and 2- 1 9.05 544.2 fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-2-[3- (3-bromopropoxy)- 546.2 (tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy)propyl]- tetrahydropyran pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine 193 4-(6-Chloropyridin-3-yl)-6-(4- Example 177 and 1 5.34 416.1 fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4- iodomethane 418.1 pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 194

5-(2-Methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-2-[3-(tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy)propyl]-6- -(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0574] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but starting from 5-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyr- azolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 126) and 2-(3-bromopropoxy)tetrahydropyran, the title compound was obtained.

[0575] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 1.50-1.90 (m, 4H), 2.40 (complex signal, 5H), 3.37-3.50 (m, 4H), 3.85 (m, 2H), 4.53 (m, 1H), 4.65 (m, 2H), 6.68 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.93 (s, 1H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 8.32 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.49 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 195

6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-4-[5-(3-pyridyl)thien-2-yl]pyraz- olo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0576] A suspension of 4-(5-bromothien-2-yl)-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazo- lo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.10 g, 0.2 mmol, obtained in example 188), 3-pyridylboronic acid (0.04 g, 0.3 mmol), K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (0.06 g, 0.4 mmol), Pd(PPh.sub.3).sub.4 (0.017 g, 0.01 mmol), 1,2-dimethoxyethane (1.31 mL) and water (0.04 mL) was heated at 80.degree. C. under argon atmosphere overnight. It was allowed to cool and diluted with CHCl.sub.3 and water. The combined organic phases were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 35 mg of the desired compound (yield: 50%).

[0577] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=5.42 min; m/z=464.0 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLEs 196-202

[0578] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 91 but using the adequate starting compounds in each case, the compounds in the following table were obtained:

TABLE-US-00005 LC-MS Starting t.sub.R m/z Example Compound name compound Method (min) [M + H].sup.+ 196 2-[4,6-Diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo- Example 182 1 4.67 393.0 [3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]ethanol 197 3-[5-(2-Methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-6- Example 194 1 7.67 446.0 (3-trifluoromethylphenyl)pyrazolo-[3,4- b]pyridin-2-yl]propan-1-ol 198 2-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methyl- Example 185 1 6.58 382.0 sulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridin-2-yl]ethanol 199 3-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methyl- Example 186 1 6.79 396.1 sulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridin-2-yl]propan-1-ol 200 3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methyl- Example 187 1 8.10 490.2 sulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridin-2-yl]propan-1-ol 201 3-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(2- Example 191 1 5.80 453.2 phenylethyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridin-2-yl]propan-1-ol 202 3-[4-(6-Chloropyridin-3-yl)-6-(4- Example 192 1 5.88 460.2 fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo- 462.2 [3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propan-1-ol

EXAMPLEs 203-207

[0579] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 56 but using the adequate starting compounds in each case, the compounds in the following table were obtained:

TABLE-US-00006 LC-MS Starting t.sub.R m/z Example Compound name compound Method (min) [M + H].sup.+ 203 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(2- Example 189 1 5.76 384.0 methylsulfonylpyrimidin-4- yl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine 204 3-[5-(2-Methylsulfonylpyrimidin-4-yl)-6- Example 197 1 6.39 478.0 (3-trifluoromethylphenyl)pyrazolo-[3,4- b]pyridin-2-yl]propan-1-ol 205 2-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methyl- Example 198 1 5.28 414.0 sulfonylpyrimidin-4-yl)pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridin-2-yl]ethanol 206 3-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methyl- Example 199 1 5.46 428.0 sulfonylpyrimidin-4-yl)pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridin-2-yl]propan-1-ol 207 3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methyl- Example 200 1 6.76 522.2 sulfonylpyrimidin-4-yl)pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridin-2-yl]propan-1-ol

EXAMPLE 208

N-Cyclopropylmethyl-[4-[6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]py- ridin-5-yl]pyrimidin-2-yl]amine

[0580] A solution of 5-[2-(methylsulfonyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyr- azolo[3,4-b]pyridine (90 mg, 0.2 mmol, obtained in example 127) and (cyclopropylmethyl)amine (75 mg, 1.0 mmol) in THF (2 mL) was heated in a closed vessel at 60.degree. C. overnight. It was allowed to cool and concentrated. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 57 mg of the desired compound (yield: 67%).

[0581] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=8.12 min; m/z=411.0 [M+H].sup.+.

[0582] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 208 but using the adequate starting compounds in each case, the compounds in the following table were obtained:

TABLE-US-00007 LC-MS Starting m/z Example Compound name compound Method t.sub.R (min) [M + H].sup.+ 209 (1S)-3-[5-[2-(1-Phenylethylamino)- Example 204 1 9.11 519.1 pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-(3-trifluoromethyl- and (1S)-1- phenyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2- phenylethyl- yl]propan-1-ol amine 210 N-Cyclopropylmethyl-[4-[6-(4- Example 203 1 6.43 375.1 fluorophenyl)-2-methylpyrazolo[3,4- and b]pyridin-5-yl]pyrimidin-2-yl]amine (cyclopropyl- methyl)amine 211 2-[5-[2-[(Cyclopropylmethyl)- Example 205 1 5.85 405.1 amino]pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-(4-fluoro- and phenyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2- (cyclopropyl- yl]ethanol methyl)amine 212 3-[5-[2-[(Cyclopropylmethyl)- Example 206 1 6.06 419.1 amino]pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-(4-fluoro- and phenyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2- (cyclopropyl- yl]propan-1-ol methyl)amine 213 3-[5-[2-[(Cyclopropylmethyl)amino]- Example 207 1 7.63 513.3 pyrimidin-4-yl]-4,6-bis(4-fluoro- and phenyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2- (cyclopropyl- yl]propan-1-ol methyl)amine

EXAMPLE 214

4-[4-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methylpyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]pyridin-- 2-ylamino]benzenesulfonamide

[0583] A mixture of 5-(2-chloropyridin-4-yl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methylpyrazolo[3,4-b]p- yridine (100 mg, 0.23 mmol, obtained in example 190) and 4-aminobenzenesulfonamide (46 mg, 0.27 mmol) was heated at 190.degree. C. overnight. It was allowed to cool and the crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using EtOAc as eluent, to afford 23 mg of the desired compound (yield: 17%).

[0584] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=6.91 min; m/z=569.0 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLEs 215-230

[0585] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 72 but using the adequate starting compounds in each case, the compounds in the following tables were obtained:

TABLE-US-00008 LC-MS t.sub.R m/z Example Compound name Starting compounds Method (min) [M + H].sup.+ 215 4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5- Reference example 1, 5- 1 5.02 401.1 (4-pyridyl)pyrazolo-[3,4- amino-1H-pirazol-3-ol and b]pyridin-3-ol 4-fluorobenzaldehyde 216 6-(4-Fluoropheny)-4- Reference example 1, 3- 1 3.23 357.1 (3H-imidazol-4-yl)-5-(4- amino-2H-pyrazole and 3H- pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- imidazol-4-carbaldehyde b]pyridine 217 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4- Reference example 1, 3- 1 4.24 357.1 (1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-5-(4- amino-2H-pyrazole and 2H- pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- pyrazole-3-carbaldehyde b]pyridine 218 3-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5- Reference example 1, 3- 1 4.99 383.1 (4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo- amino-2H-pyrazole and 3- [3,4-b]pyridin-4-yl]phenol Hydroxybenzaldehyde 219 4-Cyclopropyl-6-(4- Reference example 1, 3- 1 4.99 331.1 fluorophenyl)-5-(4- amino-2H-pyrazole and pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- cyclopropanecarbaldehyde b]pyridine 220 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(5- Reference example 1, 3- 1 8.45 445 methylfuran-2-yl)-5-(4- amino-2H-pyrazole and 5- pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- methylfuran-2-carbaldehyde b]pyridine 221 4-(5-Bromofuran-2-yl)-6- Reference example 1, 3- 1 7.02 435.0 (4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4- amino-2H-pyrazole and 5- 437.0 pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- methylfuran-2-carbaldehyde b]pyridine 222 4-(4-Benzyloxyphenyl)-6- Reference example 30, 3- 1 9.05 474.1 (4-fluorophenyl)-2- amino-2H-pyrazole and 4- methyl-5-pyrimidin-4-yl- benzyloxybenzaldehyde 1H-pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridine 223 4-(4-Benzyloxyphenyl)-6- Reference example 19, 3- 1 10.52 520.1 (4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2- amino-2H-pyrazale and 4- methylsulfanylpyrimidin- benzyloxybenzaldehyde 4-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridine 224 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4- Reference example 1, 3- 1 5.42 333.0 propyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H- amino-2H-pyrazole and pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine butyraldehyde 225 4-(3-Benzyloxyphenyl)-6- Reference example 1, 3- 1 8.00 473.2 (4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4- amino-2H-pyrazole and 3- pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- benzyloxybenzaldehyde b]pyridine 226 5-(2-Chloropyridin-4-yl)- Reference example 23, 3- 1 7.73 325.2 6-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H- amino-2H-pyrazole and 327.2 pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine paraformaldehyde 227 4-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5- Reference example 1, 3- 1 4.23 363.2 (4-pyridyl)-1H- amino-2H-pyrazole and 5- pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-4- hydroxypentanal yl]butan-1-ol 228 4-Benzyl-6-(4- Reference example 1, 3- 1 6.37 381.2 fluorophenyl)-5-(4- amino-2H-pyrazole and pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- phenylacetaldehyde b]pyridine Starting Example Compound name compounds .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS) 229 4-(4-Benzyloxyphenyl)- Reference example 5.06 (s, 2H), 6.85 (dd, J.sub.o = 1.5 Hz, 6-(4-fluorophenyl)-2- 1, 3-amino-2H- J.sub.m = 4.5 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (m, 4H), methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H- pyrazole and 4- 6.95 (m, 2H), 7.23-7.40 (m, 7H), pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine benzyloxy- 8.01 (s, 1H), 8.35 (dd, J.sub.o = 1.5 Hz, benzaldehyde J.sub.m = 4.5 Hz, 2H), 10.62 (broad s, 1H, NH). 230 4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)- Reference example 6.92-7.08 (complex signal, 5H), 5-pyrimidin-4-yl-1H- 30, 3-amino-2H- 7.23 (m, 2H), 7.32 (m, 2H), pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine pyrazole and 4- 7.99 (s, 1H), 8.45 (d, J = 5.1 Hz, 1H), fluorobenzaldehyde 9.03 (s, 1H), 11.40 (broad s, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 231

[(2S)-2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]- ethyl]pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide

a) [(2S)-2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-- yl]ethyl]-1-(benzyloxycarbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide

[0586] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 48, but starting from 2-(2-aminoethyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyri- dine (obtained in example 90) and (2S)-1-(benzyloxycarbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid, the desired compound was obtained.

[0587] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=7.13 min; m/z=659.3 [M+H].sup.+.

b) Title Compound

[0588] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 269, but starting from [2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]ethy- l]-1-(benzyloxycarbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (obtained in section a), the title compound was obtained.

[0589] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=4.35 min; m/z=525.2 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 232

2-[2-(4,6-Diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl)ethylamino]eth- anol

a) 2-[4,6-Diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]ethyl methanesulfonate

[0590] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 12 section b, but starting from 2-[4,6-diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]ethanol (obtained in example 196), the desired compound was obtained.

[0591] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. (TMS): 2.94 (s, 3H), 4.76 (m, 2H), 4.85 (m, 2H), 6.88 (d, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.15-7.90 (complex signal, 10H), 8.27 (s, 1H), 8.28 (dd, J.sub.o=1.5 Hz, J.sub.m=4.5 Hz, 2H).

b) Title Compound

[0592] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 111, but starting from 2-[4,6-diphenyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]ethyl methanesulfonate (obtained in section a) and 2-amino-1-ethanol, the desired compound was obtained.

[0593] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=3.89 min; m/z=436.1 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 233

6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-4-(3-pyridyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyri- dine

[0594] To a solution of 4-(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazol- o[3,4-b]pyridine (74 mg, 0.2 mmol, obtained in example 193) in AcOH (1 mL), Zn (72 mg, 1.1 mmol) was added under argon atmosphere and the mixture was heated to reflux overnight. It was allowed to cool and concentrated. The residue was treated with saturated NaHCO.sub.3 and it was extracted with CHCl.sub.3. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc-MeOH mixtures of increasing polarity, to afford 2.4 mg of the title compound (yield: 4%)

[0595] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=4.02 min; m/z=382.2 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLEs 234-235

[0596] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 15 section c, but starting from the appropriate compounds in each case, the compounds in the following table were obtained:

TABLE-US-00009 LC-MS m/z Example Compound name Starting compounds Method t.sub.R (min) [M + H].sup.+ 234 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-methyl- Reference example 1 8.57 352.0 5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin- 29 and hydrazine 4-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- monohydrate b]pyridine 235 3-Amino-5-(2-methylsulfanyl- Reference example 1 6.55 335.0 pyrimidin-4-yl)-6-phenyl-1H- 28 and hydrazine pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine monohydrate

EXAMPLEs 236-237

[0597] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 77, but starting from the appropriate compounds in each case, the compounds in the following table were obtained:

TABLE-US-00010 LC-MS Starting m/z Example Compound name compound Method t.sub.R (min) [M + H].sup.+ 236 5-(2-Methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-6- Example 235 1 7.54 320.0 phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine 237 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-methyl-5-(2- Example 147 1 4.42 305.0 methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-1H- pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

EXAMPLE 238

5-(2-Methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)-6-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]- pyridine

[0598] To a solution of 5-[2-(methylsulfonyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyr- azolo[3,4-b]pyridine (90 mg, 0.2 mmol, obtained in example 127) in MeOH (5 mL) in a closed vessel, sodium methoxide (11 mg, 0.2 mmol) was added and heated to 60.degree. C. for 24 h. Then, sodium methoxide (11 mg, 0.2 mmol) was added and it was stirred at 60.degree. C. for 2 h more. It was allowed to cool and was concentrated. EtOAc and buffer (pH=5.3) were added. The phases were separated and the organic phase was washed with water, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures at 50%, to afford 38 mg of the title compound (yield: 47%)

[0599] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=7.71 min; m/z=372.0 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLEs 239-242

[0600] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 1 section a, but starting from the appropriate compounds in each case, the compounds in the following table were obtained:

TABLE-US-00011 LC-MS Starting m/z Example Compound name compound Method t.sub.R (min) [M + H].sup.+ 239 N-[2-[4,6-(Diphenyl)-5-(4- Example 142 and 1 5.34 434.1 pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2- acetyl chloride yl]ethyl]acetamide 240 N-[3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5- Example 95 and 1 5.31 484.1 (4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin- acetyl chloride 2-yl]propyl]acetamide 241 N-[2-(4,6-Diphenyl-5-(4- Example 232 and 1 5.27 478.1 pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2- acetyl chloride yl)ethyl]-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)- acetamide 242 N-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5- Example 90 and 1 5.39 484.1 (4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin- propionyl chloride 2-yl]ethyl]propionamide

EXAMPLE 243

N-[3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]pro- pyl]methanesulfonamide

[0601] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 169, but starting from 2-(3-aminopropyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyr- idine (obtained in example 95), the desired compound was obtained.

[0602] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=5.79 min; m/z=520.1 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 244

5-(2-Aminopyrimidin-4-yl)-6-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]py- ridine

[0603] A solution of THF (20 mL) saturated with NH.sub.3 (g) at -20.degree. C. was added over 5-[2-(methylsulfonyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyr- azolo[3,4-b]pyridine (90 mg, 0.2 mmol, obtained in example 127) in a closed vessel. It was stirred at room temperature for 2 days and concentrated. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 7 mg of the title compound (yield: 9%)

[0604] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=6.01 min; m/z=357.0 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 245

N-[5-(2-Methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-6-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1H-pyraz- olo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]acetamide

[0605] A solution of 3-amino-5-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl- ]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (200 mg, 0.5 mmol, obtained in example 123) and acetyl chloride (39 mg, 0.5 mmol) in pyridine (10 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. It was concentrated and the residue was taken up in a mixture of EtOAc and 1 N NaOH. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 78 mg of the title compound (yield: 37%)

[0606] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=8.55 min; m/z=445.0 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 246

N-Cyclopropylmethyl-[4-[3-benzyloxycarbonylamino-6-(3-trifluoromethylpheny- l)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]pyrimidin-2-yl]amine

a) N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-[5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-6-(3-trifluorom- ethylphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]amine

[0607] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 245, but starting from 3-amino-5-[2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl- ]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 123) and benzyl chloroformate, the desired compound was obtained.

[0608] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=10.00 min; m/z=537.1 [M+H].sup.+.

b) N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-[5-(2-methylsulfonylpyrimidin-4-yl)-6-(3-trifluorom- ethylphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]amine

[0609] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 56, but starting from N-benzyloxycarbonyl-[5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-6-(3-trifluoromet- hylphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]amine (obtained in section a), the desired compound was obtained.

[0610] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=8.47 min; m/z=567.1 [M+H].sup.+.

c) Title Compound

[0611] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 208, but starting from N-benzyloxycarbonyl-[5-(2-methylsulfonylpyrimidin-4-yl)-6-(3-trifluoromet- hylphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]amine (obtained in section b) and (cyclopropylmethyl)amine, the desired compound was obtained.

[0612] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=9.44 min; m/z 560.3 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 247

N-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]eth- yl]-2-hydroxyacetamide

[0613] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 48, but starting from 2-(2-aminoethyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyri- dine (obtained in example 90) and hydroxyacetic acid, the title compound was obtained.

[0614] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=4.84 min; m/z=486.1 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 248

N-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]eth- yl]piperidine-4-carboxamide

a) N-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]- ethyl]-1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide

[0615] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 48, but starting from 2-(2-aminoethyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyri- dine (obtained in example 90) and 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid, the desired compound was obtained.

b) Title Compound

[0616] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 36, but starting from N-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]et- hyl]-1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide (obtained in section a), the title compound was obtained.

[0617] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=4.29 min; m/z=539.2 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 249

N-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]eth- yl]-2-(methylamino)acetamide

a) N-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]- ethyl]-2-chloroacetamide

[0618] Following a similar procedure to that described in reference example 1 section a, but starting from 2-(2-aminoethyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyri- dine (obtained in example 90) and chloroacetyl chloride, the title compound was obtained.

[0619] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=5.72 min; m/z 504.1, 506.1 [M+H].sup.+.

b) Title Compound

[0620] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 78, but starting from N-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]et- hyl]-2-chloroacetamide (obtained in section a) and methylamine, the title compound was obtained.

[0621] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=4.28 min; m/z=499.2 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 250

N-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]eth- yl]-2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)acetamide

[0622] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 78, but starting from N-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]et- hyl]-2-chloroacetamide (obtained in example 249 section a) and 2-aminoethanol, the title compound was obtained.

[0623] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=4.29 min; m/z=529.2 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 251

N-[2-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]eth- yl]nicotinamide

a) Nicotinoyl chloride hydrochloride

[0624] A solution of nicotinic acid (0.50 g, 4.0 mmol) and POCl.sub.3 (5 mL) was heated at reflux for 1.5 h and concentrated. The product obtained was directly used in the next reaction.

b) Title Compound

[0625] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 245, but starting from 2-(2-aminoethyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyri- dine (obtained in example 90) and nicotinoyl chloride hydrichloride (obtained in section a), the title compound was obtained.

[0626] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=5.25 min; m/z=533.1 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLEs 252-265

[0627] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but starting from the appropriate compounds in each case, the compounds in the following table were obtained:

TABLE-US-00012 LC-MS Starting m/z Example Compound name compound Method t.sub.R (min) [M + H].sup.+ 252 4-(4-Benzyloxyphenyl)-6-(4-fluoro- Example 229 1 7.53 487.1 phenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)- and pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine iodomethane 253 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methyl- Example 181 1 7.13 352.1 sulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-2-methyl- and pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine iodomethane 254 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2,4-dimethyl-5-(4- Example 237 1 4.11 319.00 pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine and iodomethane 255 4-(4-Benzyloxyphenyl)-6-(4-fluoro- Example 223 1 10.16 534.2 phenyl)-2-methyl-5-(2-methylsulfanyl- and pyrimidin-4-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine iodomethane 256 2-(1-Benzylpyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl)-4,6- Example 1 1 6.10 558.2 bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)- and 1-benzyl- pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine 2-chloro- methyl- pyrrolidine 257 4-(4-Benzyloxyphenyl)-6-(4-fluoro- Example 222 1 8.72 488.2 phenyl)-2-methyl-5-pyrimidin-4- and ylpyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine iodomethane 258 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-4-(5- Example 220 1 5.85 385.0 methylfuran-2-yl)-5-(4-pyridyl)- and pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine iodomethane 259 4-(5-Bromofuran-2-yl)-6-(4-fluoro- Example 221 1 6.48 449.1 phenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)- and 451.1 pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine iodomethane 260 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-4-propyl- Example 224 1 4.88 347.0 5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine and iodomethane 261 4-(3-Benzyloxyphenyl)-6-(4-fluoro- Example 225 1 7.79 487.0 phenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)- and pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine iodomethane 262 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(2-phenyl)ethyl- Example 176 1 5.94 409.0 2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4- and b]pyridine iodomethane 263 5-(2-Chloropyridin-4-yl)-6-(4- Example 226 1 7.30 339.2 fluorophenyl)-2-methylpyrazolo[3,4- and 341.2 b]pyridine iodomethane 264 4-Benzyl-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl- Example 228 1 5.95 395.2 5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine and iodomethane 265 4-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4- Example 227 1 3.69 377.2 pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-4- and yl]butan-1-ol iodomethane

EXAMPLE 266

4-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-4-yl]ph- enol

[0628] To a solution of 4-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3- ,4-b]pyridine (112 mg, 0.2 mmol, obtained in example 252) in EtOH (13 mL), 10% Pd/C (20 mg) was added and it was hydrogenated under atmospheric pressure at room temperature for 2 days. It was filtered through celite, washed with EtOH and concentrated. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc-MeOH mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 61 mg of the title compound (yield: 67%)

[0629] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=4.65 min; m/z=397.1 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 267

N-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b- ]pyridin-3-yl]acetamide

[0630] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 245, but starting from 3-amino-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)pyrazolo[3,4- -b]pyridine (obtained in example 180) and acetyl chloride, the title compound was obtained.

[0631] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=7.01 min; m/z=395.1 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 268

N-[5-[2-[(Cyclopropylmethyl)amino]pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-py- razolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]acetamide

a) N-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfonylpyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,- 4-b]pyridin-3-yl]acetamide and N-[6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfonylpyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-- b]pyridin-3-yl]acetamide 7-oxide

[0632] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 56, but starting from N-[6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-- b]pyridin-3-yl]acetamide (obtained in example 267) and using 2 equivalents of m-chloroperbenzoic acid, the title compounds were obtained.

[0633] N-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfonylpyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol- o[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]acetamide: LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=5.64 min; m/z=427.1 [M+H].sup.+.

[0634] N-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfonylpyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol- o[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]acetamide 7-oxide: LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=4.44 min; m/z=443.0 [M+H].sup.+.

b) Title Compound

[0635] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 208, but starting from N-[6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfonylpyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-- b]pyridin-3-yl]acetamide (obtained in section a) and (cyclopropylmethyl)amine, the title compound was obtained.

[0636] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=6.19 min; m/z=418.1 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 269

3-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(2-furyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]propan-1-ol

a) 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(2-furyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-2-[3-(tetrahydropyran-2-yl- oxy)propyl]pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0637] Following a similar procedure to that described in examples 6 and 7, but starting from 6-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(2-furyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 171) and 2-(3-bromopropoxy)tetrahydropyran, the desired compound was obtained.

[0638] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=7.19 min; m/z=499.2 [M+H].sup.+.

b) Title Compound

[0639] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 91, but starting from 6-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(2-furyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-2-[3-(tetrahydropyran-2-ylox- y)propyl]pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in section a), the title compound was obtained.

[0640] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=5.05 min; m/z=415.1 [M+H].sup.+.

[0641] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 269, but starting from the appropriate compounds in each case, the compounds in the following table were obtained:

TABLE-US-00013 LC-MS t.sub.R m/z Example Compound name Starting compound Method (min) [M + H].sup.+ 270 2-[4-(4-Benzyloxyphenyl)-6-(4- Example 229 and 2- 1 6.76 517.2 fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)- (2-bromoethoxy)- pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2- tetrahydropyran yl]ethanol 271 3-[4-(4-Benzyloxyphenyl)-6-(4- Example 229 and 2- 1 6.91 531.2 fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)- (3-bromopropoxy)- pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2- tetrahydropyran yl]propan-1-ol 272 3-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(5- Example 220 and 2- 1 5.42 429.1 methylfuran-2-yl)-5-(4-pyridyl)- (3-bromopropoxy)- pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2- tetrahydropyran yl]propan-1-ol 273 3-[4-Cyclopropyl-6-(4- Example 219 and 2- 1 4.40 389.1 fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)- (3-bromopropoxy)- pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2- tetrahydropyran yl]propan-1-ol 274 3-[4-(5-Bromothien-2-yl)-6-(4- Example 173 and 2- 1 6.25 508.9 fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)- (3-bromopropoxy)- 510.9 pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2- tetrahydropyran yl]propan-1-ol 275 3-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-propyl- Example 224 and 2- 1 4.90 391.2 5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4- (3-bromopropoxy)- b]pyridin-2-yl]propan-1-ol tetrahydropyran 276 3-[4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5- Example 230 and 2- 1 6.56 444.2 pyrimidin-4-ylpyrazolo[3,4- (3-bromopropoxy)- b]pyridin-2-yl]propan-1-ol tetrahydropyran 277 3-[4-(3-Benzyloxyphenyl)-6-(4- Example 225 and 2- 1 7.03 531.3 fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)- (3-bromopropoxy)- pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2- tetrahydropyran yl]propan-1-ol 278 3-[4-Benzyl-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5- Example 228 and 2- 1 5.27 439.2 (4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin- (3-bromopropoxy)- 2-yl]propan-1-ol tetrahydropyran

EXAMPLEs 279-285

[0642] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 268, but starting from the appropriate compound and a suitable amine in each case, the compounds in the following table were obtained:

TABLE-US-00014 LC-MS Starting t.sub.R m/z Example Compound name compound Amine Method (min) [M + H].sup.+ 279 (1S)--N-(1-Phenylethyl)-[4-[6- Example (1S)-1- 1 9.32 425.1 (4-fluorophenyl)-3-methyl- 234 Phenylethyl- 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5- amine yl]pyrimidin-2-yl]amine 280 N-Cyclopropylmethyl-4-[6- Example (Cyclopropyl- 2 5.54 373.2 (4-fluorophenyl)-3-methyl- 234 methyl)amine 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5- yl]pyrimidin-2-yl]amine 281 1-[4-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2- Example 1-Amino- 1 4.73 379.2 methylpyrazolo[3,4- 253 propan-2-ol b]pyridin-5-yl]pyrimidin-2- ylamino]propan-2-ol 282 N-Cyclopropylmethyl-4-[6- Example (Cyclopropyl- 1 7.53 343.1 [phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- 236 methyl)amine b]pyridin-5-yl]pyrimidin-2- yl]amine 283 2-[4-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2- Example 2- 1 4.74 379.1 methylpyrazolo[3,4- 253 Aminopropan- b]pyridin-5-yl]pyrimidin-2- 1-ol ylamino]propan-1-ol 284 4-[4-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2- Example 4- 1 4.61 393.2 methylpyrazolo[3,4- 253 Aminobutan- b]pyridin-5-yl]pyrimidin-2- 1-ol ylamino]butan-1-ol 285 (1S)--N-(1-Phenylethyl)-[4-[6- Example (1S)-1- 1 8.10 393.1 phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- 236 Phenylethyl- b]pyridin-5-yl]pyrimidin-2- amine il]amine

EXAMPLEs 286-290

[0643] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 208, but starting from the appropriate compounds in each case, the compounds in the following table were obtained:

TABLE-US-00015 LC-MS Starting m/z Example Compound name compounds Method t.sub.R (min) [M + H].sup.+ 286 N-(3-Methoxypropyl)-[4-[6-(3-trifluoro- Example 127 1 7.14 429.1 methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo-[3,4- and 3- b]pyridin-5-yl]pyrimidin-2-yl]amine methoxy- propylamine 287 3-[4-[6-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-1H- Example 127 1 5.91 415.1 pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]pyrimidin-2- and 3-amino- ylamino]propan-1-ol propan-1-ol 288 3-[4-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(3-hydroxy- Example 206 1 4.55 423.1 propyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5- and 3-amino- yl]pyrimidin-2-ylamino]propan-1-ol propan-1-ol 289 N-Ethyl-[4-[6-(3-trifluoromethyl- Example 127 1 7.21 385.0 phenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5- and yl]pyrimidin-2-yl]amine ethylamine 290 N-Benzyl-[4-[6-(3-trifluoromethyl- Example 127 1 8.86 447.1 phenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5- and yl]pyrimidin-2-yl]amine benzylamine

EXAMPLE 291

4-[5-[2-[(Cyclopropylmethyl)amino]pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-met- hylpyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-4-yl]phenol

a) 4-(4-Benzyloxyphenyl)-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfonylpyrimidin-4- -yl)-2-methylpyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine

[0644] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 56, but starting from 4-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(2-methylsulfanylpyri- midin-4-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in example 255), the desired compound was obtained.

[0645] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=8.77 min; m/z=566.2 [M+H].sup.+.

b) 4-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfonylpyrimidin-4-yl)-2-methylpyrazo- lo[3,4-b]pyridin-4-yl]phenol

[0646] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 266, but starting from 4-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(2-methylsulfonylpyri- midin-4-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (obtained in section a), the desired compound was obtained.

[0647] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=6.17 min; m/z=476.1 [M+H].sup.+.

c) Title Compound

[0648] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 128, but starting from 4-[6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfonylpyrimidin-4-yl)-2-methylpyrazolo- [3,4-b]pyridin-4-yl]phenol (obtained in section b) and (cyclopropylmethyl)amine, the title compound was obtained.

[0649] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=6.62 min; m/z=467.2 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLEs 292-295

[0650] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 266, but starting from the appropriate compounds in each case, the compounds in the following table were obtained:

TABLE-US-00016 LC-MS Starting t.sub.R m/z Example Compound name compound Method (min) [M + H].sup.+ 292 4-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(3-hydroxy- Example 271 1 4.41 441.1 propyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridin-4-yl]phenol 293 4-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5- Example 257 1 5.71 398.1 pyrimidin-4-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-4- yl]phenol 294 3-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(3-hydroxy- Example 277 1 4.54 441.2 propyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridin-4-yl]phenol 295 3-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4- Example 261 1 4.74 397.0 pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-4- yl]phenol

EXAMPLE 296

4,6-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl)pyrazolo[3,- 4-b]pyridine

[0651] To a solution of 2-(1-benzylpyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl)-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)py- razolo[3,4-b]pyridine (83 mg, 0.1 mmol, obtained in example 259) in EtOH (6.9 mL), 10% Pd/C (8 mg) and formic acid (0.34 mL) were added and heated a reflux for 2 h. It was allowed to cool and filtered through celite, washed with EtOH and concentrated. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using hexane-EtOAc-MeOH--NH.sub.3 of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 40 mg of the title compound (yield: 57%)

[0652] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=4.98 min; m/z=468.1 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 297

4-[4-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-methylpyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]pyridin-2-yla- mino]benzenesulfonamide

[0653] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 214, but starting from 5-(2-chloropyridin-4-yl)-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methylpyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridi- ne (obtained in example 263) and 4-aminobenzenesulfonamide, the title compound was obtained.

[0654] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=5.36 min; m/z=475.3 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 298

N-[5-[2-[(Cyclopropylmethyl)amino]pyrimidin-4-yl]-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-py- razolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]acetamide 7-oxide

[0655] Following a similar procedure to that described in example 208, but starting from N-[6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methylsulfonylpyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-- b]pyridin-3-yl]acetamide 7-oxide (obtained in example 268 section a) and (cyclopropylmethyl)amine, the title compound was obtained.

[0656] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=5.45 min; m/z=434.2 [M+H].sup.+.

EXAMPLE 299

N-[6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]isonico- tinamide

a) Isonicotinoyl chloride hydrochloride

[0657] A solution of isonicotinic acid (0.10 g, 0.8 mmol) and thionyl chloride (1 mL) were heated to reflux for 2 h and concentrated. The product obtained was used immediately in the following step.

b) Title Compound

[0658] In a volumetric flask, 3-amino-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (0.20 g, 0.7 mmol, obtained in example 70), isonicotinoyl chloride hydrochloride (0.12 g, 0.7 mmol, obtained in section a) and pyridine (1 mL) were introduced under argon atmosphere. This was stirred at room temperature for 2 days. It was concentrated and the residue dissolved in a mixture of CHCl.sub.3 and 1 N HCl. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with CHCl.sub.3 (.times.2). The aqueous phase was basified by slow addition of 1 N NaOH. Brine was added and extracted with CHCl.sub.3 and EtOAc. The organic phase was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained was purified by chromatography on silica gel using CHCl.sub.3-MeOH mixtures of increasing polarity as eluent, to afford 98 mg of the title compound (yield: 68%).

[0659] LC-MS (method 1): t.sub.R=4.21 min; m/z=411.1 [M+H].sup.+.

Claims

1. A compound selected from 2-ethyl-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine. 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine. 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propa- n-1-ol. 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)py- razolo[3,4-b]pyridine. N-methyl-[3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin- -2-yl]propyl]amine. 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]ethan- ol. 1-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl- ]ethyl]piperidin-4-ol. 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]-2-hy- droxypropan-1-ol. [1-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]e- thyl]piperidin-4-yl]amine. 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-2-vinylpyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine.

2. A compound according to claim 1 which is 2-ethyl-4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine.

3. A compound according to claim 1 which is 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine.

4. A compound according to claim 1 which is 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]propa- n-1-ol.

5. A compound according to claim 1 which is 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[- 3,4-b]pyridine.

6. A compound according to claim 1 which is N-methyl-[3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin- -2-yl]propyl]amine.

7. A compound according to claim 1 which is 2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]ethan- ol.

8. A compound according to claim 1 which is 1-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]et- hyl]piperidin-4-ol.

9. A compound according to claim 1 which is 3-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]-2-hy- droxypropan-1-ol.

10. A compound according to claim 1 which is [1-[2-[4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-2-yl]e- thyl]piperidin-4-yl]amine.

11. A compound according to claim 1 which is 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-2-vinylpyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine.