Background of the Invention backs Melanocortins (MCs) stem from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) via proteolytic cleavage.

These peptides, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), a-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (a-MSH), ß-MSH and y-MSH, range in size from 12 to 39 amino acids. The most important endogenous agonist for central MC-4R activation appears to be the tridecapeptide a-MSH.

Among MCs, it was reported that a-MSH acts as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the brain. MC peptides, particularly a-MSH, have a wide range of effects on biological functions including feeding behavior, pigmentation and exocrine function. The biological effects of a-MSH are mediated by a sub-family of 7-transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptors, termed melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs). Activation of any of these MC-R's results in stimulation of cAMP formation.

To date, five distinct types of receptor subtype for MC () v) C-1R to MC-5R) have been identified and these are expressed in different tissues.

MC-1R was first found in melanocytes. Naturally occurring inactive variants of MC-1R in animals were shown to lead to alterations in pigmentation and a subsequent lighter coat color by controlling the conversion of phaeomelanin to eumelanin through the control of tyrosinase. From these and other studies, it is evident that iC-1 R is an important regulator of melanin production and coat color in animals and skin color in humans.

The MC-2R is expressed in the adrenal gland representing the ACTH receptor. The MC-2R is not a receptor for a-MSH but is the receptor for the adrenocorticotropic hormone I (ACTH I).

The MC-3R is expressed in the brain (predominately located in the hypothalamus) and peripheral tissues like gut and placenta, and knock-out studies, have revealed that the MC-3R may be responsible for alterations in feeding behavior, body weight and thermogenesis.

The MC-4R is primarily expressed in the brain. Overwhelming data support the role of MC-4R in energy homeostasis. Genetic knock-outs and pharmacologic manipulation of MC-4R in animals have shown that agonizing the MC-4R causes weight loss and antagonizing the MC-4R produces weight gain (A. Kask, et al.,"Selective antagonist for the melanocortin-4 receptor (HS014) increases food intake in free-feeding rats", Biochem.

Biophys. Res. Commun. , 245: 90-93 (1998)).

MC-5R is ubiquitously expressed in many peripheral tissues including white fat and placenta, and a low level of expression is also observed in the brain. However its expression is greatest in exocrine glands. Genetic knock-out of this receptor in mice results in altered regulation of exocrine gland function, leading to changes in water repulsion and thermoregulation. MC-5R knockout mice also reveal reduced sebaceous gland lipid production (Chen et al., Cell, 91 : 789-798 (1997)).

Attention has been focused on the study of MC-3R and MC-4R modulators and their use in treating body weight disorders, such as obesity and anorexia. However, evidence has shown that the MC peptides have potent physiological effects besides their role in regulating pigmentation, feeding behavior and exocrine func ; tion. In particular, a-lGISH recently has been shown to induce a potent anti-inflammatory effect in both acute and chronic models of inflammation including inflammatory bowel-disease, renal ischemia/reperfusion injury and endotoxin-induced hepatitis. Administration of a-MSH in these models results in substantial reduction of inflammation-mediated tissue damage, a significant decrease in leukocyte infiltration and a dramatic reduction in elevated levels of cytokines and other mediators, to near baseline levels. Recent studies have demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory actions of a-MSH are mediated by MC-1 R. The mechanism by which agonism of MC-1 R results in an anti-inflammatory response is likely through inhibition of the pro-inflammatory transcription activator, NF-KB. NF-KB is a pivotal component of the pro-inflammatory cascade and its activation is a central event in initiating many inflammatory diseases. Additionally, anti-inflammatory actions of a-MSH may be, in part, mediated by agonism of MC-3R and/or MC-5R.

A specific single MC-R that may be targeted for the control of obesity has not yet been identified, although evidence has been presented that MC-4R signaling is important in mediating feeding behavior (S. Q. Giraudo et al.,"Feeding effects of hypothalamic injection of melanocortin-4 receptor ligands", Brain Research, 80: 302-306 (1998) ). Further evidence for the involvement of MC-R's in obesity includes : 1) the agouti (AVY) mouse, which ectopically expresses an antagonist of the MC-1 R, MC-3R and MC-4R, is obese, indicating that blocking the action of these three MC-R's can lead to hyperphagia and metabolic disorders; 2) MC-4R knockout mice (D. Huszar et al., Cell, 88: 131-141 (1997)) recapitulate the phenotype of the agouti mouse and these mice are obese; 3) the cyclic heptapeptide melanotanin 11 (MT-II) (a non-selective MC-1 R,-3R,-4R and-5R agonist) injected intracerebroventricularly (ICV) in rodents, reduces food intake in several animal feeding models (NPY, ob/ob, agouti and fasted) while ICV injected SHU-9119 (MC-3R and-4R antagonist ; MC-1R and-5R agonist) reverses this effect and can induce hyperphagia; 4) chronic intraperitoneal treatment of Zucker fatty rats with an a-NDP-MSH derivative (HP-228) has been reported to activate MC-IR,-3R,-4R and-5R and to attenuate food intake and body weight gain over a 12 week period (l. Corcos et al., "HP-228 is a potent agonist of melanocortin receptor-4 and significantly attenuates obesity and diabetes in Zucker fatty rats", Society for Neuroscience Abstracts, 23 : 673 (1997)).

MC-4R appears to play a role in other physiological functions as well, namely controlling grooming behavior, erection and blood pressure. Erectile dysfunction denotes the medical condition of inability to achieve penile erection sufficient for successful intercourse. The term"impotence"is often employed to describe this prevalent condition. Synthetic melanocortin receptor agonists have been found to initiate erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction (H. Wessells et al.,"Synthetic Melanotropic Peptide Initiates Erections in Men With Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction: Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Crossover Study", J. Urol., 160: 389-393,1998). Activation of melanocortin receptors of the brain appears to cause normal stimulation of sexual arousal. Evidence for the involvement of MC-R in male and/or female sexual dysfunction is detailed in WO/0074679.

Diabetes is a disease in which a mammal's ability to regulate glucose levels in the blood is impaired because the mammal has a reduced ability to convert glucose to glycogen for storage in muscle and liver cells. In Type I diabetes, this reduced ability to store glucose is caused by reduced insulin production. "Type II diabetes"or"Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus" (NIDDM) is the form of diabetes which is due to a profound resistance to insulin stimulating or regulatory effect on glucose and lipid metabolism in the main insulin- sensitive tissues, muscle, liver and adipose tissue. This resistance to insulin- responsiveness results in insufficient insulin activation of glucose uptake, oxidation and storage in muscle, and inadequate insulin repression of lipolysis in adipose tissue and of glucose production and secretion in liver. When these cells become desensitized to insulin, the body tries to compensate by producing abnormally high levels of insulin and hyperinsulemia results. Hyperinsulemia is associated with hypertension and elevated body weight. Since insulin is involved in promoting the cellular uptake of glucose, amino acids and triglycerides from the blood by insulin-sensitive cells, insulin-insensitivity can result in elevated levels of triglycerides and LDL which are risk factors in cardiovascular diseases.

The constellation of symptoms which includes hyperinsulemia combined with hypertension, elevated body weight, elevated triglycerides and elevated LDL, is known as Syndrome X.

MC-4R agonists might be useful in the treatment of NIDDM and Syndrome X.

Among MC receptor subtypes, the MC4 receptor is also of interest in terms of the relationship to stress and the regulation of emotional behavior, as based on the following findings. Stress initiates a complex cascade of responses that include endocrine, biochemical and behavioral events. Many of these responses are initiated by release of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), (Owen MJ and Nemeroff CB (1991) Physiology and pharmacology of corticotrophin releasing factor. Pharmacol Rev 43 : 425-473). In addition to activation of the brain CRF system, there are several lines of evidence that melanocortins (MCs), which stem from proopiomelanocortin by enzymatic processing, mediate important behavioral and biochemical responses to stress and, consequently, stress-induced disorders like anxiety and depression (Anxiolytic-Like and Antidepressant-Like Activities of <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> MCL0129 (1- [ (S)-2- (4-Fluorophenyl)-2- (4-isopropylpiperadin-1-yl) ethyl]-4- [4- (2- methoxynaphthalen-1-yl) butyl] piperazine), a Novel and Potent Nonpeptide Antagonist of the Melanocortin-4 Receptor; Shigeyuki Chaki et al, J. Pharm. Exp. Ther. (2003) 304 (2), 818-26).

Chronic diseases, such as malignant tumors or infections, are frequently associated with cachexia resulting from a combination of a decrease in appetite and a loss of lean body mass. Extensive loss of lean body mass is often triggered by an inflammatory process and is usually associated with increased plasma levels of cytokines (e. g. TNF-a), which increase the production of a-MSH in the brain. Activation of MC4 receptors in the hypothalamus, by a-MSH, reduces appetite and increases energy expenditure.

Experimental evidence in tumor bearing mice suggests that cachexia can be prevented or reversed by genetic MC4 receptor knockout or MC4 receptor blockade. The increased body weight in the treated mice is attributable to a larger amount of lean body mass, which mainly consists of ske letal muscle (Marks D. L. e aI. F ole of the central melanocortin system in cachexia. Cancer Res. (2001) 61 : 1432-1438).

W00074679A describes substituted piperidines as melanocortin-4 receptor agonists. The piperidines are acylated with different substituted phenylalanines, e. g. D-p-chlorophenylalanine, which are subsequently acylated with other amino acids, in particular 1, 2,3, 4-tetrahydro- isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid. Example 2 of this patent application binds to the human MC4- receptor with an ICso of 0.92 nM. The compound is acting as an agonist with an ECso of 2.1 nM (96% activation).

W00170337A describes spiroindane derivatives as melanocortin receptor agonists. The spiroindanes are acylated with phenylalanine, in particular p-chlorophenylalanine, which is then acylated with unsubstituted and substituted 1,2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid.

No biological data is given.

W00191752A decribes melanocortin receptor agonists. Three examples are described consisting of 3a-benzyl-2-methyl-2, 3a, 4,5, 6, 7-hexahydro-pyrazolo [4,3-c] pyridin-3-one which is first acylated with Boc-D-4-chlorophenylalanine following a second acylation step using 1- amino-1,2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-naphthalene-2-carboxylic acid and 1,2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3- carboxylic acid, respectively. Biological data for the examples is not provided.

W002059107A and W002059117A describe melanocortin receptor agonists. The agonists consist of substituted phenylpiperidines and phenylpiperazines which are first acylated with phenylalanines and then with amino acids. Biological data are not provided.

W00134150A describes aliphatic amine substituted piperidyl diaryl pyrrole derivatives as antiprotozoal agents. In some cases the piperdine is acylated with amino acids and the resulting amides are subsequently reduced to the corresponding amines.

The cited patents describing melanocortin receptor agonists have in common that the piperidine or piperazine and the phenylalanine are coupled by an amide bond formation. However, compounds where the piperidine or piperazine part of the molecule is linked to the phenylalanine via an amine bond have not been described.

In view of the unresolved deficiencies in treatment of various diseases and disorders as discussed above, it is an object of the present invention to provide novel substituted piperidine and piperazine derivatives with improved ability to cross the blood brain barrier, which are useful as melanocortin-4 receptor modulators to treat cancer cachexia, muscle wasting, anorexia, anxiety, depression, obesity, diabetes, sexual dysfunction and other diseases with MC-4R involvement.

Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to novel substituted piperidine and piperazine derivatives of structural formula (I), wherein the variables A, RI, R2, m and n have the meaning as defined below.

The piperidine and piperazine derivatives of structural formula (I) are effective as melanocortin receptor modulators and are particularly effective as selective melanocortin-4 receptor (MC-4R) modulators. They are therefore useful for the treatment of disorders where the activation or inactivation of the MC-4R are involved. Agonists can be used for the treatment of disorders and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and sexual dysfunction, whereas the antagonists are useful for the treatment of disorders and diseases such as cancer cachexia, muscle wasting, anorexia, anxiety and depression.

The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the present invention and a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier.

Detailed Description of the Inventioin The present invention relates to novel substituted piperidine and piperazine derivatives useful as melanocortin receptor modulators, in particular, selective MC-4R agonists and MC-4R antagonists.

The compounds of the present invention are represented by structural formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a solvate thereof, wherein Riis : (D)-aryl or (D)-heteroaryl, wherein aryl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted; R2 is : each R3 is independently : hydrogen, halo, alkyl, haloalkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, S-alkyl, SO2-alkyl, O-alkyl, S-alkenyl, NR15C (O) Ri5, NR15SO2R15, N (RI5) 2, (D)-cycloalkyl, (D)-aryl (wherein aryl being phenyl or naphthyl), (D)-heteroaryl, (D)-heterocyclyl (wherein heterocyclyl excludes a heterocyclyl containing a single nitrogen), and wherein aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, alkyl and cycloalkyl is unsubstituted or substituted, and two adjacent R3 may form a 4-to 7-membered ring; each R4 is independently : hydrogen, alkyl, C (O)-alkyl, S02alkyl, SO2aryl, (D)-aryl or (D)-cycloalkyl ; each R5 is independently : hydrogen, alkyl, (D)-aryl, (D)-heteroaryl, (D)-N(R7)2, (D)-NR7C(O)-alkyl, (D)-NR7SO2-alkyl, (D)-SO2N(R7)2, (D)-(O)q-alkyl, (D)-(O)q(D)-NR7COR7, (D)-(O)q(D)-NR7SO2R7, (D)-(O)q-heterocyclyl or (D)- (O) q (alkyl)-heterocyclyl ; each R6 is independently : hydrogen, alkyl, (D)-phenyl, C (O)-alkyl, C (O)-phenyl, Sou-alkyl or SO2-phenyl ; R7 and R8 are each independently : hydrogen, alkyl or (D)-cycloalkyl, or R7 and R8 together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 5-to 8-membered ring optionally containing an additional heteroatom selected from 0, S and NR4, wherein alkyl and cycloalkyl are unsubstituted or substituted; Rio is independently : hydrogen, alkyl, (D)-aryl or (D)-cycloalkyl; RI, is : hydrogen or alkyl ; R12 is : hydrogen, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, C=N, CF3 or OCFs ; Pis is independently : hydrogen, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, (D)-C(O)R15, (D) -C (O) OR15, (D)-C (O) SRi5, (D)-C (O)-heteroaryl, (D) -C (O)-heterocyclyl, (D)-C (°) N(R15)2, (D)-NR15COR15, (D)-NR15CON(R15)2, (D)-NRi5CON (O) 2, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (D)-NR15C(R15)-N(R15),<BR> (D)-NR15C(=NR15)N(R15)2, (D)=-NR15SO2R15, (D)-NR15SO2N (Ri5) 2, (D)-NR15(D)-heterocyclyl, (D)-NR15(D)-heteroaryl, (D)-OR15, OSO2R15, (D)- [O] q (cycloalkyl), (D)-[O]q(D)-aryl, (D)-[O]q(D)-heteroaryl, (D)-[O]q(D)-heteroaryl, (D)-SR15, (D)-SOR15, (D)-SO2R15 or (D)-S02N (R15)2, wherein alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted; each R, 5 is independently: hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, (D)-cycloalkyl, (D)-aryl (wherein aryl is phenyl or naphthyl), (D)-heteroaryl, (D)-heterocyclyl (wherein heterocyclyl excludes a heterocyclyl containing a single nitrogen), and wherein aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, alkyl and cycloalkyl is unsubstituted or substituted ; R17 is independently : Rio or (D)-heterocyclyl ; R18 is independently: Rio, (D)-heteroaryl, (D)-heterocyclyl, (D)-N(Y)2, (D)-NH-heteroaryl and (D)-NH-heterocyclyl, wherein aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl, D, cycloalkyl and heterocyclyl are unsubstituted or substituted, or two Pis groups together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-to 8-membered mono-or bi-cyclic ring system optionally containing an additional heteroatom selected from 0, S, NR1o, NBoc and NZ; Cy is : aryl, 5-or 6-membered heteroaryl, 5-or 6-membered heterocyclyl or 5-or 7-membered carbocydy ! ; Cy'is benzene, pyridine or cyclohexane ; Xis : alkyl, (D)-cycloalkyl, (D)-aryl, (D)-heteroaryl, (D)-heterocyclyl, (D)-C#N, (D)-CON(R17R17), (D)-CO2R71, (D)-COR17 (D)-NR17C (O) Rl7, (D)-NR17CO2R17, (D)-NR17C (O) N (R17) 2, (D)-NR17SO2R17, (D) -S (O) pRl7, (D)-SO2N(R17)(R17), (D)-OR17, (D) -OC (O) Razz (D) -OC (O) OR17, (D) -OC (O) N (R17) 2, (D) -N (R1)(R71) or (D)-NR17SO2N(R17)(R17), wherein aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl, D, cycloalkyl and heterocyclyl are unsubstituted or substituted; Y is : hydrogen, alkyl, (D)-cycloalkyl, (D0-aryl, (D)-heterocyclyl or (D)-heteroaryl, wherein aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl, D and cycloalkyl are unsubstituted or substituted ; Q is a bond, 0, S (O)u, NR6 or CH2 ; D is a bond or C1-C4-alkyl ; E is O, S or NR6 ; G is D, CH-alkyl, O, C=O or SO2, with the proviso that when G is 0, the ring atom M is carbon; J is N or CH ; M is CHCOzY, CHC (O) N (Y) 2, NSO2R18, CHN (Y) COR18, CHN (Y) SO2R18, CHCH20Y or CHCH2heteroaryl ; T is O or NR7 ; n is 0-3 ; m is 1-3 ; o IS 0 - 3 ; pis 0-2 ; q is 0 or 1 ; ris 1 or 2 ; s is 0 - 3 ; u is 0 - 2.

In preferred embodiments, the variants have the following meanings : Ri is as defined above and is preferably (D)-aryl, more preferably (D)-phenyl or (D)-naphthyl. If aryl or heteroaryl is substituted, it is preferably substituted with one to three, more preferably 1 or 2, most preferably 1, substituents. The substituents are preferably independently selected from the group consisting of cyano, nitro, perfluoroalkoxy, halo, alkyl, (D)-cycloalkyl, alkoxy, hdyroxyl and haloalkyl, more preferably selected from perfluoroalkoxy, halo, alkyl, alkoxy or haloalkyl, even more preferably selected from halo, alkyl, alkoxy and haloalkyl, in particular halo.

Most preferably, Ri is (CH2)-phenyl or (CH2)-naphthyl which both, preferably phenyl, may be substituted with one to three, in particular one halo, e. g. Cl. The substitution can be in any position, preferably in the 4-position.

R2 is as defined above, preferably more preferably In one embodiment R2 is In one embodiment R2 is Preferably More preferably Most preferably A is as defined above, preferably A does not contain unsubstituted and substituted 4- (1 H- pyrrol-2-yl)-piperidines.

R3 is as defined above. If aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, alkyl and/or cycloalkyl are substituted, they are independently preferably substituted with one to three, more preferably one, substituents selected from the group consisting of oxo, halo, alkyl, N (R4) 2, OR4, SR4 and C02R4.

R3 is preferably hydrogen, halo, unsubstituted alkyl, substituted alkyl, haloalkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, S-alkyl, S02-alkyl, 0-alkenyl, S-alkenyl, unsubstituted (D)-cycloalkyl or substituted (D)-cycloalkyl, more preferably hydrogen and halo. In one embodiment R3 is hydrogen, halo, alkyl, haloalkyl, (D)-cycloalkyl, (D)-aryl (wherein aryl is phenyl or naphthyl), (D) - heteroaryl, (D)-heterocyclyl (wherein heterocyclyl excludes a heterocyclyl containing a single nitrogen), and wherein aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, alkyl and cycloalkyl is unsubstituted or substituted; preferably hydrogen, halo, unsubstituted alkyl, substituted alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, unsubstituted (D)-cycloalkyl or substituted (D)-cycloalkyl, more preferably hydrogen.

R4 is as defined above, preferably hydrogen or alkyl, more preferably hydrogen.

R5 is as defined above, preferably hydrogen, alkyl, (D)-aryl, (D)-heteroaryl, (D) -N (R7) 2, (D)-NR7C (O) alkyl or (D)-NR7SO2alkyl, more preferably hydrogen.

R7 and R8 are each independently as defined above. When R7 and R8 form a ring, said ring may contain an additional heteroatom, preferably selected from 0, S and NR4 in the ring.

Moreover, if alkyl and cycloalkyl are substituted, they are preferably substituted with one to three, more preferably one or two, groups independently selected from Ra and oxo.

R7 and R8 are each independently preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl or cycloalkyl, or R7 and Ra together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 5-to 7-membered ring. More preferably R7 and R8 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or alkyl, or R7 and R8 together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 5-to 6-membered ring, optionally containing an additional oxygen atom.

The above mentioned Rg is alkyl, (D)-aryl, (D)-cycloalkyl, (D)-heteroaryl, halo, OR10, NHSO2R10, N (R10) 2, C=N, CO2R7, C (R10) (R10) N (R10) 2, nitro, S02N (Rio) 2, S (O)uR10, CF3 and OCF3. Rg is preferably selected from the group consisting of alkyl, OR10, (D)-aryl, (D)-cycloalkyl, (D)-heteroaryl and halo.

R12 is defined as above, preferably hydrogen, halo, alkyl, alkoxy or C#N, more preferably hydrogen, halo or C,-C4-alkyl, most preferably hydrogen.

Pis is as defined above, wherein heterocyclyl includes azetidin-2-one-1-yl, pyrrolidin-2-one- 1-yl, piperid-2-one-1-yl and azepan-2-one-1-yl. Moreover, alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl are preferably substituted or unsubstituted alkyl with one to five, preferably 1 to 3, more preferably 1 or 2, substituents independently selected from R14.

Preferably, R13 is hydrogen, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, halo, alkyd, alkoxy, haloalkyl, (D) -N (Ri5) 2, (D)-NR15COR15, (D)-NR15CON(R15) 2, (D)-NR15C (O)OR15, (D)-NR15C(R15)=N(R15), (D) heterocyclyl, (D)-NRi5C (=NR15)N(R15)2, (D)-NR15SO2R15 or (D)-NR15SO2N(R15)2, wherine alkyl or alkoxy are substituted or unsubstituted with one to five, preferably one to three, substituents selected from R14. More preferably, Ris is cyano, nitro, halo, alkyl, (D)-N (Ri5) 2, (D)-NR15COR15, (D)-NR15CON (R15)2, (D)-NR15C(O)OR15, (D)-C(O)heterocyclyl or (D)- NR15SO2R15. Most preferably, R13 is cyano, nitro, halo or (D)-NR15-COR15. Halo is preferably F, Cl or Br. R13 can be on any position of the ring, preferably in the 1-position. In one embodiment Ris is hydrogen, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, (D) - N(R15) 2, (D)-NR15COR15, (D)-NR15CON(R15)2, (D)-NR15C(O)OR15 (D)-NR15C(R15)=N(R15), (D)-NR15C(=NR15)N(R15)2, (D)-NR15SO2R15 or (D)-NR15SO2N(R15)2, wherein alkyl or alkoxy are substituted or unsubstituted with one to five, preferably one to three, substituents selected from R14. More preferably, Ris is cyano, nitro, halo, alkyl, (D)-N (R15) 2, (D)-NR15COR15, (D)-NR15CON (R15) 2, (D)-NR15C (O) OR15 or (D)-NR15SO2R15.

R14 is independently, hydrogen, halo, oxo, N (R16) 2, alkyl, (D)-cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, heteroaryl, hydroxy or heterocyclyl, wherein heterocyclyl excludes a heterocyclyl containing a single nitrogen, phenyl, (D)-COR15, (D)-C (O) OR1s, (D)-OR15, (D)-OCOR15, (D)-OC02R15, (D)-SR15, (D)-SOR15 or (D)-S02R, s ; wherein aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, alkyl or cycloalkyl are unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents selected from the group consisting of oxo, alkyl, N (R16) 2, OR16, SR16 and CO2R16. Preferably R14 is as defined above, wherein aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, alkyl or cycloalkyl are preferably substituted or unsubstituted with one to three, more preferably one or two, substituents selected from the group consisting of oxo, alkyl, N (R16) 2, OR16, SR16 and C02R16. Preferably, R14 is hydrogen, halo, alkyl, (D)-cycloalkyl, alkoxy or phenyl, more preferably R14 is hydrogen, halo, alkyl, alkoxy or phenyl.

R15 is as defined above wherein aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, alkyl or cycloalkyl are preferably substituted or unsubstituted with one to three, more preferably one or two, substituents selected from the group consisting of oxo, alkyl, N (R16) 2, OR16, SR16 and COsRie. Preferably, R, 5 is hydrogen, halo, alkyl, (D)-cycloalkyl, alkoxy or phenyl, more preferably Ris is hydrogen, halo, alkyl, alkoxy or phenyl.

Each R16 is hydrogen, alkyl, C (O)-alkyl, aryl or cycloalkyl, preferably hydrogen, alkyl or cycloalkyl, in particular, hydrogen. X is as defined above, wherein aryl and heteroaryl are preferably unsubstituted or substituted with one to three, preferably one or two, groups selected from Rg. Moreover, alkyl, D, cycloalkyl and heterocyclyl are preferably unsubstituted or substituted with one to four groups independently selected from Rs and oxo. Preferably, X is alkyl, (D)-cycloalkyl, (D)-aryl, (D)-heteroaryl, (D)-heterocyclyl, (D)-NHC(O)R17, (D)-CO2R17 or (D)-CON (R17R17), more preferably alkyl, (D)-cycloalkyl, (D)-heterocyclyl, (D)-NHC (O) R17 or (D)-CON (R17R17), most preferably C1-C4-alkyl, C5-C7-cycloalkyl, (D)-CON (R17R17) and N-containing heterocyclyl, in particular triazolyl and tetrazolyl.

Y is as defined above, wherein aryl and heteroaryl are preferably unsubstituted or substituted with one to three, preferably one or two, groups selected from Rs. Moreover, alkyl, D and cycloalkyl are preferably unsubstituted or substituted with one to three groups selected from Rs and oxo. Preferably, Y is hydrogen, alkyl, (D)-cycloalkyl, (D)-aryl, (D)-heteroaryl or (D)-heterocyclyl, more preferably hydrogen, alkyl, (D)-cycloalkyl or (D)-heterocyclyl, most preferably hydrogen, C1 - C4-alkyl and C5-C7-cycloalkyl, in particular cyclohexyl and phenyl.

Cy is as defined above and preferably selected from aryl, 5-or 6-membered heteroaryl, 5- or 6-membered heterocyclyl and 5-to 7-membered carbocyclyl, more preferably Cy is aryl and heteroaryl. In one embodiment, Cy may be aryl, such as phenyl or naphthyl.

Cy'is as defined above, preferably benzene or pyridine, more preferably benzene.

D is as defined above, preferably a bond or C1-C4-alkylene, more preferably a bond or CH2.

M is as defined above, preferably NSO2R, s, CHN (Y) COR18 or CHN (Y) S02R, 8, more preferably NSO2R18.

G is as defined above, preferably D or CH-alkyl, more preferably D, in particular CH2.

J is iN or CH ; T is 0 or NFR7, preferably 0. In one embodiment T is NR7 ; n is 0, 1 or 2, preferably 0 or 1 ; m is 1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 2; pis 0, 1 or 2 ; q is 0 or 1, r is 1 or 2, preferably 1; s is 0,1, 2 or 3, preferably 0,1 or 2, more preferably 0 or 1.

In the above and the following, the employed terms have the meaning as described below : Aryl is an aromatic mono-or polycyclic moiety with 6 to 20 carbon atoms which is preferably selected from phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, fluorenyl, indenyl or phenanthrenyl, more preferably phenyl or naphthyl.

Heteroaryl is an aromatic moiety having 6 to 20 carbon atoms with at least one heterocycle and is preferably selected from thienyl, benzothienyl, naphthothienyl, furanyl, benzofuranyl, chromenyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, indazolyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, phthalazinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl or quinazolinyl, more preferably thienyl, furanyl, benzothienyl, benzofuranyl or indolyl.

Heterocyclyl is a saturated, unsaturated or aromatic ring containing at least one heteroatom selected from 0, N and/or S and 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and is preferably selected from azetidin-2-one-1-yl, pyrrolidin-2-one-1-yl, piperid-2-one-1-yl, azepan-2-one-1-yl, thienyl, furyl, piperidinyl, pyranyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, triazolyl, isothiazolyl or isoxazyl, more preferably pyridyl, piperidinyl, triazolyl, imidazolyl or pyrazinyl.

Carbocyclyl is a monocyclic or polycyclic ring system of 3 to 20 carbon atoms which may be saturated, unsaturated or aromatic.

Alkyl is a straight chain or a branched alkyl having preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, hexyl or heptyl, more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Cycloalkyl is an alkyl ring having preferably 3 to 8 carbon atoms, such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl or cyclooctyl, more preferably 3 to 6 carbon atoms.

Alkenyl is straight chain or branched alkenyl having preferably 2 to 8 carbon atoms such as vinyl, allyl, methallyl, buten-2-yl, buten-3-yl, penten-2-yl, penten-3-yl, penten-4-yl, 3-methyl-but- 3-enyl, 2-methyl-but-3-enyl, 1-methyl-but-3-enyl, hexenyl or heptenyl, more preferably 2 to 4 atoms.

Alkoxy is 0-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above and has preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 or 3 carbon atoms.

Halo or halogen is a halogen atom preferably selected from F, Cl, Br and 1, preferably F, Cl and Br.

Haloalkyl is an alkyl moiety as defined above having preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, wherein at least one, preferably 1 to 3 hydrogen atoms have been replaced by a halogen atom. Preferred examples are-CF3,-CH2CF3 -CF2CF3.

Therein, the alkylen moiety may be a straight chain or branched chain group. Said a) ky) ene moiety preferably has 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples thereof include methylene, ethylene, n-propylene, n-butylene, n-pentylene, n-hexylene, iso-propylene, sec.-butylene, tert.-butylene, 1, 1-dimethyl propylene, 1, 2-dimethyl propylene, 2, 2-dimethyl propylene, i, i-dimethyl butylene, 1,2-dimethyl butylene, 1,3-dimethyl butylene, 2,2-dimethyl butylene, 2, 3-dimethyl butylen, 3, 3-dimethyl butylene, 1-ethyl butylene, 2-ethyl butylene, 3-ethyl butylene, 1-n-propyl propylene, 2-n-propyl propylene, 1-iso-propyl propylene, 2-iso-propyl propylene, 1-methyl pentylen, 2-methyl pentylen, 3-methyl pentylene and 4-methyl pentylene. More preferably, said alkylene moiety has to 3 carbon atoms, such as methylene, ethylene, n-propylene and iso-propylene. Most preferred is methylene.

The compounds of structural formula (I) are effective as melanocortin receptor modulators and are particularly effective as selective modulators of MC-4R. They are therefore useful for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders responsive to the activation and inactivation of MC-4R, such as cancer cachexia, muscle wasting, anorexia, anxiety, depression, obesity, diabetes, sexual dysfunction and other diseases with MC-4R involvement.

Optical Isomers-Diastereomers-Geometric Isomers-Tautomers Compounds of structural formula (I) contain one or more asymmetric centers and can occur as racemates and racemic mixtures, single enantiomers, diastereomeric mixtures and individual diastereomers. The present invention is meant to comprehend all such isomeric forms of the compounds of structural formula (I).

Some of the compounds described herein may exist as tautomers, such as keto-enol tautomers. The individual tautomers, as well as mixtures thereof, are encompassed within the compounds of structural formula (I).

Compounds of structural formula (I) may be separated into their individual diastereoisomers by, for example, fractional crystallization from a suitable solvent, for example, methanol or ethyl acetate or a mixture thereof, or via chiral chromatography using an optically active stationary phase. Absolute stereochemistry may be determined by X-ray crystallography of crystalline products or crystalline intermediates which are derivatized, if necessary, with a reagent containing an asymmetric center of known absolute configuration.

Alternatively, any stereoisomer of a compound of the structural formula (1) may be obtained by stereospecific synthesis using optically pure starting material or reagents of known absolute configuration.

Salts The term"pharmaceutically acceptable salts"refers to salts prepared from pharmaceutical acceptable non-toxic bases or acids including inorganic or organic bases and inorganic or organic acids. Salts derived from inorganic bases include aluminum, ammonium, calcium, copper, ferric, ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganic salts, manganous, potassium, sodium, zinc and the like. Particularly preferred are the ammonium, calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium and sodium salts. Salts derived from pharmaceutically acceptable organic non-toxic bases include salts of primary, secondary and tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally occurring substituted amines, cyclic amines and basic ion exchange resins, such as arginine, betaine, caffeine, choline, N, N'- <BR> <BR> <BR> dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine, 2-diethylaminoethanol, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-ethylmorpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamin, glucosamine, histidine, hydrabamine, isopropylamine, lysine, methylglucamine, morpholine, piperazine, piperidine, polyarnine resins, procaine, purines, theobromine, triethylamine, trimethylamine, tripropylamine, tromethamine and the like.

I When the compound of the present invention is basic, salts may be prepared from pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic acids, including inorganic and organic acids. Such acids include acetic, benzenesulfonic, benzoic, camphorsulfonic, citric, ethanesulfonic, formic, furnaric, gluconic, glutamic, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, isethionic, lactic, maleic, malic, mandelic, methanesulfonic, malonic, mucic, nitric, parnoic, pantothenic, phosphoric, propionic, succinic, sulfuric, tartaric, ptoluenesulfonic, trifluoroacetic acid and the like.

Particularly preferred are citric, fumaric, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, maleic, phosphoric, sulfuric and tartaric acids.

It will be understood that, as used herein, references to the compounds of formula (I) are meant to also include the pharmaceutical acceptable salts. utility Compounds of formula (I) are melanocortin receptor modulators and, as such, are useful in the treatment, control or prevention of diseases, disorders or conditions responsive to the activation or inactivation of one or more of the melanocortin receptors including, but not limited to, MC-1 R, MC-2R, MC-3R, MC-4R or MC-5R. Such diseases, disorders or conditions include, but are not limited to, cancer cachexia, muscle wasting, anorexia, anxiety, depression, obesity (by reducing appetite, increasing metabolic rate, reducing fat intake or reducing carbohydrate craving), diabetes mellitus (by enhancing glucose tolerance, decreasing insulin resistance), hypertension, hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis, cancer, gall bladder disease, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, compulsion, neuroses, insomnia/sleep disorder, substance abuse, pain, male and female sexual dysfunction (including impotence, loss of libido and erectile dysfunction), fever, inflammation, immune- modulation, rheumatoid arthritis, skin tanning, acne and other skin disorders, neuroprotective and cognitive and memory enhancement including the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Some compounds encompassed by formula (I) show highly selective affinity for the melanocortin-4 receptor relative to MC-1 R, MC-2R, MC-3R and MC-5R, which makes them especially useful in the prevention and treatment of cancer cachexia, muscle wasting, anorexia, anxiety, depression and obesity, as well as male and/or female sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction."Male sexual dysfunction"includes impotence, loss of libido and erectile dysfunction."Female sexual dysfunction"can be seen as resulting from multiple components including dysfunction in desire, sexual arousal, sexual receptivity and orgasm.

Administration and Dose Ranges Any suitable route of administration may be employed for providing a mammal, especially a human with an effective dosage of a compound of the present invention. For example, oral, rectal, topical, parenteral, ocular, pulmonary, nasal and the like may be employed. Dosage forms include tablets, troches, dispersions, suspensions, solutions, capsules, creams, ointments, aerosols and the like. Preferably compounds of formula (I) are administered orally or topically.

The effective dosage of active ingredient employed may vary depending on the particular compound employed, the mode of administration, the condition being treated and the severity of the condition being treated. Such dosage may be ascertained readily by a person skilled in the art.

When treating cancer cachexia, muscle wasting or anorexia, generally, satisfactory results are obtained when the compounds of the present invention are administered at a daily dosage of from about 0.001 milligram to about 100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, preferably given in a single dose or in divided doses two to six times a day, or in sustained release form. In the case of a 70 kg adult human, the total daily dose will generally be from about 0.07 milligrams to about 3500 milligrams. This dosage regimen may be adjusted to provide the optimal therapeutic response.

When treating obesity, in conjunction with diabetes and/or hyperglycemia, or alone, generally, satisfactory results are obtained when the compounds of the present invention are administered at a daily dosage of from about 0.001 milligram to about 100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, preferably given in a single dose or in divided doses two to six times a day, or in sustained release form. In the case of a 70 adult human, the total daily dose will generally be from about 0. 07 milligrams to about 3500 milligrams. This dosage regimen may be adjusted to provide the optimal therapeutic response.

When treating diabetes mellitus and/or hyperglycemia, as well as other diseases or disorders for which compounds of formula (I) are useful, generally, satisfactory results are obtained when the compounds of the present invention are administered at a daily dosage of from about 0. 001 milligram to about 100 milligram per kilogram of animal body weight, preferably given in a single dose or in divided doses two to six times a day, or in sustained release form. In the case of a 70 kg adult human, the total daily dose will generally be from about 0.07 milligrams to about 3500 milligrams. This dosage regimen may be adjusted to provide the optimal therapeutic response.

For the treatment of sexual dysfunction, compounds of the present invention are given in a dose range of 0.001 milligram to about 100 milligram per kilogram of body weight, preferably as a single dose orally or as a nasal spray.

Formulation The compound of formula (I) is preferably formulated into a dosage form prior to administration. Accordingly the present invention also includes a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) and a suitable pharmaceutical carrier.

The present pharmaceutical compositions are prepared by known procedures using well- known and readily available ingredients. In making the formulations of the present invention, the active ingredient (a compound of formula (I)) is usually mixed with a carrier, or diluted by a carrier, or enclosed within a carrier, which may be in the form of a capsule, sachet, paper or other container. When the carrier serves as a diluent, it may be a solid, semisolid or liquid material which acts as a vehicle, excipient or medium for the active ingredient. Thus, the compositions can be in the form of tablets, pills, powders, lozenges, sachets, cachets, elixirs, suspensions, emulsions, solutions, syrups, aerosol (as a solid or in a liquid medium), soft and hard gelatin capsules, suppositories, sterile injectable solutions and sterile packaged powders.

Some examples of suitable carriers, excipients and diluents include lactose, dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, starches, gum acacia, calcium phosphate, alginates, tragacanth, gelatin, calcium silicate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cellulose, water syrup, methyl cellulose, methyl, propylhydroxybenzoates, talc, magnesium stearate and mineral oil. The formulations can additionally include lubricating agents, wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, preserving agents, sweetening agents or flavoring agents. The compositions of the invention may be formulated so as to provide quick, sustained or delayed release of the active ingredient after administration to the patient.

Preparation of Compounds of the Invention When describing the preparation of the present compounds of formula (I), the terms"A moiety", "B moiety"and"C moiety"are used below. This moiety concept is illustrated below : A (CH2) 1--F- (CH2), B B 0 R2Preparation of the compounds of the present invention may be carried out via sequential or convergent synthetic routes. The"A"and"B moieties"of a compound of formula (I) are connected by reductive amination or nucleophilic substitution reactions. Those skilled in the art know various pathways and methods of connecting these two moities using standard procedures. The skilled artisan will recognize that, in some embodiments, the"B" "C moieties" of a compound of formula (1) are connected via amide bonds. The skilled artisan can, therefore, readily envision numerous routes and methods of connecting these two moities via standard peptide coupling reaction conditions.

The phrase"standard peptide coupling reaction conditions"means coupling a carboxylic acid with an amine using an acid activating agent such as EDC, dicyc ! ohexy ! carbodiimide, and benzotriazol-1-yloxytris (dimethylamino)-phosphonium hexafluorophosphate in a inert solvent such as DCM, in the presence of a catalyst such as HOBt. The uses of protective groups for amine and carboxylic acids to facilitate the desired reaction and minimize undesired reactions are well documented. Conditions required to remove protecting groups, which may be present, can be found in Greene, et al., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY 1991.

Protecting groups like Z, Boc and Fmoc are used extensively in the synthesis and their removal conditions are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, removal of Z groups can he achieved by catalytic hydrogenation with hydrogen, in the presence of a noble metal or its oxide, such as palladium, on activated carbon in a protic solvent such as ethanol. In cases where catalytic hydrogenation is contraindicated by the presence of other potentially reactive functionality, removal of Z can also be achieved by treatment with a solution of hydrogen bromide in acetic acid, or by treatment with a mixture of TFA and dimethylsulfide. Removal of Boc protecting groups is carried out in a solvent such as methylene chloride, methanol or ethyl acetate, with a strong acid such as TFA or HCI or hydrogen chloride gas.

The compounds of Formula (I), when existing as a diastereomeric mixture, may be separated into diastereomeric pairs of enantiomers by fractional crystallization from a suitable solvent such as methanol, ethyl acetate or a mixture thereof. The pair of enantiomers, thus obtained, may be separated into individual stereoisomers by conventional means by using an optically active acid as a resolving agent. Alternatively, any enantiomer of a compound of the formula (I) may be obtained by stereospecific synthesis using optically pure starting materials or reagents of known configuration.

The compounds of Formula (I) of the present invention can be prepared according to the procedures of the following Schemes and Examples, using appropriate materials and are further exemplified by the following specific examples. Moreover, by utilizing the procedures described herein, in conjunction with ordinary skills in the art, additional compounds of the present invention claimed herein can be readily prepared. The compounds illustrated in the examples are not, however, to be construed as forming the only genus that is considered as the invention. The Examples further illustrate details for the preparation of the compounds of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that known variations of the conditions and processes of the following preparative procedures can be used to prepare these compounds. The instant compounds are generally isolated in the form of their pharmaceutical acceptable salts, such as those described previously. The amine freebases corresponding to the isolated salts can be generated by neutralization with a suitable base, such as aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, and extraction of the liberated amine freebase into an organic solvent, followed by evaporation. The amine freebase isolated in this manner can be further converted into another pharmaceutical acceptable salt by dissolution in an organic solvent, followed by addition of the appropriate acid and subsequent evaporation, precipitation or crystallization. All temperatures are degrees Celsius. Mass spectra (MS) were measured by electron-spray ion-mass spectroscopy.

In the schemes, preparations and examples below, various reagent symbols and abbreviations have the following meanings: BINAP 2, 2'-bis (diphenylphosphino)-1, 1'-binaphtyl Boc t-butoxycarbonyl Bu butyl BZ202 dibenzoylperoxide DCM dichloromethane DIEA diisopropylethylamine DMA AP 4-dimethylaminopyridine DME dimethoxyethane DMF N, N-dimethylformamide EDC 1- (3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride Et ethyl EtOAc ethyl acetate Fmoc 9-fluorenylmethyl-carbamate HOAc acetic acid HOAt 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole HOBt 1-hydroxybenzotriazole h hour (s) iPr isopropyl NBS N-bromosuccinimide NMM N-methylmorpholine Me methyl Ms methanesulfonyl Pd2 (dba) 3 tris (dibenzylideneacetone) dipalladium (O) Phe phenylalanine TEA triethylamine TFA trifluoroacetic acid Tf trifluormethanesulfonyl THF tetrahydrofuran Tic 1,2, 3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid TLC thin layer chromatography TMOF trimethylorthoformate TMS trimethylsilyl p-Ts para-toluenesulfonyl Z benzyloxycarbonyl Coupling of the three moieties : <BR> <BR> Reaction Scheme 1 : Reductive ami nation For coupling of H-A with amino aldehydes Boc-B-H, NaBH (OAc) 3, NaBH4, or NaBH3CN can be used.

Generally, the starting material of Boc-protected amine (Boc-A) can be deprotected in the presence of TFA/CH2CI2, HCI/EtOAc, HCI/dioxane or HCI in MeOH/Et20 with or without a cation scavenger, such as dimethyl sulfide (DMS), before being subjected to the coupling procedure.

A suitable solvent such as MeOH, EtOH or isopropanol, or a mixture of the above solvents, can be used for the coupling procedure, with or without addition of acetic acid.

Reaction Scheme 2: Nucleophilic substitution for coupling of A and B For coupling of H-A with phenacyl halides O=B-Br, DIEA, TEA, NMM, collidine or 2, 6- lutidine, can be used as base.

Generally, the starting material of Boc-protected amine (Boc-A) can be deprotected in the presence of TFA/CH2CI2, HCI/EtOAc, HCI/dioxane or HCI in MeOH/Et2O, with or without a cation scavenger such as dimethyl sulfide (DMS), before being subjected to the coupling procedure.

A suitable solvent such as DCM, Et20, THF or DMF, or a mixture of the above solvents, can be used for the coupling procedure.

The ketones A-B=O can be reduced using NaBH4, NaBH (OAc) 3 or NaBH3CN in a suitable solvent, such as MeOH, EtOH or isopropanol, or a mixture of the above solvents.

Reaction Scheme 3: Addition reactions of styrene oxides for coupling of A and B For coupling of H-A with styrene oxides (e. g. (R) -styrene oxide), DIEA, TEA, NMM, collidine or 2, 6-lutidine can be used as base. Suitable solvents are DCM, DMF, DMSO, MeCN or THF and mixtures thereof.

Reaction Scheme 4: Nucleophilic substitution for coupling of A, B and C Procedure 1 Procedure 2 MsCI NaN3 Raney-Ni A-B-OH A-B-H DIEA The OH function of benzylic alcohols A-B-OH can be transformed into a leaving group using MsCI, p-TsCI or Tf20 in the presence of a suitable base like TEA, DIEA or NMM. Suitable solvents are DCM, THF, dioxane or pyridine, or a mixture thereof. When pyridine is used as a solvent, no additional base is required.

Intermediates A-B-OMs can directly be coupled with C-H (e. g. 1-methyl-piperazine, Procedure 1) or they can be transformed into the corresponding azides with NaN3 or TMSN3, followed by subsequent reduction thereof (Procedure 2) yielding compounds A-B-H, which can be used for the peptide coupling described below.

The reaction of A-B-OH to A-B-C and A-B-N3, respectively, can also be accomplished using Mitsunobu conditions.

Reaction Scheme 5: Peptide coupling For coupling of H-BA with Boc-C-OH, EDC/HOAt, EDC/HOBt or DCC/HOBt can be used.

Generally, the starting material of Boc-protected amine (Boc-BA) can be deprotected in the presence of TFA/CH2C12, HCI/EtOAc, HCI/dioxane or HCI in MeOH/Et20, with or without a cation scavenger, such as dimethyl sulfide (DMS), before being subjected to the coupling procedure. It can be freebased before being subjected to the coupling procedure, or in some cases, used as the salt.

A suitable solvent such as CH2CI2, DMF or THF, or a mixture of the above solvents, can be used for the coupling procedure. A suitable base includes TEA, DIEA, NMM, collidine or 2, 6-lutidine.

A base may not be needed when EDC/HOBt is used.

Generally after the reaction is completed, the reaction mixture can be diluted with an appropriate organic solvent, such as EtOAc, CH2CI2 or Et20, which is then washed with aqueous solutions, such as water, HCI, NaHS04, bicarbonate, NaH2PO4, phosphate buffer (pH 7), brine or any combination thereof. The reaction mixture can be concentrated and then be partitioned between an appropriate organic solvent and an aqueous solution. The reaction mixture can be concentrated and subjected to chromatography without aqueous workup.

Protecting groups such as Boc, Z, Fmoc and CF3CO can be deprotected in the presence of H2/Pd-C, TFA/DCM, HCI/EtOAc, HCI/dioxane, HCI in MeOH/Et20, NH3/MeOH or TBAF, with or without a cation scavenger such as thioanisole, ethane thiol or dimethyl sulfide (DMS). The deprotected amines can be used as the resulting salt or are freebased by dissolving in DCM and washing with aqueous bicarbonate or aqueous NaOH. The deprotected amines can also be freebased by ion exchange chromatography. The"A","B"and"C moieties"of the present invention, in general, may be prepared from commercially available starting materials via known chemical transformations.

Reaction Schemes for Preparation of "A moiety" The preparation of"A moiety"of the compound of formula (I) is illustrated in the reaction schemes below.

Some"A moieties"can be prepared as described in the corresponding literature : 4-Cyclohexyl-4- [1, 2,4] triazol-1-ylmethyl-piperidine (W00074679) and 4-cyclohexyl- piperidine-4-carboxylic acid tert-butylamide (WO0170708).

Reaction Scheme 6: Buchwald Reaction Box Buchwald N. \ c (dba) 3, BINAS C CN NaOtBu heat heat 1 2 3 X = halo ; and R is aryl As shown in Reaction Scheme 6, the"A moiety"of the compounds of the present invention can be prepared by coupling halo-substituted aryl 2 (X-R) with 1-Boc-piperazine 1 in the presence of tri (dibenzylideneacetone) dipalladium (Pd2 (dba) 3), 2, 2'-Bis (diphenylphosphino)- 1, 1'-binaphtyl (BINAP) and sodium-tert-butoxide (NaOtBu), or cesium carbonate (Cs2CO3), in an organic solvent such as toluene at a suitable temperature. More detailed examples of "A moiety" preparation are descirbed below.

Reaction Scheme 7 : Bromination of toluenes, substitution with lactames followed by Buchwaldl reaction r /1) BS/Bz20, R13 \ 2) 4 5 Br 0 Boc KF/alumina Conditions > Pd2 3, BINAP NaOtBu or Cs2CO3 7 heat Boy (N) CN R rNA 8 8 9 ft=0-3 As shown in Reaction Scheme 7, the"A moiety"of the compounds of the present invention can be prepared by reacting various methyl benzenes 4 with NBS in the presence of a radical starter such as Bz202, followed by reaction with diethyl phosphite, in the presence of a base such as DIPEA, to give benzylbromides 5, which can then used to alkylate lactames, like 6, in the presence of a appropriate base such as I<F/alumina. The substituted bromobenzenes can then be subjected to Buchwald conditions, followed by deprotection using an appropriate reactant such as TFA.

Reaction Scheme 8 : Reduction of omega-(2-bromophenyl) carboxylic acids, substitution with lactames followed by Buchwatd resction r BH3-THF (/CH2) 2 OH OH Br 10 11 12 6 Br KF/alumina (N Conditions (CHz)"+ Pd2 (dba) 3, BINAP N/NaOtBuorCsCOg r (CH2) heat 0 13 1 N\- tua vN N N ; (CH,) t ; (CH2) t O 0 14 15 Ot = 0-3 v = 0-2 As shown in Reaction Scheme 8, carboxylic acids 10 can be reduced to the corresponding alcohols 11, using an appropriate reagent such as BH3-THF, which are subsequently transferred to the corresponding alkyl bromides 12 with reagents such as CBr4 and PPh3.

The alkyl bromides can then be used to alkylate lactames, like 6, in the presence of an appropriate base such as KF/alumina. The substituted bromobenzenes can then be subjected to Buchwald conditions, followed by deprotection, using an appropriate reactant such as TFA.

Reaction Scheme 9: Suzuki Coupling Boc I Boc Suzuki ber Br 9 O heat 16 17 18 Boc H2 TFA m. Pd/c R R 19 20 Br-R is compound 7 or 13 As shown in Reaction Scheme 9, 1-(2 (H)-pyridine-carboxylic acid-3, 6-dihydro-4- (4, 4,5, 5- tetramethyl-1, 3, 2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-1, 1-dimethyl ethyl ester 16 (Tetrahedron Lett. 2000,41, 3705-3708) can be reacted with halo aryl compounds, such as 7 or 13, in the presence of a base such as K2CO3 and a catalyst such as dichloro (1, 1'-bis (diphenylphosphino)- ferrocen) palladium (II) DCM adduct, in an organic solvent such as DMF, or toluene, at a suitable temperature. The tetrahydropyridines can be hydrogenated in the presence of a catalyst, such as Pd/C, to yield the protected piperidines 19, which can subsequent be deprotected with a reagent, such as TFA, to yield piperidines 20.

Reaction Schemes for Preparation of "B moiety" Reaction Scheme 10 : Preparation of Weinreb amides and reduction thereof As shown in Reaction Scheme 10, amino acids 21 can be converted into the corresponding Weinreb amides using standard peptide coupling conditions such as EDC/NMM, in an appropriate solvent such as DCM (analog Synth. Commun. 1982,676). Reduction of the Weinreb amides 22, to the aldehydes 23, can be performed with reagents like LAH, in an appropriate solvent such as diethyl ether (Chirality 2000, 12,2).

Reaction Schemes for Preparatino of "C moiety" Reaction Shceme 11: Chromencarboxylic acids As shown in Reaction Scheme 11, ethyl 3-bromo-4-oxochromene-2-carboxylate 24 (J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. I 1986, 1643-1649) can be reacted with amines, with or without a base such as K2CO3, in an appropriate solvent such as MeCN, to form products 25, which are subsequently treated with a reagent, such as HBr/HOAc, to form carboxylic acids 26.

When R8 is hydrogen, the free-amine can be protected with a reagent, such as Boc20, in the presence of TEA and DMAP, in an appropriate solvent.

Reaction Scheme 12: 4-Oxo-1, 4-dihydro-quinoline-2-carboxylic acids As shown in Reaction Scheme 12, ethyl 4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-quinoline-2-carboyxlates 28 (Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2000, 10, 1487-1490) can be converted into the corresponding acids 29 by an appropriate reactant, such as HBr/HOAc.

Reaction Scheme 13: Chromone-2-carboxylic acids (method 1) As shown in Reaction Scheme 13, substituted phenols 30 can be reacted with triethylamine followed by dimethyl acetylendicarboxylate in diethyl ether to yield compounds 31 (Aust. J.

Chem. 1995, 48, 677-686). Saponification of the latter with aqueous sodium hydroxide leads to acids 32 which are subsequently cyclized to the chromone-2-carboxylic acids 33 using concentrated sulfuric acid in acetyl chloride.

Reaction Scheme 14 : Chromone-2-carboxylic acids (method 2) As shown in Reaction Scheme 14,2'-hydroxyacetophenones 34 can be reacted with diethyl oxalate 35 in the presence of a base such as sodium methoxide in an appropriate solvent such as methanol or benzene followed by treatment with an acid such as hydrochloric acid to yield chromone-2-carboxylic acid esters 36 (J. Indian Chem. Soc. 1986,63, 600-602). The esters can be cleaved using basic conditions such as sodium bicarbonate in water or acidic conditions such as polyphosphoric acid at an appropriate temperature to the corresponding acids 33.

Reaction Scheme 15 : Demethylation of methoxychromone-2-carobylxic acids As shown in Reaction Scheme 15, methoxy-substituted chromone-2-carboxylic acids can be demethylated with reagents such as hydroiodic acid in an appropriate solvent such as glacial acetic acid to yield the corresponding hydroxy-substituted chromone-2-carboxylic acids.

5, 7-Dihydroxychromone-2-carboxylic acid was prepared as described in the literature (OPPI Briefs 1991,23, 390-392).

The following describes the detailed examples of the invention. H --kN H N 1. TFA NH Ou NaBH3CN v ß mesh HOAX /e 'kN HCI HOBt ci NMM DCM I DCM HCI 0 dioxane NH 0< HCI cri Synthesis Scheme for Example 1 Synthesis Scheme for Example 26 Synthesis Scheme for Example 28 The following examples are provided to illustrate the invention and are not limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

Example 1: To Boc-protected intermediate 1c) (31 mg) was added hydrogen chloride, 4.0 M sol. in 1,4-dioxane (10 ml) and the solution was stirred for 90 min at room temperature. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in DCM and treated with diethyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off to yield the title compound as a solid. white solid Mp. 200-215 °C.

The required intermediates can be synthesized in the following way: Intermediate 1 a) : To a solution of 4-cyclohexyl-piperidine-4-carboxylic acid tert-butylamide (134 mg) in methanol (3. 2 ml) and acetic acid (0. 8 ml) was added Boc-L-4-chlorophenylalanina 2 mg) and stirred for 90 min. After colling to 0°C, sodium cyanoborohydride (47 mg) was added in small portions. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h and partitioned between sat. NaHCO3 and DCM. The aqueous phase was extracted two times with DCM. The combined organic were dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by column chromatography yielded the title compound.

Intermediate 1b) : To the Boc-protected amine from 1a) (132 mg) in DCM (5 ml) was added TFA (1 ml) and stirred at room temperature for 90 min. Additional TFA (1 ml) was added and stirred for 10 min. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (10 ml) and carefully basified by pouring it into 10% aqueous sodium carbonate solution (20 ml). The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was further extracted three times with DCM. The combined organics were washed with water and brine, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to give a white solid.

For prolonged storage, the free-base was converted into the corresponding hydrochloride. The free-base was dissolved in DCM (5 ml) and app. 1 M HCI in ether (10 ml) was added. The precipitate was filtered and the residue was washed three times with ether and dried under reduced pressure to yield the desired compound.

Intermediate 1c) : To (R) -Boc-1, 2,3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (24 mg) in DCM (2 ml) was added intermediate 1b) (38 mg), N-methylmorpholine (14, ul) and HOBt (14 mg) and then it was stirred for 20 min. EDC (23 mg) was added and stirring continued for 1 h. An additional amount of N-methylmorpholine (8 lli) was added and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was poured into water (5 ml) and the organic phase was separated. The aqueous phase was extracted two times with DCM. The combined organic phases were washed with 0.5 N HCI and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to yield the product which was purified by column chromatography.

The following examples can be prepared in a similar way : Example 2: white solid Mp. 185-195 °C.

Example 3 : white solid Mp. 185-195 °C.

Example 4: white solid Mp. 200-215 °C.

Example 5 : white solid Rf = 0. 47 (DCM/methanol 9: 1); Mp. 180-210°C.

Example 6: white solid Rf = 0 35 (DCM/methanol 9: 1); Mp. 195-215 °C.

Example 7: Example 8: Exampte 9 : Example 10: Example 11 : Example 12: Example 13 : Example 14 : Example 15 : Example 16: Example 17 : Example 18 : Example 19: Example 20: Example 21 : Example 22: Example 23: Example 24: Example 25 : white solid Rf = 0. 52,0. 48 (DCM/methanol 9: 1); Mp. 215-235 °C.

Example 26: To a solution of intermediate 26c) (25 mg) in DCM was added N-methyl-piperazine (18 µl) and it was stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM and extracted with water and brine. The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to yield the title compound which was purified by column chromatography. white solid Rf = 0.20 (ethyl acetate/ethanol/triethylamine 50: 50 : 1).

The required intermediates can be synthesized in the following way : Intermediate 26a) : To a solution of 4-cyclohexyl-piperidine-4-carboxylic acid tert-butylamide (134 mg) and DIEA (258 pI) in DCM (5 ml) was added p-fluorophenacyl bromide (117 mg) and it was stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM and then poured into water.

The aqueous phase was extracted twice with DCM. The combined organic layers were washed with 1 M HCI and sat. NaHCO3 and dried over Na2SO4. The title compound was obtained after evaporation of the solvent.

Intermediate 26b) : A stirred solution of intermediate 26a) (168 mg) in ethanol (6 ml) was treated at 30-40°C with NaBH4 (16 mg). The mixture was stirred for 1 h without heating and then for 1 h at 50°C. After cooling the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure, the residue was diluted with water and extracted three times with DCM. The combined extracts were washed with water and brine, dried over Na2S04 and the solvent was evaporated to yield the title compound.

Intermediate 26c) : To a solution of intermediate 26b) (127 mg) in DCM (1 ml) was added TEA (84 µl). The reaction mixture was cooled to 0°C and methanesulfonyl chloride (47 µl) was added. After the reaction mixture was stirred for 90 min, volatiles were removed in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between water and EtOAc. The aqueous phase was extracted twice with EtOAc and the combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to afford the title compound. The following example can be prepared in a similar way : Emmp 27 : white solid Rf = 0.22 (ethyl acetate/ethanol/triethylamine 50: 50: 1).

Example 28: To chromone-2-carboxylic acid (16 mg) in DCM (2 ml) was added intermediate 1b) (38 mg), N-methylmorpholine (14 ; J) and HOBt (14 mg) and then it was stirred for 20 min. EDC (23 mg) was added and stirring continued for 1 h. An additional amount of N-methylmorpholine (8 pI) was added and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was poured into water (5 ml) and the organic phase was separated. The aqueous phase was extracted two times with DCM. The combined organic phases were washed with 0.5 N HCI and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to yield the product which was purified by column chromatography. white solid Rf = 0.27 (ethyl acetate) ; Mp. 187-188 °C.

The following examples can be prepared in s similar way: Example 29: white solid Rf = 0.27 (ethyl acetate); Mp. 184-187 °C.

Example 30: white needles Rf = 0.17 (ethyl acetate/ethanol 9: 1); Mp. 205-206 °C.

Example 31 : white needles Rf = 0.17 (ethyl acetate/ethanol 9: 1); Mp. 205-207 °C.

Example 32: white solid Rf = 0. 51 (DCM/methanol 9 : 1).

Example 33: white needles Rf = 0.53 (DCM/methanol 9: 1); Mp. 193-194 °C.

Example 34 : white solid Rf = 0.55 (DCM/methanol 9: 1).

Example 35 : white solid Rf = 0.63 (DCM/methanol 9: 1).

Example 36 : white solid Rf = 0.47 (DCM/methanol 9: 1).

Example 37: white solid Rf = 0.55 (DCM/methanol 9: 1).

Example 38: white solid Rf = 0.20 (DCM/methanol 95: 5).

Example 39: white solid Rf = 0.22 (DCM/methanol 95: 5).

Example 40: Example 41: white solid Rf = 0.56 (DCM/methanol 9: 1).

Example 42: Example 43 : Example 44: Example 45: Example 46 : Example 47: white solid Rf = 0.34 (DCM/methanol 9: 1).

Example 48: white solid Rf = 0.29 (DCM/methanol 9:1).

Example 49: Example 50 : white solid Rf = 0.62 (DCM/methanol 9: 1); Mp. 167-174 °C.

Example 51 : white solid Rf = 0.16 (DCM/methanol 95: 5).

Example 52 : Example 53 : white solid Rf = 0.55 (DCM/methanol 9: 1).

Example 54: white needles Rf = 0.48 (DCM/methanol 9: 1).

Example 55 : Example 56 : Example 57 : Example 58: Example 59 : white needles Rf = 0.66 (DCM/methanol 9: 1).

Example 60 : Example 61: Example 62: Example 63 : Example 64: Example 65: Example 66: Example 67: Example 68: Example 69 : Example 70: Example 71: Example 72: Example 73: Example 74: white solid Rf = 0. 18 (hexane/ethyl acetate 1 : 2); Mp. 125-130 °C.

Example 75: Example 76: Example 77: Example 78 : Example 79: Example 80: Example 81: Example 82 : Example 83: Example 84 : Example 85 : Example 86: Example 87 : Example 88 : Example 89: Example 90 : Example 91: Example 92: Example 93 : Example 94: Example 95: Example 96 : Example 97: Example 98: Example 99 : Example 100: Example 101: Example 102 : Example 103: Example 104: Example 105: Example 106: Example 107: Example 108 : Example 109: Example 110 : Example 111 : Example 112: Example 113: Example 114 : Example 115: Example 116: Example 117 : Example 118 : Example 119: Example 120 : Example 121: Example 122: Example 123: white solid Rf = 0. 48 (DCM/methanol 9: 1); Mp. 148-165 °C.

Example 124: white solid Rf = 0.48 (DCM/methanol 9: 1); Mp. 148-165 °C.

Example 125: Example 126: Example 127: white solid Rf = 0. 49 (DCM/methanol 9 : 1); Mp. 135-160 °C.

Example 128: white solid Rf= 0. 49 (DCM/methanoi 9: 1) ; Mp. 140-164 °C.

Preparation of the chromone-2-carboxylic acids : Synthesis of Chromone-2-carboxylic Acids using method 1 Chromone-2-carboxylic acid 1: Intermediate CA1b) (5.85 g) was suspended in AcCl (110 ml) and concentrated sulfuric acid (4.40 ml) was added while stirring at RT. Then the slightly yellowish reaction mixture was heated to reflux with vigorous stirring and kept under reflux for 30 min. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo to a volume of ca. 25 mi and then slowly and carefully added to well stirred H20 (300 mi) and stirring was continued for 1 h. After brief sonication, the formed precipitate was filtered off, washed with cold H20 (3x30 ml), and finally dried in vacuo at 40 °C overnight. The crude product was dissolved in a minimal amount of boiling H20 (270 ml) and left to slowly cool to RT. Crystallization was completed at RT for 6 h, then the crystalline product was filtered off and washed with cold H20 (3x10 ml). Finally the product was dried in vacuo at 40 °C overnight to yield the title compound.

Intermediate CA1a): 4-Trifluoromethoxyphenol (6.67 g) was dissolved in Et20 (55 ml) and TEA (6.36 ml) was added while stirring at RT. Then dimethyl acetylendicarboxylate (5.12 ml) was added with vigorous stirring and the reaction mixture stirred at RT in the dark overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with Et20 (30 ml) and washed with 1 M HCI (3x65 ml), H20 (30 ml), and brine (25 ml), dried with Na2SO4 and then evaporated in vacuo. Finally it was dried under high vacuum for 2 h to yield the desired product.

Intermediate CA1b) : To intermediate CA1a) (9.57 g) was added a solution of NaOH (4.80 g) in water (45 ml) while stirring at RT. Then the reaction mixture was heated to reflux with vigorous stirring and kept under reflux for 3 h. The reaction mixture was extracted with Et20 (100 ml) and then acidified to below pH 1 with conc. HCI while cooling in ice/H20. A white precipitate formed, which was filtered off, washed with H20 (3x30 ml), and finally it was dried in vacuo at 40 °C overnight to give the desired compound.

The following chromone-2-carboxylic acids were prepared using method 1: 6-ethylchromone-2-carboxylic acid, 6-isopropylchromone-2-carboxylic acid, 6- <BR> <BR> methoxychromone-2-carboxylic acid, 6-trifluoromethylchromone-2-carboxylic acid, 6-tert.- butylchromone-2-carboazylic acid, 6-chlorochromone-2-carboxylic acid, 6- trifluoromethoxychromone-2-carboxylic acid, 8-methoxychromone-2-carboxylic acid, 6- trifuoromethylsulfanylchromone-2-carboxylic acid, 8-chlorochromone-2-carboxylic acid, 8- fluorochromone-2-carboxylic acid 7-chlorochromone-2-carboxylic acid, 6-ethoxychromone-2- carboxylic acid, 6-methanesulfonylchromone-2-carboxylic acid, 8-oxo-8H-[1, 3] dioxolo [4, 5- g] chromene-6-carboxylic acid, 6-allyloxy-4-hydroxy-4H-chromene-2-carboxylic acid, 6-butoxy-4- hydroxy-4H-chromene-2-carboxylic acid, 6-propoxy-4-hydroxy-4H-chromene-2-carboxylic acid, 6-cyclopentyl-4-oxo-4H-chromene-2-carboxylic acid, 6-pentafluoroethoxy-4-oxo-4H-chromene- 2-carboxylic acid, 4-oxo-6- [1, 2,4] triazol-1-yl-4H-chromene-2-carboxylic acid, 6-imidazol-1-yl-4- oxo-4H-chromene-2-carboxylic acid, 6-acetylamino-4-oxo-4H-chromene-2-carboxylic acid, 6- (acetyl-methyl-amino)-4-oxo-4H-chromene-2-carboxylic acid, 6-methanesulfonylamino-4-oxo- 4H-chromene-2-carboxylic acid, 6-(methanesulfonyl-methyl-amino)-4-oxo-4H-chromene-2- carboxylic acid and 6-dimethylamino-4-oxo-4H-chromene-2-carboxylic acid. 1. Na MeOH toluene i OOH 2. HCI EtOH I u O O + Synthesis of Chromone-2-carboxylic Acids using method 2 Chromone-2-carboxylic acid 2 : Intermediate CA2a) (2.65 g) was suspended in sat. sodium bicarbonate solution (50 ml) and heated to 80°C for 2 h. At the end of the reaction a clear solution was obtained. After cooling to room temperature the reaction mixture was acidified with HCI. The white precipitate was filtered off, washed with water and dried in vacuo at 40 °C overnight to give the title compound.

Intermediate CA2a) : Sodium (4.0 g) was added to dry methanol (50 ml). After the conversion to the methoxide was complete the solution was cooled and a solution of 2'-hydroxy-4', 5'-dimethoxyacetophenone (3.92 g) in diethyl oxalate (12 ml), methanol (50 ml) and toluene (50 ml) was added to it. The mixture was refluxed overnight. After cooling, diethyl ether (200 mi) was added. The sodium salt was filtered, washed with anhydrous ether, suspended in water and the solution acidified. The resultant precipitate was filtered and dried to yield a yellow solid.

The intermediate was dissolved in ethanol (100 ml) and heated at 100°C for 15 min; concentrated HCI (2 mi) was added, and the solution stirred at 100°C for 1.5 h. Immediately after addition of the acid a precipitate was formed. After cooling to room temperature the reaction mixture was diluted with water (150 ml) and the pale yellow precipitate was filtered off and washed with water. The product was dried under reduced pressure.

The following chromone-2-carboxytic acids were prepared using method 2: 6-methoxychromone-2-carboxylic acid, 7-methoxychromone-2-carboxylic acid, 6,7- dimethylchromone-2-carboxylic acid, 6, 7-dimethoxychromone-2-carboazylic acid, 6- chlorochromone-2-carbo3ylic acid, 6, 8-difluorochromone-2-carboxylic acid, 6, 8- dichlorochromone-2-carboxylic acid and 7-fluorochromone-2-carboxylic acid.

Demethylation of Methoxy Substituted Chromone-2-carboxylic Acids Chromone-2-carboxylic acid 3: 8-Methoxychromone-2-carboxylic acid (220 mg) was suspended in AcOH (2 ml) and conc. HI (2 ml) was added while stirring at RT. Then the slightly yellowish suspension was heated to 120 °C with vigorous stirring and kept at this temperature for 60 min. The warm reaction mixture was slowly and carefully added to well stirred H20 (75 ml) and the resulting yellow solution was chilled in ice for 30 min. Crystallization was completed in the fridge for another 2 h. The formed crystalline precipitate was filtered off, washed with cold H20 (3x3 ml), and finally dried in vacuo at 40 °C overnight.

The following chromone-2-carboxylic acids were prepared using the demethylation method : 6-hydroxychromone-2-carboxylic acid, 7-hydroxychromone-2-carboxylic acid, 8- hydroxychromone-2-carboxylic acid, 6, 7-dihydroxychromone-2-carboxylic acid and 6-hydroxy-7- methoxychromone-2-carboxylic acid.

BIOLOGICAL ASSAYS Binding Assay A membrane binding assay is used to identify competitive inhibitors of fluorescence labeled NDP-alpha-MSH binding to HEK293 cell membrane preparations expressing human melanocortin receptors.

The test compound or unlabeled NDP-alpha-MSH is dispensed at varying concentrations to a 384 well microtiter plate. Fluorescence labeled NDP-alpha-MSH is dispensed at a single concentration, followed by addition of membrane preparations. The plate is incubated for 5 h at room temperature.

The degree of fluorescence polarization is determined with a fluorescence polarization microplate reader.

B. Functional Assay A functional cellular assay, based on competition between unlabeled cAMP and a fixed quantity of fluorescence labeled cAMP for a limited number of binding sites on a cAMP specific antibody, is used to discriminate melanocortin receptor agonists from antagonists by fluorescence polarization.

HEK293 cells expressing one of the human melanocortin receptors are transferred to 384 well microtiter plates, an appropriate amount of cAMP antibody is added, followed by the addition of different concentrations of the test compound to effect CAMP production. Cells are lysed and a fluorescence labeled cAMP conjugate is dispensed. The plate is read on a fluorescence polarization microplate reader and the amount of cAMP produced as a response to a test compound is compared to the production of cAMP resulting from stimulation with NDP-alpha- MSH.

To define antagonistic activity of a test compound, the compound is dispensed at different concentrations to cells stimulated by an appropriate amount of NDP-a-MSH. Inhibition of cAMP production is determined by comparing the inhibition of cAMP production of the test compound to the inhibition of CAMP production by a known inhibitor tested at the same concentrations.

Biological Data for selected Examples of the Invention : Example hMC4-R hMC4-R % activation binding assay functional assay functional assay IC50/µM $EC50/µM 1 0. 70-no activation 2 0. 72 3. 1 80 3 0. 42-no activation 5 2. 5 8. 0 52 6 1. 0-no activation 28 2. 3-no activation 29 2. 6-no activation 30 2. 1-no activation 31 0. 061-no activation C, In Vivo Food Intake Models rjF Spontaneous Feeding Paradigm Food intake in rats is measured after i. p. or p. o. administration of the test compound (see e. g. Chen, A. S. et al. Transgenic Res 2000 Apr; 9 (2) : 145-54).

3-4 Hours following the onset of the light-phase, individually housed, male Wistar rats (200- 300 g) receive an ip injection or po application of test compound or vehicle in an administration volume of 2 ml/kg. Following the administration of substances (1-30 mg/kg), a pre-weighed amount of normal laboratory chow is placed into the food hopper. Food remaining is measured by hand at 1-2 hour intervals for up to 8 hours. Differences in food intake between test- compound and vehicle-treated rats are evaluated.

Selected Examples of the present invention were active in the rat model at 10 mg/kg after p. o. administration of the test compound using male Wistar rats (n = 4).

Example 1 at 10 mg/kg lead to an increase in cumulative food intake of 2700% (2 hours following administration, p = 0.035, n = 4), 700% (4 hours following administration p = 0.010, n = 4) and 175% (6 hours following administration p = 0.084, n = 4), respectively, compared to control male Wistar rats receiving vehicle only (n = 4).

Example 31 at 10 mg/kg lead to an increase in cumulative food intake of 1100% (2 hours following administration, p = 0.075, n = 4) and 380% (4 hours following administration p = 0.020, n = 4), respectively, compared to control male Wistar rats receiving vehicle only (n = 4).

2. Model of LPS and Tumor-Induced Cachexia Prevention or amelioration of cachexia, induced by either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration or by tumor growth, is determined upon i. p. or p. o. administration of test compounds to rats (see e. g. Marks, D. L. ; Ling, N and Cone, R. D. Cancer Res 2001 Feb 15 ; 61 (4): 1432-8). a) Lipopolysaccharide-induced Cachexia in Rats (acute model) 1-2 Hours prior to the onset of the dark-phase, individually housed, male Wistar rats (200-300 g) receive an ip or po application of test-compound or vehicle (2 ml/kg, 1-30 mg/kg) which is followed or preceded by an ip injection of either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline (2 mi/kg, 100 , ugAcg). Food intake, water intake and body weight are measured at 1-24 hour intervals and differences between experimental groups are evaluated. b) Tumour-induecd Cachexia in Mice (chronic model) Subcutaneous injection of Lewis lung carcinoma cells to male C57BL6 mice (1 million cells/100 pI/mouse) results in non-metastasizing tumor growth which in turn results in loss of lean body mass. Chronic ip or po applications of test compounds (10 ml/kg, 1-30 mg/kg for 7-21 days) are accompanied by daily measurements of food intake, water intake and body weight. Lean body mass is measured at the start, during and at the termination of the study using magnetic resonance relaxometry, and at the end of the study using a conventional chemical extraction procedure (Soxhlet's extraction). Differences between experimental groups are evaluated.

D. Rat Ex Copula Assay Sexually mature male Caesarian Derived Sprague Dawley (CD) rats (over 60 days old) are used with the suspensory ligament surgically removed to prevent retraction of the penis back into the penile sheath during the ex copula evaluations. Animals receive food and water ad lib and are kept on a normal light/dark cycle. Studies are conducted during the light cycle.

1. Conditioning to Supine Restraint for Ex Copula Reflex Tests This conditioning takes about 4 days. Day 1, the animals are placed in a darkened restrainer and left for 15-30 minutes. Day 2, the animals are restrained in a supine position in the restrainer for 15-30 minutes. Day 3, the animals are restrained in the supine position, with the penile sheath retracted, for 15-30 minutes. Day 4, the animals are restrained in the supine position, with the penile sheath retracted, until penile responses are observed. Some animals require additional days of conditioning before they are completely acclimated to the procedures, non-responders are removed from further evaluation. After any handling or evaluation, animals are given a treat to ensure positive reinforcement.

2. Ex Copula Reflex Tests Rats are gently restrained in a supine position with their anterior torso placed inside a cylinder of adequate size to allow for normal head and paw grooming. For a 400-500 gram rat, the diameter of the cylinder is approximately 8 cm. The lower torso and hind limbs are restrained with a nonadhesive material (vetrap). An additional piece of vetrap with a hole in it, through which the glans penis will be passed, is fastened over the animal to maintain the preputial sheath in a retracted position. Penile responses will be observed, typically termed ex copula genital reflex tests. Typically, a series of penile erections will occur, spontaneously, within a few minutes after sheath retraction. The types of normal reflexogenic erectile responses include elongation, engorgement, cup and flip. An elongation is classified as an extension of the penile body. Engorgement is a dilation of the glans penis. A cup is defined as an intense erection where the distal margin of the glans penis momentarily flares open to form a cup. A flip is a dorsiflexion of the penile body.

Baseline and/or vehicle evaluations are conducted to determine how, and if, an animal will respond. Some animals have a long duration until the first response, while others are non- responders altogether. During this baseline evaluation, latency to first response and number and type of responses are recorded. The testing time frame is 15 minutes after the first response.

After a minimum of 1 day between evaluations, these same animals are administered the test compound at 20 mg/kg and evaluated for penile reflexes. All evaluations are videotaped and scored later. Data are collected and analyzed using paired 2 tailed t-tests to compared baseline and/or vehicle evaluations, to drug treated evaluations, for individual animals. Groups of a minimum of 4 animals are utilized to reduce variability.

Positive reference controls are included in each study to assure the validity of the study.

Animals can be dosed by a number of routes of administration depending on the nature of the study to be performed. The routes of administration includes intravenous (IV), intraperitoneal (IP), subcutaneous (SC) and intracerebral ventricular (ICV).

E- of Female Sexual Dysfunction Rodent assays relevant to female sexual receptivity include the behavioral model of lordosis and direct observations of copulatory activity. There is also an urethrogenital reflex model in anesthetized spinally transected rats for measuring orgasm in both male and female rats.

These and other established animal models of female sexual dysfunction are described in McKenna KE et al, A Model For The Study of Sexual Function In Anesthetized Male And Female Rats, Am. J. Physio. (Regulatory Integrative Comp. Physiol 30): R1276-R1285, 1991; McKenna KE et al, Modulation By Peripheral Serotonin of The Threshold For Sexual Reflexes In Female Rats, Pharm. Bioch. Behav. , 40: 151-156,1991 ; and Takahashi LK et al, Dual Estradiol Action In The Diencephalon And The Regulation of Sociosexual Behavior In Female Golden Hamsters, Brain Res. , 359: 194-207,1985.

As illustrated by the biological results (see above) representative compounds of the present invention are not only in vitro melanocortin-4 receptor antagonists but are also active as melanocortin-4 receptor antagonists when tested in vivo.

Examples 1 and 31 are active in the spontaneous feeding paradigm. The test animals show a significant increase in food intake at dose of 10 mg/kg p. o.

Those skilled in the art would expect that the replacement of an amide CO group of a peptidomimetic by a CH2 group results in a drastic loss of activity. However, the compounds of the present invention unexpectedly still show high affinity to the melanocortin-4 receptor.

No loss of activity is observed.

Examples of a Pharmaceutical Composition As a specific embodiment of an oral composition of a compound of the present invention, 35 mg of Example 1 is formulated with sufficient finely divided lactose to provide a total amount of 580 to 590 mg to fill a size 0 hard gelatin capsule.

As another specific embodiment of an oral composition of a compound of the present invention, 50 mg of Example 31 is formulated with sufficient finely divided lactose to provide a total amount of 580 to 590 mg to fill a size 0 hard gelatin capsule.

While the invention has been described and illustrated in reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications and substitutions can be made therein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, effective dosages, other than the preferred doses as explained above, may be applicable as a consequence of the specific pharmacological responses observed and may vary, depending upon the particular active compound selected, as well as from the type of formulation and mode of administration employed, and such expected variations or differences in the results are contemplated in accordance with the objects and practices of the present invention. It is intended, therefore, that the invention be limited only by the scope of the claims which follow and that such claims be interpreted as broadly as is reasonable.