HK1043362A1

HK1043362A1 - Fused-ring compounds and use thereof as drugs

Info

Publication number: HK1043362A1
Application number: HK02104374.6A
Authority: HK
Inventors: Hashimoto Hiromasa; Mizutani Kenji; Yoshida Atsuhito
Original assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
Priority date: 1999-12-27
Filing date: 2000-12-22
Publication date: 2002-09-13
Also published as: CO5261490A1; KR100501424B1; KR20010108274A; PE20010997A1

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a novel fused ring compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof useful as a therapeutic agent for hepatitis C. The present invention also relates to a novel use of a certain fused ring compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as a therapeutic agent for hepatitis C. More particularly, the present invention relates to a therapeutic agent for hepatitis C, which contains a novel fused ring compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is effective for the prophylaxis or treatment of hepatitis C and which shows anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity, particularly anti-HCV activity based on an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitory activity.

Background Art

In 1989, a main causative virus of non-A non-B posttransfusion hepatitis was found and named hepatitis C virus (HCV). Since then, several types of hepatitis viruses have been found besides type A, type B and type C, wherein hepatitis caused by HCV is called hepatitis C.

The patients infected with HCV are considered to involve several percent of the world population, and the infection with HCV characteristically becomes chronic.

HCV is an envelope RNA virus, wherein the genome is a single strand plus-strand RNA, and belongs to the genus Hepacivirus of Flavivirus (from The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, International Union of Microbiological Societies). Of the same hepatitis viruses, for example, hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is a DNA virus, is eliminated by the immune system and the infection with this virus ends in an acute infection except for neonates and infants having yet immature immunological competence. In contrast, HCV somehow avoids the immune system of the host due to an unknown mechanism. Once infected with this virus, even an adult having a mature immune system frequently develops persistent infection.

When chronic hepatitis is associated with the persistent infection with HCV, it advances to cirrhosis or hepatic cancer in a high rate. Enucleation of tumor by operation does not help much, because the patient often develops recurrent hepatic cancer due to the sequela inflammation in non-cancerous parts.

Thus, an effective therapeutic method of hepatitis C is desired. Apart from the symptomatic therapy to suppress inflammation with an anti-inflammatory agent, the development of a therapeutic agent that reduces HCV to a low level free from inflammation and that eradicates HCV has been strongly demanded.

At present, a treatment with interferon is the only effective method known for the eradication of HCV. However, interferon can eradicate the virus only in about one-third of the patient population. For the rest of the patients, it has no effect or provides only a temporary effect. Therefore, an anti-HCV drug to be used in the place of or concurrently with interferon is awaited in great expectation.

In recent years, Ribavirin (1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide) has become commercially available as a therapeutic agent for hepatitis C, which is to be used concurrently with interferon. It enhances the efficacy of interferon but only to a low efficacy rate, and a different novel therapeutic agent for hepatitis C is desired.

Also, an attempt has been made to potentiate the immunocompetence of the patient with an interferon agonist, an interleukin-12 agonist and the like, thereby to eradicate the virus, but an effective pharmaceutical agent has not been found yet.

In addition, the inhibition of HCV growth, wherein HCV-specific protein is targeted, has been drawing attention these days.

The gene of HCV encodes a protein such as serine protease, RNA helicase, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the like. These proteins function as a specific protein essential for the growth of HCV.

One of the specific proteins, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (hereinafter to be also briefly referred to as an HCV polymerase), is an enzyme essential for the growth of the virus. The gene replication of HCV having a plus-strand RNA gene is considered to involve synthesis of a complementary minus-strand RNA by the use of the plus-strand RNA as a template, and, using the obtained minus-strand RNA as a template, amplifying the plus-strand RNA. The portion called NS5B of a protein precursor, that HCV codes for, has been found to show an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity (EMBO J., 15, 12-22, 1996), and is considered to play a central role in the HCV gene replication.

Therefore, an HCV polymerase inhibitor can be a target in the development of an anti-HCV drug, and the development thereof is eagerly awaited. However, an effective HCV polymerase inhibitor has not been developed yet, like in other attempts to develop an anti-HCV drug based on other action mechanisms. As the situation stands, no pharmaceutical agent can treat hepatitis C satisfactorily.

The following discloses known compounds relatively similar to the compound of the present invention.

A known therapeutic agent for hepatitis C having a benzimidazole skeleton is disclosed in WO97/36866, Japanese Patent Application under PCT laid-open under kohyo No. 2000-511899 (EP906097) and WO99/51619.

WO97/36866 discloses the following compound D and the like, and HCV helicase inhibitory activity of the compounds.

Japanese Patent Application under PCT laid-open under kohyo No. 2000-511899 (EP906097) discloses the following compound E and the like, and WO99/51619 discloses the following compound F and the like, in both of which a possibility of these compounds being effective as an HCV inhibitor is mentioned.

However, these publications do not include the compound disclosed in the present specification, or a disclosure suggestive thereof.

A known anti-hepatitis virus agent having a benzimidazole skeleton is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application under PCT laid-open under kohyo No. 2000-503017 (WO97/25316) and Japanese Patent Application under PCT laid-open under kohyo No. 10-505092 (WO96/7646).

WO97/25316 discloses the following compound A and the like, wherein the use thereof is for a treatment of viral infection. The target virus is a DNA virus such as hepatitis B virus and the like. However, this publication does not include the compound disclosed in the present specification or a description regarding or suggestive of HCV.

Japanese Patent Application under PCT laid-open under kohyo No. 10-505092 discloses the following compound B and the like, wherein the use thereof is for a treatment of viral infection. The target virus is a DNA virus such as herpesvirus and hepatitis B virus. However, this publication does not include the compound disclosed in the present specification or a description regarding or suggestive of HCV.

The benzimidazole derivatives having an antiviral activity have been disclosed in JP-A-3-31264, US3644382 and US3778504. In addition, WO98/37072 discloses, as a production inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and cyclic AMP, a benzimidazole derivative for the use as an anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) agent and an anti-inflammation agent. WO98/05327 discloses, as a reverse transcriptase inhibitor, a benzimidazole derivative for the use as an anti-HIV agent. J. Med. Chem. (13(4), 697-704, 1970) discloses, as a neuraminidase inhibitor, a benzimidazole derivative for the use as an anti-influenza virus agent.

However, none of these publications includes the compound of the present invention or a description regarding or suggestive of an anti-HCV effect.

Known benzimidazole derivatives having a pharmaceutical use other than as an antiviral agent are disclosed in JP-A-8-501318 (US5824651) and JP-A-8-134073 (US5563243). These publications disclose the following compound C and the like as a catechol diether compound, and the use thereof as an anti-inflammation agent. However, neither of the publications includes the compound of the present invention, and as the action mechanism, the former discloses phosphodiesterase IV and the latter discloses TNF. These publications do not include a description regarding or suggestive of an anti-HCV effect.

Japanese Patent Application under PCT laid-open under kohyo No. 2000-159749 (EP882718) discloses the following compound G and the like, and the use thereof for the treatment of bronchitis, glomerulonephritis and the like. However, this publication does not include the compound of the present invention, but discloses only a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitory and hypoglycemic action. This publication does not include a description regarding or suggestive of an anti-HCV effect.

WO98/50029, WO98/50030 and WO98/50031 disclose benzimidazole derivatives as an antitumor agent having a protein isoprenyl transferase action. While this publication discloses a wide scope of the claims, at least it does not include a compound analogous to the compound of the present invention or a description regarding or suggestive of an anti-HCV effect.

JP-A-8-109169 (EP694535) discloses the application of a tachykinin receptor antagonist to treat an inflammatory disease, and WO96/35713 discloses the application thereof as a growth hormone release promoter to treat a growth hormone-related disease such as osteoporosis and the like. However, none of these publications includes a description regarding or suggestive of an anti-HCV effect.

JP-A-53-14735 discloses a benzimidazole derivative as a brightener besides its pharmaceutical use, but this publication does not include the compound of the present invention.

Disclosure of the Invention

Based on the findings from the preceding studies, it has been elucidated that a pharmaceutical agent having an anti-HCV activity is effective for the prophylaxis and treatment of hepatitis C, and particularly an anti-HCV agent having an inhibitory activity on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of HCV can be a prophylactic and therapeutic agent effective against hepatitis C and a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for the disease caused by hepatitis C.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical agent having an anti-HCV activity, particularly a pharmaceutical agent having an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitory activity.

The present inventors have made an in-depth study of compounds having an anti-HCV activity, particularly RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitory activity, and completed the present invention.

Thus, the present invention provides the following (1) to (43).

(1) A therapeutic agent for hepatitis C, which comprises a fused ring compound of the following formula [I] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient: wherein a broken line is a single bond or a double bond,

G¹

is C(-R¹) or a nitrogen atom,

G²

is C(-R²) or a nitrogen atom,

G³

is C(-R³) or a nitrogen atom,

G⁴

is C(-R⁴) or a nitrogen atom,

G⁵, G⁶, G⁸ and G⁹

are each independently a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom,

G⁷

is C(-R⁷), an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a nitrogen atom optionally substituted by R⁸,

wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently,
- (1) hydrogen atom,
- (2) C_1-6 alkanoyl,
- (3) carboxyl,
- (4) cyano,
- (5) nitro,
- (6) C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituent(s) selected from the following group A, group A; halogen atom, hydroxyl group, carboxyl, amino, C_1-6 alkoxy, C_1-6 alkoxycarbonyl and C_1-6 alkylamino,
- (7) -COOR^a1 wherein R^a1 is optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group B, group B; halogen atom, cyano, nitro, C_1-6 alkyl, halogenated C_1-6 alkyl, C_1-6 alkanoyl, - (CH₂)_r-COOR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-CONR^b1R^b2, -(CH₂)_r-NR^b1R^b2, - (CH₂)_r-NR^b1-COR^b2, -(CH₂)_r-NHSO₂R^b1, -(CH₂)_r-OR^b1, - (CH₂)_r-SR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-SO₂R^b1 and -(CH₂)_r-SO₂NR^b1R^b2wherein R^b1 and R^b2 are each independently hydrogen atom or C_1-6 alkyl and r is 0 or an integer of 1 to 6,
- (8) -CONR^a2R^a3 wherein R^a2 and R^a3 are each independently hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkoxy or optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
- (9) -C(=NR^a4)NH₂ wherein R^a4 is hydrogen atom or hydroxyl group,
- (10) -NHR^a5 wherein R^a5 is hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkanoyl or C_1-6 alkylsulfonyl,
- (11) -OR^a6 wherein R^a6 is hydrogen atom or optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl(as defined above),
- (12) -SO₂R^a7 wherein R^a7 is hydroxyl group, amino, C_1-6 alkyl or C_1-6 alkylamino or
- (13) -P(=O)(OR^a31)₂ wherein R^a31 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, and
R⁷ and R⁸ are each hydrogen atom or optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl(as defined above), ring Cy is
- (1) C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group C, group C; hydroxyl group, halogen atom, C_1-6 alkyl and C_1-6 alkoxy,
- (2) C_3-8 cycloalkenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group C, or
- (3) wherein u and v are each independently an integer of 1 to 3,
ring A is
- (1) C_6-14 aryl,
- (2) C_3-8 cycloalkyl,
- (3) C_3-8 cycloalkenyl or
- (4) heterocyclic group having 1 to 4 heteroatom(s) selected from an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom,
R⁵ and R⁶ are each independently
- (1) hydrogen atom,
- (2) halogen atom,
- (3) optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or
- (4) -OR^a8 wherein R^a8 is hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkyl or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl, and
X is
- (1) hydrogen atom,
- (2) halogen atom,
- (3) cyano,
- (4) nitro,
- (5) amino, C_1-6 alkanoylamino,
- (6) C_1-6 alkylsulfonyl,
- (7) optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl(as defined above),
- (8) C_2-6 alkenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituent(s) selected from the above group A,
- (9) -COOR^a9 wherein R^a9 is hydrogen atom or C_1-6 alkyl,
- (10) -CONH-(CH₂)₁-R^a10 wherein R^a10 is optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_1-6 alkoxycarbonyl or C_1-6 alkanoylamino and 1 is 0 or an integer of 1 to 6,
- (11) -OR^a11 wherein R^a11 is hydrogen atom or optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above)
or wherein ring B is
- (1') C_6-14 aryl,
- (2') C_3-8 cycloalkyl or
- (3') heterocyclic group (as defined above),
each Z is independently
- (1') a group selected from the following group D,
- (2') C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D,
- (3') C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D,
- (4') C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D or
- (5') heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D
wherein the heterocyclic group has 1 to 4 hetero-atom(s) selected from an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom, group D:
- (a) hydrogen atom,
- (b) halogen atom,
- (c) cyano,
- (d) nitro,
- (e) optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
- (f) -(CH₂)_t-COR^a18, (hereinafter each t means independently 0 or an integer of 1 to 6), wherein R^a18 is
  - (1") optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
  - (2") C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or
  - (3") heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B wherein the heterocyclic group has 1 to 4 heteroatom(s) selected from an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom,
- (g) -(CH₂)_t-COOR^a19 wherein R^a19 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
- (h) -(CH₂)_t-CONR^a27R^a28 wherein R^a27 and R^a28 are each independently,
  - (1") hydrogen atom,
  - (2") optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
  - (3") C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
  - (4") C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
  - (5") heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
  - (6") heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, wherein the heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl is C_1-6 alkyl substituted by heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, as defined above,
  - (7") C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, or
  - (8") C_3-8 cycloalkyl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
- (i)-(CH₂)_t-C(=NR^a33)NH₂ wherein R^a33 is hydrogen atom or C_1-6 alkyl,
- (j) -(CH₂)_t-OR^a20 wherein R^a20 is
  - (1") hydrogen atom,
  - (2") optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
  - (3") optionally substituted C_2-6 alkenyl (as defined above),
  - (4") C_2-6 alkynyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituent(s) selected from the above group A,
  - (5") C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
  - (6") C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
  - (7") heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
  - (8") heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
  - (9") C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, or
  - (10") C_3-8 cycloalkyl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
- (k) -(CH₂)_t-O-(CH₂)_p-COR^a21 wherein R^a21 is C_1-6 alkylamino or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, and p is 0 or an integer of 1 to 6,
- (1) -(CH₂)_t-NR^a22R^a23 wherein R^a22 and R^a23 are each independently
  - (1") hydrogen atom,
  - (2") optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
  - (3") C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
  - (4") C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or
  - (5") heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
- (m) -(CH₂)_t-NR^a29CO-R^a24 wherein R^a29 is hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkyl or C_1-6 alkanoyl, R^a24 is optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
- (n) -(CH₂)_t-NHSO₂-R^a25 wherein R^a25 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
- (o) -(CH₂)_t-S(O)_q-R^a25 wherein R^a25 is as defined above, and q is 0, 1 or 2, and
- (p)-(CH₂)_t-SO₂-NHR^a26 wherein R^a26 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) , C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
w is an integer of 1 to 3, and Y is
- (1') a single bond,
- (2') C_1-6 alkylene,
- (3') C_2-6 alkenylene,
- (4') -(CH₂)_m-O-(CH₂)_n-, (hereinafter m and n are each independently 0 or an integer of 1 to 6),
- (5') -CO-,
- (6') -CO₂-(CH₂)_n-,
- (7') -CONH-(CH₂)_n-NH-,
- (8') -NHCO₂-,
- (9') -NHCONH-,
- (10') -O-(CH₂)_n-CO-,
- (11') -O-(CH₂)_n-O-,
- (12') -SO₂-,
- (13') -(CH₂)_m-NR^a12-(CH₂)_n- wherein R^a12 is
  - (1") hydrogen atom,
  - (2") optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
  - (3") C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
  - (4") C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
  - (5") -COR^b5 wherein R^b5 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
  - (6") -COOR^b5 (R^b5 is as defined above) or
  - (7") -SO₂R^b5 (R^b5 is as defined above),
- (14') -NR^a12CO- (R^a12 is as defined above),
- (15') -CONR^a13-(CH₂)_n- wherein R^a13 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
- (16') -CONH-CHR^a14- wherein R^a14 is C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
- (17') -O-(CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16-(CH₂)_n- wherein R^a15 and R^a16 are each independently
  - (1") hydrogen atom,
  - (2") carboxyl,
  - (3") C_1-6 alkyl,
  - (4") -OR^b6 wherein R^b6 is C_1-6 alkyl or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl, or
  - (5") -NHR^b7 wherein R^b7 is hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkyl, C_1-6 alkanoyl or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyloxycarbonyl, or R^a15 is optionally
  - (6") wherein n', ring B', Z' and w' are the same as the above-mentioned n, ring B, Z and w, respectively, and may be the same as or different from the respective counterparts,
- (18')-(CH₂)_n-NR^a12-CHR^a15- (R^a12 and R^a15 are each as defined above),
- (19') -NR^a17SO₂- wherein R^a17 is hydrogen atom or C_1-6 alkyl or
- (20') -S(O)_e-(CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16-(CH₂)_n - (e is 0, 1 or 2, R^a15 and R^a16 are each as defined above).
(2) The therapeutic agent of (1) above, wherein 1 to 4 of the G¹, G², G³, G⁴, G⁵, G⁶, G⁷, G⁸ and G⁹ is (are) a nitrogen atom.
(3) The therapeutic agent of (2) above, wherein G² is C(-R²) and G⁶ is a carbon atom.
(4) The therapeutic agent of (2) or (3) above, wherein G⁵ is a nitrogen atom.
(5) The therapeutic agent of (1) above, wherein, in formula [I], the moiety is a fused ring selected from
(6) The therapeutic agent of (5) above, wherein, in formula [I], the moiety is a fused ring selected from
(7) The therapeutic agent of (6) above, which comprises a fused ring compound of the following formula [I-1] wherein each symbol is as defined in (1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient.
(8) The therapeutic agent of (6) above, which comprises a fused ring compound of the following formula [I-2] wherein each symbol is as defined in (1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient.
(9) The therapeutic agent of (6) above, which comprises a fused ring compound of the following formula [I-3] wherein each symbol is as defined in (1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient.
(10) The therapeutic agent of (6) above, which comprises a fused ring compound of the following formula [I-4] wherein each symbol is as defined in (1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient.
(11) The therapeutic agent of any of (1) to (10) above, wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is carboxyl, -COOR^a1, -CONR^a2R^a3 or -SO₂R^a7 wherein R^a1, R^a2, R^a3 and R^a7 are as defined in (1).
(12) The therapeutic agent of any of (1) to (11) above, wherein the ring Cy is cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl or tetrahydrothiopyranyl.
(13) The therapeutic agent of any of (1) to (12) above, wherein the ring A is C_6-14 aryl.
(14) A fused ring compound of the following formula [II] wherein the moiety is a fused ring selected from wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently,
- (1) hydrogen atom,
- (2) C_1-6 alkanoyl,
- (3) carboxyl,
- (4) cyano,
- (5) nitro,
- (6) C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituent(s) selected from the following group A, group A; halogen atom, hydroxyl group, carboxyl, amino, C_1-6 alkoxy, C_1-6 alkoxycarbonyl and C_1-6 alkylamino,
- (7) -COOR^a1 wherein R^a1 is optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group B, group B; halogen atom, cyano, nitro, C_1-6 alkyl, halogenated C_1-6 alkyl, C_1-6 alkanoyl, -(CH₂)_r-COOR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-CONR^b1R^b2, -(CH₂)_r-NR^b1R^b2, -(CH₂)_r-NR^b1-COR^b2, -(CH₂)_r-NHSO₂R^b1, -(CH₂)_r-OR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-SR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-SO₂R^b1 and -(CH₂)_r-SO₂NR^b1R^b2 wherein R^b1 and R^b2 are each independently hydrogen atom or C_1-6 alkyl and r is 0 or an integer of 1 to 6,
- (8) -CONR^a2R^a3 wherein R^a2 and R^a3 are each independently hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkoxy or optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
- (9) -C(=NR^a4)NH₂ wherein R^a4 is hydrogen atom or hydroxyl group,
- (10) -NHR^a5 wherein R^a5 is hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkanoyl or C_1-6 alkylsulfonyl,
- (11) -OR^a6 wherein R^a6 is hydrogen atom or optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
- (12) -SO₂R^a7 wherein R^a7 is hydroxyl group, amino, C_1-6 alkyl or C_1-6 alkylamino or
- (13) -P(=O) (OR^a31)₂ wherein R^a31 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, and R⁷ is hydrogen atom or optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
- ring Cy' is
  - (1) C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group C, group C; hydroxyl group, halogen atom, C_1-6 alkyl and C_1-6 alkoxy, or
  - (2) wherein u and v are each independently an integer of 1 to 3,
- ring A' is a group selected from a group consisting of phenyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, furyl and thienyl,
- R^5' and R^6' are each independently
  - (1) hydrogen atom,
  - (2) halogen atom,
  - (3) optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or
  - (4) hydroxyl group
- ring B is
  - (1) C_6-14 aryl,
  - (2) C_3-8 cycloalkyl or
  - (3) heterocyclic group having 1 to 4 heteroatom(s) selected from an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom,
- each Z is independently
  - (1) a group selected from the following group D,
  - (2) C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D,
  - (3) C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D,
  - (4) C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D or
  - (5) heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D wherein the heterocyclic group has 1 to 4 heteroatom(s) selected from an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom, group D:
    - (a) hydrogen atom,
    - (b) halogen atom,
    - (c) cyano,
    - (d) nitro,
    - (e) optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
    - (f) -(CH₂)_t-COR^a18, (hereinafter each t means independently 0 or an integer of 1 to 6), wherein R^a18 is
      - (1') optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
      - (2') C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or
      - (3') heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B wherein the heterocyclic group has 1 to 4 heteroatom(s) selected from an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom,
    - (g) -(CH₂)_t-COOR^a19 wherein R^a19 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
    - (h) -(CH₂)_t-CONR^a27R^a28 wherein R^a27 and R^a28 are each independently,
      - (1") hydrogen atom,
      - (2") optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
      - (3") C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
      - (4") C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
      - (5") heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
      - (6") heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, wherein the heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl is C_1-6 alkyl substituted by heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, as defined above,
      - (7") C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, or
      - (8") C_3-8 cycloalkyl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
    - (i) -(CH₂)_t-C(=NR^a33)NH₂ wherein R^a33 is hydrogen atom or C_1-6 alkyl,
    - (j) -(CH₂)_t-OR^a20 wherein R^a20 is
      - (1') hydrogen atom,
      - (2') optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
      - (3') optionally substituted C_2-6 alkenyl (as defined above),
      - (4') C_2-6 alkynyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituent(s) selected from the above group A,
      - (5') C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
      - (6') C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
      - (7') heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
      - (8') heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
      - (9') C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, or
      - (10') C_3-8 cycloalkyl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
    - (k) - (CH₂)_t-O-(CH₂)_p-COR^a21 wherein R^a21 is C_1-6 alkylamino or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, and p is 0 or an integer of 1 to 6,
    - (l) -(CH₂)_t-NR^a22R^a23 wherein R^a22 and R^a23 are each independently
      - (1') hydrogen atom,
      - (2') optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
      - (3') C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
      - (4') C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or
      - (5') heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
    - (m) -(CH₂)_t-NR^a29CO-R^a24 wherein R^a29 is hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkyl or C_1-6 alkanoyl, R^a24 is optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
    - (n)-(CH₂)_t-NHSO₂-R^a25 wherein R^a25 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) , C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
    - (o) -(CH₂)_t-S(O)_q-R^a25 wherein R^a25 is as defined above, and q is 0, 1 or 2, and
    - (p) -(CH₂)_t-SO₂-NHR^a26 wherein R^a26 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
  is an integer of 1 to 3, and is
  - (1) a single bond,
  - (2) C_1-6 alkylene,
  - (3) C_2-6 alkenylene,
  - (4) -(CH₂)_m-O-(CH₂)_n-, (hereinafter m and n are each independently 0 or an integer of 1 to 6),
  - (5) -CO-,
  - (6) -CO₂-(CH₂)_n-,
  - (7) -CONH-(CH₂)_n-NH-,
  - (8) -NHCO₂-,
  - (9) -NHCONH-,
  - (10) -O-(CH₂)_n-CO-,
  - (11) -O-(CH₂)_n-O-,
  - (12) -SO₂-,
  - (13) -(CH₂)_m-NR^a12-(CH₂)_n- wherein R^a12 is
    - (1') hydrogen atom,
    - (2') optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),
    - (3') C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
    - (4') C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
    - (5') -COR^b5 wherein R^b5 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
    - (6') -COOR^b5 (R^b5 is as defined above) or
    - (7') -SO₂R^b5 (R^b5 is as defined above),
  - (14) -NR^a12CO- (R^a12 is as defined above),
  - (15) -CONR^a13-(CH₂)_n- wherein R^a13 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
  - (16) -CONH-CHR^a14- wherein R^a14 is C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
  - (17) -O-(CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16-(CH₂)_n- wherein R^a15 and R^a16 are each independently
    - (1') hydrogen atom,
    - (2') carboxyl,
    - (3') C_1-6 alkyl,
    - (4') -OR^b6 wherein R^b6 is C_1-6 alkyl or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl, or
    - (5') -NHR^b7 wherein R^b7 is hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkyl, C_1-6 alkanoyl or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyloxycarbonyl, or R^a15 is optionally
    - (6') wherein n', ring B', Z' and w' are the same as the above-mentioned n, ring B, Z and w, respectively, and may be the same as or different from the respective counterparts,
  - (18) -(CH₂)_n-NR^a12-CHR^a15- (R^a12 and R^a15 are each as defined above),
  - (19) -NR^a17SO₂- wherein R^a17 is hydrogen atom or C_1-6 alkyl or
  - (20) -S(O)_e-(CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16-(CR₂)_n- (e is 0, 1 or 2, R^a15 and R^a16 are each as defined above),
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(15) The fused ring compound of (14) above, which is represented by the following formula [II-1] wherein each symbol is as defined in (14), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(16) The fused ring compound of (14) above, which is represented by the following formula [II-2] wherein each symbol is as defined in (14), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(17) The fused ring compound of (14) above, which is represented by the following formula [II-3] wherein each symbol is as defined in (14), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(18) The fused ring compound of (14) above, which is represented by the following formula [II-4] wherein each symbol is as defined in (14), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(19) The fused ring compound of any of (14) to (18) above, wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is carboxyl, -COOR^a1 or -SO₂R^a7 wherein R^a1 and R^a7 are as defined in (14), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(20) The fused ring compound of (19) above, wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is carboxyl or -COOR^a1 wherein R^a1 is as defined in (14), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(21) The fused ring compound of (20) above, wherein R² is carboxyl and R¹, R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen atoms, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(22) The fused ring compound of any of (14) to (21) above, wherein the ring Cy' is cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl or tetrahydrothiopyranyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(23) The fused ring compound of (22) above, wherein the ring Cy' is cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(24) The fused ring compound of any of (14) to (23) above, wherein the ring A' is phenyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl or pyridazinyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(25) The fused ring compound of (24) above, wherein the ring A' is phenyl or pyridyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(26) The fused ring compound of (25) above, wherein the ring A' is phenyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(27) The fused ring compound of any of (14) to (26) above, wherein the Y is -(CH₂)_m-O-(CH₂)_n-, -NHCO₂-, -CONH-CHR^a14-, -(CH₂)_m-NR^a12-(CH₂)_n-, -CONR^a13-(CH₂)_n-, -O-(CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16-(CH₂)_n- or -(CH₂)_n-NR^a12-CHR^a15- (wherein each symbol is as defined in (14)), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(28) The fused ring compound of (27) above, wherein the Y is - (CH₂)_m-O- (CH₂)_n- or -O- (CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16- (CH₂)_n- (wherein each symbol is as defined in (14)), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(29) The fused ring compound of (28) above, wherein the Y is -(CH₂)_m-O-(CH₂)_n- wherein each symbol is as defined in (14), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(30) The fused ring compound of any of (14) to (29) above, wherein the R² is carboxyl, R¹, R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen atoms, the ring Cy' is cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl, and the ring A' is phenyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(31) The fused ring compound of the formula [I] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is selected from the group consisting of
- ethyl 2-[4-(3-bromophenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 1),
- 2-[4-(3-bromophenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 2),
- ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 3),
- ethyl 2-[4-(2-bromo-5-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 4),
- ethyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-chlorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 5),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-chlorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 6),
- ethyl 2-[4-(2-bromo-5-methoxybenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 7),
- ethyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 8),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 9),
- ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[(E)-2-phenylvinyl]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 10),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[(E)-2-phenylvinyl]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 11),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 12),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxamide (Example 13),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-cyano-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole (Example 14),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxamide oxime (Example 15),
- ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-thiazolyl}methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 16),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4- (4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-thiazolyl}-methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 17),
- ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-(2-fluoro-4-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 18),
- ethyl 2-{4-[bis(3-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 19),
- 2-{4-[bis(3-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 20),
- ethyl 1-cyclopentyl-2- (4-nitrophenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 21),
- ethyl 2-(4-aminophenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 22),
- ethyl 2-(4-benzoylaminophenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 23),
- 2-(4-benzoylaminophenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 24),
- ethyl 2-{4-[3-(3-chlorophenyl)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 25),
- 2-{4-[3-(3-chlorophenyl)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 26),
- ethyl 2-[4-(3-acetoxyphenyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 27),
- ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-hydroxyphenyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 28),
- ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-pyridylmethoxy)phenyloxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 29),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-pyridylmethoxy)phenyloxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 30),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole (Example 31),
- ethyl 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5- carboxylate (Example 32),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentyl-N,N-dimethylbenzimidazole-5-carboxamide (Example 33),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentyl-N-methoxy-N-methylbenzimidazole-5-carboxamide (Example 34),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentyl-5-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)benzimidazole (Example 35),
- 5-acetyl-2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole (Example 36),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentyl-N-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide dihydrochloride (Example 37),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentyl-5-nitrobenzimidazole (Example 38),
- 5-amino-2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole hydrochloride (Example 39),
- 5-acetylamino-2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole (Example 40),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentyl-5-methanesulfonyl-aminobenzimidazole (Example 41),
- 5-sulfamoyl-2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole (Example 42),
- 2-[4-(4-tert-butylbenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 43),
- 2-[4-(4-carboxybenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 44),
- 2-[4-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 45),
- 2-{4-[(2-chloro-5-thienyl)methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 46),
- 1-cyclopentyl-2-[4- (4-trifluoromethylbenzyloxy)phenyl]-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 47),
- 1-cyclopentyl-2-[4-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 48),
- 1-cyclopentyl-2-[4-(4-pyridylmethoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 49),
- 1-cyclopentyl-2-[4-(4-methylbenzyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 50),
- 1-cyclopentyl-2-{4-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-isoxazolyl)methoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 51),
- 1-cyclopentyl-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 52),
- [2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazol-5-yl]-carbonylaminoacetic acid (Example 53),
- 2-[4-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 54),
- 2-[4-(3-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 55),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-3-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 56),
- 2-[4-(benzenesulfonylamino)phenyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 57),
- 1-cyclopentyl-2-[4-(3,5-dichlorophenylcarbonylamino)phenyl]-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 58),
- 2-{4-[(4-chlorophenyl)carbonylamino]phenyl}-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 59),
- 2-{4-[(4-tert-butylphenyl)carbonylamino]phenyl}-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 60),
- 2-{4-[(4-benzyloxyphenyl)carbonylamino]phenyl}-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 61),
- trans-4-[2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-carboxybenzimidazol-1-yl]cyclohexan-1-ol (Example 62),
- trans-1-[2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-carboxybenzimidazol-1-yl]-4-methoxycyclohexane (Example 63),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-carboxymethyl-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole (Example 64),
- 2-[1-benzyloxycarbonyl-4-piperidyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 65),
- 2-[(4-cyclohexylphenyl)carbonylamino]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 66),
- 1-cyclopentyl-2-[4- (3,5-dichlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 67),
- 1-cyclopentyl-2-[4- (3,4-dichlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 68),
- 1-cyclopentyl-2-[4-(phenylcarbamoylamino)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 69),
- 1-cyclopentyl-2-[4-(diphenylmethoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 70),
- 1-cyclopentyl-2-(4-phenethyloxyphenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 71),
- trans-1-[2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-carboxybenzimidazol-1-yl]-4-tert-butylcyclohexane (Example 72),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-carboxymethoxy-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole (Example 73),
- 2-(4-benzylaminophenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 74),
- 2-[4-(N-benzenesulfonyl-N-methylamino)phenyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 75),
- 2-[4-(N-benzyl-N-methylamino)phenyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 76),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-(4-phenethylphenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 77),
- 2-(1-benzyl-4-piperidyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 78),
- 2-(1-benzoyl-4-piperidyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 79),
- 1-cyclopentyl-2-[1-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-4-piperidyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 80),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3,5-dichlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 81),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4- (diphenylmethoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 82),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2- [4- (3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyloxy)phenyl]-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 83),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-(4-methylcyclohexyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 84),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(2-naphthyl)ethoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 85),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(1-naphthyl)methoxyphenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 86),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(dibenzylamino)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 87),
- 2-[4-(2-biphenylylmethoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 88),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 89),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4- (dibenzylmethoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 90),
- 2-(4-benzoylmethoxyphenyl)-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 91),
- 2-(4-benzyl-1-piperazinyl)-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid dihydrochloride (Example 92),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3,3-diphenylpropyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 93),
- 2-[4-(3-chloro-6-phenylbenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 94),
- 2-(4-benzyloxypiperidino)-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 95),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(phenoxy)ethoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 96),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-phenylpropyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 97),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(5-phenylpentyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 98),
- 2-(3-benzyloxy-5-isoxazolyl)-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 99),
- 2-(2-benzyloxy-5-pyridyl)-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 100),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)ethoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 101),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-(4,4-dimethylcyclohexyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 102),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(1-naphthyl)ethoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 103),
- 2-[4-(2-benzyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 104),
- 2-[4-(3-benzyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 105),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(2-hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 106),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 107),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(2-methoxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 108),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-methoxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 109),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(2-propoxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 110),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-propoxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 111),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 112),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 113),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(2-isopentyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 114),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-isopentyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 115),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)ethoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 116),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzyloxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 117),
- 2-{4-[bis(4-chlorophenyl) methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 118),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 119),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(2-methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 120),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 121),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cycloheptylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 122),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(2-phenethyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 123),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-phenethyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 124),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(2,2-diphenylethoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 125),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-(3-cyclohexenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 126),
- cis-1-[2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-carboxybenzimidazol-1-yl]-4-fluorocyclohexane (Example 127),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(2-phenoxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 128),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-phenoxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 129),
- 2-{4-[(2R)-2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-2-phenylethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 130),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{2-fluoro-4-[2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-benzyloxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 131),
- 2-[4-(4-benzyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 132),
- 2-{4-[bis(4-methylphenyl)methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 133),
- 2-{4-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 134),
- 1-cyclohexyl-6-methoxy-2-[4-(3-phenylpropoxy)phenyl]-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 135),
- 1-cyclohexyl-6-hydroxy-2-[4-(3-phenylpropoxy)phenyl]-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 136),
- 1-cyclohexyl-6-methyl-2- [4- (3-phenylpropoxy) phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 137),
- 2-{4-[2-(2-benzyloxyphenyl)ethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 138),
- 2-{4-[2-(3-benzyloxyphenyl)ethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 139),
- 2-[4-(2-carboxymethyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 140),
- 2-[4-(3-carboxymethyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 141),
- 2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-methylphenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 142),
- 2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 143),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{2-methyl-4-[2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-benzyloxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 144),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 145),
- 2-{4-(3-chloro-6-phenylbenzyloxy)-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 146),
- 2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 147),
- 2-{4-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 148),
- 2-{4-(4-benzyloxyphenoxy)-2-chlorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 149),
- 2-{4-(4-benzyloxyphenoxy)-2-trifluoromethylphenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 150),
- 2-{4- [3-chloro-6- (2-trifluoromethylphenyl) benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 151),
- 2-{4-[(2R)-2-amino-2-phenylethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 152),
- 2-[4-(2-biphenylyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 153),
- 2-[4-(3-biphenylyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 154),
- 2-{4-[2-{(1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-4-piperidyl)methoxy}phenoxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 155),
- 2-{4-[3-{(1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-4-piperidyl)methoxy}phenoxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 156),
- 2-{4-[3-chloro-6- (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 157),
- 2-{4-[2-(2-biphenylyl)ethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 158),
- 2-[4-(2-biphenylylmethoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 159),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(4-piperidylmethoxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 160),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-piperidylmethoxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 161),
- 2-{4-[(2R)-2-acetylamino-2-phenylethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 162),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-methyl-3-pentenyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 163),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(3-methyl-3-butenyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 164),
- 2-{4-[{(2S)-1-benzyl-2-pyrrolidinyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexyl-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 165),
- 2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-methylthiophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 166),
- 2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)benzyloxy)phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 167),
- 2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(2-thienyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 168),
- 2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(3-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 169),
- 2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(3-pyridyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 170),
- 2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-fluorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 171),
- 2-[4-(4-benzyloxyphenoxy)-3-fluorophenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 172),
- 2-[4-(2-bromo-5-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 173),
- 2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 174),
- 2-{4-[2-{(1-acetyl-4-piperidyl)methoxy}phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 175),
- 2-{4-[3-{(1-acetyl-4-piperidyl)methoxy}phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 176),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(2-propynyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 177),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(3-pyridylmethoxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 178),
- 2-(4-benzyloxy-2-methoxyphenyl)-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 179),
- 2-[4-(2-bromo-5-methoxybenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 180),
- 2-[4-(carboxydiphenylmethoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 181),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-nitrobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 182),
- 2-{4-[3-acetylamino-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 183),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-5-chlorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 184),
- 2-{4-[{(2S)-1-benzyloxycarbonyl-2-pyrrolidinyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 185),
- 2-{2-chloro-4-[2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 186),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4- [3- (2-pyridylmethoxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 187),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-fluorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 188),
- 2-{4-[3-carboxy-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 189),
- 2-{4-[3-carbamoyl-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 190),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy)phenoxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 191),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(piperidinocarbonylmethoxy)phenoxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 192),
- 2-{4-[{(2S)-1-benzenesulfonyl-2-pyrrolidinyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 193),
- 2-{4-[{(2S)-1-benzoyl-2-pyrrolidinyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 194),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-carbamoylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 195),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy)phenoxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 196),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(piperidinocarbonylmethoxy)phenoxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 197),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-{(1-methanesulfonyl-4-piperidyl)methoxy}-phenoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 198),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{2-methyl-5-(4-chlorophenyl) -4-oxazolyl}-methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 199),
- 2-{4-[3-(3-chlorobenzyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 200),
- 2-{4-[3-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 201),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-fluorobenzyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 202),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-(4-[{(2S)-1- (4-nitrophenyl) -2-pyrrolidinyl)-methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 203),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{(2S) -1-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinyl}methoxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 204),
- 2-{4-[{(2S)-1-(4-acetylaminophenyl)-2-pyrrolidinyl}methoxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 205),
- 2-{4-[{5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-4-thiazolyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 206),
- 2-{4-[bis(3-fluorophenyl)methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 207),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-nitrobenzyloxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 208),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-tetrahydropyranyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 209),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 210),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-{(1-methyl-4-piperidyl)methoxy}phenoxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 211),
- 2-{4-[3-(4-tert-butylbenzyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 212),
- 2-{4-[3-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 213),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(3-pyridyl)phenoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 214),
- 2-{4-[3- (4-chlorophenyl) phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 215),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 216),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)-2-methyl-5-thiazolylyl}methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 217),
- 2-{4-[{4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-thiazolyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 218),
- 2-{4-[1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-piperidyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 219),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-{(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methoxy}phenoxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 220),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-{(2,4-dimethyl-5-thiazolyl)methoxy}phenoxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 221),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 222),
- 2-{4-[1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-4-piperidyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 223),
- 2-{4-[3-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)piperidino]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 224),
- 2-{4-[4-carbamoyl-2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 225),
- 2-{4-[4-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)piperidino]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 226),
- 2-{4-[3-{(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)methoxy}phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 227),
- 2-{4-[{(2S)-1-(4-dimethylcarbamoylphenyl) -2-pyrrolidinyl}-methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 228),
- 2-{4-[2- (4-chlorophenyl) -5-ethoxycarbonylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 229),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 230),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4-(4-dimethylcarbamoylphenyl)-2-methyl-5-thiazolyl}methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 231),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-dimethylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 232),
- 2-{4-[{4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 233),
- 2-{4-[{2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-pyridyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid dihydrochloride (Example 234),
- 2-{4-[{3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-pyridyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 235),
- 2-{4-[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-methylamino-1,3,5-triazin-6-yloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid trifluoroacetate (Example 236),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(5-tetrazolyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 237),
- 2-[4-(4-benzyloxy-6-pyrimidinyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 238),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[4-(4-pyridylmethoxy)-6-pyrimidinyloxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 239),
- 2-{4-[4-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-pyrimidinyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 240),
- methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 241),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexyl-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 242),
- ethyl 2-{4-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)pyridin-2-ylmethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 243),
- methyl 2-[4-(2-bromo-5-tert-butoxycarbonylbenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 244),
- methyl 2-{4-[5-tert-butoxycarbonyl-2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 245),
- methyl 2-{4-[5-carboxy-2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate hydrochloride (Example 246),
- methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 247),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 248),
- 2-{4-[3-(tert-butylsulfamoyl)-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 249),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-sulfamoylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid trifluoroacetate (Example 250),
- 2-(4-benzyloxycyclohexyl)-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 251),
- 2-[2-(2-biphenylyloxymethyl)-5-thienyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 252),
- 2-[2-(2-biphenylyloxymethyl)-5-furyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 253),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4- (4-fluorophenyl) -2-hydroxymethyl-5-thiazolyl}methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 254),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4-(4-carboxyphenyl)-2-methyl-5-thiazolyl}-methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 255),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{2-fluoro-4-[4-fluoro-2-(3-fluorobenzoyl)-benzyloxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 256),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (Example 257),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-3-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid (Example 258),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-dimethylcarbamoyl-5-(4-pyridylmethoxy)-phenoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid dihydrochloride (Example 259),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-carboxy-5-(4-pyridylmethoxy)phenoxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid dihydrochloride (Example 260),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid (Example 261),
- 2-{4-[3-carbamoyl-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 262),
- 2-{4-[{2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-3-pyridyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 263),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-(4-tetrahydrothiopyranyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 264),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-dimethylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 265),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-dimethylcarbamoyl-6-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 266),
- 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-dimethylcarbamoyl-6-(4-methylthiophenyl)-benzyloxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 267),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 268),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-dimethylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 269),
- 2-{4-[3-carbamoyl-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 270),
- 2-{4-[3-dimethylcarbamoyl-6-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)benzyloxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 271),
- 2-{4-[3-dimethylcarbamoyl-6-(3-pyridyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid dihydrochloride (Example 272),
- 2-{4-[3-dimethylcarbamoyl-6-(4-dimethylcarbamoylphenyl)-benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 273),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-(1-oxo-4-tetrahydrothiopyranyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 274),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-(1,1-dioxo-4-tetrahydrothiopyranyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 275),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-(4-tetrahydrothiopyranyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 276),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-(l-oxo-4-tetrahydrothiopyranyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 277),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-(1,1-dioxo-4-tetrahydrothiopyranyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 278),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-dimethylsulfamoylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 279),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methanesulfonylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 280),
- methyl 2-{4-[5-carboxy-2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate hydrochloride (Example 281),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-dimethylaminobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid dihydrochloride (Example 282),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methanesulfonylaminobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 283),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-diethylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 284),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 285),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-piperidinocarbonylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 286),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(1-pyrrolidinyl)carbonylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 287),
- 2-{4- [2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5- (2-hydroxyethyl)carbamoylbenzyloxy] -2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 288),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-hydroxypiperidino)-carbonylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 289),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-morpholinocarbonylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 290),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-thiomorpholinocarbonylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 291),
- 2-{4-[3-(carboxymethylcarbamoyl)-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 292),
- 2-{4-[2-{4-(2-carboxyethyl) phenyl}-5-chlorobenzyloxy] phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 293),
- 2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-hydroxymethylphenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 294),
- 2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-methoxymethylphenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 295),
- 2-{4-[2-(3-carboxyphenyl)-5-chlorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 296),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylthiobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 297),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylsulfinylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 298),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-cyanobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 299),
- 2-{4-[bis(3-pyridyl)methoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 300),
- 2-{4-[bis(4-dimethylcarbamoylphenyl)methoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 301),
- sodium 2-{4-[2-thienyl-3-thienylmethoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 302),
- methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(dimethylcarbamoyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 303),
- sodium 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(dimethylcarbamoyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 304),
- 2-{4-[5-carboxy-2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 305),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 306),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-carbamoylphenyl)-5-(dimethylcarbamoyl)benzyloxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 307),
- 2-{4-[5-amino-2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 308),
- 2-{4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxybenzylsulfinyl]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 309),
- 2-{4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxybenzylsulfonyl]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 310),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzylthio]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 311),
- 2-{4-[bis(4-carboxyphenyl)methoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 312),
- 2-[4-(phenyl-3-pyridylmethoxy)-2-fluorophenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 313),
- methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(methylcarbamoyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (Example 314),
- 2-{4-[5-chloro-2-(4-pyridyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 315),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(benzylcarbamoyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 316),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(cyclohexylmethylcarbamoyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 317),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridylmethylcarbamoyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid dihydrochloride (Example 318),
- 2-{4-[2- (4-chlorophenyl) -5- (N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (Example 319),
- methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexyl-1H-indole-5-carboxylate (Example 501),
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexyl-1H-indole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 502),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentyl-lH-indole-5-carboxylic acid (Example 503),
- ethyl 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-3-cyclohexylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-7-carboxylate (Example 601),
- 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-3-cyclohexylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-7-carboxylic acid (Example 602), and
- 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-3-cyclohexyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-6-carboxylic acid (Example 701).
(32) A pharmaceutical composition comprising a fused ring compound of any of (14) to (31) above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
(33) A hepatitis C virus polymerase inhibitor comprising a fused ring compound of any of (1) to (31) above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
(34) An anti-hepatitis C virus agent comprising a fused ring compound of any of (1) to (31) above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
(35) A therapeutic agent for hepatitis C comprising a fused ring compound of any of (14) to (31) above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
(36) A method for treating hepatitis C, which comprises administering an effective amount of a fused ring compound of the above-mentioned formula [I] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(37) A method for inhibiting hepatitis C virus polymerase, which comprises administering an effective amount of a fused ring compound of the above-mentioned formula [I] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
(38) Use of a fused ring compound of the above-mentioned formula [I] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the production of a pharmaceutical agent for treating hepatitis C.
(39) Use of a fused ring compound of the above-mentioned formula [I] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the production of a hepatitis C virus polymerase inhibitor.
(40) A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of hepatitis C, which comprises a fused ring compound of the above-mentioned formula [I] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
(41) A pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting hepatitis C virus polymerase, which comprises a fused ring compound of the above-mentioned formula [I] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
(42) A commercial package comprising a pharmaceutical composition of (40) above and a written matter associated therewith, the written matter stating that the pharmaceutical composition can or should be used for treating hepatitis C.
(43) A commercial package comprising a pharmaceutical composition of (41) above and a written matter associated therewith, the written matter stating that the pharmaceutical composition can or should be used for inhibiting hepatitis C virus polymerase.

The definitions of respective substituents and moieties used in the present specification are as follows.

The halogen atom is a fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom or iodine atom, preferably fluorine atom, chlorine atom or bromine atom.

Particularly preferably, the halogen atom is fluorine atom at R⁵, R⁵', R⁶, R⁶', group A and group C, and fluorine atom or chlorine atom at X, Z, Z', group B and group D.

The C_1-6 alkyl is straight chain or branched chain alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and is exemplified by methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, tert-pentyl, hexyl and the like.

Preferably, it is straight chain or branched chain alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and is particularly preferably methyl at R^a7, R^a8, R^a9, R^a15, R^a16, R^a17, R^a29, R^a33, R^b6 and R^b7 and methyl or tert-butyl at R^b1, R^b2, group B and group C.

The halogenated C_1-6 alkyl is the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl except that it is substituted by the above-defined halogen atom. Preferably, it is halogenated alkyl wherein the alkyl moiety thereof is straight chain or branched chain alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples thereof include fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, bromomethyl, chloromethyl, 1,2-dichloromethyl, 2,2-dichloromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl and the like.

The halogenated C_1-6 alkyl is particularly preferably trifluoromethyl at group B.

The C_1-6 alkylene is straight chain alkylene having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and is exemplified by methylene, ethylene, trimethylene, tetramethylene, pentamethylene or hexamethylene.

The C_1-6 alkylene is preferably methylene or ethylene at Y.

The C_2-6 alkenylene is straight chain alkenylene having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and is exemplified by vinylene, propenylene, 1-butenylene, 1,3-butadienylene and the like.

The C_2-6 alkenylene is preferably vinylene at Y.

The C_1-6 alkoxy is alkyloxy wherein the alkyl moiety thereof is the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl. Preferably, it is alkoxy wherein the alkyl moiety thereof is straight chain or branched chain alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples thereof include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropyloxy, butoxy, isobutyloxy, tert-butyloxy, pentyloxy, hexyloxy and the like.

The C_1-6 alkoxy is particularly preferably methoxy at R^a2, R^a3, group A and group C.

The C_1-6 alkanoyl is alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety thereof is the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl. Preferably, it is alkanoyl wherein the alkyl moiety thereof is straight chain or branched chain alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples thereof include acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, isobutyryl, pivaloyl and the like.

The C_1-6 alkanoyl is particularly preferably acetyl at R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R^a5, R^a29, R^b7 and group B.

The C_1-6 alkoxycarbonyl is alkyloxycarbonyl wherein the alkoxy moiety thereof is the above-defined C_1-6 alkoxy. Preferably, it is alkoxycarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety thereof is straight chain or branched chain alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples thereof include methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, isopropyloxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutyloxycarbonyl, tert-butyloxycarbonyl, pentyloxycarbonyl, hexyloxycarbonyl and the like.

The C_1-6 alkoxycarbonyl is particularly preferably methoxycarbonyl or ethoxycarbonyl at R^a10 and group A.

The C_1-6 alkylamino is alkylamino or dialkylamino wherein the alkyl moiety thereof is the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl. Preferably, it is alkylamino or dialkylamino wherein the alkyl moiety thereof is straight chain or branched chain alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples thereof include methylamino, ethylamino, propylamino, isopropylamino, butylamino, isobutylamino, tert-butylamino, pentylamino, hexylamino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, methylethylamino, N-isopropyl-N-isobutylamino and the like.

The C_1-6 alkylamino is particularly preferably methylamino at R^a7, and particularly preferably dimethylamino at R^a21 and group A.

The C_1-6 alkanoylamino is alkylcarbonylamino wherein the alkanoyl moiety thereof is the above-defined C_1-6 alkanoyl. Preferably, it is alkylcarbonylamino wherein the alkyl moiety thereof is straight chain or branched chain alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples thereof include acetylamino, propionylamino, butyrylamino, isobutyrylamino, pivaloylamino and the like.

The C_1-6 alkanoylamino is particularly preferably acetylamino at X and R^a10.

The C_1-6 alkylsulfonyl is alkylsulfonyl wherein the alkyl moiety thereof is the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl. Preferably, it is alkylsulfonyl wherein the alkyl moiety thereof is straight chain or branched chain alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples thereof include methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, propylsulfonyl, isopropylsulfonyl, butylsulfonyl, isobutylsulfonyl, tertbutylsulfonyl, pentylsulfonyl, hexylsulfonyl and the like.

The C_1-6 alkylsulfonyl is particularly preferably methylsulfonyl at X and R^a5.

The C_6-14 aryl is aromatic hydrocarbon having 6 to 14 carbon atoms. Examples thereof include phenyl, naphthyl, anthryl, indenyl, azulenyl, fluorenyl, phenanthryl and the like.

The C_6-14 aryl is preferably phenyl or naphthyl, particularly preferably phenyl at the ring A, ring A', ring B and ring B'.

The C_3-8 cycloalkyl is saturated cycloalkyl having 3 to 8, preferably 5 to 7, carbon atoms. Examples thereof include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl.

The C_3-8 cycloalkyl is particularly preferably cyclohexyl at the ring A, ring A', ring B and ring B'.

The C_3-8 cycloalkenyl is cycloalkenyl having 3 to 8, preferably 5 to 7, carbon atoms and has at least 1, preferably 1 or 2, double bond(s). Examples thereof include cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexenyl, 2,4-cyclohexadien-1-yl, 2,5-cyclohexadien-1-yl, cycloheptenyl and cyclooctenyl and the like, but do not include aryl (e.g., phenyl) or completely saturated cycloalkyl.

The C_3-8 cycloalkenyl is preferably cyclohexenyl at the ring A and ring A'.

The heterocyclic group has, as an atom constituting the ring, 1 to 4 heteroatom(s) selected from an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom, besides a carbon atom, and includes saturated ring and unsaturated ring, monocyclic ring and fused ring having the number of ring atom constituting the ring of 3 to 14.

The heterocyclic group as a monocyclic ring includes, for example, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, tetrazolyl, thienyl, furyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrrolinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, piperidyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, tetrahydropyranyl and the like.

Examples of the heterocyclic group as a fused ring include quinolyl, isoquinolyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalyl, phthalazinyl, cinnolinyl, naphthyridinyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolyl, indolyl, benzimidazolyl, indolinyl, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl and the like.

Preferably, it is a heterocyclic group which is a 5-membered or a 6-membered monocyclic group. Examples thereof include pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, tetrazolyl, thienyl, furyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidyl, piperazinyl and the like.

The heterocyclic group is preferably pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl or pyridazinyl which is an aromatic group, and particularly preferably pyridyl at the ring A and ring A'.

The heterocyclic group is particularly preferably pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, tetrazolyl, thienyl, furyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl or thiadiazolyl, which is an aromatic group, at the ring B and ring B'. More preferably it is pyridyl or thiazolyl, most preferably thiazolyl.

The C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl is arylalkyl wherein the alkyl moiety thereof is the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl and the aryl moiety is the above-defined C_6-14 aryl. Preferably, it is arylalkyl wherein the alkyl moiety thereof is straight chain alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and the aryl moiety is phenyl. Examples thereof include benzyl, phenethyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 2-phenylpropyl, 4-phenylbutyl and the like.

The C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl is particularly preferably benzyl at R^a8 and R^b6.

The C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyloxycarbonyl is arylalkyloxycarbonyl wherein the C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl moiety thereof is the above-defined C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl. Preferably, it is arylalkyloxycarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety thereof is straight chain alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and the aryl moiety is phenyl. Examples thereof include benzyloxycarbonyl, phenethyloxycarbonyl, 3-phenylpropyloxycarbonyl, 2-phenylpropyloxycarbonyl, 4-phenylbutyloxycarbonyl and the like.

The C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyloxycarbonyl is particularly preferably benzyloxycarbonyl at R^b7.

The optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl is the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl, preferably that wherein straight chain or branched chain alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituent(s), and includes unsubstituted alkyl. The substituent(s) is(are) selected from the above-defined halogen atom, hydroxyl group, carboxyl, amino, the above-defined C_1-6 alkoxy, the above-defined C_1-6 alkoxycarbonyl and the above-defined C_1-6 alkylamino. Examples of optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, tert-pentyl, neopentyl, 1-ethylpropyl, hexyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 4-hydroxybutyl, 1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl, carboxylmethyl, 2-carboxylethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxycarbonylmethyl, 2-ethoxycarbonylethyl, 2-dimethylaminoethyl and the like.

Preferably, the optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl is methyl, 1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl, carboxylmethyl or 2-dimethylaminoethyl at R¹, R², R³ and R⁴, methyl or trifluoromethyl at R⁵, R⁵', R⁶ and R⁶', methyl at R⁷, R⁸, R^a18, R^a24, R^a25, R^a31 and R^b5, methyl or ethyl at R^a1 and R^a19, methyl, carboxylmethyl or 2-dimethylaminoethyl at R^a2 and R^a3, methyl or carboxylmethyl at R^a6, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, butyl or trifluoromethyl at X, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, 1-ethylpropyl or carboxylmethyl at R^a10, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, trifluoromethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl or carboxylmethyl at R^a11, methyl or 4-hydroxybutyl at R^a12, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, butyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 4-hydroxybutyl, ethoxycarbonylmethyl, 2-(ethoxycarbonyl)ethyl or 2-dimethylaminoethyl at R^a13, methyl, propyl, butyl, isopentyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl or carboxymethyl at R^a20, methyl or ethyl at R^a22 and R^a23, methyl or tert-butyl at R^a26, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, 2-hydroxyethyl or carboxylmethyl at R^a27 and R^a28, and methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-carboxylethyl, methoxymethyl or ethoxycarbonylmethyl at Z, Z' and group D.

It is particularly preferably, trifluoromethyl at R⁵, R⁵', R⁶ and R^6', methyl or tert-butyl at R^a26, methyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl or hydroxymethyl at Z, Z' and group D, and methyl at other substituents.

The optionally substituted C_2-6 alkenyl is that wherein straight chain or branched chain alkenyl having 2 to 6 carbon atoms is optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituent(s), and includes unsubstituted alkenyl. The substituent(s) is(are) selected from the above-defined halogen atom, hydroxyl group, carboxyl, amino, the above-defined C_1-6 alkoxy, the above-defined C_1-6 alkoxycarbonyl and the above-defined C_1-6 alkylamino. Examples of optionally substituted C_2-6 alkenyl include vinyl, allyl, 1-propenyl, isopropenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 1,3-butadienyl, 2-isopentenyl, 3-isohexenyl, 4-methyl-3-pentenyl, 2-carboxylethenyl and the like.

The optionally substituted C_2-6 alkenyl is preferably 2-carboxylethenyl at X, and preferably 2-isopentenyl, 3-isohexenyl or 4-methyl-3-pentenyl at R^a20.

The optionally substituted C_2-6 alkynyl is that wherein straight chain or branched chain alkynyl having 2 to 6 carbon atoms is optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituent(s), and includes unsubstituted alkynyl. The substituent(s) is(are) selected from the above-defined halogen atom, hydroxyl group, carboxyl, amino, the above-defined C_1-6 alkoxy, the above-defined C_1-6 alkoxycarbonyl and the above-defined C_1-6 alkylamino. Examples thereof include ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 3-butynyl and the like.

The optionally substituted C_2-6 alkynyl is preferably 2-propynyl at R^a20.

The C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group B is that wherein the above-defined C_6-14 aryl is optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s), and includes unsubstituted aryl. The substituent(s) is(are) selected from the above-defined halogen atom, cyano, nitro, the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl, the above-defined halogenated C_1-6 alkyl, the above-defined C_1-6 alkanoyl, -(CH₂)_r-COOR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-CONR^b1R^b2, -(CH₂)_r-NR^b1R^b2, -(CH₂)_r-NR^b1-COR^b2, -(CH₂)_r-NHSO₂R^b1, -(CH₂)_r-OR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-SR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-SO₂R^b1 and -(CH₂)_r-SO₂NR^b1R^b2 (wherein R^b1 and R^b2 are each independently hydrogen atom or the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl and r is 0 or an integer of 1 to 6).

Examples thereof include phenyl, naphthyl, anthryl, indenyl, azulenyl, fluorenyl, phenanthryl, 3-fluorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-tert-butylphenyl, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, 4-acetylphenyl, 4-carboxylphenyl, 4-carbamoylphenyl, 4-aminophenyl, 4-dimethylaminophenyl, 4-acetylaminophenyl, 4-(methylsulfonylamino)phenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 4-methylthiophenyl, 4-methylsulfonylphenyl, 4-aminosulfonylphenyl, 3-nitro-4-methoxyphenyl and 4-nitro-3-methoxyphenyl.

The aryl moiety is preferably phenyl, the group B here is preferably the above-defined halogen atom, nitro, the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl, the above-defined halogenated C_1-6 alkyl or -(CH₂)_r-OR^b1. Examples of group B include fluorine atom, chlorine atom, nitro, methyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl and methoxy. Particularly preferably, it is fluorine atom or chlorine atom.

With regard to "C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group B", it is preferably phenyl, 4-tert-butylphenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl or 4-trifluoromethylphenyl at R^a12, R^a27 and R^a28, phenyl at R^a14, R^a22, R^a23, R^a26 and R^b5, phenyl or 3-fluorophenyl at R^a18, phenyl or 2,4-dichlorophenyl at R^a20, phenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 3-nitro-4-methoxyphenyl or 4-nitro-3-methoxyphenyl at R^a24, and phenyl or 4-methylphenyl at R^a25.

It is particularly preferably phenyl at other substituents.

The C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group D is that wherein the above-defined C_6-14 aryl is optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s), and includes unsubstituted aryl. The substituent(s) is(are) selected from the above-mentioned group D (substituents shown under (a) to (p)).

Examples of group D here include fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom, nitro, cyano, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, methoxymethyl, 2-carboxylethyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, ethoxycarbonylmethyl, acetyl, carboxyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, methylaminocarbonyl, isopropylaminocarbonyl, dimethylaminocarbonyl, diethylaminocarbonyl, (2-hydroxyethyl)aminocarbonyl, (carboxylmethyl)aminocarbonyl, hydroxyl group, methoxy, ethoxy, propyloxy, isopropyloxy, isopentyloxy, 2-isopentenyloxy, 3-isohexenyloxy, 4-methyl-3-pentenyloxy, 2-propynyloxy, hydroxymethyloxy, carboxylmethyloxy, (dimethylaminocarbonyl)methyloxy, amino, methylamino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, acetylamino, methylsulfonylamino, methylthio, methylsulfonyl, methylsulfinyl, aminosulfonyl, methylaminosulfonyl and dimethylaminosulfonyl.

Examples of C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group D include phenyl, naphthyl, anthryl, indenyl, azulenyl, fluorenyl, phenanthryl, 3-fluorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-tert-butylphenyl, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl, 4-(methoxymethyl)phenyl, 4-(2-carboxylethyl)phenyl, 3-carboxylphenyl, 4-carboxylphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 4-carbamoylphenyl, 4-methylthiophenyl, 4-(dimethylaminocarbonyl)phenyl, 4-methylsulfonylphenyl, 4-acetylaminophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, 4-acetylphenyl, 4-aminophenyl, 4-dimethylaminophenyl, 4-(methylsulfonylamino)phenyl, 4-methylsulfinylphenyl, 4-aminosulfonylphenyl and 3-nitro-4-methoxyphenyl and 4-nitro-3-methoxyphenyl.

At Z and Z', the aryl moiety is preferably phenyl, and group D here is preferably the above-defined halogen atom, nitro, the above-defined optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl, -(CH₂)_t-COOR^a19, -(CH₂)_t-CONR^a27R^a28, - (CH₂)_t-OR^a20, -(CH₂)_t-NR^a29CO-R^a24, -(CH₂)_t-S(O)_q-R^a25 or -(CH₂)_t-SO₂-NHR^a26.

Examples of C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group D preferably include phenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-tert-butylphenyl, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl, 4-(methoxymethyl)phenyl, 4-(2-carboxylethyl)phenyl, 3-carboxylphenyl, 4-carboxylphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 4-carbamoylphenyl, 4-methylthiophenyl, 4-(dimethylaminocarbonyl)phenyl, 4-methylsulfonylphenyl, 4-acetylaminophenyl, 4-methylsulfinylphenyl and 4-aminosulfonylphenyl.

Particularly preferably, it is the above-defined halogen atom, the above-defined optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl, -(CH₂)_tCOOR^a19, -(CH₂)_t-CONR^a27R^a28, (CH₂)_t-OR^a20 or - (CH₂)_t-S (O)_q-R^a25, which is specifically fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom, nitro, methyl, tert-butyl, carboxyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, 2-carboxylethyl, methoxy, carbamoyl, methylthio, dimethylaminocarbonyl, methylsulfonyl or acetylamino. More preferably, it is fluorine atom, chlorine atom, methyl, tert-butyl, carboxyl, methoxy, carbamoyl, methylthio, dimethylaminocarbonyl, methylsulfonyl or acetylamino, most preferably fluorine atom or chlorine atom.

The heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group B is that wherein the above-defined heterocyclic group is optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s), and includes unsubstituted heterocyclic group. The substituent(s) is(are) selected from the above-defined halogen atom, cyano, nitro, the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl, the above-defined halogenated C_1-6 alkyl, the above-defined C_1-6 alkanoyl, -(CH₂)_r-COOR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-CONR^b1R^b2, -(CH₂)_r-NR^b1R^b2, -(CH₂)_r-NR^b1-COR^b2, -(CH₂)_r-NHSO₂R^b1, -(CH₂)_r-OR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-SR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-SO₂R^b1 and -(CH₂)_r-SO₂NR^b1R^b2 wherein R^b1 and R^b2 are each independently hydrogen atom or the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl and r is 0 or an integer of 1 to 6.

Examples thereof include 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 3-fluoropyridin-4-yl, 3-chloropyridin-4-yl, 4-chloropyridin-3-yl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, tetrazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, furyl, oxazolyl, 2-methyloxazol-4-yl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, 2-methylthiazol-4-yl, 2,5-dimethylthiazol-4-yl, 2,4-dimethylthiazol-5-yl, isothiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrrolinyl, pyrrolidinyl, 3-hydroxypyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, piperidyl, 3-hydroxypiperidino, 4-hydroxypiperidino, 3,4-dihydroxypiperidino, 4-methoxypiperidino, 4-carboxypiperidino, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-piperidino, 2-oxopiperidino, 4-oxopiperidino, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidino, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidino, N-methylpiperidin-4-yl, N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl, N-acetylpiperidin-4-yl, N-methylsulfonylpiperidin-4-yl, piperazinyl, 4-methylsulfonylpiperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, 1-oxothiomorpholin-4-yl, 1,1-dioxothiomorpholin-4-yl, tetrahydropyranyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalyl, phthalazinyl, cinnolinyl, naphthyridinyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolyl, indolyl, benzimidazolyl, indolinyl, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl and the like.

The heterocyclic moiety is preferably a heterocyclic group which is a 5-membered or a 6-membered monocyclic group. Examples thereof include pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, tetrazolyl, thienyl, furyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl and tetrahydropyranyl, and the group B here is preferably the above-defined halogen atom, the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl, the above-defined halogenated C_1-6 alkyl, the above-defined C_1-6 alkanoyl, -(CH₂)_r-COOR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-CONR^b1R^b2 or -(CH₂)_r-OR^b1.

Examples of heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group B preferably include piperidino, 4-hydroxypiperidino, 1-piperazinyl, 1-(methylsulfonyl)piperidin-4-yl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, morpholino, 4-thiomorpholinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, pyridyl and thiazolyl. Particularly preferably, it is piperidino, 4-hydroxypiperidino, 1-piperazinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, morpholino or 4-thiomorpholinyl at R^a18, tetrahydropyranyl or 4-hydroxypiperidino at R^a20, piperidino at R^a21, pyridyl at R^a24 and R^a25, pyridyl or thiazolyl at R^a26 and at R^a27 and R^a28, it is 1-(methylsulfonyl)piperidin-4-yl, 3-hydroxypyrrolidinyl, 3-hydroxypiperidino, 4-hydroxypiperidino, 3,4-dihydroxypiperidino, 4-methoxypiperidino, 4-carboxypiperidino, 4-(hydroxymethyl)piperidino, 2-oxopiperidino, 4-oxopiperidino, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidino, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidino, 4-methylsulfonylpiperazinyl, 1-oxothiomorpholin-4-yl or 1,1-dioxothiomorpholin-4-yl.

The heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group D is that wherein the above-defined heterocyclic group is optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s), and includes unsubstituted heterocyclic group. The substituent(s) is(are) selected from the substituent(s) of the above-mentioned group D (substituents shown under (a) to (p)).

Examples of the group D here include the substituent(s) exemplified for C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group D.

Examples of heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group D include 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 3-fluoropyridin-4-yl, 3-chloropyridin-4-yl, 4-chloropyridin-3-yl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, tetrazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, furyl, oxazolyl, 2-methyloxazol-4-yl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, 2-methylthiazol-4-yl, 2,5-dimethylthiazol-4-yl, 2,4-dimethylthiazol-5-yl, isothiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrrolinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, piperidyl, N-methylpiperidin-4-yl, N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl, N-acetylpiperidin-4-yl, N-methylsulfonylpiperidin-4-yl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalyl, phthalazinyl, cinnolinyl, naphthyridinyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolyl, indolinyl, benzimidazolyl, indolinyl, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl and the like.

In addition, the heterocyclic group may be substituted at the 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-position of 2-pyridyl, at the 2-, 4-, 5- or 6-position of 3-pyridyl, at the 2-, 3-, 5- or 6-position of 4-pyridinyl, at the 3-, 4- or 5-position of 2-thienyl, or at the 2-, 4- or 5-position of 3-thienyl, by fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom, nitro, methyl, tert-butyl, carboxyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, 2-carboxylethyl, methoxy, carbamoyl, methylthio, dimethylaminocarbonyl, methylsulfonyl or acetylamino.

At Z and Z', the heterocyclic moiety is preferably a heterocyclic group which is a 5-membered or 6-membered monocyclic group. Examples thereof include pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, tetrazolyl, thienyl, furyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolinyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl and tetrahydropyranyl. The group D here is preferably the above-defined halogen atom, nitro, the above-defined optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl, -(CH₂)_t-COOR^a19, -(CH₂)_t-CONR^a27R^a28, -(CH₂)_t-OR^a20, -(CH₂)_t-NR^a29CO-R^a24, -(CH₂)_t-S(O)_q-R^a25 or -(CH₂)_t-SO₂-NHR^a26.

Examples of heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group D preferably include piperidino, 4-hydroxypiperidino, 1-piperazinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, morpholino, 4-thiomorpholinyl, 4-tetrahydropyranyl, 3-pyridyl, 2-pyrimidinyl, 5-tetrazolyl, 2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolyl, 5-thiazolyl and 2-thienyl.

Particularly preferably, it is pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, tetrazolyl, thienyl or piperidyl.

The C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group C is that wherein the above-defined C_3-8 cycloalkyl is optionally substituted by the 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from hydroxyl group, the above-defined halogen atom, the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl and the above-defined C_1-6 alkoxy, which may be unsubstituted. Examples thereof include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, 4fluorocyclohexyl, 2-methylcyclopentyl, 3-methylcyclohexyl, 4-methylcyclohexyl, 4,4-dimethylcyclohexyl, 3,5-dimethylcyclohexyl, 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl, 4-hydroxycyclohexyl, 4-methoxycyclohexyl and 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorocyclohexyl.

The cycloalkyl moiety is preferably cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, particularly preferably cyclohexyl.

At the ring Cy and ring Cy', the C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group C is preferably cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, 4-fluorocyclohexyl, 4-methylcyclohexyl, 4,4-dimethylcyclohexyl, 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl, 4-hydroxycyclohexyl or 4-methoxycyclohexyl, more preferably cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, particularly preferably cyclohexyl.

The C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B is that wherein the above-defined C_3-8 cycloalkyl is optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s), and includes unsubstituted cycloalkyl. The substituents are selected from the above group B.

Specific examples thereof include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, 4-fluorocyclohexyl, 2-methylcyclopentyl, 3-methylcyclohexyl, 4-methylcyclohexyl, 4,4-dimethylcyclohexyl, 3,5-dimethylcyclohexyl, 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl, 4-hydroxycyclohexyl, 4-methoxycyclohexyl and 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorocyclohexyl.

Also exemplified are those wherein cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl is substituted by fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom, nitro, methyl, tert-butyl, carboxyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, 2-carboxylethyl, methoxy, carbamoyl, methylthio, dimethylaminocarbonyl, methylsulfonyl or acetylamino.

At cycloalkyl moiety, it is preferably cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl. As the C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, it is particularly preferably cyclohexyl or 4-hydroxycyclohexyl at R^a27 and R^a28.

The C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group D is that wherein the above-defined C_3-8 cycloalkyl is optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s), and includes unsubstituted cycloalkyl. The substituent(s) is(are) selected from the substituent(s) of the above-mentioned group D (substituents shown under (a) to (p)).

The group D here includes the substituents recited with regard to C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group D.

Examples thereof include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, 4-fluorocyclohexyl, 2-methylcyclopentyl, 3-methylcyclohexyl, 4-methylcyclohexyl, 4,4-dimethylcyclohexyl, 3,5-dimethylcyclohexyl, 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl, 4-hydroxycyclohexyl, 4-methoxycyclohexyl and 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorocyclohexyl.

The group D may be, for example, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl substituted by fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom, nitro, methyl, tert-butyl, carboxyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, 2-carboxylethyl, methoxy, carbamoyl, methylthio, dimethylaminocarbonyl, methylsulfonyl or acetylamino.

The cycloalkyl moiety is preferably cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, and at Z and Z', it is particularly preferably cyclohexyl.

The optionally substituted C_3-8 cycloalkenyl is that wherein the above-defined C_3-8 cycloalkenyl is optionally substituted by substituent(s) selected from hydroxyl group, the above-defined halogen atom, the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl and the above-defined C_1-6 alkoxy, which may be unsubstituted. Examples thereof include cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexenyl, 4-fluoro-2-cyclohexenyl, 4-methyl-2-cyclohexenyl, 4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl, 2,4-cyclohexadien-1-yl, 2,5-cyclohexadien-1-yl, cycloheptenyl and cyclooctenyl and the like, but do not include aryl (e.g., phenyl) or completely saturated cycloalkyl.

The optionally substituted C_3-8 cycloalkenyl is particularly preferably cyclohexenyl at the ring Cy.

The C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group B is that wherein the above-defined C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl is optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s), and includes unsubstituted arylalkyl. The substituent(s) is(are) selected from the above-mentioned group B.

Examples thereof include benzyl, 1-naphthylmethyl, 2-naphthylmethyl, phenethyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 2-phenylpropyl, 3-fluorobenzyl, 4-fluorobenzyl, 3-chlorobenzyl, 4-chlorobenzyl, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl, 3,5-dichlorobenzyl, pentafluorobenzyl, 4-methylbenzyl, 4-tert-butylbenzyl, 2-trifluoromethylbenzyl, 4-trifluoromethylbenzyl, 4-nitrobenzyl, 4-cyanobenzyl, 4-acetylbenzyl, 4-carboxylbenzyl, 4-carbamoylbenzyl, 4-aminobenzyl, 4-dimethylaminobenzyl, 4-acetylaminobenzyl, 4-(methylsulfonylamino)benzyl, 4-methoxybenzyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl, 4-methylthiobenzyl, 4-methylsulfonylbenzyl, 4-aminosulfonylbenzyl, 3-nitro-4-methoxybenzyl and 4-nitro-3-methoxybenzyl.

The C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl moiety is preferably benzyl or phenethyl, particularly preferably benzyl. The group B is preferably the above-defined halogen atom, nitro, the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl, the above-defined halogenated C_1-6 alkyl or -(CH₂)_r-OR^b1. Examples thereof include fluorine atom, chlorine atom, nitro, methyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy or trifluoromethyloxy, particularly preferably fluorine atom or chlorine atom.

The specific C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group B at R^a12 and R^a13 is preferably benzyl, phenethyl, 3-chlorobenzyl, 4-chlorobenzyl, 4-tert-butylbenzyl or 3-trifluoromethylbenzyl, it is preferably benzyl at R^a1, R^a19, R^a27, R^a28, R^a31 and R^b5, it is preferably benzyl, phenethyl, 4-fluorobenzyl, 2-chlorobenzyl, 3-chlorobenzyl, 4-chlorobenzyl, 4-tert-butylbenzyl or 4-trifluoromethylbenzyl at R^a20, and 4-chlorobenzyl, 3,5-dichlorobenzyl or 4-trifluoromethylbenzyl at R^a22 and R^a23.

It is particularly preferably benzyl at other substituents.

The C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group D is that wherein the above-defined C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl is optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s), and includes unsubstituted aryl. The substituent(s) is(are) selected from the substituent(s) of the above-mentioned group D (substituents shown under (a) to (p)).

Examples of group D include fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom, nitro, cyano, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, methoxymethyl, 2-carboxylethyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, ethoxycarbonylmethyl, acetyl, carboxyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, methylaminocarbonyl, isopropylaminocarbonyl, dimethylaminocarbonyl, diethylaminocarbonyl, (2-hydroxyethyl)aminocarbonyl, (carboxylmethyl)aminocarbonyl, hydroxyl group, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropyloxy, hydroxymethyloxy, carboxylmethyloxy, (dimethylaminocarbonyl)methyloxy, amino, methylamino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, acetylamino, methylsulfonylamino, methylthio, methylsulfonyl, methylsulfinyl, aminosulfonyl, methylaminosulfonyl and dimethylaminosulfonyl.

Examples of C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group D include benzyl, 1-naphthylmethyl, 2-naphthylmethyl, phenethyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 2-phenylpropyl, 3-fluorobenzyl, 4-fluorobenzyl, 3-chlorobenzyl, 4-chlorobenzyl, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl, 3,5-dichlorobenzyl, 4-bromobenzyl, 4-nitrobenzyl, pentafluorobenzyl, 4-methylbenzyl, 4-tert-butylbenzyl, 2-trifluoromethylbenzyl, 4-trifluoromethylbenzyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)benzyl, 4- (methoxymethyl)benzyl, 4-(2-carboxylethyl)benzyl, 3-carboxylbenzyl, 4-carboxylbenzyl, 4-methoxybenzyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl, 4-carbamoylbenzyl, 4-methylthiobenzyl, 4-(dimethylaminocarbonyl)benzyl, 4-methylsulfonylbenzyl, 4-(acetylamino)benzyl, 4-cyanobenzyl, 4-acetylbenzyl, 4-aminobenzyl, 4-dimethylaminobenzyl, 4-(methylsulfonylamino)benzyl, 4-methylsulfinylbenzyl, 4-aminosulfonylbenzyl, (3-nitro-4-methoxyphenyl)methyl and (4-nitro-3-methoxyphenyl)methyl.

At Z and Z', the C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl moiety is preferably benzyl or phenethyl, and the group D here is preferably the above-defined halogen atom, nitro, the above-defined optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl, -(CH₂)_t-COOR^a19, -(CH₂)_t-CONR^a27R^a28, -(CH₂)_t-OR^a20, -(CH₂)_t-NR^a29CO-R^a24, -(CH₂)_t-S(O)_q-R^a25 or -(CH₂)_t-SO₂-NHR^a26.

The C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group D is preferably benzyl, 3-fluorobenzyl, 4-fluorobenzyl, 3-chlorobenzyl, 4-chlorobenzyl, 3,5-dichlorobenzyl, 4-bromobenzyl, 4-nitrobenzyl, 4-methylbenzyl, 4-tert-butylbenzyl, 2-trifluoromethylbenzyl, 4-trifluoromethylbenzyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)benzyl, 4-(methoxymethyl)benzyl, 4-(2-carboxylethyl)benzyl, 3-carboxylbenzyl, 4-carboxylbenzyl, 4-methoxybenzyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl, 4-carbamoylbenzyl, 4-methylthiobenzyl, 4-(dimethylaminocarbonyl)benzyl, 4-methylsulfonylbenzyl, 4-acetylaminobenzyl, 4-methylsulfinylbenzyl or 4-aminosulfonylbenzyl.

It is particularly preferably the above-defined halogen atom, the above-defined optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl, -(CH₂)_t-COOR^a19, -(CH₂)_t-CONR^a27R^a28, -(CH₂)_t-OR^a20 or - (CH₂)_t-S(O)_q-R^a25. Examples thereof include fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom, nitro, methyl, tert-butyl, carboxyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, 2-carboxylethyl, methoxy, carbamoyl, methylthio, dimethylaminocarbonyl, methylsulfonyl and acetylamino. It is more preferably fluorine atom, chlorine atom, methyl, tert-butyl, carboxyl, methoxy, carbamoyl, methylthio, dimethylaminocarbonyl or methylsulfonyl, most preferably fluorine atom or chlorine atom.

The heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group B is that wherein the above-defined heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl is optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s), and includes unsubstituted heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl. The substituent(s) is(are) selected from the above-mentioned group B.

Examples thereof include 2-pyridylmethyl, 3-pyridylmethyl, 2-chloropyridin-4-ylmethyl, 4-pyridylmethyl, pyrrolylmethyl, imidazolylmethyl, 2-thienylmethyl, 3-thienylmethyl, 2-furylmethyl, 2-oxazolylmethyl, 5-isothiazolylmethyl, 2-methyloxazol-4-ylmethyl, 2-thiazolylmethyl, 4-thiazolylmethyl, 5-thiazolylmethyl, 2-methylthiazol-4-ylmethyl, 2-methylthiazol-5-ylmethyl, 2,5-dimethylthiazol-4-ylmethyl, 4-methylthiazol-2-ylmethyl, 2,4-dimethylthiazol-5-ylmethyl, 2-isothiazolylmethyl, 2-pyrrolinylmethyl, pyrrolidinylmethyl, piperidylmethyl, 4-piperidylmethyl, 1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethyl, 2-(4-hydroxypiperidino)ethyl, 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethyl, 1-acetylpiperidin-4-ylmethyl, 1-methylsulfonylpiperidin-4-ylmethyl, piperazinylmethyl, morpholinomethyl, thiomorpholinylmethyl, 1-tetrahydropyranylmethyl, 2-quinolylmethyl, 1-isoquinolylmethyl and the like.

The heterocyclic moiety is preferably a heterocyclic group which is a 5-membered or 6-membered monocyclic group. Examples thereof include pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, tetrazolyl, thienyl, furyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl and tetrahydropyranyl, and the alkyl moiety thereof is preferably straight chain alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The group B here is preferably the above-defined halogen atom, the above-defined C_1-6 alkyl, the above-defined halogenated C_1-6 alkyl, the above-defined C_1-6 alkanoyl, -(CH₂)_r-COOR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-CONR^b1R^b2 or -(CH₂)_r-OR^b1.

Examples of heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group B preferably include 2-pyridylmethyl, 3-pyridylmethyl, 2-chloropyridin-4-ylmethyl, 4-pyridylmethyl, piperidin-4-ylmethyl, 1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethyl, 2-(4-hydroxypiperidino)ethyl, 1-acetylpiperidin-4-ylmethyl, 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl) piperidin-4-ylmethyl, 1-(methylsulfonyl)-piperidin-4-ylmethyl, 2-thiazolylmethyl, 4-thiazolylmethyl, 2-methylthiazolin-4-ylmethyl, 2,4-dimethylthiazolin-5-ylmethyl and 4-methylthiazol-2-ylmethyl. Particularly preferably, it is 2-pyridylmethyl, 3-pyridylmethyl, 2-chloropyridin-4-ylmethyl, 4-pyridylmethyl, piperidin-4-ylmethyl, 1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethyl, 2-(4-hydroxypiperidino)ethyl, 1-acetylpiperidin-4-ylmethyl, 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethyl, 1-(methylsulfonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethyl, 2-methylthiazolin-4-ylmethyl, 2,4-dimethylthiazolin-5-ylmethyl or 4-methylthiazol-2-ylmethyl at R^a20, 2-pyridylmethyl at R^a22 and R^a23, and 4-pyridylmethyl or 4-methylthiazol-2-ylmethyl at R^a27 and R^a28.

The C_3-8 cycloalkyl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B is that wherein the above-defined C_3-8 cycloalkyl C_1-6 alkyl is optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s), and includes unsubstituted cycloalkylalkyl. The substituents are selected from the above group B.

Specific examples thereof include cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutylmethyl, cyclopentylmethyl, cyclohexylmethyl, 2-(cyclopentyl)ethyl, 2-(cyclohexyl)ethyl, cycloheptylmethyl, 4-fluorocyclohexylmethyl, 2-methylcyclopentylmethyl, 3-methylcyclohexylmethyl, 4-methylcyclohexylmethyl, 4,4-dimethylcyclohexylmethyl, 3,5-dimethylcyclohexylmethyl, 4-tert-butylcyclohexylmethyl, 4-hydroxycyclohexylmethyl, 4-methoxycyclohexylmethyl and 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorocyclohexylmethyl.

Also exemplified are those wherein cyclopentylmethyl or cyclohexylmethyl is substituted by fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom, nito, methyl, tert-butyl, carboxyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, 2-carboxylethyl, methoxy, carbamoyl, methylthio, dimethylaminocarbonyl, methylsulfonyl or acetylamino.

At cycloalkyl moiety, it is preferably cyclopentylmethyl or cyclohexylmethyl, and at R^a20, R^a27 and R^a28, it is particularly preferably cyclohexylmethyl.

In formula [I], X is preferably wherein each symbol is as defined above.

G¹, G², G³ and G⁴ are each preferably (C-R¹), (C-R²), (C-R³) and (C-R⁴), G⁵ is preferably a nitrogen atom, and G⁶, G⁸ and G⁹ are preferably a carbon atom. G⁷ is preferably C(-R⁷) or unsubstituted nitrogen atom, wherein R⁷ is preferably hydrogen atom.

A preferable combination is G² of (C-R²) and G⁶ of a carbon atom, particularly preferably G² of (C-R²), G⁶ of a carbon atom and G⁵ of a nitrogen atom, most preferably G² of (C-R²), G⁶ of a carbon atom, G⁵ of a nitrogen atom and G⁷ of unsubstituted nitrogen atom.

In formulas [I] and [II], 1 to 4 of G¹ to G⁹ in the moiety is(are) preferably a nitrogen atom, specifically preferably particularly preferably more preferably most preferably

R¹ and R⁴ are preferably hydrogen atom. R² is preferably carboxyl, -COOR^a1, -CONR^a2R^a3 or -SO₂R^a7 (each symbol is as defined above), particularly preferably carboxyl, -COOR^a1 or -SO₂R^a7, more preferably carboxyl or -COOR^a1, most preferably carboxyl. R³ is preferably hydrogen atom or -OR^a6 (R^a6 is as defined above), particularly preferably hydrogen atom.

The ring Cy and ring Cy' are preferably cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl or tetrahydrothiopyranyl, particularly preferably cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl, more preferably cyclohexyl.

The ring A and ring A' are preferably phenyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, furyl or thienyl, particularly preferably phenyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl or pyridazinyl, more preferably phenyl or pyridyl, and most preferably phenyl.

The ring B and ring B' are preferably C_1-6 aryl or heterocyclic group, specifically preferably, phenyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, tetrazolyl, thienyl, furyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl or thiadiazolyl, particularly preferably phenyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl or thiazolyl, more preferably, phenyl, pyridyl or thiazolyl, and most preferably phenyl or thiazolyl.

With regard to R⁵ and R⁶, one of them is preferably hydrogen atom and the other is halogen atom, particularly fluorine atom. Alternatively, the both arepreferably hydrogen atoms. When ring A is phenyl, R⁵ and R⁶ preferably are present at an ortho position from G⁶. The same applies to R⁵' and R⁶'.

Y is preferably -(CH₂)_m-O-(CH₂)_n-, -NHCO₂-, -CONH-CHR^a14-, - (CH₂)_m-NR^a12-(CH₂)_n-, -CONR^a13- (CH₂)_n-, -O-(CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16-(CH₂)_n- or -(CH₂)_n-NR^a12-CHR^a15- (each symbol is as defined above), more preferably, -(CH₂)_m-O-(CH₂)_n- or -O-(CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16-(CH₂)_n-, most preferably -O- (CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16- (CH₂)_n-.

The 1, m and n are preferably 0 or an integer of 1 to 4, particularly preferably 0, 1 or 2, at Y. In -(CH₂)_m-O-(CH₂)_n-, m=n=0 or m=0 and n=1 is more preferable, most preferably m=n=0. In -O-(CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16-(CH₂)_n-, m=n=0, m=0 and n=1, m=1 and n=0 or m=1 and n=1 is more preferable, most preferably m=n=0.

When Y is -O- (CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16- (CH₂)_n-, R^a16 is preferably hydrogen atom, R^a15 is preferably wherein the moiety is preferably symmetric. The preferable mode of n, ring B, Z and w and the preferable mode of n', ring B', Z' and w' are the same.

When ring A is phenyl, X or Y is preferably present at the para-position relative to G⁶. When ring B and ring B' are phenyl, Z is preferably present at the ortho or meta-position relative to Y. It is preferable that the 3-position on phenyl have one substituent or the 2-position and the 5-position on phenyl each have one substituent.

When ring B is thiazolyl, Y is preferably substituted at the 5-position, and Z is preferably substituted at the 2-position, the 4-position or the 2-position and the 4-position. Similarly, when ring B' is thiazolyl, (CH₂)_n' is also preferably substituted at the 5-position, and Z' is preferably substituted at the 2-position, the 4-position or the 2-position and the 4-position.

Z and Z' are preferably group D, "C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group D" or "heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group D", particularly preferably group D or "C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from group D".

More preferably, they are the above-defined halogen atom, nitro, the above-defined optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl, -(CH₂)_t-COOR^a19-(CH₂)_t-CONR^a27R^a28, -(CH₂)_t-OR^a20, (CH₂)_t-NR^a29CO-R^a24, - (CH₂)_t-S(O)_q-R^a25 or -(CH₂)_t-SO₂-NHR^a26, or C_6-14 aryl or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by these. With regard to Z and Z', the preferable mode of group D that directly substitutes each ring B and ring B' and the preferable mode of group D that substitutes C_6-14 aryl, C_3-8 cycloalkyl, C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl or heterocyclic group are the same, wherein they may be the same with or different from each other.

Specific examples of the substituent preferably include fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom, nitro, cyano, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, methoxymethyl, 2-carboxylethyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, ethoxycarbonylmethyl, acetyl, carboxyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, methylaminocarbonyl, isopropylaminocarbonyl, dimethylaminocarbonyl, diethylamino-carbonyl, (2-hydroxyethyl)aminocarbonyl, (carboxylmethyl)-aminocarbonyl, hydroxyl group, methoxy, ethoxy, propyloxy, isopropyloxy, butyloxy, isopentyloxy, 2-isopentenyloxy, 3-isohexenyloxy, 4-methyl-3-pentenyloxy, 2-propynyloxy, trifluoromethyloxy, hydroxymethyloxy, carboxylmethyloxy, (dimethylaminocarbonyl)methyloxy, amino, methylamino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, acetylamino, methylsulfonylamino, methylthio, methylsulfonyl, methylsulfinyl, aminosulfonyl, methylaminosulfonyl, dimethylaminosulfonyl, tert-butylaminosulfonyl, phenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-ethylphenyl, 4-propylphenyl, 4-isopropylphenyl, 4-tert-butylphenyl, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenyl, 4-(methoxymethyl)phenyl, 4- (2-carboxylethyl)phenyl, 4-(methoxycarbonylmethyl)phenyl, 4-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)phenyl, 4-acetylphenyl, 3-carboxylphenyl, 4-carboxylphenyl, 4-(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl, 4-(ethoxycarbonyl)-phenyl, 4-carbamoylphenyl, 4-(methylaminocarbonyl)phenyl, 4-(isopropylaminocarbonyl)phenyl, 4-(dimethylaminocarbonyl)phenyl, 4-(diethylaminocarbonyl)phenyl, 4-[(2-hydroxyethyl)-aminocarbonyl]phenyl, 4-[(carboxylmethyl)aminocarbonyl]phenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 4-ethoxyphenyl, 4-propyloxyphenyl, 4-isopropyloxyphenyl, 4-butyloxyphenyl, 4-isopentyloxyphenyl, 4-(2-isopentenyloxy)phenyl, 4-(3-isohexenyloxy)phenyl, 4-(4-methyl-3-pentenyloxy)phenyl, 4-(2-propynyloxy)phenyl, 4-(trifluoromethyloxy)phenyl, 4-(hydroxymethyloxy)phenyl, 4-(carboxylmethyloxy)phenyl, 4-[(dimethylaminocarbonyl)methyloxy]phenyl, 4-aminophenyl, 4-(methylamino)phenyl, 4-(dimethylaminophenyl), 4-(diethylamino)-phenyl, 4-(acetylamino)phenyl, 4-(methylsulfonylamino)phenyl, 4-(methylthio)phenyl, 4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl, 4- (methylsulfinyl)-phenyl, 4- (aminosulfonyl)phenyl, 4-(methylaminosulfonyl) phenyl, 4-(dimethylaminosulfonyl)phenyl, 4-(tert-butylaminosulfonyl)phenyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, 4-chlorobenzyl, phenethyl, benzyloxy, 4-fluorobenzyloxy, 2-chlorobenzyloxy, 3-chlorobenzyloxy, 4-chlorobenzyloxy, 4-tert-butylbenzyloxy, 4-trifluoromethylbenzyloxy, phenethyloxy, 2-thienyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 2-pyrimidinyl, 5-tetrazolyl, piperidino, piperidinocarbonyl, 4-hydroxypiperidinocarbonyl, 1-piperazinylcarbonyl, 1-pyrrolidinylcarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, 4-thiomorpholinylcarbonyl, phenoxy, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy, tetrahydropyranyloxy, 2-pyridylmethyloxy, 3-pyridylmethyloxy, 2-chloropyridin-4-ylmethyloxy, 4-pyridylmethyloxy, 2-piperidylmethyloxy, 3-piperidylmethyloxy, 4-piperidylmethyloxy, 1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethyloxy, 1-acetylpiperidin-4-ylmethyloxy, 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethyloxy, 1-(methylsulfonyl)-piperidin-4-ylmethyloxy, 2-methylthiazolin-4-yloxy, 2,4-dimethylthiazolin-5-yloxy, dimethylaminocarbonylmethyloxy, piperidinocarbonylmethyloxy, 2-methylthiazol-4-yl, (2-methylthiazol-4-yl) methyloxy, (2,4-dimethylthiazol-5-yl)methyloxy, benzoyl, 3-fluorobenzoyl, 4-chlorobenzylamino, 3,5-dichlorobenzylamino, 4-trifluoromethylbenzylamino, 2-pyridylmethylamino, benzoylamino, 4-chlorobenzoylamino, 4-trifluoromethylbenzoylamino, 3,5-dichlorobenzoylamino, 3-nitro-4-methoxybenzoylamino, 4-nitro-3-methoxybenzoylamino, 3-pyridylcarbonylamino, 4-methylphenylsulfonylamino, 2-thiazolylaminosulfonyl, 2-pyridylaminosulfonyl, benzylaminocarbonyl, N-benzyl-N-methylaminocarbonyl, (4-pyridylmethyl)-aminocarbonyl or (cyclohexylmethyl)aminocarbonyl, 2-hydroxyethyloxy, 3-hydroxypropyloxy, 3-hydroxypyrrolidinylcarbonyl, 3-hydroxypiperidinocarbonyl, 3,4-dihydroxypiperidinocarbonyl, 4-methoxypiperidinocarbonyl, 4-carboxypiperidinocarbonyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)piperidinocarbonyl, 2-oxopiperidinocarbonyl, 4-oxopiperidinocarbonyl, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinocarbonyl, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidinocarbonyl, 1-oxothiomorpholin-4-ylcarbonyl, 1,1-dioxothiomorpholin-4-ylcarbonyl, 1-(methylsulfonyl)piperidin-4-ylaminocarbonyl, 4-methylsulfonylpiperazinylcarbonyl, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-aminocarbonyl, phenylaminocarbonyl, cyclohexylaminocarbonyl, 4-hydroxycyclohexylaminocarbonyl, 4-methylthiazol-2-ylmethylaminocarbonyl, 2-(4-hydroxypiperidino)ethyloxy, 2-pyridylmethylaminocarbonyl, 3-pyridylmethylaminocarbonyl, N-methyl-N-(4-pyridylmethyl)aminocarbonyl, cyclohexylmethyloxy, 4-hydroxypiperidinocarbonylmethyloxy and 4-methylthiazol-2-ylmethyloxy.

Particularly preferable examples of the substituent include fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom, nitro, cyano, methyl, hydroxymethyl, carboxyl, carbamoyl, methylaminocarbonyl, isopropylaminocarbonyl, dimethylaminocarbonyl, diethylaminocarbonyl, (2-hydroxylethyl)aminocarbonyl, (carboxymethyl)-aminocarbonyl, methoxy, 2-isopentenyloxy, 2-propynyloxy, methylthio, methylamino, dimethylamino, acetylamino, methylsulfonylamino, methylsulfonyl, aminosulfonyl, dimethylaminosulfonyl, tert-butylaminosulfonyl, phenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-tert-butylphenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-(methoxymethyl)phenyl, 4-(2-hydroxylethyl)phenyl, 3-carboxylphenyl, 4-carboxylphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-carbamoylphenyl, 4-methylthiophenyl, 4-(dimethylaminocarbonyl)phenyl, 4-methylsulfonylphenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, benzyloxy, 4-fluorobenzyloxy, 4-chlorobenzyloxy, 2-thiazolyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 4-pyridylmethyloxy, 2-piperidylmethyloxy, 3-piperidylmethyloxy, 4-piperidylmethyloxy, 1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethyloxy, 1-acetylpiperidin-4-ylmethyloxy, 2-chloropiperidin-4-ylmethyloxy, 1-(methylsulfonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethyloxy, 2-methylthiazol-4-yl, (2-methylthiazol-4-yl)methyloxy, (2,4-dimethylthiazol-5-yl)methyloxy, 5-tetrazolyl, 3-fluorobenzoyl, piperidinocarbonyl, 4-hydroxylpiperidinocarbonyl, 1-pyrrolidinylcarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, 4-thiomorpholinylcarbonyl, benzylaminocarbonyl, N-benzyl-N-methylaminocarbonyl, (4-pyridylmethyl)aminocarbonyl and (cyclohexylmethyl)aminocarbonyl.

Most preferable substituents are fluorine atom, chlorine atom, methyl, hydroxymethyl, carboxyl, carbamoyl, methylaminocarbonyl, dimethylaminocarbonyl, methoxy, methylamino, acetylamino, aminosulfonyl, dimethylaminosulfonyl, tert-butylaminosulfonyl, phenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-tert-butylphenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-carboxylphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-carbamoylphenyl, 4-methylthiophenyl, 4-(dimethylaminocarbonyl)phenyl and 4-methylsulfonylphenyl.

The w is preferably 1 or 2, r and t are preferably 0, 1 or 2, particularly preferably 0 or 1, more preferably 0, p is preferably 1, and q is preferably 0 or 2.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salt may be any as long as it forms a non-toxic salt with a compound of the above-mentioned formula [I] or [II]. Such salt can be obtained by reacting the compound with an inorganic acid, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrobromic acid and the like, or an organic acid, such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, gluconic acid, ascorbic acid, methylsulfonic acid, benzylsulfonic acid and the like, or an inorganic base, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide and the like, or an organic base, such as methylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, triethanolamine, ethylenediamine, tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamine, guanidine, choline, cinchonine and the like, with an amino acid, such as lysine, arginine, alanine and the like. The present invention encompasses water-retaining product, hydrate and solvate of each compound.

The compounds of the above-mentioned formula [I] or [II] have various isomers. For example, E compound and Z compound are present as geometric isomers, and when the compound has an asymmetric carbon, an enantiomer and a diastereomer are present due to the asymmetric carbon. A tautomer may be also present. The present invention encompasses all of these isomers and mixtures thereof.

The present invention also encompasses prodrug and metabolite of each compound.

A prodrug means a derivative of the compound of the present invention, which is capable of chemical or metabolic decomposition, which shows inherent efficacy by reverting to the original compound after administration to a body, and which includes salts and complexes without a covalent bond.

When the inventive compound is used as a pharmaceutical preparation, the inventive compound is generally admixed with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, diluents, binders, disintegrators, stabilizers, preservatives, buffers, emulsifiers, aromatics, coloring agents, sweeteners, thickeners, correctives, solubilizers, and other additives such as water, vegetable oil, alcohol such as ethanol, benzyl alcohol and the like, polyethylene glycol, glycerol triacetate, gelatin, lactose, carbohydrate such as starch and the like, magnesium stearate, talc, lanolin, petrolatum and the like, and prepared into a dosage form of tablets, pills, powders, granules, suppositories, injections, eye drops, liquids, capsules, troches, aerosols, elixirs, suspensions, emulsions, syrups and the like, which can be administered systemically or topically and orally or parenterally.

While the dose varies depending on the age, body weight, general condition, treatment effect, administration route and the like, it is from 0.1 mg to 1 g for an adult per dose, which is given one to several times a day.

The prophylaxis of hepatitis C means, for example, administration of a pharmaceutical agent to an individual found to carry an HCV by a test and the like but without a symptom of hepatitis C, or to an individual who shows an improved disease state of hepatitis after a treatment of hepatitis C, but who still carries an HCV and is associated with a risk of recurrence of hepatitis.

Examples of the production method of the compound to be used for the practice of the present invention are given in the following. However, the production method of the compound of the present invention is not limited to these examples.

Even if no directly corresponding disclosure is found in the following Production Methods, the steps may be modified for efficient production of the compound, such as introduction of a protecting group into a functional group with deprotection in a subsequent step, and changing the order of Production Methods and steps.

The treatment after reaction in each step may be conventional ones, for which typical methods, such as isolation and purification, crystallization, recrystallization, silica gel chromatography, preparative HPLC and the like, can be appropriately selected and combined.

Production Method 1

In this Production Method, a benzimidazole compound is formed from a nitrobenzene compound.

Production Method 1-1

wherein Hal is halogen atom, such as chlorine atom, bromine atom and the like, R^c1 is halogen atom, such as chlorine atom, bromine atom and the like, or hydroxyl group, and other symbols are as defined above.

Step 1

A compound [1] obtained by a conventional method or a commercially available compound [1] is reacted with amine compound [2] in a solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), toluene and the like in the presence or absence of a base such as potassium carbonate, triethylamine, potassium t-butoxide and the like at room temperature or with heating to give compound [3].

Step 2

The compound [3] is hydrogenated in a solvent such as methanol, ethanol, THF, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, water and the like in the presence of a catalyst such as palladium carbon, palladium hydroxide, platinum oxide, Raney nickel and the like at room temperature or with heating to give compound [4]. In addition, compound [3] is reduced with a reducing agent such as zinc, iron, tin(II) chloride, sodium sulfite and the like, or reacted with hydrazine in the presence of iron(III) chloride to give compound [4].

Step 3

The compound [4] is condensed with carboxylic acid compound [5] in a solvent such as DMF, acetonitrile, THF, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methylene chloride, toluene and the like using a condensing agent such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride, diphenylphosphoryl azide and the like and, where necessary, adding N-hydroxysuccinimide, 1-hydroxybenzotriazole and the like to give amide compound [6]. Alternatively, amide compound [6] can be obtained from compound [5] as follows. The carboxylic acid compound [5] is converted to an acid halide derived with thionyl chloride, oxalyl chloride and the like, or an active ester (e.g., mixed acid anhydride derived with ethyl chlorocarbonate and the like), which is then reacted in the presence of a base, such as triethylamine, potassium carbonate, pyridine and the like, or in an amine solvent, such as pyridine and the like, to give amide compound [6].

Step 4

The compound [6] is heated in a solvent such as ethanol, methanol, toluene, DMF, chloroform and the like or without a solvent in the presence of an acid such as acetic acid, formic acid, hydrochloric acid, dilute sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid and the like, a halogenating agent such as zinc chloride, phosphorus oxychloride, thionyl chloride and the like or acid anhydride such as acetic anhydride and the like, to allow cyclization to give compound [I-2].

Production Method 1-2

This Production Method is an alternative method for producing compound [I-2]. wherein each symbol is as defined above.

Step 1

The compound [3] obtained in the same manner as in Step 1 of Production Method 1-1 is subjected to amide condensation with compound [5] in the same manner as in Step 3 of Production Method 1-1 to give compound [7].

Step 2

The compound [7] is reduced in the same manner as in Step 2 of Production Method 1-1 to give compound [8].

Step 3

The compound [8] is subjected to cyclization in the same manner as in Step 4 of Production Method 1-1 to give compound [I-2].

Production Method 1-3

wherein R^c2 is alkyl such as methyl, ethyl and the like, and other symbols are as defined above.

The compound [4] is reacted with imidate compound [9] in a solvent such as methanol, ethanol, acetic acid, DMF, THF, chloroform and the like at room temperature or with heating to give compound [I-2].

In addition, compound [4] may be reacted with aldehyde compound [10] in a solvent such as acetic acid, formic acid, acetonitrile, DMF, nitrobenzene, toluene and the like in the presence or absence of an oxidizing agent such as benzofuroxan, manganese dioxide, 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzbquinone, iodine, potassium ferricyanide and the like with heating to give compound [I-2].

Alternatively, compound [4] and carboxylic acid compound [11] may be heated to allow reaction in the presence of polyphosphoric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphorus oxychloride, hydrochloric acid and the like to give compound [I-2].

Production Method 2

In this Production Method, conversion of the substituents (R¹, R², R³, R⁴) on the benzene ring of benzimidazole is shown. While a method of converting R² when R¹, R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen atoms is shown, this Production Method is applicable irrespective of the position of substitution.

Production Method 2-1

Conversion of carboxylic acid ester moiety to amide wherein E is a single bond, -(CH₂)_s-, -O-(CH₂)_s- or -NH-(CH₂)_s-(wherein s is an integer of 1 to 6), R^c3, R^c4 and R^c5 are C_1-6 alkyl, and other symbols are as defined above.

Step 1

The compound [I-2-1] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is subjected to hydrolysis in a solvent such as methanol, ethanol, THF, dioxane and the like, or in a mixed solvent of these solvents and water under basic conditions with sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, lithium hydroxide and the like or under acidic conditions with hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and the like to give compound [I-2-2].

Step 2

The compound [I-2-2] is reacted with compound [12] in the same manner as in Step 3 of Production Method 1-1 to give compound [I-2-3].

Production Method 2-2

Conversion of cyano group to substituted amidino group wherein each symbol is as defined above.

The compound [1-2-4] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is reacted with hydroxylamine in a solvent such as water, methanol, ethanol, THF, DMF and the like to give compound [I-2-5]. When a salt of hydroxylamine such as hydrochloride and the like is used, the reaction is carried out in the presence of a base such as sodium hydrogencarbonate, sodium hydroxide, triethylamine and the like.

Production Method 2-3

Conversion of sulfonic acid ester moiety to sulfonic acid wherein R^c6 is C_1-6 alkyl, and other symbols are as defined above.

The compound [I-2-6] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is reacted with iodide salt such as sodium iodide, lithium iodide and the like, bromide salt such as sodium bromide, trimethylammonium bromide and the like, amine such as pyridine, trimethylamine, triazole and the like, phosphine such as triphenylphosphine and the like in a solvent such as DMF, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), acetonitrile, methanol, ethanol, water and the like with heating to give compound [I-2-7].

Production Method 3

This Production Method relates to convertion of the substituent(s) on phenyl group at the 2-position of benzimidazole. This Production Method can be used even when phenyl is a different ring.

Production Method 3-1

Conversion of hydroxyl group to ether wherein R^c7 is optionally substituted alkyl corresponding to R^a11, G¹ is a single bond, *-(CH₂)_n-, *-(CH₂)_n-O-, *-(CH₂)_n-CO- or *-(CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16)-(CH₂)_n-, wherein * show the side to be bonded to R^c1, and other symbols are as defined above.

When R^c1 of compound [13] is halogen atom, compound [I-2-8] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is reacted with compound [13] in a solvent such as DMF, DMSO, acetonitrile, ethanol, THF and the like in the presence of a base such as sodium hydride, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium ethoxide, potassium t-butoxide and the like at room temperature or with heating to give compound [II-2-1].

When R^c1 of compound [13] is hydroxyl group, the hydroxyl group of compound [13] is converted to halogen atom with thionyl chloride, phosphorus tribromide, carbon tetrabromide-triphenylphosphine and the like and reacted with compound [I-2-8] by the aforementioned method to give compound [II-2-1]. In this case, compound [I-2-8] may be subjected to Mitsunobu reaction with compound [13] in a solvent such as DMF, acetonitrile, THF and the like using triphenylphosphine - diethyl azodicarboxylate and the like to give compound [II-2-1].

The compound [I-2-9] can be obtained in the same manner from compound [I-2-8] and compound [14].

Production Method 3-2

Conversion of nitro to substituted amino group wherein R^c8 is C_1-6 alkyl, G² is *-(CH₂)_n- or *-CHR^a15, G³ is -CO-, *-CO₂-, *-CONH- or -SO₂-, and other symbols are as defined above.

Step 1

The nitro compound [I-2-10] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is reacted in the same manner as in Step 2 of Production Method 1-1 to give compound [I-2-11].

Step 2

The compound [I-2-11] is alkylated with compound [15] in the same manner as in Production Method 3-1 to give compound [II-2-2].

Step 3

When G³ of compound [16] is -CO-, -CO₂- or -CONH-, compound [I-2-11] is acylated with compound [16] in the same manner as in Step 3 of Production Method 1-1 to give compound [II-2-3].

When G³ of compound [16] is -SO₂-, sulfonylation is conducted using sulfonyl halide instead of acid halide used in Step 3 of Production Method 1-1 to give compound [II-2-3].

The compound [I-2-11] is acylated with compound [17] in the same manner as above to give compound [I-2-12].

This Production Method is applied in the same manner as above to give disubstituted compounds (tertiary amine) of compound [II-2-2], compound [II-2-3] and compound [I-2-12].

Production Method 3-3

Conversion of carboxylic acid ester moiety to amide wherein R^c9 is C_1-6 alkyl, G⁴ is #-(CH₂)_n-, #-(CH₂)_n-NH- or #-CHR^a14-wherein # shows the side that is bounded to amine and other symbols are as defined above.

Step 1

The compound [I-2-13] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is reacted in the same manner as in Step 1 of Production Method 2-1 to give compound [I-2-14].

Step 2

The compound [I-2-14] is reacted with compound [18] in the same manner as in Step 2 of Production Method 2-1 to give compound [II-2-4].

The compound [I-2-15] is obtained from compound [I-2-14] and compound [19] in the same manner as above.

Production Method 4

In this Production Method, additional substituent(s) is(are) introduced into ring B on phenyl group that substitutes the 2-position of benzimidazole. This Production Method is applicable even when phenyl is a different ring.

Production Method 4-1

Direct bonding of ring Z" to ring B wherein ring Z"-M is aryl metal compound, ring Z" moiety is optionally substituted C_6-14 aryl or optionally substituted heterocyclic group corresponding to substituent Z, and the metal moiety contains boron, zinc, tin, magnesium and the like, such as phenylboronic acid, w" is 0, 1 or 2, and other symbols are as defined above.

The compound [II-2-5] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is reacted with aryl metal compound [20] in a solvent such as DMF, acetonitrile, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, THF, toluene, water and the like in the presence of a palladium catalyst such as tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)-palladium, bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) dichloride, palladium acetate - triphenylphosphine and the like, a nickel catalyst such as nickel chloride, [1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)-propane]nickel(II) chloride and the like, and a base such as potassium carbonate, potassium hydrogencarbonate, sodium hydrogencarbonate, potassium phosphate, triethylamine and the like at room temperature or with heating, to give compound [II-2-6].

Production Method 4-2

Conversion of hydroxyl group to ether wherein R^c10 is -R^a20 or -(CH₂)_p-COR^a21 corresponding to substituent Z, and other symbols are as defined above.

The compound [II-2-7] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is reacted with compound [21] in the same manner as in Production Method 3-1 to give compound [II-2-8].

Production Method 4-3

Synthesis in advance of ring B part such as compound [13] in Production Method 3-1 wherein R^c11 is leaving group such as bromine atom, iodine atom, trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy and the like, R^c12 is formyl, carboxyl or carboxylic acid ester such as methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl and the like, and other symbols are as defined above.

Step 1

Commercially available compound [22] or compound [22] obtained by a conventional method is reacted with aryl metal compound [20] in the same manner as in Production Method 4-1 to give compound [23].

Step 2

The compound [23] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is reduced according to a conventional method to give compound [24].

For example, compound [23] is reacted with in a solvent such as methanol, ethanol, THF and the like in the presence of a reducing agent such as lithium aluminum hydride, sodium borohydride and the like under cooling to heating to give compound [24].

Step 3

The compound [24] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is reacted in a solvent such as 1,4-dioxane, diethyl ether, THF, dichloromethane, chloroform, toluene and the like with a halogenating agent, such as phosphorus pentachloride, phosphorus tribromide, thionyl chloride and the like, in the presence of a tertiary amine such as pyridine and the like to give compound [25].

Step 4

The compound [24] or [25] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is reacted with compound [I-2-8] in the same manner as in Production Method 3-1 to give compound [II-2-9].

Production Method 4-4

wherein M' is a metal such as magnesium, lithium, zinc and the like, and other symbols are as defined above.

Step 1

Commercially available compound [41] or compound [41] obtained by a conventional method is converted to aryl metal reagent by a conventional method to give compound [42].

For example, when M' is magnesium, magnesium is reacted with compound [41] in a solvent such as THF, diethyl ether, benzene, toluene and the like, preferably THF, from cooling to heating preferably at -100°C to 100°C to give compound [42].

Step 2

The compound [42] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is reacted with compound [43] to give compound [44].

The compound [42] is reacted in a solvent such as diethyl ether, benzene, toluene, THF and the like, preferably THF, from cooling to room temperature, preferably at -100°C to 30°C to give compound [44].

Step 3

The compound [44] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is halogenated in the same manner as in Step 3 of Production Method 4-3 to give compound [45].

The compound [44] is reacted with thionyl chloride and pyridine preferably in toluene solvent to give compound [45].

When compound [45] is symmetric, namely, when the ring B-(Z)w moiety and the ring B'-(Z')w' moiety are the same, compound [42] is reacted with formate such as methyl formate, ethyl formate and the like, preferably ethyl formate, in a solvent such as diethyl ether, benzene, toluene, THF and the like, preferably THF, from cooling to room temperature, preferably at -100°C to 30°C, to give compound [45].

Production Method 4-5

Method including steps to introduce a protecting group into a functional group wherein R^c13 is carboxylic acid protecting group such as tert-butyl and the like, R^c14 is carboxylic acid protecting group such as methyl and the like and other symbols are as defined above. Step 1

Commercially available compound [26] or compound [26] obtained by a conventional method is protected by a conventional method to give compound [27].

For example, when R^c13 is tert-butyl, compound [26] is converted to acid halide with thionyl chloride, oxalyl chloride and the like in a solvent such as THF, chloroform, dichloromethane, toluene and the like, and reacted with potassium tert-butoxide to give compound [27].

As used herein, R^c13 may be a different protecting group as long as it is not removed during the Step 2 or Step 3 but removed in Step 4 without affecting -CO₂R^c14.

Step 2

The methyl group of compound [27] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is converted to bromomethyl with N-bromosuccinimide and N,N'-azobisisobutyronitrile and reacted with compound [I-2-16] in the same manner as in Production Method 3-1 to give compound [II-2-10].

Step 3

The compound [II-2-10] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is reacted with aryl metal compound [20] in the same manner as in Production Method 4-1 to give compound [II-2-11].

Step 4

The R^c13 of the compound [II-2-11] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is removed by a conventional method to give compound [II-2-12].

The protecting group of carboxylic acid can be removed by a conventional deprotection method according to the protecting group. In this Step, the conditions free from reaction of R^c14 are preferable. For example, when R^c13 is tert-butyl, compound [II-2-11] is treated with trifluoroacetic acid in a solvent such as dichloromethane, chloroform and the like to give compound [II-2-12].

Step 5

The compound [II-2-12] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is subjected to amide condensation with compound [28] in the same manner as in Step 3 of Production Method 1-1 to give compound [II-2-13].

Step 6

The compound [II-2-13] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is deprotected in the same manner as in Step 1 of Production Method 2-1 to give compound [II-2-14].

As used herein, R^c14 is preferably a protecting group that does not react during the Step 1 through Step 5 but removed in this Step.

For example, when R^c14 is methyl, compound [II-2-13] is reacted in an alcohol solvent such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol and the like or a mixed solvent of alcohol solvent and water in the presence of a base such as potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and the like from cooling to heating for deprotection, followed by acidifying the reaction solution to give compound [II-2-14].

Production Method 5

Formation of indole ring wherein R^c15 is protecting group such as trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl and the like, and other symbols are as defined above.

Step 1

The compound [29] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method or conventional method is reacted with compound [30] in a solvent such as DMF, acetonitrile, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, THF, toluene, water and the like using a palladium catalyst such as tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium, bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) dichloride, palladium acetate - triphenylphosphine and the like, a copper catalyst such as copper(I) iodide and the like or a mixture thereof, and in the presence of a base such as potassium carbonate, potassium hydrogencarbonate, sodium hydrogencarbonate, potassium phosphate, triethylamine and the like to give compound [31].

Step 2

The compound [31] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method is reacted in an alcohol solvent such as methanol, ethanol and the like or a mixed solvent of an alcohol solvent and a solvent such as DMF, acetonitrile, THF, chloroform, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methylene chloride, toluene and the like in the presence of a base such as potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydride, sodium hydride, potassium hydride and the like at room temperature or with heating for deprotection, and reacted with compound [32] obtained in the same manner as in Step 1 of Production Method 1-1 in the same manner as in Step 1 of Production Method 5 to give compound [33].

Step 3

The compound [33] obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Production Method was subjected to cyclization in a solvent such as DMF, acetonitrile, THF, chloroform, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methylene chloride, toluene and the like in the presence of a copper catalyst such as copper(I) iodide and the like or a palladium catalyst such as palladium(II) chloride and the like at room temperature or with heating to give compound [II-2-15].

Production Method 6

Formation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine ring wherein R^c16 and R^c17 are each independently alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl and the like, and other symbols are as defined above.

Step 1

The compound [34] obtained by the above-mentioned Production Method or a conventional method is subjected to amide condensation with compound [35] in the same manner as in Step 3 of Production Method 1-1 to give compound [36].

Step 2

The compound [36] obtained by the above-mentioned Production Method is reacted with Grignard reagent [37] obtained by a conventional method to give compound [38].

Alternatively, an acid halide of compound [34] may be used instead of compound [36].

Step 3

The compound [38] obtained by the above-mentioned Production Method is subjected to halogenation by a conventional method to give compound [39].

For example, when Hal is a bromine atom, compound [38] is reacted with bromine under cooling or at room temperature in a solvent such as DMF, acetonitrile, THF, chloroform, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, toluene and the like to give compound [39].

Alternatively, a halogenating agent such as hypohalite (e.g., hypochlorite and the like), N-bromosuccinimide and the like may be used instead of bromine for halogenation

Step 4

The compound [39] obtained by the above-mentioned Production Method is subjected to cyclization with compound [40] obtained by a conventional or known method (JP-A-8-48651) in the presence of a base such as potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydride, sodium hydride, potassium hydride and the like in a solvent or without a solvent at room temperature or with heating to give compound [II-2-16].

The Production Methods shown in the above-mentioned Production Methods 2 to 4 can be used for the synthesis of compounds other than benzimidazole of the formulas [I] and [II], such as compounds [II-2-15] and [II-2-16].

The compounds of the formulas [I] and [II], and production methods thereof of the present invention are explained in detail in the following by way of Examples. It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited by these Examples.

Example 1 Production of ethyl 2-[4-(3-bromophenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Step 1: Production of ethyl 4-chloro-3-nitrobenzoate 4-Chloro-3-nitrobenzoic acid (300 g) was dissolved in ethyl alcohol (1500 ml) and concentrated sulfuric acid (100 ml) was added with ice-cooling. The mixture was refluxed under heating for 7 hr. The reaction mixture was poured into ice-cold water and the precipitated crystals were collected by filtration to give the title compound (332 g, yield 97%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 8.50(1H, d, J=2.1Hz), 8.16(1H, dd, J=8.4, 2.1Hz), 7.63(1H, d, J=8.4Hz), 4.43(2H, q, J=7.5Hz), 1.42(3H, t, J=7.5Hz)
Step 2: Production of ethyl 4-cyclohexylamino-3-nitrobenzoate Ethyl 4-chloro-3-nitrobenzoate (330 g) obtained in the previous step was dissolved in acetonitrile (1500 ml), and cyclohexylamine (220 g) and triethylamine (195 g) were added. The mixture was refluxed under heating overnight. The reaction mixture was poured into ice-cold water and the precipitated crystals were collected by filtration to give the title compound (400 g, yield 94%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 8.87(1H, d, J=2.1Hz), 8.35-8.45(1H, m), 8.02(1H, dd, J=9.1, 2.1Hz), 6.87(1H, d, J=9.1Hz), 4.35(2H, q, J=7.1Hz), 3.65-3.50(1H, m), 2.14-1.29(10H, m), 1.38(3H, t, J=7.1Hz)
Step 3: Production of ethyl 3-amino-4-cyclohexylaminobenzoate Ethyl 4-cyclohexylamino-3-nitrobenzoate (400 g) obtained in the previous step was dissolved in ethyl acetate (1500 ml) and ethyl alcohol (500 ml), and 7.5% palladium carbon (50% wet, 40 g) was added. The mixture was hydrogenated for 7 hr at atmospheric pressure. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. Diisopropyl ether was added to the residue and the precipitated crystals were collected by filtration to give the title compound (289 g, yield 80%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 7.57(1H, dd, J=8.4, 1.9Hz), 7.41(1H, d, J=1.9Hz), 6.59(1H, d, J=8.4Hz), 4.30(2H, q, J=7.1Hz), 3.40-3.30(1H, m), 2.18-2.02(2H, m), 1.88-1.15(8H, m), 1.35(3H, t, J=7.1Hz)
Step 4: Production of ethyl 3-[4-(3-bromophenoxy)benzoyl]amino-4-cyclohexylaminobenzoate 4-(3-Bromophenoxy)benzoic acid (74 g) was dissolved in chloroform (500 ml), and oxalyl chloride (33 ml) and dimethylformamide (catalytic amount) were added. The mixture was stirred for 4 hr at room temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and dissolved in dichloromethane (150 ml). The resulting solution was added dropwise to a solution of ethyl 3-amino-4-cyclohexylaminobenzoate (66 g) obtained in the previous step in dichloromethane (500 ml) and triethylamine (71 ml), and the mixture was stirred for 1 hr at room temperature. The reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic layer was washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Diethyl ether was added to the residue for crystallization and the crystals were collected by filtration to give the title compound (129 g, yield 95%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 8.00-7.78(4H, m), 7.66(1H, brs), 7.37-7.18(3H, m), 7.13-6.59(3H, m), 6.72(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 4.50(1H, brs), 4.29(2H, q, J=7.2Hz), 3.36(1H, m), 2.12-1.96(2H, m), 1, 83-1.56(3H, m), 1.47-1.12(5H, m) , 1.37(3H, t, J=7.2Hz)
Step 5: Production of ethyl 2-[4-(3-bromophenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate Ethyl 3-[4-(3-bromophenoxy)benzoyl]amino-4-cyclohexylaminobenzoate (129 g) obtained in the previous step was suspended in acetic acid (600 ml) and the resulting suspension was refluxed under heating for 3 hr. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. Water was added to the residue and the precipitated crystals were collected by filtration to give the title compound (124 g, yield 99%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 8.51(1H, d, J=1.5Hz), 8.00(1H, dd, J=8.4, 1.5Hz), 7.67(1H, d, J=8.4Hz), 7.63(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.35-7.21(3H, m), 7.17(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.14(1H, m), 4.42(2H, q, J=7.2Hz), 4.38(1H, m), 2.43-2.22(2H, m) , 2.07-1.87(4H, m), 1.80(1H, m), 1.42(3H, t, J=7.2Hz), 1.40-1.27(3H, m)

Example 2 Production of 2-[4-(3-bromophenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

Ethyl 2-[4-(3-bromophenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (1.0 g) obtained in Example 1 was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (10 ml) and ethyl alcohol (10 ml), and 4N sodium hydroxide (10 ml) was added. The mixture was refluxed under heating for 1 hr. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and water was added to the residue. The mixture was acidified with 6N hydrochloric acid and the precipitated crystals were collected by filtration to give the title compound (0.9 g, yield 96%). melting point: 255-256°C FAB-Ms: 491(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): (12.75(1H, brs), 8.24(1H, s) , 7.96(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.86(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.71(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.47-7.34(3H, m), 7.24(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.20(1H, m), 4.31(1H, m) , 2.38-2.18(2H, m), 2.02-1.79(4H, m), 1.65(1H, m), 1.44-1.20(3H, m)

Example 3 Production of ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Ethyl 3-amino-4-cyclohexylaminobenzoate (130 g) obtained in Example 1, Step 3, and methyl 4-hydroxybenzimidate hydrochloride (139 g) were added to methyl alcohol (1500 ml), and the mixture was refluxed under heating for 4 hr. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool and the precipitated crystals were collected by filtration to give the title compound (131 g, yield 72%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 10.02(1H, brs), 8.21(1H, d, J=1.4Hz), 7.93(1H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.83(1H, dd, J=8.6, 1.4Hz), 7.48(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 6.95(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 4.39-4.25(1H, m), 4.33(1H, q, J=7.0Hz), 2.35-2.18(2H, m), 1.98-1.79(4H, m), 1.70- 1.60(1H, m), 1.46-1.19(3H, m), 1.35(3H, t, J=7.0Hz)

Example 4 Production of ethyl 2-[4-(2-bromo-5-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate

2-Bromo-5-chlorobenzyl bromide prepared from 2-bromo-5-chlorotoluene (50 g), N-bromosuccinimide and N,N'-azobisisobutyronitrile, and ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (50 g) obtained in Example 3 were suspended in dimethylformamide (300 ml). Potassium carbonate (38 g) was added and the mixture was stirred for 1 hr at 80°C with heating. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool and then added to a mixed solvent of water-ethyl acetate. The precipitated crystals were collected by filtration to give the title compound (50 g, yield 64%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 8.50(1H, d, J=1.4Hz), 7.97(1H, dd, J=8.6, 1.4Hz), 7.70-7.57(5H, m), 7.20(1H, dd, J=8.4, 2.5Hz), 7.14(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 5.17(2H, s), 4.46-4.30(1H, m), 4.41(2H, q, J=7.1Hz), 2.40-2.20(2H, m), 2.02-1.21(8H, m), 1.42(3H, t, J=7.1Hz)

Example 5 Production of ethyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-chlorobenzyloxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Ethyl 2-[4-(2-bromo-5-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (49 g) obtained in Example 4, 4-chlorophenylboronic acid (18 g) and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium (10 g) were suspended in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (600 ml). Saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate solution (300 ml) was added and the mixture was refluxed under heating for 2 hr. Chloroform was added to the reaction mixture. The organic layer was washed successively with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate solution, water and saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel flash chromatography (developing solvent, chloroform:ethyl acetate = 97:3). Ethyl acetate and diisopropyi ether were added to the resulting oil for crystallization and the resulting crystals were collected by filtration to give the title compound (44 g, yield 85%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 8.49(1H, d, J=1.4Hz), 7.97(1H, dd, J=8.6, 1.6Hz), 7.70-7.60(2H, m), 7.55(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 4.95(2H, s), 4.48-4.28(1H, m) , 4.40(2H, m) , 2.02-1.20(8H, m) , 1.41(3H, t, J=7.1Hz)

Example 6 Production of 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-chlorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

Ethyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-chlorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (43 g) obtained in Example 5 was treated in the same manner as in Example 2 to give the title compound (33 g, yield 76%). melting point: 243-244°C FAB-Ms: 571(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 8.32(1H, s), 8.28(1H, d, J=8.9Hz), 8.05(1H, d, J=8.8Hz), 7.76-7.72(3H, m), 7.58-7.46(5H, m), 7.40(1H, d, J=8.3Hz), 7.24(2H, d, J=8.9Hz), 5.11(2H, s) , 4.36(1H, m), 2.40-2.15(2H, m), 2.15-1.95(2H, m), 1.95-1.75(2H, m), 1.75-1.55(1H, m), 1.55-1.15(3H, m)

Example 7 Production of ethyl 2-[4-(2-bromo-5-methoxybenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylate obtained in Example 3 and 2-bromo-5-methoxybenzyl bromide were treated in the same manner as in Example 4 to give the title compound (59 g).

Example 8 Production of ethyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Ethyl 2-[4-(2-bromo-5-methoxybenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate obtained in Example 7 was treated in the same manner as in Example 5 to give the title compound (48 g, yield 77%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 8.49(1H, d, J=1.4Hz), 7.97(1H, dd, J=8.6, 1.4Hz), 7.64(1H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.54(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.37(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.31(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.25(1H, d, J=8.4Hz), 7.19(1H, d, J=2.7Hz), 7.00(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 6.97(1H, dd, J=8.4, 2.7Hz), 4.98(2H, s), 4.41(2H, q, J=7.1Hz), 4.42-4.29(1H, m), 3.88(3H, s) , 2.40-2.20(2H, m), 2.01-1.88(4H, m), 1.83-1.73(1H, m), 1.42(3H, t, J=7.1Hz), 1.41-1.25(3H, m)

Example 9 Production of 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

Ethyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (52 g) obtained in Example 8 was treated in the same manner as in Example 2 to give the title compound (44 g, yield 89%). melting point: 248-249°C FAB-Ms: 568(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 8.20(1H, s) , 7.88(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.85(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.57(d, 2H, J=8.6Hz), 7.46(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.44(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.29(1H, d, J=8.5Hz), 7.24(1H, d, J=2.6Hz), 7.11(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.06(1H, dd, J=8.5, 2.6Hz), 5.04(2H, s) , 4.26(1H, m), 3.83(3H, s) , 2.38-2.29(2H, m)

Example 10 Production of ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[(E)-2-phenylvinyl]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Ethyl 3-amino-4-cyclohexylaminobenzoate (500 mg) obtained in Example 1, Step 3, was dissolved in methyl alcohol (6 ml) and trans-4-stilbenecarbaldehyde (397 mg) was added under ice-cooling. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was ice-cooled and benzofuroxan (259 mg) dissolved in acetonitrile (2 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred for 7 hr at 50°C. The reaction mixture was ice-cooled. After 1N sodium hydroxide was added, ethyl acetate was added and the mixture was extracted. The organic layer was washed with water and saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel flash chromatography (developing solvent, n-hexane:ethyl acetate = 4:1) to give the title compound (540 mg, yield 63%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 8.28(1H, d, J=1.4Hz), 8.01(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.90-7.80(3H, m), 7.75-7.65(4H, m), 7.50-7.25(5H, m), 4.35(2H, q, J=7.0Hz), 4.31(1H, m), 2.40-2.20(2H, m), 2.00-1.80(4H, m), 1.63(1H, m), 1.40-1.20(3H, m), 1.36(3H, t, J=7.0Hz)

Example 11 Production of 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[(E)-2-phenylvinyl]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

Ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[(E)-2-phenylvinyl]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (127 mg) obtained in Example 10 was treated in the same manner as in Example 2 to give the title compound (116 mg, yield 97%). melting point: not lower than 300°C FAB-Ms: 423(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 8.25(1H, s) , 7.96-7.29(13H, m) , 4.33(1H, brt), 2.41-2.23(2H, m), 2.03-1.78(4H, m), 1.71-1.59(1H, m), 1.49-1.20(3H, m)

Example 12 Production of 2- (4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

In the same manner as in Examples 1 and 2, the title compound (700 mg) was obtained. FAB-Ms: 413(MH+) ¹H-MMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 8.60(1H, s), 8.04(1H, d, J=9.0Hz), 7.63(2H, d, J=8.4Hz), 7.51-7.32(6H, m), 7.14(2H, d, J=9.0Hz), 5.16(2H, s), 5.03-4.89(1H, m), 2.41-1.63(8H, m)

Example 13 Production of 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxamide

2-(4-Benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (700 mg) obtained in Example 12 was dissolved in dimethylformamide (10 ml), and ammonium chloride (108 mg), 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (390 mg), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (275 mg) and triethylamine (0.3 ml) were added. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. Water was added to the reaction mixture and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed successively with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate, water and saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Ethyl acetate and diisopropyl ether were added to the residue for crystallization and the crystals were collected by filtration to give the title compound (571 mg, yield 81%). melting point: 232-233°C FAB-Ms: 412(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 8.23(1H, d, =1.5Hz), 7.86(1H, dd, J=8.5, 1.5Hz), 7.65-7.30(8H, m), 7.13(2H, d, J=8.8Hz), 5.16(2H, s), 4.93(1H, quint, J=8.8Hz), 2.40-1.60(8H, m)

Example 14 Production of 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-cyano-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole

In the same manner as in Example 1, the title compound (400 mg) was obtained. FAB-Ms: 394(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 8.11(1H, s), 7.68-7.30(9H, m), 7.13(2H, s) , 5.16(2H, s), 4.94(1H, quint, J=8.9Hz), 2.35-1.60(8H, m)

Example 15 Production of 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxamide oxime

2-(4-Benzyloxyphenyl)-5-cyano-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole (400 mg) obtained in Example 14 was suspended in ethyl alcohol (3 ml) and water (1.5 ml), and hydroxylamine hydrochloride (141 mg) and sodium hydrogencarbonate (170 mg) were added. The mixture was refluxed under heating overnight. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool and the precipitated crystals were collected by filtration to give the title compound (312 mg, yield 71%). melting point: 225-226°C FAB-Ms: 456(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 8.20(1H, s), 7.50-7.31(9H, m), 7.12(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 5.15(2H, s), 4.94(1H, quint, J=8.7Hz), 3.61(3H, s), 3.40(3H, s), 2.41-1.42(8H, m)

Example 16 Production of ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-thiazolyl}methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Step 1: Production of 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methylthiazole Ethyl 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-thiazolecarboxylate (59 g) prepared by a known method (Chem. Pharm. Bull., 43(6), 947, 1995) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (700 ml). Lithium aluminum hydride (13 g) was added under ice-cooling and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. Water (13 ml), 15% sodium hydroxide (13 ml) and water (39 ml) were added successively to the reaction mixture, and the precipitated insoluble materials were filtered off. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (37 g, yield 71%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 7.60(2H, dd, J=8.7, 6.6Hz), 7.11(2H, t, J=8.7Hz), 4.80(2H, s), 2.70(3H, s)
Step 2: Production of 5-chloromethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methylthiazole 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methylthiazole (37 g) obtained in the previous step was dissolved in chloroform (500 ml), and thionyl chloride (24 ml) and pyridine (2 ml) were added. The mixture was stirred for 3 hr at room temperature. The reaction mixture was poured into ice-cold water. The mixture was extracted with chloroform, and washed with water and saturated brine. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (29 g, yield 76%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 7.67(2H, dd, J=8.8, 5.4Hz), 7.16(2H, t, J=8.7Hz), 4.79(2H, s) , 2.73(3H, s)
Step 3: Production of ethyl l-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4-(4-fluorophenyl) -2-methyl-5-thiazolyl}methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylate 5-Chloromethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methylthiazole (28 g) obtained in the previous step and ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (36 g) obtained in Example 3 were treated in the same manner as in Example 4 to give the title compound (61 g, yield 100%). APCI-Ms: 570 (MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 8.25(1H, d, J=1.5Hz), 7.97(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.86(1H, dd, J=8.6, 1.6Hz), 7.7.4(2H, dd, J=8.8, 5.5Hz), 7.62(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.33(2H, t, J=8.9Hz), 7.22(2H, t, J=8.9Hz), 5.41(2H, s), 4.34(2H, q, J=7.1Hz), 4.31(1H, m), 2.71(3H, s), 2.40-2.15(2H, m), 2.05-1.75(4H, m), 1.55-1.15(3H, m), 1.36(3H, t, J=7.1Hz)

Example 17 Production of 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-thiazolyl}methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

Ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-thiazolyl}methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (60 g) obtained in Example 16 was treated in the same manner as in Example 2 to give the title compound (39g, yield 69%). melting point: 196-198°C FAB-Ms: 542(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 13.1(1H, brs), 8.34(1H, s) , 8.29(1H, d, J=8.8Hz), 8.06(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.80-7.72(4H, m), 7.36-7.31(4H, m), 5.46(2H, s) , 4.38(1H, m), 2.72(3H, s), 2.45-2.15(2H, m), 2.15-1.95(2H, m), 1.95-1.75(2H, m), 1.75-1.55(1H, m), 1.55-1.20(3H, m)

Example 18 Production of ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-(2-fluoro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate

In the same manner as in Example 3, the title compound (50 g) was obtained.

Example 19 Production of ethyl 2-{4-[bis(3-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Step 1 : Production of 3,3'-difluorobenzhydrol To a stirred solution of magnesium strip (35.4 g) in THF (200 ml), iodine strip was added and the mixture was heated with stirring under nitrogen stream until most of color of iodine was disappeared. A solution of 3-fluoro-bromobenzene (250.0 g) in THF (1000 ml) was added dropwise over 2.5 hr while the temperature of the solution was maintained at 60°C. After the completion of the addition of the solution, the resulting mixture was refluxed for 1 hr with heating. The resulting Grignard solution was ice-cooled and a solution of ethyl formate (63.2 g) in THF (200 ml) was added dropwise over 1 hr. After a stirring of the reaction solution for an additional 30 min, saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (700 ml) was added dropwise with ice-cooling and water (300 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred for 10 min. The organic layer and water layer were separated. Water layer was extracted with ethyl acetate, and the combined organic layer was washed with 2N hydrochloric acid, saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate and saturated brine. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and the solvent was evaporated off under reduced pressure to give the title compound (156.2 g, yield 99%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 7.31(2H, td, J=7.9, 5.8Hz), 7.15-7.80(4H, m), 6.97-6.94(2H, m), 5.82(1H, d, J=3.3Hz), 2.30(1H, d, J=3.3Hz)
Step 2: Production of 3,3'-difluorobenzhydryl chloride To a solution of 3,3'-difluorobenzhydrol (150.0 g) obtained in the previous step in toluene (400 ml), pyridine (539 mg) was added at room temperature. To the solution, thionyl chloride (89.1 g) was added dropwise over 1 hr at room temperature and the resulting solution was stirred for an additional 2 hr. The solution was heated so that the temperature of the solution was at 40°C, and then stirred for an additional 1.5 hr. Thionyl chloride (8.1 g) was added again and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. To the reaction mixture, water was added. The organic layer was separated, and washed with water, saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate and saturated brine. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, the solvent was evaporated off under reduced pressure to give the title compound (158.2 g, yield 97%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 7.32(2H, td, J=8.0, 5.9Hz), 7.18-7.10(4H, m), 7.01(2H, tdd, J=8.2, 2.5, 1.2Hz), 6.05(1H, s)
Step 3: Production of ethyl 2-{4-[bis(3-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate Ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-(2-fluoro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (50 g) obtained in Example 18 and 3,3'-difluorobenzhydryl chloride (34 g) obtained in the previous step were treated in the same manner as in Example 4 to give the title compound (76 g, yield 99%). FAB-Ms: 585(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 8.24(1H, d, J=1.4Hz), 7.98(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.88(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.56(1H, t, J=8.6Hz), 7.50-7.40(6H, m), 6.82(1H, s), 4.34(2H, q, J=7.1Hz), 3.95(1H, m), 2.20-2.10(2H, m), 1.90-1.80(4H, m), 1.6(1H, m), 1.35(3H, t, J=7.2Hz), 1.30-1.20(3H, mz)

Example 20 Production of 2-{4-(bis[3-fluorophenyl]methoxy)-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

Ethyl 2-{4-[bis(3-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (75 g) obtained in Example 19 was treated in the same manner as in Example 2 to give the title compound (48 g, yield 62%). melting point: 242-243°C FAB-Ms: 557(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆) : 8.29(1H, s) , 8.16(1H, d, J=8.8Hz), 7.99(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.66(1H, t, J=8.7Hz), 7.51-7.40(6H, m) , 7.30(1H, d, J=12.1Hz), 7.20-7.14(3H, m), 6.88(1H, s), 4.07(1H, m), 2.40-2.10(2H, m), 2.00-1.75(4H, m), 1.70-1.55(1H, m), 1.50-1.15(3H, m)

Example 21 Production of ethyl 1-cyclopentyl-2-(4-nitrophenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylate

In the same manner as in Example 1, the title compound (12 g) was obtained.

Example 22 Production of ethyl 2-(4-aminophenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Ethyl 1-cyclopentyl-2-(4-nitrophenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (12 g) obtained in Example 21 was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (200 ml) and ethyl alcohol (50 ml), 7.5% palladium carbon (50% wet, 1 g) was added. The mixture was hydrogenated for 1 hr at atmospheric pressure. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. Tetrahydrofuran was added to the residue to allow crystallization and the crystals were collected by filtration to give the title compound (11 g, yield 98%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 8.49(1H, d, J=1.3Hz), 7.95(1H, dd, J=8.5, 1.3Hz), 7.50-7.40(3H, m) , 6.79(2H, d, J=4.6Hz), 4.97(1H, quint, J=8.9Hz), 4.40(2H, q, J=7.1Hz), 3.74(2H, brs), 2.40-1.60(8H, m), 1.41(3H, t, J=7.1Hz)

Example 23 Production of ethyl 2-(4-benzoylaminophenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Ethyl 1-cyclopentyl-2-(4-aminophenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (300 mg) obtained in Example 22 was dissolved in pyridine (3 ml) and chloroform (3 ml), and benzoyl chloride (127 mg) was added. The mixture was stirred for 30 min at room temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and water was added to the residue to allow crystallization. The crystals were collected by filtration to give the title compound (403 mg, yield 100%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 8.58(1H, s), 8.00(1H, d, J=9.0Hz), 7.84(2H, d, J=7.5Hz), 7.60-7.40(6H, m), 7.14(2H, d, J=7.5Hz), 4.84(1H, quint, J=8.7Hz), 4.41(2H, q, J=7.5Hz), 2.20-1.30(8H, m), 1.41(3H, t, J=7.5Hz)

Example 24 Production of 2-(4-benzoylaminophenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

Ethyl 2-(4-benzoylaminophenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (200 mg) obtained in Example 23 was treated in the same manner as in Example 2 to give the title compound (131 mg, yield 70%). melting point: not lower than 300°C FAB-Ms: 426(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 10.75(1H, s), 8.35(1H, s), 8.15and7.85(4H, ABq, J=8.9Hz), 8.10-7.98(4H, m), 7.70-7.55(3H, m), 5.02(1H, quint, J=8.7Hz), 2.36-2.15(4H, m), 2.14-1.95(2H, m), 1.80-1.62 (2H, m)

Example 25 Production of ethyl 2-{4-[3-(3-chlorophenyl)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Ethyl 2-[4-(3-bromophenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (65 g) obtained in Example 1 and 3-chlorophenylboronic acid (23 g) were treated in the same manner as in Example 5 to give the title compound (59 g, yield 85%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 8.51(1H, d, J=1.8Hz), 7.99(1H, dd, J=8.7, 1.8Hz), 7.71-7.55(4H, m), 7.51-7.43(2H, m), 7.43-7.27(4H, m), 7.19(1H, d, J=8.4Hz), 7.12(1H, m) , 4.41(2H, q, J=7.2Hz), 4.39(1H, m) , 2.42-2.22(2H, m) , 2.03-1.87(4H, m) , 1.79(1H, m), 1.42(3H, t, J=7.2Hz), 1.39-1.29(3H, m)

Example 26 Production of 2-{4-[3-(3-chlorophenyl)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

Ethyl 2-{4-[3-(3-chlorophenyl)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (59 g) obtained in Example 25 was treated in the same manner as in Example 2 to give the title compound (43 g, yield 76%). melting point: 253-254°C FAB-Ms: 523(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 12.82(1H, brs), 8.24(1H, d, J=1.3Hz), 7.98(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.89(1H, dd, J=8.7, 1.3Hz), 7.78(1H, s), 7.72(2H, d, J=9.7Hz), 7.70(1H, m), 7.64-7.42(5H, m) , 7.25(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.20(1H, m), 4.33(1H, m), 2.39-2.17(2H, m), 2.00-1.76(4H, m), 1.65(1H, m), 1.50-1.22(3H, m)

Example 27 Production of ethyl 2-[4-(3-acetoxyphenyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate

In the same manner as in Example 1, the title compound (87 g) was obtained.

Example 28 Production of ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-hydroxyphenyloxy)-phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Ethyl 2-[4- (3-acetoxyphenyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (87 g) obtained in Example 27 was dissolved in methyl alcohol (250 ml) and tetrahydrofuran (250 ml), and potassium carbonate (31 g) was added. The mixture was stirred for 30 min at room temperature. The insoluble materials were filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. Water was added to the residue and the mixture was neutralized with 2N hydrochloric acid. The precipitated crystals were collected by filtration to give the title compound (78 g, yield 97%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆) : 9.71(1H, s) , 7.98(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.87(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.68 (2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.24(1H, t, J=8.1Hz), 7.18(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 6.63(1H, d, J=8.1Hz), 6.57(1H, d, J=8.1Hz), 6.51(1H, s) , 4.38-4.23(1H, m) , 4.35(2H, q, J=6.9Hz), 2.36-2.18(2H, m), 1.99-1.78(4H, m), 1.71-1.59(1H, m) , 1.45-1.20(3H, m) , 1.36(3H, t, J=6.9Hz)

Example 29 Production of ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-pyridylmethoxy)-phenyloxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-hydroxyphenyloxy)phenyl]-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (78 g) obtained in Example 28 was suspended in dimethylformamide (800 ml), and sodium hydride (60% oil, 14 g) was added under ice-cooling. The mixture was stirred for 1 hr at room temperature. After the reaction mixture was ice-cooled, 4-chloromethylpyridine hydrochloride (29 g) was added and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. The mixture was then stirred overnight at room temperature. Water was added to the reaction mixture and the precipitated crystals were collected by filtration. The resulting crystals were recrystallized from ethyl alcohol to give the title compound (77 g, yield 82%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 8.63(2H, d, J=6.0Hz), 8.51(1H, s), 7.99(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.66(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.62(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.36(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.31(1H, t, J=8.2Hz), 7.26(1H, s), 7.16(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 6.79-6.70(3H, m), 5.09(2H, s), 4.47-4.31(1H, m), 4.42(2H, q, J=7.0Hz), 2.42-2.22(2H, m), 2.04-1.71(5H, m), 1.45-1.25(3H, m), 1.42(3H, t, J=7.0Hz)

Example 30 Production of 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-pyridylmethoxy)phenyloxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

Ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-pyridylmethoxy)phenyloxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (60 g) obtained in Example 29 was treated in the same manner as in Example 2 to give the title compound (54 g, yield 75%). melting point: 235-237°C FAB-Ms: 520(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 8.58(2H, d, J=6.0Hz), 8.23(1H, s), 7.96 and 7.86(2H, ABq, J=8.7Hz), 7.68 and 7.17(4H, A'B'q, J=8.7Hz), 7.44(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.39(1H, t, J=8.3Hz), 6.90(1H, d, J=8.1Hz), 6.84(1H, s) , 6.75(1H, d, J=8.1Hz), 5.22(2H, s), 4.40-4.22(1H, m) , 2.40-2.19(2H, m), 2.00-1.80(4H, m)

Example 241 Production of methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Step 1: Production of 2-bromo-5-methoxybenzaldehyde 3-Methoxybenzaldehyde (15 g) was dissolved in acetic acid (75 ml), and a solution of bromine (5.7 ml) dissolved in acetic acid (15 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and water (150 ml) was added to the reaction mixture. The precipitated crystals were collected by filtration, washed with water and dried under reduced pressure to give the title compound (21 g, yield 88%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 10.31(1H, s), 7.52(1H, d, J=8.8Hz), 7.41(1H, d, J=3.3Hz), 7.03(1H, dd, J=8.8, 3.3Hz), 3.48(3H, s)
Step 2: Production of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzaldehyde 2-Bromo-5-methoxybenzaldehyde (10 g) obtained in the previous step was treated in the same method as in Example 5 to give the title compound (11 g, yield 96%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 9.92(1H, s) , 7.50(1H, d, J=2.6Hz), 7.48-7.14(6H, m) , 3.90(3H, s)
Step 3: Production of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyl alcohol
2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzaldehyde (10 g) obtained in the previous step was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (30 ml). The solution was added dropwise to a suspension of sodium borohydride (620 mg) in isopropyl alcohol (50 ml) and the mixture was stirred for 1 hr. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and water was added to the residue. The precipitated crystals were collected by filtration and dried under reduced pressure. The resulting crystals were recrystallized from a mixture of methanol and water to give the title compound (9.2 g, yield 91%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 7.37(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.27(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.17(1H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.11(1H, d, J=2.6Hz), 6.89(1H, dd, J=8.6, 2.6Hz), 4.57(2H, s) , 3.86(3H, s)
Step 4: Production of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyl chloride 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyl alcohol (20 g) obtained in the previous step was dissolved in ethyl acetate (100 ml) and pyridine (0.5 ml), and thionyl chloride (11 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 1 hr. Water was added to the reaction mixture and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water, saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate, water and saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Isopropyl alcohol was added to the residue to allow crystallization. The resulting crystals were collected by filtration and dried under reduced pressure to give the title compound (16 g, yield 74%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 7.43-7.29 (4H, m) , 7.17(1H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.05(1H, d, J=2.6Hz), 6.96-6.89(1H, m), 4.46(2H, s) , 3.86(3H, s) Step 5: Production of methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyl chloride (4.0 g) obtained in the previous step and methyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (5.0 g) obtained in the same manner as in Example 3 were treated in the same manner as in Example 4 to give the title compound (6.0 g, yield 72%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 8.48(1H, s), 8.00-7.93(1H, m), 7.68-7.62(1H, m) , 7.54(2H, d, J=9.0Hz), 7.41-7.16(6H, m) , 7.04-6.93(3H, m), 4.97(2H, s), 4.36(1H, m), 3.94(3H, s), 3.87(3H, s), 2.39-2.21(2H, m) , 2.02-1.88(4H, m), 1.85-1.45(4H, m)

Example 242 Production of 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride

Methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (5.0 g) obtained in Example 241 was treated in the same manner as in Example 2 to give the title compound (5.1 g, yield 98%). APCI-Ms: 568(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 8.30(1H, d, J=1.4Hz), 8.24(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 8.03 (1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.72(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.51-7.39(4H, m), 7.34-7.18(4H, m), 7.11-7.03(1H, m), 5.08 (2H, s), 4.35(1H, m) , 3.83(3H, m), 2.40-2.18(2H, m), 2.10-1.96(2H, m), 1.93-1.78(2Hm), 1.72-1.18(4H, m)

Example 243 Production of ethyl 2-{4-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)pyridin-2-ylmethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Step 1: Production of methyl 3-hydroxypicolinate 3-Hydroxypicolinic acid (1.0 g) was suspended in methanol (10 ml) and concentrated sulfuric acid (1.0 ml) was added. The mixture was refluxed under heating for 5 hr. The reaction mixture was ice-cooled, neutralized with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate, and extracted with chloroform. The organic layer was washed with water and saturated brine, and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (711 mg, yield 64%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 10.63(1H, s), 8.28(1H, dd, J=3.7, 1.8Hz), 7.47-7.35(2H, m), 4.06(3H, s)
Step 2: Production of methyl 3-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)-pyridine-2-carboxylate Methyl 3-hydroxypicolinate (710 mg) obtained in the previous step and triethylamine (0.77 ml) were dissolved in dichloromethane (7 ml), and trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (0.86 ml) was added under ice-cooling. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and the mixture was stirred for 2 hr. Water was added to the reaction mixture and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with saturated brine and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (1.2 g, yield 90%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 8.80-8.73(1H, m), 7.75-7.70(1H, m) , 7.63(1H, dd, J=8.2, 4.5Hz), 4.05(3H, s)
Step 3: Production of methyl 3-(4-chlorophenyl)pyridine-2-carboxylate Methyl 3-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)pyridine-2-carboxylate (1.2 g) obtained in the previous step was treated in the same manner as in Example 5 to give the title compound (728 mg, yield 69%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 8.73-8.66(1H, m) , 7.77-7.68 (1H, m), 7.49(1H, dd, J=7.8, 4.5Hz), 7.46-7.37(2H, m), 7.32-7.23(2H, m), 3.80(3H, s)
Step 4: Production of [3-(4-chlorophenyl)pyridin-2-yl]methanol Methyl 3-(4-chlorophenyl)pyridine-2-carboxylate (720 mg) obtained in the previous step was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (10 ml) and the solution was ice-cooled. Lithium aluminum hydride (160 mg) was added to the solution and the mixture was stirred for 1 hr. To the reaction mixture were added successively water (1.6 ml), 15% sodium hydroxide (1.6 ml) and water (4.8 ml). The insoluble materials were filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel flash chromatography (developing solvent, n-hexane:ethyl acetate = 1:1) to give the title compound (208 mg, yield 32%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 8.60(1H, dd, J=4.8, 1.5Hz), 7.60-7.55(1H, m), 7.40-7.48(2H, m) , 7.29-7.36(1H, m), 7.27-7.20(3H, m), 4.63(2H, s)
Step 5: Production of ethyl 2-{4-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)pyridin-2-ylmethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate [3-(4-Chlorophenyl)pyridin-2-yl]methanol (200 mg) obtained in the previous step was dissolved in chloroform (3 ml), and thionyl chloride (0.13 ml) and pyridine (catalytic amount) were added. The mixture was stirred for 1 hr at room temperature and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in dimethylformamide (3 ml), and ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (232 mg) obtained in the same manner as in Example 3 and potassium carbonate (250 mg) were added. The mixture was stirred for 3 hr with heating at 80°C. The reaction mixture was then allowed to cool. Water was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel flash chromatography (developing solvent, n-hexane:ethyl acetate = 1:2) to give the title compound (246 mg, yield 68%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 8.71(1H, dd, J=4.7, 1.4Hz), 8.49(1H, d, J=2.1Hz), 7.96(1H, d, J=10.2Hz), 7.71-7.62(2H, m), 7.53(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.45-7.34(5H, m), 7.04(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 5.14(2H, s), 4.48-4.29(3H, m), 2.38-2.19(2H, m), 2.02-1.22(11H, m)

Example 244 Production of methyl 2-[4-(2-bromo-5-tert-butoxycarbonylbenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Step 1: Production of tert-butyl 4-bromo-3-methylbenzoate 4-Bromo-3-methylbenzoic acid (25 g) was suspended in dichloromethane (200 ml), and oxalyl chloride (12 ml) and dimethylformamide (catalytic amount) were added. The mixture was stirred for 2 hr at room temperature and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (200 ml) and the solution was ice-cooled. To the solution was added dropwise a solution of potassium tert-butoxide dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (150 ml) and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. Water was added to the reaction mixture and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and saturated brine, and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (27 g, yield 85%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 7.83(1H, d, J=2.2Hz), 7.67-7.53 (2H, m), 2.43(3H, s) , 1.58(9H, s)
Step 2: Production of methyl 2-[4-(2-bromo-5-tert-butoxycarbonylbenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate tert-Butyl 4-bromo-3-methylbenzoate (7.0 g) obtained in the previous step and methyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (6.3 g) obtained in the same manner as in Example 3 were treated in the same manner as in Example 4 to give the title compound (8.8 g, yield 77%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 8.49(1H, d, J=1.5Hz), 8.21(1H, d, J=2.1Hz), 7.97(1H, d, J=10.2Hz), 7.82(1H, d, J=10.2Hz), 7.71-7.58(4H, m), 7.16(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 5.23(2H, s) , 4.38(1H, m) , 3.95(3H, s) , 2.40-2.23(2H, m), 2.04-1.90(4H, m) , 1.84-1.73(1H, m), 1.59(9H, s), 1.44-1.27(3H, m)

Example 245 Production of methyl 2-{4-[5-tert-butoxycarbonyl-2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Methyl 2-[4-(2-bromo-5-tert-butoxycarbonylbenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (4.5 g) obtained in Example 244 was treated in the same manner as in Example 5 to give the title compound (3.6 g, yield 76%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 8.48(1H, s), 8.27 (1H, d, J=1.8Hz), 8.04(1H, dd, J=7.9, 1.5Hz), 7.96(1H, dd, J=7.0, 1.5Hz), 7.65(1H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.55(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.43-7.32(5H, m), 7.01(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 4.99(2H, s), 4.43-4.29(1H, m), 3.95(3H, s), 2.41-2.21(2H, m) , 2.02-1.89(4H, m) , 1.82-1.73(1H, m) , 1.62(9H, s) , 1.46-1.28(3H, m)

Example 246 Production of methyl 2-{4-[5-carboxy-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate hydrochloride

Methyl 2-{4-[5-tert-butoxycarbonyl-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (3.5 g) obtained in Example 245 was dissolved in dichloromethane (35 ml), and trifluoroacetic acid (35 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred for 1 hr at room temperature and the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, and 4N hydrochloric acid-ethyl acetate was added. The precipitated crystals were collected by filtration and dried under reduced pressure to give the title compound (3.3 g, yield 97%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 8.33(1H, d, J=1.5Hz), 8.29(1H, s) , 8.24(1H, d, J=1.8Hz), 8.09-8.00 (2H, m), 7.74(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.61-7.44(5H, m) , 7.24(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 5.19(2H, s) , 4.36(1H, m), 3.93(3H, s) , 2.37-1,21(10H, m)

Example 247 Production of methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Methyl 2-{4-[5-carboxy-2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate hydrochloride (400 mg) obtained in Example 246 was suspended in dichloromethane (5 ml), and oxalyl chloride (0.08 ml) and dimethylformamide (catalytic amount) were added. The mixture was stirred for 2 hr at room temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (5 ml). The resulting solution was added dropwise to a mixed solution of 40% aqueous methylamine solution (5 ml) and tetrahydrofuran (5 ml) under ice-cooling. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hr and concentrated under reduced pressure. Water was added to the residue and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water, saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate and saturated brine, and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was crystallized from ethyl acetate and diisopropyl ether. The crystals were collected by filtration and dried under reduced pressure to give the title compound (335 mg, yield 86%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 8.47(1H, s), 8.06(1H, d, J=1.8Hz), 7.96(1H, dd, J=8.6, 1.5Hz), 7.82(1H, dd, J=8.2, 2.2Hz), 7.64(1H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.54(2H, d, J=9.0Hz), 7.44-7.31(5H, m), 6.99(2H, d, J=9.0Hz), 6.35-6.26(1H, m), 5.00(2H, s), 4.35(1H, m), 3.95(3H, s), 3.05(3H, d, J=4.8Hz), 2.40-1.24(10H, m)

Example 248 Production of 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate hydrochloride

Methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate (150 mg) obtained in Example 247 and tetrahydrofuran (2 ml) were treated in the same manner as in Example 2 to give the title compound (141 mg, yield 90%). APCI-Ms: 594(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 8.65-8.58(1H, m), 8.27(1H, d, J=1.5Hz), 8.21(1H, d, J=8.2Hz), 8.15(1H, d, J=1.5Hz), 8.05-7.90(2H, m), 7.70(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.56-7.43(5H, m), 7.21(2H, d, J=8.6Hz), 5.14 (2H, s) , 4.34(1H, m) , 2.81(3H, d, J=4.5Hz), 2.39-1.19(10H, m)

In the same manner as in Examples 1-30 and 241-248, and optionally using other conventional methods, where necessary, the compounds of Examples 31-240, 249-327, 701 and 1001-1559 were obtained. The chemical structures and properties are shown in Table 1 to 177 and 185 to 212.

Example 501 Production of methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexyl-1H-indole-5-carboxylate

Step 1: Production of methyl 3-bromo-4-cyclohexylaminobenzoate 3-Bromo-4-fluorobenzoic acid (2.0 g) was dissolved in methanol (20 ml) and concentrated sulfuric acid (2 ml) was added. The mixture was refluxed for 3 hr. The reaction mixture was poured into ice-cold water and extracted with ethyl acetate (50 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (30 ml) and saturated brine (30 ml), and dried over sodium sulfate. After filtration, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (20 ml) and cyclohexylamine (10.3 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred overnight at 120°C. The reaction mixture was poured into 10% aqueous citric acid solution (100 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (100 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (50 ml) and saturated brine (50 ml), and dried over sodium sulfate. After filtration, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel flash chromatography (developing solvent, n-hexane:ethyl acetate = 10:1) to give the title compound (2.6 g, yield 92%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 8.10(1H, d, J=1.9Hz), 7.83(1H, dd, J=1.9Hz, 8.6Hz), 6.59(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 4.73(1H, brd, J=7.3Hz), 3.85(3H, s), 3.38(1H, m) , 2.10-2.00(2H, m) , 1.90-1.20(8H, m)
Step 2: Production of 4'-chloro-2-(4-iodophenoxymethyl)-4-methoxybiphenyl 4-Iodophenol (5.0 g) was dissolved in acetone (50 ml), and potassium carbonate (4.7 g) and 4'-chloro-2-chloromethyl-4-methoxybiphenyl (6.0 g) obtained in Example 241, Step 4 were added. The mixture was refluxed for 10 hr. The reaction mixture was concentrated and 4N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (50 ml) was added. The precipitated crystals were collected by filtration, washed with water, and dried under reduced pressure to give the title compound (10.0 g, yield 98%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 7.52(2H, d, J=8.9Hz), 7.35(2H, d, J=8.5Hz), 7.27-7.20(3H, m) , 7.12(1H, s) , 6.95(1H, d, J=8.5Hz), 6.62(2H, d, J=8.9Hz), 4.84(2H, s), 3.85(3H, s)
Step 3: Production of [4-(4'-chloro-4-methoxybiphenyl-2-ylmethoxy)phenylethynyl]trimethylsilane 4'-Chloro-2-(4-iodophenoxymethyl)-4-methoxybiphenyl (7.0 g) obtained in the previous step was dissolved in acetonitrile (50 ml), and trimethylsilylacetylene (2.3 g), tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium complex (1.8 g), copper(I) iodide (0.6 g) and triethylamine (50 ml) were added. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and concentrated. Water (30 ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (50 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (30 ml) and saturated brine (30 ml) and dried over sodium sulfate. After filtration, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel flash chromatography (developing solvent, n-hexane:ethyl acetate = 10:1) to give the title compound (5.1 g, yield 79%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 7.37(2H, d, J=8.9Hz), 7.34(2H, d, J=8.2Hz), 7.28-7.21(3H, m) , 7.13(1H, s) , 6.94(1H, d, J=8.2Hz), 6.75(2H, d, J=8.9Hz), 4.87(2H, s) , 3.85(3H, s) , 0.23(9H, s)
Step 4: Production of methyl 3-(4-(4'-chloro-4-methoxybiphenyl-2-ylmethoxy)phenylethynyl]-4-cyclohexylaminobenzoate [4-(4'-Chloro-4-methoxybiphenyl-2-ylmethoxy)phenylethynyl]-trimethylsilane (5.1 g) obtained in the previous step was dissolved in methanol (50 ml) and chloroform (50 ml), and potassium carbonate (2.5 g) was added. The mixture was stirred for 3 hr at room temperature and concentrated. Water (30 ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (50 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (30 ml) and saturated brine (30 ml) and dried over sodium sulfate. After filtration, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give white crystals (3.8 g). The white crystals (2.3 g) were dissolved in acetonitrile (10 ml), and methyl 3-bromo-4-cyclohexylaminobenzoate (1.0 g) obtained in Step 1, tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium complex (0.4 g), copper(I) iodide (0.1 g) and triethylamine (10 ml) were added. The mixture was stirred overnight at 100°C and concentrated under reduced pressure. Water (30 ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (50 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (30 ml) and saturated brine (30 ml), and dried over sodium sulfate. After filtration, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel flash chromatography (developing solvent, n-hexane:ethyl acetate = 8:1) to give the title compound (0.9 g, yield 49%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 8.03(1H, s), 7.84(1H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.42-7.22(7H, m), 7.15(1H, s), 6.95(1H, d, J=8.2Hz), 6.85(2H, d, J=8.8Hz), 6.59(1H, d, J=8.8Hz), 5.07(1H, brs), 4.91(2H, s), 3.86(3H, s), 3.85(3H, s), 3.42(1H, m), 2.15-2.00(2H, m), 1.80-1.20(8H, m)
Step 5: Production of methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexyl-1H-indole-5-carboxylate Methyl 3- [4-(4'-chloro-4-methoxybiphenyl-2-ylmethoxy)phenylethynyl]-4-cyclohexylaminobenzoate (0.5 g) obtained in the previous step was dissolved in N,N-dimethylformamide (5 ml), and copper(I) iodide (0.17 g) was added. The mixture was refluxed for 3 hr at 180°C. The insoluble materials were removed by filtration. Water (10 ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (30 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (10 ml) and saturated brine (10 ml), and dried over sodium sulfate. After filtration, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by silica gel flash chromatography (developing solvent, n-hexane:ethyl acetate = 8:1) to give the title compound (0.27 g, yield 55%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 8.34(1H, s), 7.85(1H, d, J=8.8Hz), 7.62(1H, d, J=8.8Hz), 7.40-7.18(8H, m) , 7.00-6.94(3H, m), 6.48(1H, s), 4.95(2H, m), 4.18(1H, m), 3.93(3H, s), 3.88(3H, s), 2.45-2.25(2H, m) , 1.95-1.20(8H, m)

Example 502 Production of 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexyl-lH-indole-5-carboxylic acid

Methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexyl-1H-indole-5-carboxylate (0.27 g) obtained in Example 501 was treated in the same manner as in Example 2 to give the title compound (0.19 g, yield 71%). APCI-Ms: 566(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 12.43(1H, brs), 8.20(1H, s) , 7.79(1H, d, J=9.3Hz), 7.72(1H, d, J=9.0Hz), 7.50-7.20(8H, m), 7.07-7.03(3H, m), 6.53(1H, s) , 5.01(2H, s) , 4.13(1H, m), 3.83(3H, m) , 2.35-2.25(2H, m) , 1.85-1.10(8H, m)

In the same manner as in Examples 501 and 502, and optionally using other conventional methods where necessary, the compound of Example 503 was obtained. The chemical structure and properties are shown in Table 207.

Example 601 Production of ethyl 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-3-cyclohexylimidazo[1, 2-a]pyridine-7-carboxylate

Step 1: Production of 4-benzyloxy-N-methoxy-N-methylbenzamide 4-Benzyloxybenzoic acid (5.0 g) and N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (2.5 g) were suspended in dimethylformamide (50 ml), and 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (5.0 g), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (3.5 g) and triethylamine (3.6 ml) were added. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. Water was added to the reaction mixture and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed successively with water, saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate, water and saturated brine, and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate.' The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (5.6 g, yield 94%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 7.22, 2H, d, J=8.8Hz), 7.28-7.46(5H, m) , 6.97(2H, d, J=8.8Hz), 5.10(2H, s) , 3.56(3H, s) , 3.35(3H, s)
Step 2: Production of 1-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-2-cyclohexylethanone Magnesium (470 mg) was suspended in tetrahydrofuran (2 ml) and cyclohexylmethyl bromide (3.4 g) was added dropwise at room temperature. After the addition, the reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min at 60°C. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool and diluted with tetrahydrofuran (5 ml). Separately, 4-benzyloxy-N-methoxy-N-methylbenzamide (3.4 g) obtained in the previous step was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (10 ml) and the solution was added dropwise to the reaction mixture at room temperature. The mixture was stirred for 2 hr and saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution was added to the reaction mixture. The mixture was extracted with diethyl ether. The organic layer was washed with saturated brine and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel flash chromatography (developing solvent, n-hexane:ethyl acetate = 9:1) to give the title compound (3.8 g, yield 66%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 7.93(2H, d, J=8.8Hz), 7.28-7.46(5H, m), 7.00(2H, d, J=8.8Hz), 5.13(2H, s) , 2.76(2H, d, J=6.8Hz), 1.95(1H, m), 0.78-1.82(10H, m)
Step 3: Production of 1-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-2-bromo-2-cyclohexylethanone 1-(4-Benzyloxyphenyl)-2-cyclohexylethanone (1.0 g) obtained in the previous step was dissolved in 1,4-dioxane (10 ml) and bromine (0.17 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred for 10 min at room temperature. Saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate was added to the reaction mixture and the mixture was extracted with diethyl ether. The organic layer was washed with water and saturated brine and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel flash chromatography (developing solvent, n-hexane:ethyl acetate = 9:1) to give the title compound (696 mg, yield 55%). ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 7.98(2H, d, J=8.9Hz), 7.28-7.48(5H, m) , 7.02(2H, d, J=8.9Hz), 5.14(2H, s), 4.89(1H, d, J=9.3Hz), 0.86-3.30(11H, m)
Step 4: Production of ethyl 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-3-cyclohexylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-7-carboxylate Ethyl 2-aminopyridine-4-carboxylate (214 mg) prepared according to JP-A-8-48651, 1-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-2-bromo-2-cyclohexylethanone (500 mg) obtained in the previous step and potassium carbonate (356 mg) were stirred for 5 hr with heating at 140°C. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool and chloroform was added. The insoluble materials were filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel flash chromatography (developing solvent, n-hexane:ethyl acetate = 1:1) to give the title compound (95 mg, yield 16%). APCI-MS: 455(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃) : 8.33(1H, s), 8.21(1H, d, J=7.5Hz), 7.55(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.25-7.50(6H, m), 5.13(2H, s), 4.41(2H, q, J=7.1Hz), 3.25(1H, m) , 1.41(3H, t, J=7.1Hz), 1.15-2.00(10H, m)

Example 602 Production of 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-3-cyclohexylimidazo [1,2-a]pyridine-7-carboxylic acid

Ethyl 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-3-cyclohexylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-7-carboxylate (95 mg) obtained in the previous step was treated in the same manner as in Example 2 to give the title compound (33 mg, 37%). APCI-MS: 427(MH+) ¹H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): 8.67(1H, d, J=7.3Hz), 8.08(1H, s) , 7.25-7.58(8H, m), 7.13(2H, d, J=8.7Hz), 5.17(2H, s), 3.23(1H, m), 1.25-2.10(10H, m)

The compounds shown in Tables 213 to 218 can be further obtained in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 701 or by other conventional method employed as necessary.

The evaluation of the HCV polymerase inhibitory activity of the compound of the present invention is explained in the following. This polymerase is an enzyme coded for by the non-structural protein region called NS5B on the RNA gene of HCV (EMBO J., 15:12-22, 1996).

Experimental Example [I] i) Preparation of enzyme (HCV polymerase)

Using, as a template, a cDNA clone corresponding to the full length RNA gene of HCV BK strain obtained from the blood of a patient with hepatitis C, a region encoding NS5B (591 amino acids; J Virol 1991 Mar, 65(3), 1105-13) was amplified by PCR. The objective gene was prepared by adding a 6 His tag {base pair encoding 6 continuous histidine (His)} to the 5' end thereof and transformed to Escherichia coli. The Escherichia coli capable of producing the objective protein was cultured. The obtained cells were suspended in a buffer solution containing a surfactant and crushed in a microfluidizer. The supernatant was obtained by centrifugation and applied to various column chromatographys {poly[U]-Sepharose, Sephacryl S-200, mono-S (Pharmacia)}, inclusive of metal chelate chromatography, to give a standard enzyme product.

ii) Synthesis of substrate RNA

Using a synthetic primer designed based on the sequence of HCV genomic 3' untranslated region, a DNA fragment (148 bp) containing polyU and 3'X sequence was entirely synthesized and cloned into plasmid pBluescript SK II(+) (Stratagene). The cDNA encoding full length NS5B, which was prepared in i) above, was digested with restriction enzyme KpnI to give a cDNA fragment containing the nucleotide sequence of from the restriction enzyme cleavage site to the termination codon. This cDNA fragment was inserted into the upstream of 3' untranslated region of the DNA in pBluescript SK II(+) and ligated. The about 450 bp inserted DNA sequence was used as a template in the preparation of substrate RNA. This plasmid was cleaved immediately after the 3'X sequence, linearized and purified by phenol-chloroform treatment and ethanol precipitation to give DNA.

RNA was synthesized (37°C, 3 hr) by run-off method using this purified DNA as a template, a promoter of pBluescript SK II(+), MEGAscript RNA synthesis kit (Ambion) and T7 RNA polymerase. DNaseI was added and the mixture was incubated for 1 hr. The template DNA was removed by decomposition to give a crude RNA product. This product was treated with phenol-chloroform and purified by ethanol precipitation to give the objective substrate RNA.

This RNA was applied to formaldehyde denaturation agarose gel electrophoresis to confirm the quality thereof and preserved at -80°C.

iii) Assay of enzyme (HCV polymerase) inhibitory activity

A test substance (compound of the present invention) and a reaction mixture (30 µl) having the following composition were reacted at 25°C for 90 min.

10% Trichloroacetic acid at 4°C and 1% sodium pyrophosphate solution (150 µl) were added to this reaction mixture to stop the reaction. The reaction mixture was left standing in ice for 15 min to insolubilize RNA. This RNA was trapped on a glass filter (Whatman GF/C and the like) upon filtration by suction. This filter was washed with a solution containing 1% trichloroacetic acid and 0.1% sodium pyrophosphate, washed with 90% ethanol and dried. A liquid scintillation cocktail (Packard) was added and the radioactivity of RNA synthesized by the enzyme reaction was measured on a liquid scintillation counter.

The HCV polymerase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀) of the compound of the present invention was calculated from the values of radioactivity of the enzyme reaction with and without the test substance.

The results are shown in Tables 178 - 184. Reaction mixture : HCV polymerase (5 µg/ml) obtained in i), substrate RNA (10 µg/ml) obtained in ii), ATP (50 µM), GTP (50 µM), CTP (50 µM), UTP (2 µM), [5,6-³H]UTP (46 Ci/mmol (Amersham), 1.5 µCi) 20 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), EDTA (1 mM), MgCl₂ (5 mM), NaCl (50 mM), DTT (1 mM), BSA (0.01%)

Table 178

Ex. No.		Ex. No.
2	0.079	67	0.26
6	0.034	68	0.28
9	0.019	70	0.19
11	0.53	71	0.62
12	0.60	77	0.51
17	0.047	81	0.18
20	0.042	82	0.097
26	0.033	83	0.52
30	0.052	85	0.17
43	0.58	86	0.13
44	0.95	87	0.80
45	0.40	88	0.092
46	0.47	89	0.34
47	0.54	90	0.20
48	0.44	91	0.53
49	0.94	93	0.16
50	0.54	94	0.084
51	1.0	96	0.25
54	0.56	97	0.16
55	0.36	98	0.30

Table 179

Ex. No.		Ex. No.
99	0.53	120	0.16
100	0.78	121	0.19
101	0.14	122	0.51
103	0.17	123	0.10
104	0.073	124	0.091
105	0.076	125	0.12
106	0.40	128	0.14
107	0.11	129	0.12
108	0.21	130	0.16
109	0.11	131	0.046
110	0.24	132	0.055
111	0.14	133	0.12
112	0.11	134	0.071
113	0.071	139	0.26
114	0.56	140	0.11
115	0.17	141	0.43
116	0.37	142	0.055
117	0.075	143	0.053
118	0.14	144	0.19
119	0.13	145	0.088

Table 180

Ex. No.		Ex.
146	0.043	167	0.033
147	0.31	168	0.078
148	0.038	169	0.15
149	0.15	170	0.048
150	0.24	171	0.050
151	0.20	172	0.10
153	0.19	173	0.14
154	0.076	174	0.030
155	0.53	175	0.29
156	0.23	176	0.053
157	0.16	177	0.077
158	0.11	178	0.052
159	0.13	179	0.63
160	0.24	180	0.11
161	0.062	181	0.71
162	0.43	182	0.021
163	0.15	183	0.017
164	0.16	184	0.018
165	0.58	185	0.11
166	0.055	186	0.37

Table 181

Ex. No. No.		Ex. No.
187	0.056	207	0.081
188	0.038	208	0.039
189	0.017	209	0.12
190	0.020	210	0.31
191	0.43	211	0.059
192	0.22	212	0.23
193	0.13	213	0.10
194	0.52	214	0.059
195	0.023	215	0.078
196	0.20	216	0.084
197	0.11	217	0.058
198	0.044	218	0.033
199	0.11	219	0.13
200	0.10	220	0.073
201	0.14	221	0.058
202	0.095	222	0.041
203	0.063	223	0.21
204	0.16	225	0.014
205	0.077	227	0.045
206	0.05	228	0.18

Table 182

Ex. No.		Ex. No.
229	0.022	257	0.074
230	0.17	259	0.10
231	0.073	260	0.27
232	0.015	262	0.013
233	0.028	263	0.035
234	0.022	264	<0.01
235	0.036	265	0.014
236	0.075	266	0.018
237	0.015	267	0.014
238	0.19	268	0.012
239	0.17	269	0.013
240	0.055	270	0.012
248	0.012	271	0.024
249	0.022	272	0.066
250	0.018	273	0.041
252	0.32	276	0.023
253	0.65	279	0.017
254	0.038	280	0.016
255	0.038	281	0.052
256	0.079	282	0.019

Table 183

Ex. No.		Ex. No.
283	0.014	298	0.011
284	0.014	299	0.018
285	0.012	300	0.045
286	0.014	301	0.017
287	0.012	303	0.10
288	0.013	304	0.017
289	<0.01	305	0.01
290	0.012	306	0.013
291	0.016	307	0.022
292	0.015	308	0.023
293	0.034	311	0.16
294	0.032	312	0.023
295	0.045	313	0.025
296	0.034	314	0.097
297	0.022	315	0.028

Table 184

Ex. No.		Ex. No.
316	0.022	502	0.024
317	0.032	503	0.196
318	0.012	601	0.32
319	0.030	701	0.052

Formulation Example is given in the following. This example is merely for the purpose of exemplification and does not limit the invention.

Formulation Example

(a)	compound of Example 1	10 g
(b)	lactose	50 g
(c)	corn starch	15 g
(d)	sodium carboxymethylcellulose	44 g
(e)	magnesium stearate	1 g

The entire amounts of (a), (b) and (c) and 30 g of (d) are kneaded with water, dried in vacuo and granulated. The obtained granules are mixed with 14 g of (d) and 1 g of (e) and processed into tablets with a tableting machine to give 1000 tablets each containing 10 mg of (a).

Industrial Applicability

As is evident from the above-mentioned results, the compound of the present invention shows a high inhibitory activity against HCV polymerase.

Therefore, the compound of the present invention can provide a pharmaceutical agent effective for the prophylaxis or treatment of hepatitis C, based on the anti-HCV effect afforded by the HCV polymerase inhibitory activity. When used concurrently with a different anti-HCV agent, such as interferon, and/or an anti-inflammatory agent and the like, it can provide a pharmaceutical agent more effective for the prophylaxis or treatment of hepatitis C. Its high inhibitory activity specific to HCV polymerase suggests the possibility of the compound being a pharmaceutical agent with slight side effects, which can be used safely for humans.

This application is based on patent application No. 369008/1999 filed in Japan, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

A therapeutic agent for hepatitis C, which comprises a fused ring compound of the following formula [I] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient: wherein a broken line is a single bond or a double bond,
G¹ is C(-R¹) or a nitrogen atom,

G² is C(-R²) or a nitrogen atom,

G³ is C(-R³) or a nitrogen atom,

G⁴ is C(-R⁴) or a nitrogen atom,

G⁵, G⁶, G⁸ and G⁹ are each independently a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom,

G⁷ is C(-R⁷), an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a nitrogen atom optionally substituted by R⁸,
wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently,
(1) hydrogen atom,

(2) C_1-6 alkanoyl,

(3) carboxyl,

(4) cyano,

(5) nitro,

(6) C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituent(s) selected from the following group A, group A; halogen atom, hydroxyl group, carboxyl, amino, C_1-6 alkoxy, C_1-6 alkoxycarbonyl and C_1-6 alkylamino,

(7) -COOR^a1 wherein R^a1 is optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group B, group B; halogen atom, cyano, nitro, C_1-6 alkyl, halogenated C_1-6 alkyl, C_1-6 alkanoyl, -(CH₂)_r-COOR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-CONR^b1R^b2, -(CH₂)_r-NR^b1R^b2, - (CH₂)_r-NR^b1-COR^b2, -(CH₂)_r-NHSO₂R^b1, -(CH₂)_r-OR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-SR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-SO₂R^b1 and -(CH₂)_r-SO₂NR^b1R^b2 wherein R^b1 and R^b2 are each independently hydrogen atom or C_1-6 alkyl and r is 0 or an integer of 1 to 6,

(8) -CONR^a2R^a3 wherein R^a2 and R^a3 are each independently hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkoxy or optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

(9) -C(=NR^a4)NH₂ wherein R^a4 is hydrogen atom or hydroxyl group,

(10) -NHR^a5 wherein R^a5 is hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkanoyl or C_1-6 alkylsulfonyl,

(11) -OR^a6 wherein R^a6 is hydrogen atom or optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl(as defined above),

(12) -SO₂R^a7 wherein R^a7 is hydroxyl group, amino, C_1-6 alkyl or C_1-6 alkylamino or

(13) -P(=O) (OR^a31)₂ wherein R^a31 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, and
R⁷ and R⁸ are each hydrogen atom or optionally substituted

C_1-6 alkyl(as defined above),

ring Cy is
(1) C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group C, group C; hydroxyl group, halogen atom, C_1-6 alkyl and C_1-6 alkoxy,

(2) C_3-8 cycloalkenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group C, or

(3) wherein u and v are each independently an integer of 1 to 3,

ring A is
(1) C_6-14 aryl,

(2) C_3-8 cycloalkyl,

(3) C_3-8 cycloalkenyl or

(4) heterocyclic group having 1 to 4 heteroatom(s) selected from an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom,

R⁵ and R⁶ are each independently
(1) hydrogen atom,

(2) halogen atom,

(3) optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or

(4) -OR^a8 wherein R^a8 is hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkyl or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl, and

X is
(1) hydrogen atom,

(2) halogen atom,

(3) cyano,

(4) nitro,

(5) amino, C_1-6 alkanoylamino,

(6) C_1-6 alkylsulfonyl,

(7) optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

(8) C_2-6 alkenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituent(s) selected from the above group A,

(9) -COOR^a9 wherein R^a9 is hydrogen atom or C_1-6 alkyl,

(10) -CONH-(CH₂)₁-R^a10 wherein R^a10 is optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_1-6 alkoxycarbonyl or C_1-6 alkanoylamino and 1 is 0 or an integer of 1 to 6,

(11) -OR^a11wherein R^a11 is hydrogen atom or optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or

(12) wherein ring B is
(1') C_6-14 aryl,

(2') C_3-8 cycloalkyl or

(3') heterocyclic group (as defined above),
each Z is independently
(1') a group selected from the following group D,

(2') C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D,

(3') C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D,

(4') C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D or

(5') heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D
wherein the heterocyclic group has 1 to 4 hetero-atom(s) selected from an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom, group D:
(a) hydrogen atom,

(b) halogen atom,

(c) cyano,

(d) nitro,

(e) optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

(f) -(CH₂)_t-COR^a18, (hereinafter each t means independently 0 or an integer of 1 to 6), wherein R^a18 is
(1") optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

(2") C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or

(3") heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B wherein the heterocyclic group has 1 to 4 heteroatom(s) selected from an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom,

(g) -(CH₂)_t-COOR^a19 wherein R^a19 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(h) -(CH₂)_t-CONR^a27R^a28 wherein R^a27 and R^a28 are each independently,
(1") hydrogen atom,

(2") optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

(3") C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(4") C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(5") heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(6") heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, wherein the heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl is C_1-6 alkyl substituted by heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, as defined above,

(7") C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, or

(8") C_3-8 cycloalkyl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(i) -(CH₂)_t-C(=NR^a33)NH₂ wherein R^a33 is hydrogen atom or C_1-6 alkyl,

(j) -(CH₂)_t-OR^a20 wherein R^a20 is
(1") hydrogen atom,

(2") optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

(3") optionally substituted C_2-6 alkenyl (as defined above),

(4") C_2-6 alkynyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituent(s) selected from the above group A,

(5") C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(6") C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(7") heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(8") heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(9") C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, or

(10") C_3-8 cycloalkyl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(k) -(CH₂)_t-O- (CH₂)_p-COR^a21 wherein R^a21 is C_1-6 alkylamino or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, and p is 0 or an integer of 1 to 6,

(l) -(CH₂)_t-NR^a22R^a23 wherein R^a22 and R^a23 are each independently
(1") hydrogen atom,

(2") optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

(3") C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(4") C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or

(5") heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(m) - (CH₂)_t-NR^a29CO-R^a24 wherein R^a29 is hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkyl or C_1-6 alkanoyl, R^a24 is optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(n)-(CH₂)_t-NHSO₂-R^a25 wherein R^a25 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(o)-(CH₂)_t-S(O)_q-R^a25 wherein R^a25 is as defined above, and q is 0, 1 or 2, and

(p) -(CH₂)_t-SO₂-NHR^a26 wherein R^a26 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

w is an integer of 1 to 3, and

Y is
(1') a single bond,

(2') C_1-6 alkylene,

(3') C_2-6 alkenylene,

(4') -(CH₂)_m-O-(CH₂)_n-, (hereinafter m and n are each independently 0 or an integer of 1 to 6),

(5') -CO-,

(6') -CO₂-(CH₂)_n-,

(7') -CONH-(CH₂)_n-NH-,

(8') -NHCO₂-,

(9') -NHCONH-,

(10') -O-(CH₂)_n-CO-,

(11') -O-(CH₂)_n-O-,

(12') -SO₂-,

(13') -(CH₂)_m-NR^a12-(CH₂)_n- wherein R^a12 is
(1") hydrogen atom,

(2") optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

(3") C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(4") C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(5") -COR^b5 wherein R^b5 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(6") -COOR^b5 (R^b5 is as defined above) or

(7") -SO₂R^b5 (R^b5 is as defined above),

(14') -NR^a12CO- (R^a12 is as defined above),

(15') -CONR^a13-(CH₂)_n- wherein R^a13 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(16') -CONH-CHR^a14- wherein R^a14 is C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(17') -O-(CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16-(CH₂)_n- wherein R^a15 and R^a16 are each independently
(1") hydrogen atom,

(2") carboxyl,

(3") C_1-6 alkyl,

(4") -OR^b6 wherein R^b6 is C_1-6 alkyl or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl, or

(5") -NHR^b7 wherein R^b7 is hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkyl, C_1-6 alkanoyl or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyloxycarbonyl, or R^a15 is optionally

(6") wherein n', ring B', Z' and w' are the same as the above-mentioned n, ring B, Z and w, respectively, and may be the same as or different from the respective counterparts,

(18') -(CH₂)_n-NR^a12-CHR^a15- (R^a12 and R^a15 are each as defined above),

(19') -NR^a17SO₂- wherein R^a17 is hydrogen atom or C_1-6 alkyl or

(20') -S(O)_e-(CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16-(CH₂)_n- (e is 0, 1 or 2, R^a15 and R^a16 are each as defined above).
The therapeutic agent of claim 1, wherein 1 to 4 of the G¹, G², G³, G⁴, G⁵, G⁶, G⁷, G⁸ and G⁹ is (are) a nitrogen atom.
The therapeutic agent of claim 2, wherein G² is C(-R²) and G⁶ is a carbon atom.
The therapeutic agent of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein G⁵ is a nitrogen atom.
The therapeutic agent of claim 1, wherein, in formula [I], the moiety is a fused ring selected from
The therapeutic agent of claim 5, wherein, in formula [I], the moiety is a fused ring selected from
The therapeutic agent of claim 6, which comprises a fused ring compound of the following formula [I-1] wherein each symbol is as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient.
The therapeutic agent of claim 6, which comprises a fused ring compound of the following formula [I-2] wherein each symbol is as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient.
The therapeutic agent of claim 6, which comprises a fused ring compound of the following formula [I-3] wherein each symbol is as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient.
The therapeutic agent of claim 6, which comprises a fused ring compound of the following formula [I-4] wherein each symbol is as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient.
The therapeutic agent of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is carboxyl, -COOR^a1, -CONR^a2R^a3 or -SO₂R^a7 wherein R^a1, R^a2, R^a3 and R^a7 are as defined in claim 1.
The therapeutic agent of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the ring Cy is cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl or tetrahydrothiopyranyl.
The therapeutic agent of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the ring A is C_6-14 aryl.
A fused ring compound of the following formula [II] wherein the moiety is a fused ring selected from wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently,
(1) hydrogen atom,

(2) C_1-6 alkanoyl,

(3) carboxyl,

(4) cyano,

(5) nitro,

(6) C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituent(s) selected from the following group A, group A; halogen atom, hydroxyl group, carboxyl, amino, C_1-6 alkoxy, C_1-6 alkoxycarbonyl and C_1-6 alkylamino,

(7) -COOR^a1 wherein R^a1 is optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group B, group B; halogen atom, cyano, nitro, C_1-6 alkyl, halogenated C_1-6 alkyl, C_1-6 alkanoyl, -(CH₂)_r-COOR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-CONR^b1R^b2, -(CH₂)_rNR^b1R^b2, - (CH₂)_r-NR^b1-COR^b2, -(CH₂)_r-NHSO₂R^b1, -(CH₂)_r-OR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-SR^b1, -(CH₂)_r-SO₂R^b1 and -(CH₂)_r-SO₂NR^b1R^b2 wherein R^b1 and R^b2 are each independently hydrogen atom or C_1-6 alkyl and r is 0 or an integer of 1 to 6,

(8) -CONR^a2R^a3 wherein R^a2 and R^a3 are each independently hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkoxy or optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

(9) -C(=NR^a4)NH₂ wherein R^a4 is hydrogen atom or hydroxyl group,

(10) -NHR^a5 wherein R^a5 is hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkanoyl or C_1-6 alkylsulfonyl,

(11) -OR^a6 wherein R^a6 is hydrogen atom or optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) ,

(12) -SO₂R^a7 wherein R^a7 is hydroxyl group, amino, C_1-6 alkyl or C_1-6 alkylamino or

(13) -P(=O)(OR^a31)₂ wherein R^a31 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, and
R⁷ is hydrogen atom or optionally substituted

C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

ring Cy' is
(1) C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group C, group C; hydroxyl group, halogen atom, C_1-6 alkyl and C_1-6 alkoxy, or

(2)
wherein u and v are each independently an integer of 1 to 3,

ring A' is a group selected from a group consisting of phenyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, furyl and thienyl,

R^5' and R^6' are each independently
(1) hydrogen atom,

(2) halogen atom,

(3) optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or

(4) hydroxyl group

ring B is
(1) C_6-14 aryl,

(2) C_3-8 cycloalkyl or

(3) heterocyclic group having 1 to 4 heteroatom(s) selected from an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom,

each Z is independently
(1) a group selected from the following group D,

(2) C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D,

(3) C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D,

(4) C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D or

(5) heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the following group D wherein the heterocyclic group has 1 to 4 heteroatom(s) selected from an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom, group D:
(a) hydrogen atom,

(b) halogen atom,

(c) cyano,

(d) nitro,

(e) optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

(f) -(CH₂)_t-COR^a18, (hereinafter each t means independently 0 or an integer of 1 to 6), wherein R^a18 is
(1') optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

(2') C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or

(3') heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B wherein the heterocyclic group has 1 to 4 heteroatom(s) selected from an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom,

(g) -(CH₂)_t-COOR^a19 wherein R^a19 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(h) -(CH₂)_t-CONR^a27R^a28 wherein R^a27 and R^a28 are each independently,
(1") hydrogen atom,

(2") optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

(3") C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(4") C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(5") heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(6") heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, wherein the heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl is C_1-6 alkyl substituted by heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, as defined above,

(7") C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, or

(8") C_3-8 cycloalkyl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(i) -(CH₂)_t-C(=NR^a33)NH₂ wherein R^a33 is hydrogen atom or C_1-6 alkyl,

(j) -(CH₂)_t-OR^a20 wherein R^a20 is
(1') hydrogen atom,

(2') optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

(3') optionally substituted C_2-6 alkenyl (as defined above),

(4') C_2-6 alkynyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituent(s) selected from the above group A,

(5') C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(6') C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(7') heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(8') heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(9') C_3-8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, or

(10') C_3-8 cycloalkyl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(k) -(CH₂)_t-O-(CH₂)_p-COR^a21 wherein R^a21 is C_1-6 alkylamino or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B, and p is 0 or an integer of 1 to 6,

(l) -(CH₂)_t-NR^a22R^a23 wherein R^a22 and R^a23 are each independently
(1') hydrogen atom,

(2') optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

(3') C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(4') C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or

(5') heterocycle C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(m) -(CH₂)_t-NR^a29CO-R^a24 wherein R^a29 is hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkyl or C_1-6 alkanoyl, R^a24 is optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(n)-(CH₂)_t-NHSO₂-R^a25 wherein R^a25 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(o) -(CH₂)_t-S(O)_q-R^a25 wherein R^a25 is as defined above, and q is 0, 1 or 2, and

(p) -(CH₂)_t-SO₂-NHR^a26 wherein R^a26 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or heterocyclic group optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,
w is an integer of 1 to 3, and y is
(1) a single bond,

(2) C_1-6 alkylene,

(3) C_2-6 alkenylene,

(4) -(CH₂)_m-O-(CH₂)_n-, (hereinafter m and n are each independently 0 or an integer of 1 to 6),

(5) -CO-,

(6) -CO₂-(CH₂)_n-,

(7) -CONH-(CH₂)_n-NH-,

(8) -NHCO₂-,

(9) -NHCONH-,

(10) -O-(CH₂)_n-CO-,

(11) -O-(CH₂)_n-O-,

(12) -SO₂-,

(13) -(CH₂)_m-NR^a12-(CH₂)_n- wherein R^a12 is
(1') hydrogen atom,

(2') optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above),

(3') C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(4') C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(5') -COR^b5 wherein R^b5 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above), C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(6') -COOR^b5 (R^b5 is as defined above) or

(7') -SO₂R^b5 (R^b5 is as defined above),

(14) -NR^a12CO- (R^a12 is as defined above),

(15) -CONR^a13-(CH₂)_n- wherein R^a13 is hydrogen atom, optionally substituted C_1-6 alkyl (as defined above) or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(16) -CONH-CHR^a14- wherein R^a14 is C_6-14 aryl optionally substituted by 1 to 5 substituent(s) selected from the above group B,

(17) -O- (CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16-(CH₂)_n- wherein R^a15 and R^a16 are each independently
(1') hydrogen atom,

(2') carboxyl,

(3') C_1-6 alkyl,

(4') -OR^b6 wherein R^b6 is C_1-6 alkyl or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyl, or

(5') -NHR^b7 wherein R^b7 is hydrogen atom, C_1-6 alkyl, C_1-6 alkanoyl or C_6-14 aryl C_1-6 alkyloxycarbonyl, or R^a15 is optionally

(6') wherein n', ring B', Z' and w' are the same as the above-mentioned n, ring B, Z and w, respectively, and may be the same as or different from the respective counterparts,

(18) -(CH₂)_n-NR^a12-CHR^a15- (R^a12 and R^a15 are each as defined above),

(19) -NR^a17SO₂- wherein R^a17 is hydrogen atom or C_1-6 alkyl or (20) -S(O)_e-(CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16-(CH₂)_n- (e is 0, 1 or 2, R^a15 and R^a16 are each as defined above), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of claim 14, which is represented by the following formula [II-1] wherein each symbol is as defined in claim 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of claim 14, which is represented by the following formula [II-2] wherein each symbol is as defined in claim 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of claim 14, which is represented by the following formula [II-3] wherein each symbol is as defined in claim 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of claim 14, which is represented by the following formula [II-4] wherein each symbol is as defined in claim 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of any of claims 14 to 18, wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is carboxyl, -COOR^a1 or -SO₂R^a7 wherein R^a1 and R^a7 are as defined in claim 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of claim 19, wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is carboxyl or -COOR^a1 wherein R^a1 is as defined in claim 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of claim 20, wherein R² is carboxyl and R¹, R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen atoms, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of any of claims 14 to 21, wherein the ring Cy' is cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl or tetrahydrothiopyranyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of claim 22, wherein the ring Cy' is cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of any of claims 14 to 23, wherein the ring A' is phenyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl or pyridazinyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of claim 24, wherein the ring A' is phenyl or pyridyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of claim 25, wherein the ring A' is phenyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of any of claims 14 to 26, wherein the Y is -(CH₂)_m-O-(CH₂)_n-, -NHCO₂-, -CONH-CHR^a14-, -(CH₂)_m-NR^a12-(CH₂)_n- -CONR^a13-(CH₂)_n-, -O-(CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16-(CH₂)_n- or -(CH₂)_n-NR^a12-CHR^a15- (wherein each symbol is as defined in claim 14), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of claim 27, wherein the Y is - (CH₂)_m-O-(CH₂)_n- or -O-(CH₂)_m-CR^a15R^a16-(CH₂)_n- (wherein each symbol is as defined in claim 14), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of claim 28, wherein the Y is -(CH₂)_m-O-(CH₂)_n- wherein each symbol is as defined in claim 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of any of claims 14 to 29, wherein the R² is carboxyl, R¹, R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen atoms, the ring Cy' is cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl, and the ring A' is phenyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The fused ring compound of claim 14 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is selected from the group consisting of
ethyl 2-[4-(3-bromophenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

2-[4-(3-bromophenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

ethyl 2-[4-(2-bromo-5-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

ethyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-chlorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-chlorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

ethyl 2-[4-(2-bromo-5-methoxybenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

ethyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[(E)-2-phenylvinyl]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[(E)-2-phenylvinyl]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxamide, 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-cyano-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxamide oxime,

ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-thiazolyl}methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-thiazolyl}-methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

ethyl 2-{4-[bis(3-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

2-{4-[bis(3-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

ethyl 2-(4-benzoylaminophenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

2-(4-benzoylaminophenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

ethyl 2-{4-[3-(3-chlorophenyl)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

2-{4-[3-(3-chlorophenyl)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

ethyl 2-[4-(3-acetoxyphenyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-hydroxyphenyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-pyridylmethoxy)phenyloxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4- [3- (4-pyridylmethoxy)phenyloxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole,

ethyl 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentyl-N,N-dimethylbenzimidazole-5-carboxamide,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentyl-N-methoxy-N-methylbenzimidazole-5-carboxamide,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentyl-5-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)benzimidazole,

5-acetyl-2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentyl-N-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide dihydrochloride,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentyl-5-nitrobenzimidazole,

5-amino-2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole hydrochloride,

5-acetylamino-2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentyl-5-methanesulfonylaminobenzimidazole,

5-sulfamoyl-2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole,

2-[4-(4-tert-butylbenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(4-carboxybenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[(2-chloro-5-thienyl)methoxylphenyl}-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclopentyl-2-[4- (4-trifluoromethylbenzyloxy) phenyl]-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclopentyl-2-[4-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclopentyl-2-[4-(4-pyridylmethoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

1-cyclopentyl-2-[4-(4-methylbenzyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclopentyl-2-{4-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-isoxazolyl)methoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

[2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazol-5-yl]-carbonylaminoacetic acid,

2-[4-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(3-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-3-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(benzenesulfonylamino)phenyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclopentyl-2-[4-(3,5-dichlorophenylcarbonylamino)phenyl]-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[(4-chlorophenyl)carbonylamino]phenyl}-1-cyclopentyl-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[(4-tert-butylphenyl)carbonylamino]phenyl}-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[(4-benzyloxyphenyl)carbonylamino]phenyl}-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

trans-4-[2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-carboxybenzimidazol-1-yl]cyclohexan-1-ol,

trans-1-[2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-carboxybenzimidazol-1-yl]-4-methoxycyclohexane,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-carboxymethyl-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole,

2-[(4-cyclohexylphenyl)carbonylamino]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclopentyl-2-[4-(3,5-dichlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclopentyl-2-[4-(3,4-dichlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclopentyl-2- [4- (phenylcarbamoylamino) phenyl] benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclopentyl-2-[4-(diphenylmethoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclopentyl-2-(4-phenethyloxyphenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

trans-1-[2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-carboxybenzimidazol-1-yl]-4-tert-butylcyclohexane,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-carboxymethoxy-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole,

2-(4-benzylaminophenyl)-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(N-benzenesulfonyl-N-methylamino)phenyl]-1-cyclopentyl-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(N-benzyl-N-methylamino)phenyl]-1-cyclopentylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-(4-phenethylphenyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3,5-dichlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(diphenylmethoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyloxy)phenyl]-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-(4-methylcyclohexyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(2-naphthyl)ethoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(1-naphthyl)methoxyphenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4- (dibenzylamino)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(2-biphenylylmethoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(dibenzylmethoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-(4-benzoylmethoxyphenyl)-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3,3-diphenylpropyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(3-chloro-6-phenylbenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(phenoxy)ethoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-phenylpropyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(5-phenylpentyloxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-(2-benzyloxy-5-pyridyl)-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)ethoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-(4,4-dimethylcyclohexyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(1-naphthyl)ethoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(2-benzyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2- [4-(3-benzyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(2-hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(2-methoxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-methoxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(2-propoxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-propoxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(2-isopentyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-isopentyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)ethoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzyloxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(2-methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cycloheptylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(2-phenethyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-phenethyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(2,2-diphenylethoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

cis-1-[2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-carboxybenzimidazol-1-yl]-4-fluorocyclohexane,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(2-phenoxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-phenoxyphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[(2R)-2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-2-phenylethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{2-fluoro-4-[2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-benzyloxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(4-benzyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[bis(4-methylphenyl)methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-6-methoxy-2-[4-(3-phenylpropoxy)phenyl]-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-6-hydroxy-2-[4-(3-phenylpropoxy)phenyl]-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-6-methyl-2-[4-(3-phenylpropoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(2-benzyloxyphenyl)ethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(3-benzyloxyphenyl)ethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(2-carboxymethyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(3-carboxymethyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-methylphenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{2-methyl-4-[2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-benzyloxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-(3-chloro-6-phenylbenzyloxy)-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4- [bis (4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-(4-benzyloxyphenoxy)-2-chlorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-(4-benzyloxyphenoxy)-2-trifluoromethylphenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[(2R)-2-amino-2-phenylethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(2-biphenylyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(3-biphenylyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-{(1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-4-piperidyl)methoxy}phenoxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-{(1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-4-piperidyl)methoxy}phenoxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-chloro-6- (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(2-biphenylyl)ethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(2-biphenylylmethoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(4-piperidylmethoxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-piperidylmethoxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[(2R)-2-acetylamino-2-phenylethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-methyl-3-pentenyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3- (3-methyl-3-butenyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[{(2S)-1-benzyl-2-pyrrolidinyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-methylthiophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(2-thienyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(3-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(3-pyridyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-fluorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4- (4-benzyloxyphenoxy)-3-fluorophenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(2-bromo-5-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-{(1-acetyl-4-piperidyl)methoxy}phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-{(1-acetyl-4-piperidyl)methoxy}phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(2-propynyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(3-pyridylmethoxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-(4-benzyloxy-2-methoxyphenyl)-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(2-bromo-5-methoxybenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(carboxydiphenylmethoxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-nitrobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-acetylamino-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-5-chlorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[{(2S)-1-benzyloxycarbonyl-2-pyrrolidinyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{2-chloro-4-[2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(2-pyridylmethoxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-fluorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-carboxy-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-carbamoyl-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(piperidinocarbonylmethoxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[{(2S)-1-benzenesulfonyl-2-pyrrolidinyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[{(2S) -1-benzoyl-2-pyrrolidinyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-carbamoylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(dimethylcarbamoylmethoxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(piperidinocarbonylmethoxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-{(1-methanesulfonyl-4-piperidyl)methoxy}-phenoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{2-methyl-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-oxazolyl}-methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-(3-chlorobenzyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-fluorobenzyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{(2S) -1- (4-nitrophenyl) -2-pyrrolidinyl}-methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{(2S)-1-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinyl}methoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[{(2S)-1-(4-acetylaminophenyl)-2-pyrrolidinyl}mthoxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[{5- (4-chlorophenyl) -2-methyl-4-thiazolyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[bis(3-fluorophenyl)methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-nitrobenzyloxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-tetrahydropyranyloxy)phenoxylphenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-{(1-methyl-4-piperidyl)methoxy}phenoxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-(4-tert-butylbenzyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-(2-chlorobenzyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(3-pyridyl)phenoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)-2-methyl-5-thiazolyl}methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[{4-(4-chlorophenyl) -2-methyl-5-thiazolyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-piperidyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-{(2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)methoxy}phenoxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-{(2,4-dimethyl-5-thiazolyl)methoxy}phenoxy]-phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)phenoxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-4-piperidyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)piperidino]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[4-carbamoyl-2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[4-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)piperidino]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-{(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)methoxy}phenoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[{(2S)-1-(4-dimethylcarbamoylphenyl)-2-pyrrolidinyl}-methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxycarbonylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4-(4-dimethylcarbamoylphenyl)-2-methyl-5-thiazolyl}methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-dimethylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[{4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[{2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-pyridyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid dihydrochloride,

2-{4-[{3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-pyridyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-methylamino-1,3,5-triazin-6-yloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid trifluoroacetate,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(5-tetrazolyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(4-benzyloxy-6-pyrimidinyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[4-(4-pyridylmethoxy)-6-pyrimidinyloxy]phenyl}-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[4-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-pyrimidinyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

ethyl 2-{4-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)pyridin-2-ylmethoxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

methyl 2-[4-(2-bromo-5-tert-butoxycarbonylbenzyloxy)phenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

methyl 2-{4-[5-tert-butoxycarbonyl-2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

methyl 2-{4-[5-carboxy-2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate hydrochloride,

methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[3-(tert-butylsulfamoyl)-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-sulfamoylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid trifluoroacetate,

2-(4-benzyloxycyclohexyl)-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-[2-(2-biphenylyloxymethyl)-5-thienyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[2-(2-biphenylyloxymethyl)-5-furyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-hydroxymethyl-5-thiazolyl}methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[{4-(4-carboxyphenyl)-2-methyl-5-thiazolyl}-methoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{2-fluoro-4-[4-fluoro-2-(3-fluorobenzoyl)-benzyloxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-3-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-dimethylcarbamoyl-5-(4-pyridylmethoxy)-phenoxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid dihydrochloride,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-carboxy-5-(4-pyridylmethoxy)phenoxylphenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid dihydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-carbamoyl-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[{2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-3-pyridyl}methoxy]phenyl}-1cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-(4tetrahydrothiopyranyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-dimethylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-dimethylcarbamoyl-6-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

1-cyclohexyl-2-{4-[3-dimethylcarbamoyl-6-(4-methylthiophenyl)-benzyloxy]phenyl}benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-dimethylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[3-carbamoyl-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[3-dimethylcarbamoyl-6-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)-benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[3-dimethylcarbamoyl-6-(3-pyridyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid dihydrochloride, 2-{4-[3-dimethylcarbamoyl-6-(4-dimethylcarbamoylphenyl)-benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-(4-tetrahydrothiopyranyl)benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-dimethylsulfamoylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methanesulfonylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

methyl 2-{4-[5-carboxy-2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-dimethylaminobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid dihydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methanesulfonylaminobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-diethylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropylcarbamoylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-piperidinocarbonylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(1-pyrrolidinyl)carbonylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2- (4-chlorophenyl)-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)carbamoylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-hydroxypiperidino)-carbonylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-morpholinocarbonylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-thiomorpholinocarbonylbenzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[3-(carboxymethylcarbamoyl)-6-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-{4-(2-carboxyethyl)phenyl}-5-chlorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-hydroxymethylphenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[3-chloro-6-(4-methoxymethylphenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(3-carboxyphenyl)-5-chlorobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylthiobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylsulfinylbenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-cyanobenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[bis(3-pyridyl)methoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[bis(4-dimethylcarbamoylphenyl)methoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

sodium 2-{4-[2-thienyl-3-thienylmethoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl) -5- (dimethylcarbamoyl) benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

sodium 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(dimethylcarbamoyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

2-{4-[5-carboxy-2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[2-(4-carbamoylphenyl)-5-(dimethylcarbamoyl)benzyloxy]-phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[5-amino-2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-{4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxybenzylsulfinyl]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxybenzylsulfonyl]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzylthio]phenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[bis(4-carboxyphenyl)methoxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-[4-(phenyl-3-pyridylmethoxy)-2-fluorophenyl]-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid,

methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(methylcarbamoyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylate,

2-{4-[5-chloro-2-(4-pyridyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(benzylcarbamoyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(cyclohexylmethylcarbamoyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridylmethylcarbamoyl)benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid dihydrochloride,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-benzyloxy]-2-fluorophenyl}-1-cyclohexylbenzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrochloride,

methyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexyl-1H-indole-5-carboxylate,

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-1-cyclohexyl-1H-indole-5-carboxylic acid,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-cyclopentyl-lH-indole-5-carboxylic acid, ethyl 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-3-cyclohexylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-7-carboxylate,

2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-3-cyclohexylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-7-carboxylic acid, and

2-{4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxybenzyloxy]phenyl}-3-cyclohexyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-6-carboxylic acid.
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a fused ring compound of any of claims 14 to 31, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
A hepatitis C virus polymerase inhibitor comprising a fused ring compound of any of claims 1 to 31, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
An anti-hepatitis C virus agent comprising a fused ring compound of any of claims 1 to 31, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
A therapeutic agent for hepatitis C comprising a fused ring compound of any of claims 14 to 31, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
A method for treating hepatitis C, which comprises administering an effective amount of a fused ring compound of the formula [I] of claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
A method for inhibiting hepatitis C virus polymerase, which comprises administering an effective amount of a fused ring compound of the formula [I] of claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
Use of a fused ring compound of the formula [I] of claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the production of a pharmaceutical agent for treating hepatitis C.
Use of a fused ring compound of the formula [I] of claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the production of a hepatitis C virus polymerase inhibitor.
A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of hepatitis C, which comprises a fused ring compound of the formula [I] of claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
A pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting hepatitis C virus polymerase, which comprises a fused ring compound of the formula [I] of claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
A commercial package comprising a pharmaceutical composition of claim 40 and a written matter associated therewith, the written matter stating that the pharmaceutical composition can or should be used for treating hepatitis C.
A commercial package comprising a pharmaceutical composition of claim 41 and a written matter associated therewith, the written matter stating that the pharmaceutical composition can or should be used for inhibiting hepatitis C virus polymerase.