WO2011085261A1

WO2011085261A1 - Hedgehog inhibitors

Info

Publication number: WO2011085261A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/020593
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Michel Vernier; John May; Patrick O'connor; William Ripka; Anthony Pinkerton
Original assignee: Selexagen Therapeutics Inc
Current assignee: Selexagen Therapeutics Inc
Priority date: 2010-01-08
Filing date: 2011-01-07
Publication date: 2011-07-14
Anticipated expiration: 2012-07-08

Abstract

Described herein are compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the inhibition of hedgehog signaling. Said compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods have utility in the treatment of human and veterinary disease and disorders.

Description

HEDGEHOG INHIBITORS

CROSS REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/293,315, filed January 8, 2010 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Described herein are compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the inhibition of Hedgehog signaling. Said compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods have utility in the treatment of human and veterinary disease and disorders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] One embodiment provides a com ound having the structure of Formula (I):

or a stereoisomer, tautomer, hydrate, solvate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

2 1 2

G is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃, and wherein G and G can not both be hydrogen; and

Z is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, -CN, alkyl, -O-alkyl, aryl, -O-aryl, -O-heteroaryl, -CH₂-aryl, -CH₂-heteroaryl, -NH-aryl, -S0₂-aryl, - NH-heteroaryl, -NH-alkyl, -CH₂-NH-alkyl, -CH₂-N(alkyl)₂, -CH₂-(N-linked heterocycle), -CH₂-(C-linked heterocycle), N-linked heterocycle, and C-linked heterocycle.

1 2

[0004] Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) wherein G and G can not both be hydrogen.

[0005] Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) wherein:

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe; Y is halogen, C₁-C₃ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₃ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

2 1 2

G is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₃ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃, and wherein G and G can not both be hydrogen; and

Z is selected from the group consisting of halogen, -CN, alkyl, aryl, -O-aryl, -O- heteroaryl, -CH₂-aryl, -CH₂-heteroaryl, -NH-aryl, -S0₂-aryl, -NH-heteroaryl, - NH-alkyl, -CH₂-NH-alkyl, -CH₂-N(alkyl)₂, -CH₂-(N-linked heterocycle), -CH₂- (C-linked heterocycle), N-linked heterocycle, and C-linked heterocycle.

[0006] Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) wherein X is S0₂Me. Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) wherein Z is a halogen.

Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) wherein Y is a halogen.

Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) wherein G is a hydrogen. Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) wherein G¹ is an alkyl group. Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) wherein Y is a chloro and G is a hydrogen. Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) wherein Z is a

2 1

halogen; Y is a halogen; G is a hydrogen; and G is an alkyl group.

[0007] One embodiment provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compond of Formula (I), or a stereoisomer, tautomer, hydrate, solvate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein the compound of Formula (I) has the followin structure:

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

2 1 2

[0008] One embodiment provides a method of inhibiting the Hedgehog pathway in a cell comprising contacting the cell with an inhibitory concentration of a compound of Formula

(I):

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

2 1 2

[0009] Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a patched loss-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a smoothened gain-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a constitutively active smoothened phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by expression of Gli.

[0010] One embodiment provides a method of inhibiting the activity of smoothened protein in a cell comprising contacting the smoothened protein with an inhibitory concentration of a compound of Formula (I):

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

2 1 2

G is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF , and wherein G and G can not both be hydrogen; and

[0011] Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a patched loss-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a smoothened gain-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a constitutively active smoothened phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by expression of Gli.

[0012] One embodiment provides a method of inhibiting the transcriptional activity of Gli transcription factor in a cell comprising contacting the cell with an inhibitory concentration of a compound of Formula (I):

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe; Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

2 1 2

G is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF3, and wherein G and G can not both be hydrogen; and

[0013] Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a patched loss-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a smoothened gain-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a constitutively active smoothened phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by expression of Gli.

[0014] One embodiment provides a method of inhibiting G/z-mediated gene transcription in a cell comprising contacting the cell with an inhibitory concentration of a compound of Formula (I):

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

2 1 2

[0015] Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a patched loss-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a smoothened gain-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a constitutively active smoothened phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by expression of Gli.

[0016] One embodiment provides a method of treating a human disease or disorder mediated by Hedgehog pathway comprising administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound of Formula (I), or a

stereoisomer, tautomer, hydrate, solvate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound of Formula I) has the following structure:

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

2 1 2

[0017] Another embodiment provides the method wherein the disease or disorder is a proliferative disease. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the proliferative disease is selected from colon cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the proliferative disease is selected from basal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, bone sarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, chronic myeloid leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, hematological cancer, meduUoblastoma, rhabdomyosaracoma, neuroblastoma, pancreatic cancer, breast carcinoma, meningioma, glioblastoma, astrocytoma, melanoma, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, biliary tract cancer, prostate cancer, small cell lung cancer, non- small cell lung cancer, glial cell cancer, multiple myeloma, colon cancer, neuroectodermal tumor, neuroendocrine tumor, mastocytoma and Gorlin syndrome. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the proliferative disease is basal cell carcinoma.

[0018] One embodiment provides a method of treating a veterinary disease or disorder mediated by Hedgehog pathway comprising administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound of Formula (I), or a

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

2 1 2

Another embodiment provides the method wherein the veterinary disease or disorder is a proliferative disease selected from mast cell tumors or osteosarcoma. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0019] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[0021] Figure 1 shows the dose-reponse of cyclopamine, a positive control, in the alkaline phosphatase assay described herein.

[0022] Figure 2 shows the dose-reponse of the compound of Example 1 in the alkaline phosphatase assay described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Heterocyclic Benzamide Hedgehog Inhibitors

[0023] One embodiment provides a com ound having the structure of Formula (I):

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

2 1 2

Z is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, -CN, alkyl, -O-alkyl, aryl, -O-aryl, -O-heteroaryl, -CH₂-aryl, -CH₂-heteroaryl, -NH-aryl, -S0₂-aryl, - NH-heteroaryl, -NH-alkyl, -CH₂-NH-alkyl, -CH₂-N(alkyl)₂, -CH₂-(N-linked heterocycle), -CH₂-(C-linked heterocycle), N-linked heterocycle, and C-linked heterocycle. [0024] 1 2 Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) wherein G and G can not both be hydrogen.

[0025] Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) wherein:

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is halogen, C₁-C3 alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₃ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

2 1 2

G is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₃ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃, and wherein G and G can not both be hydrogen; and

[0026] Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) wherein X is S0₂Me. Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) wherein Z is a halogen.

Another embodiment provides the compound of Formula (I) wherein Y is a halogen.

2 1

halogen; Y is a halogen; G is a hydrogen; and G is an alkyl group.

[0027] In certain specific embodiments, the compounds of Formula (I) have the structures shown in Table 1.

Table 1

yl)phenyl)benzamide [0028] In further embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) is selected from the structures shown below as examples 6-67.

-12-

-13-

Example 59 Example 60 Example 61

Exam le 62 Example 63 Example 64

Example 65 Example 66 Example 67

Definitions

[0029] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "and", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a compound" includes a plurality of such compounds, and reference to "the cell" includes reference to one or more cells (or to a plurality of cells) and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. When ranges are used herein for physical properties, such as molecular weight, or chemical properties, such as chemical formulae, all combinations and subcombinations of ranges and specific embodiments therein are intended to be included. The term "about" when referring to a number or a numerical range means that the number or numerical range referred to is an approximation within experimental variability (or within statistical experimental error), and thus the number or numerical range may vary between 1% and 15% of the stated number or numerical range. The term "comprising" (and related terms such as "comprise" or

"comprises" or "having" or "including") is not intended to exclude that in other certain embodiments, for example, an embodiment of any composition of matter, composition, method, or process, or the like, described herein, may "consist of or "consist essentially of the described features.

[0030] "Amino" refers to the -NH₂ radical.

[0031] "Cyano" refers to the -CN radical. [0032] "Nitro" refers to the -N0₂ radical.

[0033] "Oxa" refers to the -O- radical.

[0034] "Oxo" refers to the =0 radical.

[0035] "Imino" refers to the =NH radical.

[0036] "Thioxo" refers to the =S radical.

[0037] "Alkyl" refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain radical consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, containing no unsaturation, having from one to fifteen carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₁₅ alkyl). In certain embodiments, an alkyl comprises one to thirteen carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₁₃ alkyl). In certain embodiments, an alkyl comprises one to eight carbon atoms (e.g., C_\-C_% alkyl). In other embodiments, an alkyl comprises one to five carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₅ alkyl). In other embodiments, an alkyl comprises one to four carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C4 alkyl). In other embodiments, an alkyl comprises one to three carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C3 alkyl). In other embodiments, an alkyl comprises one to two carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₂ alkyl). The alkyl is attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond, for example, methyl (Me), ethyl (Et), n-propyl, 1 -methyl ethyl (z^'so-propyl), n-butyl, n-pentyl, 1,1-dimethylethyl (t-butyl), 3-methylhexyl, 2-methylhexyl, and the like. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkyl group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following substituents: halo, cyano, nitro, oxo, thioxo, trimethylsilanyl, -OR^a, -SR^a, -OC(0)-R^a, -N(R^a)₂, -C(0)R^a, -C(0)OR^a, -C(0)N(R^a)₂, -N(R^a)C(0)OR^a, -N(R^a)C(0)R^a, -N(R^a)S(0),R^a (where t is 1 or 2), -S(0),OR^a (where t is 1 or 2) and -S(0)_tN(R^a)₂ (where t is 1 or 2) where each R^a is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl. Unless stated otherwise in the specification, an alkyl group is optionally a fluorinated or perfluorinated alkyl group, such as CF₃, CF₂CF₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CH₂CF₃ and the like.

[0038] "Alkenyl" refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain radical group consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, containing at least one double bond, and having from two to twelve carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, an alkenyl comprises two to eight carbon atoms. In other embodiments, an alkenyl comprises two to four carbon atoms. The alkenyl is attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond, for example, ethenyl (i.e., vinyl), prop-l-enyl (i.e., allyl), but-l-enyl, pent-l-enyl, penta-l,4-dienyl, and the like. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkenyl group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following substituents: halo, cyano, nitro, oxo, thioxo, trimethylsilanyl, -OR^a, -SR^a, -OC(0)-R^a, -N(R^a)₂, -C(0)R^a, -C(0)OR^a, -C(0)N(R^a)₂, -N(R^a)C(0)OR^a, -N(R^a)C(0)R^a, -N(R^a)S(0)_tR^a (where t is 1 or 2), -S(0),OR^a (where t is 1 or 2) and -S(0)_tN(R^a)₂ (where t is 1 or 2) where each R^a is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl.

[0039] "Alkynyl" refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain radical group consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, containing at least one triple bond, having from two to twelve carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, an alkynyl comprises two to eight carbon atoms. In other embodiments, an alkynyl has two to four carbon atoms. The alkynyl is attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond, for example, ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, and the like. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkynyl group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following substituents: halo, cyano, nitro, oxo, thioxo, trimethylsilanyl, -OR^a, -SR^a, -OC(0)-R^a, -N(R^a)₂, -C(0)R^a, -C(0)OR^a, -C(0)N(R^a)₂, -N(R^a)C(0)OR^a, -N(R^a)C(0)R^a, -N(R^a)S(0)_tR^a (where t is 1 or 2), -S(0),OR^a (where t is 1 or 2) and -S(0),N(R^a)₂ (where t is 1 or 2) where each R^a is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl.

[0040] "Alkylene" or "alkylene chain" refers to a straight or branched divalent hydrocarbon chain linking the rest of the molecule to a radical group, consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen, containing no unsaturation and having from one to twelve carbon atoms, for example, methylene, ethylene, propylene, n-butylene, and the like. The alkylene chain is attached to the rest of the molecule through a single bond and to the radical group through a single bond. The points of attachment of the alkylene chain to the rest of the molecule and to the radical group can be through one carbon in the alkylene chain or through any two carbons within the chain. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkylene chain is optionally substituted by one or more of the following substituents: halo, cyano, nitro, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, oxo, thioxo, trimethylsilanyl, -OR^a, - SR^a, -OC(0)-R^a, -N(R^a)₂, -C(0)R^a, -C(0)OR^a, -C(0)N(R^a)₂, -N(R^a)C(0)OR^a,

-N(R^a)C(0)R^a, -N(R^a)S(0)_tR^a (where t is 1 or 2), -S(0),OR^a (where t is 1 or 2) and

-S(0)_tN(R^a)₂ (where t is 1 or 2) where each R^a is independently hydrogen, alkyl,

fluoroalkyl, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl. [0041] "Alkenylene" or "alkenylene chain" refers to a straight or branched divalent hydrocarbon chain linking the rest of the molecule to a radical group, consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen, containing at least one double bond and having from two to twelve carbon atoms, for example, ethenylene, propenylene, n-butenylene, and the like. The alkenylene chain is attached to the rest of the molecule through a double bond or a single bond and to the radical group through a double bond or a single bond. The points of attachment of the alkenylene chain to the rest of the molecule and to the radical group can be through one carbon or any two carbons within the chain. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkenylene chain is optionally substituted by one or more of the following substituents: halo, cyano, nitro, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, oxo, thioxo, trimethylsilanyl, -OR^a, -SR^a, -OC(0)-R^a, -N(R^a)₂, -C(0)R^a, -C(0)OR^a, -C(0)N(R^a)₂, -N(R^a)C(0)OR^a, -N(R^a)C(0)R^a, -N(R^a)S(0),R^a (where t is 1 or 2), -S(0),OR^a (where t is 1 or 2) and -S(0),N(R^a)₂ (where t is 1 or 2) where each R^a is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl (optionally substituted with one or more halo groups), aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl alkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl, and where each of the above substituents is unsubstituted unless otherwise indicated.

[0042] "Aryl" refers to a radical derived from an aromatic monocyclic or multicyclic hydrocarbon ring system by removing a hydrogen atom from a ring carbon atom. The aromatic monocyclic or multicyclic hydrocarbon ring system contains only hydrogen and carbon from six to eighteen carbon atoms, where at least one of the rings in the ring system is fully unsaturated, i.e., it contains a cyclic, delocalized (4n+2) π-electron system in accordance with the Huckel theory. Aryl groups include, but are not limited to, groups such as phenyl, fluorenyl, and naphthyl. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, the term "aryl" or the prefix "ar-" (such as in "aralkyl") is meant to include aryl radicals optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo, fluoroalkyl, cyano, nitro, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted aralkenyl, optionally substituted aralkynyl, optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally substituted carbocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, -R^b-OR^a, -R^b-OC(0)-R^a, -R^b-N(R^a)₂, -R^b-C(0)R^a, -R^b-C(0)OR^a, -R^b-C(0)N(R^a)₂, -R^b-0-R^c-C(0)N(R^a)₂, -R^b-N(R^a)C(0)OR^a, -R^b-N(R^a)C(0)R^a, -R^b-N(R^a)S(0),R^a (where t is 1 or 2), -R^b-S(0),OR^a (where t is 1 or 2) and -R^b-S(0)_tN(R^a)2 (where t is 1 or 2), where each R^a is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl (optionally substituted with one or more halo groups), aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl, each R^b is independently a direct bond or a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and R^c is a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and where each of the above substituents is unsubstituted unless otherwise indicated.

[0043] "Aralkyl" refers to a radical of the formula -R^c-aryl where R^c is an alkylene chain as defined above, for example, benzyl, diphenylmethyl and the like. The alkylene chain part of the aralkyl radical is optionally substituted as described above for an alkylene chain. The aryl part of the aralkyl radical is optionally substituted as described above for an aryl group.

[0044] "Aralkenyl" refers to a radical of the formula -R^d-aryl where R^d is an alkenylene chain as defined above. The aryl part of the aralkenyl radical is optionally substituted as described above for an aryl group. The alkenylene chain part of the aralkenyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above for an alkenylene group.

[0045] "Aralkynyl" refers to a radical of the formula -R^e-aryl, where R^e is an alkynylene chain as defined above. The aryl part of the aralkynyl radical is optionally substituted as described above for an aryl group. The alkynylene chain part of the aralkynyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above for an alkynylene chain.

[0046] "Carbocyclyl" refers to a stable non-aromatic monocyclic or polycyclic hydrocarbon radical consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, which includes fused or bridged ring systems, having from three to fifteen carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, a carbocyclyl comprises three to ten carbon atoms. In other embodiments, a carbocyclyl comprises five to seven carbon atoms. The carbocyclyl is attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond. Carbocyclyl is optionally saturated, (i.e., containing single C-C bonds only) or unsaturated (i.e., containing one or more double bonds or triple bonds.) A fully saturated carbocyclyl radical is also referred to as "cycloalkyl." Examples of monocyclic cycloalkyls include, e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and cyclooctyl. An unsaturated carbocyclyl is also referred to as

"cycloalkenyl." Examples of monocyclic cycloalkenyls include, e.g., cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, and cyclooctenyl. Polycyclic carbocyclyl radicals include, for example, adamantyl, norbornyl (i.e., bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl), norbornenyl, decalinyl, 7,7-dimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl, and the like. Unless otherwise stated specifically in the specification, the term "carbocyclyl" is meant to include carbocyclyl radicals that are optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo, fluoroalkyl, oxo, thioxo, cyano, nitro, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted aralkenyl, optionally substituted aralkynyl, optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally substituted carbocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, -R^b-OR^a, -R^b-SR^a,

-R^b-OC(0)-R^a, -R^b-N(R^a)₂, -R^b-C(0)R^a, -R^b-C(0)OR^a, -R^b-C(0)N(R^a)₂,

-R^b-0-R^c-C(0)N(R^a)₂, -R^b-N(R^a)C(0)OR^a, -R^b-N(R^a)C(0)R^a, -R^b-N(R^a)S(0),R^a (where t is 1 or 2), -R^b-S(0),OR^a (where t is 1 or 2) and -R^b-S(0),N(R^a)₂ (where t is 1 or 2), where each R^a is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl, each R^b is independently a direct bond or a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and R^c is a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and where each of the above substituents is unsubstituted unless otherwise indicated.

[0047] "Carbocyclylalkyl" refers to a radical of the formula -R^c-carbocyclyl where R^c is an alkylene chain as defined above. The alkylene chain and the carbocyclyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above.

[0048] "Halo" or "halogen" refers to bromo, chloro, fluoro or iodo substituents.

[0049] "Fluoroalkyl" refers to an alkyl radical, as defined above, that is substituted by one or more fluoro radicals, as defined above, for example, trif uoromethyl, difluoromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, l-fluoromethyl-2-fluoroethyl, and the like. The alkyl part of the fluoroalkyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above for an alkyl group.

[0050] "Heterocyclyl" refers to a stable 3- to 18-membered non-aromatic ring radical that comprises two to twelve carbon atoms and from one to six heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, the heterocyclyl radical is a monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic or tetracyclic ring system, and includes fused or bridged ring systems. The heteroatoms in the heterocyclyl radical is optionally oxidized. One or more nitrogen atoms, if present, are optionally quaternized. The heterocyclyl radical is partially or fully saturated. The heterocyclyl is attached to the rest of the molecule through any atom of the ring(s). Examples of such heterocyclyl radicals include, but are not limited to, dioxolanyl, thienyl[l,3]dithianyl,

decahydroisoquinolyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, morpholinyl, octahydroindolyl, octahydroisoindolyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, 2-oxopyrrolidinyl, oxazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, 4-piperidonyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, quinuclidinyl, thiazolidinyl, tetrahydrofuryl, trithianyl, tetrahydropyranyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiamorpholinyl, 1 -oxo-thiomorpholinyl, and 1,1-dioxo-thiomorpholinyl. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, the term "heterocyclyl" is meant to include heterocyclyl radicals as defined above that are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo, fluoroalkyl, oxo, thioxo, cyano, nitro, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted aralkenyl, optionally substituted aralkynyl, optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally substituted carbocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl alkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, -R^b-OR^a, -R^b-SR^a, -R^b-OC(0)-R^a, -R^b-N(R^a)₂, -R^b-C(0)R^a, -R^b-C(0)OR^a, -R^b-C(0)N(R^a)₂, -R^b-0-R^c-C(0)N(R^a)₂, -R^b-N(R^a)C(0)OR^a, -R^b-N(R^a)C(0)R^a, -R^b-N(R^a)S(0),R^a (where t is 1 or 2), -R^b-S(0),OR^a (where t is 1 or 2) and -R^b-S(0),N(R^a)₂ (where t is 1 or 2), where each R^a is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl, each R^b is independently a direct bond or a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and R^c is a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and where each of the above substituents is unsubstituted unless otherwise indicated.

[0051] "N-heterocyclyl" or "N-attached heterocyclyl" refers to a heterocyclyl radical as defined above containing at least one nitrogen and where the point of attachment of the heterocyclyl radical to the rest of the molecule is through a nitrogen atom in the

heterocyclyl radical. An N-heterocyclyl radical is optionally substituted as described above for heterocyclyl radicals. Examples of such N-heterocyclyl radicals include, but are not limited to, 1-morpholinyl, 1 -piperidinyl, 1 -piperazinyl, 1 -pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, and imidazolidinyl.

[0052] "C-heterocyclyl" or "C-attached heterocyclyl" refers to a heterocyclyl radical as defined above containing at least one heteroatom and where the point of attachment of the heterocyclyl radical to the rest of the molecule is through a carbon atom in the heterocyclyl radical. A C-heterocyclyl radical is optionally substituted as described above for heterocyclyl radicals. Examples of such C-heterocyclyl radicals include, but are not limited to, 2-morpholinyl, 2- or 3- or 4-piperidinyl, 2-piperazinyl, 2- or 3 -pyrrolidinyl, and the like.

[0053] "Heterocyclylalkyl" refers to a radical of the formula -R^c-heterocyclyl where R^c is an alkylene chain as defined above. If the heterocyclyl is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclyl, the heterocyclyl is optionally attached to the alkyl radical at the nitrogen atom. The alkylene chain of the heterocyclylalkyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above for an alkylene chain. The heterocyclyl part of the heterocyclylalkyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above for a heterocyclyl group.

[0054] "Heteroaryl" refers to a radical derived from a 3- to 18-membered aromatic ring radical that comprises two to seventeen carbon atoms and from one to six heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. As used herein, the heteroaryl radical is a monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic or tetracyclic ring system, wherein at least one of the rings in the ring system is fully unsaturated, i.e., it contains a cyclic, delocalized (4n+2) π-electron system in accordance with the Huckel theory. Heteroaryl includes fused or bridged ring systems. The heteroatom(s) in the heteroaryl radical is optionally oxidized. One or more nitrogen atoms, if present, are optionally quaternized. The heteroaryl is attached to the rest of the molecule through any atom of the ring(s). Examples of heteroaryls include, but are not limited to, azepinyl, acridinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzindolyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, benzofuranyl, benzooxazolyl, benzo[d]thiazolyl, benzothiadiazolyl,

benzo[£][l,4]dioxepinyl, benzo[b][l,4]oxazinyl, 1 ,4-benzodioxanyl, benzonaphthofuranyl, benzoxazolyl, benzodioxolyl, benzodioxinyl, benzopyranyl, benzopyranonyl, benzofuranyl, benzofuranonyl, benzothienyl (benzothiophenyl), benzothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidinyl, benzotriazolyl, benzo[4,6]imidazo[l,2-a]pyridinyl, carbazolyl, cinnolinyl,

cyclopenta[d]pyrimidinyl, 6,7-dihydro-5H-cyclopenta[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidinyl, 5,6-dihydrobenzo[h]quinazolinyl, 5, 6-dihydrobenzo[h] cinnolinyl, 6,7-dihydro-5H- benzo[6,7]cyclohepta[l,2-c]pyridazinyl, dibenzofuranyl, dibenzothiophenyl, furanyl, furanonyl, furo[3,2-c]pyridinyl, 5,6,7,8,9,10-hexahydrocycloocta[d]pyrimidinyl,

5,6,7,8,9, 10-hexahydrocycloocta[d]pyridazinyl,

5,6,7,8,9, 10-hexahydrocycloocta[d]pyridinyl,isothiazolyl, imidazolyl, indazolyl, indolyl, indazolyl, isoindolyl, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, isoquinolyl, indolizinyl, isoxazolyl,

5,8-methano-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinazolinyl, naphthyridinyl, 1 ,6-naphthyridinonyl, oxadiazolyl, 2-oxoazepinyl, oxazolyl, oxiranyl,

5,6,6a,7,8,9, 10,1 Oa-octahydrobenzo[h]quinazolinyl, 1 -phenyl- lH-pyrrolyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl, phthalazinyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidinyl, pyridinyl, pyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidinyl, pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrrolyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinazolinyl, 5.6.7.8- tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidinyl,

6.7.8.9- tetrahydro-5H-cyclohepta[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidinyl,

5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido[4,5-c]pyridazinyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, triazinyl, thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidinyl, thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidinyl, thieno[2,3-c]pridinyl, and thiophenyl (i.e. thienyl). Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, the term "heteroaryl" is meant to include heteroaryl radicals as defined above which are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo, fluoroalkyl, haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl, oxo, thioxo, cyano, nitro, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted aralkenyl, optionally substituted aralkynyl, optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally substituted carbocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, -R^b-OR^a, -R^b-SR^a,

-R^b-0-R^c-C(0)N(R^a)₂, -R^b-N(R^a)C(0)OR^a, -R^b-N(R^a)C(0)R^a, -R^b-N(R^a)S(0)_tR^a (where t is 1 or 2), -R^b-S(0),OR^a (where t is 1 or 2) and -R^b-S(0),N(R^a)₂ (where t is 1 or 2), where each R^a is independently hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl, each R^b is independently a direct bond or a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and R^c is a straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene chain, and where each of the above substituents is unsubstituted unless otherwise indicated.

[0055] "N-heteroaryl" refers to a heteroaryl radical as defined above containing at least one nitrogen and where the point of attachment of the heteroaryl radical to the rest of the molecule is through a nitrogen atom in the heteroaryl radical. An N-heteroaryl radical is optionally substituted as described above for heteroaryl radicals.

[0056] "C-heteroaryl" refers to a heteroaryl radical as defined above and where the point of attachment of the heteroaryl radical to the rest of the molecule is through a carbon atom in the heteroaryl radical. A C-heteroaryl radical is optionally substituted as described above for heteroaryl radicals.

[0057] "Heteroarylalkyl" refers to a radical of the formula -R^c-heteroaryl, where R^c is an alkylene chain as defined above. If the heteroaryl is a nitrogen-containing heteroaryl, the heteroaryl is optionally attached to the alkyl radical at the nitrogen atom. The alkylene chain of the heteroarylalkyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above for an alkylene chain. The heteroaryl part of the heteroarylalkyl radical is optionally substituted as defined above for a heteroaryl group.

[0058] The compounds, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts may contain one or more asymmetric centers and may thus give rise to enantiomers, diastereomers, and other stereoisomeric forms that may be defined, in terms of absolute stereochemistry, as (R)- or (S)- or, as (D)- or (L)- for amino acids. When the compounds described herein contain olefmic double bonds or other centers of geometric asymmetry, and unless specified otherwise, it is intended that the compounds include both Z and E geometric isomers (e.g., cis or trans). Likewise, all possible isomers, as well as their racemic and optically pure forms, and all tautomeric forms are also intended to be included.

[0059] A "stereoisomer" refers to the relationship between two or more compounds made up of the same atoms bonded by the same bonds but having different three-dimensional structures, which are not superimposable. The term "enantiomer" refers to two

stereoisomers that are nonsuperimposeable mirror images of one another. It is contemplated that the various stereoisomers of the compounds disclosed herein, and mixtures thereof, are within the scope of the present disclosure and specifically includes enantiomers.

[0060] A "tautomer" refers to a compound wherein a proton shift from one atom of a molecule to another atom of the same molecule is possible. The compounds presented herein may exist as tautomers. In solutions where tautomerization is possible, a chemical equilibrium of the tautomers will exist. The exact ratio of the tautomers depends on several factors, including temperature, solvent, and pH. Some examples of tautomeric equilibrium are shown below.

[0061] "Optional" or "optionally" means that a subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur and that the description includes instances when the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not. For example, "optionally substituted aryl" means that the aryl radical may or may not be substituted and that the description includes both substituted aryl radicals and aryl radicals having no substitution. General Methods for the Synthesis of Heterocyclic Benzamide Hedgehog Inhibitors

[0062] Synthetic Schemes 1-5 illustrate general methods for the synthesis of benzamide hedgehog inhibitors. The generic substituents illustrated in Schemes 1-5 are defined by Formula (I) as previously presented herein.

heme 1

[0063] Scheme 1 illustrates the synthesis of benzamide hedgehog inhibitors. Methyl 2- amino-4-methylsulfonylbenzoate is subjected to a diazotization reaction in the presence of a halide salt, such as potassium iodide, to give the 2-halo compound. Hydrolysis of the ester followed by coupling with a thiazole-substituted aniline gives the advanced benzamide intermediate. A variety of cross coupling reactions (such as those described by D. A.

Evans, et al, Tetrahedron Letters, 1998, 39, 2937-2940; D. M. T. Chan, et al, Tetrahedron Lett., 1998, 39, 2933-2936; P. Y. S. Lam, et al, Tetrahedron Lett., 1998, 39, 2941-2944; Y.- C. Wong, et al, Org. Lett., 2006, 8, 5613-5616; S. A. Weissman, D. Zewge, C. Chen, J. Org. Chem., 2005, 70, 1508-1510; M. McLaughlin, Org. Lett., 2005, 7, 4875-4878; A. Cwik, Z. Hell, F. Figueras, Org. Biomol. Chem., 2005, 3, 4307-4309; R. Kuwano, M. Yokogi, Org. Lett., 2005, 7, 945-947 among others) can be performed on the halobenzamide or on the borylated benzamide (available by the procedure of T. Ishiyama et al, J. Org. Chem., 1995, 60, 7508-7510) to give the desired benzamide hedgehog inhibitor. Scheme 2

[0064] Scheme 2 illustrates the synthesis of benzamide hedgehog inhibitors. Coupling of the acid with a substituted 3-iodoaniline gives the 3-iodobenzamide. A palladium catalyzed cross coupling reaction between thiazole boronic acid or a thiazole stannane and the 3- iodobenzamide gives the benzamide hedgehog inhibitor.

Scheme 3

J = B(OH)₂ or halogen

[0065] Scheme 3 illustrates the synthesis of benzamide hedgehog inhibitors. Methyl 4- methylsulfonylbenzoate derivatives are subjected to cross coupling reactions (such as those described by D. A. Evans, et al, Tetrahedron Letters, 1998, 39, 2937-2940; D. M. T. Chan, et al, Tetrahedron Lett., 1998, 39, 2933-2936; P. Y. S. Lam, et al, Tetrahedron Lett., 1998, 39, 2941-2944; Y.-C. Wong, et al, Org. Lett., 2006, 8, 5613-5616; S. A. Weissman, D. Zewge, C. Chen, J. Org. Chem., 2005, 70, 1508-1510; M. McLaughlin, Org. Lett., 2005, 7, 4875-4878; A. Cwik, Z. Hell, F. Figueras, Org. Biomol. Chem., 2005, 3, 4307-4309; R. Kuwano, M. Yokogi, Org. Lett., 2005, 7, 945-947 among others) to give functionalized methylsulfone-substituted benzoates. Hydrolysis of the ester and coupling with a functionalized aniline affords the benzamide hedgehog inhibitor. heme 4

[0066] Scheme 4 further illustrates the synthesis of thiazole based Hedgehog inhibitors based on amide bond formation with hexafluorophosphate (o-(7-azabenzo- triazol-l-yl)- 1 , 1 ,3,3-tetramethyluronium (HATU).

Scheme 5

[0067] Scheme 5 illustrates the general synthesis of the aniline intermediate that can be coupled to the appropriate carboxylic acid to form the desired product.

The Hedgehog Pathway

[0068] Since the late 1990's, scientists have unraveled several of the complex processes by which normal cells become cancer cells and developed a deeper knowledge of the heterogeneous nature of tumors. The mutational events which result in aberrant growth factor signaling in bulk tumor cells has led to the theory of "oncogene addiction", that ascribes cancer cell proliferation and survival to a dependence upon the activation of certain pathways or on the activity of oncogenic proteins within these pathways. More recently, researchers have found small populations of tumor cells with "stem cell" like

characteristics, commonly referred to as cancer stem cells, within human primary tumor samples. These newly described cancer stem cells replicate more slowly, are more resistant to conventional chemotherapy, and their survival appears to be a major contributor to tumor re-growth following surgery and/or chemotherapy. In contrast to bulk tumor cells, cancer stem cells appear to be more reliant on embryonic pathways for their proliferation and survival traits.

[0069] The Hedgehog Pathway: Several key signaling pathways (e.g. Hedgehog, Notch, Wnt) are involved in most processes essential to the normal development of an embryo. The Hedgehog pathway was initially discovered in Drosophila by Dr. Eric Wieschaus and Dr. Christiane Nusslein-Volhard, and is a major regulator for cell differentiation, tissue polarity and cell proliferation. It is also becoming clear that the Hedgehog pathway may play a crucial role in tumorigenesis when reactivated in adult tissues through either mutation or other mechanisms. It is thought that the Hedgehog pathway is an important driver of tumorigenesis in at least l/3rd of all types of cancer.

[0070] Oncogenic mutations in the Hedgehog pathway have been found in basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma, and Hh over expression is associated with at least pancreatic, colon, gastric, liver and prostate cancer. The estimated incidence of cancers with ligand dependent activation of Hh in the US is > 200,000 cases annually and approximately 10-fold higher worldwide.

Hh Pathway Over Expression in Solid Tumors

[0071] More is becoming known about the role of cancer stem cells in the recurrence and spread of cancer. Control of the self-renewal and differentiation processes in cancer stems cells is thought to be regulated by embryonic pathways including Hedgehog. Growing evidence suggests that these pathways are deregulated in several cases, leading to abnormal cellular expansion and the formation of cancer.

Hedgehog Pathway Signaling

[0072] Human Sonic Hedgehog protein (SHh) is synthesized as a 45 kDa precursor protein that undergoes autocleavage to yield a 20 kDa fragment that is responsible for normal Hedgehog pathway signaling. At the cell surface that Hedgehog signal is thought to be relayed through the 12 transmembrane domain protein, Patched (Ptc) and the 7

transmembrane domain protein, Smoothened (Smo). In normal adult cells, Ptc serves as a negative regulatory of Smo activity. The binding of SHh to Ptc inhibits the normal inhibitory effect of Ptc on Smo allowing Smo to transduce the SHh signal across the plasma membrane. The signal cascade initiated by Smo results in the activation of Gli transcription factors that migrate to the nucleus where they control target transcription factors effecting cell growth and differentiation in embryonic cells and where uncontrolled activation in adult cells is associated with malignancies.

Methods of Inhibiting Hedgehog Signaling

[0073] One embodiment provides a method of inhibiting the Hedgehog pathway in a cell comprising contacting the cell with an inhibitory concentration of a compound of Formula

(I):

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

2 1 2

G is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF , and wherein G and G can not both be hydrogen; and Z is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, -CN, alkyl, -O-alkyl, aryl, -O-aryl, -O-heteroaryl, -CH₂-aryl, -CH₂-heteroaryl, -NH-aryl, -S0₂-aryl, - NH-heteroaryl, -NH-alkyl, -CH₂-NH-alkyl, -CH₂-N(alkyl)₂, -CH₂-(N-linked heterocycle), -CH₂-(C-linked heterocycle), N-linked heterocycle, and C-linked heterocycle.

[0074] Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a patched loss-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a smoothened gain-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a constitutively active smoothened phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by expression of Gli.

[0075] One embodiment provides a method of inhibiting the activity of smoothened protein in a cell comprising contacting the smoothened protein with an inhibitory concentration of a compound of Formula (I):

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

2 1 2

[0076] Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a patched loss-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a smoothened gain-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a constitutively active smoothened phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by expression of Gli.

[0077] One embodiment provides a method of inhibiting the transcriptional activity of Gli transcription factor in a cell comprising contacting the cell with an inhibitory concentration of a compound of Formula (I):

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

2 1 2

[0078] Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a patched loss-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a smoothened gain-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a constitutively active smoothened phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by expression of Gli.

[0079] One embodiment provides a method of inhibiting G/z-mediated gene transcription in a cell comprising contacting the cell with an inhibitory concentration of a compound of Formula (I):

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

2 1 2

[0080] Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a patched loss-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a smoothened gain-of-function phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by a constitutively active smoothened phenotype. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the cell is characterized by expression of Gli.

Methods of Treatment

[0081] One embodiment provides a method of treating a human disease or disorder mediated by Hedgehog pathway comprising administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound of Formula (I), or a

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

2 1 2

[0082] Another embodiment provides the method wherein the disease or disorder is a proliferative disease. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the proliferative disease is selected from colon cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the proliferative disease is selected from basal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, bone sarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, chronic myeloid leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, hematological cancer, medulloblastoma, rhabdomyosaracoma, neuroblastoma, pancreatic cancer, breast carcinoma, meningioma, glioblastoma, astrocytoma, melanoma, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, biliary tract cancer, prostate cancer, small cell lung cancer, non- small cell lung cancer, glial cell cancer, multiple myeloma, colon cancer, neuroectodermal tumor, neuroendocrine tumor, mastocytoma and Gorlin syndrome. Another embodiment provides the method wherein the proliferative disease is basal cell carcinoma.

[0083] One embodiment provides a method of treating a veterinary disease or disorder mediated by Hedgehog pathway comprising administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound of Formula (I), or a

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

2 1 2

Another embodiment provides the method wherein the veterinary disease or disorder is a proliferative disease selected from mast cell tumors or osteosarcoma.

EXAMPLES

I. Chemical Synthesis

[0084] Example 1: 2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)-N-(3-(2-methylthiazol-4- yl)phenyl)benzamide

[0085] To a solution of 3-(2-methylthiazol-4-yl)aniline (1.71g, 9 mmol) and 2-chloro-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzoic acid (2.1 lg, 9 mmol) in dimethylformamide (40 mL) and diisopropylethylamine (3.13 mL, 18 mmol) at room temperature was added HATU (5.09g, 13.4 mmol) in one portion. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours, then poured in to water (300 mL) and stirred for 20 minutes. The product (3.60g, 99%) as a light yellow solid was collected via filtration. LC-MS (M+H): 407.02. 1H NMR (400 MHz, dmso-dg): 10.81 (s, 1H), 8.36 (s, 1H), 8.16 (s, 1H), 8.02-7.92 (m, 3H), 7.72-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.45 (t, 1H), 3.38 (s, 3H), 2.75 (s, 3H).

[0086] Example 2: 2,4-dichloro-N-(3-(2-methylthiazol-4-yl)phenyl)benzamide

[0087] To a solution of 3-(2-methylthiazol-4-yl)aniline (150 mg 0.79 mmol) and 2,4- dichloro-benzoic acid (150 mg, 0.79 mmol) in dimethylformamide (3.6 mL) and diisopropylethylamme (0.28 mL, 1.68 mmol) at room temperature was added HATU (450 mg, 1.2 mmol) in one portion. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours, then poured into water (300 mL) and stirred for 20 minutes. The product (231 mg, 89%) as a light yellow solid was collected via filtration. LC-MS (M+H): 364. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI₃): 8.75 (s, 1H), 8.1 l(s, 1H), 7.76 (d,lH), 7.65 (d, 1H), 7.59 (d, 1H), 7.45 (m,2H), 7.26 (d, 1H), 2.79 (s, 3H).

[0088] Example 3: 4-methoxy-N-(3-(2-methylthiazol-4-yl)ph

(morpholinomethyl)benzamide

[0089] Step 1 : Methyl 2-(bromomethyl)-4-methoxybenzoate

[0090] To a solution of methyl 4-methoxy-2-methylbenzoate (1 g, 5.6 mmol) in CC1₄ (25 mL) was added dropwise N-bromosuccinimide (1.1 g, 6.2 mmol) previously dissolved in CCI₄ (5 mL) and a catalytic amount of benzoylperoxide. The mixture was refluxed for 2 hours, cooled to room temperature and poured onto ice water. The aqueous mixture was extracted with DCM (3x), and the combined organics were dried over MgS0₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to provide 2.1 g of the titled product as light yellow solid (~ 100% yield): [M+H⁺] m/z 260.

[0091] Step 2: methyl 4-methoxy-2-(morpholinomethyl)benzoate

[0092] To a solution of methyl 2-(bromomethyl)-4-methoxybenzoate (960 mg, 3.7 mmol) in DCM (18.5 mL) was added morpholine (0.68 mL, 7.8 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and poured onto ice water. The aqueous mixture was extracted with DCM (3x), and the combined organics were dried over MgS0₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to provide a yellow oil. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography on silica using a gradiant of EtOAc in hexane (0 to 50%) as eluant. The title product was obtained as a clear oil (490 mg, 50%)

[0093] Step 3 : 4-methoxy-2-(morpholinomethyl)benzoic acid

[0094] A solution of methyl 2-(morpholinomethyl)-4-methoxybenzoate (160 mg, 0.6 mmol) was dissolved in EtOH (5 mL) and an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide was added

(IN, 6.1 mL, 6.1 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and concentrated under reduced pressure to produce a white solid. The compound was used directly in the next step. LC-MS (M+H): 252.09.

[0095] Step 4: 4-methoxy-N-(3-(2-methylthiazol-4-yl)phenyl)-2-

(morpholinomethyl)benzamide

[0096] To a solution of 3-(2-methylthiazol-4-yl)aniline (65 mg, 0.34 mmol) and 4-methoxy- 2-(morpholinomethyl)benzoic acid (94 mg, 0.34 mmol) in DMF (2.6 mL) and

diisopropylethylamine (0.11 mL, 0.68 mmol) at room temperature was added HATU (193 mg, 0.59 mmol) in one portion. The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight, then poured into water. The aqueous mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3x), and the combined organics were dried over MgS0₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to provide a yellow oil. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography on silica using a gradiant of EtOAc in hexane (0 to 60%) as eluant. The title product was obtained as a beige solid (7.5 mg). 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃): 11.7 (s, 1H), 8.17 (s, 1H), 8.09 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.61 (d, 1H), 7.4 (m, 3H), 6.98 (d, 1H), 6.77 (s, 1H), 3.9 (s, 4H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 2.79 (s,3H), 2.65 (s, 4H).

[0097] The compounds in Table 2 were prepared according to method described above.

Table 2

Note: Activity Ranking refers to the percent activity compared to control alkaline phosphatase activity at 500 nM as determined by modified method A. Rank: A = 0 to 25% control activity; B = 26 to 50% control activity; C = 51 to 75% control activity; and D to 100% control activity. [0098] Example 4: 4-methoxy-2-((4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)methyl)-N-(3-(2- methylthiazol-4-yl)phenyl)benzamide

[0099] Example 4 is synthesized using the chemistry described for example 3 according to the followin synthetic scheme.

[00100] Example 5: 2-((2-hydroxyethylamino)methyl)-4-methoxy-N-(3-(2- methylthiazol-4-yl)phenyl)benzamide

[00101] The example 5 is synthesized using the chemistry described for example 3 according to the following synthetic scheme:

[00102] The following compound are synthesized using 3-(2-methylthiazol-4- yl)aniline (commercially available) and coupling with the appropriate carboxylic acid using the method described for example 1.

-42-

The following Example are synthesized according to Scheme 4.

[00105] The following examples are synthesized according to Scheme 5.

Scheme 5:

Journal of the Chemical Society, SnCI₂, HCI Perkin Transactions 1 : 1976, 7, 749 EtOH

HATUI, DMAP

0106] The following examples are synthesized according to Scheme 6.

Scheme 6:

Exam le 62 Example 63 Example 64

Example 65 Example 66 Example 67

II. Biological Evaluation

[00108] The ability of compounds described in the current invention to inhibit hedgehog pathway signaling was determined from the following cell differentiation assays (Method A, or Modified Method A as described below) in which cellular alkaline phosphatase activity is assessed in the presence of control vehicle or test compound, as previously described in the literature (Wu et al, Chemistry & Biology, 11 : 1229-1238, 2004; Couve-Privat, et al, Cancer Research, 64; 3559-3565, 2004; Dwyer et al, J.

Biological Chemistry, 282: 8959-8968, 2007) with modifications as described below. Method A: Mouse C3H10T1/2 (CCL-226™) or M2-10B4 (CRL-1972™) cells obtained from the American Type Tissue Culture Collection (Maryland, USA) were cultured to 60- 80% confluence in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's Medium (C3H10T1/2 cells) containing heat-inactivated 10% fetal bovine serum or RPMI-1640 media (M2-10B4 cells) containing heat-inactivated 10% fetal bovine serum. Cell cultures were maintained in 10 U/mL penicillin, 100 μg/mL streptomycin and 2 mM glutamine. Cells were then trypsinized, counted and plated into 96-well microtiter plates prior to incubation overnight at 37 °C in 5% C02. The following morning, control vehicle (DMSO) or compound dissolved in 100% DMSO were serially added to individual wells, 30 minutes prior to the addition of Control Buffer or Recombinant Mouse Sonic Hedgehog (Shh-N, CF, 461-SH-025/CF, R&D Systems, Minnesota, USA) to final concentration of 2 μg/mL. The 96-well microtiter plates were then incubated at 37 °C in 5% C02 for 72 hours before being assayed for alkaline phosphatase activity using p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP, Anaspec, California, USA).

Briefly, after 72 hours incubation, cell culture media was carefully aspirated from the wells of the 96-well microtiter plates and cells gently washed with phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.4 (PBS). Following removal of PBS, cells were lysed in 50 μΐ, RIPA lysis buffer and alkaline phosphatase activity assayed following addition of 50 pNPP reaction mixture for 30 minutes during which reagents were mixed by gently shaking of the plates.

Absorbance was subsequently measured at 405 nm, and the concentration of test compound required to cause 50% inhibition of sonic hedgehog stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity (IC₅o) calculated from the dose-response curve. Similarly, an IC₉₀ was determined. At least triplicate determinations for each individual test compound concentration were made and data plotted as mean + standard deviation relative to the DMSO control vehicle. Figure 1 shows the dose-reponse of cyclopamine, a positive control, in the assay described above. Figure 2 shows the dose-reponse of the compound of Example 1 in the assay described above. The compound of Example 1 was found to have an IC₅₀ of 43 nM and an IC₉₀ of 230 nM

[00109] Modified Method A: An additional method to assess inhibition of hedgehog pathway signaling was also applied in which 100 nM of the smoothened agonist, purmorphamine (Stemgent, California) was added to confluent C3H10T1/2 cells instead of recombinant sonic hedgehog protein and 72 hours after co-incubation with compounds alkaline phosphatase activity was assayed using the alkaline phosphatase assay kit from Bio Assay Systems (Haywood, California).

[00110] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

We claim:

1 A compound having the structure of Formula (I):

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

2 1 2

2. The compound of claim 1 wherein G 1 and G 2 can not both be hydrogen.

3 The compound of claim 1 wherein:

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is halogen, Ci-C₃ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₃ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

2 1 2

G is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₃ alkyl, -CN, or -CF , and wherein G and G can not both be hydrogen; and

Z is selected from the group consisting of halogen, -CN, alkyl, aryl, -O-aryl, -O- heteroaryl, -CH₂-aryl, -CH₂-heteroaryl, -NH-aryl, -S0₂-aryl, -NH-heteroaryl, - NH-alkyl, -CH₂-NH-alkyl, -CH₂-N(alkyl)₂, -CH₂-(N-linked heterocycle), -CH₂ (C-linked heterocycle), N-linked heterocycle, and C-linked heterocycle.

The compound of claim 3 wherein X is S0₂Me.

The compound of claim 4 wherein Z is a halogen.

6. The compound of claim 4 wherein Y is a halogen.

7. The compound of claim 4 wherein G² is a hydrogen.

8. The compound of claim 4 wherein G¹ is an alkyl group.

9. The compound of claim 4 wherein Y is a chloro and G is a hydrogen.

10. The compound of claim 4 wherein Z is a halogen; Y is a halogen; G is a hydrogen; and G¹ is an alkyl group.

11. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compond of Formula (I), or a

stereoisomer, tautomer, hydrate, solvate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein the compound of Formula (I) has the followin structure:

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

2 1 2

12. A method of inhibiting the Hedgehog pathway in a cell comprising contacting the cell with an inhibitory concentration of a com ound of Formula (I):

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

2 1 2

13. A method of inhibiting the activity of smoothened protein in a cell comprising contacting the smoothened protein with an inhibitory concentration of a compound of Formula (I):

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

2 1 2

14. A method of inhibiting the transcriptional activity of Gli transcription factor in a cell comprising contacting the cell with an inhibitory concentration of a compound of Formula (I):

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

2 1 2

15. A method of inhibiting G/z-mediated gene transcription in a cell comprising

contacting the cell with an inhibitor concentration of a compound of Formula (I):

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

2 1 2

16. The method of any of claims 12-15, wherein the cell is characterized by a patched loss-of-function phenotype.

17. The method of any of claims 12-15, wherein the cell is characterized by a

smoothened gain-of-function phenotype.

18. The method of any of claims 12-15, wherein the cell is characterized by a

constitutively active smoothened phenotype.

19. The method of any of claims 12-15, wherein the cell is characterized by expression of Gli.

20. A method of treating a human disease or disorder mediated by Hedgehog pathway comprising administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound of Formula (I), or a stereoisomer, tautomer, hydrate, solvate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound of Formula (I) has the followin structure:

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF ;

2 1 2

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the disease or disorder is a proliferative disease.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the proliferative disease is selected from colon cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the proliferative disease is selected from basal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, bone sarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, chronic myeloid leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, hematological cancer, medulloblastoma, rhabdomyosaracoma, neuroblastoma, pancreatic cancer, breast carcinoma, meningioma, glioblastoma, astrocytoma, melanoma, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, biliary tract cancer, prostate cancer, small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, glial cell cancer, multiple myeloma, colon cancer, neuroectodermal tumor, neuroendocrine tumor, mastocytoma and Gorlin syndrome.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the proliferative disease is basal cell carcinoma.

25. A method of treating a veterinary disease or disorder mediated by Hedgehog

pathway comprising administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound of Formula (I), or a stereoisomer, tautomer, hydrate, solvate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound of Formula (I) has the followin structure:

W is O or S;

X is S0₂Me, CI, or -OMe;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

G¹ is hydrogen, halogen, Ci-C₆ alkyl, -CN, or -CF₃;

2 1 2

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the veterinary disease or disorder is a proliferative disease selected from mast cell tumors or osteosarcoma.