Substituted aralkyl derivatives

The present invention relates to novel antidiabetic, hypolipidaemic and hypocholesterolemic compounds, their derivatives, their analogs, their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions containing them. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel substituted aralkyl derivatives of the general formula (I), their derivatives, their analogs, their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, use of these compounds in medicine and the intermediates involved in their preparation.

The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the above said novel compounds, their derivatives, their analogs, their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

The present invention also discloses novel compounds of formula (IIIa) their derivatives, their analogs, their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions containing them. The compounds of formula (IIIa) are useful as intermediates for the preparation of compounds of formula (I).

The compounds of the general formula (I) & (IIIa) lower blood glucose, lower or modulate triglyceride levels and/or cholesterol levels and/or low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and raises the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) plasma levels and hence are useful in combating different medical conditions, where such lowering (and raising) is beneficial. Thus, it could be used in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of obesity, hyperlipidaemia, hypercholesteremia, hypertension, atherosclerotic disease events, vascular restenosis, diabetes and many other related conditions.

The compounds of general formula (I) & (IIIa) are useful to prevent or reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis, which leads to diseases and conditions such as artereosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, stroke, coronary heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, peripheral vessel diseases and related disorders. These compounds of general formula (I) & (IIIa) are useful for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of metabolic disorders loosely defined as Syndrome X. The characteristic features of Syndrome X include initial insulin resistance followed by hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia and impaired glucose tolerance. The glucose intolerance can lead to non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM, Type 2 diabetes), which is characterized by hyperglycemia, which if not controlled may lead to diabetic complications or metabolic disorders caused by insulin resistance. Diabetes is no longer considered to be associated only with glucose metabolism, but it affects anatomical and physiological parameters, the intensity of which vary depending upon stages/duration and severity of the diabetic state. The compounds of this invention are also useful in prevention, halting or slowing progression or reducing the risk of the above mentioned disorders along with the resulting secondary diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, like arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis; diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy and renal disease including diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, glomerular sclerosis, nephrotic syndrome, hypertensive nephrosclerosis and end stage renal diseases, like microalbuminuria and albuminuria, which may be result of hyperglycemia or hyperinsulinemia.

The compounds of the present invention can be useful as aldose reductase inhibitors; for improving cognitive functions in dementia, and in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders such as psoriasis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), cancer, osteoporosis, leptin resistance, inflammation and inflammatory bowel diseases, xanthoma, pancreatitis, myotonic dystrophy, endothelial cell dysfunction and hyperlipidemia.

The compounds of the present invention are useful in the treatment of the diseases mentioned herein, alone or in combination with one or more hypoglycemic, antihyperglycemic, hypolipidaemic, hypolipoproteinemic agents, antioxidants, antihypertensives, such as HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, fibrate, statins, glitazones, sulfonyl ureas, insulin, α-glycosidase inhibitors, nicotinic acid, cholestyramine, cholestipol or probucol, and the like.

Hyperlipidaemia has been recognized as the major risk factor in causing cardiovascular diseases due to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis and other such peripheral vascular diseases affect the quality of life of a large population in the world. The therapy aims to lower the elevated plasma LDL cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and plasma triglycerides in order to prevent or reduce the risk of occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. The detailed etiology of atherosclerosis and coronary artery diseases is discussed by Ross and Glomset [New Engl. J. Med., 295, 369-377 (1976)]. Plasma cholesterol is generally found esterified with various serum lipoproteins and numerous studies have suggested an inverse relationship between serum HDL-cholesterol level and risk for occurrence of cardiovascular disease. Many studies have suggested an increased risk of coronary artery diseases (CAD) due to elevated LDL and VLDL-cholesterol levels [Stampfer et al., N. Engl. J. Med., 325, 373-381(1991)]. The other studies illustrate protective effects of HDL against progression of atherosclerosis. Thus, HDL has become a crucial factor in treating diseases with increased levels of cholesterol [Miller et. al., Br. Med. J. 282, 1741-1744(1981); Picardo et al., Arteriosclerosis, 6, 434-441 (1986); Macikinnon et al., J. Biol. Chem. 261, 2548-2552 (1986)].

Diabetes is associated with a number of complications and also affect a large population. This disease is usually associated with other diseases such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and angina. It is well established that improper treatment can aggravate impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, thereby leading to frank diabetes. Further, patients with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes often have raised triglycerides and low HDL-cholesterol concentrations and therefore, have greater risk of cardiovascular diseases. The present therapy for these diseases includes sulfonylureas and biguanides along with insulin. This type of drug therapy may lead to mild to severe hypoglycemia, which may lead to coma or in some cases may lead to death, as a result of unsatisfactory glycaemic control by these drugs. Recent addition of drugs in the treatment of diabetes are the thiazolidinediones, drugs having insulin-sensitizing action. Thiazolidinediones like troglitazone, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone are prescribed alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic agents.

These are useful in treating diabetes, lipid metabolism but are suspected to have tumor-inducing potential and cause hepatic dysfunction, which may lead to liver failure. Further, serious undesirable side-effects have occurred in animal and/or human studies which include cardiac hypertrophy, hema dilution and liver toxicity in a few glitazones progressing to advanced human trials. The drawback is considered to be idiosyncratic. Presently, there is a need for a safe and an effective drug, to treat insulin resistance, diabetes and hyperlipidemia.[ Exp. Clin. Endocrinol. Diabetes: 109(4), S548-9 (2001)]

Obesity is another major health problem being associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is a metabolic disorder, in which excess of fat is accumulated in the body. Although, its etiology is unclear, the general feature includes excess of calorie intake than it is consumed. Various therapies such as dieting, exercise, appetite suppression, inhibition of fat absorption etc. have been used to combat obesity. However, more efficient therapies to treat this abnormality is essential as obesity is closely related to several diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, gout, osteoarthritis, hyperlipidaemia and reduced fertility. It also leads to social and psychological problems [Nature Reviews: Drug Discovery: 1(4), 276-86 (2002)].

Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor (PPAR) is a member of the steroid/ retinoid/ thyroid hormone receptor family. PPAR, PPARγ and PPARδ have been identified as subtypes of PPARs. Extensive reviews regarding PPAR, their role in different diseased conditions are widely published [Endocrine Reviews, 20(5), 649-688 (1999); J. Medicinal Chemistry, 43(4), 58-550 (2000); Cell, 55, 932-943 (1999); Nature, 405, 421-424 (2000); Trends in Pharmacological Sci., 469-473 (2000)]. PPARγ activation has been found to play a central role in initiating and regulating adipocyte differentiation [Endocrinology 135, 798-800, (1994)] and energy homeostasis, [Cell, 83, 803-812 (1995); Cell, 99, 239-242 (1999)]. PPARγ agonists would stimulate the terminal differentiation of adipocyte precursors and cause morphological and molecular changes characteristic of a more differentiated, less malignant state. During adipocyte differentiation, several highly specialized proteins are induced, which are being involved in lipid storage and metabolism. It is accepted that PPARγ activation leads to expression of CAP gene [Cell Biology, 95, 14751-14756, (1998)], however, the exact link from PPARγ activation to changes in glucose metabolism and decrease in insulin resistance in muscle has not been clear. PPARα is involved in stimulating β-oxidation of fatty acids [Trends Endocrine. Metabolism, 4, 291-296 (1993)] resulting in plasma circulating free fatty acid reduction [Current Biol., 5, 618-621 (1995)]. Recently, role of PPARγ activation in the terminal differentiation of adipocyte precursors has been implicated in the treatment of cancer. [Cell, 79, 1147-1156 (1994); Cell, 377-389 (1996); Molecular Cell, 465-470 (1998); Carcinogenesis, 1949-1953 (1998); Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 94, 237-241 (1997); Cancer Research, 58, 3344-3352 (1998)]. Since PPARγ is expressed in certain cells consistently, PPARγ agonists would lead to nontoxic chemotherapy. There is growing evidence that PPAR agonists may also influence the cardiovascular system through PPAR receptors as well as directly by modulating vessel wall function [Med. Res. Rev., 20 (5), 350-366 (2000)].

PPAR α agonists have been found useful in the treatment of obesity (WO 97/36579). Dual PPAR α and γ agonists have been suggested to be useful for Syndrome X (WO 97/25042). PPAR γ agonists and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have exhibited synergism and indicated the usefulness of the combination in the treatment of atherosclerosis and xanthoma (EP 0753 298). Leptin is a protein when bound to leptin receptors is involved in sending satiety signal to the hypothalamus. Leptin resistance would therefore lead to excess food in-take, reduced energy expenditure, obesity, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes [Science, 269, 543-46(1995)]. It has been reported that insulin sensitizers lower plasma leptin concentration [Proc. Natl. Acad Sci. 93, 5793-5796 (1996): WO 98/02159)].

Phenalkyloxy-phenyl derivatives having general formula as given below, useful in the treatment of insulin resistance has been described in WO 01/40170 (AstraZeneca AB).

A typical example of these compounds is shown formula (IIa). Aryl hydroxy propanol derivatives having the general formula given below as agents for treatment of disorders associated with insulin resistance have been described in WO 03008362 (Dr. Reddy's Research Foundation)

A number of compounds belonging to the class of oxazole derivatives have been reported to be useful in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia which includesWO 02092084 (Hoffmann La Roche) describes oxazole compounds having the following general formula wherein, R¹ is aryl or heteroaryl; R², R³, R⁴ and R⁵ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, lower-alkenyl, halogen, lower-alkyl and lower-alkoxy, wherein at least one of R², R³, R⁴ and R⁶ is not hydrogen, or R³ and R⁴ are bonded to each other to form a ring together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached, and R³ and R⁴ together are -CH=CH-S-, -S-CH=CH-, - CH=CH-O-, -O-CH=CH-, -CH=CH-CH=CH-, -(CH₂)_3-5-, -O-(CH₂)_2-3- or -(CH₂)_2-3-O-; R⁵ is lower-alkoxy, lower-alkenyloxy, or R⁷ , R⁸, R⁹, each represent H or lower-alkyl; R¹⁰ is aryl; n is 1, 2 or 3; the bond between C_a & C_b represent a carbon-carbon single or double bond;WO 0216331(Eli Lilly & Co.) discloses oxazolyl-arylpropionic acid derivatives of the following general formula where R₁ is substituted or unsubstituted groups selected from aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, (CH₃)₃C-; n = 2,3, 4; W represents CH₂, CH(OH), CO, O; R₂ represents H, alkyl, haloalkyl, C₆H₅; Y represents substituted or unsubstituted group consisting of thiophen-2,5-diyl or phenylene; R₃ represents alkyl, haloalkyl; R₄ represents substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, naphthyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl, quinolyl, pyridyl, benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl; R₅ represents H, alkyl, aminoalkyl groups.

WO 9807699 (Japan Tobacco, Inc.) describes propionic acid derivative of the following general structure wherein R represents R¹ is an optionally substituted aromatic hydrocarbon, an optionally substituted alicyclic hydrocarbons, an optionally substituted heterocyclic group, or an optionally substituted fused heterocyclic group, R⁵ is lower alkyl; R⁴ = H or lower alkyl; R⁶=H or forms together with R⁹, a double bond; R⁷ is a carboxy, an acyl, an optionally substituted alkoxycarbonyl, an optionally substituted lower alkyl, an optionally substituted carbamoyl, an optionally substituted aryloxycarbonyl, an optionally substituted aralkyloxycarbonyl or a group of the formula -Y-R⁸ wherein Y is -NH- or an oxygen atom and R⁸ is an optionally substituted acyl or an optionally substituted alkoxycarbonyl; R⁹ = H, an optionally substituted loweralkyl or an optionally substituted alkoxycarbonyl; R¹⁰ is a hydroxy, an optionally substituted amino, an optionally substituted lower alkoxy, an optionally substituted lower alkyl, an optionally substituted aryloxy or an optionally substituted aralkyloxy, provided that when R⁷ is an alkoxycarbonyl and R⁹ is a hydrogen atom, R¹⁰ is not a lower alkoxy.

WO 02100403 (Eli Lilly & Co.) discloses compounds of the following general formula suitable for the treatment of Syndrome X wherein Y¹ represents Y^1a is H, (C₀-C₃) alkyl-aryl, C(O)-aryl , heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryloxy, etc.; is aryl or heteroaryl; V is a bond or O; X is CH₂ or O, R⁵ is H or C₁-C₆ alkyl; Y² and Y³ are each independently H, C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆ alkoxy; Y⁴ is (C₁-C₃) alkyl-NR⁵C(O) -(C₀-C₅) alkyl-Y⁷, (C₁-C₃) alkyl-NR⁵C O) -(C₂-C₅) alkenyl-Y⁷, (C₁-C₃) alkyl-NR⁵C(O) -(C₂-C₅) alkynyl-Y⁷, CN etc.; Y⁷ is H, aryl heteroaryl, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryloxy, C(O)-heteroaryl etc.; n¹ is 2,3,4 or 5;

US 5232945 (Pfizer Inc.), describes compounds of the following general formula wherein Z= H, amino, (C₁-C₇,)alkyl, (C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl mono or disubstituted with (C₁-C₃)alkyl, CF₃, (C₁-C₃)alkoxy) phenyl, phenoxy, benzyl, benzyloxy, fluoro or chloro; Z¹ = H or (C₁-C₃)alkyl; R = (un)substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, Ph, phenylalkyl alkanoyl; X = S, O, NR₂, -CH=CH, -CH=N, -N=CH; R₂ = H, alkyl, Ph, CH₂Ph; Y = CH, N; X¹ = O, S, SO, SO₂; Y¹ = OH, (un)substituted alkoxy, OPh, OCH₂Ph, NH₂ etc.; W = O, CO, CH₂, CH(OH), -CH=CH; m = 0 1, 2.

Several other oxazole derivatives useful in the treatment of diabetes, hyperlipidemia etc. (Syndrome X) have been reported for e.g. WO 03072100, WO 0320269, WO 0216332, WO 0218355, WO 0216331, WO 0216332, WO 0296895, WO 0296895, WO 0296894, WO 0296893, WO 0262774, WO 0250048, WO 0250047, WO 0276957, WO 0251820, WO 0214291, WO 0138325, WO 0116120, WO 0100403, WO 0116111, WO 0116120, WO 0179202, WO 0179197, WO 0008002, US 20010008898, JP 2002338555, JP 2001261612

However, very few of the compounds described above have reached the marker and so there therefore remains the need to develop newer medicines which are better and cost effective, are of better or comparable efficacy with the present treatment regimes, has lesser side effects and require a lower dosage regime

The objective of this invention is to develop novel compounds represented by the general formula (I) & (IIIa) used as hypocholesterolemic, hypolipidaemic, hypolipoproteinemic, anti-obesity and antihyperglycemic agents which may have additional body weight lowering effect and beneficial effect in the treatment and/orUS 5232945 (Pfizer Inc.), describes compounds of the following general formula wherein Z= H, amino, (C₁-C₇) alkyl, (C₃-C₇) cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl mono or disubstituted with (C₁-C₃) alkyl, CF₃, (C₁-C₃)alkoxy, phenyl, phenoxy, benzyl, benzyloxy, fluoro or chloro; Z¹ = H or (C₁-C₃) alkyl; R = (un) substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, Ph, phenylalkyl, alkanoyl; X = S, O, NR₂, -CH=CH, -CH=N, -N=CH: R² = H, alkyl, Ph, CH₂Ph; Y = CH, N; X¹ = O, S, SO, SO₂; Y¹ = OH, (un) substituted alkoxy, OPh, OCH₂Ph, NH₂ etc.; W = O, CO, CH₂, CH(OH), - CH=CH; m = 0, 1, 2.

WO 9119702 (Pfizer) discloses compounds with the general formula wherein Z= H, amino, (C₁-C₇) alkyl, (C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl mono or disubstituted with (C₁-C₃) alkyl, CF₃, (C₁-C₃) alkoxy, phenyl, phenoxy, benzyl, benzyloxy, fluoro or chloro; Z¹ = H or (C₁-C₃) alkyl; R = (un)substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, Ph, phenylalkyl, alkanoyl; X = S, O, NR₂, -CH=CH, -CH=N, -N=CH; R² = H, alkyl, Ph, CH₂Ph; X¹ = O, S, SO, SO2; Y¹ = OH, (un) substituted alkoxy, OPh, OCH2Ph, NH2 etc.; W = O, CO, CH₂, CH(OH), -CH=CH; m = 0, 1, 2.

Journal of Medical Chemistry, American Chemical Society 1994, 37, 2537-2551 paper discloses the following compound suitable as a non-peptide fibrinogen receptor antagonist

JP 51149265 (Yoshitomi Pharmaceutical) describes the preparation of compounds with the following general formula where 'z' represents 2-tetrahydrofuryl or 2-tetrahydropyranyl & R₁ & R₂ represents hydrogen, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl etc. groups.

EP 0478363 (Merck) discloses compounds with the following general structure and are useful as fibrinogen receptor antagonists:

WO 9638415 (Sumitomo Metal Ind) discloses 2-amino-3-phenyl propanoic acid derivatives having the following general formula where R₁ represents hydroxy, lower alkoxy, phenoxy, phenyl alkoxy, amino, mono or dilakyl amino, substituted alkane sulfonyl amino, benzene sulfonyl amino etc; R₂ & R₃ independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, arylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted 5-6 membered heterocyclic radical, alkanoyl, benzoyl groups etc.; A represents any of the following hetero-ring containing radicals where R₅ & R₆ independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, phenyl, thienyl or furyl radical.

WO 0140170 (Astra Zeneca) discloses compounds with the general formula where 'A' represents R is cyano when X=0 & when X = 1, then R = BRa or SCORa, where B is O, S, SO or SO2, wherein Ra represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl which may optionally be substituted; R₁, R₂, R₃ & R₄ are as defined in the specification. D represents alkyl, acyl, aryl, alkylaryl, halogen, -CN, - NO₂ each of which mey be substituted; D' represents hydrogen, alkyl, acyl, aryl etc. groups; while D" represents hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, acyl, aryl etc. groups.

WO 2004/031162 (Hoffman La Roche) discloses compounds with the general formula: R¹ is aryl or heteroaryl; R² is hydrogen, lower alkyl or fluoro-lower alkyl; R³ & R⁴ are indepedently hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, lower-alkyl, fluoro-lower-alkyl, hydroxy-lower-alkyl, lower-alkoxy-lower-alkyl etc. with the proviso that atleast one of R³ & R⁴ is not hydrogen; R⁵ is lower alkoxy, fluoro-lower-alkoxy, lower-alkenyloxy, fluoro-lower-alkenyloxy, aryloxy etc. groups(this application thus, primarily claims the pure enantiomeric form of the compounds of formula (I); R⁶ is hydrogen or lower alkyl; n =1-3.

WO 2004/004665 discloses a compound with the general formula:

WO 03072102 (Eli Lily Co.) discloses compounds with the general structure: wherein R₃ is selected from hydrogen or alkoxy; R₄ is selected from hydrogen or alkyl; R_b is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, aryl alkyl, aryloxy alkyl, arylthio alkyl; R₆ is selected from trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy alkyl, alkyl, alkyl carbonyl etc.; R₇ & R₈ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkylor or trifluoromethyl; R₉ & R₁₀ are each independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, halo and alkoxy; T1 is N or C; Q is selected from O, a single bond, O (CH₂) q and C; W is selected from O, S, SO₂, (CH₂)N(R₂O) (CH₂) k etc; X is CmH₂m.

Several other oxazole derivatives useful in the treatment of diabetes, hyperlipidemia etc. (Syndrome X) have been reported for e.g. WO 03072100, WO 0320269, WO 0216332, WO 0218355, WO 0216331, WO 0216332, WO 0296895, WO 0296895, WO 0296894, WO 0296893, WO 0262774, WO 0250048, WO 0250047, WO 0276957, WO 0251820, WO 0214291, WO 0138325, WO 0116120, WO 0100403, WO 0116111, WO 0116120, WO 0179202, WO 0179197, WO 0008002, US 20010008898, JP 2002338555, JP 2001261612. However, very few of the compounds described above have reached the market and so there therefore remains the need to develop newer medicines which are better and cost effective, are of better or comparable efficacy with the present treatment regimes, has lesser side effects and require a lower dosage regime.

The objective of this invention is to develop novel compounds represented by the general formula (I) & (IIIa) used as hypocholesterolemic, hypolipidaemic, hypolipoproteinemic, anti-obesity and antihyperglycemic agents which may have additional body weight lowering effect and beneficial effect in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases caused by hyperlipidaemia, diseases classified under syndrome X and atherosclerosis.

The main objective of the present invention is to provide novel substituted aralkyl derivatives represented by the general formula (I), their derivatives, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them or mixtures thereof.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide novel substituted aralkyl derivatives represented by the general formula (I), their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them or mixtures thereof having enhanced activities, without toxic effects or with reduced toxic effect.

Yet another objective of this invention is to provide a process for the preparation of novel substituted aralkyl derivatives represented by the general formula (I), their derivatives, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates.

Still another objective of the present invention is to provide pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of the general formula (I), their derivatives, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates or their mixtures in combination with suitable carriers, solvents, diluents and other media normally employed in preparing such compositions.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide novel substituted propanoic acid derivatives of formula (IIIa), their derivatives, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them or mixtures thereof, useful as intermediates in the preparation of compounds of general formula (I).

Another objective of the present invention is to provide novel substituted propanoic acid derivatives represented by the general formula (IIIa), their derivatives, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them or mixtures thereof having enhanced activities, without toxic effects or with reduced toxic effect.

Yet another objective of this invention is to provide a process for the preparation of novel substituted propanoic acid derivatives represented by the general formula (IIIa), their derivatives, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates.

Still another objective of the present invention is to provide pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of the general formula (IIIa), their derivatives, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates or their mixtures in combination with suitable carriers, solvents, diluents and other media normally employed in preparing such compositions

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention is directed to a compound of the general formula (I), its derivatives, its stereoisomers, its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, its pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, wherein 'A' represents a substituted or unsubstituted, group selected from heteroaryl, heterocyclyl groups; 'n' is an integer from 1-3; `X' represents oxygen; 'Ar' represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group; G₁ represents OR₁, SR₁, S (O) R₃, S (O)₂R₃, N₃, CN, COOH, tetrazolyl groups; G₂ represents OR₁, NR₁R₂, SR₁, S (O) R3, S(O)₂R₃, N₃, CN, COOH, tetrazolyl groups, R₁, R₂ represent hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted groups selected from linear or branched (C₁-C₈)alkyl, acyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl groups, aralkyloxycarbonyl groups; R₃ represents substituted or unsubstituted groups selected from alkyl, aryl groups; with the proviso that, when G₂ represents NR₁R₂, G₁ does not represent -OH group; G₃ represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₈) alkyl groups.

Suitable substituents on R₁, R₂ or R₃ may be same or different and independently selected from hydroxyl, oxo, halo, thio, nitro, amino, cyano, formyl, alkyl, haloalkyl, perhaloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heterocylyl, heteroaryl, acyl, acyloxy, acylamino, monosubstituted or disubstituted amino, carbonylamino, hydroxyalkyl, alkylthio, thioalkyl groups.

When A is substituted, the substituents may be selected from hydroxyl, oxo, halo, thio, nitro, amino, cyano, formyl, or substituted or unsubstituted groups selected from amidino, guanidino, hydrazino, alkyl, haloalkyl, perhaloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, perhaloalkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, bicycloalkyl, bicycloalkenyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heterocylyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, heterocyclyloxy, heterocyclylalkoxy, heterocyclylalkoxyacyl, acyl, acyloxy, acylamino, monosubstituted or disubstituted amino, arylamino, aralkylamino, carboxylic acid and its derivatives such as esters and amides, carbonylamino, hydroxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, aralkoxyalkyl, alkylthio, thioalkyl, arylthio, alkylsulfonylamino, alkylsulfonyloxy, alkoxycarbonylamino, aryloxycarbonylamino, aralkyloxycarbonylamino, aminocarbonylamino, alkylaminocarbonylamino, alkoxyamino, hydroxyl amino, sulfenyl derivatives, sulfonyl derivatives, sulfonic acid and its derivatives, phosphonic acid and its derivatives.

When the substituents on 'A' are further substituted, those substituents are selected from hydroxyl, oxo, halo, thio, nitro, amino, cyano, formyl, or substituted or unsubstituted groups selected from amidino, guanidino, hydrazino, alkyl, haloalkyl, perhaloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, perhaloalkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, bicycloalkyl, bicycloalkenyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heterocylyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, heterocyclyloxy, heterocyclylalkoxy, heterocyclylalkoxyacyl, acyl, acyloxy, acylamino, monosubstituted or disubstituted amino, arylamino, aralkylamino, carboxylic acid and its derivatives such as esters and amides, carbonylamino, hydroxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, aralkoxyalkyl, alkylthio, thioalkyl, arylthio, alkylsulfonylamino, alkylsulfonyloxy, alkoxycarbonylamino, aryloxycarbonylamino, aralkyloxycarbonylamino, aminocarbonylamino, alkylaminocarbonylamino, alkoxyamino, hydroxyl amino, sulfenyl derivatives, sulfonyl derivatives, sulfonic acid and its derivatives, phosphonic acid and its derivatives

The substituents on the group represented by Ar represents substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl, halogen, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, acyl, amino, acylamino, thio or carboxylic or sulphonic acids and their derivatives, phosphonic acid and their derivatives.

Accordingly a second aspect of the present invention is directed to a compound of formula (IIIa), its tautomeric forms, its stereoisomers, its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, its pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, wherein 'A' represents 4-oxazolyl group substituted with one or two substituents selected from substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched (C₁-C₁₂)alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted single or fused heteroaryl or heterocyclic groups with the proviso that one of the substituants on "A" is always a heteroaryl or heterocyclic group; 'Ar' represents an unsubstituted phenyl group; G₁ represents OR₁ where R₁ represents substituted or unsubstituted groups selected from linear or branched (C₁-C₁₂)alkyl groups; R₄ represents OH or alkoxy groups, 'n' is an integer from 1-3; X represents O.

Suitable substitutions on the substituents on 'A' are selected from hydroxyl, oxo, halo, thio, nitro, amino, cyano, formyl, or substituted or unsubstituted groups selected from amidino, guanidino, hydrazino, alkyl, haloalkyl, perhaloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, perhaloalkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, bicycloalkyl, bicycloalkenyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heterocylyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, heterocyclyloxy, heterocyclylalkoxy, heterocyclylalkoxyacyl, acyl, acyloxy, acylamino, monosubstituted or disubstituted amino, arylamino, aralkylamino, carboxylic acid and its derivatives such as esters and amides, carbonylamino, hydroxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, aralkoxyalkyl, alkylthio, thioalkyl, arylthio, alkylsulfonylamino, alkylsulfonyloxy, alkoxycarbonylamino, aryloxycarbonylamino, aralkyloxycarbonylamino, aminocarbonylamino, alkylaminocarbonylamino, alkoxyamino, hydroxyl amino, sulphenyl derivatives, sulphonyl derivatives, sulphonic acid and its derivatives, phosphonic acid and its derivatives; The compounds of formula (IIIa) are useful as intermediates for the preparation of compound of formula (I). In addition, compound of formula (IIIa) are also useful in presenting or reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis, which leads to diseases and conditions such as artereosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, stroke, coronary heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, peripheral vessel diseases and related disorders. Also, the compounds of formula (IIIa) are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases associated with Syndrome X.

The present invention also discloses novel processes for the preparation of compounds of formula (I) & (IIIa).

The various groups, radicals and substituents used anywhere in the specifications are described in the following paragraphs. The term "alkyl" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes a linear or branched radical containing one to twelve carbons, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, amyl, t-amyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, iso-hexyl, heptyl, octyl and the like.

The term "alkenyl" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes a linear or branched radical containing two to twelve carbons such as vinyl, allyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl, 5-hexenyl, 2-heptenyl, 3-heptenyl, 4-heptenyl, 5-heptenyl, 6-heptenyl and the like. The term "alkenyl" includes dienes and trienes of straight and branched chains.

The term "alkynyl" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes a linear or branched radical containing two to twelve carbons, such as ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 3-butynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 3-pentynyl, 4-pentynyl, 1-hexynyl, 3-hexynyl, 4-hexynyl, 5-hexynyl, and the like. The term "alkynyl" includes di- and tri-ynes.

The term "cycloalkyl" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes a radical containing three to seven carbons, such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and the like.

The term "cycloalkenyl" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes a radical containing three to seven carbons, such as cyclopropenyl, 1-cyclobutenyl, 2-cylobutenyl, 1-cyclopentenyl, 2-cyclopentenyl, 3-cyclopentenyl, .1-cyclohexenyl, 2-cyclohexenyl, 3-cyclohexenyl, 1-cycloheptenyl, cycloheptadienyl, cycloheptatrienyl, and the like.

The term "alkoxy" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an alkyl radical, as defined above, attached directly to an oxygen atom, such as methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, iso-propoxy, n-butoxy, t-butoxy, iso-butoxy, pentyloxy, hexyloxy, and the like.

The term "alkenoxy" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an alkenyl radical, as defined above, attached to an oxygen atom, such as vinyloxy, allyloxy, butenoxy, pentenoxy, hexenoxy, and the like.

The term "cycloalkoxy" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes a cycloalkyl radical as defined above, attached directly to an oxygen atom, such as cyclopropyloxy, cyclobutyloxy, cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, cycloheptyloxy and the like.

The term "halo" or "halogen" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, such as "haloalkyl", "perhaloalkyl" etc refers to a fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo group. The term "haloalkyl" denotes a alkyl radical, as defined above, substituted with one or more halogens; such as perhaloalkyl, more preferably, perfluoro(C₁-C₆)alkyl such as fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, fluoroethyl, difluoroethyl, trifluoroethyl, mono or polyhalo substituted methyl, ethyl; propyl, butyl, pentyl or hexyl groups. The term "haloalkoxy" denotes a haloalkyl, as defined above, directly attached to an oxygen atom, such as fluoromethoxy, chloromethoxy, fluoroethoxy chloroethoxy groups, and the like. The term "perhaloalkoxy" denotes a perhaloalkyl radical, as defined above, directly attached to an oxygen atom, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoroethoxy, and the like.

The term "aryl" or "aromatic" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an aromatic system containing one, two or three rings wherein such rings may be attached together in a pendant manner or may be fused, such as phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, indane, biphenyl, and the like. The term 'aralkyl" denotes an alkyl group, as defined above, attached to an aryl, such as benzyl, phenethyl, naphthylmethyl, and the like. The term "aryloxy" denotes an aryl radical, as defined above, attached to an alkoxy group, such as phenoxy, naphthyloxy and the like, which may be substituted. The term "aralkoxy" denotes an arylalkyl moiety, as defined above, such as benzyloxy, phenethyloxy, naphthylmethyloxy, phenylpropyloxy, and the like, which may be substituted.

The term "heterocyclyl" or "heterocyclic" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes saturated, partially saturated and unsaturated ring-shaped radicals, the heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen. Examples of saturated heterocyclic radicals include aziridinyl, azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, 4-oxopiperidinyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl, 3-oxopiperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, 2-oxomorpholinyl, azepinyl, diazepinyl, oxapinyl, thiazepinyl, oxazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, and the like; examples of partially saturated heterocyclic radicals include dihydrothiophene, dihydropyran, dihydrofuran, dihydrothiazole, and the like.

The term "heteroaryl" or "heteroaromatic" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes unsaturated 5 to 6 membered heterocyclic radicals containing one or more hetero atoms selected from O, N or S, such as pyridyl, thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, imidazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, benzopyranyl, benzopyranonyl, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl, indolinyl, indolyl, azaindolyl, azaindolinyl, benzodihydrofuranyl, benzodihydrothienyl, pyrazolopyrimidinyl, pyrazolopyrimidonyl, azaquinazolinyl, azaquinazolinoyl, pyridofuranyl, pyridothienyl, thienopyrimidyl, thienopyrimidonyl, quinolinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazolyl, quinazolinyl, quinazolonyl, pyrimidonyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, benzoxazinyl, benzoxazinonyl, benzothiazinyl, benzothiazinonyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzotriazolyl, phthalazynil, naphthylidinyl, purinyl, carbazolyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl, and the like.

The term "heterocyclylalkyl" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, represents a heterocyclyl group, as defined above, substituted with an alkyl group of one to twelve carbons, such as pyrrolidinealkyl, piperidinealkyl, morpholinealkyl, thiomorpholinealkyl, oxazolinealkyl, and the like, which may be substituted. The term "heteroaralkyl" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes a heteroaryl group, as defined above, attached to a straight or branched saturated carbon chain containing 1 to 6 carbons, such as (2-furyl)methyl, (3-furyl)methyl, (2-thienyl)methyl, (3-thienyl)methyl, (2-pyridyl)methyl, 1-methyl-1-(2-pyrimidyl)ethyl and the like. The terms "heteroaryloxy", "heteroaralkoxy", "heterocycloxy", "heterocylylalkoxy" denotes heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocylylalkyl groups respectively, as defined above, attached to an oxygen atom.

The term "acyl" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes a radical containing one to eight carbons such as formyl, acetyl, propanoyl, butanoyl, iso-butanoyl, pentanoyl, hexanoyl, heptanoyl, benzoyl and the like, which may be substituted.

The term "acyloxy" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes a radical acyl, as defined above, directly attached to an oxygen atom, such as acetyloxy, propionyloxy, butanoyloxy, iso-butanoyloxy, benzoyloxy and the like.

The term "acylamino" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an acyl group as defined earlier, may be CH₃CONH, C₂H₅CONH, C₃H₇CONH C₄H₉CONH, C₆H₅CONH and the like, which may be substituted.

The term "mono-substituted amino" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an amino group, substituted with one group selected from (C₁-C₆)alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl or arylalkyl groups. Examples of monoalkylamino group include methylamine, ethylamine, n-propylamine, n-butylamine, n-pentylamine and the like.

The term 'disubstituted amino" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an amino group, substituted with two radicals that may be same or different selected from (C₁-C₆)alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, or arylalkyl groups, such as dimethylamino, methylethylamino, diethylamino, phenylmethyl amino and the like.

The term "arylamino" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an aryl group, as defined above, linked through amino having a free valence bond from the nitrogen atom, such as phenylamino, naphthylamino, N-methyl anilino and the like.

The term "aralkylamino" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an arylalkyl group as defined above linked through amino having a free valence bond from the nitrogen atom e.g. benzylamino, phenethylamino, 3-phenylpropylamino, 1-napthylmethylamino, 2-(1-napthyl)ethylamino and the like.

The term "oxo" or "carbonyl" used herein, either alone (-C=O-) or in combination with other radicals, such as "alkylcarbonyl", denotes a carbonyl radical (-C=O-) substituted with an alkyl radical such as acyl or alkanoyl, as described above.

The term "carboxylic acid" used herein, alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes a -COOH group, and includes derivatives of carboxylic acid such as esters and amides. The term "ester" used herein, alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes -COO- group, and includes carboxylic acid derivatives, where the ester moieties are alkoxycarbonyl, such as methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, and the like, which may be substituted; aryloxycarbonyl group such as phenoxycarbonyl, napthyloxycarbonyl, and the like, which may be substituted; aralkoxycarbonyl group such as benzyloxycarbonyl, phenethyloxycarbonyl, napthylmethoxycarbonyl, and the like, which may be substituted; heteroaryloxycarbonyl, heteroaralkoxycarbonyl, wherein the heteroaryl group, is as defined above, which may be substituted; heterocyclyloxycarbonyl, where the heterocyclic group, as defined earlier, which may be substituted.

The term "amide" used herein, alone or in combination with other radicals, represents an aminocarbonyl radical (H₂N-C=O-), wherein the amino group is mono- or di-substituted or unsubstituted, such as methylamide, dimethylamide, ethylamide, diethylamide, and the like. The term "aminocarbonyl" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, with other terms such as 'aminocarbonylalkyl", "n-alkylaminocarbonyl", "N-arylaminocarbonyl", "N,N-dialkylaminocarbonyl", "N-alkyl-N-arylaminocarbonyl", "N-alkyl-N-hydroxyaminocarbonyl", and "N-alkyl-N-hydroxyaminocarbonylalkyl", substituted or unsubstituted. The terms "N-alkylaminocabonyl" and "N,N-dialkylaminocarbonyl" denotes aminocarbonyl radicals, as defined above, which have been substituted with one alkyl radical and with two alkyl radicals, respectively. Preferred are "lower alkylaminocarbonyl" having lower alkyl radicals as described above attached to aminocarbonyl radical. The terms "N-arylaminocarbonyl" and "N-alkyl-N-arylaminocarbonyl" denote amiocarbonyl radicals substituted, respectively, with one aryl radical, or one alkyl, and one aryl radical. The term "aminocarbonylalkyl" includes alkyl radicals substituted with aminocarbonyl radicals.

The term "hydroxyalkyl" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an alkyl group, as defined above, substituted with one or more hydroxy radicals, such as hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, hydroxybutyl, hydroxypentyl, hydroxyhexyl and the like.

The term "aminoalkyl" used herein, alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an amino (-NH₂) moiety attached to an alkyl radical, as defined above, which may be substituted, such as mono- and di-substituted aminoalkyl. The term "alkylamino" used herein, alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an alkyl radical, as defined above, attached to an amino group, which may be substituted, such as mono- and di-substituted alkylamino.

The term "alkoxyalkyl" used herein, alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an alkoxy group, as defined above, attached to an alkyl group, such as methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxyethyl and the like. The term "aryloxyalkyl" used herein, alone or in combination with other radicals, includes phenoxymethyl, napthyloxymethyl, and the like. The term "aralkoxyalkyl" used herein, alone or in combination with other radicals, includes C₆H₅CH₂OCH₂, C₆H₅CH₂OCH₂CH₂, and the like.

The term "alkylthio" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes a straight or branched or cyclic monovalent substituent comprising an alkyl group of one to twelve carbon atoms, as defined above, linked through a divalent sulfur atom having a free valence bond from the sulfur atom, such as methylthio, ethylthio, propylthio, butylthio, pentylthio and the like. Examples of cyclic alkylthio are cyclopropylthio, cyclobutylthio, cyclopentylthio, cyclohexylthio and the like, which may be substituted.

The term "thioalkyl" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an alkyl group, as defined above, attached to a group of formula -SR', where R' represents hydrogen, alkyl or aryl group, e.g. thiomethyl, methylthiomethyl, phenylthiomethyl and the like, which may be substituted.

The term "arylthio' used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an aryl group, as defined above, linked through a divalent sulfur atom, having a free valence bond from the sulfur atom such as phenylthio, napthylthio and the like.

The term "alkoxycarbonylamino" used herein, alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an alkoxycarbonyl group, as defined above, attached to an amino group, such as methoxycarbonylamino, ethoxycarbonylamino, and the like. The term "aryloxycarbonylamino" used herein, alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an aryloxycarbonyl group, as defined above, attached to the an amino group, such as C₆H₅OCONH, C₆H₅OCONCH₃, C₆H₅OCONC₂H₅, C₆H₄(CH₃O)CONH, C₆H₄(OCH₃)OCONH, and the like. The term "aralkoxycarbonylamino" used herein, alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an aralkoxycarbonyl group, as defined above, attached to an amino group C₆H₅CH₂OCONH, C₆H₅CH₂CH₂CH₂OCONH, C₆H₅CH₂OCONHCH₃, C₆H₅CH₂OCONC₂H₅, C₆H₄(CH₃)CH₂OCONH, C₆H₄(OCH₃)CH₂OCONH, and the like.

The term "aminocarbonylamino", "alkylaminocarbonylamino", "dialkylaminocarbonylamino" used herein, alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes a carbonylamino (-CONH₂) group, attached to amino(NH₂), alkylamino group or dialkylamino group respectively, where alkyl group is as defined above.

The term "amidino" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes a -C(=NH)-NH₂ radical. The term "alkylamidino" denotes an alkyl radical, as discussed above, attached to an amidino group.

The term "hydrazino" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes NHNH-, suitably substituted with other radicals, such as alkyl hydrazino, where an alkyl group, as defined above is attached to a hydrazino group.

The term "alkoxyamino" used herein, alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes an alkoxy group, as defined above, attached to an amino group. The term "hydroxyamino" used herein, alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes -NHOH moiety, and may be substituted.

The term "sulfenyl" or "sulfenyl and its derivatives" used herein, alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes a bivalent group, -SO- or R_xSO, where R_x is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, and the like.

The term "sulfonyl" or "sulfones and its derivatives" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, with other terms such as alkylsulfonyl, denotes divalent radical -SO₂-, or R_xSO₂-, where R_x is substituted or unsubstituted groups selected from alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, and the like. "Alkylsulfonyl" denotes alkyl radicals, as defined above, attached to a sulfonyl radical, such as methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, propylsulfonyl and the like. The term "arylsulfonyl" used herein, either alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes aryl radicals, as defined above, attached to a sulfonyl radical, such as phenylsulfonyl and the like.

The term "substituted" used alone or in combination with other radicals, denotes suitable substituents on that radical such as substituted alkyl, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted aryl, etc, mentioned anywhere in the specification. The suitable substituents include, but are not limited to the following radicals, alone or in combination with other radicals, such as, hydroxyl, oxo, halo, thio, nitro, amino, cyano, formyl, amidino, guanidino, hydrazino, alkyl, haloalkyl, perhaloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, perhaloalkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, bicycloalkyl, bicycloalkenyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heterocylyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, heterocyclyloxy, heterocyclylalkoxy, heterocyclylalkoxyacyl, acyl, acyloxy, acylamino, monosubstituted or disubstituted amino, arylamino, aralkylamino, carboxylic acid and its derivatives such as esters and amides, carbonylamino, hydroxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, aralkoxyalkyl, alkylthio, thioalkyl, arylthio, alkylsulfonylamino, alkylsulfonyloxy, alkoxycarbonylamino, aryloxycarbonylamino, aralkyloxycarbonylamino, aminocarbonylamino, alkylaminocarbonylamino, alkoxyamino, hydroxyl amino, sulfenyl derivatives, sulfonyl derivatives, sulfonic acid and its derivatives, phosphonic acid and its derivatives.

Suitable groups and substituents on the groups may be selected from those described anywhere in the specification.

Particularly useful compounds according to the present invention includes Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[5-methyl-2-(5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[5-methyl-2-(3-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(3-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-3-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-3-yl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoate; Ethyl 3-[4-(2-benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl-5-methyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-(2S)-ethoxy-propanoate; Ethyl 3-{4-[2-(2-benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl-5-methyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-(2S)-ethoxy- propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(2-furan-2-yl-5-methyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(2-furan-2-yl-5-methyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoate;Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-quinolin-2-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propanoate and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-quinolin-2-yl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoate and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[5-methyl-2-(5-phenyl-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[5-methyl-2-(5-chloro-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[5-methyl-2-(5-bromo-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[5-methyl-2-(5-methyl-furan-2-yl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(5-phenyl-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(5-chloro-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(5-bromo-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propanoate; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propanoate and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-pyridin-4-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propanoate and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-{2-(5-methyl-2-pyridin-3-yl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy}-phenyl]-propanoate and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-pyridin-3-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propanoate and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-methyl-2-(5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}- propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts;(2S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-methyl-2-(3-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(3-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-3-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-3-yl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; 3-[4-(2-Benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl-5-methyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]- (2S)-ethoxy-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; 3-{4-[2-(2-Benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl-5-methyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-(2S)-ethoxy-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(2-furan-2-yl-5-methyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(2-furan-2-yl-5-methyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-quinolin-2-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-quinolin-2-yl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-methyl-2-Benzofuran-2-yl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-methyl-2-(5-chloro-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-methyl-2-(5-bromo-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-methyl-2-(5-methyl-furan-2-yl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(5-phenyl-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)- propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts;(2S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(5-chloro-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(5-bromo-thiophen-2-yl)-oxazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(5-methyl-furan-2-yl)-oxazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]- propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-pyridin-4-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]- propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-pyridin-3-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]- propanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; 3-(6-Benzyloxy-naphthalen-2-yl)-2-ethoxy-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-(4-hydroxy-3-methyl-3,4-dihydro-quinazolin-2yl-methoxy)-phenyl}-propan-1-ol; 2-Hydroxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propan-1-ol; 3-{4-[2-(2,3-Dihydro-benzo[1,4]thiazin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-(2S)-ethoxy-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(2-(phenoxazin-10-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl]-propan-1-ol; 3-[4-(2-(Carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl]-(2S)-ethoxy-propan-1-ol; 3-{4-[2-(3,4-Dihydro-2H-quinolin-1-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-(2S)-ethoxy-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(2-(indol-1-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl]-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(2-(phenothiazin-10-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl]-propan-1-ol; 3-{4-[2-(2,3-Dihydro-benzo[1,4]oxazin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-(2S)-ethoxy-propan-1-ol; 3-{4-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-2-phenylsulfanyl-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(methyl-pyridin-2-yl-amino)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propan-1-ol and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-ethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propan-1-ol and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propan-1-ol;(2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[2-methyl-5-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-pyrrol-1-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propan-1-ol; (3S)-Ethoxy-4-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-butan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-oxazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Amino-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propan-1-ol and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl-methoxy)-phenyl]- propan-1-ol; (2S)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[2-methyl-5-(benzofuran-2-yl)-pyrrol-1-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[2-methyl-5-(benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-pyrrol-1-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(1-methyl-1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl methoxy)-phenyl]-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-3-phenyl-isoxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-ethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-2-hydroxy-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(2-benzoimidazol-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[2-methyl-5-(5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-pyrrol-1-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propan-1-ol; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propan-1,2-diol; 1-Ethoxy-(2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-{2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy}-phenyl]-propane; 2-((2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propoxy)-ethanol; 2-((2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propoxy)-benzoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl bromo acetate;1-Ethoxy-(2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-{2-(-3,4-Dihydro-2H-benzo[1,4]thiazin-lyl) ethoxy}phenyl]- propane; 1-Propoxy-(2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-{2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)ethoxy}-phenyl]-propane; 2-((2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propoxy)-benzoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; 1-Ethoxy-(2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propane; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-1-phenoxy propane; (2S)-Ethoxy-1-ethyl sulfinyl-3-{4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl}-propane; (2S)-Ethoxy-1-ethyl sulfanyl-3-{4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl}-propane; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-1-isopropoxy propane; (3S)-Ethoxy-4-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-butyronitrile; (2S)-Ethoxy-1H-tetrazole-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propane; 2-Ethoxy-1-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]- pentane-3-ol; 2,3-Diethoxy-1-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]- pentane; 2-Ethoxy-1-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}- pentane-3-ol; 2,3-Diethoxy-1-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}- pentane; ((2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propoxy)-acetic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts;. 3-(4-Benzyloxy-phenyl)-(2S)-ethoxy-propyl-methanesulfonate; (2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propyl methane sulfonate; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(2-methyl-5-(5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-pyrrol-1-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl-methane sulfonate; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl-methane sulfonate;(2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]}-propyl methanesulfonate; (2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-ethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}- propyl methanesulfonate; (2S)-Ethoxy-1-methoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}- propane; 1-Ethoxy-(2S)-ethoxy-3-(4-{2-[5-methyl-2-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-oxazol-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)- propane; 1-Ethoxy-(2S)-ethoxy -3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}- propane; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-1-ethoxy propane; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(2-methyl-5-benzofuran-2-yl-pyrrol-1-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl-methanesulfonate; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(2-methyl-5-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-pyrrol-1-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl-methanesulfonate; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(2-methyl-5-benzofuran-2-yl-pyrrol-1-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl-(4-methyl phenyl)-sulfonate; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(2-methyl-5-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-pyrrol-1-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl-(4-methyl phenyl)-sulfonate; 1-Ethoxy-(2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(1-methyl-1H-benzoimidazol-2-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propane; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl}-1-propoxy propane; 1-Ethoxy-(2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-3-phenyl-isoxazol-4-yl methoxy)-phenyl]-propane; (2S)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]- propyl methanesulfonate; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl amine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-{3-methyl-3H-quinazolin-4-on-2yl methoxy}phenyl]propyl amine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; ((2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl)-isopropyl-amine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts;3-{4-[2-(2,3-Dihydro-benzo[1,4]thiazin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-(2S)-ethoxy-propyl amine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; 3-(4-Benzyloxy-phenyl)-(2S)-ethoxy-propyl amine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propylamine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts. (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propylamine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; N-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-(2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propyl amine; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(2-methyl-5-(5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-pyrrol-1-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propylamine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; N-((2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl}-propyl)-methane sulfonamide; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propylamine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; [(2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propyl]-ethylamine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; [(2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propyl]-isopropyl-amine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(2-methyl-5-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-pyrrol-1-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propylamine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(2-methyl-5-benzofuran-2-yl-pyrrol-1-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propylamine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; N-[(2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propyl]-2,2,2-trifluoro-acetamide; N-Ethoxycarbonyl-((2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl}-propyl)amine; N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-((2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl}-propyl)amine; N-[(2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propyl]-acetamide; (2S)-Hydroxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl azide; 3-(4-Benzyloxy-phenyl)-(2S)-ethoxy-propyl azide;(2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl azide; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-ethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}- propyl azide and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]- propyl azide; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(2-methyl-5-(5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-pyrrol-1-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}- propyl azide; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-ethyl-pyridine-2-yl)-2-(tert-butyldimethyl-silanyloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}- propyl azide and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-ethyl-pyridine-2-yl)-2-hydroxy-ethoxy]-phenyl}- propyl azide and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(methyl-pyridin-2-yl-amino)-ethoxy]-phenyl}- propyl azide and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]- propyl azide; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl azide; (2S)-Hydroxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-methoxy)-phenyl]- propyl azide; (2S)-Amino-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}- propyl azide and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-Amino-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-methoxy]-phenyl}- propyl azide and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; (2S)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propyl azide; (2S)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-propyl azide; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(2-methyl-5-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-pyrrol-1-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl azide; (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(2-methyl-5-benzofuran-2-yl-pyrrol-1-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl azide; N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-(2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl amine; N-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-(2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}- propyl amine;N-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-3-{4-[2-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]thiazin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-(2S)-ethoxy-propyl amine; N-((2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl)-acetamide; 3-(4-Benzyloxy-phenyl)-N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-(2S)-ethoxy-propyl amine; N-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-(2S)-ethoxy-3-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)- -propyl amine; N-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-(2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-ethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl amine; (2S)-Ethoxy-1-ethylsulfanyl-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propane; (2S)-Ethoxy-1-ethylsulfonyl-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phehyl}-propane;

The compounds of the general formula (I), namely (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id) and (Ie) may be prepared by one or more methods described in scheme I.

1. i) The compounds of general formula (Ia) wherein all the symbols are as defined earlier may be prepared by reduction of compounds of general formula (III) wherein all the symbols are as defined earlier and R₄ represents OH, alkoxy, aryloxy or aralkoxy and the like.
2. ii) The compounds of general formula (Ia) wherein all the symbols are as defined earlier may be converted to compounds of general formula (Ib) wherein all the symbols are as defined earlier by alkylation, acylation or sulfonation.
3. iii) The compounds of general formula (Ib) wherein all the symbols are as defined earlier and OR₁ represents leaving groups such as mesylate, tosylate and the like are converted to compounds of general formula (Ic), (Id), or (Ie) wherein all the symbols are as defined earlier by reacting with metal salts of alcohols, phenols, thiols, sodium azide or sodium or potassium cyanide respectively.

• Method A: The compounds of general formula (III) are reduced to compounds of general formula (Ia) by using suitable reducing agents such as LiAlH₄, NaBH₄, diborane, NaBH₄/BF₃OEt₂, LiBH₄, DIBAH, and the like. Suitable solvents appropriate for the reducing agent used may be employed for e.g. with LiAlH₄, NaBH₄, diborane, NaBH₄/BF₃OEt₂ aprotic solvents such as THF, ether and the likes are preferred. With NaBH₄, LiBH₄ etc. alcoholic solvents may also be used. Reaction may be carried out at temperatures ranging from 0 °C to the reflux temperature of the solvent(s) used. Inert atmosphere may be maintained using N₂, He, or argon gas. Reaction time may range from 1 to 48 hours.
• Method B: The compounds of general formula (Ia) may be alkylated, acylated or sulfonated to corresponding compounds of general formula (Ib). Alkyl halides, mesylates or tosylates and the like may be employed for alkylation. Acyl halides or anhydrides and suitable sulfonyl halides may be used for acylation and sulfonation respectively. Suitable bases like metal hydrides e.g NaH and the like, alkali metal carbonates e.g. potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate and the like, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, organic bases e.g. trialkyl amines and the like may be used. Reaction may be carried out in suitable solvents like DMF, DMSO, THF, acetone, dichloromethane, toluene and the like or mixtures thereof. Inert atmosphere may be maintained using N₂, He, or argon gas. reaction time may range from 1 to 48 hours.
• Method C: The compounds of general formula (Ib) where OR₁ represents leaving groups such as mesyl, tosyl and the like may be converted to compounds of general formula (Ic) by reacting with thiols in the presence of bases like NaH, KH, Na metal, potassium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and the like. Reaction may be carried out in solvents like DMF, DMSO, toluene, acetone, THF and the like or mixtures thereof. Reaction temperatures may range from 0 °C to the reflux temperature of the solvent(s) used. Inert atmosphere may be maintained using N₂, He, or argon gas. reaction time may range from 1 to 48 hours.
• Method D: The compounds of general formula (Ib) where OR₁ represents leaving groups such as mesyl, tosyl and the like may be converted to the compounds of general formula (Id) or (Ie) by reacting with metal azides e.g. sodium azide or the like or cyanides e.g. sodium cyanide or potassium cyanide and the like respectively. Reaction may be carried out in solvents like DMF, DMSO, Toluene, THF and the like or fixtures thereof. Reaction temperatures may range from 0 °C to the reflux temperature of the solvent(s) used. Inert atmosphere may be maintained using N₂, He, or argon gas.

The compounds of the general formula (If), and (Ig) may be prepared by one or more methods described in scheme II.

1. i) The compounds of general formula (III) wherein all the symbols are as defined earlier and R₄ represents NH₂, NR₁R₂ where R₁ and R₂ are as defined earlier are reduced to compounds of general formula (If) where in all the symbols are as defined earlier.
2. ii) The compounds of general formula (If) wherein all the symbols are as defined earlier are converted to compounds of general formula (Ig), wherein all the symbols are as defined earlier by alkylation or acylation.
3. iii) The compounds of general formula (Id) wherein all the symbols are as defined earlier are reduced to compounds of general formula (If) wherein all the symbols are as defined earlier.

• Method A: The compounds of general formula (III) where R₄ represents NH₂ or NR₁R₂ where R₁ and R₂ are as defined earlier may be reduced to compounds of general formula (If) by a procedure similar to that described in method A of scheme I
• Method B: The compounds of the general formula (If) may be converted to compounds of general formula (Ig) by a procedure similar to that described in method B of scheme I.
• Method E: The compounds of general formula (Id) may be reduced to compounds of general formula (If), using suitable reducing agents e.g. Pd on charcoal, Raney Ni and the like. Suitable solvents like alcohols, ethyl acetate and the like or the mixtures thereof may be used. Reaction may be carried out under a pressure of hydrogen gas. Reaction temperature may range from 0 °C to the reflux temperature of the solvent(s) used. Reaction may also be carried out using the presence of PPh₃ in moist solvents such as moist THF.

The compounds of the general formula (I) may also be prepared by the general method described in scheme III

Further the compounds of the general formula (If), and (Ig) may be prepared by one or more methods described in scheme III (a)

1. i) The compound of the general formula (Ig) wherein all the symbols are as defined earlier may be prepared by reacting compounds of general formula (IV) with compounds of general formula (Va), wherein all symbols are as defined earlier and L represents a leaving group such as halogen, mesylate, tosylate, triflate & the like.
2. ii) The compound of general formula (Ig), when one of R₁ and R₂ is hydrogen and the other is acyl e.g. tert butoxy carbonyl or benzyloxy carbonyl and the like may optionally be converted to the compounds of general formula (If). Compounds of the general formula (Ia) and (Ib) may be prepared by one or more methods described in scheme III (b)

• i) The compound of the general formula (Ib) wherein all the symbols are as defined earlier may be prepared by reacting compounds of general formula (IV) with compounds of general formula (Vb), wherein all symbols are as defined earlier and L represents a leaving group such as halogen, mesylate, tosylate, triflate & the like.
• ii) The compound of general formula (Ib), when R₁ represents acyl, benzyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl and the like may optionally be converted to the compounds of general formula (Ia).
• Method F: The compound of the general formula (Ig) or (Ib) may be prepared by reacting compounds of general formula (IV) where L represents a leaving group such as halogen, mesylate, tosylate, triflate & the like, with compounds of general formula (Va) or (Vb) respectively. Suitable bases like metal hydrides e.g NaH and the like, alkali metal carbonates e.g. potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate and the like, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, organic bases e.g. trialkyl amines and the like may be used. Reaction may be carried out in suitable solvents like DMF, DMSO, THF, acetone, dichloromethane, toluene and the like or the mixture thereof. Reaction temperature may range from 0 °C to the reflux temperature of the solvent(s) used. Inert atmosphere may be maintained using N₂, He, or argon gas. Reaction time may range from 1 to 72 hours.
• Method G: The compound of general formula (Ig) wherein one of the R₁ and R₂ is hydrogen and the other is acyl e.g. tert butoxycarbonyl or benzyloxycarbonyl and the like may optionally be converted to the compounds of general formula (If) by using suitable deacylation methods e.g trifluroacetic acid to deprotect tertbutoxycarbonyl or hydrogenation using Pd/C and the like under hydrogen pressure to deprotect benzyloxy carbonyl groups. Suitable solvents appropriate for the reagent used may be used .e.g chlorinated hydrocarbons like dichloromethane and the like may be used along with trifluoroacetic acid. Alcohols are preferred for hydrogenation. Reaction temperature may range from 0 °C to the reflux temperature of the solvent(s) used. Reaction time may range from 1 to 72 hours.
• Method H: The compound of general formula (Ib) wherein R₁ is acyl, benzyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl and the like may optionally be converted to the compounds of general formula (Ia) by using suitable deacylation or debenzylation methods e.g acidic or alkaline hydrolysis to deprotect acyl group or hydrogenation using Pd/C and the like under hydrogen pressure to deprotect benzyl group. Suitable solvents appropriate for the reagent used may be used .e.g aqueous alcohols are used for hydrolysis reactions. Alcohols, ester solvents or dioxane are preferred for hydrogenation. Reaction temperature may range from 0 °C to the reflux temperature of the solvent(s) used. Reaction time may range from 1 to 72 hours.

The compounds of formula (IIIa) may be prepared according to the following general scheme

1. i. reacting a compound of formula (IVa) wherein 'A' represents 4-oxazolyl group substituted with one or two substitutents selected from substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched (C₁-C₁₂)alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted single or fused heteroaryl or heterocyclic groups; 'Ar' represents unsubstituted divalent phenyl; G₁ represents OR₁ or SR₁, where R₁ represents hydrogen, perfluoro(C₁-C₁₂)alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted groups selected from linear or branched (C₁-C₁₂)alkyl, cyclo(C₁-C₁₂)alkyl, aryl, ar(C₁-C₁₂)alkyl, heteroaryl, heteroar(C₁-C₁₂)alkyl, heterocyclyl, alkoxyalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, cycloalkyloxycarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, arylaminocarbonyl or acyl groups; R₄ represents OH, alkoxy or aryloxy, aralkoxy or NR₁R₂ groups, where R₁ & R₂ are as defined earlier; 'n' is an integer from 1-3; X represents O or S, by a process similar to that described in Method F above.
2. ii. optionally hydrolysing the compound of formula (IIIa) wherein R₄ represents alkoxy, aralkoxy, aryloxy or NR₁R₂ groups, where R₁ & R₂ are as defined earlier, to a further compound of formula (IIIa) wherein R₄ represents OH.

The compounds (I) & (IIIa) of the present invention may have asymmetric centers and may occur either as racemates or racemic mixtures as well as individual stereoisomers, including optical isomers, being included in the present invention Mixture of stereoisomers may be resolved by conventional methods such as microbial resolution, resolving the diastereomeric salts formed with chiral acids or chiral bases. Chiral acids may be tartaric acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, amino acids and the like. Chiral bases may be cinchona alkaloids, (+) or (-) brucine, α-methyl benzylamine, (+) or (-) phenyl glycinol, ephedrine, amino sugars such as glucosamines or a basic amino acid such as lysine, arginine and the like.

The compounds (I) & (IIIa) of the present invention may have asymmetric centers and may occur either as racemates or racemic mixtures as well as individual diastereomers of any of the possible isomers, including optical isomers, being included in the present invention These can be isolated using conventional techniques known to persons skilled in the art (Jaques et al. "Enantiomers, Racemates and Resolution", Wiley Interscience, 1981; R A. Sheldon, in "Chirotechnology", Marcel Dekker, Inc. NY, Basel, 1993, 173-204 and references therein; A. N. Collins, G. N. Sheldrack and J Crosby, in "Chirality in Industry II", John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 1997, 81-98 and references therein; E. L. Eliel and S. H. Wilen, in "Stereochemistry of Organic Compound", John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 1999, 297-464 and references therein).

It will be appreciated that in any of the above mentioned reactions any reactive group in the substrate molecule may be protected, according to conventional chemical practice. Suitable protecting groups in any of the above mentioned reactions are those used conventionally in the art. The methods of formation and removal in such protecting groups are those conventional methods appropriate to the molecule being protected. T. W. Greene and P. G. M.. Wuts "Protective groups in Organic Synthesis", John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 1999, 3rd Ed., 201-245 along with references therein.

It will be appreciated that the above-mentioned preparation of the compounds of Formula (I) or (IIIa), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof is a stereoselective procedure and that the compounds of formula (I) or (IIIa), is a single stereoisomer. Favorably, a compound of formula (I) or (IIIa), is present in admixture with less than 50% w/w of its racemic isomer, suitably 80 - 100 % and preferably 90 - 100 % pure, such as 90 - 95 %, most preferably 95-100 %, for example 95 %, 96 %, 97 %, 98 %, 99 % and 99.99 % optically pure.

Preferably the compounds of Formula (I) or (IIIa), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof is in optically pure form.

The absolute stereochemistry of the compounds may be determined using conventional methods, such as X-ray crystallography.

It will be appreciated that when substituents have different sites where they can be attached, such differently attached substituents are also included in the present invention.

"Pharmaceutically acceptable salt", where such salts are possible, includes both pharmaceutically acceptable acid and base addition salts. The pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts forming a part of this invention may be prepared by treating suitable compounds of the invention with 1-6 equivalents of a base such as sodium hydride, sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium tert-butoxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium acetate, calcium chloride, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium chloride, magnesium acetate, magnesium alkoxide and the like. Solvents such as water, acetone, ether, THF, methanol, ethanol, t-butanol, 2-butanone, dioxane, propanol, butanol, isopropanol, diisopropyl ether, tert-butyl ether or mixtures thereof may be used. Organic bases such as lysine, arginine, methyl benzylamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, tromethamine, choline, guanidine and their derivatives may be used. Acid addition salts, wherever applicable may be prepared by treatment with acids such as tartaric acid, mandelic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, benzene sulfonic acid, p-toluene sulfonic acid, hydroxynaphthoic acid, methane sulfonic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid, succinic acid, palmitic acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid and the like in solvents such as water, alcohols, ethers, ethyl acetate, dioxane, THF, acetonitrile, DMF or a lower alkyl ketone such as acetone, or mixtures thereof.

Another aspect of the present invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition, containing at least one of the compounds of the general formula (I) or (IIIa), their derivatives, their analogs, their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof as an active ingredient, together with pharmaceutically employed carriers diluents and the like.

Pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of the present invention may be prepared by conventional techniques, e.g. as described in Remington: the Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 19th Ed., 1995. The compositions may be in the conventional forms, such as capsules, tablets, powders, solutions, suspensions, syrups, aerosols or topical applications. They may contain suitable solid or liquid carriers or in suitable sterile media to form injectable solutions or suspensions. The compositions may contain 0.5 to 20 %, preferably 0.5 to 10 % by weight of the active compound, the remaining being pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, diluents, solvents and the like.

Typical compositions containing a compound of formula (I) or (IIIa) or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, associated with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipients which may be a carrier or a diluent or be diluted by a carrier, or enclosed within a carrier which can be in the form of a capsule, sachet, paper or other container. When the carrier serves as a diluent, it may be a solid, semisolid, or liquid material, which acts as a vehicle, excipients or medium for the active compound. The active compound can be absorbed on a granular solid container for example in a sachet. Some of suitable carriers are water, salt solutions, alcohols, polyethylene glycols, polyhydroxyethoxylated castor oil, peanut oil, olive oil, gelatin, lactose, terra alba, sucrose, cyclodextrin, amylose, magnesium sterate, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin, acacia, stearic acid or lower alkyl ethers of cellulose, silicic acid, fatty acids, fatty acid amines, fatty acids monoglycerides and diglycerides, pentaerythritol fatty acids esters, polyoxyethylene, hydroxymethylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Similarly, the carrier or diluent may include any sustained release material known in the art, such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone or mixed with a wax. The formulations may also include wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, preservatives, sweetening agents or flavoring agents. The formulations of the invention may be formulated so as to provide quick, sustained, or delayed release of the active ingredient after administration to the patient by employing procedures well known in the art.

The pharmaceutical compositions can be sterilized and mixed, if desired, with auxiliary agents, emulsifiers, buffers and/or coloring substances and the like, which do not deleteriously react with the active compounds.

The route of administration may be any route, which effectively transports the active drug to the appropriate or desired site of action effectively, such as oral, nasal, transdermal, pulmonary or parental e.g. rectal, depot, subcutaneous, intravenous, intraurethral, intramuscular, intranasal, ophthalmic solution or an ointment, preferably through oral route.

If a solid carrier is used for oral administration, the preparation may be tabletted, placed in a hard gelatin capsule in powder or pellet form or it can be in the form of a troche or lozenge. If a liquid carrier is used, the preparation may be in the form of a syrup, emulsion, soft gelatin capsule or sterile injectable liquid such as an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid suspension or solution.

For nasal administration, the preparation may contain a compound of formula (I) or (IIIa) dissolved or suspended in a liquid carrier, in particular an aqueous carrier, for aerosol application. The carrier may contain additives such as solubilizing agent, e.g. propylene glycol, surfactants, absorption enhancers such as lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) or cyclodextrin, or preservatives such as parabens.

For parental application, particularly suitable are injectable solutions or suspensions, preferably aqueous solutions with the active compound dissolved in polyhydroxylated castor oil.

Tablet, dragees or capsules having talc and/or a carbohydrate carrier or binder or the like are particularly suitable for oral application Preferably, carriers for tablets, dragees or capsules include lactose, corn starch and/or potato starch. A syrup or elixir can be used in cases where a sweetened vehicle can be employed.

A typical tablet which may be prepared by conventional tabletting techniques may contain:

The coating may compose of the following ingredients in varying compositions Lac Gelatin Gum arabic Sucrose Titanium dioxide Beeswax Carnauba wax Ethyl vanilin

The compounds of general formula (I) or (IIIa) or the compositions thereof are useful for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disease caused by metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, Leptin resistance, hyperglycemia, obesity, or inflammation.

These compounds are useful for the treatment of hypercholesteremia, familial hypercholesteremia, hypertriglyceridemia, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, disorders related to syndrome X such as hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, xanthoma, stroke, peripheral vascular diseases and related disorders, diabetic complications, certain renal diseases such as glomerulonephritis, glomerulosclerosis, nephrotic syndrome, hypertensive nephrosclerosis, retinopathy, nephropathy, psoriasis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, osteoporosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, myotonic dystrophy, arteriosclerosis, Xanthoma, pancreatitis and for the treatment of cancer.

The compounds of the invention may be administered to a mammal, especially, a human in need of such treatment, prevention, elimination, alleviation or amelioration of diseases mentioned above.

The compounds of the present invention are effective over a wide dosage range, however, the exact dosage, mode of administration and form of composition depends upon the subject to be treated and is determined by the physician or veterinarian responsible for treating the subject. Generally, dosages from about 0.025 to about 200 mg preferably from about 0.1 to about 100 mg, per day may be used. Generally, the unit dosage form comprises about 0.01 to 100 mg of the compound of formula (I) or (IIIa), as an active ingredient together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Usually suitable dosage forms for nasal, oral, transdermal or pulmonary administration comprises from about 0.001 mg to about 100 mg, preferably from 0.01 mg to about 50 mg of the active ingredient mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

In another aspect of the present invention, the use of the present invention for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of the diseases mentioned above.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the use of one or more compounds of the general formula (I) or (IIIa) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases mentioned in this document.

In still further aspect of the present invention use of the compounds of the present invention for the preparation of a medicament to be given alone or in combination with statins, glitazones, biguanides, angiotensin II inhibitors, aspirin, insulin secretagogue, sitosterol inhibitor, sulphonylureas, insulin, fibric acid derivatives, nicotinic acid, cholestyramine, cholestipol or probucol, α-glycosidase inhibitors or antioxidants, which additional ingredient may be administered together with the medicament or within such a period as to act synergistically together.

The invention is explained in detail by the examples given below, which are provided by way of illustration only and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.¹H NMR spectral data given in the tables (vide infra) were recorded using a 300 MHz spectrometer (Bruker AVANCE-300) and reported in δ scale. Until and otherwise mentioned the solvent used for NMR is CDCl₃ using Tetramethyl silane as the internal standard.

A mixture of Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propanoate (4.09 g), and anhydrous potassium carbonate (3.33 g) in DMF (40 mL) was heated at 80°C for 1hr. The mixture was cooled to 50 °C and 4-chloromethyl-5-methyl-2-thiophen-2yl-oxazole (4.4 g) was added. The reaction mixture was continued heating at 80 °C for 6 hrs. Later it was cooled to 20 °C - 25 °C and water (80 mL) was added and the crude product was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 40 mL), washed with water (2 x 50 mL), brine (50mL) and was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain an oily product. The crude oily product was chromatographed over silica gel using ethyl acetate:petroleum ether (60-80) (1:9) as an eluent to afford the title product as a colourless solid.

A mixture of Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propanoate (1.9 g), and potassium carbonate (1.51 g) in toluene (15 mL) was heated at 80 °C for 1hr. The mixture was cooled to 50 °C and Methyl 2-[5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4yl]-ethylsulfonate (2.56 g) was added. The reaction mixture was continued heating at 80 °C for 16 hrs. Later it was cooled to 20 °C - 25 °C, water (20 mL) was added and the crude product was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 25 mL). The organic extract was washed with water (2 x 20 mL), brine (25 mL) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain an oily product. The crude oily product was chromatographed over silica gel using ethyl acetate: petroleum ether (60-80) (1:9) as an eluent to afford the title product as a yellow oil.

In like manner the following compounds in the table 1 are prepared following a method similar to that described in preparations 1& 2.

A mixture of Ethyl (2S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-thiophen-2-yl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propionate (0.5 g), sodium hydroxide (0.062g in 5 mL water) in methanol (10 mL) was stirred at 20 °C to 25 °C for 16 h. Solvents were evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was diluted with water (10 mL) and was acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid. The product was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 25 mL), washed with water (2 x 25 mL), brine (30 mL) and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain 0.4 g of title compound. In like manner following compounds in table 2 were prepared following a procedure similar to that described in preparation 3.

Lithium aluminium hydride (465 mg) was added to an ice cold solution of Ethyl(2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propanoate (2.7 g) in tetrahydrofuran (30 mL) in portions over a period of 15 minutes and the reaction mixture was stirred for further 15 minutes at the same temperature. The reaction was quenched by carefully adding saturated solution of sodium sulfate in water dropwise. Solids were filtered off and washed with hot ethyl acetate. Combined filtrate was dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated. Crude product was chromatographed over silicagel using 5 to 25 % ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to yield 2.6 g of title compound.

In like manner following compounds in the table 3&4 were prepared following the procedure described in preparation 4.

To a stirred suspension of powdered sodium hydroxide (250 mg) in dimethylsulfoxide (10 mL), (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propan-1-ol (compound No 64) (1.15 g) was added and stirred at ambient temperature for 20 minutes. Reaction mixture was cooled in an ice bath and ethyl iodide (0.5 g) was added and stirred for further 30 minutes at the same temperature followed by 17 hours at ambient temperature in nitrogen atmosphere. Reaction mixture was poured in ice cold water and extracted with diethyl ether (3X50mL). The combined organic extract was washed with water (100 mL), brine (100 mL), dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure. Crude product was chromatographed over silicagel using 5% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to yield 0.6 g of title compound.

To a solution of (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl methane sulfonate (compound No 91) (0.9 g) in toluene (10 mL) potassium carbonate (0.5 g) was added followed by methyl salicylate (0.25 mL) and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 3 hours. Reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and poured in ice cold water. It was extracted with ethyl acetate (3X50 mL). The combined organic extract was washed with water (100 mL), brine (100 mL), dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield 818 mg of product.

To a solution of Methyl-2-((2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(S-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propoxy)-benzoate. (518 mg) in methanol (10 mL) was added another solution of sodium hydroxide (241 mg) in water (5 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 72 hours. Solvents were evaporated under reduced pressure. Residue was dissolved in water (50 mL), acidified with 1N HCl and extracted with diethyl ether (3X50 mL). The combined organic extract was washed with water (50 ml), brine (50 mL), dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure. Crude product was recrystalized from a mixture of diisopropyl ether and petroleum ether to yield 345 mg of product.

To a stirred suspension of 50% sodium hydride (189 mg) in tetrahydro furan (10 mL) was added a solution of (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propan-1-ol (1.0 g) in 5 mL tetrahydrofuran at a temperature below 10°C and stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. Reaction mixture was again cooled below 10 °C and to it was added ethyl bromoacetate (1.75 mL) and stirred at ambient temperature for 15 hours. Reaction mixture was poured into ice cold water (50 mL) and extracted with diethyl ether (3X50 mL). The combined organic extract was washed with water (100 mL), brine (100 mL), dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure. Crude product was chromatographed over silicagel using 7% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to yield 350 mg of title compound and 300 mg of (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl bromoacetate (compound no. 90)

Title compound was prepared from Ethyl- ((2S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propoxy)-acetate following procedure similar to that described in preparation 6, step 2.

To a solution of (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propan-1-ol. (compound 64) (5.4 g) in dichloromethane (80 mL) was added triethyl amine (3.0 nL) and cooled to 10° C. To this was added methanesulfonyl chloride (1.1 mL) dropwise and the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 hours. Reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane (100mL) and washed with water (100 mL). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield 6.0 g of title compound.

In like manner following compounds in table 5 were prepared following the procedure described in preparation 5-8 by using appropriate reagents and reaction conditions.

K₂CO₃ (0.645 g) was added to a solution of 4-(pentane 2-Ethoxy-3-hydroxy)-phenol (700 mg) in toluene (5 mL) at 20-30 °C. The reaction was stirred at reflux temp. for 1 hour. To the reaction mixture was added 2-(2-phenyl-5-methyl-oxazole-4-yl)ethyl methane sulfonate (878 mg).Reaction mixture was stirred for 36 hour at reflux temperature. Reaction mixture was poured in to water (25 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 25 mL). Combined organic layer was washed with water (2 x 50 mL) & brine (50 mL), dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure. Crude product was chromatographed over silicagel using pet.ether:ethyl acetate (9:1) as an eluent to afford pure 157 mg product.

K₂CO₃ (0.368 g) was added to a solution of 4-(pentane 2,3-diethoxy)-phenol (403 mg) in toluene (5 mL) at 20-30 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred at reflux temperature for 1 hour. To the reaction mixture was added 2-(2-phenyl-5-methyloxazole-4-yl)ethyl methane sulfonate (500 mg). Reaction mixture was stirred for 36 hours at reflux temperature. Reaction mixture was poured in to water (25 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 25 mL). Combined organic layer was washed with water (2 x 50 mL), brine (50 mL) dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield the crude title compound (206 mg). Crude product was chromatographed over silicagel using pet.ether:ethyl acetate (9:1) as an eluent to afford pure 90 mg product.

In like manner following compounds in table 6 were prepared by a method similar to that described in preparation 9-10.

To a solution of (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl-methanesulfonate. (compound 91) (6.5 g) in dimethylformamide (30 mL), sodium azide (5.3 g) was added and the reaction mixture was heated at 90°C for four hours. Reaction mixture was cooled to 25 °C and poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate (3X100 mL). The combined organic extract was washed with water (100 mL), brine (100 mL), dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure. Crude product was triturated with methanol (30 mL) to yield 4.5 g of title compound.

In like manner following compounds in table 7 were prepared by a procedure similar to that described for preparation 11.

To a slurry of 10 % palladium on charcoal (450 mg) in ethyl acetate, a solution of (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propylazide (compound 116) (4.5 g) in ethyl acetate (15 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred in hydrogen atmosphere for 17 hours. Catalyst was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure to yield 3.2 g of title compound.

To a solution of N-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-(2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}- propyl amine (compound 152) (500 mg) in dichloro methane (10 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (0.3 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. Reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane (25 mL) and washed with aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate (50 mL). The organic extract was dried over calcium carbonate and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield 300 mg of title compound.

Lithium aluminium hydride (236 mg) was added to an ice cold solution of (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(2-methyl-5-(5-methyl-thiophene-2-yl)-pyrrol-1-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-1-azidopropane (2.4 g) in tetrahydrofuran (25 mL) in portions over a period of 15 minutes and the reaction mixture was stirred for further 3 hours at the same temperature. A saturated solution of sodium sulfate in water was added dropwise with care until crystalline white solid separated. Solids were filtered off and washed with hot ethyl acetate. Combined filtrate was dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated. Crude product was chromatographed over silicagel using 5 to 25 % ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to yield 1.9 g of title compound

To a solution of (2S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propylamine (200 mg) in dichloromethane (5 mL) was added triethyl amine (55 mg) and cooled to 10 °C. To this was added methanesulfonyl chloride (0.042 mL) dropwise and the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 hours. Reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane (10 mL) and washed with water (10 mL). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield crude 227 mg of product. Crude product was chromatographed over silicagel using 5 to 25 % ethyl acetate in petroleumether to yield 141 mg of title compound

In like manner compounds in the table 8 were prepared following the procedure described in preparations 12-15

To a solution of (2S) Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propylamine (compound No. 134) (100 mg) in dichloromethane (5 mL), triethylamine (53 mg) was added followed by acetic anhydride (40 mg) at 10 °C and stirred at the same temperature for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was poured in ice cold water and extracted with diethyl ether (3X50 mL). The combined organic extract was washed with water (50 mL), brine (50mL), dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield 70 mg of title compound.

To a solution of 3-(4-Benzyloxy-phenyl)-N-tert butoxycarbonyl-(2S)-ethoxy-propylamine.(compound 149) (10.7 g) in methanol (100 mL) were added a slurry of 10 % palladium on charcoal (1.0 g) in methanol and ammonium formate (7.0 g) and the mixture was refluxed in nitrogen atmosphere for 2 hours. Catalyst was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuum. Water was added to the residue and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 100 mL). The combined extract was washed with water (100 mL), brine (100 mL), dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield 8.0 g of title compound.

A mixture of 2-(5- methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethyl methane sulfonate (1.0 g), N-tertbutoxy carbonyl-(2S)-ethoxy-3-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-propylamine.(compound No 150) (1.0 g) and potassium carbonate (1.0 g) in dimethyl formamide (15 mL) was stirred at 75 °C for 16 hours. Reaction mixture was cooled to 25 °C, poured in to ice cold water and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 50 mL). The organic layer was washed with water (100 mL), brine (100 mL), dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure. Crude product was chromatographed over silicagel using 7 % ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to yield 1.3 g of the title compound.

In like manner compounds in the table 9 were prepared following the procedure described in preparations 16-18 using suitable acylating agents.

To a stirred mixture of sodium metal (150 mg) and ethanethiol (0.49 mL) in tetrahydro furan (10 mL) was added a solution of (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl- methanesulfonate (compound No 91) (0.6 g), in 5 mL of tetrahydrofuran dropwise over a period of 10 minutes and the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 15 hours. Reaction mixture was poured in to ice cold water and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 50 mL). The organic layer was washed with water (100 mL), brine (100 mL), dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure. Crude product was chromatographed over silica gel using 10-15 % ethyl acetate in petroleum ether as eluent to yield 420 mg of the title compound.

To an ice cold solution of (2S)-Ethoxy-1-ethyl sulfanyl-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propane.(compound No 161) (250 mg) in acetone (10 mL), oxone (900 mg) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 2 hours. Solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, residue was added to water and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 50 mL). The organic layer was washed with water (50 mL), brine (50 mL), dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure. Crude product was chromatographed over silicagel using 15 % ethyl acetate in petroleum ether as eluent to yield 85 mg of title compound.

NaCN (0.247 g) was added to a solution of (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl-methane sulfonate (1.5 g) in DMF(7.5 mL) at 20-30 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 85-90 °C for 18 hours. Reaction mixture was poured in to water (20 mL) and product was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 20 mL). Combined extract was washed with water (2 x 40 mL), brine (40 mL) dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield 1.2 g of title compound.

(Bu)₃SnN₃ (1.27 g) was added to (3S)-Ethoxy-4-[4-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-butyronitrile (Compound.No.165) (1.2 g) in xylene (15 mL) at 20-30 °C. The reaction was stirred at reflux temp. for 18 h. The reaction was cooled to 20-30 °C. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (25 mL), washed with 10 % HCl (20 mL), water (3 x 25 mL), brine (25 mL), organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield the crude title compound (1.1g). Crude product was chromatographed over silicagel using pet.ether:ethyl acetate (9:1) as an eluent to afford pure product 700 mg in 52 % yield.

In like manner compounds in the table 10 were prepared following the procedure described in preparations 19-22 using suitable acylating agents.

Bisulphate salt of 2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl amine (compound.No.167)

To (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propyl amine. (compound.No.134) (300 mg), a chilled solution of acetone (3 mL) containing sulfuric acid (77 mg) was added and stirred at 0 °C for 30 minutes. Solvent was evaporated under a flow of nitrogen and the residue was stirred with diisopropyl ether to afford product (138 mg).

Oxalic acid salt of (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl methoxy]-phenyl}-propylamine (compound.No. 173)

To a solution of (2S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl methoxy]-phenyl}-propylamine (compound No 141) (200 mg), in isopropyl alcohol (5 mL), oxalic acid dihydrate (64 mg) was added and stirred at 28 °C for 30 minutes. Solid separated was filtered and dried to afford the title compound (140 mg). In like manner compounds in the table 11 were prepared following the procedure described for the preparation of 23-24.

The compounds of the present invention lowered triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and increased HDL and lowered serum glucose levels. This was demonstrated by in vivo animal experiments.

Male Swiss albino mice (SAM) were bred in Zydus animal house. All these animals were maintained under 12 hour light and dark cycle at 25±1 °C. Animals were given standard laboratory chow (NIN, Hyderabad, India) and water ad libitum. SAM of 20-30 g body weight range were used.

The test compounds were administered orally to Swiss albino mice at 0.001 to 50 mg / kg/ day dose for 6 days. The compound was administered after suspending it in 0.25 % CMC or dissolving it in water, when compound is water-soluble. Control mice were treated with vehicle (0.25% of Carboxymethylcellulose; dose 10 ml/kg).

The blood samples were collected on 0^th day and in fed state 1 hour after drug administration on 6^th day of the treatment. The blood was collected in non heparinised capillary and the serum was analyzed for triglyceride and total cholesterol (Wieland, O. Methods of Enzymatic analysis. Bergermeyer, H., O., Ed., 1963. 211-214; Trinder, P. Ann. Clin. Biochem. 1969. 6: 24-27). Measurement of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol was done using commercial kits (Zydus-Cadila, Pathline, Ahmedabad, India).

Percentage reduction in triglycerides/total cholesterol were calculated according to the formula : Percentage reduction%=1-TT/OTTC/OC×100 OC = Zero day control group value OT = Zero day treated group value TC = Test day control group TT = Test day treated group

Male Sprague Dawley rats stock bred in Zydus animal house were maintained under 12 hour light and dark cycle at 25±1 °C. Rats of 100-150 g body weight range were used for the experiment. Animals were made hypercholesterolemic by feeding 1 % cholesterol and 0.5 % sodium cholate mixed with standard laboratory chow (NIN, Hyderabad, India) and water ad libitum for 5 days. The animals were maintained on the same diet throughout the experiment [Petit D., Bonnefis M. T., Rey C and Infante R., Effects of ciprofibrate on liver lipids and lipoprotein synthesis in normal and hyperlipidemic rats, Atherosclerosis, 74, 215-225(1988)].

The test compounds were administered orally at a dose 0.03 to 50 mg/ kg/ day for 4 days, after suspending it in 0.25 % CMC or dissolving it in water when compound is water-soluble. Control group was treated with vehicle alone (0.25% of Carboxymethylcellulose; dose 10 ml/kg).

The blood samples were collected in fed state on 0^th and 1 hour after drug administration on 6^th day of the treatment. The blood was collected from the retro-orbital sinus through non-heparinised capillary and the serum samples were analyzed for triglyceride and total cholesterol using commercial kits (Zydus-Cadila, Pathline, Ahmedabad, India). LDL and HDL by commercial kits (Point Scientific, USA). LDL and VLDL cholesterol were calculated from the data obtained for total cholesterol, HDL and triglyceride.

The reduction in VLDL cholesterol is calculated according to the formula. VLDL cholesterol in mg/dl = Total cholesterol - HDL cholesterol - LDL cholesterol

Homozygous animal C₅₇BL/KsJ-db/db mice are obese, hyperglycemic, hyperinsulinemic and insulin resistant (J. Clin. Invest., 85, 962-967, 1990), whereas heterozygous are lean and normoglycemic. The homozygous animals very closely mimic the human type II diabetes when blood sugar levels are not sufficiently controlled. Since this type of model resembles human type II diabetes mellitus, the compounds of the invention were tested for their antidiabetic activity in this model.

The compounds of the present invention showed serum glucose and triglycerides lowering activities. Male C₅₇ BL/KsJ-db/db mice of 8 to 14 weeks age, having body weight range of 40 to 60 grams, procured from the Jackson Laboratory, USA, were used in the experiment.

Test compounds were suspended on 0.25% carboxymethyl cellulose or dissolved in water when the compound is water soluble and administered to test group containing 6 animals at a dose of 0.001 mg to 50 mg/kg through oral gavage daily for 6 days. The control group received vehicle (dose 10 ml/kg). On the 6^th day, one hour after the drug dosing, blood was collected from retro-orbital sinus and the serum was analyzed for glucose and triglycerides were measured using commercial kits (Zydus-Cadila, Pathline, Ahmedabad, India). The serum glucose and triglyceride lowering activities of the test compound was calculated according of the formula: Serum glucose lowering activity%=1[TT/OTTC/OC]×100 OC = Zero day control group value OT = Zero day treated group value TC = Test day control group TT = Test day treated group

No adverse effects were observed for any of the mentioned compounds of invention. The compounds of the present invention showed good serum glucose, lipid and cholesterol lowering activity in the experimental animals used. These compounds are useful for the testing / prophylaxis of diseases caused by hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia such as NIDDM, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, hypertension, obesity since such diseases are interlinked to each other.