WO2007009692A1

WO2007009692A1 - Use of substituted pyrazoline compounds for the treatment of food disorders, including obesity or metabolic syndrome in patients with developed diabetes

Info

Publication number: WO2007009692A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/006966
Authority: WO
Inventors: Helmut H. Buschmann
Original assignee: Laboratorios del Dr Esteve SA
Current assignee: Esteve Pharmaceuticals SA
Priority date: 2005-07-15
Filing date: 2006-07-15
Publication date: 2007-01-25
Anticipated expiration: 2008-01-15
Also published as: ES2312286B1; ES2312286A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of substituted pyrazoline compounds for the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of obesity in patients with diabetes (II).

Description

Use of substituted pyrazoline compounds for the treatment of food disorders, including obesity or metabolic syndrome in patients with developed diabetes

The present invention relates to the use of substituted pyrazoline compounds for the treatment of food disorders, including obesity or metabolic syndrome, in patients with developed diabetes in humans and animals.

Diabetes, especially of type II, has - concurrently with obesity and metabolic syndrome - developed into a major health problem. It is a widespread disease or health state involving high risks for a significant part of the population making it interesting to treat diabetes.

Thus, it was an object of the present invention to provide compounds for use as active substances in medicaments, which are suitable for the treatment of food disorders, including obesity or metabolic syndrome in patients with developed diabetes.

Said object was achieved by using the substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula I given below, their stereoisomers, corresponding salts and corresponding solvates thereof.

It has been found that these compounds have a marked effect on food disorders, including obesity or metabolic syndrome in patients with developed diabetes.

It has been found that the inventively used substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula I given below have a high affinity for cannabinoid receptors, particularly for the CBi-receptor, and that they act as modulators e.g. antagonists, inverse agonists or agonists on these receptors.

Cannabinoids are compounds, which are derived from the cannabis sativa plant which is commonly known as marijuana. The most active chemical compound of the naturally occurring cannabinoids is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), particularly Δ⁹-THC. These naturally occurring cannabinoids as well as their synthetic analogues promote their physiological effects via binding to specific G-coupled receptors, the so-called cannabinoid-receptors.

At present, two distinct types of receptors that bind both the naturally occurring and synthetic cannabinoids have been identified and cloned. These receptors, which are designated CB₁ and CB₂ are involved in a variety of physiological or pathophysiological processes in humans and animals, e.g. processes related to the central nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular system, endocrinous system, respiratory system, the gastrointestinal tract or to reproduction, as described for example, in Hollister, Pharm. Rev. 38, 1986, 1-20; Reny and Singha, Prog. Drug. Res., 36, 71-114, 1991 ; Consroe and Sandyk, in Marijuana/Cannabinoids, Neurobiology and Neurophysiology, 459, Murphy L. and Barthe A. Eds., CRC Press, 1992.

Therefore, compounds, which have a high binding affinity for these cannabinoid receptors and which are suitable for modulating these receptors are useful in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of cannabinoid-receptor related disorders.

In particular, the CBrReceptor is involved in many different food-intake related disorders such obesity and thus, compounds suitable for regulating this receptor may be used in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of these disorders.

Thus, in one of its aspects the present invention relates to the use of at least one substituted pyrazoline compound of general formula I,

wherein R¹ represents an optionally at least mono-substituted phenyl group,

R² represents an optionally at least mono-substituted phenyl group,

R³ represents a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or R³ represents an optionally at least mono-substituted aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono- substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety,

R⁴ and R⁵, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, an unbranched or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted aliphatic radical, a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or an optionally at least mono-substituted aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system and/or bonded via a linear or branched alkylene group, an -SO₂-R⁶- moiety, or an -NR⁷R⁸-moiety,

R⁶ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted aliphatic group, a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with a mono- or polycyclic ring- system, or an optionally at least mono-substituted aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with a mono- or polycyclic ring system and/or bonded via a linear or branched alkylene group,

R⁷ and R⁸, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, an unbranched or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted aliphatic radical, a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or an optionally at least mono-substituted aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system and/or bonded via a linear or branched alkylene group,

optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding N-oxide thereof, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof,

for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of food disorders, including obesity or metabolic syndrome in patients with developed diabetes.

As defined here treatment does also include prophylaxis.

Diabetes, especially type Il diabetes, is a major health problem. On one hand diabetes does develop sometimes based on aspects of the metabolic syndrome as well as food disorders like obesity on the other hand diabetes itself being a major risk factor in developing metabolic syndrome in the first place. A big problem for any patient/person having acquired diabetes is losing weight thereafter because diabetes seems to negatively influence loss of weight, including the treatment of food disorders, especially obesity, which on the other hand is very desirable to lower the cardiovascular risk. Being still active under these conditions is one of the major and surprising advantages of the pyrazoline compounds described herein.

The Metabolic syndrome is described in detail by Eckel et al., The Lancet, Vol. 365 (2005), 1415-1428, included here by reference. Even though according to Eckel et al. there is no homogeneous definition of definition of the metabolic syndrome it can clearly be derived from the article and the statements of the WHO that metabolic syndrome is to be considered as a disease which can and has to be treated. Risk factors mentioned include diabetes, especially type II, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. A mono- or polycyclic ring-system according to the present invention means a mono- or polycyclic hydrocarbon ring-system that may be saturated, unsaturated or aromatic. If the ring system is polycyclic, each of its different rings may show a different degree of saturation, i.e. it may be saturated, unsaturated or aromatic. Optionally each of the rings of the mono- or polycyclic ring system may contain one or more, e.g. 1 , 2 or 3, heteroatoms as ring members, which may be identical or different and which can preferably be selected from the group consisting of N, O, S and P, more preferably be selected from the group consisting of N, O and S. Preferably the polycyclic ring-system may comprise two rings that are condensed. The rings of the mono- or polycyclic ring-system are preferably 5- or 6-membered.

The term "condensed" according to the present invention means that a ring or ring- system is attached to another ring or ring-system, whereby the terms "annulated" or "annelated" are also used by those skilled in the art to designate this kind of attachment.

If one or more of the residues R³-R⁸ represents or comprises a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing cycloaliphatic group, which is substituted by one or more, e.g. 1 , 2, 3 or 4, substituents, unless defined otherwise, each of the substituents may be independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, branched or unbranched C-i-e-alkoxy, branched or unbranched Ci-₆-alkyl, branched or unbranched

branched or unbranched C₁-₄- perfluoroalkyl, oxo, amino, carboxy, amido, cyano, nitro, -SO₂NH₂, -CO-Ci-₄-alkyl, - SO-Ci-₄-alkyl,

-NH-SO₂-Ci-₄-alkyl , wherein the Ci-₄-alkyl may in each case be branched or unbranched, and a phenyl group, more preferably be selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, F, Cl, Br, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, oxo, CF₃ and a phenyl group.

If one or more of the residues R³-R⁸ represents or comprises a cycloaliphatic group, which contains one or more heteroatoms as ring members, unless defined otherwise, each of these heteroatoms may preferably be selected from the group consisting of N, O and S. Preferably a cycloaliphatic group may contain 1 , 2 or 3 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S as ring members. Suitable saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing, optionally at least mono-substituted cycloaliphatic groups may preferably be selected from the group consisting of Cyclopropyl, Cyclobutyl, Cyclopentyl, Cyclohexyl, Cycloheptyl, Cyclooctyl, Cyclopentenyl, Cyclohexenyl, Cycloheptenyl, Cyclooctenyl, Pyrrolidinyl, Piperidinyl, Piperazinyl, homo-Piperazinyl and Morpholinyl.

If one or more of the residues R³-R⁸ comprises a mono- or polycyclic ring system, which is substituted by one or more, e.g. 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents, unless defined otherwise, each of the substituents may be independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, branched or unbranched Ci_-6- alkoxy, branched or unbranched Ci-₆-alkyl, branched or unbranched Ci_-4- perfluoroalkoxy, branched or unbranched Ci-₄-perfluoroalkyl, amino, carboxy, oxo, amido, cyano, nitro, -SO₂NH₂, -CO-C-M-alkyl, -SO-C^-alkyl, -SO₂-C_1-4-alkyl, -NH- SO₂-Ci-₄-alkyl , wherein the C-_M-alkyl may in each case be branched or unbranched, and a phenyl group, more preferably be selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, F, Cl, Br, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, CF₃, oxo and a phenyl group.

If one or more of the residues R¹ -R⁸ represents or comprises an aryl group, including a phenyl group, which is substituted by one or more, e.g. 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents, unless defined otherwise, each of the substituents may be independently selected from the group consisting of a halogen atom (e.g. F, Cl, Br, I), a linear or branched C-ι.₆-alkyl group, a linear or branched Ci_-6 alkoxy group, a formyl group, a hydroxy group, a trifluoromethyl group, a trifluoromethoxy group, a -CO-Ci-e-alkyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a carboxy group, a -CO-O-Ci-₆-alkyl group, a -CO-

NR^AR^B- moiety, a -CO-NH-NR^cR^D-moiety, an -SH₁ an -S-d-β-alkyl group, an -SO-d. ₆-alkyl group, an -SO₂-Ci-₆-alkyl group, a -Ci-β-alkylene-S-Ci-β-alkyl group, a -Ci_-6- alkylene-SO-Ci_-6-alkyl group, a -Ci_-6-alkylene-SO₂-Ci.₆-alkyl group, an -NH₂-moiety, an NHR'-moiety or an NR'R"-moiety, wherein R' and R" independently represent a linear or branched Ci-β-alkyl group, a Ci-₆-alkyl group substituted by one or more hydroxy groups and a -Ci-₆-alkylene-NR^ER^F group,

whereby R^A, R^B, identical or different, represent hydrogen or a d-₆-alkyl group, or R^A and R^B together with the bridging nitrogen atom form a saturated, mono- or bicyclic, 3-10 membered heterocyclic ring system, which may be at least mono-substituted by one or more, identical or different, Ci_-6 alkyl groups and/or which may contain at least one further heteroatom selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur as a ring member,

R^c, R^D, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, a Ci-₆-alkyl group, a -CO-O-Ci_-6-alkyl group, a C_3-8-cycloalkyl group, a Ci.₆-alkylene-C₃-₈-cycloalkyl group, Ci-₆-alkylene-O-C_1-6-alkyl group or a Ci.₆-alkyl group substituted with one or more hydroxy groups, or R^c, R^D together with the bridging nitrogen atom form a saturated, mono- or bicyclic, 3-10 membered heterocyclic ring system, which may be at least mono-substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C1-₆ alkyl group, a -CO-Ci_-6-alkyl group, a -CO-O- C_1-6-alkyl group, a - CO-NH- Ci-₆-alkyl group, a -CS-NH- Ci_-6-alkyl group, an oxo group, a Ci_-6-alkyl group substituted with one or more hydroxy groups, a Ci-₆-alkylene-O-Ci-₆-alkyl group and a -CO-NH₂ group and/or which may contain at least one further heteroatom selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur as a ring member, and

wherein R^E, R^F, identical or different, represent hydrogen or a C-ι-₆-alkyl group, or R^E and R^F together with the bridging nitrogen atom form a saturated, mono- or bicyclic, 3-10 membered heterocyclic ring system, which may be at least mono-substituted by one or more, identical or different Ci_₆ alkyl groups and/or which may contain at least one further heteroatom selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur as a ring member.

Preferred aryl groups, which may optionally be at least mono-substituted, are phenyl and naphthyl.

If one or more of the residues R³-R⁸ represents or comprises a heteroaryl group, which is substituted by one or more, e.g. 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents, unless defined otherwise, each of the substituents may be independently selected from the group consisting of a halogen atom (e.g. F, Cl, Br, I), a linear or branched C_1-6-alkyl group, a linear or branched Ci_-6 alkoxy group, a formyl group, a hydroxy group, a trifluoromethyl group, a trifluoromethoxy group, a -CO-Ci-β-alkyl group, a cyano group, a carboxy group, a -CO-O-C_1-6-alkyl group, a -CO-NR^AR^B- moiety, a -CO-NH- NR^cR^D-moiety, an -S-Ci.₆-alkyl group, an -SO-Ci_-6-alkyl group, an -SO₂-C_1-6-alkyl group, a -Ci-β-alkylene-S-Ci-β-alkyl group, a -Ci-β-alkylene-SO-Ci-β-alkyl group, a -C-i. ₆-alkylene-SO₂-Ci-₆-alkyl group, a Ci_-6-alkyl group substituted by one or more hydroxy groups and a -Ci_-6-alkylene-NR^ER^F group,

whereby R^A, R^B, identical or different, represent hydrogen or a Ci-₆-alkyl group, or R^A and R^B together with the bridging nitrogen atom form a saturated, mono- or bicyclic, 3-10 membered heterocyclic ring system, which may be at least mono-substituted by one or more, identical or different, C₁^ alkyl groups and/or which may contain at least one further heteroatom selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur as a ring member,

R^c, R^D, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, a Ci-β-alkyl group, a -CO-O-Ci-₆-alkyl group, a C₃.₈-cycloalkyl group, a Ci-₆-alkylene-C₃-₈-cycloalkyl group,

group or a Ci_-6-alkyl group substituted with one or more hydroxy groups, or R^c, R^D together with the bridging nitrogen atom form a saturated, mono- or bicyclic, 3-10 membered heterocyclic ring system, which may be at least mono-substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C-i-e alkyl group, a -CO-Ci-β-alkyl group, a -CO-O- Ci-β-alkyl group, a - CO-NH- group, a -CS-NH- Ci-₆-alkyl group, an oxo group, a C_1-6-alkyl group substituted with one or more hydroxy groups, a

group and a -CO-NH2 group and/or which may contain at least one further heteroatom selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur as a ring member, and

wherein R^E, R^F, identical or different, represent hydrogen or a Ci-₆-alkyl group, or R^E and R^F together with the bridging nitrogen atom form a saturated, mono- or bicyclic, 3-10 membered heterocyclic ring system, which may be at least mono-substituted by one or more, identical or different C₁-₆ alkyl groups and/or which may contain at least one further heteroatom selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur as a ring member,

The heteroatoms, which are present as ring members in the heteroaryl radical, may, unless defined otherwise, independently be selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur. Preferably a heteroaryl radical may comprise 1 , 2 or 3 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S as ring members.

Suitable heteroaryl groups, which may optionally be at least mono-substituted, may preferably be selected from the group consisting of thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, imidazolyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, indolyl, chinolinyl, isochinolinyl, benzo[1 ,2,5]- thiodiazolyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[b]furanyl, imidazo[2,1-b]thiazolyl, triazolyl, and pyrazolyl, more preferably be selected from the group consisting of thienyl-, benzo[1 ,2,5]-thiodiazolyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, imidazo[2,1-b]thiazolyl, triazolyl and pyrazolyl.

If one or more of the residues R⁴-R⁸ represents or comprises a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic group such as an alkyl group, which is substituted by one or more, e.g. 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents, unless defined otherwise, each of the substituents may be independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, branched or unbranched Ci-₄-alkoxy, branched or unbranched Ci-₄-perfluoroalkoxy, branched or unbranched

amino, carboxy, amido, cyano, nitro, -SO₂NH₂, -CO-Ci-4-alkyl, -SO-Ci^-alkyl, -SO₂-Ci-₄-alkyl, -NH-SO₂-Ci-₄-alkyl , wherein the C-ι-₄-alkyl may in each case be branched or unbranched, and a phenyl group, more preferably be selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, F, Cl, Br, methoxy, ethoxy, CF3 and a phenyl group.

Preferred linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic groups, which may be substituted by one or more substituents, may preferably be selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert- butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl, vinyl, ethinyl, propenyl, propinyl, butenyl and butinyl.

If any of the residues R⁴-R⁸ represents or comprises a linear or branched alkylene group, said alkylene group may preferably be selected from the group consisting of - methylene -(CH₂)-, ethylene -(CH₂-CH₂)-, n-propylene -(CH₂-CH₂-CH₂)- or iso- propylene -(-C(CH₃J₂)-. Preferred is the use of substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula I given above, wherein

R¹ represents an optionally at least mono-substituted phenyl group,

R² represents an optionally at least mono-substituted phenyl group,

R⁴ and R⁵, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, an unbranched or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted aliphatic radical, a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or an optionally at least mono-substituted aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system and/or bonded via a linear or branched alkylene group, an -SO₂-R⁶- moiety, or an -NR⁷R⁸-moiety, R⁶ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted aliphatic group, a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with a mono- or polycyclic ring- system, or an optionally at least mono-substituted aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with a mono- or polycyclic ring system and/or bonded via a linear or branched alkylene group,

optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding N-oxide thereof, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof.

Preferred is also the use of substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula I given above, wherein R¹ represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of a linear or branched C-ι-₆-alkyl group, a linear or branched Ci-₆-alkoxy group, a halogen atom, CH₂F₁ CHF₂, CF₃, CN, OH, NO₂, -(C=O)-R', SH, SR', SOR', SO₂R', NH₂, NHR', NR'R", -(C=O)-NH₂, -(C=O)-NHR' and -(C=O)-NR¹R", whereby R' and R" for each substituent independently represent linear or branched Ci_-6 alkyl, preferably R¹ represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, F, Cl, Br and CF₃, more preferably R¹ represents a phenyl group, which is substituted with a chlorine atom in the 4-position, and R²-R⁸ have the meaning given above, optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding N-oxide thereof, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof.

Also preferred is the use of substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula I given above, wherein R² represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of a linear or branched C_1-6-alkyl group, a linear or branched Ci_-6-alkoxy group, a halogen atom, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CN, OH, NO₂, -(C=O)-R', SH₁ SR', SOR', SO₂R¹, NH₂, NHR', NR¹R", -(C=O)-NH₂, -(C=O)-NHR' and -(C=O)-NR¹R" whereby R' and R" for each substituent independently represent linear or branched Ci_-6 alkyl, preferably R² represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, F, Cl, Br and CF₃, more preferably R² a phenyl group, which is di-substituted with two chlorine atoms in the 2- and 4-position, and R¹ and R³-R⁸ have the meaning given above, optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding N-oxide thereof, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof. Preference is also given to the use of substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula I given above, wherein R³ represents a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing C_3-S cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or R³ represents an optionally at least mono-substituted, 5- or 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety, preferably R³ represents a saturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally one or more nitrogen- atoms as ring member containing C_3-8 cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety, more preferably R³ represents a pyrrolidinyl group, a piperidinyl group or a piperazinyl group, whereby each of these groups may be substituted with one or more C^-alky! groups, or R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety and R¹, R² and R⁴-R⁸ have the meaning given above, optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding N-oxide thereof, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof.

Furthermore, the use of substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula I given above is preferred, wherein R⁴ and R⁵, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, an unbranched or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted d-β-aliphatic radical, a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing C_3-8- cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono- substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or an optionally at least mono- substituted, 5- or 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system and/or bonded via a methylene (-CH₂-) or ethylene (-CH₂-CH₂)-group, an -Sθ₂-R⁶-moiety, or an -NR⁷R⁸-moiety, preferably one of these residues R⁴ and R⁵ represents a hydrogen atom and the other one of these residues R⁴ and R⁵ represents a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing C₃-₈-cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or an optionally at least mono-substituted, 5- or 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, an -SO₂-R⁶-moiety, or an -NR⁷R⁸-moiety, or R⁴ and R⁵, identical or different, each represent a C-ι-₆ alkyl group, more preferably one of these residues R⁴ and R⁵ represents a hydrogen atom and the other one of these residues R⁴ and R⁵ represents an optionally at least mono-substituted pyrrolidinyl group, an optionally at least mono-substituted piperidinyl group, an optionally at least mono- substituted piperazinyl group, an optionally at least mono-substituted triazolyl group, an -SO₂-R⁶-moiety, or an -NR⁷R⁸-moiety, or R⁴ and R⁵, identical or different, represent a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, a sec-butyl group or a tert.-butyl group, and R¹-R³ and R⁶-R⁸ have the meaning given above, optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding N-oxide thereof, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof.

Also preferred is the use of substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula I given above, wherein R⁶ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted Ci_-6 aliphatic group, a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing C_3-8 cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with a mono- or polycyclic ring-system, or an optionally at least mono-substituted, 5- or 6- membered aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with a mono- or polycyclic ring system and/or bonded via a methylene (-CH₂-) or ethylene (-CH₂- CH₂)-group, preferably R⁶ represents a Ci_-6-alkyl group, a saturated, optionally at least mono-substituted cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with a mono- or polycyclic ring-system, or a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with one or more Ci-₆ alkyl groups, and R¹-R⁵, R⁷ and R⁸ have the meaning given above, optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding N-oxide thereof, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof.

Moreover, the use of substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula I given above is preferred, wherein R⁷ and R⁸, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, an unbranched or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted C_1-6 aliphatic radical, a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing C₃-₈ cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono- substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or an optionally at least mono- substituted, 5- or 6 membered aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system and/or bonded via a methylene (-CH₂-) or ethylene (-CH₂-CH₂)-group, preferably represent a hydrogen atom or a d-β alkyl radical, and R¹-R⁶ have the meaning given above, optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding N-oxide thereof, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof.

Particularly preferred is the use of at least one substituted pyrazoline compound of general formula I₁ wherein

R¹ represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, F, Cl, Br and CF₃, R² represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, F, Cl, Br and CF₃,

R³ represents a pyrrolidinyl group, a piperidinyl group or a piperazinyl group, whereby each of these groups may be substituted with one or more Ci-β-alkyl groups, or R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety, one of the residues R⁴ and R⁵ represents a hydrogen atom and the other one of these residues R⁴ and R⁵ represents an optionally at least mono-substituted pyrrolidinyl group; an optionally at least mono-substituted piperidinyl group; an optionally at least mono-substituted piperazinyl group; an optionally at least mono- substituted triazolyl group; an -SO₂-R⁶-moiety; or an -NR⁷R⁸-moiety, or R⁴ and R⁵, identical or different, represent a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, a sec-butyl group or a tert.-butyl group,

R⁶ represents a Ci-₆-alkyl group; a saturated, optionally at least mono-substituted cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with a mono- or polycyclic ring- system; or a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with one or more C-ι-₆ alkyl groups, and

R⁷ and R⁸, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom or a C-uβ alkyl radical.

Also, particularly preferred is the use of at least one substituted pyrazoline compound of general formula I, wherein

R¹ represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of linear or branched Ci.₆-alkyl, linear or branched C_1-6-alkoxy, F, Cl, Br, I, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CN, OH, NO₂, -(C=O)-R', SH, SR', SOR', SO₂R', NH₂, NHR', NR¹R", -(C=O)-NH₂, -(C=O)- NHR' and -(C=O)-NR¹R", whereby R' and R" at each occurrence independently represent a linear or branched C₁-₆ alkyl group, R² represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of linear or branched d-₆-alkyl, linear or branched C_1-6-alkoxy, F, Cl, Br, I, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CN, OH, NO₂, -(C=O)-R', SH, SR¹, SOR', SO₂R', NH₂, NHR', NR'R", -(C=O)-NH₂, -(C=O)- NHR' and -(C=O)-NR¹R", whereby R' and R" at each occurrence independently represent a linear or branched Ci_-6 alkyl group,

R³ represents a saturated or unsaturated C_3-S cycloaliphatic group, whereby said C_3-8 cycloaliphatic group is optionally substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of linear or branched Ci_-6 alkyl, linear or branched Ci_-6 alkoxy, OH, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃ and oxo (=O) and whereby said C_3-8 cycloaliphatic group may contain 1 , 2 or 3 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S as ring members, or R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety,

R⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched Ci-₆-alkyl group,

R⁵ represents a linear or branched Ci-₆ alkyl group; an -SO₂-R⁶-moiety; a saturated or unsaturated C_3-8 cycloaliphatic group, whereby said C_3-8 cycloaliphatic group is optionally substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of linear or branched C-i-e alkyl group, a linear or branched Ci_₆ alkoxy group, OH, F, Cl, Br₁ 1, CN, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃ and oxo (=0) and whereby said C_3-8 cycloaliphatic group may contain 1 , 2 or 3 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S as ring members, and

R⁶ represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of a linear or branched d-β-alkyl group, a linear or branched Ci_-6-alkoxy group, F, Cl, Br, I, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CN, OH, NO₂, -(C=O)-R', SH, SR', SOR', SO₂R', NH₂, NHR', NR¹R", -(C=O)- NH₂, -(C=O)-NHR' and -(C=O)-NR¹R", whereby R' and R" at each occurrence independently represent a linear or branched C^ alkyl group.

Moreover, particularly preferred is the use of at least one substituted pyrazoline compound of general formula I, wherein R¹ represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, F, Cl, Br and CF₃,

R² represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, F, Cl, Br and CF₃,

R³ represents a pyrrolidinyl group, a piperidinyl group or a piperazinyl group, whereby each of these groups may be substituted with one or more of Ci.₆-alkyl groups, or R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety,

R⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched Ci-₆-alkyl group,

R⁵ represents a linear or branched Ci-₆ alkyl group; an -Sθ₂-R⁶-moiety; a pyrrolidinyl group; a piperidinyl group; a piperazinyl group; a homo-piperazinyl group; a morpholinyl group; a triazolyl group; whereby each of the heterocyclic rings may be substituted with one or more, identical or different, d-₆-alkyl groups, and

R⁶ represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with one or more Ci_-6 alkyl groups, which may be identical or different.

Moreover, the use of at least one substituted pyrazoline compound of general formula I is particularly preferred, wherein

R¹ represents a phenyl ring, which is mono-substituted with a halogen atom, preferably a chlorine atom, in its 4-position,

R² represents a phenyl ring, which is di-substituted with two halogen atoms, preferably chlorine atoms, in its 2- and 4-position,

R³ represents a pyrrolidinyl group, a piperidinyl group, a piperazinyl group, a homo- piperazinyl group, a morpholinyl group, or an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety, R⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched Ci_-6-alkyl group,

R⁵ represents a linear or branched Ci_-6 alkyl group; an -SO₂-R⁶-moiety; a pyrrolidinyl group; a piperidinyl group; a piperazinyl group; a homo-piperazinyl group; a morpholinyl group; or a triazolyl group whereby each of the heterocyclic rings may be substituted with one or more, identical or different, Ci_-6-alkyl groups, and

Most particularly preferred is the use of at least one pyrazoline compound selected from the group consisting of

N-piperidinyl-δ^^chloro-phenyO-i^^-dichlorophenylH.S-dihydro-I H-pyrazol-S- carboxamide,

5-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-1-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid-[1 ,2,4]-triazole-4-yl-amide,

5-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-1 -(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1 H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-amide,

5-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-1-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1 H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid diethylamide,

[5-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-1-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1 H-pyrazole-3-yl]-piperidine- 1-yl-methanone and

N-[5-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1 H-pyrazole-3-carbonyl]-4- methylphenylsulfonamide,

Also, most particularly preferred is the use one of the following two pyrazoline compounds:

in each case optionally in the form of a corresponding N-oxide, a corresponding salt or a corresponding solvate thereof.

The inventively obtained medicament may be in any form suitable for the application to patients and can be produced by standard procedures known to those skilled in the art. The composition of the medicament may vary depending on the route of administration.

Such medicaments may be produced according to standard procedures known to those skilled in the art, e.g. from the tables of contents from ..Pharmaceutics: the Science of Dosage Forms", Second Edition, Aulton, M. E. (Ed.) Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh (2002); ..Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology", Second Edition, Swarbrick, J. and Boylan J.C. (Eds.), Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York (2002); ..Modern Pharmaceutics", Fourth Edition, Banker G.S. and Rhodes CT. (Eds.) Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York 2002 and _nThe Theory and Practice of Industrial Pharmacy", Lachman L., Lieberman H. and Kanig J. (Eds.), Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia (1986). The respective descriptions are incorporated by reference and form part of the present disclosure.

The medicament obtained according to the present invention may, for example, be administered parentally in combination with conventional injectable liquid carriers, such as water or suitable alcohols. Conventional pharmaceutical excipients for injection, such as stabilising agents, solubilizing agents, and buffers, may be included in such injectable compositions. These medicaments may for example be injected intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, or intravenously. The medicament obtained according to the present invention may also be administered topically, e.g. by means of a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS), or via a suppository.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the medicament is suitable for oral administration.

Suitable oral administration forms include tablets, dragees, capsules, syrups, gels, juices (oil- or water-based), chewing gums, sprays, aqueous or oily suspensions, or dry powdered forms, preferably in a sachet, suitable for reconstitution with water or other suitable liquid medium before use.

Other suitable oral administration forms are multiparticulate formulations, preferably microtablets, microparticles, nanoparticles, pellets or granules, optionally compressed into a tablet, filled into a capsule or suspended in a suitable liquid. Suitable liquids are known to those skilled in the art.

The inventively obtained medicament may also comprise at least one substituted pyrazoline compound of general formula I given above at least partially in sustained- release form. By incorporating one or more of the substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula I given above at least partially or completely into a sustained- release form it is possible to extend the duration of their effect, allowing for the beneficial effects of such a sustained release form, e.g. the maintenance of optimal therapeutical plasma or tissue concentrations. Suitable sustained-release forms as well as materials and methods for their preparation are known to those skilled in the art, e.g. from the tables of contents from ,,Modified-Release Drug Delivery Technology", Rathbone, MJ. Hadgraft, J. and Roberts, M.S. (Eds.), Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York (2002); ..Handbook of Pharmaceutical Controlled Release Technology", Wise, D. L. (Ed.), Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York, (2000);"Controlled Drug Delivery", Vol. I₁ Basic Concepts, Bruck, S.D. (Ed.), CRC Press Inc., Boca Raton (1983) and from Takada, K. and Yoshikawa, H., ,,Oral Drug delivery", Encyclopedia of Controlled Drug Delivery, Mathiowitz, E. (Ed.), John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York (1999), Vol. 2, 728-742; Fix, J., ,,Oral drug delivery, small intestine and colon", Encylopedia of Controlled Drug Delivery,

Mathiowitz, E. (Ed.), John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York (1999), Vol. 2, 698-728. The respective descriptions are incorporated by reference and are part of the present disclosure.

If the medicament obtained according to the present invention comprises at least one of the substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula I at least partially in a sustained-release form, said sustained release may preferably be achieved by the application of at least one coating or provision of a matrix comprising at least one sustained-release material.

The sustained-release material is preferably based on an optionally modified, water- insoluble, natural, semisynthetic or synthetic polymer, or a natural, semisynthetic or synthetic wax or fat or fatty alcohol or fatty acid, or on a mixture of at least two of these afore mentioned components.

The water-insoluble polymers used to produce a sustained-release material are preferably based on an acrylic resin, which is preferably selected from the group of poly(meth)acrylates, particularly preferably poly(Ci-₄)alkyl (meth)acrylates, poly(Ci-₄)dialkylamino(C_1-4)alkyl (meth)acrylates and/or copolymers or mixtures thereof, and very particularly preferably copolymers of ethyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate with a monomer molar ratio of 2:1 (Eudragit NE30D^®), copolymers of ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate and trimethylammonium ethyl methacrylate- chloride with a monomer molar ratio of 1 :2:0.1 (Eudragit RS^®), copolymers of ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate and trimethylammonium ethyl methacrylate-chloride with a monomer molar ratio of 1 :2:0.2 (Eudragit RL^®), or a mixture of at least two of the above-mentioned copolymers. These coating materials are commercially available as 30 wt.% aqueous latex dispersions, i.e. as Eudragit RS30D^®, Eudragit NE30D^® or Eudragit RL30D^®, and may also be used as such for coating purposes.

In another embodiment, the sustained-release material is based on water-insoluble cellulose derivatives, preferably alkyl celluloses, particularly preferably ethyl cellulose, or cellulose esters, e.g. cellulose acetate. Aqueous ethyl cellulose dispersions are commercially available, for example, under the trademarks Aquacoat^® or Surelease^®.

As natural, semisynthetic or synthetic waxes, fats or fatty alcohols, the sustained- release material may be based on carnauba wax, beeswax, glycerol monostearate, glycerol monobehenate, glycerol ditripalmitostearate, microcrystalline wax, cetyl alcohol, cetylstearyl alcohol or a mixture of at least two of these components.

The afore mentioned polymers of the sustained-release material may also comprise a conventional, physiologically acceptable plasticizer in amounts known to those skilled in the art.

Examples of suitable plasticizers are lipophilic diesters of a C₆-C₄₀ aliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acid and a CrC₈ aliphatic alcohol, e.g. dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl sebacate or diethyl sebacate, hydrophilic or lipophilic citric acid esters, e.g. triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, acetyltributyl citrate or acetyltriethyl citrate, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycol, glycerol esters, e.g. triacetin, Myvacet^® (acetylated mono- and diglycerides, C₂₃H₄₄O₅ to C₂₅H₄7O7), medium-chain triglycerides (Miglyol^®), oleic acid or mixtures of at least two of said plasticizers. Aqueous dispersions of Eudragit RS^® and optionally Eudragit RL^® preferably contain triethyl citrate. The sustained-release material may comprise one or more plasticisers in amounts of, for example, 5 to 50 wt.% based on the amount of polymer(s) used.

The sustained-release material may also contain other conventional auxiliary substances known to those skilled in the art, e.g. lubricants, coloured pigments or surfactants. The medicament obtained according to the present invention may also have at least one enteric coating which dissolves as a function of pH. Because of this coating, the medicament can pass through the stomach undissolved and the compounds of general formula I are only released in the intestinal tract. The enteric coating preferably dissolves at a pH of between 5 and 7.5.

The enteric coating may be based on any enteric material known to those skilled in the art, e.g. on methacrylic acid/methyl methacrylate copolymers with a monomer molar ratio of 1 :1 (Eudragit L^®), methacrylic acid/methyl methacrylate copolymers with a monomer molar ratio of 1 :2 (Eudragit S^®), methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate copolymers with a monomer molar ratio of 1 :1 (Eudragit L30D-55^®), methacrylic acid/methyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate copolymers with a monomer molar ratio of 7:3:1 (Eudragit FS^®), shellac, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose acetate-succinates, cellulose acetate-phthalates or a mixture of at least two of these components, which can optionally also be used in combination with the above-mentioned water-insoluble poly(meth)acrylates, preferably in combination with Eudragit NE30D^® and/or Eudragit RL^® and/or Eudragit RS^®.

The coatings of the medicament of the present invention may be applied by the conventional processes known to those skilled in the art, e.g. from Johnson, J. L., ..Pharmaceutical tablet coating", Coatings Technology Handbook (Second Edition), Satas, D. and Tracton, A.A. (Eds), Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York, (2001 ), 863-866; Carstensen, T., ..Coating Tablets in Advanced Pharmaceutical Solids", Swarbrick, J. (Ed.), Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York (2001 ), 455-468; Leopold, C.S., ,,Coated dosage forms for colon-specific drug delivery", Pharmaceutical Science & Technology Today, 2(5), 197-204 (1999), Rhodes, CT. and Porter, S.C., Coatings, in Encyclopedia of Controlled Drug Delivery. Mathiowitz, E. (Ed.), John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York (1999), Vol. 1 , 299-311. The respective descriptions are incorporated by reference and are part of the disclosure.

In another embodiment, the medicament obtained according to the present invention may contain one or more of the substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula I not only in sustained-release form, but also in non-retarded form. By combination with the immediately released form, a high initial dose can be achieved for the rapid onset of the beneficial effect. The slow release from the sustained release form then prevents the beneficial effect from diminishing.

Preferred is the administration of the pyrazoline compound at a dosage of 0.1 - 10 mg/kg/day, more preferred 0.15 - 5 mg/kg/day, even more preferred 0.2-3 mg/kg/day

Preferably the medicament is designed for once daily, twice daily, or three times daily administration. More preferably the medicament is designed for once daily or twice daily administration, most preferably for once daily administration, The inventively used substituted pyrazoline compounds may, for example, be obtained by the following process, according to which at least one benzaldehyde compound of general formula Il

(H)

wherein R¹ has the meaning given above, is reacted with a pyruvate compound of general formula (III)

wherein G represents an OR group with R being a branched or unbranched d-β alkyl radical, preferably an ethyl radical, or G represents an O K group with K being a cation, preferably a monovalent cation, more preferably an alkali metal cation, even more preferably a sodium cation, to yield a compound of general formula (IV)

(IV)

wherein R¹ has the meaning given above, which is optionally isolated and/or optionally purified, and which is reacted with an optionally substituted phenyl hydrazine of general formula (V)

/ NH,

HN R²

(V)

or a corresponding salt thereof, wherein R² has the meaning given above, under an inert atmosphere, to yield a compound of general formula (Vl)

(Vl) wherein R¹ and R² have the meaning as given above, which is optionally isolated and/or optionally purified, and optionally transferred under inert atmosphere to a compound of general formula (VII)

(VII) wherein the substituents R¹ and R² have the meaning given above and A represents a leaving group, via the reaction with an activating agent, said compound being optionally isolated and/or optionally purified, and at least one compound of general formula (Vl) is reacted with a compound of general formula R³H, wherein R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety, wherein R⁴ and R⁵ have the meaning given above, to yield a substituted pyrazoline compound of general formula I, wherein R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety,

and/or at least one compound of general formula (VII) is reacted with a compound of the general formula R³H, in which R³ has the meaning given above to yield a compound of general formula (I) given above, which is optionally isolated and/or optionally purified.

The process is also illustrated in scheme I given below:

Scheme I:

for R being different from -NR⁴R⁵

The reaction of the benzaldehyde compound of general formula Il with a pyruvate compound of general formula III is preferably carried out in the presence of at least one base, more preferably in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide or an alkali metal methoxide such as sodium methoxide, as described, for example, in Synthetic communications, 26(11 ), 2229-33, (1996). The respective description is hereby incorporated by reference and forms part of the disclosure. Preferably sodium pyruvate may be used as the pyruvate compound. Preferably said reaction is carried out in a protic reaction medium such as a Ci_-4 alkyl alcohol or mixtures of these. Mixtures of such alcohols with water, e.g. ethanol/water may also be used. Reaction temperature as well as the duration of the reaction may vary over a broad range. Preferred reaction temperatures range from -10 ⁰C to the boiling point of the reaction medium. Suitable reaction times may vary for example from several minutes to several hours.

Also preferred the reaction of the benzaldehyde compound of general formula Il with a pyruvate compound of general formula III is carried out under acid catalysed conditions, more preferably by refluxing the mixture in dichloromethane in the presence of copper(ll)trifluoromethanesulfonate as described, for example, in Synlett, (1 ), 147-149, 2001. The respective description is hereby incorporated by reference and forms part of the disclosure.

The reaction of the compound of general formula (IV) with an optionally substituted phenyl hydrazin of general formula (V) is preferably carried out in a suitable reaction medium such as Ci-₄-alcohols or ethers such as dioxane or tetrahydrofurane or mixtures of at least two of these afore mentioned compounds. Also preferably, said reaction may be carried out in the presence of an acid, whereby the acid may be organic such as acetic acid and/or inorganic such as hydrochloric acid. Furthermore, the reaction may also be carried out in the presence of a base such as piperidine, piperazine, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium methoxide or sodium ethoxide, or a mixture of at least two of these bases may also be used.

Reaction temperature as well as the duration of the reaction may vary over a broad range. Suitable reaction temperatures range from room temperature, i.e. approximately 25 ⁰C to the boiling point of the reaction medium. Suitable reaction times may vary for example from several minutes to several hours.

The carboxylic group of the compound of general formula (Vl) may be activated for further reactions by the introduction of a suitable leaving group according to conventional methods well known to those skilled in the art. Preferably the compounds of general formula (Vl) are transferred into an acid chloride, an acid anhydride, a mixed anhydride, a C₁.₄ alkyl ester, an activated ester such as p- nitrophenylester. Other well known methods for the activation of acids include the activation with N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide or benzotriazol-N- oxotris(dimethylamino) phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (BOP)).

If said activated compound of general formula (VII) is an acid chloride, it is preferably prepared by reaction of the corresponding acid of general formula (Vl) with thionyl chloride or oxalyl chloride, whereby said chlorinating agent is also used as the solvent. Also preferably an additional solvent may be used. Suitable solvents include hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene or xylene, halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, chloroform or carbon tetrachloride, ethers such as diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofurane or dimethoxyethane. Mixtures of two or more solvents from one class or two or more solvents from different classes may also be used. Preferred reaction temperature range from 0° C to the boiling point of the solvent and reaction times from several minutes to several hours.

If said activated compound of general formula (VII) is a mixed anhydride, said anhydride may preferably be prepared, for example, by reaction of the corresponding acid of general formula (Vl) with ethyl chloroformiate in the presence of a base such as triethylamine or pyridine, in a suitable solvent.

The reaction of general formula (VII) with a compound of general formula HR³ to yield compounds of general formula I₁ wherein R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵ moiety is preferably carried out in presence of a base such as triethylamine in a reaction medium such as methylenchloride. The temperature is preferably in the range from O⁰C to the boiling point of the reaction medium. The reaction time may vary over a broad range, e.g. from several hours to several days.

The reaction of general formula (VII) with a compound of general formula HR³ to yield compounds of general formula I, wherein R³ represents a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or an optionally at least mono-substituted aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system may be carried out according to conventional methods well known to those skilled in the art, e.g. from Pascual, A., J. Prakt Chem., 1999, 341(7), 695-700; Lin, S. et al., Heterocycles, 2001 , 55(2), 265-277; Rao, P. et al., J. Org. Chem., 2000, 65(22), 7323-7344, Pearson D.E and Buehler, C.A., Synthesis, 1972, 533-542 and references cited therein. The respective descriptions are hereby incorporated by reference and form part of the present disclosure.

Preferably said reaction is carried out in the presence of a Lewis acid, which is preferably selected from the group consisting of FeCb, ZnCb and AICb, in a suitable reaction medium such as toluene, benzene, tetrahydrofurane or similar. The temperature is preferably in the range from O⁰C to the boiling point of the reaction medium, more preferably from 15 to 25 ⁰C. The reaction time may vary over a broad range, e.g. from several minutes to several hours.

The afore mentioned reactions involving the synthesis of the 4,5-dihydro-pyrazole ring or the reaction of a compound comprising said ring are carried out under an inert atmosphere, preferably nitrogen or argon, to avoid oxidation of the ring-system.

During the processes described above the protection of sensitive groups or of reagents may be necessary and/or desirable. The introduction of conventional protective groups as well as their removal may be performed by methods well-known to those skilled in the art.

If the substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula (I) themselves are obtained in form of a mixture of stereoisomers, particularly enantiomers or diastereomers, said mixtures may be separated by standard procedures known to those skilled in the art, e.g. chromatographic methods or fractionalised crystallisation with chiral reagents. It is also possible to obtain pure stereoisomers via stereoselective synthesis.

Salts of the inventively used substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula (I) and stereoisomers thereof, may be obtained by a process, wherein at least one compound of general formula (I) having at least one basic group is reacted with at least one inorganic and/or organic acid, preferably in the presence of a suitable reaction medium. Suitable reaction media include, for example, any of the ones given above. Suitable inorganic acids include hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, suitable organic acids are e.g. citric acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, or derivatives thereof, p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid or camphersulfonic acid.

Salts of the inventively used substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula (I) or stereoisomers thereof may also be prepared by a method, wherein at least one compound of general formula (I) having at least one acidic group is reacted with one or more suitable bases, preferably in the presence of a suitable reaction medium.

Suitable bases are e.g. hydroxides, carbonates or alkoxides, which include suitable cations, derived e.g. from alkaline metals, alkaline earth metals or organic cations, e.g. [NH_nR4-n]\ wherein n is 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4 and R represents a branched or unbranched Ci-₄-alkyl-radical. Suitable reaction media are, for example, any of the ones given above.

Solvates, preferably hydrates, of the inventively used substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula (I), of corresponding stereoisomers, of corresponding N-oxides or of corresponding salts thereof may also be obtained by standard procedures known to those skilled in the art.

Substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula I, which comprise nitrogen- atom containing saturated, unsaturated or aromatic rings may also be obtained in the form of their N-oxides by methods well known to those skilled in the art and used in the medicament of the present invention.

Those skilled in the art understand that the term substituted pyrazoline compounds as used herein is to be understood as encompassing derivatives such as ethers, esters and complexes of these compounds as well. The term "derivatives" as used in this application is defined here as meaning a chemical compound having undergone a chemical derivation starting from an acting (active) compound to change (ameliorate for pharmaceutical use) any of its physico-chemical properties, especially a so-called prodrug, e.g. their esters and ethers. Examples of well known methods of producing a prodrug of a given acting compound are known to those skilled in the art and can be found e.g. in Krogsgaard-Larsen et al., Textbook of Drugdesign and Discovery, Taylor & Francis (April 2002). The respective description is hereby incorporated by reference and forms part of the disclosure.

The purification and isolation of the inventively used substituted pyrazoline compounds of general formula (I), of a corresponding stereoisomer, or salt, or N- oxide, or solvate or any intermediate thereof may, if required, be carried out by conventional methods known to those skilled in the art, e.g. chromatographic methods or recrystallization.

The daily dosage for humans and animals may vary depending on factors that have their basis in the respective species or other factors, such as age, sex, weight or degree of illness and so forth. The daily dosage for humans may preferably be in the range fromi to 2000, preferably 1 to 1500, more preferably 1 to 1000 milligrams of active substance to be administered during one or several intakes per day.

Pharmacological Methods

I. In-vitro determination of affinity to CB1/CB2-Receptors

The in-vitro determination of the affinity of the substituted pyrazoline compounds to CBi/CB₂-Rezeptors is carried out as described in the publication of Ruth A. Ross, Heather C. Brockie et al., "Agonist-inverse agonist characterization at CBi and CB₂ cannabinoid receptors of L-759633, L759656 and AM630", British Journal of Pharmacology, 126, 665-672, (1999), whereby the transfected human CB₁ and CB₂ receptors of Receptor Biology, Inc. are used. The radioligand used for both receptors is [³H]-CP55940. The respective parts of the description is hereby incorporated by reference and forms part of the present disclosure.

II. In-vivo bioassay system for determination of cannabinoid activity

Mouse tetrad model

Substances with affinity for cannabinoid receptors are known to produce a wide range of pharmacological effects. It is also known that intravenous administration of a substance with affinity for cannabinoid receptors in mice produces analgesia , hypothermia, sedation and catalepsy. Individually, none of these effects can be considered as proof that a tested substance has affinity for cannabinoid-receptors, since all of these effects are common for various classes of centrally active agents. However, substances, which show all of these effects, i.e. substances that are active in this so-called tetrad model are considered to have affinity for the cannabinoid receptors. It has further been shown that cannabinoid receptor antagonists are highly effective in blocking the effects of a cannabinoid agonist in the mouse tetrad model.

The tetrad model is described, for example, in the publication of A. C. Howlett et al, International Union of Pharmacology XXVII. Classification of Cannabinoid Receptors, Pharmacol Rev 54, 161-202 , 2002 and David R. Compton et al., ,,ln-vivo Characterization of a Specific Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonist (SR141716A) inhibition of Tetrahydrocannbinol- induced Responses and Apparent Agonist

Activity", J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 277 , 2, 586-594, 1996. The corresponding parts of the description are hereby incorporated by reference.

Material and Methods

Male NMRI mice with a weight of 20-30 g (Harian, Barcelona, Spain) are used in all of the following experiments.

Before testing in the behavioural procedures given below, mice are acclimatised to the experimental setting. Pre-treatment control values are determined for analgesia hot plate latency (in seconds), rectal temperature, sedation and catalepsy. In order to determine the agonistic activity of the substance to be tested, the mice are injected intravenously with the substance to be tested or the vehicle alone. 15 minutes after injection, latency in hot plate analgesia is measured. Rectal temperature, sedation and catalepsy are measured 20 minutes after injection.

In order to determine the antagonistic activity the identical procedure is used as for the determination of the agonistic effects, but with the difference that the substance to be evaluated for its antagonistic activity is injected 5 minutes before the intravenous injection of 1.25 mg/kg Win-55,212 a known cannabinoid-receptor agonist.

Hot plate analgesia

The hot plate analgesia is determined according to the method described in Woolfe D. et al. ,,The evaluation of analgesic action of pethidine hydrochloride (Demerol)", J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 80, 300-307,1944. The respective description is hereby incorporated by reference and forms part of the present disclosure.

The mice are placed on a hot plate (Harvard Analgesimeter) at 55 ± 0.5 ⁰C until they show a painful sensation by licking their paws or jumping and the time for these sensations to occur is recorded. This reading is considered the basal value (B). The maximum time limit the mice are allowed to remain on the hot plate in absence of any painful response is 40 seconds in order to prevent skin damage. This period is called the cut-off time (PC).

Fifteen minutes after the administration of the substance to be tested, the mice are again placed on the hot plate and the afore described procedure is repeated. This period is called the post-treatment reading (PT).

The degree of analgesia is calculated from the formula :

% MPE of Analgesia = ( PT- B) / (PC-B) x 100

MPE = Maximum possible effect. Determination of sedation and ataxia

Sedation and ataxia is determined according to the method described in Desmet L. K. C. et al. ..Anticonvulsive properties of Cinarizine and Flunarizine in Rats and Mice", Arzneim. -Forsch. (Frug Res) 25, 9, 1975. The respective description is hereby incorporated by reference and forms part of the present disclosure.

The chosen scoring system is

0: no ataxia; 1 : doubtful;

2: obvious calmness and quiet; 3 pronounced ataxia;

prior to as well as after treatment.

The percentage of sedation is determined according to the formula:

% of sedation = arithmetic mean / 3 X 100

Hypothermia:

Hypothermia is determined according to the method described in David R. Compton et al. Jn-vivo Characterization of a Specific Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonist (SR141716A) Inhibition of Tetrahydrocannbinol- induced Responses and Apparent Agonist Activity", J. Pharmacol Exp Ther. 277 , 2, 586-594, 1996. The respective description is hereby incorporated by reference and forms part of the present disclosure.

The base-line rectal temperatures are determined with a thermometer (YeIIo Springs Instruments Co., Panlabs) and a thermistor probe inserted to 25mm before the administration of the substance to be tested. Rectal temperature is again measured 20 minutes after the administration of the substances to be tested. The temperature difference is calculated for each animal, whereby differences of ≥ -2 ⁰C are considered to represent activity.

Catalepsy:

Catalepsy is determined according to the method described in Alpermann H. G. et al. ..Pharmacological effects of Hoe 249: A new potential antidepressant", Drugs Dev. Res. 25, 267-282. 1992. The respective description is hereby incorporated by reference and forms part of the present disclosure.

The cataleptic effect of the substance to be tested is evaluated according to the duration of catalepsy, whereby the animals are placed head downwards with their kinlegs upon the top of the wooden block.

The chosen scoring system is:

Catalepsy for: more than 60 seconds = 6; 50 -60 seconds = 5, 40-50 seconds = 4, 30-40 seconds

= 3, 20-30 seconds = 2, 5-10 seconds = 1, and lessthan 5 seconds =0.

The percentage of catalepsy is determined according to the following formula:

% Catalepsy = arithmetic mean / 6 X 100

III. In vivo testing for antiobesic activity

a) Accute Treatment

Normally handled rats were habituated to a reversed cycle 12/12h, and the tested compound as well as saline was acutely orally administered. After administration the cumulated food intake (g) was measured at 6 h and 23 h. Following that the difference in body weight between control and compound treated animals was measured. This is a variation of the test according to Colombo et al. as described below. b) Long-term Treatment

The in-vivo testing for antiobesic activity of the inventive pyrazoline compounds is carried out as described in the publication of G. Colombo et al., ..Appetite Suppression and Weight Loss after the Cannabinoid Antagonist SR 141716"; Life Sciences, 63 (8), 113-117, (1998). The respective part of the description is hereby incorporated by reference and forms part of the present disclosure.

IV. Determination of free fatty acid in blood

The transgenic RIP/IGF-II mice overexpress Insulin ll-like Growth Factor in beta cells of the pancreatic islets. The production of IGF-II in beta cells of these transgenic mice causes a hyperplasia and disorganisation of the islets, an increase of number and cell mass of beta cells, hyperinsulinemia and resistance to insulin. As a consequence to these alterations these mice are slightly hyperglycaemic and show different results in tests such as glucose the tolerance and the insulin sensitivity test. Undergoing a high-lipid diet all of these animals develop obesity a sharp increase in hyperinsulinemia as well as in insulin resistance. Additionally, approximately 30% of transgenic mice fed with a high lipid diet develop diabetes with high levels of hyperglycaemia (Devedjian, JC et al. J. Clin. Invest. (2000) 105, 731-740). Therefore, these animals represent a realistic model for diabetes type Il and obesity.

Animals 50 three months old male RIP/IGF-II mice were used which were distributed into 2 groups of 25 animals each and housed in individual cages during the experiment (8 weeks). During the experimental period they were alimented with a high lipid diet (42% of the calories coming from fat; Teklad, TD88137)

Compounds

A solution of N-piperidinyl-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1 H- pyrazole-3-carboxamide was prepared for administration to give a quantity of 0.2 ml per 30 grams of weight. Administration

The experimental groups were as follows:

1 : N-piperidinyl-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1 H-pyrazole-3- carboxamide

2: Vehicle (control)

The dose was 0.2 ml for each 30 gram of weight. The administration of compounds was done daily using an esophageal tube.

Determination of insulin sensitivity

For the insulin sensitivity test mice were awake and alimented. A dosis of 0.75 U/Kg body weight insulin (Humulin regular, EIi Lilly) was injected intraperitoneally. The concentration of glucose was determined before the injection (time = 0) and at time points of 15, 30, 45 and 60 min. after insulin injection.

Determination of fatty acids in blood

Free fatty acids in blood were determined by means of the method of the AcylCoA synthetase (Krebs M, Stingl H, Nowotny P, Weghuber D, Bischof M, Waldhausl W, Roden M., Prevention of in vitro lipolysis by tetrahydrolipstatin Clin Chem. 2000 Jul;46(7):950-4).

Figure 1 shows the evolution of free fatty acids (FFA) after one and two months. (A) Vehicle; n=14; (B) N-piperidinyl-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5- dihydro-I H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide; n=8

The present invention is illustrated below with the aid of examples. These illustrations are given solely by way of example and do not limit the general spirit of the present invention.

Examples:

Example 1 :

N-piperidinyl-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H- pyrazole-3-carboxamide

a) 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-oxo-3-butenoic acid

In a three neck flask p-chlorobenzaldehyde (13,3 g, 95 mmoles) and ethyl pyruvate (1O g, 86 mmoles) were dissolved in 150 ml of absolute ethanol. The solution was ice-cooled to 0⁰C and an aqueous solution of NaOH (3.8 g in 45 ml_ water) was added dropwise keeping the temperature below or equal to 10⁰C, whereby a yellow- orange coloured precipitate was formed. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour at O⁰C and an additional 1.5 hours at room temperature (approximately 25 ⁰C). Afterwards the reaction mixture was cooled down to approximately 5°C and the insoluble sodium salt of 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-oxo-3-butenoic acid was isolated by filtration.

The filtrate was left in the refrigerator overnight, whereby more precipitate is formed, which was filtered off, combined with the first fraction of the salt and washed with diethyl ether. The sodium salt of 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-oxo-3-butenoic acid was then treated with a solution of 2N HCI, stirred for some minutes and solid 4-(4- chlorophenyl)-2-oxo-3-butenoic acid was separated via filtration and dried to give 12.7 g of the desired product (70% of theoretical yield).

IR (KBr, crrT ) : 3500-2500, 1719,3, 1686,5, 1603,4, 1587,8, 1081 ,9. ¹H NMR(CDCI₃, δ) : 7,4 (d, J=8,4Hz, 2H), 7,5 (d, J=16,1 Hz, 1 H), 7,6 (d, J=8,4Hz,

2H)₁ S₁ICd₁ J=Ie₁I Hz₁ I H). b) 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid

4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-oxo-3-butenoic acid obtained according to step a) (12.6 g, 60 mmoles), 2,4-dichlorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (12.8 g, 60 mmoles) and glacial acetic acid (200 ml_) were mixed under a nitrogen atmosphere and heated to reflux for 4 hours, cooled down to room temperature (approximately 25 ⁰C) and given into ice-water, whereby a sticky mass was obtained, which was extracted with methylene chloride. The combined methylene chloride fractions were washed with water, dried with sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to dryness to give a pale yellow solid (12.7 g, 57% of theoretical yield).

IR (KBr, cm ¹ ) : 3200-2200, 1668,4, 1458, 1251 ,4, 1104,8.

¹H NMR (CDCI₃, δ) : 3,3 (dd, 1 H), 3,7 (dd, 1 H), 5,9 (dd, 1 H), 7,09-7,25 (m, 7H).

(c) 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid chloride

Under nitrogen atmosphere 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro- pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid (2.5 g, 6.8 mmols) obtained according to step (b) was dissolved in 4 ml_ of in thionyl chloride and heated to reflux for 2.5 hours. The excess thionyl chloride is removed from the reaction mixture under reduced pressure and the resulting crude residue (2.6 g) is used without any further purification.

IR (KBr, cm ¹) : 1732,3, 1700, 1533,3, 1478,1 , 1212,9, 826,6.

d) N-piperidinyl-S^-chlorophenylJ-i^^-dichlorophenyl^.S-dihydropyrazole- 3-carboxamide [this compound may also be referred to as 5-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-1- (2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1 H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid piperidin-1-ylamide or as 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-N-(piperidin-1-yl)-1 H- pyrazole-3-carboxamide]

Under nitrogen atmosphere N-aminopiperidine (0.6 ml_, 5.6 mmoles) and triethylamine (4 ml_) were dissolved in methylene chloride (25 ml_). The resulting mixture was ice-cooled down to 0⁰C and a solution of 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4- dichlorophenylH.δ-dihydro-pyrazole-S-carboxylic acid chloride obtained in step (c) in methylene chloride (15 ml_) was added dropwise. The resulting reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature (approximately 25 ⁰C) overnight. Afterwards the reaction mixture was washed with water, followed by a saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate, then again with water, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to dryness in a rotavapor. The resulting crude solid was crystallised from ethanol. The crystallised solid was removed via filtration and the mother liquors were concentrated to yield a second fraction of crystallised product. The two fractions were combined to give a total amount of 1.7 g (57% of theoretical yield) of N-piperidinyl-5- (4-chlorophenyl)-1 -(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydropyrazole-3-carboxamide having a melting point of 183-186⁰C.

IR (KBr, cm-¹) : 3222,9, 2934,9, 1647,4, 1474,7, 1268,3, 815,6. ¹H NMR ( CDCI₃, δ) : 1 ,4 (m, 2H), 1 ,7 (m, 4H), 2,8 (m, 4H), 3,3 (dd, J=6,1 y 18,3Hz, 1 H), 3,7 (dd, J=12,5 and 18,3 Hz, 1 H), 5,7 (dd, J=6,1 and 12,5 Hz, 1 H), 7,0-7,2 (m, 6H), 7,4 (s, 1 H).

The compounds according to the following examples 2-6 have been prepared analogously to the process described in Example 1.

Example 2:

5-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-1-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-3- carboxylic acid-[1 ,2,4]triazol-4-yl amide

Melting point: 134-138⁰C.

IR (KBr, cm^'1): 3448, 1686, 1477, 1243, 1091 , 821. ¹H NMR(CDCI₃, δ): 3,1 (dd, J=6,2 and 17,9Hz, 1 H), 3,7 (dd, J=12,3 and 17,9Hz, 1 H), 5,9 (dd, J=6,2 and 12,3 Hz, 1 H), 7,2-7,5 (m, 7H), 8,7 (s, 2H), 12,0 (bs, 1 H).

Example 3:

S^-Chloro-phenylJ-i^^-dichloro-phenylH.S-dihydro-IH-pyrazole-S- carboxylic acid-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-amide hydrochloride

Melting point: 150-155⁰C.

IR (KBr, cnT¹) : 3433, 1685, 1477, 1296, 1246, 1088, 1014, 825. ¹H NMR (CDCI₃, δ): 2,7 (d, J=4,2Hz, 3H), 3,0-3,4 (m, 9H), 3,6 (dd, J=11 ,9 and 17,9 Hz, 1 H), 5,8 (dd, J=5,5 and 11 ,9 Hz, 1 H), 7,1 (d, J=8,4Hz, 2H), 7,25 (2d, J= 8,4 and 8,7 Hz, 3H), 7,4 (d, J=2,2Hz, 1 H), 7,5 (d, J=8,7Hz, 1 H), 9,8 (s, 1 H), 11 ,2 (bs).

Example 4:

5-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-1-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-3- carboxylic acid diethylamide

This compound was obtained in form of an oil.

IR (film, cm^'1) : 2974, 1621 , 1471 , 1274, 1092, 820.

¹H NMR (CDCI₃, δ): 1 ,2 (m, 6H), 3,3-3,9 (m, 6H), 5,6 (dd, J=5,8 and 11 ,7 Hz,

1H), 7-7,25 (m, 7H).

Example 5:

[5-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-1-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]- piperidin-1-yl-methanone

Melting point: 105-110⁰C.

IR (KBr, cm ¹) : 2934, 1622, 1470, 1446, 1266, 1010, 817.

¹H NMR ( CDCI₃, δ): 1 ,7 (m, 6H), 3,4 (dd, J=5,7 and 17,9Hz, 1 H), 3,7 (m, 3H),

3,9 (m, 2H), 5,6 (dd, J=6,1 y 11 ,9 Hz, 1 H), 7-7,25 (m, 7H). Example 6:

N-[5-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-1-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-3- carbonyl]-4-methyl-phenylsulfonamide

This compound was obtained in form of an amorph solid. IR (KBr, cm ¹) : 1697, 1481 , 1436, 1340, 1169, 1074, 853.

¹H NMR (CDCI₃, δ): 2,4 (s, 3H), 3,2 (dd, J=6,6 and 18,3Hz, 1 H), 3,6 (dd, J=12,8 and 18,3Hz, 1 H), 5,8 (dd, J=6,6 and 12,8Hz, 1 H), 7 (d, J=8,2Hz, 2H), 7,2 (s, 1 H), 7,3-7,4 (m, 6H), 8 (d, J=8,1 Hz, 2H), 9 (s, 1 H).

Example 7:

N-oxide of N-piperidinyl-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5- dihydropyrazole-3-carboxamide

Under nitrogen gas as an inert atmosphere N-piperidinyl-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4- dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydropyrazole-3-carboxamide (0,15 g, 332 mmoles) was dissolved in 7 ml of dichloromethane. The resulting solution was ice-cooled to 0 ⁰C and m-chloroperbenzoic acid (0,204 g, 0,83 mmoles) added in several portions. After stirring for 15 minutes a control via thin layer chromatography showed that no starting material was remaining. A saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate was then slowly added, the organic phase separated, washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtered solution was evaporated to dryness and the crude product was purified via column chromatography yielding 78 mg (50 % of theoretical yield) of the N-oxide of N-piperidinyl-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5- dihydropyrazole-3-carboxamide in form of a white solid having a melting point of 115- 120 ⁰C.

IR (KBr, cm^"1): 3202, 1678, 1654, 1474, 1309, 1107.

¹H-NMR (CDCI₃, δ): 1.6 (m, 2H), 1.8-2.0 (m, 4H), 2.55 (m, 2H), 3.3 (dd, J = 6.3 Hz and 18.2 Hz₁ 1 H), 3.7 (m, 3H), 5.8 (dd, J = 6.3 Hz and 12.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.0-7.3 (m, 7H), 8.5 (s, 1 H.) Pharmacological Data:

I. In-vitro determination of affinity to CB-ι/CB₂-Rezeptors

The affinity of the inventive substituted pyrazoline compounds to CB1/CB₂ receptors was determined as described above. Some of the values obtained are given in the following table I:

Table I:

As can be seen from the values given in table 1 the inventive pyrazoline compounds are particularly suitable for regulating the CBi-Receptor.

II. In-vivo bioassay system for determination of cannabinoid activity

The determination of cannabinoid activity in-vivo was determined as described above. Some of the values obtained are given in the following table II:

Table II:

i.v. intravenous A: Hot-Plate test B: Hypothermia C: Catalepsy D: Sedation

As can be seen from the values given in table Il the inventive pyrazoline compounds show an antagonistic effect.

Claims

Claims:

1. Use of at least one substituted pyrazoline compound of general formula I,

wherein

R¹ represents an optionally at least mono-substituted phenyl group;

R² represents an optionally at least mono-substituted phenyl group;

R³ represents a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or R³ represents an optionally at least mono- substituted aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety,

R⁴ and R⁵, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom; an unbranched or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted aliphatic radical; a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono- substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system; or an optionally at least mono-substituted aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system and/or bonded via a linear or branched alkylene group; an -Sθ₂-R⁶-moiety; or an - NR⁷R⁸-moiety, with the proviso that R⁴ and R⁵ do not identically represent hydrogen;

R⁶ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted aliphatic group; a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with a mono- or polycyclic ring-system; or an optionally at least mono-substituted aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with a mono- or polycyclic ring system and/or bonded via a linear or branched alkylene group;

R⁷ and R⁸, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom; an unbranched or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted aliphatic radical; a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono- substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system; or an optionally at least mono-substituted aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system and/or bonded via a linear or branched alkylene group;

optionally in form of one of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, a racemate or in form of a mixture of at least two of the stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers and/or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or a corresponding N-oxide thereof, or a corresponding salt thereof, or a corresponding solvate thereof, and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients,

2. Use according to claim 1 , characterized in that R¹ represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of a linear or branched Ci-₆-alkyl group, a linear or branched Ci_-6-alkoxy group, a halogen atom, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CN, OH, NO₂, -(C=O)-R', SH, SR', SOR', SO₂R', NH₂, NHR', NR¹R", -(C=O)-NH₂, -

(C=O)-NHR' and -(C=O)-NR¹R" whereby R' and R" for each substituent independently represent linear or branched C1-₆ alkyl, preferably R¹ represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, F, Cl, Br and CF₃, more preferably R¹ represents a phenyl group, which is mono-substituted with a chlorine atom in the 4-position.

3. Use according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that R² represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of a linear or branched C_halky! group, a linear or branched Ci.₆-alkoxy group, a halogen atom, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CN, OH, NO₂, -(C=O)-R', SH, SR', SOR', SO₂R', NH₂, NHR', NR¹R", -(C=O)-NH₂, -(C=O)-NHR' and -(C=O)-NR¹R", whereby R' and optionally R" for each substituent independently represent linear or branched Ci-₆ alkyl, preferably R² represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, F, Cl, Br and CF₃, more preferably R² represents a phenyl group, which is di-substituted with two chlorine atoms in its 2- and 4- position.

4. Use according to one or more of claims 1-3, characterized in that R³ represents a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing C_3-8 cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or R³ represents an optionally at least mono-substituted, 5- or 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety, preferably R³ represents a saturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally one or more nitrogen-atoms as ring member containing C₃.₈ cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system, or R³ represents an - NR⁴R⁵-moiety, more preferably R³ represents a pyrrolidinyl group, a piperidinyl group or a piperazinyl group, whereby each of these groups may be substituted with one or more Ci_-6-alkyl groups, or R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵- moiety.

5. Use according to one or more of claims 1-4, characterized in that R⁴ and R⁵, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom; an unbranched or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted Ci_-6-aliphatic radical; a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing C₃-₈- cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system; or an optionally at least mono-substituted, 5- or 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system and/or bonded via a methylene (-CH₂-) or ethylene (-CH₂-CH₂)- group; an -SO₂-R⁶-moiety; or an -NR⁷R⁸-moiety, preferably one of these residues R⁴ and R⁵ represents a hydrogen atom and the other one of these residues R⁴ and R⁵ represents a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing C₃-₈-cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system; or an optionally at least mono-substituted, 5- or 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system; an -SO₂-R⁶-moiety; or an -NR⁷R⁸-moiety, or R⁴ and R⁵, identical or different, each represent a Ci^ alkyl group, more preferably one of these residues R⁴ and R⁵ represents a hydrogen atom and the other one of these residues R⁴ and R⁵ represents an optionally at least mono-substituted pyrrolidinyl group; an optionally at least mono-substituted piperidinyl group; an optionally at least mono-substituted piperazinyl group; an optionally at least mono-substituted triazolyl group; an -SO₂-R⁶-moiety; or an - NR⁷R⁸-moiety, or R⁴ and R⁵, identical or different, represent a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, a sec- butyl group or a tert.-butyl group.

6. Use according to one or more of claims 1-5, characterized in that R⁶ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted d-β aliphatic group; a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing C₃-₈ cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with a mono- or polycyclic ring-system; or an optionally at least mono-substituted, 5- or 6- membered aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with a mono- or polycyclic ring system and/or bonded via a methylene (-CH₂-) or ethylene (- CH₂-CH₂)-group, preferably R⁶ represents a Ci_-6-alkyl group; a saturated, optionally at least mono-substituted cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with a mono- or polycyclic ring-system; or a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with one or more Ci_₆ alkyl groups.

7. Use according to one or more of claims 1-6, characterized in that R⁷ and R⁸, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom; an unbranched or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted C-i-e aliphatic radical; a saturated or unsaturated, optionally at least mono-substituted, optionally at least one heteroatom as ring member containing C₃-₈ cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system; or an optionally at least mono-substituted, 5- or 6 membered aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be condensed with an optionally at least mono-substituted mono- or polycyclic ring system and/or bonded via a methylene (-CH₂-) or ethylene (-CH₂-CH₂)- group, preferably R⁷ and R⁸, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom or a Ci -₆ alkyl radical.

8. Use according to one or more of claims 1-7, characterized in that in general formula I

R¹ represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, F, Cl, Br and CF₃,

R² represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl,

F, Cl₁ Br and CF₃,

R³ represents a pyrrolidinyl group, a piperidinyl group or a piperazinyl group, whereby each of these groups may be substituted with one or more Ci-β-alkyl groups, or R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety,

one of the residues R⁴ and R⁵ represents a hydrogen atom and the other one of these residues R⁴ and R⁵ represents an optionally at least mono-substituted pyrrolidinyl group; an optionally at least mono-substituted piperidinyl group; an optionally at least mono-substituted piperazinyl group; an optionally at least mono-substituted triazolyl group; an -SO₂-R⁶-moiety; or an -NR⁷R⁸-moiety, or R⁴ and R⁵, identical or different, represent a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, a sec-butyl group or a tert.-butyl group,

R⁶ represents a d-β-alkyl group; a saturated, optionally at least mono- substituted cycloaliphatic group, which may be condensed with a mono- or polycyclic ring-system; or a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with one or more Ci_-6 alkyl groups, and

R⁷ and R⁸, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom or a Ci_-6 alkyl radical.

9. Use according to one or more of claims 1-8, characterized in general formula I

R¹ represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of linear or branched Ci_-6-alkyl, linear or branched Ci-₆-alkoxy, F, Cl, Br, I, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CN, OH, NO₂, -(C=O)-R', SH, SR', SOR', SO₂R', NH₂, NHR', NR¹R", - (C=O)-NH₂, -(C=O)-NHR' and -(C=O)-NR¹R", whereby R' and R" at each occurrence independently represent a linear or branched C₁-₆ alkyl group,

R² represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of linear or branched Ci_-6-alkyl, linear or branched Ci_-6-alkoxy, F, Cl, Br, I, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CN, OH, NO₂, -(C=O)-R', SH, SR', SOR', SO₂R', NH₂, NHR', NR¹R", - (C=O)-NH₂, -(C=O)-NHR' and -(C=O)-NR¹R", whereby R' and R" at each occurrence independently represent a linear or branched Ci-₆ alkyl group,

R³ represents a saturated or unsaturated C_3-8 cycloaliphatic group, whereby said C_3-8 cycloaliphatic group is optionally substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of linear or branched Ci_-6 alkyl, linear or branched Ci_-6 alkoxy, OH, F, Cl, Br, I₁ CN, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃ and oxo (=0) and whereby said C_3-8 cycloaliphatic group may contain 1 , 2 or 3 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S as ring members, or R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety,

R⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched Ci_-6-alkyl group,

R⁵ represents a linear or branched Ci_-6 alkyl group; an -SO₂-R⁶-moiety; a saturated or unsaturated C_3-8 cycloaliphatic group, whereby said C_3-8 cycloaliphatic group is optionally substituted with 1 , 2, 3 or 4 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of linear or branched Ci_-6 alkyl group, a linear or branched Ci_-6 alkoxy group, OH, F, Cl, Br, I, CN CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃ and oxo (=0) and whereby said C_3-8 cycloaliphatic group may contain 1 , 2 or 3 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S as ring members, and

R⁶ represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of a linear or branched Ci-₆-alkyl group, a linear or branched Ci_-6-alkoxy group, F, Cl, Br, I, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CN, OH, NO₂, -(C=O)-R', SH, SR', SOR', SO₂R', NH₂, NHR', NR'R", -(C=O)-NH₂, -(C=O)-NHR' and -(C=O)-NR¹R", whereby R' and R" at each occurrence independently represent a linear or branched Ci_-6 alkyl group.

10. Use according to one or more of claims 1-9, characterized in general formula I

R¹ represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, F, Cl, Br and CF₃,

R² represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, F₁ Cl, Br and CF₃,

R³ represents a pyrrolidinyl group, a piperidinyl group or a piperazinyl group, whereby each of these groups may be substituted with one or more of Ci_-6- alkyl groups, or R³ represents an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety,

R⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C^-alkyl group,

R⁵ represents a linear or branched Ci_-6 alkyl group; an -SO₂-R⁶-moiety; a pyrrolidinyl group; a piperidinyl group; a piperazinyl group; a homo-piperazinyl group; a morpholinyl group; a triazolyl group; whereby each of the heterocyclic rings may be substituted with one or more, identical or different, Ci-e-alkyl groups, and R⁶ represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with one or more Ci-₆ alkyl groups, which may be identical or different.

11. Use according to one or more of claims 1-10, characterized in that in general formula I

R³ represents a pyrrolidinyl group, a piperidinyl group, a piperazinyl group, a homo-piperazinyl group, a morpholinyl group, or an -NR⁴R⁵-moiety,

R⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched Ci.₆-alkyl group,

R⁵ represents a linear or branched Ci_-6 alkyl group; an -SO₂-R⁶-moiety; a pyrrolidinyl group; a piperidinyl group; a piperazinyl group; a homo-piperazinyl group; a morpholinyl group; or a triazolyl group whereby each of the heterocyclic rings may be substituted with one or more, identical or different, d-β-alkyl groups, and

R⁶ represents a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted with one or more Ci-₆ alkyl groups, which may be identical or different.

12. Use according to one or more of claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that the pyrazoline compound is selected from the group consisting of

N-piperidinyl-5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-1 -(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1 H- pyrazol-3-carboxamide,

5-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-1-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1 H-pyrazole-3- carboxylic acid-[1 ,2,4]-triazole-4-yl-amide, 5-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-1-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4_l5-dihydro-1 H-pyrazole-3- carboxylic acid-(4-methyl-piperazin-1 -yl)-amide,

δ^-Chloro-phenyO-i^^-dichloro-phenylH.δ-dihydro-I H-pyrazole-S- carboxylic acid diethylamide,

[5-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-1-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1 H-pyrazole-3-yl]- piperidine-1-yl-methanone and

N-^^-Chloro-phenyO-i^^-dichlorophenyl^.δ-dihydro-I H-pyrazole-S- carbonyl]-4-methylphenylsulfonamide,

13. Use according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the pyrazoline compound is one of the following compounds:

14. Use according to one or more of claims 1-13, characterized in that the medicament is for once daily, twice daily, or three times daily administration, preferably once daily or twice daily administration, more preferably once daily administration.