AMP-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE-ACTIVATING COMPOUNDS AND USES THEREOF

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The field of this invention is compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods useful for the treatment of conditions associated with activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. The compounds, compositions and methods are useful to treat certain cancers, cardiac conditions, diabetic conditions, obesity, and other conditions for which activation of AMP-activated protein kinase is beneficial.Background of the Invention

[0002] Acadesine, which is also referred to as 5-amino-1-D-ribofuranosyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside, AICA riboside and AICAR, is a natural substance with CAS RN 2627-69-2 and with the following formula:

[0003] Acadesine 5'-monophosphate, which is also called AICAribotide or ZMP, has CAS RN 3031-94-5 and it is a natural occurring active metabolite of acadesine. ZMP is widely reported to directly activate AMP-activated protein kinase which has many beneficial effects. Clinical studies in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery demonstrate that treatment with acadesine before and during surgery can reduce early cardiac death and myocardial infarction (cf. e.g.: D. T. Mangano, Journal AmericanMedicalAssociation 1997, vol. 277, pp. 325-332). Phase III trials have been carried out with acadesine, indicating that it is safe when administered orally and intravenously. There are patents granted and / or patent applications published which relate to the use of acadesine for: preventing tissue damage due to decreased blood flow (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,092, U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,640); treating neurodegenerative conditions (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,162); preventing injury to the central nervous system (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,908); treating obesity (cf. WO 0193873 Al); treating type 2 diabetes (cf. WO 0197816Al) and treating conditions associated with insulin resistance (cf. WO 0209726 Al). There are patents granted and / or patent applications published which relate to the use of acadesine 5'-monophosphate as flavouring material (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 3,355,301), anticholesteremic / antihyperlipidemic agent (cf. WO 9303734 Al), antiobesity agent (cf. WO 0193874 Al) and antidiabetic agent (cf. WO 0197816 Al). There are also reports describing the use of acadesine, acadesine 5'-monophosphate or prodrugs thereof for treating leukemia and lymphoma. US2005 / 0233987, US Patent No. 7,560,435. Prodrugs of ZMP are also disclosed in Brett et al. (2008), "High-throughput synthesis of HepDirect podrugs of nucleoside monophosphates", Journal of Combinatorial Chemistry, Vol. 10, No. 4, pages 567-572, and in McGuigan et al. (2013), Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of phosphorodiamidate prodrugs of antiviral and anticancer nucleosides", European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Vol. 70, pages 326-340.

[0004] It is known that acadesine is an apoptosis inhibitor in some types of cells. Thus, for instance, it is known that acadesine inhibits glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in quiescent thymocytes, that acadesine inhibits apoptosis caused by serum deprivation in fibroblasts overproducing fructose 2,6-bis-phosphate, and that acadesine inhibits ceramide-induced apoptosis in primary astrocytes. Therefore, should acadesine have any effect on lymphocyte apoptosis, acadesine would be expected to be an inhibitor of it.

[0005] Throughout the literature on acadesine, the free nucleoside is generally administered, and relatively large dosages are required for efficacy. In most of these studies it is assumed that acadesine is rapidly taken up by cells and phosphorylated by adenosine kinase to the active species ZMP. A number of references also refer to the fact that acadesine is not passively transported and relies upon adenosine nucleoside transporters for cell permeation. If these assumptions about adenosine kinase and the nucleoside transporters are true, then the use of acadesine to produce the active species ZMP has two problems. The first problem is that adenosine kinase is not expressed in equal amounts in every cell type, and dosing of acadesine will produce vastly different amounts of ZMP in different tissues.

[0006] In addition to the problems acadesine has with the enzymatic transformation into the active species ZMP, acadesine has problems due to the hydrophilic structure of the molecule. AICAR has very low bioavailability when dosed orally, because most of the administered compound is excreted unaltered in urine. This makes the preferred method of dosing intravenous. IV administration of AICAR runs into other problems not taken into account in the animal and human trials to date. Adenosine, when dosed IV, has a half-life of around 12 seconds. This property is due to the need to closely control extracellular adenosine levels. Bolus doses of adenosine are taken up into erythrocytes and endothelial cells proximal to the location of IV administration very rapidly. It can be assumed that a majority of acadesine given IV is likewise taken up by red blood cells and endothelial cells and is rapidly phosphorylated in those cells to the active metabolite ZMP.

[0007] Acadesine, once inside a cell and phosphorylated to ZMP, is ion-trapped inside the cell. ZMP delivered into the bloodstream will thus accumulate inside red blood cells and endothelial cells until it causes toxicity, rather than reaching other cell types where it may be needed. Therefore, IV administration of large doses of the nucleoside acadesine will produce very small systemic exposure of the active species ZMP, along with toxic effects in RBCs and endothelial cells.

[0008] In order to achieve a desired therapeutic effect, however, it is typically preferable to deliver an active agent systemically, so it reaches other tissues where its effect is likely to be pharmaceutically beneficial rather than entering the first available cell. The present invention provides a compound that, without being bound by theory, is believed to act as prodrugs of ZMP, and is not rapidly internalized and trapped by the first cell they encounter as AICAR may be, but is instead available systemically. The compound according to the invention is not believed to be actively transported into cells, so it does not rapidly enter the first cells it approaches. Once the compound enters a cell, the prodrug moiety is cleaved, generating the active species ZMP, and ZMP is then held inside the cell by ion trapping. Accordingly, the compound according to the invention provides greater systemic bioavailability of the active metabolite ZMP than AICAR itself does, while also reducing adverse effects associated with quick entry into other cells, particularly red blood cells, that can be adversely affected by AICAR when it is administered intravenously. This compound is thus useful to treat conditions treatable with acadesine or ZMP, but require lower doses to be effective. As shown herein, the compound also exhibits anticancer activity. Other features and advantages of the prodrug of the invention, as well as methods of using them, will be appreciated in view of the following detailed descriptions.Disclosure of the Invention

[0009] The present invention relates to a compound, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound.

[0010] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a heterocyclic compound having the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0011] The compound according to the invention can be used to activate AMP-activated protein kinase in a cell, tissue or organism, particular for treating a condition for which activating AMP-activated protein kinase is beneficial. As prodrug of acadesine monophosphate, the compound exhibits enhanced intracellular efficacy and systemicity compared to AICAR or ZMP, and provide enhanced systemic delivery of ZMP. Thus the compound is useful to treat conditions in which AICAR and / or ZMP are effective. These conditions include ischemic injuries, thrombosis, B-cell related lymphoproliferative disorders, diabetes and insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and neurodegenerative conditions. In particular, AICAR or ZMP has been reported to be useful to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia, B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), type 2 diabetes, cardiac damage, and myocardial infarction, other B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders including splenic marginal zone lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, and Waldenström syndrome, and to protect against ischemic injury during cardiac surgery. The compound according to the invention is useful to treat these conditions as well as other conditions associated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase.

[0012] In one aspect, the invention provides the compound as described herein and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The compound is useful for treatment of the conditions mentioned above.

[0013] In some embodiments, the compound can be used in therapy, particularly to treat conditions mentioned above or to improve activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, in subjects in need of therapy for these conditions.

[0014] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound according to the invention as described herein admixed with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

[0015] Disclosed herein is a method for treating and / or preventing conditions in which AICAR and / or ZMP are effective, including ischemic injuries, thrombosis, B-cell related lymphoproliferative disorders, diabetes and insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and neurodegenerative conditions. In particular, the compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions are useful to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia, B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), type 2 diabetes, cardiac damage, and myocardial infarction, other B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders including splenic marginal zone lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, and Waldenström syndrome, and to protect against ischemic injury during cardiac surgery, as well as for treating other conditions associated with activation of AMP-activated protein kinase.

[0016] The compound according to the invention can be used for the manufacture of a medicament. In particular, the compounds are useful for manufacture of a medicament for treating conditions disclosed herein.

[0017] Also disclosed is a combination for treating and / or preventing a condition for which AICAR and / or ZMP have efficacy, including those mentioned above. The combination comprises the compound as described herein, and at least one additional therapeutic agent useful for treating the same subject to be treated with the compound.

[0018] Also disclosed is a method for treating and / or preventing a condition that responds to administration of AICAR and / or ZMP in a subject in need of such treatment, which methods comprises administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of the combination comprising the compound and a second therapeutic agent as described above.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for providing enhanced activation of AMP-activated protein kinase.Detailed Description

[0020] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in a patent, application, or other publication , the definition set forth in this section prevails.

[0021] As used herein, "a" or "an" means "at least one" or "one or more".

[0022] The term "alkyl" as used herein refers to saturated hydrocarbon groups in a straight, branched, or cyclic configuration or any combination thereof, and particularly contemplated alkyl groups include those having ten or less carbon atoms, especially 1-6 carbon atoms and lower alkyl groups having 1-4 carbon atoms. Exemplary alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, tertiary butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, cyclopropylmethyl, etc.

[0023] Alkyl groups can be unsubstituted, or they can be substituted to the extent that such substitution makes sense chemically. Typical substituents include, but are not limited to, halo, =O, =N-CN, =N-OR a< , =NR a< , -OR a< , -NR a< 2 , -SR a< , -SO 2 R a< , -SO 2 NR a< 2 , -NR a< SO 2 R a< , - NR a< CONR a< 2 , -NR a< COOR a< , -NR a< COR a< , -CN, -COOR a< , -CONR a< 2 , -OOCR a< , -COR a< , and - NO 2 , wherein each R a< is independently H, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 3 -C 7 heterocyclyl, C 1 -C 3 acyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 8 alkynyl, C 6 -C 10 aryl, or C 3 -C 10 heteroaryl, and each R a< is optionally substituted with halo, =O, =N-CN, =N-OR b< , =NR b< , OR b< , NR b< 2 , SR b< , SO 2 R b< , SO 2 NR b< 2 , NR b< SO 2 R b< , NR b< CONR b< 2 , NR b< COOR b< , NR b< COR b< , CN, COOR b< , CONR b< 2 , OOCR b< , COR b< , and NO 2 , wherein each R b< is independently H, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 3 -C 7 heterocyclyl, C 1 -C 5 acyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 8 alkynyl, C 6 -C 10 aryl, or C 3 -C 10 heteroaryl. Where a substituent group contains two R a< or R b< groups on the same or adjacent atoms (e.g., -NR b< 2 , or -NR b< -C(O)-R b< ), the two R a< or R b< groups can optionally be taken together with the atoms in the substituent group to which are attached to form a ring having 5-8 ring members, which can be substituted as allowed for the R a< or R b< itself, and can contain an additional heteroatom (N, O or S) as a ring member.

[0024] The term "alkenyl" as used herein refers to an alkyl as defined above having at least two carbon atoms and at least one carbon-carbon double bond. Thus, particularly contemplated alkenyl groups include straight, branched, or cyclic alkenyl groups having two to ten carbon atoms (e.g., ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, etc.) or 5-10 atoms for cyclic alkenyl groups. Alkenyl groups are optionally substituted by groups suitable for alkyl groups as set forth herein.

[0025] Similarly, the term "alkynyl" as used herein refers to an alkyl or alkenyl as defined above and having at least two (preferably three) carbon atoms and at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. Especially contemplated alkynyls include straight, branched, or cyclic alkynes having two to ten total carbon atoms (e.g., ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, cyclopropylethynyl, etc.). Alkynyl groups are optionally substituted by groups suitable for alkyl groups as set forth herein.

[0026] The term "cycloalkyl" as used herein refers to a cyclic alkane (i.e., in which a chain of carbon atoms of a hydrocarbon forms a ring), preferably including three to eight carbon atoms. Thus, exemplary cycloalkanes include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and cyclooctyl. Cycloalkyls can also include one or two double bonds, which form "cycloalkenyl" groups. Cycloalkyl groups are optionally substituted by groups suitable for alkyl groups as set forth herein.

[0027] The term "aryl" or "aromatic moiety" as used herein refers to an aromatic ring system. Thus, contemplated aryl groups include phenyl and naphthyl. Furthermore, contemplated aryl groups may be fused (i.e., covalently bound with 2 atoms on the first aromatic ring) with another 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or heterocyclic group, and are thus termed "fused aryl" or "fused aromatic".

[0028] Aromatic groups containing one or more heteroatoms (typically N, O or S) as ring members can be referred to as heteroaryl or heteroaromatic groups. Typical heteroaromatic groups include monocyclic 5-6 membered aromatic groups such as pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, thienyl, furanyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, and imidazolyl and the fused bicyclic moieties formed by fusing one of these monocyclic groups with a phenyl ring or with any of the heteroaromatic monocyclic groups to form an 8-10 membered bicyclic group such as indolyl, benzimidazolyl, inda-zolyl, benzotriazolyl, isoquinolyl, quinolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzofuranyl, pyrazolopyridyl, pyrazolopyrimidyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, and the like. Any monocyclic or fused ring bicyclic system which has the characteristics of aromaticity in terms of electron distribution throughout the ring system is included in this definition. It also includes bicyclic groups where at least the ring which is directly attached to the remainder of the molecule has the characteristics of aromaticity. Typically, the aromatic ring systems contain 5-12 ring member atoms.

[0029] As also used herein, the terms "heterocycle" and "heterocyclic" are used to refer to any compound or radical in which a plurality of atoms form a ring via a plurality of covalent bonds, wherein the ring includes at least one atom other than a carbon atom as a ring member. Particularly contemplated heterocyclic rings include 5- and 6-membered rings with nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen as the non-carbon ring atom or atoms, e.g., pyrrolidine, morpholine, piperidine, tetrahydrofuran, piperazine, and the like. Typically these rings contain 0-1 oxygen or sulfur atoms, at least one and typically 2-3 carbon atoms, and up to two nitrogen atoms as ring members. Further contemplated heterocycles may be fused (i.e., covalently bound with two atoms on the first heterocyclic ring) to one or two carbocyclic rings or heterocycles, and are thus termed "fused heterocycle" or "fused heterocyclic ring" or "fused heterocyclic moieties" as used herein. Where the fused ring is aromatic, these can be referred to herein as 'heteroaryl' or heteroaromatic groups.

[0030] Heterocyclic groups that are not aromatic can be substituted with groups suitable for alkyl group substituents, as set forth above, and also by C 1 -C 6 alkyl groups.

[0031] Aryl and heteroaryl groups can be substituted where permitted. Suitable substituents include, but are not limited to, halo, -OR a< , -NR a< 2 , -SR a< , -SO 2 R a< , -SO 2 NR a< 2 , - NR a< SO 2 R a< , -NR a< CONR a< 2 , -NR a< COOR a< , -NR a< COR a< , -CN, -COOR a< , -CONR a< 2 , -OOCR a< , - COR a< , and -NO 2 , wherein each R a< is independently H, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 3 -C 7 heterocyclyl, C 1 -C 5 acyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 8 alkynyl, C 6 -C 10 aryl, or C 3 -C 10 heteroaryl, and each R a< is optionally substituted with halo, =O, =N-CN, =N-OR b< , =NR b< , OR b< , NR b< 2 , SR b< , SO 2 R b< , SO 2 NR b< 2 , NR b< SO 2 R b< , NR b< CONR b< 2 , NR b< COOR b< , NR b< COR b< , CN, COOR b< , CONR b< 2 , OOCR b< , COR b< , and NO 2 , wherein each R b< is independently H, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 3 -C 7 heterocyclyl, C 1 -C 5 acyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 8 alkynyl, C 6 -C 10 aryl, or C 3 -C 10 heteroaryl. Where a substituent group contains two R a< or R b< groups on the same or adjacent atoms (e.g., - NR b< 2 , or -NR b< -C(O)-R b< ), the two R a< or R b< groups can optionally be taken together with the atoms in the substituent group to which are attached to form a ring having 5-8 ring members, which can be substituted as allowed for the R a< or R b< itself, and can contain an additional heteroatom (N, O or S) as a ring member.

[0032] The term "alkoxy" as used herein refers to a hydrocarbon group connected through an oxygen atom, e.g., -O-Hc, wherein the hydrocarbon portion Hc may have any number of carbon atoms, typically 1-10 carbon atoms, may further include a double or triple bond and may include one or two oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen atoms in the alkyl chains, and can be substituted with any of the groups disclosed herein as substituents for an alkyl group. For example, suitable alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethoxy, propyloxy, isopropoxy, methoxyethoxy, benzyloxy, allyloxy, and the like. Similarly, the term "alkylthio" refers to alkylsulfides of the general formula -S-Hc, wherein the hydrocarbon portion Hc is as described for alkoxy groups. For example, contemplated alkylthio groups include methylthio, ethylthio, isopropylthio, methoxyethylthio, benzylthio, allylthio, and the like.

[0033] The term 'amino' as used herein refers to the group -NH 2 .

[0034] The term 'acyl' as used herein refers to a group of the formula -C(=O)-D, where D represents an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocycle as described above. Typical examples are groups wherein D is a C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl or alkynyl, or phenyl, each of which is optionally substituted. In some embodiments, D can be H, Me, Et, isopropyl, propyl, butyl, C 1 -C 4 alkyl optionally substituted with -OH, -OMe, or NH 2 , phenyl, halophenyl, alkylphenyl, and the like.

[0035] The term "aryloxy" as used herein refers to an aryl group connecting to an oxygen atom, wherein the aryl group may be further substituted. For example, suitable aryloxy groups include phenyloxy, etc. Similarly, the term "arylthio" as used herein refers to an aryl group connecting to a sulfur atom, wherein the aryl group may be further substituted. For example, suitable arylthio groups include phenylthio, etc.

[0036] The hydrocarbon portion of each alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, and aryloxy, etc. can be substituted as appropriate for the relevant hydrocarbon moiety.

[0037] The term "halogen" as used herein refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. Where present as a substituent group, halogen or halo typically refers to F or Cl or Br, more typically F or Cl.

[0038] The term "haloalkyl" refers to an alkyl group as described above, wherein one or more hydrogen atoms on the alkyl group have been substituted with a halo group. Examples of such groups include, without limitation, fluoroalkyl groups, such as fluoroethyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoroethyl and the like.

[0039] The term "haloalkoxy" refers to the group -O-haloalkyl and include, by way of example, groups such as trifluoromethoxy, and the like.

[0040] The term "substituted" as used herein refers to a replacement of a hydrogen atom of the unsubstituted group with at least one suitable substituent as described herein. Moreover, the term "substituted" also includes multiple degrees of substitution, and where multiple substituents are disclosed or claimed, the substituted compound can be independently substituted by one or more of the disclosed or claimed substituent moieties.

[0041] In addition to the disclosure herein, in a certain embodiment, a group that is substituted has 1, 2, 3, or 4 substituents, 1, 2, or 3 substituents, 1 or 2 substituents, or 1 substituent.

[0042] It is understood that in all substituted groups defined above, compounds arrived at by defining substituents with further substituents to themselves (e.g., substituted aryl having a substituted aryl group as a substituent which is itself substituted with a substituted aryl group, which is further substituted by a substituted aryl group, etc.) are not intended for inclusion herein. In such cases, the maximum number of such substitutions is three. For example, serial substitutions of substituted aryl groups specifically contemplated herein are limited to substituted aryl-(substituted aryl)-substituted aryl.

[0043] Unless indicated otherwise, the nomenclature of substituents that are not explicitly defined herein are arrived at by naming the terminal portion of the functionality followed by the adjacent functionality toward the point of attachment. For example, the substituent "arylalkyloxycarbonyl" refers to the group (aryl)-(alkyl)-O-C(O)-.

[0044] As to any of the groups disclosed herein which contain one or more substituents, it is understood, of course, that such groups do not contain any substitution or substitution patterns which are sterically impractical or chemically unstable in an aqueous environment and / or synthetically non-feasible. In addition, the subject compounds include all stereochemical isomers arising from the substitution of these compounds, unless a specific isomer is disclosed. Where nucleoside analogs are disclosed, the structures represent the specific enantiomer depicted unless a mixture is indicated.

[0045] The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" means a salt which is acceptable for administration to a patient, such as a mammal, especially a human (salts with counterions having acceptable mammalian safety for a given dosage regime). Such salts can be derived from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic bases and from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic acids. "Pharmaceutically acceptable salt" refers to pharmaceutically acceptable salts of a compound, many of which are well known in the art. These salts are derived from a variety of organic and inorganic counter ions well known in the art and include, by way of example only, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, tetraalkylammonium, and the like; and when the molecule contains a basic functionality, salts of organic or inorganic acids, such as hydrochloride, hydrobromide, formate, tartrate, besylate, mesylate, acetate, maleate, oxalate, and the like.

[0046] The term "salt thereof" refers to a compound formed when a neutral organic compound is protonated or deprotonated to produce an ionic organic moiety that is associated with an oppositely-charged counterion. For example, this may refer to a salt formed when a proton of an acidic organic molecule is replaced by a cation, such as a metal cation or an organic cation. As another example, salts of the present compounds include those wherein the compound is protonated by an inorganic or organic acid to form a cation, with the conjugate base of the inorganic or organic acid as the anionic component of the salt. Where applicable, the salt is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, although this is not required for salts of compounds that are not intended for administration to a patient, such as precursors to the final drug compound or intermediates useful for synthesis of a compound of Formula (I).

[0047] The compounds and compositions described herein can be administered to a subject in need of treatment for any of the conditions disclosed above. The subject is typically a mammal diagnosed as being in need of treatment for one or more of such disorders, and preferably the subject is a human. The methods comprise administering an effective amount of at least one compound of Formula (I), optionally in the form of a pharmaceutical composition. Optionally, the compound may be administered in combination with one or more additional therapeutic agents, particularly therapeutic agents useful for treating the condition afflicting the particular subject.Exemplary Embodiments (not according to the invention).

[0048] 1. A compound of Formula (I): wherein: R' is selected from: (a) C 1 -C 6 alkyl substituted with one or more groups selected from list X; (b) Q; and (c) -L-Q; R 2< is selected from: (a) C 1 -C 6 alkyl substituted with one or more groups selected from List X; (b) Q; (c) -L-Q; and (d) H; Q is independently selected at each occurrence and represents a ring selected from phenyl and a 5-6 membered heteroaryl containing one to three heteroatoms selected from N, O and S as ring members, and each Q is optionally substituted with one to three groups selected from List M; L is C 1 -C 4 alkylene optionally substituted with one or two groups selected from halo, oxo (=O), -OH, C 1 -C 2 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 2 alkoxy, C 1 -C 2 haloalkoxy, CN, COOR 7< , -OC(=O)R 7< , and NR 8< R 9< ; R 3< is H or -C(=O)-R 6< ; R 4< is H or -C(=O)-R 6< ; R 6< is H or C 1 -C 6 alkyl that is optionally substituted with one to three groups selected from halo, CN, hydroxy, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl, -NR 8< R 9< , -OC(=O)-R 7< , and COOR 7< ; R 7< is independently selected at each occurrence from H and C 1 -C 6 alkyl optionally substituted with up to three groups selected from halo, CN, hydroxy, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, and C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl; R 8< and R 9< are each independently selected at each occurrence from H and C 1 -C 4 alkyl optionally substituted with one or two groups selected from List X; or R 8< and R 9< taken together with the Nitrogen to which both are attached form a 5-6 membered heterocyclic ring optionally containing an additional heteroatom selected from N, O and S as a ring member, and optionally substituted with one to four groups selected from halo, oxo, C 1 -C 2 alkyl, hydroxy, C 1 -C 2 alkoxy, CN, and COOR 7< ; R 10< is independently at each occurrence C 1 -C 6 alkyl optionally substituted with up to three groups selected from halo, CN, hydroxy, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, and C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl; List X consists of halo, CN, -OH, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkoxy, =O, -COOR 7< , -OC(=O)R 7< , -O-COOR 10< , -SO 2 R 10< , -SO 2 NR 8< R 9< , -O-Q, and -O-L-Q; List M consists of halo, CN, NO 2 , COOR 7< , CONR 8< R 9< , -SO 2 R 10< , -SO 2 NR 8< R 9< , C 1 -C 2 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 2 haloalkoxy, C 1 -C 2 alkoxy, and C 1 -C 2 alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Of special interest are compounds of Formula (I) wherein: R 1< is selected from: (a) C 1 -C 6 alkyl substituted with one or more groups selected from list X; (b) Q; and (c) -L-Q; R 2< is selected from: (a) H; (b) Q; and (c) -L-Q; and Q is independently selected at each occurrence and represents a ring selected from phenyl and a 5-6 membered heteroaryl containing one to three heteroatoms selected from N, O and S as ring members, and each Q is optionally substituted with one to three groups selected from List M; L is C 1 -C 4 alkylene optionally substituted with one or two groups selected from halo, oxo (=O), -OH, C 1 -C 2 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 2 alkoxy, C 1 -C 2 haloalkoxy, CN, COOR 7< , -OC(=O)R 7< , and NR 8< R 9< ; R 3< is H or -C(=O)-R 6< ; R 4< is H or -C(=O)-R 6< ; R 6< is H or C 1 -C 6 alkyl that is optionally substituted with one to three groups selected from halo, CN, hydroxy, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl, -NR 8< R 9< , -OC(=O)-R 7< , and COOR 7< ; R 7< is independently selected at each occurrence from H and C 1 -C 6 alkyl optionally substituted with up to three groups selected from halo, CN, hydroxy, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, and C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl; R 8< and R 9< are each independently selected at each occurrence from H and C 1 -C 4 alkyl optionally substituted with one or two groups selected from List X; or R 8< and R 9< taken together with the Nitrogen to which both are attached form a 5-6 membered heterocyclic ring optionally containing an additional heteroatom selected from N, O and S as a ring member, and optionally substituted with one to four groups selected from halo, oxo, C 1 -C 2 alkyl, hydroxy, C 1 -C 2 alkoxy, CN, and COOR 7< ; R 10< is independently at each occurrence C 1 -C 6 alkyl optionally substituted with up to three groups selected from halo, CN, hydroxy, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, and C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl; List X consists of halo, CN, -OH, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkoxy, =O, -COOR 7< , -OC(=O)R 7< , -O-COOR 10< , -SO 2 R 10< , -SO 2 NR 8< R 9< , -O-Q, and -O-L-Q; List M consists of halo, CN, NO 2 , COOR 7< , CONR 8< R 9< , -SO 2 R 10< , -SO 2 NR 8< R 9< , C 1 -C 2 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 2 haloalkoxy, C 1 -C 2 alkoxy, and C 1 -C 2 alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 2. The compound of 1, wherein R 1< is C 1 -C 4 alkyl substituted with one to three groups selected from list X; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 3. The compound of 1 or 2, wherein R 1< is -CH 2 -O-C(=O)-OR 10< , where R 10< is C 1 -C 4 alkyl optionally substituted with C 1 -C 2 alkoxy, COOR 7< , or CN; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 4. The compound of 1, wherein R 1< is phenyl, optionally substituted with one to three groups selected from List M; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some of these embodiments, R 1< is phenyl substituted with one or two groups selected from halo, CN, NO 2 , COOR 7< , CONR 8< R 9< , -SO 2 R 10< , -SO 2 NR 8< R 9< , and C 1 -C 2 haloalkyl. In particular examples, R 1< is selected from chlorophenyl and nitrophenyl. 5. The compound of any of the preceding 1-4, wherein R 2< is H; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 6. The compound of any one of 1-4, wherein R 2< is -C(=O)-O-R 10< , where R 10< is C 1 -C 4 alkyl optionally substituted with C 1 -C 2 alkoxy, COOR 7< , or CN; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 7. The compound of any one of the preceding 1-6, wherein R 3< is H; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 8. The compound of any one of the preceding 1-7, wherein R 4< is H; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 9. The compound of any one of 1-7, wherein R 3< and R 4< are different; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 10. The compound according to 1, wherein wherein R 1< is selected from a nitrophenyl group, a halophenyl group, and a group of the formula -CH 2 -OC(-O)-O-(C 1 -C 4 alkyl), and R 2< is selected from H, a nitrophenyl group, a halophenyl group, and a group of the formula -CH 2 -OC(-O)-O-(C 1 -C 4 alkyl); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In specific embodiments, R 1< is para-nitrophenyl or para-chlorophenyl, and R 2< is H, para-nitrophenyl or para-chlorophenyl. Optionally in these embodiments, R 3< and R 4< are both H. Compound SB00039, Compound 5, and Compound 7 are each preferred embodiments within the scope of Embodiment 10. 11. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to any one of 1-10 admixed with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier. 12. The pharmaceutical composition of 11, wherein the compound is admixed with at least two pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. 13. A method to treat a condition associated with activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, which method comprises administering a compound of any one of 1-9 to a subject in need thereof. 14. A method to treat a condition associated with activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, which comprises administering a pharmaceutical composition of 11 or 12. 15. The method of 13 or 14, wherein the condition is selected from cancer, diabetes, ischemic injury, obesity, hyperlipidemia, or a cardiac condition. 16. The method of 15, wherein the condition is selected from leukemia, lymphoma, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. 17. A method to activate AMP-activated protein kinase in a cell, which comprises contacting the cell with a compound according to any one of 1-9.

[0049] The present disclosure provides compound SB00039, compound 5 or compound 7, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and methods of treatment and pharmaceutical compositions using these compounds.Pharmaceutical compositions

[0050] The compound of the invention can be prepared and administered as pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound admixed with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises at least two pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient components. Suitable carriers include water, optionally buffered such as with a phosphate, carbonate, acetate, or similar buffering agent, and potentially also at least one solvating component such as a co-solvent or cyclodextrin. Suitable carriers are disclosed in the following formulations.

[0051] In some embodiments, the compound is provided in a form suitable for dissolution or suspension in an acceptable intravenous form, thus compound may be combined with one or more carrier or excipient components, and optionally then lyophilized or otherwise concentrated to a form that can readily be reconstituted with an aqueous carrier such as saline, phosphate-buffered saline, glucose, lactate or Ringer's lactate, typically at an isotonic concentration level, for intravenous administration, including infusion.Formulations

[0052] Any suitable formulation of the compounds described herein can be prepared. See generally, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, (2000) Hoover, J. E. editor, 20th edition, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., pages 780-857. A formulation is selected to be suitable for an appropriate route of administration. In cases where compounds are sufficiently basic or acidic to form stable nontoxic acid or base salts, administration of the compounds as salts may be appropriate. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are organic acid addition salts formed with acids that form a physiological acceptable anion, for example, tosylate, methanesulfonate, acetate, citrate, malonate, tartarate, succinate, benzoate, ascorbate, α-ketoglutarate, and α-glycerophosphate. Suitable inorganic salts may also be formed, including hydrochloride, sulfate, nitrate, bicarbonate, and carbonate salts. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are obtained using standard procedures well known in the art, for example, by a sufficiently basic compound such as an amine with a suitable acid, affording a physiologically acceptable anion. Alkali metal (e.g., sodium, potassium or lithium) or alkaline earth metal (e.g., calcium) salts of carboxylic acids also are made.

[0053] Where compound according to the invention is administered in a pharmacological composition, it is contemplated that the compound can be formulated in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and / or carrier. For example, contemplated compound can be administered orally as neutral compounds or as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, or intravenously in a physiological saline solution or similar suitable isotonic solution. Conventional buffers such as phosphates, bicarbonates or citrates can be used for this purpose. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art may modify the formulations within the teachings of the specification to provide numerous formulations for a particular route of administration. In particular, contemplated compound may be modified to render them more soluble in water or other vehicle, which for example, may be easily accomplished with minor modifications (salt formulation, esterification, etc.) that are well within the ordinary skill in the art. It is also well within the ordinary skill of the art to modify the route of administration and dosage regimen of a particular compound in order to manage the pharmacokinetics of the present compounds for maximum beneficial effect in a patient.

[0054] The compound as described herein is generally soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, acetonitrile, glycerol, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimetheylaceatmide, dimethylsulfoxide, etc. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides formulations prepared by mixing the compound according to the invention with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one aspect, the formulation may be prepared using a method comprising: a) dissolving a described compound in a water-soluble organic solvent, a non-ionic solvent, a water-soluble lipid, a cyclodextrin, a vitamin such as tocopherol, a fatty acid, a fatty acid ester, a phospholipid, or a combination thereof, to provide a solution; and b) adding saline or a buffer containing 1-10% carbohydrate solution. In one example, the carbohydrate comprises dextrose. The pharmaceutical compositions obtained using the present methods are stable and useful for animal and clinical applications.

[0055] Illustrative examples of water soluble organic solvents for use in the present compositions and methods include and are not limited to polyethylene glycol (PEG), alcohols, acetonitrile, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, or a combination thereof. Examples of alcohols include but are not limited to methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, glycerol, or propylene glycol.

[0056] Illustrative examples of water soluble non-ionic surfactants for use in the present methods and compositions include and are not limited to CREMOPHOR ®< EL, polyethylene glycol modified CREMOPHOR ®< (polyoxyethyleneglyceroltriricinoleat 35), hydrogenated CREMOPHOR ®< RH40, hydrogenated CREMOPHOR ®< RH60, PEG-succinate, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, SOLUTOL ®< HS (polyethylene glycol 660 12-hydroxystearate), sorbitan monooleate, poloxamer, LABRAFIL ®< (ethoxylated persic oil), LABRASOL ®< (capryl-caproyl macrogol-8-glyceride), GELUCIRE ®< (glycerol ester), SOFTIGEN ®< (PEG 6 caprylic glyceride), glycerin, glycol-polysorbate, or a combination thereof.

[0057] Illustrative examples of water soluble lipids for use in the present methods and compositions include but are not limited to vegetable oils, triglycerides, plant oils, or a combination thereof. Examples of lipid oils include but are not limited to castor oil, polyoxyl castor oil, corn oil, olive oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, peppermint oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, a triglyceride of coconut oil, palm seed oil, and hydrogenated forms thereof, or a combination thereof.

[0058] Illustrative examples of fatty acids and fatty acid esters for use in the present methods and compositions include but are not limited to oleic acid, monoglycerides, diglycerides, a mono- or di-fatty acid ester of PEG, or a combination thereof. Illustrative examples of cyclodextrins for use in the present methods include but are not limited to alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, or sulfobutyl ether-beta-cyclodextrin.

[0059] Illustrative examples of phospholipids for use in the present methods and compositions include but are not limited to soy phosphatidylcholine, or distearoyl phosphatidylglycerol, and hydrogenated forms thereof, or a combination thereof.

[0060] In addition to carriers useful in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention, compounds may be admixed with excipients beneficial to solubilize, stabilize, or otherwise modify the compound according to the invention to provide a suitable formulated composition for storage or administration. Excipients include colorants, flavoring agents, stabilizers, disintegrants, glidants, lubricants, preservatives and the like.

[0061] The compound according to the invention is formulated as solutions, emulsions, dispersions, or suspensions that are suitable for injection or infusion, or formulated so it can readily be diluted for intravenous administration or infusion.

[0062] One of ordinary skill in the art may modify the formulations within the teachings of the specification to provide numerous formulations for a particular route of administration. In particular, the compound may be modified to render them more soluble in water or other carriers, often using solvating agents disclosed above, particularly ones that are known in the art to be pharmaceutically acceptable and suited for administration via injection or infusion. It is also well within the ordinary skill of the art to select or modify the route of administration and dosage regimen of a particular compound in order to manage the pharmacokinetics of the present compounds for maximum beneficial effect in a patient.Drug combinations

[0063] The methods of using compound according to the invention comprise administering an effective amount of the compound; optionally the compound may be administered in combination with one or more additional therapeutic agents, particularly at least one therapeutic agent that is useful for treatment of the same condition for which the compound according to the invention is indicated, or treatment of symptoms or complications of this condition, or reduction of side effects associated with treatment of this condition.

[0064] The additional therapeutic agent(s) may be administered in a separate pharmaceutical composition from the compound according to the invention, or may be included with the compound of the present disclosure in a single pharmaceutical composition. The additional therapeutic agent may be administered simultaneously with, prior to, or after administration of the compound according to the present invention.Methods of using the compound according to the invention and pharmaceutical compositions thereof

[0065] The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and / or prevention of conditions described herein, and methods of using these compound and compositions containing a compound according to the invention as described herein. The methods typically comprise administering the compound or composition to a subject, typically a human. In some embodiments, the method is for treatment and the subject is one already having been diagnosed as in need of such treatment for a condition selected from those described herein. Preferably, the compound or composition is administered in an amount effective to treat the subject's condition. Selection of a suitable compound , and suitable formulation thereof, and suitable routes of admistration and dosage therefor are within the ordinary level of skill in the art in view of the disclosures provided herein and conventional testing, treatment and monitoring practices. For solubility reasons, the compound according to the invention is frequently formulated and administered as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

[0066] To practice the method of the present disclosure, compound according to the invention and pharmaceutical compositions thereof may be administered orally, parenterally, by inhalation, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally, via an implanted reservoir, or other drug administration methods. Typically, compound according to the invention is administered by parenteral routes. The term "parenteral" as used herein includes subcutaneous, intracutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarticular, intraarterial, intrasynovial, intrasternal, intrathecal, intralesional and intracranial injection or infusion techniques. A preferred route of administration for the compound according to the invention is intravenous injection or intravenous infusion, commonly in a solution or suspension comprising a typical IV fluid such as isotonic saline or isotonic glucose solution or Ringer's lactate.

[0067] Suitable carriers and other pharmaceutical composition components are typically sterile. A sterile injectable composition, such as a sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspension, may be formulated according to techniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents as needed. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed include mannitol, dextrose, citrate buffer, water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution.

[0068] In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium (e.g., synthetic mono- or diglycerides). Fatty acids, such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives, are useful in the preparation of injectables, as are pharmaceutically acceptable oils, such as olive oil or castor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions. These oil solutions or suspensions can also contain a long-chain alcohol diluent or dispersant, or carboxymethyl cellulose or similar dispersing agents. Various emulsifying agents or bioavailability enhancers which are commonly used in the manufacture of pharmaceutically acceptable solid, liquid, or other dosage forms can also be used for the purpose of formulation.

[0069] A composition for oral administration may be any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, tablets, capsules, emulsions and aqueous suspensions, dispersions and solutions. In the case of tablets for oral use, commonly used carriers include lactose and corn starch. Lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate, can also be added. For oral administration in a capsule form, useful diluents include lactose and dried corn starch. When aqueous suspensions or emulsions are administered orally, the active ingredient can be suspended or dissolved in an oily phase combined with emulsifying or suspending agents. If needed, certain sweetening, flavoring, or coloring agents can be added. A nasal aerosol or inhalation compositions can be prepared according to techniques well-known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation and can be prepared as solutions in, for example saline, employing suitable preservatives (for example, benzyl alcohol), absorption promoters to enhance bioavailability, and / or other solubilizing or dispersing agents known in the art.

[0070] The compound and composition of the invention are useful to treat conditions mediated by AMP. Indications for treatment with the compounds include cancer, diabetes, ischemic injury, obesity, hyperlipidemia, or a cardiac condition. In particular embodiments, the indication is selected from leukemia, lymphoma, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

[0071] Subjects for treatment with the compounds of the invention are mammals, in particular humans, having or at risk of having a condition wherein ZMP provides therapeutic effects. In some aspects, the subject is one diagnosed with cancer, and particularly with a cancer that is sensitive to the compound according to the invention. In other aspects, the subject is one having cancer, diabetes, ischemic injury, obesity, hyperlipidemia, or a cardiac condition. In particular aspects, the subject is one diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, type 2 diabetes, or obesity.Synthesis of Compounds of Formula (I)

[0072] Any embodiment which does not fall under the claimed scope is provided as reference example.

[0073] Compound 1: The starting nucleoside was (0.166 g, 0.643 mmol) was suspended in trimethylphosphate (3 ml). With stirring under nitrogen, neat phosphorous oxychloride (0.359 ml, 3.86 mmol) was added. The reaction was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. Methanol (0.500 ml, 12 mmol) was then added and the reaction was stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature. Triethylamine (2 ml, 15 mmol), was carefully added to quench. The reaction was diluted with acetonitrile 40 ml and loaded onto a silica gel column. The desired product was eluted using a gradient of 0 to 30 % methanol in acetonitrile. (0.075 g, 32%) ([M+1], 367)

[0074] Compound 2: The starting nucleoside (0.155 g, 0.6 mmol) was suspended in trimethylphosphate (3 ml). With stirring under nitrogen, phosphorous oxychloride (0.335 ml, 3.6 mmol) was added neat. The reaction was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. 4-nitrophenol (2.085 g, 15 mmol) was then added and the reaction was stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature. Triethylamine (15 mmol, 2 ml) was carefully added to quench. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate (30 ml) and loaded onto a silica gel column. The desired product was eluted using a gradient of 0 to 10 % methanol in ethyl acetate. (0.174 g, 50%) ([M+1], 581)

[0075] Compound 3: The starting di-(nitrophenyl) phosphate nucleoside (0.100 g, 0.17 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (15 ml). With stirring under nitrogen, triethylamine (0.117 ml, 0.85 mmol) was added neat. The reaction was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature. Acetic acid (0.120 ml, 2 mmol) was added to quench. Solvents were removed by rotary evaporation. The residue was dissolved in DCM and loaded onto a silica gel column. The desired product was eluted using a gradient of 0 to 20 % methanol in ethyl acetate. (0.035g, 43%) ([M+1], 474)

[0076] Compound 4: The starting nitrophenylmethyl phosphate nucleoside (0.025g, 0.05 mmol) was dissolved in a 1:1 mixture of THF and water (5 ml). With stirring under nitrogen, triethylamine (0.034 ml, 0.25 mmol) was added neat. The reaction was heated to 55°C and stirred for 2 hours. Acetic acid (0.050 ml, 0.8 mmol) was added to quench. Solvents were removed by rotary evaporation. The desired product was purified by prep hplc (0.007g, 40%) ([M+1], 353)

[0077] Compound 5: The starting nucleoside (0.100 g, 0.39 mmol) was suspended in trimethylphosphate (3 ml). With stirring under nitrogen, proton sponge (0.332 g, 1.55 mmol) was added. The reaction was stirred for 10 minutes at room temperature and then 4-chlorophenylphosphorodichloridate (0.252 ml, 1.55 mmol) was added neat. The reaction was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature. Water (1 ml) was then added and the reaction was stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature. Triethylamine (10 mmol, 2 ml) was carefully added to quench. The reaction was diluted with acetonitrile (30 ml) and loaded onto a silica gel column. The desired product was eluted using a gradient of 0 to 30 % methanol in acetonitrile. (0.070 g, 40%) ([M+1], 449)

[0078] Compound 6: The starting nucleoside (0.204 g, 0.79 mmol) and the phosphate TEA salt (0.514 g, 1.58 mmol) were suspended in acetonitrile (10 ml). With stirring under nitrogen, 1-methylimidazole (0.314 ml, 3.95 mmol) was added. The reaction was stirred for 10 minutes at room temperature and then bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinic chloride (0.402 g, 1.58 mmol) was added. The reaction was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature then additional bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinic chloride (0.804 g, 3.16 mmol) was added. The reaction was stirred for 2 hours. When the reaction was complete by LC / MS, solvents were removed by rotary evaporation. The desired product was purified by preparatory HPLC. (0.075 g, 17%) ([M+1], 571)

[0079] Compound 7: The starting poc phosphate nucleoside (0.050g, 0.09 mmol) was dissolved in a 1:1 mixture of THF and water (4 ml). With stirring under nitrogen, triethylamine (0.027 ml, 0.2 mmol) was added neat. The reaction was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature. When the reaction was complete by LC / MS, acetic acid (0.100 ml, 1.7 mmol) was added to quench. Solvents were removed by rotary evaporation. The desired product was purified by prep hplc (0.013 g, 32%) ([M+1], 455)Biological activity of compounds of Formula (I)

[0080] Some exemplary assays and examples for assessing therapeutic efficacy, e.g., anticancer effects, of exemplary compounds of the invention are described herein or are well known in the art. HEK293 is a human kidney cell line, and efficacy on HEK293 is considered to be predictive of usefulness for therapeutic treatment. In the Figures below, the activity of the compounds on HEK293 cells according to the method described below is reported as the CC50, or 50% cytotoxic concentration (micromolar).

[0081] Figure 1. Activity of SB00039 on HEK293 cells.CC50 in HEK293 cells

[0082]

[0083] The first two structures in Figure 1 are the known compounds AICAR and ZMP. The third structure (SB00024) is an uncleavable analogue of ZMP (one not expected to readily cleave in vivo), and was inactive at 500 uM. The fourth structure (SB00039) is an exemplary prodrug of Formula I, and exhibits roughly 100 times the potency of AICAR. The final structure in Figure 1 (SB00038) is the byproduct of the unmasking of the prodrug. This was tested to show that the potency of SB00039 comes from the prodrug penetrating the cell and being unmasked to produce ZMP, and not from the byproduct.

[0084] The potency of SM00039 is surprising, because other prodrugs of ZMP did not exhibit improved potency. Figure 2 shows a number of other prodrugs of ZMP that did not enhance its potency in the HEK293 assay.

[0085] Figure 2. Prodrugs of ZMP that did not enhance efficacy on HEK293.

[0086] A few ZMP prodrugs have been reported in the literature, and they also do not show efficacy in the HEK293 assay. McGuigan, Eur. J. Med. Chem. 70, 326-40 (2013 ). Bookser, et. al, J. Combinatorial Chem. 10(4), 567-72 (2008 ).

[0087] The foregoing data demonstrates that compounds of the invention provide therapeutic activity superior to that of AICAR and ZMP, and superior to that of known prodrugs of ZMP.Material and Methods Cell culture and reagents

[0088] HEK293 cells were obtained from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) (Rockville Maryland). Cells were maintained in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 10 mM HEPES and 1 mM sodium pyruvate. Cells were grown at 37 °C in a humidified incubator with a gas phase of 5% CO 2 . Cells were grown for 24 hours in a Tripleflask (NUNC) to ~95% confluence and then resuspended for dispensing at 125,000 cells / mL of DMEM, 10% FBS, 10 mM Hepes and 1 mM sodium pyruvate.HEK293 Cytotoxicity Assay

[0089] HEK293 cells were seeded in 96 well microtiter plates at 10000 cells / well. After 24 hours of incubation an equal volume of fresh media containing test compounds at given concentrations was added. Plates were then incubated and cells were allowed to proliferate for 48 hours at 37 °C, 95% humidity, and 5% CO 2 . At 72 hours, plates were removed from the incubator and cooled for 15 minutes to room temperature. A solution of Promega CellTiterGlo (100 microliters) was added by Thermo Combi and the plates were allowed to sit for 10 minutes before reading on a Perkin-Elmer EnVision with US LUM settings for 0.1 sec per well. The 50 % cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) was defined as the compound concentration required to reduce the viable cells by 50%.

[0090] The detailed description set forth above is provided to aid those skilled in the art in practicing the present invention.

Claims

1. A compound of the formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

2. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according claim 1 admixed with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier.

3. A compound of claim 1 or a pharmaceutical composition of claim 2 for use to treat a condition associated with activation of AMP-activated protein kinase.

4. A compound of claim 1 or a pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, for use to treat a condition selected from cancer, diabetes, ischemic injury, obesity, hyperlipidemia, or a cardiac condition.

5. A compound of claim 1 or a pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, for use to treat a condition selected from leukemia, lymphoma, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

6. A compound of claim 1 for use to activate AMP-activated protein kinase in a cell.