The present invention describes tetracyclic compounds of formula (IA) or (IB),
wherein the symbols R, X, A, Y, R2, R3 and D are as defined in the specification, their use in the treatment of certain diseases, e.g. depending on MK-2 or TNF activity, and ways of manufacturing them.
Spirocyclopropane- and spiroazetidine-substituted tetracycles 13D-E and 16A are described as orally active MK2 inhibitors. The spiroazetidine derivatives are potent MK2 inhibitors with IC(50) <3 nM and inhibit the release of TNF alpha (IC(50)<0.3 mu M) from hPBMCs and hsp27 phosphorylation in anisomycin stimulated THP-1 cells. The spirocyclopropane analogues are less potent against MK2 (IC(50) = 0.05-0.23 mu M), less potent in cells (IC(50)<1.1 mu M), but show good oral absorption. Compound 13E (100 mg/kg po; bid) showed oral activity in rAIA and mCIA, with significant reduction of swelling and histological score. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.