Benzimidazolone derivatives for the treatment of premenstrual and other female sexual disorders

This application is filed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 371 and constitutes the national stage of International Application PCT/EP2006/067757 filed Oct. 25, 2006.

The invention relates to the use of benzimidazolone derivatives of formula (I) and their acid addition salts for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of premenstrual and other female sexual disorders.

The compounds of formula (I) and their acid addition salts are disclosed in WO 01/21593 A1 and have the following chemical structure:

wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4 denote hydrogen or hydroxy with the proviso that R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4 cannot simultaneously represent hydrogen.

Preferred compounds according to the present invention are those of general formula (I) wherein two or three of the four radicals R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4 denote hydrogen.

Also preferred are those compounds of general formula (I) wherein one of the radicals R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4 denotes hydroxy, whilst the other radicals represent hydrogen.

Above mentioned compounds show affinity for the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2-receptor. They may be of value in the treatment of those diseases where an altered functioning of neurosignal transmission is present. Examples of these CNS disorders include depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson, anxiety, sleep disturbances, sexual and mental disorders and age associated memory impairment (WO 01/21593 A1).

The generic term “Sexual disorders” includes Sexual Desire Disorders, Sexual Arousal Disorders, Orgasmic Disorders, Sexual Pain Disorders, Sexual Dysfunction due to a General Medical Condition, Substance-Induced Sexual Dysfunction, and Sexual Dysfunction not otherwise specified (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, Text Revision. Washington D.C., American Psychiatric Association, 2000).

The present invention relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I), optionally in form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of premenstrual disorders.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I) selected from the group consisting of

optionally in form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of premenstrual disorders.

In a further preferred embodiment the invention relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I), optionally in form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of premenstrual disorders selected from the group consisting of premenstrual dysphoria, premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I) selected from the group consisting of the compounds (I.a), (I.b), (I.c), (I.d), (I.e), (I.f), (I.g) and (I.h), optionally in form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of premenstrual disorders selected from the group consisting of premenstrual dysphoria, premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

In another preferred embodiment the invention relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I), optionally in form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of sexual arousal disorder in females.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I) selected from the group consisting of the compounds (I.a), (I.b), (I.c), (I.d), (I.e), (I.f), (I.g) and (I.h), optionally in form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of sexual arousal disorder in females.

In another preferred embodiment the invention relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I), optionally in form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of orgasmic disorder in females.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I) selected from the group consisting of the compounds (I.a), (I.b), (I.c), (I.d), (I.e), (I.f), (I.g) and (I.h), optionally in form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of orgasmic disorder in females.

In another preferred embodiment the invention relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I), optionally in form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of sexual pain disorders in females.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I) selected from the group consisting of the compounds (I.a), (I.b), (I.c), (I.d), (I.e), (I.f), (I.g) and (I.h), optionally in form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of sexual pain disorders in females.

In a particular preferred embodiment the invention relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I), optionally in form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment sexual pain disorders selected from the group consisting of dyspareunia, vaginismus, noncoital sexual pain disorder, sexual dysfunction due to a general medical condition and substance-induced sexual dysfunction.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I) selected from the group consisting of the compounds (I.a), (I.b), (I.c), (I.d), (I.e), (I.f), (I.g) and (I.h), optionally in form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment sexual pain disorders selected from the group consisting of dyspareunia, vaginismus, noncoital sexual pain disorder, sexual dysfunction due to a general medical condition and substance-induced sexual dysfunction.

The beneficial effects of the compounds of formula (I) and the compounds (I.a), (I.b), (I.c), (I.d), (I.e), (I.f), (I.g) and (I.h), optionally in form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof can be observed regardless of whether the disturbance existed lifelong or was acquired, is of the “generalized type” or “situational type” and independent of etiologic origin (organic—both, physically and drug induced—, psychogen (due to psychological factors), a combination of organic—both, physically and drug induced—, and psychogen (due to combined factors), or unknown). The term “lifelong” refers to such sexual disorders of the present invention, which have been present since the onset of sexual functioning. The term “acquired” refers to such sexual disorders of the present invention which developed only after a period of normal sexual functioning. The “generalized type” refers to such sexual disorders of the present invention wherein the disorder is not limited to certain types of stimulation, situations, or partners. The “situational type” applies to such sexual disorders of the present invention wherein the disorder is limited to certain types of stimulation, situations, or partners. The subtype due to “psychological factors” applies when psychological factors are judged to have the major role in the onset, severity, exacerbation, or maintenance of the sexual disorder, and general medical conditions and substance play no role in the etiology of the sexual disorder. Finally the subtype due to “combined factors” applies when 1) psychological factors are judged to have a role in the onset, severity, exacerbation, or maintenance of the sexual disorder, and 2) a general medical condition or substance use is also judged to be contributory but is not sufficient to account for a sexual disorder (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, Text Revision. Washington D.C., American Psychiatric Association, 2000).

The compounds of formula (I) and the compounds (I.a), (I.b), (I.c), (I.d), (I.e), (I.f), (I.g) and (I.h) can be used either as free base or in form of its pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts. The term, acceptable acid addition salts includes both organic and inorganic acids such as maleic, citric, tartaric, methanesulphonic, acetic, benzoic, succinic, gluconic, isethionic, glycinic, lactic, malic, mucoic, glutamic, sulphamic and ascorbic acid; inorganic acids include hydrochloric, hydrobromic, nitric, sulfuric, or phosphoric acid, and mixtures thereof.

The compounds of formula (I) and the compounds (I.a), (I.b), (I.c), (I.d), (I.e), (I.f), (I.g) and (I.h), optionally used in form of its pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts, may be incorporated into the conventional pharmaceutical preparation in solid, liquid or spray form. The composition may, for example, be presented in a form suitable for oral, rectal, parenteral administration or for nasal inhalation: preferred forms includes for example, capsules, tablets, coated tablets, ampoules, suppositories and nasal spray.

The active ingredient may be incorporated in excipients or carriers conventionally used in pharmaceutical compositions such as, for example, talk, arabic gum, lactose, gelatine, magnesium stearate, corn starch, aqueous or non-aqueous vehicles, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, semisynthetic glycerides of fatty acids, benzalkonium chloride, sodium phosphate, EDTA, or polysorbate 80. The compositions are advantageously formulated in dosage units, each dosage unit being adapted to supply a single dose of the active ingredient. The dosage range applicable per day is between 0.1 to 400 mg, preferably between 1.0 to 300 mg, more preferably between 2 to 200 mg. Each dosage unit may conveniently contain from 0.01 to 100 mg, preferably from 0.1 to 50 mg.

Suitable tablets may be obtained, for example, by mixing the active substance(s) with known excipients, for example inert diluents such as calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or lactose, disintegrants such as corn starch or alginic acid, binders such as starch or gelatine, lubricants such as magnesium stearate or talc and/or agents for delaying release, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate, or polyvinyl acetate. The tablets may also comprise several layers.

Coated tablets may be prepared accordingly by coating cores produced analogously to the tablets with substances normally used for tablet coatings, for example collidone or shellac, gum arabic, talc, titanium dioxide or sugar. To achieve delayed release or prevent incompatibilities the core may also consist of a number of layers. Similarly the tablet coating may consist of a number or layers to achieve delayed release, possibly using the excipients mentioned above for the tablets.

Solutions for injection are prepared in the usual way, e.g of. with the addition of preservatives such as p-hydroxybenzoates, or stabilisers such as alkali metal salts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, and transferred into injection vials or ampoules.

Capsules containing one or more active substances or combinations of active substances may for example be prepared by mixing the active substances with inert carriers such as lactose or sorbitol and packing them into gelatine capsules.

Suitable suppositories may be made for example by mixing with carriers provided for this purpose, such as neutral fats or polyethyleneglycol or the derivatives thereof.

The Examples which follow illustrate the present invention without restricting its scope:

The finely ground active substance, lactose and some of the corn starch are mixed together. The mixture is screened, then moistened with a solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone in water, kneaded, wet-granulated and dried. The granules, the remaining corn starch and the magnesium stearate are screened and mixed together. The mixture is compressed to produce tablets of suitable shape and size.

The finely ground active substance, some of the corn starch, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone are mixed together, the mixture is screened and worked with the remaining corn starch and water to form a granulate which is dried and screened. The sodium-carboxymethyl starch and the magnesium stearate are added and mixed in and the mixture is compressed to form tablets of a suitable size.

The active substance, corn starch, lactose and polyvinylpyrrolidone are thoroughly mixed and moistened with water. The moist mass is pushed through a screen with a 1 mm mesh size, dried at about 45° C. and the granules are then passed through the same screen. After the magnesium stearate has been mixed in, convex tablet cores with a diameter of 6 mm are compressed in a tablet-making machine. The tablet cores thus produced are coated in known manner with a covering consisting essentially of sugar and talc. The finished coated tablets are polished with wax.

The substance and corn starch are mixed and moistened with water. The moist mass is screened and dried. The dry granules are screened and mixed with magnesium stearate. The finished mixture is packed into size 1 hard gelatine capsules.

The active substance is dissolved in water at its own pH or optionally at pH 5.5 to 6.5 and sodium chloride is added to make it isotonic. The solution obtained is filtered free from pyrogens and the filtrate is transferred under aseptic conditions into ampoules which are then sterilised and sealed by fusion.

The hard fat is melted. At 40° C. the ground active substance is homogeneously dispersed. It is cooled to 38° C. and poured into slightly chilled suppository moulds.

In a particular preferred embodiment of the instant invention, the compounds of formula (I) are administered in form of specific film coated tablets. Examples of these preferred formulations are listed below. The film coated tablets listed below can be manufactured according to procedures known in the art (see hereto WO 03/097058).