Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
  • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
  • A61K31/395—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins
  • A61K31/495—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having six-membered rings with two or more nitrogen atoms as the only ring heteroatoms, e.g. piperazine or tetrazines
  • A61K31/505—Pyrimidines; Hydrogenated pyrimidines, e.g. trimethoprim
  • A61K31/517—Pyrimidines; Hydrogenated pyrimidines, e.g. trimethoprim ortho- or peri-condensed with carbocyclic ring systems, e.g. quinazoline, perimidine

Definitions

• the present invention relates to 4-aminoquinazoline derivatives of formula (I) for use as medicaments as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, particularly for use as inhibitors of MTH1 and for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer.
• Cancer is a leading cause of death in both economically developed countries as well as in developing countries (Mathers C et a!., The global burden of disease: 2004 update, World Health Organization, 2008; Jemal A et al., CA Cancer J Clin, 201 1 , 61 (2):69-90), and there is an ongoing and urgent need for novel therapeutic agents against cancer.
• MTH1 The enzyme human MutT homolog 1 (MTH1 ) is a 2-hydroxy-dATP diphosphatase (EC 3.6.1 .56) which sanitizes oxidized dNTP pools to prevent incorporation of damaged nucleotides during DNA replication and has been described as a target for cancer therapy (Huber KV et al., Nature, 2014, 508(7495):222-7; Gad H et al., Nature, 2014, 508(7495):215-
• MTH1 inhibitors including the compound SCH 51344, the (S)-enantiomer of crizotinib and related derivatives (Huber KV et al., Nature, 2014, 508(7495):222-7; WO 2014/033136) as well as the compounds TH287 and TH588 and related pyrimidine-2,4-diamine derivatives (Gad H et al., Nature, 2014, 508(7495):215-21 ; WO 2014/084778).
• the present invention provides novel and/or improved therapeutic agents for the medical intervention in cancer, particularly inhibitors of MTH1 , which should be effective in the treatment of a wide range of different cancers having different genetic defects.
• the 4-aminoquinazoline derivatives of formula (I) as described and defined in the following are potent inhibitors of MTH1 and can thus advantageously be used for the treatment or prevention of cancer. Accordingly, the present invention provides a compound of the following formula (I)
• R 1 is hydrogen or 6 alkyl.
• R 2 is -(Co-5 alkylene)-A or d. 5 alkyl, wherein one -CH 2 - unit comprised in said d. 5 alkyl is optionally replaced by -0-.
• A is carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl, wherein said carbocyclyl and said heterocyclyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R A .
• Each R A is independently selected from d-5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -(C c . 3 alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(C 1 5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(C 1 . 5 alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(Ci_5 alkylene)-0(d-s alkyl), -(C 0 .
• R 3 is -S- or -0-.
• R 4 is d-4 alkylene.
• Each R 51 is independently selected from hydrogen and d. 5 alkyl.
• R 6 is selected from C 1 .5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -(d. 5 alkylene)-OH, -(d. 5 alkylene)-0- (C1.5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-aryl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C 0 .
• Each R 61 is independently selected from C .5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-0(Ci. 5 alkyl), -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-0(C 1 . 5 alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(Ci. 5 alkylene)-0(d. 5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-SH, -(C 0 _ 3 alkylene)-S(d. 5 alkyl), -(C 0 .
• Each R 7 is independently selected from d -5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-OH, -(Co-3 alkylene)-0(C 1 . 5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(d. 5 aikyiene)-OH, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(d. 5 aIky!ene)-0(d-5 alkyl), -(C 0 _ 3 alkylene)-SH, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-S(Ci -5 alkyl), -(C 0 .
• n is 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4.
• the invention relates to the use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof in the preparation of a medicament, particularly for the treatment or prevention of a disease/disorder such as, e.g., cancer.
• MTH1 is regarded as the major clearance enzyme for oxidized nucleotides such as 2-OH-dATP and 8-oxo-dGTP (Nakabeppu, Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis, 2010, 703(1 ):51 -8).
• Oxidized nucleotides which are generated by attack of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on DNA or the nucleotide pool, can cause DNA damage and mutations.
• ROS reactive oxygen species
• Sources of ROS include mitochondrial respiration, chemicals or radiation.
• 8-oxo-guanine 8-oxo-G
• 8-oxo-G can lead to transversion mutations during replication.
• 8-oxo-G is able to pair with either cytosine or adenine with almost equal efficiency, thereby generating mutations if 8-oxo-G is inserted opposite A in a nascent DNA strand or vice versa.
• the lesion can be repaired by base excision repair (BER).
• BER involves induction of a temporary single strand break to remove the falsely inserted base and subsequent replacement.
• MTH1 prevents the integration of oxidized bases into DNA and thus prevents mutations and oxidative DNA damage induced by ROS. Transformation of cells by oncogenes such as mutant RAS which occurs in about 20% of all tumors can also lead to increased production of ROS (Rai, Oncogene, 201 1 , 30(12):1489-96).
• oxidative damage caused by ROS can force cancer cells into a state of quiescence or senescence (OIS), and eventually apoptosis.
• OIS quiescence or senescence
• RAS-transformed cells upregulate MTH1 which protects the cells from oxidative DNA damage.
• MTH1 MTH1
• MTH1 suppression causes proliferative defects in cancer cells expressing mutant RAS (Rai, Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis, 2010, 703(1 ):71 -81 ).
• MTH1 -/- knockout mice show a very mild phenotype (Tsuzuki, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2001 , 98(20): 1 1456- 61 )
• targeting MTH 1 with small molecules is considered to provide an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic approach for the treatment or prevention of cancer, including also cancer having an activating RAS mutation (i.e., RAS-dependent cancer).
• the compounds of formula (I) have surprisingly been found to be potent inhibitors of MTH1 , as also demonstrated in the appended examples, in which the inhibitory effect of exemplary compounds of formula (I) on MTH1 could be confirmed in an in vitro binding assay (differential scanning fluorimetry) and a luminescence-based enzymatic assay.
• MTH1 has recently been identified as a critical factor for cancer cell survival in vitro and in vivo in a wide range of different cancers (Huber KV et al., Nature, 2014, 508(7495):222-7; Gad H et al., Nature, 2014, 508(7495):215-21 ; Cancer Discovery, 2014, 4:631 , doi: 10.1 158/2159-8290.CD-RW2014-085).
• human MTH1 has also been linked to malignant transformation induced by mutant RAS, which has been shown to enable tumors to overcome the oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) barrier (Rai P et al., Oncogene, 201 1 , 30(12): 1489-96).
• OIS oncogene-induced senescence
• the compounds of formula (I) thus constitute highly effective therapeutic agents, particularly in the treatment or prevention of cancer.
• the present invention thus particularly relates to a compound of formula (I), as described and defined herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer.
• the invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition
• a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer.
• the present invention furthermore relates to the use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of cancer.
• the invention likewise provides a method of treating or preventing cancer, the method comprising administering a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, to a subject (e.g. , a human) in need thereof.
• a subject e.g. , a human
• the present invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, for use in inhibiting MTH1 or for use in treating or preventing cancer by inhibiting MTH1.
• the invention further refers to the use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof in the preparation of a medicament for inhibiting MTH1 or for treating or preventing cancer by inhibiting MTH1 .
• the invention provides a method of inhibiting MTH1 in a subject, the method comprising administering a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, to a subject (e.g., a human) in need thereof.
• the invention also provides a method of treating or preventing cancer by inhibiting MTH1 , the method comprising administering a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, to a subject (e.g., a human) in need thereof.
• the cancer to be treated or prevented in accordance with the present invention is preferably selected from gastrointestinal cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma), pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, genitourinary cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer (e.g., hormone-refractory prostate cancer), lung cancer (e.g., small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer), breast cancer (e.g.
• lymphoma e.g., Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, such as, e.g., follicular lymphoma or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
• ovarian cancer brain cancer, neuroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, kidney cancer, skin cancer, and head and/or neck cancer (e.g., head and neck squamous cell carcinoma).
• the cancer to be treated or prevented may also be a cancer having an activating RAS mutation (e.g., an activating KRAS mutation, such as, e.g., G12D, G12V, G12C, or Q61 H) and/or an activating EGFR mutation, including any one of the above-mentioned specific types of cancer further having an activating RAS mutation and/or an activating EGFR mutation.
• an activating RAS mutation e.g., an activating KRAS mutation, such as, e.g., G12D, G12V, G12C, or Q61 H
• MTH1 specifically assists RAS-induced tumors in preventing tumor- suppressive effects such as senescence whilst enabling maintenance and progression of the tumor. MTH1 inhibition is therefore considered to help impairing tumor growth by abrogating mitogenic signaling, epithelial-mesenchyma!
• MTH1 may be a promising target for adenocarcinomas expressing EGFR as the micro-RNA MiR-145 which suppresses both EGFR and MTH1 is downregulated in these tumors (Cho, RNA Biology, 201 1 , 8(1 ): 125-31 ) and as the reexpression of MiR-145 led to a downregulation of EGFR and MTH1 on both mRNA and protein level and impaired the growth of EGFR-positive cell lines.
• the invention thus also relates to the compound of formula (I), as described and defined herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, for use in the treatment or prevention of RAS-dependent and/or EGFR-dependent cancer, wherein the RAS-dependent and/or EGFR-dependent cancer may further be selected from any one of the specific types of cancer described in the preceding paragraph.
• Triple negative breast cancer cell lines are also known to be sensitive to oxidative DNA damage which can sensitize these cancers to chemotherapeutics such as PARP inhibitors. MTH1 inhibitors which are considered to induce oxidative DNA lesions can therefore advantageously be used to treat this type of cancer.
• the present invention particularly relates to a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, for use in the treatment or prevention of triple negative breast cancer (particularly breast cancer lacking expression of estrogen receptor-a, lacking expression of progesterone receptor, and lacking overexpression or amplification of the HER2/NEU oncogene).
• the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes which are mutated in certain types of breast cancer are known to be involved in the repair of oxidative DNA damage including 8-oxo-guanine-based lesions (Le Page, Cancer Res, 2000, 60( 9):5548-52), which makes breast cancer cells deficient in BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 particularly sensitive towards oxidative DNA damage (Alii, Cancer Res, 2009, 69(8):3589-96).
• the compounds of formula (I) are thus also highly advantageous for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer having a BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene mutation.
• the breast cancer to be treated or prevented may further be EGFR-dependent.
• MMR mismatch DNA repair pathway
• Particularly tumor types with elevated oxidative stress and cancers with dysregulated hypoxia signaling including, e.g., the VHL and/or HIF1 -alpha pathways are considered to be sensitive towards MTH1 inhibition and are thus preferred to be treated or prevented using a compound of formula (I) according to the invention.
• the cancer to be treated or prevented is a cancer (including, e.g., any one of the above-mentioned specific types of cancer) wherein MTH1 is involved in the development and/or progression of the cancer.
• the status e.g., the genetic constitution, expression and/or activity
• the MTH1 status of a cancer represents an appropriate indicator for the involvement of MTH1 in the development and/or progression of that cancer.
• the present invention thus also relates to stratifying cancer patients with respect to their MTH1 status.
• the present invention further relates to an in vitro method of determining the effectiveness of a compound of formula (I) in the treatment or prevention of cancer in a subject, the method comprising:
• a sample e.g., a cell or tissue sample, particularly a cancer cell sample or a cancer tissue sample
• a positive MTH1 status is indicative of an effective treatment or prevention of cancer in the subject.
• the MTH1 status may be, e.g., the level of MTH1 biological activity and/or the level of MTH1 expression.
• the level of MTH1 biological activity may be monitored by purifying MTH1 from the sample obtained from the subject and measuring the production of pyrophosphate (PPi) generated by MTH1 -mediated hydrolysis of 8-oxo-dGTP.
• PPi pyrophosphate
• purified MTH1 may be contacted with 8-oxo-dGTP and the production of PPi may be measured using, e.g., the PPiLight Inorganic Pyrophosphate Assay (Lonza Rockland Inc.).
• the level of MTH1 biological activity (e.g., the quantity of produced PPi) in the sample obtained from the subject may be compared to the level of MTH1 biological activity (e.g., the quantity of produced PPi) in a sample obtained from of a healthy control subject.
• the MTH1 status of the subject is positive if the level of MTH1 biological activity (e.g., the quantity of produced PPi) is higher in the sample from the subject as compared to the level of MTH1 biological activity in the sample of the healthy control subject.
• the level of MTH1 expression may be determined, e.g., by PGR, RT-PCT or Western blot.
• the MTH1 status of the subject is positive if the level of expression of MTH1 (e.g., the amount of MTH1 mRNA or of MTH1 protein) is higher in the sample from the subject as compared to the level of expression of MTH1 in a sample obtained from a healthy control
• Antibodies, probes and primers that can be used for determining/detecting a subject's MTH1 status are known in the art.
• an antibody for determining a subject's MTH1 status is, e.g., Novus Biologicals MTH1 Antibody (NB100-109).
• Primers for determining a subject's MTH1 status are described, e.g., in Kennedy (1998) FEBS Lett. 429(1):17-20, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
• the following exemplary primers can also be used for determining a subject's MTH1 status:
• the MTH1 status can also be determined, e.g., as described in WO 2014/033136.
• Antibodies, probes and primers that can be used for determining/detecting a subject's RAS status are known in the art and are also described, e.g., in WO 2014/033136.
• an antibody for detecting a subject's RAS status is, e.g., Cell Signaling Ras Antibody #3965.
• Primers for detecting a subject's RAS status are described, e.g. , in Keohavong (1996) Clin Cancer Res. 2(2):41 1 -8 or in Gerry (1999) Mol Biol. 292(2):251 -62, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
• the in vitro method described herein can be performed prior to the administration of a compound of formula (I) to a subject in order to evaluate whether the subject will particularly benefit from the treatment with this compound. Accordingly, the invention provides a method of treating or preventing cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the method comprises:
• step (ii) administering a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof to the subject If the result obtained in step (i) is indicative of an effective treatment or prevention of cancer.
• the gene that encodes MTH1 is also known as NUDT1 .
• NUDT1 The gene that encodes MTH1 is also known as NUDT1 .
• four isoforms of NUDT1/MTH1 p 8, p21 , p22 and p26
• the isoform pi 8 has been used in the experiments described herein. Mutations have been reported for MTH1 , however, their physiological or clinical relevance has not been elucidated.
• NUDT/MTH1 -status e.g., for detecting the level, such as the expression level, of NUDT/MTH1 or for determining whether the nucleotide sequence or amino acid sequence of NUDT/MTH1 contains a specific mutation
• Activating and inactivating aberrations include genetic aberrations such as gene mutation, gene copy number increase, aberration of gene expression, and aberration of mRNA expression.
• cytogenetic aberrations several detection methods are known in the art and are reviewed, e.g., in Speicher (2005) Nat Rev Genet 6(10):782-92.
• the present invention furthermore relates to the use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof as an MTH1 inhibitor in research, particularly as a research tool compound.
• the invention refers to the in vitro use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof as an MTH1 inhibitor and, in particular, to the in vitro use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof as a research tool compound acting as an MTH1 inhibitor.
• he compounds of formula (I) will be described in more detail in the following:
• R 1 is hydrogen or d. 5 alkyl.
• R 1 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. More preferably, R 1 is hydrogen.
• R is -(C 0 - 5 alkylene)-A or C -5 alkyl, wherein one -CH 2 - unit comprised in said C 1-5 alkyl is optionally replaced by -0-.
• R 2 is -(C 0 . 5 alkylene)-A. More preferably, R 2 is -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-A. Even more preferably, R 2 is -CH 2 CH 2 -A, -CH 2 -A, or A. Yet even more preferably, R 2 is -CH 2 CH 2 -A or -CH 2 -A. Most preferably, R 2 is -CH 2 CH 2 -A.
• A is carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl, wherein said carbocyclyl and said heterocyclyl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R A .
• A is aryl (e.g., phenyl), heteroaryl (e.g., furanyl), cycloalkyl (e.g., cyclohexyl) or heterocycloalkyl (e.g., tetrahydrofuranyl), wherein said aryl, said heteroaryl, said cycloalkyl and said heterocycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R A .
• A is aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl and said heteroaryl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R A .
• A is aryl which is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R A .
• A is phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R A .
• the aforementioned groups A are unsubstituted or are substituted with one or two groups R A .
• Each R A is independently selected from C 1-5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 - 5 alkynyl, -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 -3 alkylene)-0(C 1 . 5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(C 1 . 5 aikylene)-OH, -(C 0 -3 alkylene)-0(C 1 _ 5 alkylene)-0(C 1 . 5 alkyl), -(C 0-3 alkylene)-SH, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-S(C 1 . 5 alkyl), -(C c .
• each R A is independently selected from d.
• each R A is independently selected from C 1-5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -OH, -0(d. 5 alkyl), -0(C,. 5 alkylene)-OH, -0(d_ 5 alkylene)-0(d 5 alkyl), -SH, -S(d. 5 alkyl), -S(d. 5 alkylene)-SH, -S(d. 5 alkylene)-S(d. 5 alkyl), -NH 2 , -NH(d. 5 alkyl), -N(d-s alkyl)(d. 5 alkyl), halogen, d.
• each R A is independently selected from C,. 4 alkyl, -OH, -0(C ⁇ . 4 alkyl), -NH 2 , -NH(d. 4 alkyl), - (Ci_4 alkyl)(d. 4 alkyl), halogen, -CF 3 , and -CN, and two groups R A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH 2 )i-3-0-.
• each R A is independently selected from d. 4 alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(Ci_4 alkyl) (e.g., -OCH 3 ), halogen (e.g., -F, -CI, -Br, or -I), and -CF 3 . and two groups R A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH 2 ) 1 .3-0- (e.g., -0-CH 2 -0- or -0-CH 2 -CH 2 -0-).
• R 3 is -S- or -0-. Preferably, R 3 is -S-.
• R 4 is Ci_4 alkylene.
• R 4 is -CH 2 -, -CH 2 -CH 2 -, -CH(-CH 3 )-, or -CH(-CH 2 -CH 3 )-. More preferably, R 4 is -CH 2 -, -CH(-CH 3 )-, or -CH(-CH 2 -CH 3 )-. Even more preferably, R 4 is -CH 2 -.
• Each R 51 is independently selected from hydrogen and C1.5 alkyl. Preferably, each R 51 is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl and ethyl. More preferably, each R 51 is independently selected from hydrogen, and methyl.
• R 6 is selected from C 1-5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -(C 1-5 alkylene)-OH, -(C 1-5 alkylene)-0- (C 1 .5 alkyl), -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-aryl, -(C 0 .. 3 alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C 0 .
• R 6 is selected from C -5 alkyl, -(C 1-5 alkylene)- OH, -(C 1 .5 alkylene)-0-(Ci. 5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-aryl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, -(C 0 .
• R 6 is selected from C1.5 alkyl (e.g., ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyi, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyi, isopentyl, neopentyl, sec-pentyl, tert-pentyl, or pent-3-yl), -(d-5 alkylene)-0-(Ci-5 alkyl) (e.g., -(C 1-5 alkylene)-OCH 3 ), -(Co-3 alkylene)-phenyl (e.g., phenyl, -CH 2 -phenyl, or -CH 2 -CH 2 -phenyl), -(C 0 .
• C1.5 alkyl e.g., ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyi, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobut
• heteroaryl e.g., furanyl, -CH 2 -furanyl, pyrazolyl, -CH 2 -pyrazolyl, or 4-oxo-pyrido[1 ,2- a]pyrimidin-2-yl
• -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl e.g., piperidinyl or piperazinyl
• -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-cycloalkyl e.g., cyclohexyl
• Each R 61 is independently selected from d. 5 alkyl, C 2 .. 5 alkenyl, C 2 5 alkynyl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(C 1 . 5 alkyl), -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-0(C 1tician 5 alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-0(C 1 -5 alkylene)-0(C -5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-SH, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-S(d. 5 alkyl), -(C 0 .
• each R 61 is independently selected from d. 5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 -5 alkynyl, -OH. -0(d. 5 alkyl), -0(d. 5 alkylene)-OH, -0(d. 5 alkylene)-0(d.
• phenyl wherein said phenyl is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups independently selected from d- 4 alkyl, -OH, -0(d. 4 alkyl), -NH 2 , -NH(d- 4 alkyl), -N(Ci. 4 alkyl)(C 1 _ 4 alkyl), halogen, -CF 3 , and -CN, and further wherein two groups R 61 which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH 2 )i. 3 -0- or -0-(CH 2 )i multudge3-0-CH 2 -.
• each R 61 is independently selected from d_ 5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -OH, -0(d. 5 alkyl), -0(d. 5 alkylene)-OH, -0(C 1-6 alkylene)-0(C 1 . 5 alkyl), -SH, -S(C 1-5 alkyl), -S(C 1-5 alkylene)-SH, -S(d. 5 alkyIene)-S(d. 5 alkyl), -NH 2> -NH(d.
• each R 61 is independently selected from d-4 alkyl, -OH, -0(d-4 alkyl), -NH 2 , -NH(d_ 4 alkyl), -N(d. 4 alkyl)(d. 4 alkyl), halogen, -CF 3 , -CN, and -N0 2 , and two groups R 6 which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH 2 )i-3-0-.
• each R 51 is independently selected from C 1-4 alkyl (e.g. , methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(d_ 4 alkyl) (e.g.
• halogen e.g. , -F, -CI, -Br, or -I
• -CF 3 halogen
• two groups R 61 which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH 2 ) 1 3 -0- (e.g. , -0-CH z -0- or -0-CH 2 -CH 2 -0-).
• Each R 7 is independently selected from C 1-5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 _ 5 alkynyl, -(C 0 - 3 alkyiene)-OH, -(Co-3 alkylene)-0(d. 5 alkyl), -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-0(d. 5 alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-0(C 1-5 alkylene)-0(d.5 alkyl), -(C 0 _ 3 alkylene)-SH, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-S(Ci. 5 alkyl), -(C 0-3 alkylene)-S(d.
• each R 7 is independently selected from C1-5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -OH, -0(d. 5 alkyl), -0(d. 5 alkylene)-OH, -0(d.
• each R 7 is independently selected from C 1-5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -OH, -0(C 1-5 alkyl), -0(d_ 5 alkylene)-OH, -0(d-s alkylene)-0(C,.
• each R 7 is independently selected from d-4 alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(d-4 alkyl) (e.g., -OCH 3 or -OCH 2 CH 3 ), -NH 2 , -NH(d. 4 alkyl) (e.g., -NHCH 3 ), -N(d. 4 aSkyi)(C 1-4 alky!) (e.g., -N(CH 3 ) 2 ), halogen (e.g., -F, -CI, -Br, or -I), -CF 3 , and -CN.
• n is 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4.
• n is 0, 1 or 2. More preferably, n is 0 or 1 . Even more preferably, n is 0.
• n indicates the number of substituents R 7 that are bound to the phenyl moiety comprised in the quinazoline ring system of the compound of formula (I). If n is 0, then this phenyl moiety is not unsubstituted, i.e. is substituted with hydrogen instead of R 7 .
• Preferred examples of the compounds of formula (I) are the following compounds (1 ) to (3) well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and prodrugs of any of these compounds
• the compound of formula (I) is a compound of the following formula (la) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof:
• R ' is hydrogen or Ci_ 5 alkyl.
• R 1 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. More preferably, R 1 is hydrogen.
• R 21 is C 1-3 alkylene or a covalent bond.
• R 21 is -CH 2 CH 2 - or -CH 2 -. More preferably, R 21 is -CH 2 CH 2 -.
• A is aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl and said heteroaryl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R A .
• A is phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R A . It is furthermore preferred that the aforementioned groups A (particularly the aforementioned aryl, heteroaryl, or phenyl groups) are unsubstituted or are substituted with one or two groups R A .
• each R A is independently selected from C 1-5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -OH, alkyl), -0(C r5 alkylene)-OH, -0(C,. 5 alkylene)-0(d. 5 alkyl), -SH, -S(C 1-5 alkyl), -S(d. 5 alkylene)-SH, -S(d-s alkylene)-S(d- 5 alkyl), -NH 2 , -NH(d. 5 alkyl), -N(d. 5 alkyl)(d.
• each R A is independently selected from C 1-5 alkyl, C 2 .
• each R A is independently selected from d_ 4 alkyl, -OH, -0(d. 4 alkyl), -NH 2 , -NH(d_4 alkyl), -N(d_ 4 alkyl)(d.
• each R A is independently selected from d_ 4 alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(Ci.
• R 3 is -S- or -0-.
• R 3 is -S- In formula (la), R 4 is d. 4 alkylene.
• R 4 is -CH 2 -, -CH 2 -CH 2 -, -CH(-CH 3 )-, or -CH(-CH 2 -CH 3 )-. More preferably, R 4 is -CH 2 -, -CH(-CH 3 )-, or -CH(-CH 2 -CH 3 )-. Even more preferably, R 4 is -CH 2 -.
• each R 51 is independently selected from hydrogen and d. 5 alkyl.
• each R 51 is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl and ethyl. More preferably, each R 5 is independently selected from hydrogen and methyl.
• R 6 is selected from Cisco 5 alkyl, -(C 1 .5 alkylene)-OH, -(C 1-5 alkylene)-0-(Ci. 5 alkyl), -(Co-3 alkylene)-aryl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-cycloalkyl, and -CN, wherein the aryl comprised in said -(C 0 3 alkylene)-aryl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C 0 .
• R 6 is selected from d.
• alkyl e.g., ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, sec-pentyl, tert-pentyl, or pent-3-yl
• -(d.5 alkylene)-0-(Ci. 5 alkyl) e.g., -(C1.5 alkylene)-OCH 3 ), -(C 0 .
• each R 61 is independently selected from C 1-5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -OH, -0(d. 5 alkyl), -0(d. 5 alkylene)-OH, -0(d. 5 alkylene)-0(d. 5 alkyl), -SH, -S(d_ 5 alkyl), -S(d. 5 alkylene)-SH, -S(d. 5 alkylene)-S(d. 5 alkyl), -NH 2 , -NH(d. 5 alkyl), -N(d. 5 alkyl)(d.
• each R 61 is independently selected from Ci_ 5 alkyl, d-s alkenyl, -5 alkynyl, -OH, -0(d_ 5 alkyl), -0(d.
• each R 61 is independently selected from d_ 4 alkyl, -OH, -0(Ci.4 alkyl), -NH 2 , -NH(C 1-4 alkyl), -N(d. 4 alkyl)(d.
• each R 61 is independently selected from C -4 alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(d.
• alkyl e.g., -OCH 3 or -OCH2CH 3
• halogen e.g., -F, -CI, -Br, or -I
• -CF 3 halogen
• two groups R 6 which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH 2 )i. 3 -0- (e.g., -O-CH2-O- or -0-CH 2 -CH 2 -0-).
• each R 7 is independently selected from C 1-5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -OH, -0(C 5 alkyl), -0(d-s alkylene)-OH, -0(d. 5 alkylene)-0(d. 5 alkyl), -SH, -S(d. 5 alkyl), -S(C 1-5 alkylene)-SH, -S(C 1-5 alkylene)-S(d. 5 alkyl), -NH 2 , -NH(d_ 5 alkyl), -N(d. 5 alkyl)(d. 5 alkyl), halogen, d.
• each R 7 is independently selected from d. 5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -OH, -0(d. 5 alkyl), -0(d_ 5 alkylene)-OH, -0(d. 5 alkylene)-0(d. 5 alkyl), -SH, -S(d. 5 alkyl), -S(d.
• each R 7 is independently selected from C1.4 alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(d_ 4 alkyl) (e.g., -OCH 3 or -OCH 2 CH 3 ), -NH 2 , -NH(d_ 4 alkyl) (e.g., -NHCH 3 ), -N(C 1-4 alkyl)(C,. 4 alkyl) (e.g., -N(CH 3 ) 2 ), halogen (e.g., -F, -CI,
• C1.4 alkyl e.g., methyl or ethyl
• -OH, -0(d_ 4 alkyl) e.g., -OCH 3 or -OCH 2 CH 3
• -NH 2 e.g., -NH(d_ 4 alkyl) (e.g., -NHCH 3 ), -N(C 1-4 alkyl)(C,
• n is 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4.
• n is 0, 1 or 2. More preferably, n is 0 or 1 . Even more preferably, n is 0.
• the compound of formula (I) is a compound of the following formula (lb) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof:
• R 1 is hydrogen or d_ 5 alkyl.
• R 1 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. More preferably, R 1 is hydrogen.
• R 21 is C -3 alkylene or a covalent bond.
• R 21 is -CH 2 CH 2 - or -CH 2 -. More preferably, R 21 is -CH 2 CH 2 -.
• A is phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R A . It is preferred that said phenyl is unsubstituted or is substituted with one or two groups R A .
• each R A is independently selected from d. 5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 .
• each R A is independently selected from C 1-4 alkyl, -OH, -0(C -4 alkyl), -NH 2 , -NH(Ci.4 alkyl), -N(Ci -4 aikyl)(C 1-4 alkyl), halogen, -CF 3 , and -CN, and two groups R A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH 2 )i- 3 -0-.
• each R A is independently selected from C 1-4 alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(d. 4 alkyl) (e.g., -OCH 3 ), halogen (e.g., -F, -CI, -Br, or -I), and -CF 3 , and two groups R A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH 2 ) 1 . 3 -0- (e.g., -0-CH 2 -0- or -0-CH 2 -CH 2 -0-).
• R 3 is -S- or -0-.
• R 3 is -S-.
• R 4 is d_ 4 alkylene.
• R 4 is -CH 2 -, -CH 2 -CH 2 -, -CH(-CH 3 )-, or -CH(-CH 2 -CH 3 )-. More preferably, R 4 is -CH 2 -, -CH(-CH 3 )-, or -CH(-CH 2 -CH 3 )-. Even more preferably, R 4 is -CH 2 -.
• each R 51 is independently selected from hydrogen and d -5 alkyl.
• each R 51 is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl and ethyl. More preferably, each R 51 is independently selected from hydrogen and methyl.
• R 6 is selected from Ci. 5 alkyl, -(d_ 5 alkylene)-OH, -(Ci_ 5 aikylene)-0-(C 1 _ 5 alkyl), -(CQ-3 alkylene)-aryl, -(C 0 . 3 aikylene)-heteroaryl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, -(C 0 .
• R 6 is selected from d -5 alkyl (e.g., ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, sec-pentyl, tert-pentyl, or pent-3-yl), -(d. 5 alkylene)-0-(d-s alkyl) (e.g., -(d. 5 alkylene)-OCH 3 ), -(C 0 .
• d -5 alkyl e.g., ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, sec-pentyl, tert-
• each R 61 is independently selected from d_ 5 alkyl, C 2 -5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -OH, -0(d- 5 alkyl), -0(d_ 5 alkylene)-OH, -0(C 1 5 alkylene)-0(C 1 . 5 alkyl), -SH, -S(d-s alkyl), -S(d. 5 alkylene)-SH, -S(d. 5 alkylene)-S(C,. 5 alkyl), -NH 2 , -NH(C ; . 5 alkyl), -N(d-s alkyl)(C 1 -5 alkyl), halogen, d.
• each R 61 is independently selected from d-s alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C ? 5 alkynyl, -OH, -0(Ci 5 alkyl), -0(d-s alkylene)-OH. -0(C 1 5 alkylene)-0(C v5 alkyl), -SH, -S(Ci.
• each R 6 is independently selected from d_ 4 alkyl, -OH, -0(d alkyl), -NH 2 , -NH(d. 4 alkyl), -N(Ci. 4 alkyl)(C 1-4 alkyl), halogen, -CF 3 , -CN, and -N0 2 , and two groups R 61 which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH 2 )i- 3 -0-.
• each R 61 is independently selected from C 1-4 alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(Ciking 4 alkyl) (e.g. , -OCH 3 or -OCH 2 CH 3 ), halogen (e.g. , -F, -CI, -Br, or -I), and -CF 3 , and two groups R 61 which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH 2 ) 1 . 3 -0- (e.g. , -0-CH 2 -0- or -0-CH 2 -CH 2 -0-).
• C 1-4 alkyl e.g., methyl or ethyl
• -OH e.g. , -OCH 3 or -OCH 2 CH 3
• halogen e.g. , -F, -CI, -Br, or -I
• each R 7 is independently selected from C 1 .5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 _ 5 alkynyl, -OH, -0(C 5 alkyl), -0(d. 5 alkylene)-OH, -0(d. 5 alkylene)-0(d. 5 alkyl), -SH, -S(C 5 alkyl), -S(d_5 alkylene)-SH, -S(d-s alkylene)-S(d. 5 alkyl), -NH 2 , -NH(C 1 5 alkyl), -N(C-, 5 alkyl)(C,.
• each R 7 is independently selected from C 1-5 alkyl, C 2 _ 5 alkenyl, C 2 _ 5 alkynyl, -OH, -0(d. 5 alkyl), -0(C 1 -5 alkylene)-OH, -0(d. 5 alkylene)-0(C 1 .
• each R 7 is independently selected from d.4 alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(d_ 4 alkyl) (e.g., -OCH 3 or -OCH 2 CH 3 ), -NH 2 , -NH(d_ 4 alkyl) (e.g., -NHCH 3 ), -N(d. 4 alkyl)(C 1-4 alkyl) (e.g., -N(CH 3 ) 2 ), halogen (e.g., -F, -CI, -Br, or -I), -C-F3, and -CN.
• d.4 alkyl e.g., methyl or ethyl
• -OH, -0(d_ 4 alkyl) e.g., -OCH 3 or -OCH 2 CH 3
• -NH 2 e.g., -NH(d_ 4 alkyl) (e.
• n is 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4.
• n is 0, 1 or 2 More preferably, n is 0 or 1 . Even more preferably, n is 0.
• the compounds of formula (I), including also the compounds of formula (la) and the compounds of formula (lb), can be prepared by methods known in the field of synthetic chemistry. For example, these compounds can be prepared in accordance with or in analogy to the synthetic routes described in the literature cited in this specification, including in particular Moreno E et al., Eur J Med Chem, 2012, 47(1 ):283-98. Examples of synthetic procedures for the preparation of compounds of formula (I) are given in Schemes 1 and 2 below.
• substituted anthranilic acid derivatives may be converted into the corresponding 2-mercapto-4(3H)-quinazolinones using thionyl chloride and ammonium thiocyanate (see, e.g., Smits RA et al., J Med Chem, 2008, 51 (24):7855-65).
• yields the thioether intermediate upon treatment with phosphorus oxychloride can be converted into the final product by reaction with an appropriately substituted amine.
• compounds of formula (I) may be prepared via substituted 2,4-dichloroquinazolines that can be made from the corresponding 2-aminobenzamide by reaction with diphenylcarbonate in the presence of potassium carbonate and heating in DMPU (see, e.g., WO 2009/001060) followed by treatment with phosphorus oxychloride. After reaction with an appropriately substituted amine, the desired final product is obtained by reaction with, e.g., the corresponding alkoxide (see, e.g., Tobe M et al. , Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2001 , 1 1 (4):545-8). Certain compounds of formula (I) are also commercially available, e.g., from ChemDiv (San Diego, CA, USA).
• hydrocarbon group refers to a group consisting of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms.
• alicyclic is used in connection with cyclic groups and denotes that the corresponding cyclic group is non-aromatic.
• alkyl refers to a monovalent saturated acyclic (i.e., non-cyclic) hydrocarbon group which may be linear or branched. Accordingly, an “alkyl” group does not comprise any carbon-to-carbon double bond or any carbon-to-carbon triple bond.
• a "C 1-5 alkyl” denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Preferred exemplary alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl (e.g., n-propyl or isopropyl), or butyl (e.g., n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, or tert-butyl).
• alkyl preferably refers to C 1-4 alkyl, more preferably to methyl or ethyl, and even more preferably to methyl.
• alkenyl refers to a monovalent unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbon group which may be linear or branched and comprises one or more (e.g., one or two) carbon- to-carbon double bonds while it does not comprise any carbon-to-carbon triple bond.
• C 2 -5 alkenyl denotes an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.
• Preferred exemplary alkenyl groups are ethenyl, propenyl (e.g., prop-1 -en-1 -yl, prop-1 -en-2-yl, or prop-2-en-1 -yl), butenyl, butadienyl (e.g., buta-1 ,3-dien-1 -yl or buta-1 ,3-dien-2-yl), pentenyl, or pentadienyl (e.g., isoprenyl).
• alkenyl preferably refers to C 24 alkenyl.
• alkynyl refers to a monovalent unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbon group which may be linear or branched and comprises one or more (e.g., one or two) carbon- to-carbon triple bonds and optionally one or more carbon-to-carbon double bonds.
• C 2 -5 alkynyl denotes an alkynyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.
• Preferred exemplary alkynyl groups are ethynyl, propynyl, or butynyl.
• alkynyl preferably refers to C 2 - 4 alkynyl.
• alkylene refers to an alkanediyl group, i.e. a divalent saturated acyclic hydrocarbon group which may be linear or branched.
• a "d -5 alkylene” denotes an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and the term “C 0 -3 alkylene” indicates that a covalent bond (corresponding to the option "C 0 alkylene”) or a Ci. 3 alkylene is present.
• Preferred exemplary alkylene groups are methylene (-CH 2 -), ethylene (e.g., -CH 2 -CH 2 - or -CH(-CH 3 )-), propylene (e.g., -CH 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 -, -CH(-CH 2 -CH 3 )-, -CH 2 -CH(-CH 3 )-, or -CH(-CH 3 )- CH 2 -), or butylene (e.g., -CH 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 -).
• alkylene preferably refers to Ci. 4 alkylene (including, in particular, linear C 1-4 alkylene), more preferably to methylene or ethylene, and even more preferably to methylene.
• carbocyclyl refers to a hydrocarbon ring group, including monocyclic rings as well as bridged ring, spiro ring and/or fused ring systems (which may be composed, e.g., of two or three rings), wherein said ring group may be saturated, partially unsaturated (i.e., unsaturated but not aromatic) or aromatic.
• “carbocyclyl” preferably refers to aryl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl.
• heterocyclyl refers to a ring group, including monocyclic rings as well as bridged ring, spiro ring and/or fused ring systems (which may be composed, e.g., of two or three rings), wherein said ring group comprises one or more (such as, e.g.
• one, two, three, or four) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, and the remaining ring atoms are carbon atoms, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) may optionally be oxidized, wherein one or more carbon ring atoms may optionally be oxidized (i.e., to form an oxo group), and further wherein said ring group may be saturated, partially unsaturated (i.e. , unsaturated but not aromatic) or aromatic.
• heterocyclyl preferably refers to heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl or heterocycloalkenyl.
• ary refers to an aromatic hydrocarbon ring group, including monocyclic aromatic rings as well as bridged ring and/or fused ring systems containing at least one aromatic ring (e.g. , ring systems composed of two or three fused rings, wherein at least one of these fused rings is aromatic; or bridged ring systems composed of two or three rings, wherein at least one of these bridged rings is aromatic).
• Aryl may, e.g., refer to phenyl, naphthyl, dialinyl (i.e., 1.2-dihydronaphthyl), tetralinyl (i.e., 1 ,2.3.4-tetrahydronaphthyl), anthracenyl, or phenanthrenyl.
• an "aryl” preferably has 6 to 14 ring atoms, more preferably 6 to 10 ring atoms, and most preferably refers to phenyl.
• heteroaryl refers to an aromatic ring group, including monocyclic aromatic rings as well as bridged ring and/or fused ring systems containing at least one aromatic ring (e.g., ring systems composed of two or three fused rings, wherein at least one of these fused rings is aromatic; or bridged ring systems composed of two or three rings, wherein at least one of these bridged rings is aromatic), wherein said aromatic ring group comprises one or more (such as, e.g., one, two, three, or four) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, and the remaining ring atoms are carbon atoms, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) may optionally be oxidized, and further wherein one or more carbon ring atoms may optionally be oxidized (i.e., to form an oxo group).
• aromatic ring group comprises one or more (such as, e.g., one, two,
• Heteroaryl may, e.g., refer to thienyl (i.e., thiophenyl), benzo[b]thienyl, naphtho[2,3- bjthlenyl, thianthrenyl, furyl (i.e., furanyl), benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, chromenyl, xanthenyl, phenoxathiinyl, pyrrolyl (e.g.
• pyrazolyl i.e., pyridinyl; e.g., 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, or 4-pyridyl
• pyrazinyl pyrimidinyl
• pyridazinyl indolizinyl
• isoindolyl indolyl (e.g.
• a “heteroaryl” preferably refers to a 5 to 14 membered (more preferably 5 to 10 membered) monocyclic ring or fused ring system comprising one or more (e.g., one, two, three or four) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) are optionally oxidized, and wherein one or more carbon ring atoms are optionally oxidized; even more preferably, a “heteroaryl” refers to a 5 or 6 membered monocyclic ring comprising one or more (e.g., one, two or three) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) are optionally oxidized, and wherein one or more carbon ring atoms are optionally oxidized;
• cycloalkyl refers to a saturated hydrocarbon ring group, including monocyclic rings as well as bridged ring, spiro ring and/or fused ring systems (which may be composed, e.g., of two or three rings; such as, e.g., a fused ring system composed of two or three fused rings).
• Cycloalkyl may, e.g., refer to cyclopropyl. cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl. cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, or adamantyl.
• cycloalkyl preferably refers to a C3.11 cycloalkyl, and more preferably refers to a C 3 . 7 cycloalkyl.
• a particularly preferred "cycloalkyl” is a monocyclic saturated hydrocarbon ring having 3 to 7 ring members.
• heterocycloalkyl refers to a saturated ring group, including monocyclic rings as well as bridged ring, spiro ring and/or fused ring systems (which may be composed, e.g., of two or three rings; such as, e.g., a fused ring system composed of two or three fused rings), wherein said ring group contains one or more (such as, e.g.
• one, two, three, or four) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, and the remaining ring atoms are carbon atoms, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) may optionally be oxidized, and further wherein one or more carbon ring atoms may optionally be oxidized (i.e., to form an oxo group).
• Heterocycloalkyl may, e.g., refer to oxetanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, aziridinyl, azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, morpholinyl (e.g., morpholin-4-yl), pyrazolidinyl, tetrahydrothienyl, octahydroquinolinyl, octahydroisoquinolinyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, azepanyl, diazepanyl, oxazepanyl or 2-oxa-5-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl.
• heterocycloalkyl preferably refers to a 3 to 1 1 membered saturated ring group, which is a monocyclic ring or a fused ring system (e.g., a fused ring system composed of two fused rings), wherein said ring group contains one or more (e.g., one, two, three, or four) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) are optionally oxidized, and wherein one or more carbon ring atoms are optionally oxidized; more preferably, "heterocycloalkyl” refers to a 5 to 7 membered saturated monocyclic ring group containing one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring
• cycloalkenyl refers to an unsaturated alicyclic (non-aromatic) hydrocarbon ring group, including monocyclic rings as well as bridged ring, spiro ring and/or fused ring systems (which may be composed, e.g., of two or three rings; such as, e.g., a fused ring system composed of two or three fused rings), wherein said hydrocarbon ring group comprises one or more (e.g. , one or two) carbon-to-carbon double bonds and does not comprise any carbon-to-carbon triple bond.
• Cycloalkenyl may, e.g., refer to cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclohexadienyl, cycloheptenyl, or cycloheptadienyl.
• cycloalkenyl preferably refers to a C 3 .n cycloalkenyl, and more preferably refers to a C 3 . 7 cycloalkenyl.
• a particularly preferred "cycloalkenyl” is a monocyclic unsaturated alicyclic hydrocarbon ring having 3 to 7 ring members and containing one or more (e.g. , one or two; preferably one) carbon-to-carbon double bonds.
• heterocycloalkenyl refers to an unsaturated alicyclic (non-aromatic) ring group, including monocyclic rings as well as bridged ring, spiro ring and/or fused ring systems (which may be composed, e.g., of two or three rings; such as, e.g., a fused ring system composed of two or three fused rings), wherein said ring group contains one or more (such as, e.g., one, two, three, or four) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, and the remaining ring atoms and carbon atoms, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) may optionally be oxidized, wherein one or more carbon ring atoms may optionally be oxidized (i.e., to form an oxo group), and further wherein said ring group comprises at least one double bond between
• Heterocycloalkenyl may, e.g., refer to 1 ,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinyl. Unless defined otherwise, "heterocycloalkenyl” preferably refers to a 3 to 1 1 membered unsaturated alicyclic ring group, which is a monocyclic ring or a fused ring system (e.g., a fused ring system composed of two fused rings), wherein said ring group contains one or more (e.g., one, two, three, or four) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) are optionally oxidized, wherein one or more carbon ring atoms are optionally oxidized, and wherein said ring group comprises at least one double bond between adjacent ring atoms and does not comprise any triple bond between adjacent ring atoms; more preferably, "hetero
• haloalkyl refers to an alkyl group substituted with one or more (preferably 1 to 6, more preferably 1 to 3) halogen atoms which are selected independently from fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo, and are preferably all fluoro atoms. It will be understood that the maximum number of halogen atoms is limited by the number of available attachment sites and. thus, depends on the number of carbon atoms comprised in the alkyl moiety of the haloalkyl group.
• Haloalkyl may, e.g., refer to -CF 3 , -CHF 2 , -CH 2 F, -CF 2 -CH 3 , -CH 2 -CF 3 , -CH 2 -CHF 2 , -CH 2 -CF 2 -CH 3 , -CH 2 -CF 2 -CF 3 , or -CH(CF 3 ) 2 .
• Various groups are referred to as being “optionally substituted” in this specification. Generally, these groups may carry one or more substituents, such as, e.g., one, two, three or four substituents. It will be understood that the maximum number of substituents is limited by the number of attachment sites available on the substituted moiety.
• the "optionally substituted" groups referred to in this specification carry preferably not more than two substituents and may, in particular, carry only one substituent. Moreover, unless defined otherwise, it is preferred that the optional substituents are absent, i.e. that the corresponding groups are unsubstituted.
• the terms “optional”, “optionally” and “may” denote that the indicated feature may be present but can also be absent. Whenever the term “optional”, “optionally” or “may” is used, the present invention specifically relates to both possibilities, i.e., that the corresponding feature is present or, alternatively, that the corresponding feature is absent.
• the expression “X is optionally substituted with Y” (or “X may be substituted with Y”) means that X is either substituted with Y or is unsubstituted.
• a component of a composition is indicated to be “optional"
• the invention specifically relates to both possibilities, i.e., that the corresponding component is present (contained in the composition) or that the corresponding component is absent from the composition.
• substituent groups comprised in the compounds of formula (I) may be attached to the remainder of the respective compound via a number of different positions of the corresponding specific substituent group. Unless defined otherwise, the preferred attachment positions for the various specific substituent groups are as illustrated in the examples.
• the term "about” preferably refers to ⁇ 10% of the indicated numerical value, more preferably to ⁇ 5% of the indicated numerical value, and in particular to the exact numerical value indicated.
• the scope of the invention embraces all pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms of the compounds of formula (I) which may be formed, e.g., by protonation of an atom carrying an electron lone pair which is susceptible to protonation, such as an amino group, with an inorganic or organic acid, or as a salt of an acid group (such as a carboxylic acid group) with a physiologically acceptable cation.
• Exemplary base addition salts comprise, for example: alkali metal salts such as sodium or potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium or magnesium salts; zinc salts; ammonium salts; aliphatic amine salts such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, dicyclohexylamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, procaine salts, meglumine salts, ethylenediamine salts, or choline salts; aralkyl amine salts such as N.N-dibenzylethylenediamine salts, benzathine salts, benethamine salts; heterocyclic aromatic amine salts such as pyridine salts, picoline salts, quinoline salts or isoquinoline salts; quaternary ammonium salts such as tetramethylammonium salts, tetraethylammonium salts, benzyltrimethylammonium salts, benzyltriethyiam
• Exemplary acid addition salts comprise, for example: mineral acid salts such as hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, sulfate salts (such as, e.g., sulfate or hydrogensulfate salts), nitrate salts, phosphate salts (such as, e.g., phosphate, hydrogenphosphate, or dihydrogenphosphate salts), carbonate salts, hydrogencarbonate salts, perchlorate salts, borate salts, or thiocyanate salts; organic acid salts such as acetate, propionate, butyrate, pentanoate, hexanoate, heptanoate, octanoate, cyclopentanepropionate, decanoate, undecanoate, oleate, stearate, lactate, maleate, oxalate, fumarate, tartrate, malate, citrate, succinate, adipate, gluconate, glycolate, nic
• Preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of formula (I) include a hydrochloride salt, a hydrobromide salt, a mesylate salt, a sulfate salt, a tartrate salt, a fumarate salt, an acetate salt, a citrate salt, and a phosphate salt.
• a particularly preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (I) is a hydrochloride salt.
• the compound of formula (I), including any one of the specific compounds of formula (I) described herein, is in the form of a hydrochloride salt, a hydrobromide salt, a mesylate salt, a sulfate salt, a tartrate salt, a fumarate salt, an acetate salt, a citrate salt, or a phosphate salt, and it is particularly preferred that the compound of formula (I) is in the form of a hydrochloride salt.
• the scope of the invention embraces the compounds of formula (I) in any solvated form, including, e.g., solvates with water, for example hydrates, or with organic solvents such as, e.g., methanol, ethanol or acetonitrile, i.e., as a methanolate, ethanolate or acetonitrilate, respectively, or in the form of any polymorph. It is to be understood that such solvates of the compounds of the formula (I) also include solvates of pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the formula (I).
• the compounds of formula (I) may exist in the form of different isomers, in particular stereoisomers (including, e.g., geometric isomers (or cis/trans isomers), enantiomers and diastereomers) or tautomers. All such isomers of the compounds of formula (I) are contemplated as being part of the present invention, either in admixture or in pure or substantially pure form.
• stereoisomers the invention embraces the isolated optical isomers of the compounds according to the invention as well as any mixtures thereof (including, in particular, racemic mixtures/racemates). The racemates can be resolved by physical methods, such as, e.g.
• optical isomers can also be obtained from the racemates via salt formation with an optically active acid followed by crystallization.
• the present invention further encompasses any tautomers of the compounds provided herein.
• the scope of the invention also embraces compounds of formula (I), in which one or more atoms are replaced by a specific isotope of the corresponding atom.
• the invention encompasses compounds of formula (I), in which one or more hydrogen atoms (or, e.g., all hydrogen atoms) are replaced by deuterium atoms (i.e., 2 H; also referred to as "D").
• the invention also embraces compounds of formula (I) which are enriched in deuterium.
• Naturally occurring hydrogen is an isotopic mixture comprising about 99.98 mol-% hydrogen- 1 ( H) and about 0.0156 mol-% deuterium ( 2 H or D).
• the content of deuterium in one or more hydrogen positions in the compounds of formula (I) can be increased using deuteration techniques known in the art.
• a compound of formula (I) or a reactant or precursor to be used in the synthesis of the compound of formula (I) can be subjected to an H/D exchange reaction using, e.g., heavy water (D 2 0).
• deuteration techniques are described in: Atzrodt J et aL Bioorg Med Chem, 20(18), 5658-5667, 2012; William JS et al., Journal of Labelled Compounds and Radiopharmaceuticals, 53(1 1 -12), 635-644, 2010; Modvig A et al., J Org Chem, 79, 5861 -5868, 2014.
• the content of deuterium can be determined, e.g., using mass spectrometry or NMR spectroscopy.
• it is preferred that the compound of formula (I) is not enriched in deuterium. Accordingly, the presence of naturally occurring hydrogen atoms or 1 H hydrogen atoms in the compounds of formula (I) is preferred.
• the present invention also embraces compounds of formula (I), in which one or more atoms are replaced by a positron-emitting isotope of the corresponding atom, such as, e.g., 18 F, 1 C, I J N, l5 0, 76 Br, 77 Br, 20 l and/or 124 l.
• a positron-emitting isotope of the corresponding atom such as, e.g., 18 F, 1 C, I J N, l5 0, 76 Br, 77 Br, 20 l and/or 124 l.
• Such compounds can be used as tracers or imaging probes in positron emission tomography (PET).
• the invention thus includes (i) compounds of formula (I), in which one or more fluorine atoms (or, e.g., all fluorine atoms) are replaced by 8 F atoms, (ii) compounds of formula (I), in which one or more carbon atoms (or, e.g., all carbon atoms) are replaced by 11 C atoms, (iii) compounds of formula (I), in which one or more nitrogen atoms (or, e.g., all nitrogen atoms) are replaced by 13 N atoms, (iv) compounds of formula (I), in which one or more oxygen atoms (or, e.g., all oxygen atoms) are replaced by 15 0 atoms, (v) compounds of formula (I), in which one or more bromine atoms (or, e.g., all bromine atoms) are replaced by 76 Br atoms, (vi) compounds of formula (I), in which one or more bromine atoms (or, e.g.,
• prodrugs of the compounds of formula (I) are derivatives which have chemically or metabolically cleavable groups and become, by solvolysis or under physiological conditions, the compounds of formula (I) which are pharmaceutically active in vivo.
• Prodrugs of the compounds according to the the present invention may be formed in a conventional manner with a functional group of the compounds such as, e.g., with an amino, hydroxy or carboxy group.
• the prodrug form often offers advantages in terms of solubility, tissue compatibility or delayed release in a mammalian organism (see, Bundgaard, H., Design of Prodrugs, pp. 7-9, 21 -24, Elsevier, Amsterdam 1985).
• Prodrugs include acid derivatives, such as, e.g., esters prepared by reaction of the parent acidic compound with a suitable alcohol, or amides prepared by reaction of the parent acid compound with a suitable amine. If a compound of the present invention has a carboxyl group, an ester derivative prepared by reacting the carboxyl group with a suitable alcohol or an amide derivative prepared by reacting the carboxyl group with a suitable amine is exemplified as a prodrug.
• An especially preferred ester derivative as a prodrug is methylester, ethylester, n-propylester, isopropylester, n- butylester, isobutylester, tert-butylester, morpholinoethylester, ⁇ , ⁇ -diethylglycolamidoester or a-acetoxyethylester.
• a compound of the present invention has a hydroxy group
• an acyloxy derivative prepared by reacting the hydroxyl group with a suitable acylhalide or a suitable acid anhydride is exemplified as a prodrug.
• a compound of the present invention has an amino group
• an amide derivative prepared by reacting the amino group with a suitable acid halide or a suitable mixed anhydride is exemplified as a prodrug.
• the compounds provided herein may be administered as compounds per se or may be formulated as medicaments.
• the medicaments/pharmaceutical compositions may optionally comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, such as carriers, diluents, fillers, disintegrants, lubricating agents, binders, colorants, pigments, stabilizers, preservatives, antioxidants, and/or solubility enhancers.
• the pharmaceutical compositions may comprise one or more solubility enhancers, such as, e.g., poly(ethylene glycol), including poly(ethylene glycol) having a molecular weight In the range of about 200 to about 5,000 Da, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, non-ionic surfactants, tyloxapol, polysorbate 80, macrogol-15-hydroxystearate, phospholipids, lecithin, dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine, dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, distearoyl phosphatidylcholine, cyclodextrins, a-cyclodextrin, ⁇ -cyclodextrin, ⁇ -cyclodextrin, hydroxyethyl- ⁇ -cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-P-cyclodextrin, hydroxyethyl-y-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-v- cyclodextrin
• compositions can be formulated by techniques known to the person skilled in the art, such as the techniques published in "Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy", Pharmaceutical Press, 22 nd edition.
• the pharmaceutical compositions can be formulated as dosage forms for oral, parenteral, such as intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous, intradermal, intraarterial, intracardial, rectal, nasal, topical, aerosol or vaginal administration.
• Dosage forms for oral administration include coated and uncoated tablets, soft gelatin capsules, hard gelatin capsules, lozenges, troches, solutions, emulsions, suspensions, syrups, elixirs, powders and granules for reconstitution, dispersible powders and granules, medicated gums, chewing tablets and effervescent tablets.
• Dosage forms for parenteral administration include solutions, emulsions, suspensions, dispersions and powders and granules for reconstitution. Emulsions are a preferred dosage form for parenteral administration.
• Dosage forms for rectal and vaginal administration include suppositories and ovula.
• Dosage forms for nasal administration can be administered via inhalation and insufflation, for example by a metered inhaler.
• Dosage forms for topical administration include creams, gels, ointments, salves, patches and transdermal delivery systems.
• the compounds of formula (I) or the above described pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) may be administered to a subject by any convenient route of administration, whether systemically/peripherally or at the site of desired action, including but not limited to one or more of: oral (e.g., as a tablet, capsule, or as an ingestible solution), topical (e.g.
• transdermal, intranasal, ocular, buccal, and sublingual parenteral (e g., using injection techniques or infusion techniques, and including, for example, by injection, e.g., subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular, intravenous, intraarterial, intracardiac, intrathecal, intraspinal, intracapsular, subcapsular, intraorbital, intraperitoneal, intratracheal, subcuticular, intraarticular, subarachnoid, or intrasternal by, e.g., implant of a depot, for example, subcutaneously or intramuscularly), pulmonary (e.g., by inhalation or insufflation therapy using, e.g., an aerosol, e.g., through mouth or nose), gastrointestinal, intrauterine, intraocular, subcutaneous, ophthalmic (including intravitreal or intracameral), rectal, and vaginal.
• parenteral e.g., using injection techniques or infusion techniques, and including,
• examples of such administration include one or more of: intravenously, intraarterially, intraperitoneally, intrathecally, intraventricularly, intraurethrally, intrasternally, intracardially, intracranially, intramuscularly or subcutaneously administering the compounds or pharmaceutical compositions, and/or by using infusion techniques.
• parenteral administration the compounds are best used in the form of a sterile aqueous solution which may contain other substances, for example, enough salts or glucose to make the solution isotonic with blood.
• the aqueous solutions should be suitably buffered (preferably to a pH of from 3 to 9), if necessary.
• the preparation of suitable parenteral formulations under sterile conditions is readily accomplished by standard pharmaceutical techniques well known to those skilled in the art.
• Said compounds or pharmaceutical compositions can also be administered orally in the form of tablets, capsules, ovules, elixirs, solutions or suspensions, which may contain flavoring or coloring agents, for immediate-, delayed-, modified-, sustained-, pulsed- or controlled-release applications.
• the tablets may contain excipients such as microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, sodium citrate, calcium carbonate, dibasic calcium phosphate and glycine, disintegrants such as starch (preferably corn, potato or tapioca starch), sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium and certain complex silicates, and granulation binders such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), sucrose, gelatin and acacia. Additionally, lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate, stearic acid, glyceryl behenate and talc may be included. Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in gelatin capsules.
• excipients such as microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, sodium citrate, calcium carbonate, dibasic calcium phosphate and glycine
• disintegrants such as starch (preferably corn, potato or tapioca starch), sodium starch glyco
• Preferred excipients in this regard include lactose, starch, a cellulose, or high molecular weight polyethylene glycols.
• the agent may be combined with various sweetening or flavoring agents, coloring matter or dyes, with emulsifying and/or suspending agents and with diluents such as water, ethanol, propylene glycol and glycerin, and combinations thereof.
• said compounds or pharmaceutical compositions can be administered in the form of a suppository or pessary, or it may be applied topically in the form of a gel, hydrogel, lotion, solution, cream, ointment or dusting powder.
• the compounds of the present invention may also be dermally or transdermal ⁇ administered, for example, by the use of a skin patch.
• sustained-release compositions include semi-permeable polymer matrices in the form of shaped articles, e.g., films, or microcapsules.
• Sustained-release matrices include, e.g., polylactides (see, e.g., US 3,773,919), copolymers of L-glutamic acid and gamma-ethyl-L-glutamate (Sidman, U. et al., Biopolymers 22:547-556 (1983)), poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (R. Langer et al., J. Biomed. Mater. Res.
• Sustained-release pharmaceutical compositions also include liposomal!'/ entrapped compounds.
• Liposomes containing a compound of the present invention can be prepared by methods known in the art, such as, e.g., the methods described in any one of: DE3218121 ; Epstein et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 82:3688-3692 (1985); Hwang et al., Proc. Natl.
• Said compounds or pharmaceutical compositions may aiso be administered by the pulmonary route, rectal routes, or the ocular route.
• they can be formulated as micronized suspensions in isotonic, pH adjusted, sterile saline, or, preferably, as solutions in isotonic, pH adjusted, sterile saline, optionally in combination with a preservative such as a benzalkonium chloride.
• they may be formulated in an ointment such as petrolatum.
• dry powder formulations of the compounds of formula (!) for pulmonary administration, particularly inhalation may be prepared by spray drying under conditions which result in a substantially amorphous glassy or a substantially crystalline bioactive powder.
• dry powders of the compounds of the present invention can be made according to the emulsification/spray drying process disclosed in WO 99/16419 or WO 01/85136. Spray drying of solution formulations of the compounds of the present invention can be carried out, e.g., as described generally in the "Spray Drying Handbook", 5th ed., K. Masters, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY (1991 ), and in WO 97/41833 or WO 03/05341 1.
• said compounds or pharmaceutical compositions can be formuiateo as a suitable ointment containing the active compound suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture with one or more of the following: mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, propylene glycol, emulsifying wax and water.
• they can be formulated as a suitable lotion or cream, suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture of one or more of the following: mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, a polyethylene glycol, liquid paraffin, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water.
• the present invention thus relates to the compounds or the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein, wherein the corresponding compound or pharmaceutical composition is to be administered by any one of: an oral route; topical route, including by transdermal, intranasal, ocular, buccal, or sublingual route; parenteral route using injection techniques or infusion techniques, including by subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular, intravenous, intraarterial, intracardiac, intrathecal, intraspinal, intracapsular, subcapsular, intraorbital, intraperitoneal, intratracheal, subcuticular, intraarticular, subarachnoid, intrasternal, intraventricular, intra urethra I, or intracranial route; pulmonary route, including by inhalation or insufflation therapy; gastrointestinal route; intrauterine route; intraocular route; subcutaneous route; ophthalmic route, including by intravitreal, or intracameral route; rectal route; or vaginal route.
• a proposed, yet non-limiting dose of the compounds according to the invention for oral administration to a human may be 0.05 to 2000 mg, preferably 0.1 mg to 1000 mg, of the active ingredient per unit dose.
• the unit dose may be administered, e.g., 1 to 3 times per day.
• the unit dose may also be administered 1 to 7 times per week, e.g., with not more than one administration per day. It will be appreciated that it may be necessary to make routine variations to the dosage depending on the age and weight of the patient/subject as well as the severity of the condition to be treated. The precise dose and also the route of administration will ultimately be at the discretion of the attendant physician or veterinarian.
• the compounds of formula (I) can be used in combination with other therapeutic agents, including in particular other anticancer agents. When a compound of the invention is used in combination with a second therapeutic agent active against the same disease, the dose of each compound may differ from that when the compound is used alone.
• combination of a compound of the present invention with a second therapeutic agent may comprise the administration of the second therapeutic agent simultaneously/concomitantly or sequentially/separately with the compound of the invention.
• the second therapeutic agent to be administered in combination with a compound of this invention is an anticancer drug.
• the anticancer drug to be administered in combination with a compound of formula (I) according to the present invention may, e.g., be selected from: a tumor angiogenesis inhibitor (for example, a protease inhibitor, an epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor, or a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor); a cytotoxic drug (for example, an antimetabolite, such as purine and pyrimidine analogue antimetabolites); an antimitotic agent (for example, a microtubule stabilizing drug or an antimitotic alkaloid); a platinum coordination complex; an anti-tumor antibiotic; an alkylating agent (for example, a nitrogen mustard or a nitrosourea); an endocrine agent (for example, an adrenocorticosteroid, an androgen, an anti-androgen, an estrogen, an anti-estrogen, an aromatase inhibitor, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, or a
• An alkylating agent which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, a nitrogen mustard (such as cyclophosphamide, mechlorethamine (chlormethine), uramustine, melphalan, chlorambucil, ifosfamide, bendamustine, or trofosfamide), a nitrosourea (such as carmustine, streptozocin, fotemustine, lomustine, nimustine, prednimustine, ranimustine, or semustine), an alkyl sulfonate (such as busulfan, mannosulfan, or treosulfan), an aziridine (such as hexamethylmelamine (altretamine), triethylenemelamine, ThioTEPA ( ⁇ , ⁇ ' ⁇ '-triethylenethiophosphoramide), carboquone, or triaziquone), a hydrazine (such as procarbazine),
• a platinum coordination complex which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, cisplatin, carboplatin, nedaplatin, oxaliplatin, satraplatin, or triplatin tetranitrate.
• a cytotoxic drug which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, an antimetabolite, including folic acid analogue antimetabolites (such as aminopterin, methotrexate, pemetrexed, or raltitrexed), purine analogue antimetabolites (such as cladribine, clofarabine, fludarabine, 6-mercaptopurine (including its prodrug form azathioprine), pentostatin, or 6-thioguanine), and pyrimidine analogue antimetabolites (such as cytarabine, decitabine, 5-fluorouracil (including its prodrug forms capecitabine and tegafur), floxuridine, gemcitabine, enocitabine, or sapacitabine).
• folic acid analogue antimetabolites such as aminopterin, methotrexate, pemetrexed, or raltitrexed
• An antimitotic agent which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, a taxane (such as docetaxel, larotaxel, ortataxel, paclitaxel/taxol, or tesetaxel), a Vinca alkaloid (such as vinblastine, vincristine, vinflunine, vindesine, or vinorelbine), an epothilone (such as epothilone A, epothilone B.
• a taxane such as docetaxel, larotaxel, ortataxel, paclitaxel/taxol, or tesetaxel
• Vinca alkaloid such as vinblastine, vincristine, vinflunine, vindesine, or vinorelbine
• an epothilone such as epothilone A, epothilone B.
• epothilone C epothilone C, epothilone D, epothilone E, or epothilone F
• epothilone B analogue such as ixabepilone/azaepothilone B
• An anti-tumor antibiotic which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, an anthracycline (such as aclarubicin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, amrubicin, pirarubicin, valrubicin, or zorubicin), an anthracenedione (such as mitoxantrone, or pixantrone) or an anti-tumor antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces (such as actinomycin (including actinomycin D), bleomycin, mitomycin (including mitomycin C), or plicamycin).
• an anthracycline such as aclarubicin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, amrubicin, pirarubicin, valrubicin, or zorubicin
• a tyrosine kinase inhibitor which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, axitinib, bosutinib, cediranib, dasatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, imatinib, lapatinib, lestaurtinib, nilotinib, semaxanib, sorafenib, sunitinib, or vandetanib.
• a topoisomerase-inhibitor which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, a topoisomerase I inhibitor (such as irinotecan, topotecan, camptothecin, belotecan, rubitecan, or lamellarin D) or a topoisomerase II inhibitor (such as amsacrine, etoposide, etoposide phosphate, teniposide, or doxorubicin).
• a topoisomerase I inhibitor such as irinotecan, topotecan, camptothecin, belotecan, rubitecan, or lamellarin D
• a topoisomerase II inhibitor such as amsacrine, etoposide, etoposide phosphate, teniposide, or doxorubicin.
• a PARP inhibitor which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, BMN-673, olaparib, rucaparib, veliparib, CEP 9722, MK 4827, BGB-290, or 3-aminobenzamide. Further anticancer drugs may also be used in combination with a compound of the present invention.
• the anticancer drugs may comprise biological or chemical molecules, like TNF- related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), tamoxifen, amsacrine, bexarotene, estramustine, irofulven, trabectedin, cetuximab, panitumumab, tositumomab, alemtuzumab, bevacizumab, edrecolomab, gemtuzumab, alvocidib, seliciclib, aminolevulinic acid, methyl aminolevulinate, efaproxiral, porfimer sodium, talaporfin, temoporfin, verteporfin, alitretinoin, tretinoin, anagrelide, arsenic trioxide, atrasentan, bortezomib, carmofur, celecoxib, demecolcine, elesclomol, elsamitruc
• biological drugs like antibodies, antibody fragments, antibody constructs (for example, single-chain constructs), and/or modified antibodies (like CDR-grafted antibodies, humanized antibodies, "full humanized” antibodies, etc.) directed against cancer or tumor markers/factors/cytokines involved in proliferative diseases can be employed in co-therapy approaches with the compounds of the invention.
• biological molecules are anti-HER2 antibodies (e.g. trastuzumab, Herceptin®), anti-CD20 antibodies (e.g.
• the individual components of such combinations may be administered either sequentially or simultaneously/concomitantly in separate or combined pharmaceutical formulations by any convenient route.
• administration is sequential, either the compound of the present invention (i.e., the compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof) or the second therapeutic agent may be administered first.
• administration is simultaneous, the combination may be administered either in the same pharmaceutical composition or in different pharmaceutical compositions.
• the two compounds When combined in the same formulation, it will be appreciated that the two compounds must be stable and compatible with each other and the other components of the formulation. When formulated separately, they may be provided in any convenient formulation.
• the compounds of formula (I) can also be administered in combination with physical therapy, such as radiotherapy.
• Radiotherapy may commence before, after, or simultaneously with administration of the compounds of the invention.
• radiotherapy may commence 1 -10 minutes, 1 -10 hours or 24-72 hours after administration of the compounds.
• these time frames are not to be construed as limiting.
• the subject is exposed to radiation, preferably gamma radiation, whereby the radiation may be provided in a single dose or in multiple doses that are administered over several hours, days and/or weeks.
• Gamma radiation may be delivered according to standard radiotherapeutic protocols using standard dosages and regimens.
• MTH1 inhibitors are considered to synergize with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapeutics/anticancer drugs, particularly with DNA damaging agents, agents that interfere with DNA repair mechanisms, and agents that induce the production or inhibit the clearance of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is thus particularly preferred that an anticancer drug to be administered in combination with a compound of formula (I) is a PARP inhibitor (e.g.
• EGFR inhibitor/antagonist e.g., gefitinib, erlotinib, lapatinib, afatinib, neratinib, ABT-414, dacomitinib, AV-412, PD 153035, vandetanib, PKI-166, pelitinib, canertinib, icotinib, poziotinib, BMS-690514, CUDC-101 , AP261 13, XL647, cetuximab, panitumumab, zalutumumab, nimotuzumab, or matuzumab).
• an EGFR inhibitor/antagonist e.g., gefitinib, erlotinib, lapatinib, afatinib, neratinib, ABT-414, dacomitinib, AV-412, PD 153035, vandetanib, PKI-
• an anticancer drug to be administered in combination with a compound of formula (I) is an immunooncology therapeutic (e.g., a monoclonal antibody or a polyclonal antibody) targeting any one of CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1 , TIMS, LAG 3, OX4, CSF1 R, I DO, or CD40.
• an immunooncology therapeutic e.g., a monoclonal antibody or a polyclonal antibody targeting any one of CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1 , TIMS, LAG 3, OX4, CSF1 R, I DO, or CD40.
• Such immunooncology therapeutics include, e.g., an anti-CTLA-4 antibody (particularly an antagonistic or pathway-blocking anti-CTLA-4 antibody; e.g., ipilimumab or tremelimumab), an anti-PD-1 antibody (particularly an antagonistic or pathway-blocking anti- PD-1 antibody; e.g., nivolumab (BMS-936558), pembrolizumab (MK-3475), pidilizumab (CT-01 1 ), AMP-224, or APE02058), an anti-PD-L1 antibody (particularly a pathway-blocking anti-PD-L1 antibody; e.g., BMS-936559, MEDI4736, MPDL3280A (RG7446), MDX-1 105, or MEDI6469), an anti-TIM3 antibody (particularly a pathway-blocking anti-TIM3 antibody), an anti-LAG3 antibody (particularly an antagonistic or pathway-blocking anti-LAG3 antibody; e
• the present invention thus relates to a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer, wherein the compound or the pharmaceutical composition is to be administered in combination with an anticancer drug and/or in combination with radiotherapy.
• the compounds of formula (I) can also be used in monotherapy, particularly in the monotherapeutic treatment or prevention of cancer (i.e., without administering any other anticancer agents until the treatment with the compound(s) of formula (I) is terminated).
• the invention also relates to a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, for use in the monotherapeutic treatment or prevention of cancer.
• the subject or patient may be an animal (e.g., a non-human animal), a vertebrate animal, a mammal, a rodent (e.g. , a guinea pig, a hamster, a rat, a mouse), a murine (e.g., a mouse), a canine (e.g., a dog), a feline (e.g., a cat), a porcine (e.g., a pig), an equine (e.g., a horse), a primate, a simian (e.g., a monkey or ape), a monkey (e.g., a marmoset, a baboon), an ape (e.g., a gorilla, chimpanzee, orang-utan, gibbon), or a human.
• an animal e.g., a non-human animal
• a vertebrate animal e.g.
• animals are to be treated which are economically, agronomically or scientifically important.
• Scientifically important organisms include, but are not limited to, mice, rats, and rabbits.
• Lower organisms such as, e.g., fruit flies like Drosophila melagonaster and nematodes like Caenorhabditis elegans may also be used in scientific approaches.
• Non-limiting examples of agronomically important animals are sheep, cattle and pigs, while, for example, cats and dogs may be considered as economically important animals.
• the subject/patient is a mammal; more preferably, the subject/patient is a human or a non-human mammal (such as, e.g., a guinea pig, a hamster, a rat, a mouse, a rabbit, a dog, a cat, a horse, a monkey, an ape, a marmoset, a baboon, a gorilla, a chimpanzee, an orang-utan, a gibbon, a sheep, cattle, or a pig); most preferably, the subject/patient is a human.
• a non-human mammal such as, e.g., a guinea pig, a hamster, a rat, a mouse, a rabbit, a dog, a cat, a horse, a monkey, an ape, a marmoset, a baboon, a gorilla, a chimpanzee, an orang
• treatment of a disorder or disease as used herein (e.g., “treatment” of cancer) is well known in the art.
• Treatment of a disorder or disease implies that a disorder or disease is suspected or has been diagnosed in a patient/subject.
• a patient/subject suspected of suffering from a disorder or disease typically shows specific clinical and/or pathological symptoms which a skilled person can easily attribute to a specific pathological condition (i.e., diagnose a disorder or disease).
• the "treatment" of a disorder or disease may, for example, lead to a halt in the progression of the disorder or disease (e.g., no deterioration of symptoms) or a delay in the progression of the disorder or disease (in case the halt in progression is of a transient nature only).
• the "treatment” of a disorder or disease may also lead to a partial response (e.g., amelioration of symptoms) or complete response (e.g., disappearance of symptoms) of the subject/patient suffering from the disorder or disease.
• the "treatment” of a disorder or disease may also refer to an amelioration of the disorder or disease, which may, e.g., lead to a halt in the progression of the disorder or disease or a delay in the progression of the disorder or disease.
• Such a partial or complete response may be followed by a relapse.
• a subject/patient may experience a broad range of responses to a treatment (such as the exemplary responses as described herein above).
• the treatment of a disorder or disease may, inter alia, comprise curative treatment (preferably leading to a complete response and eventually to healing of the disorder or disease) and palliative treatment (including symptomatic relief).
• prevention of a disorder or disease as used herein is also well known in the art.
• a patient/subject suspected of being prone to suffer from a disorder or disease may particularly benefit from a prevention of the disorder or disease.
• the subject/patient may have a susceptibility or predisposition for a disorder or disease, including but not limited to hereditary predisposition.
• Such a predisposition can be determined by standard methods or assays, using, e.g., genetic markers or phenotypic indicators.
• a disorder or disease to be prevented in accordance with the present invention has not been diagnosed or cannot be diagnosed in the patient/subject (for example, the patient/subject does not show any clinical or pathological symptoms).
• prevention comprises the use of a compound of the present invention before any clinical and/or pathological symptoms are diagnosed or determined or can be diagnosed or determined by the attending physician.
• the present invention specifically relates to each and every combination of features and embodiments described herein, including any combination of general and/or preferred features/embodiments.
• the invention specifically relates to each combination of meanings (including general and/or preferred meanings) for the various groups and variables comprised in formula (I).
• a number of documents including patent applications and scientific literature are cited. The disclosure of these documents, while not considered relevant for the patentability of this invention, is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety. More specifically, all referenced documents are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
• the present invention particularly relates to the following items:
• R is hydrogen or d-5 alkyl
• K 2 is -(Co-5 alkylene)-A or d-s alkyl, wherein one -CH 2 - unit comprised in said d-5 alkyl is optionally replaced by -0-;
• R A is carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl, wherein said carbocyclyl and said heterocyclyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R A ; each R A is independently selected from d-5 alkyl, C 2 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -(d-s alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(C 1 . 5 alkyl), -(C 0-3 alkylene)-0(d-5 alkylene)-OH, -(Co-3 alkylene)-0(d.5 alkylene)-0(d-5 alkyl), -(C 0 .
• R 3 is -S- or -0-;
• R 4 is d 4 alkylene;
• R 6 is selected from d-5 alkyl, C 2 - 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -(C -5 alkylene)-OH, -(C 1-5 alkylene)-0-(d_5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-aryl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-cycloalkyl, -CN, halogen, C -5 haloalkyl, and -CF 3 , wherein the aryl comprised in said -(C c .
• each R 61 is independently selected from d-5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 .
• each R 7 is independently selected from Ci -5 alkyl, C 2 _ 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -(C 0- 3 alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 .
• each R A is independently selected from C -5 alkyl, C 2 _ 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -OH. -0(Ci. 5 alkyl), -0(C 1-5 alkylene)-OH, -0(d. 5 alkylene)-0(C 1-5 alkyl), -SH, -S(C 1-5 alkyl), -S(C 1-5 alkylene)-SH, alkylene)-S(C 1 .
• R 6 is selected from C,. 5 alkyl, -(C 1-5 alkyiene)-0-(C 1 . 5 alkyl), -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-phenyl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)- heteroaryl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-cycloalkyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-phenyl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C 0 .
• the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)- heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R 6 .
• R° is C v5 alkyl.
• each R is independently selected from d-s alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 .s alkynyl, -OH, -0(C-
• each R 7 is independently selected from d_ 5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -OH, -0(d. 5 alkyl), -0(d.£ alkylene)-OH, -0(d s alkylene)-0(C 1-5 alkyl), -SH, -S(d_ 5 alkyl), -S(C 1-5 alkylene)-SH, -S(d. 5 alkylene)-S(d. 5 alkyl), -NH 2 , -NH(d_ 5 alkyl), -N(d-s alkyl)(d. 5 alkyl), halogen, d. 5 haloalkyl, -CF 3 , and -CN.
• n 0, 1 or 2.
• the compound for use according to item 1 wherein said compound is selected from: N-butyl-N-methyl-2-((4-(phenethylamino)quinazolin-2-yl)thio)acetamide;
• a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as defined in any one of items 1 to 16 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
• a method of treating or preventing cancer comprising administering a compound as defined in any one of items 1 to 16 or the pharmaceutical composition of item 17 to a subject in need thereof.
• the compound for use according to item 19 or the pharmaceutical composition for use according to item 19 or the use of item 20 or the method of item 21 wherein said cancer is selected from gastrointestinal cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, genitourinary cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, hematological cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, ovarian cancer, brain cancer, neuroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, kidney cancer, skin cancer, and head and/or neck cancer.
• R 1 is hydrogen or C s alkyl
• R 2 is -(CQ.5 alkylene)-A or Ci_ 5 alkyl, wherein one -CH 2 - unit comprised Ci_ 5 alkyl is optionally replaced by -0-;
• each R A is independently selected from d-s alkyl, C 2 - 5 alkenyl, C 2 - 5 alkynyl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(d -5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(d. 5 alkylene)-OH, -(Co-3 alkylene)-0(C 1 5 alkylene)-0(C 1 . 5 alkyl), -(C 0 .
• R A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH 2 )i- 3 -0-; R 3 is -S- or -0-;
• R 4 is C 1 -4 alkylene
• R 6 is selected from C 1 .5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -(d. 5 alkylene)-OH, -(d. 5 alkylene)-0-(d. 5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-aryl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C 0 .
• each R 61 is independently selected from d. 5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 _ 5 alkyny!, -(Co-3 alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(d-5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(C 1 _ 5 alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 _ 3 alkylene)-0(C 1-5 alkylene)-0(C 1 . 5 alkyl), -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-SH, -(Co 3 alkylene)-S(Ci.
• each R 7 is independently selected from Ci_ 5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -(C 0 _ 3 alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(C 1 . 5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(C 1 . 5 alkylene)-OH, -(Co- 3 alkylene)-0(C 1 5 alkylene)-0(Ci. 5 alkyl), -(C 0 3 alkylene)-SH, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-S(C 1 _ 5 alkyl), -(C 0 .
• n 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer.
• R 6 is selected from d. 5 alkyl, -(Ci. 5 alkylene)-0-(C 1-5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-phenyl, -(C 0 _ 3 alkyiene)-heteroaryl, -(C c . 3 alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-cycloalkyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C 0 .
• R 3 is -0-
• R 6 is selected from C 1-5 alkyl, -(C 1-5 alkylene)-0-(C-,. 5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-phenyl, -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-cycloalkyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C 0 .
• a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 18 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer.
• a method of treating cancer comprising administering a compound as defined in embodiment 1 to a subject in need thereof.
• the compound for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18 or the pharmaceutical composition for use according to embodiment 19 or the use of embodiment 20 or the method of embodiment 21 wherein said cancer is selected from gastrointestinal cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, genitourinary cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, hematological cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, ovarian cancer, brain cancer, neuroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, kidney cancer, skin cancer, and head and/or neck cancer.
• the method of embodiment 21 wherein the subject to be treated is a human.
• R 2 is -(Co-5 alky!ene)-A or Ci. 5 alkyl, wherein one -CH 2 - unit comprised in said d-s aikyi is optionally replaced by -0-;
• R A is carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl, wherein said carbocyclyl and said heterocyclyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R A ; each R A is independently selected from Ci. 5 alkyl, C 2 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-0(d. 5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-0(C 1-5 a!kylene)-OH, -(Co-3 alkylene)-0(C -5 alkylene)-0(Ci.
• R 3 is -S- or -0-;
• R 4 is C1.4 alkylene;
• R 6 is selected from d. 5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C2-5 alkynyl, -( .5 alkylene)-OH, -(C 1-5 alkylene)-0-(Ci_5 alkyl), -(C 0 - 3 alkylene)-aryl, -(C 0 .3 alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C 0 -3 alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-cycloalkyl, -CN, halogen, C 1-5 haloalkyl, and -CF 3 , wherein the aryl comprised in said -(C 0 .
• each R 61 is independently selected from C1. 5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -(Co- 3 alkylene)-OH, -(C 0 .
• each R 7 is independently selected from C,. 5 alkyl, C 2 . 5 alkenyl, C 2 . 5 alkynyl, -(C 0 .
• R 6 is selected from d -5 alkyi, -(C 1-5 alkylene)-0-(C 1 . 5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-phenyl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C 0 .
• R 3 is -0-
• R 6 is selected from C 1-5 alkyl, -(C 1-5 alkylene)-0-(Ci. 5 alkyl), -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-phenyl, -(C 0 3 alkyiene)-heteroaryl, -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-cycloalkyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-phenyl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C 0 .
• the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C 0 . 3 alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C 0-3 alkylene)- cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R 6 ' .
• a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as defined in any one of embodiments 27 to 44 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
• Recombinant MTH1 was expressed and purified as described in Huber KV et aL Nature, 2014, 508(7495):222-7.
• codon-optimized human MTH1 cDNA subcloned into a pETM-1 1 vector (Gunther Stier, EMBL) featuring a His-tag and TEV site was obtained from GenScript (GenScript, NJ, USA) and expressed in the E. coli strain BL21 DE3.
• bacteria were lysed using buffer (50 mM Tris-HCI pH 7.5, 500 mM NaCI, 5% glycerol, 5 mM -mercaptoethanol, 1 mM PMSF) containing lysozyme (Sigma-Aldrich) and DNase I (Roche). His-tagged protein was purified with NiNTA agarose (Qiagen), washed with buffer, and eiuted with an imidazole gradient. Following removal of the His-tag by incubation with TEV protease, fractions were diaiyzed and purified using size-exclusion chromatography (Sephadex, GE Healthcare). Protein concentration of the purified fractions was determined by UV (A 280 ).
• DFS Differential scanning fluorimetry
• the DSF assay was performed as follows. Compounds were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and diluted in assay buffer (10 mM HEPES-NaOH. pH 7.5, 500 mM NaCI, final concentration 10 ⁇ ). Upon addition of MTH1 recombinant protein (final concentration 2 ⁇ ), SYPRO Orange (Sigma Aldrich) was added and samples were analysed in a qPCR machine as described in literature (Niesen, F.H., Berglund, H. & Vedadi, M., Nat. Protocols 2, 2212- 2221 (2007)). Tm shift values were determined by fitting a curve to the data points using nonlinear regression analysis.
• a strong binding affinity to MTH1 as determined in the DSF assay is known to correlate with an inhibition of the catalytic activity of MTH1 (Huber KV et al thread Nature, 2014, 5Q8(7495):222-7),
• MTH1 hydrolyzes oxidized nucleotides such as 2-OH-dATP and 8-oxo-dGTP, yielding the corresponding nucleoside monophosphate and pyrophosphate (PPi).
• PPi nucleoside monophosphate and pyrophosphate
• MTH1 The activity of MTH1 was monitored using dGTP (Fermentas) using the PPiLight Inorganic Pyrophosphate Assay (Lonza Rockland Inc.). IC 50 values were determined using non-linear regression analysis utilizing GraphPad Prism Software. More specifically, the MTH1 catalytic assay was performed as follows. Half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC 50 ) were determined using a luminescence-based assay as described previously (Svensson (201 1 ) FEBS Letters 585, 2617-2621 ) with some minor modifications.
• PPi pyrophosphate
• MTH1 relieves cancer cells of proliferative stress and is therefore an attractive target for anticancer therapeutics. Indeed, MTH1 levels are increased in Ras-expressing cancers ranging from lung cancer (Speina Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2005, 97:384-95; Kennedy, FEBS Letters, 1998, 429: 17-20) to renal carcinoma (Okamoto, Int J Cancer, 1996, 65:437-41 ), indicating that there is a connection between oncogenic transformation and oxidative stress.
• MTH1 inhibitor SCH 51344 was shown to prevent the growth of fibroblasts infected with a variety of different oncogenes such as v-abl.
• MTH1 deficiency in knockout mice confers a mild phenotype, indicating that there is a therapeutic window for MTH1 inhibitors (Tsuzuki, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2001 , 98: 1 1456-61 ).
• the compounds of formula (I) as described and defined herein can thus advantageously be used in the treatment or prevention of cancer.

Abstract

Description

4-Aminoquinazoiine derivatives as MTH1 inhibitors for the therapy of cancer

The present invention relates to 4-aminoquinazoline derivatives of formula (I) for use as medicaments as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, particularly for use as inhibitors of MTH1 and for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer.

Cancer is a leading cause of death in both economically developed countries as well as in developing countries (Mathers C et a!., The global burden of disease: 2004 update, World Health Organization, 2008; Jemal A et al., CA Cancer J Clin, 201 1 , 61 (2):69-90), and there is an ongoing and urgent need for novel therapeutic agents against cancer.

The enzyme human MutT homolog 1 (MTH1 ) is a 2-hydroxy-dATP diphosphatase (EC 3.6.1 .56) which sanitizes oxidized dNTP pools to prevent incorporation of damaged nucleotides during DNA replication and has been described as a target for cancer therapy (Huber KV et al., Nature, 2014, 508(7495):222-7; Gad H et al., Nature, 2014, 508(7495):215-

91 · r.-nror nicrnuoru M Α Ά^ Hnj- 1 Π 1 1 ^S/01 ^Q.S Qn Γ ^.RW/Oni A..C\P. \ Qj_n -a MTU I ie generally required for the survival of a variety of different cancers, regardless of their specific genetic changes, the inhibition of MTH provides an effective and versatile approach for the therapy of cancer, which does not rely on the targeting of specific genetic defects.

To date, only a limited number of compounds have been proposed as MTH1 inhibitors, including the compound SCH 51344, the (S)-enantiomer of crizotinib and related derivatives (Huber KV et al., Nature, 2014, 508(7495):222-7; WO 2014/033136) as well as the compounds TH287 and TH588 and related pyrimidine-2,4-diamine derivatives (Gad H et al., Nature, 2014, 508(7495):215-21 ; WO 2014/084778).

Various other therapeutic applications distinct from the inhibition of MTH1 have further been described for certain quinoline or quinazoline compounds, e.g., in Nasr M et al., J Med Chem. 1978, 21 (3):295-8, Pedemonte N et al., Mol Pharmacol, 2005, 67(5): 1797-807, Rosini M et al., Bioorg Med Chem, 2006, 14(23):7846-53, Borrok MJ et al. , J Am Chem Soc, 2007, 129(42): 12780-5, Abouzid K et al., Bioorg Med Chem, 2008, 16(16):7543-51 , Tobe M et al. , Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2001 , 1 1 (4):545-8, Moreno E et al., Eur J Med Chem, 2012, 47(1 ):283- 98, Liu P et al., Eur J Med Chem, 2014, 79:413-21 , Lee AY et al., Science, 2014, 344(6180):208-1 1 , Kumar G et a!., J Med Chem, 2007, 50(1 1 ):2665-75, Kumar A et a!., J Mol Model, 2010, 16(4):693-712, Sirisoma N et al., J Med Chem, 2009, 52(8):2341 -51 , Palop JA et al., ARKIVOC, 2014, 2: 187-206, WO 01/64645, WO 2005/120497, WO 2006/041900, WO 2008/021250, WO 2008/089307, WO 2009/001060, WO 2009/023558, WO 2010/039538, WO 2010/151737, EP 0268871 A, CN 103224466 A, US 2004/0209902, US 2007/0148185, US 2009/0088420 and US 2009/0163545.

It is an object of the present invention to provide novel and/or improved therapeutic agents for the medical intervention in cancer, particularly inhibitors of MTH1 , which should be effective in the treatment of a wide range of different cancers having different genetic defects. In the context of the invention, it has surprisingly been found that the 4-aminoquinazoline derivatives of formula (I) as described and defined in the following are potent inhibitors of MTH1 and can thus advantageously be used for the treatment or prevention of cancer. Accordingly, the present invention provides a compound of the following formula (I)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, for use as a medicament and, in particular, for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer.

In formula (I), R¹ is hydrogen or ₆ alkyl. R² is -(Co-5 alkylene)-A or d.₅ alkyl, wherein one -CH₂- unit comprised in said d.₅ alkyl is optionally replaced by -0-.

A is carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl, wherein said carbocyclyl and said heterocyclyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A.

Each R^A is independently selected from d-5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(C_c.₃ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C_{1 5} alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(Ci_5 alkylene)-0(d-s alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-SH, -(C_0-3 alkylene)-S(C_V5 alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-S(C_1-5 alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(d-5 alkylene)-S(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkyiene)-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ aikylene)-NH(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(d_-5 alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C_c.₃ alkylene)-halogen, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-(C_1-5 haloalkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CN, -(Co-3 alkylene)-N0₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-(d-s alkyl), -(Co-3 alkylene)-COOH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-0-(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(Ci_₅ alkyl), -(Co-3 alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ a!kylene)-CO-NH(C₁_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-N(C₁_5 alkyl)(Ci_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-CO-(C .₅ alkyl),

-(C₀-₃ alkylene)-N(C₁_5 alkyi)-CQ-(d-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂,

-(Co-₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH(C₁_s alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(C₁.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(Co-3 alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(C₁.₅ alkyl), and -(C₀.₃ aikylene)-N(d.₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(d.₅ alkyl), and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i.₃-0-.

R³ is -S- or -0-.

R⁴ is d-4 alkylene.

R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO-, -C(=0)0-, -N(R⁵ )-CO-, -0-C(=0)-, -0-, -N(R⁵¹)-, -S-, -SO-, -S0₂-, -S0₂-N(R⁵¹)-, -N(R⁵¹)-S0₂-, and a covalent bond.

Each R⁵¹ is independently selected from hydrogen and d.₅ alkyl.

R⁶ is selected from C₁.5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(d.₅ alkylene)-OH, -(d.₅ alkylene)-0- (C1.5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-aryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, -(Co-3 alkylene)-cycloalkyl, -CN, halogen, C_1-5 haloalkyl, and -CF₃, wherein the aryl comprised in said -(Co-3 alkylene)-aryl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C_c.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more arm ιης R⁶

α ·——r— · * ^■

Each R⁶¹ is independently selected from C .5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(Ci.₅ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(Ci.₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(Ci_5 alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-NH(d_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-halogen, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-(d.₅ haloalkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CN, -(Co-3 aikylene)-N0₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(C₀.₃ aikylene)-CO-(C _₅ alkyl), -(C0.3 a!kylene)-COOH, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-0-(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(C_1-5 alkyl),

-(Co-3 alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ aIkylene)-CO-NH(d-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-N(d-₅ alkyl)(d,₅ alkyl) -(Co-3 alkylene)-NH-CO-(d-₅ alkyl), -(Co-3 alkylene)-N(d-₅ alkyl)-CO-(d-₅ alkyl), -(Co-3 alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂, -(Co-3 alkylene)-S0₂-NH(d.5 alkyl), -(Co-₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(Ci-5 alkyl)(C_V5 alkyl),

-{Co-3 aiky!ene)-NH-S0₂-(C₁.5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(C,.₅ alkyl)-SG₂-(d.₅ alkyl), and -(C_0-3 alkylene)-phenyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-phenyl is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from C_1-4 alkyl, -OH, -0(Ci_₄ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(Ci_4 alkyl), -N(Ci.4 alkyf)(C_1- alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, and -CN, and further wherein two groups R⁶ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i,₃-0- or -0-(CH₂)_{1 3}-0-CH₂-.

Each R⁷ is independently selected from d_-5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-OH, -(Co-3 alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(d.₅ aikyiene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(d.₅ aIky!ene)-0(d-5 alkyl), -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(Ci_-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C₁.₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C_1-5 alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-N(Ci.₅ alkyl)(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-halogen, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-(C_1-5 haloalkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CN, -(C_0-3 alkylene)-N0₂, -(C_0-3 alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(C_0-3 alkylene)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-COOH, -(Co-3 a!kylene)-CO-0-(C₁-₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(Co-3 alkylene)-CO-NH(C₁.5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkyleneJ-CO-Nid.s alkyl)(C,.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-CO-(C₁-5 alkyl), -(C_Q-3 alkylene)-N(Ci.₅ alkyl)-CO-(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(C_1-5 alkylXd.5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(d.₅ alkyl), and -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(d-₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(d_₅ alkyl). n is 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4.

formula (I), as described and defined herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Moreover, the invention relates to the use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof in the preparation of a medicament, particularly for the treatment or prevention of a disease/disorder such as, e.g., cancer. MTH1 is regarded as the major clearance enzyme for oxidized nucleotides such as 2-OH-dATP and 8-oxo-dGTP (Nakabeppu, Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis, 2010, 703(1 ):51 -8). Oxidized nucleotides, which are generated by attack of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on DNA or the nucleotide pool, can cause DNA damage and mutations. Sources of ROS include mitochondrial respiration, chemicals or radiation. The frequently occurring 8-oxo-guanine (8-oxo-G), for example, can lead to transversion mutations during replication. In contrast to unoxidized guanine, 8-oxo-G is able to pair with either cytosine or adenine with almost equal efficiency, thereby generating mutations if 8-oxo-G is inserted opposite A in a nascent DNA strand or vice versa. If the misincorporated oxidized nucleotide is recognized by the DNA repair system, the lesion can be repaired by base excision repair (BER). BER involves induction of a temporary single strand break to remove the falsely inserted base and subsequent replacement. However, high amounts of 8-oxo-G can lead to accumulation of single strand breaks which eventually progress to double strand breaks (DSB), thus inducing cell cycle arrest (quiescence or senescence) and apoptosis. By converting the oxidized nucleoside triphosphates into the corresponding nucleoside monophosphates which can no longer be used as substrates by DNA polymerases, MTH1 prevents the integration of oxidized bases into DNA and thus prevents mutations and oxidative DNA damage induced by ROS. Transformation of cells by oncogenes such as mutant RAS which occurs in about 20% of all tumors can also lead to increased production of ROS (Rai, Oncogene, 201 1 , 30(12):1489-96). As for normal cells, oxidative damage caused by ROS can force cancer cells into a state of quiescence or senescence (OIS), and eventually apoptosis. To overcome senescence, RAS-transformed cells upregulate MTH1 which protects the cells from oxidative DNA damage. For instance, it has been shown that human skin fibroblasts transfected with HRAS undergo senescence, but this phenotype can be rescued by concomitant overexpression of MTH1 (Rai, Oncogene, 201 1 , 30(12): 1489-96). Reports consequently indicate that MTH1 suppression causes proliferative defects in cancer cells expressing mutant RAS (Rai, Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis, 2010, 703(1 ):71 -81 ). Moreover, as MTH1 -/- knockout mice show a very mild phenotype (Tsuzuki, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2001 , 98(20): 1 1456- 61 ), targeting MTH 1 with small molecules is considered to provide an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic approach for the treatment or prevention of cancer, including also cancer having an activating RAS mutation (i.e., RAS-dependent cancer).

In the context of the present invention, the compounds of formula (I) have surprisingly been found to be potent inhibitors of MTH1 , as also demonstrated in the appended examples, in which the inhibitory effect of exemplary compounds of formula (I) on MTH1 could be confirmed in an in vitro binding assay (differential scanning fluorimetry) and a luminescence-based enzymatic assay. As explained above, MTH1 has recently been identified as a critical factor for cancer cell survival in vitro and in vivo in a wide range of different cancers (Huber KV et al., Nature, 2014, 508(7495):222-7; Gad H et al., Nature, 2014, 508(7495):215-21 ; Cancer Discovery, 2014, 4:631 , doi: 10.1 158/2159-8290.CD-RW2014-085). Moreover, human MTH1 has also been linked to malignant transformation induced by mutant RAS, which has been shown to enable tumors to overcome the oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) barrier (Rai P et al., Oncogene, 201 1 , 30(12): 1489-96). The compounds of formula (I) thus constitute highly effective therapeutic agents, particularly in the treatment or prevention of cancer. The present invention thus particularly relates to a compound of formula (I), as described and defined herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer.

The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer.

The present invention furthermore relates to the use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of cancer.

The invention likewise provides a method of treating or preventing cancer, the method comprising administering a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, to a subject (e.g. , a human) in need thereof.

Moreover, the present invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, for use in inhibiting MTH1 or for use in treating or preventing cancer by inhibiting MTH1. The invention further refers to the use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof in the preparation of a medicament for inhibiting MTH1 or for treating or preventing cancer by inhibiting MTH1 . in addition thereto, the invention provides a method of inhibiting MTH1 in a subject, the method comprising administering a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, to a subject (e.g., a human) in need thereof. The invention also provides a method of treating or preventing cancer by inhibiting MTH1 , the method comprising administering a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, to a subject (e.g., a human) in need thereof.

The cancer to be treated or prevented in accordance with the present invention is preferably selected from gastrointestinal cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma), pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, genitourinary cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer (e.g., hormone-refractory prostate cancer), lung cancer (e.g., small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer), breast cancer (e.g. , triple-negative breast cancer, or breast cancer having a BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene mutation), hematological cancer, leukemia (e.g., acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or chronic myeloid leukemia), lymphoma (e.g., Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, such as, e.g., follicular lymphoma or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma), ovarian cancer, brain cancer, neuroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, kidney cancer, skin cancer, and head and/or neck cancer (e.g., head and neck squamous cell carcinoma).

The cancer to be treated or prevented may also be a cancer having an activating RAS mutation (e.g., an activating KRAS mutation, such as, e.g., G12D, G12V, G12C, or Q61 H) and/or an activating EGFR mutation, including any one of the above-mentioned specific types of cancer further having an activating RAS mutation and/or an activating EGFR mutation. It has been shown that MTH1 specifically assists RAS-induced tumors in preventing tumor- suppressive effects such as senescence whilst enabling maintenance and progression of the tumor. MTH1 inhibition is therefore considered to help impairing tumor growth by abrogating mitogenic signaling, epithelial-mesenchyma! transition (EMT), a hallmark of progressing and aggressive tumors, anoikis inhibition and PI3K/Akt-mediated pro-survival signaling (Rai, Proteomics, 2003, 3(8): 1454-63). There is also evidence that MTH1 may be a promising target for adenocarcinomas expressing EGFR as the micro-RNA MiR-145 which suppresses both EGFR and MTH1 is downregulated in these tumors (Cho, RNA Biology, 201 1 , 8(1 ): 125-31 ) and as the reexpression of MiR-145 led to a downregulation of EGFR and MTH1 on both mRNA and protein level and impaired the growth of EGFR-positive cell lines. The invention thus also relates to the compound of formula (I), as described and defined herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, for use in the treatment or prevention of RAS-dependent and/or EGFR-dependent cancer, wherein the RAS-dependent and/or EGFR-dependent cancer may further be selected from any one of the specific types of cancer described in the preceding paragraph.

Triple negative breast cancer cell lines are also known to be sensitive to oxidative DNA damage which can sensitize these cancers to chemotherapeutics such as PARP inhibitors. MTH1 inhibitors which are considered to induce oxidative DNA lesions can therefore advantageously be used to treat this type of cancer. Accordingly, the present invention particularly relates to a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, for use in the treatment or prevention of triple negative breast cancer (particularly breast cancer lacking expression of estrogen receptor-a, lacking expression of progesterone receptor, and lacking overexpression or amplification of the HER2/NEU oncogene). Furthermore, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes which are mutated in certain types of breast cancer are known to be involved in the repair of oxidative DNA damage including 8-oxo-guanine-based lesions (Le Page, Cancer Res, 2000, 60( 9):5548-52), which makes breast cancer cells deficient in BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 particularly sensitive towards oxidative DNA damage (Alii, Cancer Res, 2009, 69(8):3589-96). The compounds of formula (I) are thus also highly advantageous for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer having a BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene mutation. The breast cancer to be treated or prevented (e.g., the triple-negative breast cancer or the breast cancer having a BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene mutation) may further be EGFR-dependent.

It has further been shown that the mismatch DNA repair pathway (MMR) can affect the loss of MTH1 function (Egashira A et al., DNA Repair 2002. 1 (1 1 ):881 -93). Therefore, loss or dysfunction of MMR-related genes and gene products may modulate the response to MTH1 inhibitors. Aberrations in MMR pathways are a frequent phenomenon in malignant disease and therefore the inhibition of MTH1 activity can be used to specifically treat those and related conditions. Moreover, recent studies suggest that hypoxia-related signaling and the cellular redox tumor environment determine the sensitivity of cells to MTH1 inhibition (Brautigam L et al., Cancer Res. , 2016, doi: 10.1 158/0008-5472. CAN-15-2380). Particularly tumor types with elevated oxidative stress and cancers with dysregulated hypoxia signaling including, e.g., the VHL and/or HIF1 -alpha pathways are considered to be sensitive towards MTH1 inhibition and are thus preferred to be treated or prevented using a compound of formula (I) according to the invention.

It is furthermore preferred that the cancer to be treated or prevented is a cancer (including, e.g., any one of the above-mentioned specific types of cancer) wherein MTH1 is involved in the development and/or progression of the cancer. In order to determine whether MTH1 is involved in the development and/or progression of a cancer, the status (e.g., the genetic constitution, expression and/or activity) of MTH1 can be analyzed. The MTH1 status of a cancer represents an appropriate indicator for the involvement of MTH1 in the development and/or progression of that cancer. The present invention thus also relates to stratifying cancer patients with respect to their MTH1 status.

Accordingly, the present invention further relates to an in vitro method of determining the effectiveness of a compound of formula (I) in the treatment or prevention of cancer in a subject, the method comprising:

- obtaining a sample (e.g., a cell or tissue sample, particularly a cancer cell sample or a cancer tissue sample) from the subject; and

- determining the subject's MTH1 status in the sample;

wherein a positive MTH1 status is indicative of an effective treatment or prevention of cancer in the subject.

In this in vitro method, the MTH1 status may be, e.g., the level of MTH1 biological activity and/or the level of MTH1 expression. The level of MTH1 biological activity may be monitored by purifying MTH1 from the sample obtained from the subject and measuring the production of pyrophosphate (PPi) generated by MTH1 -mediated hydrolysis of 8-oxo-dGTP. In particular, purified MTH1 may be contacted with 8-oxo-dGTP and the production of PPi may be measured using, e.g., the PPiLight Inorganic Pyrophosphate Assay (Lonza Rockland Inc.). In order to determine whether a compound of formula (I) will be particularly effective in the treatment or prevention of cancer in a subject, the level of MTH1 biological activity (e.g., the quantity of produced PPi) in the sample obtained from the subject may be compared to the level of MTH1 biological activity (e.g., the quantity of produced PPi) in a sample obtained from of a healthy control subject. The MTH1 status of the subject is positive if the level of MTH1 biological activity (e.g., the quantity of produced PPi) is higher in the sample from the subject as compared to the level of MTH1 biological activity in the sample of the healthy control subject. The level of MTH1 expression may be determined, e.g., by PGR, RT-PCT or Western blot. In this case, the MTH1 status of the subject is positive if the level of expression of MTH1 (e.g., the amount of MTH1 mRNA or of MTH1 protein) is higher in the sample from the subject as compared to the level of expression of MTH1 in a sample obtained from a healthy control

Antibodies, probes and primers that can be used for determining/detecting a subject's MTH1 status are known in the art. Thus, an antibody for determining a subject's MTH1 status is, e.g., Novus Biologicals MTH1 Antibody (NB100-109). Primers for determining a subject's MTH1 status are described, e.g., in Kennedy (1998) FEBS Lett. 429(1):17-20, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Moreover, the following exemplary primers can also be used for determining a subject's MTH1 status:

Primer sequence for the detection of NUDT1/MTH1 : 5P-AGCCTCAGCGAGTTCTCCTG-3P Primer sequence for the detection of NUDT1/MTH1 : 5P-GATCTGGCCCACCTTGTGC-3P Furthermore, the MTH1 status can also be determined, e.g., as described in WO 2014/033136.

Antibodies, probes and primers that can be used for determining/detecting a subject's RAS status are known in the art and are also described, e.g., in WO 2014/033136. For instance, an antibody for detecting a subject's RAS status is, e.g., Cell Signaling Ras Antibody #3965. Primers for detecting a subject's RAS status are described, e.g. , in Keohavong (1996) Clin Cancer Res. 2(2):41 1 -8 or in Gerry (1999) Mol Biol. 292(2):251 -62, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The in vitro method described herein can be performed prior to the administration of a compound of formula (I) to a subject in order to evaluate whether the subject will particularly benefit from the treatment with this compound. Accordingly, the invention provides a method of treating or preventing cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the method comprises:

(i) performing the in vitro method described herein; and

(ii) administering a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof to the subject If the result obtained in step (i) is indicative of an effective treatment or prevention of cancer. The gene that encodes MTH1 is also known as NUDT1 . At present, four isoforms of NUDT1/MTH1 (p 8, p21 , p22 and p26) have been reported, among which p18 is considered to be the dominant isoform. The isoform pi 8 has been used in the experiments described herein. Mutations have been reported for MTH1 , however, their physiological or clinical relevance has not been elucidated. Methods for determining the NUDT/MTH1 -status (e.g., for detecting the level, such as the expression level, of NUDT/MTH1 or for determining whether the nucleotide sequence or amino acid sequence of NUDT/MTH1 contains a specific mutation) are described herein and are also known in the art (see, e.g., WO 2014/033136). Activating and inactivating aberrations include genetic aberrations such as gene mutation, gene copy number increase, aberration of gene expression, and aberration of mRNA expression. For the detection of cytogenetic aberrations, several detection methods are known in the art and are reviewed, e.g., in Speicher (2005) Nat Rev Genet 6(10):782-92. All mutation detection methods should be performed in accordance with best practice. This means that all mutation detection methods should be robust and performed to the highest standards with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Quality control of each step in the process should be in place. How to perform mutation detection methods in best practice is known in the art and is also described, e.g., in Eberhard (2008) Clin Oncol 26(6):983-93.

The present invention furthermore relates to the use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof as an MTH1 inhibitor in research, particularly as a research tool compound. Accordingly, the invention refers to the in vitro use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof as an MTH1 inhibitor and, in particular, to the in vitro use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof as a research tool compound acting as an MTH1 inhibitor. he compounds of formula (I) will be described in more detail in the following:

(I)

R¹ is hydrogen or d.₅ alkyl. Preferably, R¹ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. More preferably, R¹ is hydrogen.

R is -(C₀- 5 alkylene)-A or C _-5 alkyl, wherein one -CH₂- unit comprised in said C_1-5 alkyl is optionally replaced by -0-. Preferably, R² is -(C₀.₅ alkylene)-A. More preferably, R² is -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-A. Even more preferably, R² is -CH₂CH₂-A, -CH₂-A, or A. Yet even more preferably, R² is -CH₂CH₂-A or -CH₂-A. Most preferably, R² is -CH₂CH₂-A.

A is carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl, wherein said carbocyclyl and said heterocyclyl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R^A. Preferably, A is aryl (e.g., phenyl), heteroaryl (e.g., furanyl), cycloalkyl (e.g., cyclohexyl) or heterocycloalkyl (e.g., tetrahydrofuranyl), wherein said aryl, said heteroaryl, said cycloalkyl and said heterocycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R^A. More preferably, A is aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl and said heteroaryl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R^A. Even more preferably, A is aryl which is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R^A. Yet even more preferably, A is phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R^A. It is furthermore preferred that the aforementioned groups A (particularly the aforementioned carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyi or phenyl groups) are unsubstituted or are substituted with one or two groups R^A.

Each R^A is independently selected from C_1-5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂-₅ alkynyl, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀-3 alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ aikylene)-OH, -(C₀-3 alkylene)-0(C₁_₅ alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C_c.₃ alkylene)-S(C_1-5 alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(d ₅ alkylene)-S(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH_2l -(C_0-3 alky!ene)-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(d_₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-halogen, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-(C₁.₅ haloalkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CN, -(Co-₃ alkylene)-N0₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-C0-(d-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-COOH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-0-(C₁_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(Co-₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C_Q-3 alkylene)-CO-NH(d ₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-N(d.₅ alkyl)(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-NH-CO-(C _-5 alkyl),

-(Co-3 alkylene)-N(d.₅ alkyl)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂,

-(Co-3 alkylene)-S0₂-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(Co-3 alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(C,.5 alkyl), and -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(d.₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(d.₅ alkyl), and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms (if two such groups R^A are present) may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)_V3-0-. Preferably, each R^A is independently selected from d.₅ alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -OH, -0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -0(Ci.₅ alkylene)-OH, -0(C .₅ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(d.₅ alkyl), -S(d_₅ alkylene)-SH, -S(d_₅ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(C_V5 alkyl), -N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), halogen, C_1-5 haloalkyl, -CF₃, -CN, -N0₂, -N₃, -CHO, -CO-(C,.₅ alkyl), -COOH, -CO-0-(d.₅ alkyl), -0-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -CO-NH2, -CO-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -CO-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -NH-CO-(C_1-5 alkyl), -N(d-₅ alkyl)-CO-(d_₅ alkyl), -S0₂-NH₂, -S0₂-NH(d_₅ alkyl), -S0₂-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -NH-S0₂-(d.₅ alkyl), and -N(d.₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(C ,.₅ alkyl), and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)_V3-0-. More preferably, each R^A is independently selected from C_1-5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -OH, -0(d.₅ alkyl), -0(C,.₅ alkylene)-OH, -0(d_₅ alkylene)-0(d ₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(d.₅ alkyl), -S(d.₅ alkylene)-SH, -S(d.₅ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d.₅ alkyl), -N(d-s alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), halogen, d.₅ haloalkyl, -CF₃, and -CN, and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)₁.₃-0-. Even more preferably, each R^A is independently selected from C,.₄ alkyl, -OH, -0(C<.₄ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d.₄ alkyl), - (Ci_4 alkyl)(d.₄ alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, and -CN, and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i-3-0-. Yet even more preferably, each R^A is independently selected from d.₄ alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(Ci_4 alkyl) (e.g., -OCH₃), halogen (e.g., -F, -CI, -Br, or -I), and -CF₃. and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂) ₁.3-0- (e.g., -0-CH₂-0- or -0-CH₂-CH₂-0-).

R³ is -S- or -0-. Preferably, R³ is -S-.

R⁴ is Ci_4 alkylene. Preferably, R⁴ is -CH₂-, -CH₂-CH₂-, -CH(-CH₃)-, or -CH(-CH₂-CH₃)-. More preferably, R⁴ is -CH₂-, -CH(-CH₃)-, or -CH(-CH₂-CH₃)-. Even more preferably, R⁴ is -CH₂-.

R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO-, -C(=0)0-, -N(R⁵¹)-CO-, -0-C(=0)-, -0-, -N(R⁵¹)-, -S-, -SO-, -S0₂-, -S0₂-N(R⁵¹)-. -N(R⁵¹)-S0₂-, and a covalent bond. Preferably, R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO-, -C(=0)0-, -N(R⁵¹)-CO-, -0-C(=0)-, and a covalent bond. More preferably, R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO-, -C(=0)0-, and a covalent bond. Even more preferably, R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO- and -C(=0)0-. Yet even more preferably, R⁵ is -CO-N(R⁵¹)- which, is attached to R⁴ via its carbon atom and is attached to R⁶ via its nitrogen atom. Each R⁵¹ is independently selected from hydrogen and C1.5 alkyl. Preferably, each R⁵¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl and ethyl. More preferably, each R⁵¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, and methyl.

R⁶ is selected from C_1-5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(C_1-5 alkylene)-OH, -(C_1-5 alkylene)-0- (C₁.5 alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-aryl, -(C₀..₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, -(Co-3 alkylene)-cycloalkyl, -CN, halogen, Ci_₅ haloalkyl, and -CF₃, wherein the aryl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkyiene)-aryl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R⁶¹. Preferably, R⁶ is selected from C _-5 alkyl, -(C_1-5 alkylene)- OH, -(C₁.5 alkylene)-0-(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-aryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl, and -CN, wherein the aryl comprised in said -(Co-3 alkylene)-aryl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl. and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R⁶¹. More preferably, R⁶ is selected from C1.5 alkyl (e.g., ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyi, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyi, isopentyl, neopentyl, sec-pentyl, tert-pentyl, or pent-3-yl), -(d-5 alkylene)-0-(Ci-5 alkyl) (e.g., -(C_1-5 alkylene)-OCH₃), -(Co-3 alkylene)-phenyl (e.g., phenyl, -CH₂-phenyl, or -CH₂-CH₂-phenyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- heteroaryl (e.g., furanyl, -CH₂-furanyl, pyrazolyl, -CH₂-pyrazolyl, or 4-oxo-pyrido[1 ,2- a]pyrimidin-2-yl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl (e.g., piperidinyl or piperazinyl), and -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl (e.g., cyclohexyl), wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀_₃ alkylene)- phenyl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyi comprised in said -(C₀-3 alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R⁶¹. Even more preferably, R⁶ is Ci„₅ alkyl (particularly n-butyl).

Each R⁶¹ is independently selected from d.₅ alkyl, C₂..₅ alkenyl, C_{2 5} alkynyl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0(C₁„₅ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0(C_{1 -5} alkylene)-0(C _-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C₁.₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C,.₅ alkylene)-S(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-NH(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(d-5 alkyl)(C 5 alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-halogen, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-(d_₅ haloalkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C_{0 3} alkylene)-CN, -(Co-3 alkylene)-N0_2l -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-(C,.₅ alkyl). -(Co.3 alkylene)-COOH, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-0-(Ci ₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(Co-3 alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-NH(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-N(d-₅ alkyl)(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkyIene)-NH-CO-(d.₅ alkyl),

-(Co-3 alkylene)-N(C₁-₅ alkyl)-CO-(C₁-₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂,

-(C₀-3 alkylene)-S0₂-NH(C,.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(C₁.₅ alkyl)(d ₅ alkyl),

-(Co-3 alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(d.5 alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-N(d-₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(d.₅ alkyl), and -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups independently selected from d_₄ alkyl, -OH, -0(d.₄ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(C,-₄ alkyl), -N(d.₄ alkyl)(d.₄ alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, and -CN, and further wherein two groups R⁶¹ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms (if two such groups R⁶¹ are present) may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i-3-0- or -0-(CH₂)i-3-0-CH₂-. Preferably, each R⁶¹ is independently selected from d.₅ alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂-5 alkynyl, -OH. -0(d.₅ alkyl), -0(d.₅ alkylene)-OH, -0(d.₅ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(d-₅ alkyl), -S(d_₅ alkylene)-SH, -S(d.₅ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d.₅ alkyl), -N(d_₅ alkyl)(d-5 alkyl), halogen, d.₅ haloalkyl, -CF₃, -CN, -N0₂, -N₃, -CHO, -CO-(C_{1 5} alkyl), -COOH, -CO-O-iC.-s alkyl), -0-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -CO-NH₂, -CO-NH(d_₅ alkyl), -CO-N(d.₅ alkyl)(C,.₅ alkyl), -NH-CO-(d_₅ alkyl), -N(d.₅ alkyl)-CO-(d-₅ alkyl), -S0₂-NH₂, -S0₂-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -S0₂-N(d.5 alkyl)(d_5 alkyl), -NH-S0₂-(d.₅ alkyl), -N(d.₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(d.₅ alkyl), and phenyl, wherein said phenyl is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups independently selected from d-₄ alkyl, -OH, -0(d.₄ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d-₄ alkyl), -N(Ci.₄ alkyl)(C₁_₄ alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, and -CN, and further wherein two groups R⁶¹ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i.₃-0- or -0-(CH₂)i„3-0-CH₂-. More preferably, each R⁶¹ is independently selected from d_₅ alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -OH, -0(d.₅ alkyl), -0(d.₅ alkylene)-OH, -0(C_1-6 alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(C_1-5 alkyl), -S(C_1-5 alkylene)-SH, -S(d.₅ alkyIene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -NH_2> -NH(d.₅ alkyl), -N(d 5 alkyl)(d ₅ alkyl), haloqen, C ₅ haloalkyl, -CF₃, -CN, -N0₂, -CHO, -CO-(C« _ alkvh -COOH, -CO-0-(d-5 alkyl), -S0₂-NH₂, -S0₂-NH(d.₅ alkyl), and -S0₂-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), and two groups R⁶¹ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i.₃-0-. Even more preferably, each R⁶¹ is independently selected from d-4 alkyl, -OH, -0(d-4 alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d_₄ alkyl), -N(d.₄ alkyl)(d.₄ alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, -CN, and -N0₂, and two groups R⁶ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i-3-0-. Yet even more preferably, each R⁵¹ is independently selected from C_1-4 alkyl (e.g. , methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(d_₄ alkyl) (e.g. , -OCH₃ or -OCH₂CH₃), halogen (e.g. , -F, -CI, -Br, or -I), and -CF₃, and two groups R⁶¹ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)_{1 3}-0- (e.g. , -0-CH_z-0- or -0-CH₂-CH₂-0-).

Each R⁷ is independently selected from C_1-5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂_₅ alkynyl, -(C₀-₃ alkyiene)-OH, -(Co-3 alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0(C_1-5 alkylene)-0(d.5 alkyl), -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C,.₅ a!kylene)-S(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C_c,.₃ alkylene)-N(C _-5 alkyl)(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-halogen, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-(C .₅ haloalkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CN, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N0₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-COOH, -(Co-3 alkylene)-CO-0-(d-₅ alkyl), -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(d_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(Co-3 alkylene)-CO-NH(C--5 alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-CO-(d-₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-N(d.₅ alkyl)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH(d-₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alky!ene)-S0₂-N(C₁-5 alky!)(d-₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(Ci.5 alkyl), and -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(C₁-₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(Ci.₅ alkyl). Preferably, each R⁷ is independently selected from C1-5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -OH, -0(d.₅ alkyl), -0(d.₅ alkylene)-OH, -0(d.₅ alkylene)-0(C₁-₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(Ci.₅ alkyl), -S(C ₅ alkylene)-SH, -S(C₁.₅ alkylene)-S(C₁.₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d-₅ alkyl) , -N(d.₅ alkyl)(C_{1 5} alkyl), halogen, d.₅ haloalkyl, -CF₃, -CN, -N0₂, -N₃, -CHO, -CO-(d-₅ alkyl), -COOH, -CO-0-(C,-₅ alkyl), -0-CO-(d-s alkyl), -CO-NH₂, -CO-NH(d_5 alkyl), -CO-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -NH-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -N(C,.₅ alkyl)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -S0₂-NH₂, -S0₂-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -S0₂-N(d.₅ alkyl)(C,.₅ alkyl), -NH-S0₂-(d_₅ alkyl), and -N(d_5 alkyl)-S0₂-(Ci.5 alkyl) . More preferably, each R⁷ is independently selected from C_1-5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -OH, -0(C_1-5 alkyl), -0(d_₅ alkylene)-OH, -0(d-s alkylene)-0(C,.₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(d_₅ alkyl), -S(C,_-5 alkylene)-SH, -S(d.₅ alkylene)-S(C_1-5 alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(Ci-5 alkyl), -N(C_1-5 alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), halogen, d-5 haloalkyl, -CF₃, and -CN. Even more preferably, each R⁷ is independently selected from d-4 alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(d-4 alkyl) (e.g., -OCH₃ or -OCH₂CH₃), -NH₂, -NH(d.₄ alkyl) (e.g., -NHCH₃), -N(d.₄ aSkyi)(C_1-4 alky!) (e.g., -N(CH₃)₂), halogen (e.g., -F, -CI, -Br, or -I), -CF₃, and -CN. n is 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4. Preferably, n is 0, 1 or 2. More preferably, n is 0 or 1 . Even more preferably, n is 0.

It Is to be understood that n indicates the number of substituents R⁷ that are bound to the phenyl moiety comprised in the quinazoline ring system of the compound of formula (I). If n is 0, then this phenyl moiety is not unsubstituted, i.e. is substituted with hydrogen instead of R⁷.

Preferred examples of the compounds of formula (I) are the following compounds (1 ) to (3) well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and prodrugs of any of these compounds

(1 ) (2) (3)

It is particularly preferred that the compound of formula (I) is a compound of the following formula (la) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof:

(la) In formula (la), R ' is hydrogen or Ci_₅ alkyl. Preferably, R¹ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. More preferably, R¹ is hydrogen. In formula (la), R²¹ is C_1-3 alkylene or a covalent bond. Preferably, R²¹ is -CH₂CH₂- or -CH₂-. More preferably, R²¹ is -CH₂CH₂-.

In formula (la), A is aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl and said heteroaryl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R^A. Preferably, A is phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R^A. It is furthermore preferred that the aforementioned groups A (particularly the aforementioned aryl, heteroaryl, or phenyl groups) are unsubstituted or are substituted with one or two groups R^A.

In formula (la), each R^A is independently selected from C_1-5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -OH, alkyl), -0(C_r5 alkylene)-OH, -0(C,.₅ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(C_1-5 alkyl), -S(d.₅ alkylene)-SH, -S(d-s alkylene)-S(d-₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d.₅ alkyl), -N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), halogen, C ₅ haloalkyl, -CF₃, -CN, -N0₂, -N₃, -CHO, -CO-(d ₅ alkyl), -COOH, -CO-O- (d-s alkyl), -0-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -CO-NH₂, -CO-NH(C_{1 5} alkyl), -CO-N(d_-5 alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -NH-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -N(d-s alkyl)-CO-(d-5 alkyl), -S0₂-NH₂, -S0₂-NH(d_₅ alkyl), -S0₂-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d_5 alkyl), -NH-S0₂-(C,.₅ alkyl), and -N(C_1-5 alkyl)-S0₂-(d.₅ alkyl), and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)_V3-0-. Preferably, each R^A is independently selected from C_1-5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -OH, -0(C_1-5 alkyl), -0(d_₅ alkylene)-OH, -0(d-s alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(d_s alkyl), -S(C_V5 alkylene)-SH, -S(d.₅ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(C ₅ alkyl), -N(C₁_5 alkyl)(C ₅ alkyl), halogen, d_₅ haloalkyl, -CF₃, and -CN, and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i-₃- 0-. More preferably, each R^A is independently selected from d_₄ alkyl, -OH, -0(d.₄ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d_4 alkyl), -N(d_₄ alkyl)(d.₄ alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, and -CN, and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)₁.₃-0-. Even more preferably, each R^A is independently selected from d_₄ alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(Ci.₄ alkyl) (e.g., -0CH₃), halogen (e.g., -F, -CI, -Br, or -I), and -CF₃, and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂),.₃-0- (e.g., -0-CH₂-0- or -0-CH₂-CH₂-0-). In formula (la), R³ is -S- or -0-. Preferably, R³ is -S- In formula (la), R⁴ is d.₄ alkylene. Preferably, R⁴ is -CH₂-, -CH₂-CH₂-, -CH(-CH₃)-, or -CH(-CH₂-CH₃)-. More preferably, R⁴ is -CH₂-, -CH(-CH₃)-, or -CH(-CH₂-CH₃)-. Even more preferably, R⁴ is -CH₂-. In formula (la), R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO-, -C(=0)0-, -N(R⁵ )-CO-, and -0-C(=0)-. Preferably, R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO-, and -C(=0)0-. More preferably, P.⁵ is -CO-N(R⁵¹)- which is attached to R⁴ via its carbon atom and is attached to R⁶ via its nitrogen atom. In formula (la), each R⁵¹ is independently selected from hydrogen and d.₅ alkyl. Preferably, each R⁵¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl and ethyl. More preferably, each R⁵ is independently selected from hydrogen and methyl.

In formula (la), R⁶ is selected from Ci„₅ alkyl, -(C₁.5 alkylene)-OH, -(C_1-5 alkylene)-0-(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(Co-3 alkylene)-aryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl, and -CN, wherein the aryl comprised in said -(C_{0 3} alkylene)-aryl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(Co-₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyi comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkylene)- cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R⁶¹. Preferably, R⁶ is selected from d.₅ alkyl (e.g., ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, sec-pentyl, tert-pentyl, or pent-3-yl), -(d.5 alkylene)-0-(Ci.₅ alkyl) (e.g., -(C1.5 alkylene)-OCH₃), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl (e.g., phenyl, -CH₂- phenyl, or -CH₂-CH₂-phenyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl (e.g., furanyl, -CH₂-furanyl, pyrazolyl, -CH₂-pyrazolyl, or 4-oxo-pyrido[1 .2-a]pyrimidin-2-yl). -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl (e.g., piperidinyi or piperazinyl), and -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl (e.g., cyclohexyl), wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C_Q.₃ alkylene)- heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyi comprised in said -(C_c.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R⁶¹. More preferably, R^s is d.₅ alkyl (particularly n-butyl).

In formula (la), each R⁶¹ is independently selected from C_1-5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -OH, -0(d.₅ alkyl), -0(d.₅ alkylene)-OH, -0(d.₅ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(d_₅ alkyl), -S(d.₅ alkylene)-SH, -S(d.₅ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d.₅ alkyl), -N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), halogen, C_1-5 haloalkyl, -CF₃, -CN, -N0₂, -N₃, -CHO, -CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -COOH, -CO-O- (d_₅ alkyl), -0-CO-(d_₅ alkyl), -CO-NH₂, -CO-NH(C,.₅ alkyl), -CO-N(d.₅ alkyl)(C_1-5 alkyl), -NH-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -N(d-s alkyl)-CO-(C_{1 5} alkyl), -S0₂-NH₂, -S0₂-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -S0₂-N(C₁_5 alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -NH-S0₂-(C_1-5 alkyl), -N(C_1-5 alkyl)-S0₂-(d-s alkyl), and phenyl, wherein said phenyl is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups independently selected from Ci ₄ alkyl, -OH, -0(d. alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(C₁.₄ alkyl), -N(d-4 alkyl)(d„₄ alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, and -CN, and further wherein two groups R⁶¹ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i-3-0- or -0-(CH₂)i.₃-0-CH₂-. Preferably, each R⁶¹ is independently selected from Ci_₅ alkyl, d-s alkenyl, -5 alkynyl, -OH, -0(d_₅ alkyl), -0(d.₅ alkylene)-OH, -0(d_₅ alkylene)-0(d-s alkyl), -SH, -S(d_₅ alkyl), -S(d_₅ alkylene)-SH, -S(d_₅ alkylene)-S(d_₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d-s alkyl), -N(d.₅ alkyi)(d_5 alkyl), halogen, C_1-5 haloalkyl, -CF₃, -CN, -N0₂, -CHO, -CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -COOH, -CO-0-(d_₅ alkyl), -S0₂-NH₂, -S0₂-NH(d.₅ alkyl), and -S0₂-N(d.₅ alkyl)(C_v5 alkyl), and two groups R⁶¹ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i.₃-0-. More preferably, each R⁶¹ is independently selected from d_₄ alkyl, -OH, -0(Ci.4 alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(C_1-4 alkyl), -N(d.₄ alkyl)(d.₄ alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, -CN, and -N0₂, and two groups R⁶¹ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂),.₃-0-. Even more preferably, each R⁶¹ is independently selected from C _-4 alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(d.₄ alkyl) (e.g., -OCH₃ or -OCH2CH₃), halogen (e.g., -F, -CI, -Br, or -I), and -CF₃, and two groups R⁶ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i.₃-0- (e.g., -O-CH2-O- or -0-CH₂-CH₂-0-).

In formula (la), each R⁷ is independently selected from C_1-5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -OH, -0(C 5 alkyl), -0(d-s alkylene)-OH, -0(d.₅ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(d.₅ alkyl), -S(C_1-5 alkylene)-SH, -S(C_1-5 alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d_₅ alkyl), -N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), halogen, d.₅ haloalkyl, -CF₃, -CN, -N0₂, -N₃, -CHO, -CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -COOH, -CO-O- (d-5 alkyl), -0-CO-(d_₅ alkyl), -CO-NH₂, -CO-NH(d_₅ alkyl), -CO-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -NH-CO-(d.5 alkyl), -N(d.₅ alkyl)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -S0₂-NH₂, -S0₂-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -S0₂-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -NH-SC d-s alkyl), and -N(d-₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(d.₅ alkyl). Preferably, each R⁷ is independently selected from d.₅ alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -OH, -0(d.₅ alkyl), -0(d_₅ alkylene)-OH, -0(d.₅ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(d.₅ alkyl), -S(d.₅ alkylene)-SH, -S(C_V5 alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d.₅ alkyl), -N(d.₅ alkyl)(d_₅ alkyl), halogen, C,.₅ haloalkyl, -CF₃, and -CN. More preferably, each R⁷ is independently selected from C1.4 alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(d_₄ alkyl) (e.g., -OCH₃ or -OCH₂CH₃), -NH₂, -NH(d_₄ alkyl) (e.g., -NHCH₃), -N(C_1-4 alkyl)(C,.₄ alkyl) (e.g., -N(CH₃)₂), halogen (e.g., -F, -CI,

-Rr nr -\\ -f F. anrl - KJ

In formula (la), n is 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4. Preferably, n is 0, 1 or 2. More preferably, n is 0 or 1 . Even more preferably, n is 0. Moreover, it is particularly preferred that the compound of formula (I) is a compound of the following formula (lb) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof:

In formula (lb), R¹ is hydrogen or d_₅ alkyl. Preferably, R¹ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. More preferably, R¹ is hydrogen.

In formula (lb), R²¹ is C _-3 alkylene or a covalent bond. Preferably, R²¹ is -CH₂CH₂- or -CH₂-. More preferably, R²¹ is -CH₂CH₂-.

In formula (lb), A is phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R^A. It is preferred that said phenyl is unsubstituted or is substituted with one or two groups R^A.

In formula (lb), each R^A is independently selected from -s alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -OH, -0(0, 5 alkyl), -0(d.₅ alkylene)-OH, -0(C₁₌₅ alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(C_1-5 alkyl), -S(C_1-5 alkylene)-SH, -S(C,.₅ alkylene)-S(C,.₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(C_1-5 alkyl), -N(d_₅ alkyl)(C_1-5 alkyl), halogen, C_1-5 haloalkyl, -CF₃, -ON, -N0₂, -N₃, -CHO, -CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -COOH, -CO-O- (C ₅ alkyl), -0-CO-(Ci_5 alkyl), -CO-NH₂, -CO-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -CO-N(d ₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -NH-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -N(d.₅ alkyl)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -S0₂-NH₂, -S0₂-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -S0₂-N(Ci.₅ alkyl)(d-₅ alkyl), -NH-S0₂-(d-5 alkyl), and -N(C ₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(d-5 alkyl), and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i.₃-0-. Preferably, each R^A is independently selected from d.₅ alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -OH. -0(Ci.₅ alkyl), -0(C;._b alkylene)-OH, -0(Ci.5 alkylene)-0(Ci_₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(d_₅ alkyl), -S(d.₅ alkylene)-SH, -S(d.₅ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d.₅ alkyl), -N(d-5 alkyl)(C_{r 5} alkyl), halogen, Ci.₅ haloalkyl, -CF₃, and -ON, and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i.₃- 0-. More preferably, each R^A is independently selected from C_1-4 alkyl, -OH, -0(C _-4 alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(Ci.4 alkyl), -N(Ci_-4 aikyl)(C_1-4 alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, and -CN, and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i-₃-0-. Even more preferably, each R^A is independently selected from C_1-4 alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(d.₄ alkyl) (e.g., -OCH₃), halogen (e.g., -F, -CI, -Br, or -I), and -CF₃, and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)₁.₃-0- (e.g., -0-CH₂-0- or -0-CH₂-CH₂-0-).

In formula (lb), R³ is -S- or -0-. Preferably, R³ is -S-.

In formula (lb), R⁴ is d_₄ alkylene. Preferably, R⁴ is -CH₂-, -CH₂-CH₂-, -CH(-CH₃)-, or -CH(-CH₂-CH₃)-. More preferably, R⁴ is -CH₂-, -CH(-CH₃)-, or -CH(-CH₂-CH₃)-. Even more preferably, R⁴ is -CH₂-. In formula (lb), R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO-, -C(=0)0-, -N(R⁵¹)-CO-, and -0-C(=0)-. Preferably. R⁵ is -CO-N(R⁵¹)- which is attached to R⁴ via its carbon atom and is attached to R⁶ via its nitrogen atom.

In formula (lb), each R⁵¹ is independently selected from hydrogen and d_-5 alkyl. Preferably, each R⁵¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl and ethyl. More preferably, each R⁵¹ is independently selected from hydrogen and methyl.

In formula (lb), R⁶ is selected from Ci.₅ alkyl, -(d_₅ alkylene)-OH, -(Ci_₅ aikylene)-0-(C₁_₅ alkyl), -(CQ-3 alkylene)-aryl, -(C₀.₃ aikylene)-heteroaryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl, and -CN, wherein the aryl comprised in said -(C₀.3 alkylene)-aryl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀-3 alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(CQ.3 alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyi comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) groups R⁶¹. Preferably, R⁶ is selected from d_-5 alkyl (e.g., ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, sec-pentyl, tert-pentyl, or pent-3-yl), -(d.₅ alkylene)-0-(d-s alkyl) (e.g., -(d.₅ alkylene)-OCH₃), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl (e.g., phenyl, -CH₂- phenyl, or -CH₂-CH₂-phenyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl (e.g., furanyl, -CH₂-furanyl, pyrazolyl, -CH₂-pyrazolyl, or 4-oxo-pyrido[1 ,2-a]pyrimidin-2-yl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl (e.g., piperidinyl or piperazinyl), and -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl (e.g., cyclohexyl), wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkylene)- heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyi comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more (e.g. , one, two, or three) groups R⁶ . More preferably, R⁶ is C_{1 -5} alkyl. Even more preferably, R⁶ is n-propyl, n-butyi or n-pentyl. Yet even more preferably, R⁶ is n-butyl.

In formula (lb), each R⁶¹ is independently selected from d_₅ alkyl, C₂-5 alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -OH, -0(d-₅ alkyl), -0(d_₅ alkylene)-OH, -0(C_{1 5} alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(d-s alkyl), -S(d.₅ alkylene)-SH, -S(d.₅ alkylene)-S(C,.₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(C_;.₅ alkyl), -N(d-s alkyl)(C_{1 -5} alkyl), halogen, d.₅ haloalkyl, -CF₃, -CN, -N0₂, -N₃, -CHO, -CO-(d-s alkyl), -COOH, -CO-0- (d-5 alkyl), -0-CO-(d-s alkyl), -CO-NH₂, -CO-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -CO-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -NH-C0-(d-5 alkyl), -N(d.₅ alkyl)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -S0₂-NH₂, -S0₂-NH(C_v5 alkyl), -S0₂-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -NH-S0₂-(d.₅ alkyl), -N(C_1-5 alkyl)-S0₂-(C_1-5 alkyl), and phenyl, wherein said phenyl is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g . , one, two, or three) groups independently selected from d-4 alkyl, -OH,

alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d_₄ alkyl), -N(d.₄ alkyl)(C _-4 alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, and -CN, and further wherein two groups R⁶¹ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i-3-0- or -0-(CH₂)i-3-0-CH₂-. Preferably, each R⁶¹ is independently selected from d-s alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C_{? 5} alkynyl, -OH, -0(Ci ₅ alkyl), -0(d-s alkylene)-OH. -0(C_{1 5} alkylene)-0(C_v5 alkyl), -SH, -S(Ci.₅ alkyl), -S(d.₅ alkylene)-SH, -S(Ci.₅ alkylene)-S(d-s alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d_₅ alkyl), -N(d-₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), halogen, d_₅ haloalkyl, -CF₃, -CN, -N0₂, -CHO, -CO-(d_₅ alkyl), -COOH, -CO-0-(d.₅ alkyl), -S0₂-NH₂, -S0₂-NH(d.₅ alkyl), and -S0₂-N(d_₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), and two groups R⁶¹ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i.₃-0-. More preferably, each R⁶ is independently selected from d_₄ alkyl, -OH, -0(d alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d.₄ alkyl), -N(Ci.₄ alkyl)(C_1-4 alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, -CN, and -N0₂, and two groups R⁶¹ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i-₃-0-. Even more preferably, each R⁶¹ is independently selected from C_1-4 alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(Ci„₄ alkyl) (e.g. , -OCH₃ or -OCH₂CH₃), halogen (e.g. , -F, -CI, -Br, or -I), and -CF₃, and two groups R⁶¹ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)₁.₃-0- (e.g. , -0-CH₂-0- or -0-CH₂-CH₂-0-). In formula (lb), each R⁷ is independently selected from C₁.5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂_₅ alkynyl, -OH, -0(C 5 alkyl), -0(d.₅ alkylene)-OH, -0(d.₅ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(C ₅ alkyl), -S(d_5 alkylene)-SH, -S(d-s alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(C_{1 5} alkyl), -N(C-,₅ alkyl)(C,.₅ alkyl), halogen, d_₅ haloalkyl, -CF₃, -CN, -N0₂, -N₃, -CHO, -CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -COOH, -CO-O- (d.5 alkyl), -0-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -CO-NH₂, -CO-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -CO-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₆ alkyl), -NH-CO-(Ci.5 alkyl), -N(d.₅ alkyl)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -S0₂-NH₂, -S0₂-NH(d_₅ alkyl), -S0₂-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl). -NH-S0₂-(C,.₅ alkyl), and -N(d.₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(C 5 alkyl). Preferably, each R⁷ is independently selected from C_1-5 alkyl, C₂_₅ alkenyl, C₂_₅ alkynyl, -OH, -0(d.₅ alkyl), -0(C_{1 -5} alkylene)-OH, -0(d.₅ alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(d_₅ alkyl), -S(d_-5 a!kyIene)-SH, -S(C_1-5 alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d.₅ alkyl), -N(d.₅ aIkyl)(d-₅ alkyl), halogen, C₁.5 haloalkyl, -CF₃, and -CN. More preferably, each R⁷ is independently selected from d.4 alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), -OH, -0(d_₄ alkyl) (e.g., -OCH₃ or -OCH₂CH₃), -NH₂, -NH(d_₄ alkyl) (e.g., -NHCH₃), -N(d.₄ alkyl)(C_1-4 alkyl) (e.g., -N(CH₃)₂), halogen (e.g., -F, -CI, -Br, or -I), -C-F3, and -CN.

In formula (lb), n is 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4. Preferably, n is 0, 1 or 2 More preferably, n is 0 or 1 . Even more preferably, n is 0.

The compounds of formula (I), including also the compounds of formula (la) and the compounds of formula (lb), can be prepared by methods known in the field of synthetic chemistry. For example, these compounds can be prepared in accordance with or in analogy to the synthetic routes described in the literature cited in this specification, including in particular Moreno E et al., Eur J Med Chem, 2012, 47(1 ):283-98. Examples of synthetic procedures for the preparation of compounds of formula (I) are given in Schemes 1 and 2 below. As illustrated in Scheme 1 , substituted anthranilic acid derivatives may be converted into the corresponding 2-mercapto-4(3H)-quinazolinones using thionyl chloride and ammonium thiocyanate (see, e.g., Smits RA et al., J Med Chem, 2008, 51 (24):7855-65). Reaction with alkyl halides (e.g., X = I) yields the thioether intermediate which upon treatment with phosphorus oxychloride can be converted into the final product by reaction with an appropriately substituted amine. Similarly, as illustrated in Scheme 2, compounds of formula (I) may be prepared via substituted 2,4-dichloroquinazolines that can be made from the corresponding 2-aminobenzamide by reaction with diphenylcarbonate in the presence of potassium carbonate and heating in DMPU (see, e.g., WO 2009/001060) followed by treatment with phosphorus oxychloride. After reaction with an appropriately substituted amine, the desired final product is obtained by reaction with, e.g., the corresponding alkoxide (see, e.g., Tobe M et al. , Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2001 , 1 1 (4):545-8). Certain compounds of formula (I) are also commercially available, e.g., from ChemDiv (San Diego, CA, USA).

Scheme 1 : Synthetic route to compounds of formula (I)

Scheme 2: Synthetic route to compounds of formula (I)

The following definitions apply throughout the present specification, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

As used herein, the term "hydrocarbon group" refers to a group consisting of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms. The term "alicyclic" is used in connection with cyclic groups and denotes that the corresponding cyclic group is non-aromatic.

As used herein, the term "alkyl" refers to a monovalent saturated acyclic (i.e., non-cyclic) hydrocarbon group which may be linear or branched. Accordingly, an "alkyl" group does not comprise any carbon-to-carbon double bond or any carbon-to-carbon triple bond. A "C_1-5 alkyl" denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Preferred exemplary alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl (e.g., n-propyl or isopropyl), or butyl (e.g., n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, or tert-butyl). Unless defined otherwise, the term "alkyl" preferably refers to C_1-4 alkyl, more preferably to methyl or ethyl, and even more preferably to methyl.

As used herein, the term "alkenyl" refers to a monovalent unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbon group which may be linear or branched and comprises one or more (e.g., one or two) carbon- to-carbon double bonds while it does not comprise any carbon-to-carbon triple bond. The term "C₂-5 alkenyl" denotes an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms. Preferred exemplary alkenyl groups are ethenyl, propenyl (e.g., prop-1 -en-1 -yl, prop-1 -en-2-yl, or prop-2-en-1 -yl), butenyl, butadienyl (e.g., buta-1 ,3-dien-1 -yl or buta-1 ,3-dien-2-yl), pentenyl, or pentadienyl (e.g., isoprenyl). Unless defined otherwise, the term "alkenyl" preferably refers to C₂₄ alkenyl.

As used herein, the term "alkynyl" refers to a monovalent unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbon group which may be linear or branched and comprises one or more (e.g., one or two) carbon- to-carbon triple bonds and optionally one or more carbon-to-carbon double bonds. The term "C₂-5 alkynyl" denotes an alkynyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms. Preferred exemplary alkynyl groups are ethynyl, propynyl, or butynyl. Unless defined otherwise, the term "alkynyl" preferably refers to C₂-₄ alkynyl.

As used herein, the term "alkylene" refers to an alkanediyl group, i.e. a divalent saturated acyclic hydrocarbon group which may be linear or branched. A "d_-5 alkylene" denotes an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and the term "C₀-3 alkylene" indicates that a covalent bond (corresponding to the option "C₀ alkylene") or a Ci.₃ alkylene is present. Preferred exemplary alkylene groups are methylene (-CH₂-), ethylene (e.g., -CH₂-CH₂- or -CH(-CH₃)-), propylene (e.g., -CH₂-CH₂-CH₂-, -CH(-CH₂-CH₃)-, -CH₂-CH(-CH₃)-, or -CH(-CH₃)- CH₂-), or butylene (e.g., -CH₂-CH₂-CH₂-CH₂-). Unless defined otherwise, the term "alkylene" preferably refers to Ci.₄ alkylene (including, in particular, linear C_1-4 alkylene), more preferably to methylene or ethylene, and even more preferably to methylene.

As used herein, the term "carbocyclyl" refers to a hydrocarbon ring group, including monocyclic rings as well as bridged ring, spiro ring and/or fused ring systems (which may be composed, e.g., of two or three rings), wherein said ring group may be saturated, partially unsaturated (i.e., unsaturated but not aromatic) or aromatic. Unless defined otherwise, "carbocyclyl" preferably refers to aryl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl. As used herein, the term "heterocyclyl" refers to a ring group, including monocyclic rings as well as bridged ring, spiro ring and/or fused ring systems (which may be composed, e.g., of two or three rings), wherein said ring group comprises one or more (such as, e.g. , one, two, three, or four) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, and the remaining ring atoms are carbon atoms, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) may optionally be oxidized, wherein one or more carbon ring atoms may optionally be oxidized (i.e., to form an oxo group), and further wherein said ring group may be saturated, partially unsaturated (i.e. , unsaturated but not aromatic) or aromatic. Unless defined otherwise, "heterocyclyl" preferably refers to heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl or heterocycloalkenyl.

As used herein, the term "ary!" refers to an aromatic hydrocarbon ring group, including monocyclic aromatic rings as well as bridged ring and/or fused ring systems containing at least one aromatic ring (e.g. , ring systems composed of two or three fused rings, wherein at least one of these fused rings is aromatic; or bridged ring systems composed of two or three rings, wherein at least one of these bridged rings is aromatic). "Aryl" may, e.g., refer to phenyl, naphthyl, dialinyl (i.e., 1.2-dihydronaphthyl), tetralinyl (i.e., 1 ,2.3.4-tetrahydronaphthyl), anthracenyl, or phenanthrenyl. Unless defined otherwise, an "aryl" preferably has 6 to 14 ring atoms, more preferably 6 to 10 ring atoms, and most preferably refers to phenyl.

As used herein, the term "heteroaryl" refers to an aromatic ring group, including monocyclic aromatic rings as well as bridged ring and/or fused ring systems containing at least one aromatic ring (e.g., ring systems composed of two or three fused rings, wherein at least one of these fused rings is aromatic; or bridged ring systems composed of two or three rings, wherein at least one of these bridged rings is aromatic), wherein said aromatic ring group comprises one or more (such as, e.g., one, two, three, or four) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, and the remaining ring atoms are carbon atoms, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) may optionally be oxidized, and further wherein one or more carbon ring atoms may optionally be oxidized (i.e., to form an oxo group). "Heteroaryl" may, e.g., refer to thienyl (i.e., thiophenyl), benzo[b]thienyl, naphtho[2,3- bjthlenyl, thianthrenyl, furyl (i.e., furanyl), benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, chromenyl, xanthenyl, phenoxathiinyl, pyrrolyl (e.g. , 2H-pyrrolyl), imidazo!yl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl (i.e., pyridinyl; e.g., 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, or 4-pyridyl), pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, indolyl (e.g. , 3H-indolyl), indazolyl, purinyl, isoquinolyl, quinolyl, phthalazinyl, naphthyridiny!, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, pteridinyl, carbazolyl, beta-carbolinyl, phenanthridinyl, acridinyl, perimidinyl, phenanthrolinyl (e.g. , [1 , 10]phenanthrolinyl, [1 ,7]phenanthrolinyl, or [4,7]phenanthrolinyl), phenazinyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, phenothiazinyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, furazanyl, phenoxazinyl, pyrazo!o[1 ,5-a]pyrimidinyl (e.g., pyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl), 1 ,2-benzoisoxazol-3-yl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzisoxazoiyl, benzimidazolyl, 1 H-tetrazolyl, 2H-tetrazolyI, coumarinyl, or chromonyl. Unless defined otherwise, a "heteroaryl" preferably refers to a 5 to 14 membered (more preferably 5 to 10 membered) monocyclic ring or fused ring system comprising one or more (e.g., one, two, three or four) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) are optionally oxidized, and wherein one or more carbon ring atoms are optionally oxidized; even more preferably, a "heteroaryl" refers to a 5 or 6 membered monocyclic ring comprising one or more (e.g., one, two or three) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) are optionally oxidized, and wherein one or more carbon ring atoms are optionally oxidized.

As used herein, the term "cycloalkyl" refers to a saturated hydrocarbon ring group, including monocyclic rings as well as bridged ring, spiro ring and/or fused ring systems (which may be composed, e.g., of two or three rings; such as, e.g., a fused ring system composed of two or three fused rings). "Cycloalkyl" may, e.g., refer to cyclopropyl. cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl. cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, or adamantyl. Unless defined otherwise, "cycloalkyl" preferably refers to a C3.11 cycloalkyl, and more preferably refers to a C₃.₇ cycloalkyl. A particularly preferred "cycloalkyl" is a monocyclic saturated hydrocarbon ring having 3 to 7 ring members.

As used herein, the term "heterocycloalkyl" refers to a saturated ring group, including monocyclic rings as well as bridged ring, spiro ring and/or fused ring systems (which may be composed, e.g., of two or three rings; such as, e.g., a fused ring system composed of two or three fused rings), wherein said ring group contains one or more (such as, e.g. , one, two, three, or four) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, and the remaining ring atoms are carbon atoms, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) may optionally be oxidized, and further wherein one or more carbon ring atoms may optionally be oxidized (i.e., to form an oxo group). "Heterocycloalkyl" may, e.g., refer to oxetanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, aziridinyl, azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, morpholinyl (e.g., morpholin-4-yl), pyrazolidinyl, tetrahydrothienyl, octahydroquinolinyl, octahydroisoquinolinyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, azepanyl, diazepanyl, oxazepanyl or 2-oxa-5-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl. Unless defined otherwise, "heterocycloalkyl" preferably refers to a 3 to 1 1 membered saturated ring group, which is a monocyclic ring or a fused ring system (e.g., a fused ring system composed of two fused rings), wherein said ring group contains one or more (e.g., one, two, three, or four) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) are optionally oxidized, and wherein one or more carbon ring atoms are optionally oxidized; more preferably, "heterocycloalkyl" refers to a 5 to 7 membered saturated monocyclic ring group containing one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) are optionally oxidized, and wherein one or more carbon ring atoms are optionally oxidized.

As used herein, the term "cycloalkenyl" refers to an unsaturated alicyclic (non-aromatic) hydrocarbon ring group, including monocyclic rings as well as bridged ring, spiro ring and/or fused ring systems (which may be composed, e.g., of two or three rings; such as, e.g., a fused ring system composed of two or three fused rings), wherein said hydrocarbon ring group comprises one or more (e.g. , one or two) carbon-to-carbon double bonds and does not comprise any carbon-to-carbon triple bond. "Cycloalkenyl" may, e.g., refer to cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclohexadienyl, cycloheptenyl, or cycloheptadienyl. Unless defined otherwise, "cycloalkenyl" preferably refers to a C₃.n cycloalkenyl, and more preferably refers to a C₃.₇ cycloalkenyl. A particularly preferred "cycloalkenyl" is a monocyclic unsaturated alicyclic hydrocarbon ring having 3 to 7 ring members and containing one or more (e.g. , one or two; preferably one) carbon-to-carbon double bonds.

As used herein, the term "heterocycloalkenyl" refers to an unsaturated alicyclic (non-aromatic) ring group, including monocyclic rings as well as bridged ring, spiro ring and/or fused ring systems (which may be composed, e.g., of two or three rings; such as, e.g., a fused ring system composed of two or three fused rings), wherein said ring group contains one or more (such as, e.g., one, two, three, or four) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, and the remaining ring atoms and carbon atoms, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) may optionally be oxidized, wherein one or more carbon ring atoms may optionally be oxidized (i.e., to form an oxo group), and further wherein said ring group comprises at least one double bond between adjacent ring atoms and does not comprise any triple bond between adjacent ring atoms. "Heterocycloalkenyl" may, e.g., refer to 1 ,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinyl. Unless defined otherwise, "heterocycloalkenyl" preferably refers to a 3 to 1 1 membered unsaturated alicyclic ring group, which is a monocyclic ring or a fused ring system (e.g., a fused ring system composed of two fused rings), wherein said ring group contains one or more (e.g., one, two, three, or four) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) are optionally oxidized, wherein one or more carbon ring atoms are optionally oxidized, and wherein said ring group comprises at least one double bond between adjacent ring atoms and does not comprise any triple bond between adjacent ring atoms; more preferably, "heterocycloalkenyl" refers to a 5 to 7 membered monocyclic unsaturated non-aromatic ring group containing one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, S and N, wherein one or more S ring atoms (if present) and/or one or more N ring atoms (if present) are optionally oxidized, wherein one or more carbon ring atoms are optionally oxidized, and wherein said ring group comprises at least one double bond between adjacent ring atoms and does not comprise any triple bond between adjacent ring atoms. As used herein, the term "halogen" refers to fluoro (-F), chloro (-CI), bromo (-Br), or iodo (-I).

As used herein, the term "haloalkyl" refers to an alkyl group substituted with one or more (preferably 1 to 6, more preferably 1 to 3) halogen atoms which are selected independently from fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo, and are preferably all fluoro atoms. It will be understood that the maximum number of halogen atoms is limited by the number of available attachment sites and. thus, depends on the number of carbon atoms comprised in the alkyl moiety of the haloalkyl group. "Haloalkyl" may, e.g., refer to -CF₃, -CHF₂, -CH₂F, -CF₂-CH₃, -CH₂-CF₃, -CH₂-CHF₂, -CH₂-CF₂-CH₃, -CH₂-CF₂-CF₃, or -CH(CF₃)₂. Various groups are referred to as being "optionally substituted" in this specification. Generally, these groups may carry one or more substituents, such as, e.g., one, two, three or four substituents. It will be understood that the maximum number of substituents is limited by the number of attachment sites available on the substituted moiety. Unless defined otherwise, the "optionally substituted" groups referred to in this specification carry preferably not more than two substituents and may, in particular, carry only one substituent. Moreover, unless defined otherwise, it is preferred that the optional substituents are absent, i.e. that the corresponding groups are unsubstituted.

As used herein, the terms "optional", "optionally" and "may" denote that the indicated feature may be present but can also be absent. Whenever the term "optional", "optionally" or "may" is used, the present invention specifically relates to both possibilities, i.e., that the corresponding feature is present or, alternatively, that the corresponding feature is absent. For example, the expression "X is optionally substituted with Y" (or "X may be substituted with Y") means that X is either substituted with Y or is unsubstituted. Likewise, if a component of a composition is indicated to be "optional", the invention specifically relates to both possibilities, i.e., that the corresponding component is present (contained in the composition) or that the corresponding component is absent from the composition. A skilled person will appreciate that the substituent groups comprised in the compounds of formula (I) may be attached to the remainder of the respective compound via a number of different positions of the corresponding specific substituent group. Unless defined otherwise, the preferred attachment positions for the various specific substituent groups are as illustrated in the examples.

As used herein, the term "about" preferably refers to ±10% of the indicated numerical value, more preferably to ±5% of the indicated numerical value, and in particular to the exact numerical value indicated.

The scope of the invention embraces all pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms of the compounds of formula (I) which may be formed, e.g., by protonation of an atom carrying an electron lone pair which is susceptible to protonation, such as an amino group, with an inorganic or organic acid, or as a salt of an acid group (such as a carboxylic acid group) with a physiologically acceptable cation. Exemplary base addition salts comprise, for example: alkali metal salts such as sodium or potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium or magnesium salts; zinc salts; ammonium salts; aliphatic amine salts such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, dicyclohexylamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, procaine salts, meglumine salts, ethylenediamine salts, or choline salts; aralkyl amine salts such as N.N-dibenzylethylenediamine salts, benzathine salts, benethamine salts; heterocyclic aromatic amine salts such as pyridine salts, picoline salts, quinoline salts or isoquinoline salts; quaternary ammonium salts such as tetramethylammonium salts, tetraethylammonium salts, benzyltrimethylammonium salts, benzyltriethyiammonium salts, benzyltributylammonium salts, methyltrioctylammonium salts or tetrabutylammonium salts; and basic amino acid salts such as arginine salts, lysine salts, or histidine salts. Exemplary acid addition salts comprise, for example: mineral acid salts such as hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, sulfate salts (such as, e.g., sulfate or hydrogensulfate salts), nitrate salts, phosphate salts (such as, e.g., phosphate, hydrogenphosphate, or dihydrogenphosphate salts), carbonate salts, hydrogencarbonate salts, perchlorate salts, borate salts, or thiocyanate salts; organic acid salts such as acetate, propionate, butyrate, pentanoate, hexanoate, heptanoate, octanoate, cyclopentanepropionate, decanoate, undecanoate, oleate, stearate, lactate, maleate, oxalate, fumarate, tartrate, malate, citrate, succinate, adipate, gluconate, glycolate, nicotinate, benzoate, salicylate, ascorbate, pamoate (embonate), camphorate, glucoheptanoate, or pivalate salts; sulfonate salts such as methanesulfonate (mesylate), ethanesulfonate (esylate), 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate (isethionate), benzenesulfonate (besylate), p-toluenesulfonate (tosylate), 2-naphthalenesulfonate (napsylate), 3-phenylsulfonate, or camphorsulfonate salts; glycerophosphate salts; and acidic amino acid salts such as aspartate or glutamate salts. Preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of formula (I) include a hydrochloride salt, a hydrobromide salt, a mesylate salt, a sulfate salt, a tartrate salt, a fumarate salt, an acetate salt, a citrate salt, and a phosphate salt. A particularly preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (I) is a hydrochloride salt. Accordingly, it is preferred that the compound of formula (I), including any one of the specific compounds of formula (I) described herein, is in the form of a hydrochloride salt, a hydrobromide salt, a mesylate salt, a sulfate salt, a tartrate salt, a fumarate salt, an acetate salt, a citrate salt, or a phosphate salt, and it is particularly preferred that the compound of formula (I) is in the form of a hydrochloride salt.

Moreover, the scope of the invention embraces the compounds of formula (I) in any solvated form, including, e.g., solvates with water, for example hydrates, or with organic solvents such as, e.g., methanol, ethanol or acetonitrile, i.e., as a methanolate, ethanolate or acetonitrilate, respectively, or in the form of any polymorph. It is to be understood that such solvates of the compounds of the formula (I) also include solvates of pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the formula (I).

Furthermore, the compounds of formula (I) may exist in the form of different isomers, in particular stereoisomers (including, e.g., geometric isomers (or cis/trans isomers), enantiomers and diastereomers) or tautomers. All such isomers of the compounds of formula (I) are contemplated as being part of the present invention, either in admixture or in pure or substantially pure form. As for stereoisomers, the invention embraces the isolated optical isomers of the compounds according to the invention as well as any mixtures thereof (including, in particular, racemic mixtures/racemates). The racemates can be resolved by physical methods, such as, e.g. , fractional crystallization, separation or crystallization of diastereomeric derivatives, or separation by chiral column chromatography. The individual optical isomers can also be obtained from the racemates via salt formation with an optically active acid followed by crystallization. The present invention further encompasses any tautomers of the compounds provided herein.

The scope of the invention also embraces compounds of formula (I), in which one or more atoms are replaced by a specific isotope of the corresponding atom. For example, the invention encompasses compounds of formula (I), in which one or more hydrogen atoms (or, e.g., all hydrogen atoms) are replaced by deuterium atoms (i.e., ²H; also referred to as "D"). Accordingly, the invention also embraces compounds of formula (I) which are enriched in deuterium. Naturally occurring hydrogen is an isotopic mixture comprising about 99.98 mol-% hydrogen- 1 ( H) and about 0.0156 mol-% deuterium (²H or D). The content of deuterium in one or more hydrogen positions in the compounds of formula (I) can be increased using deuteration techniques known in the art. For example, a compound of formula (I) or a reactant or precursor to be used in the synthesis of the compound of formula (I) can be subjected to an H/D exchange reaction using, e.g., heavy water (D₂0). Further suitable deuteration techniques are described in: Atzrodt J et aL Bioorg Med Chem, 20(18), 5658-5667, 2012; William JS et al., Journal of Labelled Compounds and Radiopharmaceuticals, 53(1 1 -12), 635-644, 2010; Modvig A et al., J Org Chem, 79, 5861 -5868, 2014. The content of deuterium can be determined, e.g., using mass spectrometry or NMR spectroscopy. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, it is preferred that the compound of formula (I) is not enriched in deuterium. Accordingly, the presence of naturally occurring hydrogen atoms or ¹H hydrogen atoms in the compounds of formula (I) is preferred.

The present invention also embraces compounds of formula (I), in which one or more atoms are replaced by a positron-emitting isotope of the corresponding atom, such as, e.g., ¹⁸F, ¹ C, ^{I J}N, ^l50, ⁷⁶Br, ⁷⁷Br, ²⁰l and/or ¹²⁴l. Such compounds can be used as tracers or imaging probes in positron emission tomography (PET). The invention thus includes (i) compounds of formula (I), in which one or more fluorine atoms (or, e.g., all fluorine atoms) are replaced by ⁸F atoms, (ii) compounds of formula (I), in which one or more carbon atoms (or, e.g., all carbon atoms) are replaced by ¹¹C atoms, (iii) compounds of formula (I), in which one or more nitrogen atoms (or, e.g., all nitrogen atoms) are replaced by ¹³N atoms, (iv) compounds of formula (I), in which one or more oxygen atoms (or, e.g., all oxygen atoms) are replaced by ¹⁵0 atoms, (v) compounds of formula (I), in which one or more bromine atoms (or, e.g., all bromine atoms) are replaced by ⁷⁶Br atoms, (vi) compounds of formula (I), in which one or more bromine atoms (or, e.g., all bromine atoms) are replaced by ⁷⁷Br atoms, (vii) compounds of formula (I), in which one or more iodine atoms (or, e.g., all iodine atoms) are replaced by ¹²⁰l atoms, and (viii) compounds of formula (I), in which one or more iodine atoms (or, e.g., all iodine atoms) are replaced by ¹²⁴l atoms. In general, it is preferred that none of the atoms in the compounds of formula (I) are replaced by specific isotopes.

Pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs of the compounds of formula (I) are derivatives which have chemically or metabolically cleavable groups and become, by solvolysis or under physiological conditions, the compounds of formula (I) which are pharmaceutically active in vivo. Prodrugs of the compounds according to the the present invention may be formed in a conventional manner with a functional group of the compounds such as, e.g., with an amino, hydroxy or carboxy group. The prodrug form often offers advantages in terms of solubility, tissue compatibility or delayed release in a mammalian organism (see, Bundgaard, H., Design of Prodrugs, pp. 7-9, 21 -24, Elsevier, Amsterdam 1985). Prodrugs include acid derivatives, such as, e.g., esters prepared by reaction of the parent acidic compound with a suitable alcohol, or amides prepared by reaction of the parent acid compound with a suitable amine. If a compound of the present invention has a carboxyl group, an ester derivative prepared by reacting the carboxyl group with a suitable alcohol or an amide derivative prepared by reacting the carboxyl group with a suitable amine is exemplified as a prodrug. An especially preferred ester derivative as a prodrug is methylester, ethylester, n-propylester, isopropylester, n- butylester, isobutylester, tert-butylester, morpholinoethylester, Ν,Ν-diethylglycolamidoester or a-acetoxyethylester. If a compound of the present invention has a hydroxy group, an acyloxy derivative prepared by reacting the hydroxyl group with a suitable acylhalide or a suitable acid anhydride is exemplified as a prodrug. An especially preferred acyloxy derivative as a prodrug is -OC(=0)-CH₃, -OC(=0)-C₂H₅, -OC(=0)-(tert-Bu), -OC(=0)-C₁₅H₃₁ , -OC(=0)-(m-COONa-Ph), -OC(=0)-CH₂CH₂COONa, -0(C=0)-CH(NH₂)CH₃ or -OC(=0)-CH_?-N(CH₃)₂. If a compound of the present invention has an amino group, an amide derivative prepared by reacting the amino group with a suitable acid halide or a suitable mixed anhydride is exemplified as a prodrug. An especially preferred amide derivative as a prodrug is -NHC(=0)-(CH₂)₂0CH₃ or -NHC(=0)- CH(NH₂)CH₃.

The compounds provided herein may be administered as compounds per se or may be formulated as medicaments. The medicaments/pharmaceutical compositions may optionally comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, such as carriers, diluents, fillers, disintegrants, lubricating agents, binders, colorants, pigments, stabilizers, preservatives, antioxidants, and/or solubility enhancers. In particular, the pharmaceutical compositions may comprise one or more solubility enhancers, such as, e.g., poly(ethylene glycol), including poly(ethylene glycol) having a molecular weight In the range of about 200 to about 5,000 Da, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, non-ionic surfactants, tyloxapol, polysorbate 80, macrogol-15-hydroxystearate, phospholipids, lecithin, dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine, dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, distearoyl phosphatidylcholine, cyclodextrins, a-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin, hydroxyethyl- β-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-P-cyclodextrin, hydroxyethyl-y-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-v- cyclodextrin, dihydroxypropyl- -cyclodextrin, sulfobutylether- -cyclodextrin, sulfobutylether-y- cyclodextrin, glucosyl-a-cyclodextrin, glucosyl-B-cyclodextrin, diglucosyl-B-cyclodextrin, maltosyl-a-cyclodextrin, maltosyl-p-cyclodextrin, maltosyl-y-cyclodextrin, maltotriosyl-β- cyclodextrin, maltotriosyl-y-cyclodextrin, dimaltosyl-p-cyclodextrin, methyl-p-cyclodextrin, carboxyalkyl thioethers, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl pyrrolidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, or any combination thereof.

The pharmaceutical compositions can be formulated by techniques known to the person skilled in the art, such as the techniques published in "Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy", Pharmaceutical Press, 22^nd edition. The pharmaceutical compositions can be formulated as dosage forms for oral, parenteral, such as intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous, intradermal, intraarterial, intracardial, rectal, nasal, topical, aerosol or vaginal administration. Dosage forms for oral administration include coated and uncoated tablets, soft gelatin capsules, hard gelatin capsules, lozenges, troches, solutions, emulsions, suspensions, syrups, elixirs, powders and granules for reconstitution, dispersible powders and granules, medicated gums, chewing tablets and effervescent tablets. Dosage forms for parenteral administration include solutions, emulsions, suspensions, dispersions and powders and granules for reconstitution. Emulsions are a preferred dosage form for parenteral administration. Dosage forms for rectal and vaginal administration include suppositories and ovula. Dosage forms for nasal administration can be administered via inhalation and insufflation, for example by a metered inhaler. Dosage forms for topical administration include creams, gels, ointments, salves, patches and transdermal delivery systems.

The compounds of formula (I) or the above described pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) may be administered to a subject by any convenient route of administration, whether systemically/peripherally or at the site of desired action, including but not limited to one or more of: oral (e.g., as a tablet, capsule, or as an ingestible solution), topical (e.g. , transdermal, intranasal, ocular, buccal, and sublingual), parenteral (e g., using injection techniques or infusion techniques, and including, for example, by injection, e.g., subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular, intravenous, intraarterial, intracardiac, intrathecal, intraspinal, intracapsular, subcapsular, intraorbital, intraperitoneal, intratracheal, subcuticular, intraarticular, subarachnoid, or intrasternal by, e.g., implant of a depot, for example, subcutaneously or intramuscularly), pulmonary (e.g., by inhalation or insufflation therapy using, e.g., an aerosol, e.g., through mouth or nose), gastrointestinal, intrauterine, intraocular, subcutaneous, ophthalmic (including intravitreal or intracameral), rectal, and vaginal.

If said compounds or pharmaceutical compositions are administered parenterally, then examples of such administration include one or more of: intravenously, intraarterially, intraperitoneally, intrathecally, intraventricularly, intraurethrally, intrasternally, intracardially, intracranially, intramuscularly or subcutaneously administering the compounds or pharmaceutical compositions, and/or by using infusion techniques. For parenteral administration, the compounds are best used in the form of a sterile aqueous solution which may contain other substances, for example, enough salts or glucose to make the solution isotonic with blood. The aqueous solutions should be suitably buffered (preferably to a pH of from 3 to 9), if necessary. The preparation of suitable parenteral formulations under sterile conditions is readily accomplished by standard pharmaceutical techniques well known to those skilled in the art.

Said compounds or pharmaceutical compositions can also be administered orally in the form of tablets, capsules, ovules, elixirs, solutions or suspensions, which may contain flavoring or coloring agents, for immediate-, delayed-, modified-, sustained-, pulsed- or controlled-release applications.

The tablets may contain excipients such as microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, sodium citrate, calcium carbonate, dibasic calcium phosphate and glycine, disintegrants such as starch (preferably corn, potato or tapioca starch), sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium and certain complex silicates, and granulation binders such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), sucrose, gelatin and acacia. Additionally, lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate, stearic acid, glyceryl behenate and talc may be included. Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in gelatin capsules. Preferred excipients in this regard include lactose, starch, a cellulose, or high molecular weight polyethylene glycols. For aqueous suspensions and/or elixirs, the agent may be combined with various sweetening or flavoring agents, coloring matter or dyes, with emulsifying and/or suspending agents and with diluents such as water, ethanol, propylene glycol and glycerin, and combinations thereof.

Alternatively, said compounds or pharmaceutical compositions can be administered in the form of a suppository or pessary, or it may be applied topically in the form of a gel, hydrogel, lotion, solution, cream, ointment or dusting powder. The compounds of the present invention may also be dermally or transdermal^ administered, for example, by the use of a skin patch.

Said compounds or pharmaceutical compositions may also be administered by sustained release systems. Suitable examples of sustained-release compositions include semi-permeable polymer matrices in the form of shaped articles, e.g., films, or microcapsules. Sustained-release matrices include, e.g., polylactides (see, e.g., US 3,773,919), copolymers of L-glutamic acid and gamma-ethyl-L-glutamate (Sidman, U. et al., Biopolymers 22:547-556 (1983)), poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (R. Langer et al., J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 15: 167- 277 (1981 ), and R. Langer, Chem. Tech. 12:98-105 (1982)), ethylene vinyl acetate (R. Langer et al., Id.) or poly-D-(-)-3-hydroxybutyric acid (EP133988). Sustained-release pharmaceutical compositions also include liposomal!'/ entrapped compounds. Liposomes containing a compound of the present invention can be prepared by methods known in the art, such as, e.g., the methods described in any one of: DE3218121 ; Epstein et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 82:3688-3692 (1985); Hwang et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 77:4030-4034 (1980); EP0052322; EP0036676; EP088046; EP0143949; EP0142641 ; JP 83-1 18008; US 4,485,045; US 4,544,545; and EP0102324.

Said compounds or pharmaceutical compositions may aiso be administered by the pulmonary route, rectal routes, or the ocular route. For ophthalmic use, they can be formulated as micronized suspensions in isotonic, pH adjusted, sterile saline, or, preferably, as solutions in isotonic, pH adjusted, sterile saline, optionally in combination with a preservative such as a benzalkonium chloride. Alternatively, they may be formulated in an ointment such as petrolatum.

It is also envisaged to prepare dry powder formulations of the compounds of formula (!) for pulmonary administration, particularly inhalation. Such dry powders may be prepared by spray drying under conditions which result in a substantially amorphous glassy or a substantially crystalline bioactive powder. Accordingly, dry powders of the compounds of the present invention can be made according to the emulsification/spray drying process disclosed in WO 99/16419 or WO 01/85136. Spray drying of solution formulations of the compounds of the present invention can be carried out, e.g., as described generally in the "Spray Drying Handbook", 5th ed., K. Masters, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY (1991 ), and in WO 97/41833 or WO 03/05341 1.

For topical application to the skin, said compounds or pharmaceutical compositions can be formuiateo as a suitable ointment containing the active compound suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture with one or more of the following: mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, propylene glycol, emulsifying wax and water. Alternatively, they can be formulated as a suitable lotion or cream, suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture of one or more of the following: mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, a polyethylene glycol, liquid paraffin, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water.

The present invention thus relates to the compounds or the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein, wherein the corresponding compound or pharmaceutical composition is to be administered by any one of: an oral route; topical route, including by transdermal, intranasal, ocular, buccal, or sublingual route; parenteral route using injection techniques or infusion techniques, including by subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular, intravenous, intraarterial, intracardiac, intrathecal, intraspinal, intracapsular, subcapsular, intraorbital, intraperitoneal, intratracheal, subcuticular, intraarticular, subarachnoid, intrasternal, intraventricular, intra urethra I, or intracranial route; pulmonary route, including by inhalation or insufflation therapy; gastrointestinal route; intrauterine route; intraocular route; subcutaneous route; ophthalmic route, including by intravitreal, or intracameral route; rectal route; or vaginal route. Particularly preferred routes of administration of the compounds or pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are oral administration or parenteral administration (e.g., subcutaneous or intravenous administration), and most preferably a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the invention is to be administered orally.

Typically, a physician will determine the actual dosage which will be most suitable for an individual subject. The specific dose level and frequency of dosage for any particular individual subject may be varied and will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the metabolic stability and length of action of that compound, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, mode and time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity of the particular condition, and the individual subject undergoing therapy. A proposed, yet non-limiting dose of the compounds according to the invention for oral administration to a human (of approximately 70 kg body weight) may be 0.05 to 2000 mg, preferably 0.1 mg to 1000 mg, of the active ingredient per unit dose. The unit dose may be administered, e.g., 1 to 3 times per day. The unit dose may also be administered 1 to 7 times per week, e.g., with not more than one administration per day. It will be appreciated that it may be necessary to make routine variations to the dosage depending on the age and weight of the patient/subject as well as the severity of the condition to be treated. The precise dose and also the route of administration will ultimately be at the discretion of the attendant physician or veterinarian. The compounds of formula (I) can be used in combination with other therapeutic agents, including in particular other anticancer agents. When a compound of the invention is used in combination with a second therapeutic agent active against the same disease, the dose of each compound may differ from that when the compound is used alone. The combination of a compound of the present invention with a second therapeutic agent may comprise the administration of the second therapeutic agent simultaneously/concomitantly or sequentially/separately with the compound of the invention. Preferably, the second therapeutic agent to be administered in combination with a compound of this invention is an anticancer drug. The anticancer drug to be administered in combination with a compound of formula (I) according to the present invention may, e.g., be selected from: a tumor angiogenesis inhibitor (for example, a protease inhibitor, an epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor, or a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor); a cytotoxic drug (for example, an antimetabolite, such as purine and pyrimidine analogue antimetabolites); an antimitotic agent (for example, a microtubule stabilizing drug or an antimitotic alkaloid); a platinum coordination complex; an anti-tumor antibiotic; an alkylating agent (for example, a nitrogen mustard or a nitrosourea); an endocrine agent (for example, an adrenocorticosteroid, an androgen, an anti-androgen, an estrogen, an anti-estrogen, an aromatase inhibitor, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, or a somatostatin analogue); or a compound that targets an enzyme or receptor that is overexpressed and/or otherwise involved in a specific metabolic pathway that is misregulated in the tumor cell (for example, ATP and GTP phosphodiesterase inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, protein kinase inhibitors (such as serine, threonine and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (for example, Abelson protein tyrosine kinase)) and the various growth factors, their receptors and corresponding kinase inhibitors (such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase inhibitors, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor kinase inhibitors, fibroblast growth factor inhibitors, insulinlike growth factor receptor inhibitors and platelet-derived growth factor receptor kinase inhibitors)); methionine, aminopeptidase inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, cyclooxygenase inhibitors (for example, cyclooxygenase- 1 or cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors), topoisomerase inhibitors (for example, topoisomerase I inhibitors or topoisomerase II inhibitors), and poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARP inhibitors).

An alkylating agent which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, a nitrogen mustard (such as cyclophosphamide, mechlorethamine (chlormethine), uramustine, melphalan, chlorambucil, ifosfamide, bendamustine, or trofosfamide), a nitrosourea (such as carmustine, streptozocin, fotemustine, lomustine, nimustine, prednimustine, ranimustine, or semustine), an alkyl sulfonate (such as busulfan, mannosulfan, or treosulfan), an aziridine (such as hexamethylmelamine (altretamine), triethylenemelamine, ThioTEPA (Ν,Ν'Ν'-triethylenethiophosphoramide), carboquone, or triaziquone), a hydrazine (such as procarbazine), a triazene (such as dacarbazine), or an imidazotetrazines (such as temozolomide). A platinum coordination complex which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, cisplatin, carboplatin, nedaplatin, oxaliplatin, satraplatin, or triplatin tetranitrate. A cytotoxic drug which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, an antimetabolite, including folic acid analogue antimetabolites (such as aminopterin, methotrexate, pemetrexed, or raltitrexed), purine analogue antimetabolites (such as cladribine, clofarabine, fludarabine, 6-mercaptopurine (including its prodrug form azathioprine), pentostatin, or 6-thioguanine), and pyrimidine analogue antimetabolites (such as cytarabine, decitabine, 5-fluorouracil (including its prodrug forms capecitabine and tegafur), floxuridine, gemcitabine, enocitabine, or sapacitabine). An antimitotic agent which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, a taxane (such as docetaxel, larotaxel, ortataxel, paclitaxel/taxol, or tesetaxel), a Vinca alkaloid (such as vinblastine, vincristine, vinflunine, vindesine, or vinorelbine), an epothilone (such as epothilone A, epothilone B. epothilone C, epothilone D, epothilone E, or epothilone F) or an epothilone B analogue (such as ixabepilone/azaepothilone B).

An anti-tumor antibiotic which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, an anthracycline (such as aclarubicin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, amrubicin, pirarubicin, valrubicin, or zorubicin), an anthracenedione (such as mitoxantrone, or pixantrone) or an anti-tumor antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces (such as actinomycin (including actinomycin D), bleomycin, mitomycin (including mitomycin C), or plicamycin).

A tyrosine kinase inhibitor which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, axitinib, bosutinib, cediranib, dasatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, imatinib, lapatinib, lestaurtinib, nilotinib, semaxanib, sorafenib, sunitinib, or vandetanib.

A topoisomerase-inhibitor which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, a topoisomerase I inhibitor (such as irinotecan, topotecan, camptothecin, belotecan, rubitecan, or lamellarin D) or a topoisomerase II inhibitor (such as amsacrine, etoposide, etoposide phosphate, teniposide, or doxorubicin).

A PARP inhibitor which can be used as an anticancer drug in combination with a compound of the present invention may be, for example, BMN-673, olaparib, rucaparib, veliparib, CEP 9722, MK 4827, BGB-290, or 3-aminobenzamide. Further anticancer drugs may also be used in combination with a compound of the present invention. The anticancer drugs may comprise biological or chemical molecules, like TNF- related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), tamoxifen, amsacrine, bexarotene, estramustine, irofulven, trabectedin, cetuximab, panitumumab, tositumomab, alemtuzumab, bevacizumab, edrecolomab, gemtuzumab, alvocidib, seliciclib, aminolevulinic acid, methyl aminolevulinate, efaproxiral, porfimer sodium, talaporfin, temoporfin, verteporfin, alitretinoin, tretinoin, anagrelide, arsenic trioxide, atrasentan, bortezomib, carmofur, celecoxib, demecolcine, elesclomol, elsamitrucin, etoglucid, lonidamine, lucanthone, masoprocol, mitobronitol, mitoguazone, mitotane, oblimersen, omacetaxine, sitimagene, ceradenovec, tegafur, testolactone, tiazofurine, tipifarnib, vorinostat, or iniparib.

Also biological drugs, like antibodies, antibody fragments, antibody constructs (for example, single-chain constructs), and/or modified antibodies (like CDR-grafted antibodies, humanized antibodies, "full humanized" antibodies, etc.) directed against cancer or tumor markers/factors/cytokines involved in proliferative diseases can be employed in co-therapy approaches with the compounds of the invention. Examples of such biological molecules are anti-HER2 antibodies (e.g. trastuzumab, Herceptin®), anti-CD20 antibodies (e.g. Rituximab, Rituxan®, MabThera®, Reditux®), anti-CD19/CD3 constructs (see, e.g., EP-B1 1071752) and anti-TNF antibodies (see, e.g., Taylor PC. Antibody therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2003. 3(3):323-328). Further antibodies, antibody fragments, antibody constructs and/or modified antibodies to be used in co-therapy approaches with the compounds of the invention can be found in Taylor PC. Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2003. 3(3);323-328; Roxana A. Maedica. 2006. 1 (1):63-65. The combinations referred to above may conveniently be presented for use in the form of a pharmaceutical formulation. The individual components of such combinations may be administered either sequentially or simultaneously/concomitantly in separate or combined pharmaceutical formulations by any convenient route. When administration is sequential, either the compound of the present invention (i.e., the compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof) or the second therapeutic agent may be administered first. When administration is simultaneous, the combination may be administered either in the same pharmaceutical composition or in different pharmaceutical compositions. When combined in the same formulation, it will be appreciated that the two compounds must be stable and compatible with each other and the other components of the formulation. When formulated separately, they may be provided in any convenient formulation. The compounds of formula (I) can also be administered in combination with physical therapy, such as radiotherapy. Radiotherapy may commence before, after, or simultaneously with administration of the compounds of the invention. For example, radiotherapy may commence 1 -10 minutes, 1 -10 hours or 24-72 hours after administration of the compounds. Yet, these time frames are not to be construed as limiting. The subject is exposed to radiation, preferably gamma radiation, whereby the radiation may be provided in a single dose or in multiple doses that are administered over several hours, days and/or weeks. Gamma radiation may be delivered according to standard radiotherapeutic protocols using standard dosages and regimens.

Based on the physiological effects of MTH1 suppression, MTH1 inhibitors are considered to synergize with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapeutics/anticancer drugs, particularly with DNA damaging agents, agents that interfere with DNA repair mechanisms, and agents that induce the production or inhibit the clearance of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is thus particularly preferred that an anticancer drug to be administered in combination with a compound of formula (I) is a PARP inhibitor (e.g. , BMN-673, olaparib, rucaparib, veliparib, CEP 9722, MK 4827, BGB-290, or 3-aminobenzamide) or an EGFR inhibitor/antagonist (e.g., gefitinib, erlotinib, lapatinib, afatinib, neratinib, ABT-414, dacomitinib, AV-412, PD 153035, vandetanib, PKI-166, pelitinib, canertinib, icotinib, poziotinib, BMS-690514, CUDC-101 , AP261 13, XL647, cetuximab, panitumumab, zalutumumab, nimotuzumab, or matuzumab).

It is furthermore preferred that an anticancer drug to be administered in combination with a compound of formula (I) is an immunooncology therapeutic (e.g., a monoclonal antibody or a polyclonal antibody) targeting any one of CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1 , TIMS, LAG 3, OX4, CSF1 R, I DO, or CD40. Such immunooncology therapeutics include, e.g., an anti-CTLA-4 antibody (particularly an antagonistic or pathway-blocking anti-CTLA-4 antibody; e.g., ipilimumab or tremelimumab), an anti-PD-1 antibody (particularly an antagonistic or pathway-blocking anti- PD-1 antibody; e.g., nivolumab (BMS-936558), pembrolizumab (MK-3475), pidilizumab (CT-01 1 ), AMP-224, or APE02058), an anti-PD-L1 antibody (particularly a pathway-blocking anti-PD-L1 antibody; e.g., BMS-936559, MEDI4736, MPDL3280A (RG7446), MDX-1 105, or MEDI6469), an anti-TIM3 antibody (particularly a pathway-blocking anti-TIM3 antibody), an anti-LAG3 antibody (particularly an antagonistic or pathway-blocking anti-LAG3 antibody; e.g., BMS-986016, IMP701 , or IMP731 ), an anti-OX4 antibody (particularly an agonistic anti-OX4 antibody; e g., MEDI0562), an anti-CSF1 R antibody (particularly a pathway-blocking anti-CSF1 R antibody; e.g., IMC-CS4 or RG7155), an anti-IDO antibody (particularly a pathway-blocking anti-IDO antibody), or an anti-CD40 antibody (particularly an agonistic anti-CD40 antibody; e.g., CP-870,893 or Chi Lob 7/4). Further immunooncology therapeutics are known in the art and are described, e.g., in Kyi C et al., FEBS Lett, 2014, 588(2):368-76; Intlekofer AM et al., J Leukoc Biol, 2013, 94(1):25-39; Callahan MK et al., J Leukoc Biol, 2013, 94(1 ):41 -53; Ngiow SF et al., Cancer Res, 201 1 , 71 (21 ):6567-71 ; and Blattman JN et al., Science, 2004, 305(5681 ):200-5.

The present invention thus relates to a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer, wherein the compound or the pharmaceutical composition is to be administered in combination with an anticancer drug and/or in combination with radiotherapy.

Yet, the compounds of formula (I) can also be used in monotherapy, particularly in the monotherapeutic treatment or prevention of cancer (i.e., without administering any other anticancer agents until the treatment with the compound(s) of formula (I) is terminated). Accordingly, the invention also relates to a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the aforementioned entities in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, for use in the monotherapeutic treatment or prevention of cancer.

The subject or patient, such as the subject in need of treatment or prevention, may be an animal (e.g., a non-human animal), a vertebrate animal, a mammal, a rodent (e.g. , a guinea pig, a hamster, a rat, a mouse), a murine (e.g., a mouse), a canine (e.g., a dog), a feline (e.g., a cat), a porcine (e.g., a pig), an equine (e.g., a horse), a primate, a simian (e.g., a monkey or ape), a monkey (e.g., a marmoset, a baboon), an ape (e.g., a gorilla, chimpanzee, orang-utan, gibbon), or a human. In the context of this invention, it is particularly envisaged that animals are to be treated which are economically, agronomically or scientifically important. Scientifically important organisms include, but are not limited to, mice, rats, and rabbits. Lower organisms such as, e.g., fruit flies like Drosophila melagonaster and nematodes like Caenorhabditis elegans may also be used in scientific approaches. Non-limiting examples of agronomically important animals are sheep, cattle and pigs, while, for example, cats and dogs may be considered as economically important animals. Preferably, the subject/patient is a mammal; more preferably, the subject/patient is a human or a non-human mammal (such as, e.g., a guinea pig, a hamster, a rat, a mouse, a rabbit, a dog, a cat, a horse, a monkey, an ape, a marmoset, a baboon, a gorilla, a chimpanzee, an orang-utan, a gibbon, a sheep, cattle, or a pig); most preferably, the subject/patient is a human. The term "treatment" of a disorder or disease as used herein (e.g., "treatment" of cancer) is well known in the art. "Treatment" of a disorder or disease implies that a disorder or disease is suspected or has been diagnosed in a patient/subject. A patient/subject suspected of suffering from a disorder or disease typically shows specific clinical and/or pathological symptoms which a skilled person can easily attribute to a specific pathological condition (i.e., diagnose a disorder or disease).

The "treatment" of a disorder or disease may, for example, lead to a halt in the progression of the disorder or disease (e.g., no deterioration of symptoms) or a delay in the progression of the disorder or disease (in case the halt in progression is of a transient nature only). The "treatment" of a disorder or disease may also lead to a partial response (e.g., amelioration of symptoms) or complete response (e.g., disappearance of symptoms) of the subject/patient suffering from the disorder or disease. Accordingly, the "treatment" of a disorder or disease may also refer to an amelioration of the disorder or disease, which may, e.g., lead to a halt in the progression of the disorder or disease or a delay in the progression of the disorder or disease. Such a partial or complete response may be followed by a relapse. It is to be understood that a subject/patient may experience a broad range of responses to a treatment (such as the exemplary responses as described herein above). The treatment of a disorder or disease may, inter alia, comprise curative treatment (preferably leading to a complete response and eventually to healing of the disorder or disease) and palliative treatment (including symptomatic relief).

The term "prevention" of a disorder or disease as used herein (e.g. , "prevention" of cancer) is also well known in the art. For example, a patient/subject suspected of being prone to suffer from a disorder or disease may particularly benefit from a prevention of the disorder or disease. The subject/patient may have a susceptibility or predisposition for a disorder or disease, including but not limited to hereditary predisposition. Such a predisposition can be determined by standard methods or assays, using, e.g., genetic markers or phenotypic indicators. It is to be understood that a disorder or disease to be prevented in accordance with the present invention has not been diagnosed or cannot be diagnosed in the patient/subject (for example, the patient/subject does not show any clinical or pathological symptoms). Thus, the term "prevention" comprises the use of a compound of the present invention before any clinical and/or pathological symptoms are diagnosed or determined or can be diagnosed or determined by the attending physician.

It is to be understood that the present invention specifically relates to each and every combination of features and embodiments described herein, including any combination of general and/or preferred features/embodiments. In particular, the invention specifically relates to each combination of meanings (including general and/or preferred meanings) for the various groups and variables comprised in formula (I). In this specification, a number of documents including patent applications and scientific literature are cited. The disclosure of these documents, while not considered relevant for the patentability of this invention, is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety. More specifically, all referenced documents are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The present invention particularly relates to the following items:

1 . A compound of the following formula (I)

(I) wherein:

R is hydrogen or d-5 alkyl:

K² is -(Co-5 alkylene)-A or d-s alkyl, wherein one -CH₂- unit comprised in said d-5 alkyl is optionally replaced by -0-;

A is carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl, wherein said carbocyclyl and said heterocyclyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A; each R^A is independently selected from d-5 alkyl, C_{2 5} alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(d-s alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-0(d-5 alkylene)-OH, -(Co-3 alkylene)-0(d.5 alkylene)-0(d-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-SH, -(C_0-3 alkylene)-S(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)=S(d-s alkylene)-SH, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ a!kylene)-NH(Ci_5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(C_1-5 alkyl)(d-5 alkyl), -(C_c.₃ alkylene)- halogen, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-(C₁.₅ ha!oalkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CF_3l -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CN, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N0₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C_c.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(Co-₃ alkylene)-CO-(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-COOH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-0- (d_₅ alkyl), -(Co-₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(C₁_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C_G.₃ alkylene)-CO-N(d.₅ a!kyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-CO-(d„₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(d.₅ alkyl)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-S0₂-NH_2l -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ aikyiene)-S0₂-N(C₁_5 alkyl)(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(C₁_₅ alkyl), and -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-N(Ci_5 alkyl)-S0₂-(d.₅ alkyl), and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)₁.₃-0-;

R³ is -S- or -0-; R⁴ is d 4 alkylene;

R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO-, -C(=0)0-, -N(R⁵¹)-CO-, -0-C(=0)-, -0-. -N(R⁵¹)-, -S-, -SO-, -S0₂-, -S0₂-N(R⁵¹)-, -N(R⁵¹)-S0₂-, and a covalent bond; each R⁵¹ is independently selected from hydrogen and d-5 alkyl;

R⁶ is selected from d-5 alkyl, C₂-₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(C _-5 alkylene)-OH, -(C_1-5 alkylene)-0-(d_5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-aryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl, -CN, halogen, C _-5 haloalkyl, and -CF₃, wherein the aryl comprised in said -(C_c.₃ alkylene)-aryl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(Co-₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloaikyi comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R⁶¹ ; each R⁶¹ is independently selected from d-5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(Co-3 alkylene)-OH, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0(C₁_₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(d_₅ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀_3 alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C_c.₃ alkylene)-NH(Ci_5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ aikylene)-N(C₁_₅ aikyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)- halogen, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-(d 5 haloalkyl), -(C₀ 3 alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀.3 alkylene)-CN, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N0₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-COOH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-0- (d.5 alkyl), -(C_c.₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C_0-3 alkylene)-CO-NH(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alky!ene)-CO-N(C₁_₅ alkyl)(C _-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-CO-(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(Ci.₅ alkyl)-CO-(C,_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ aikyiene)-S0₂-NH(C₁_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(C₁.₅ alkyl)(Ci_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(d-5 alkyl)-S0₂-(d-s alkyl), and -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from C_r4 alkyl, -OH, -0(d,.₄ alkyl) , -NH₂, -NH(C _-4 alkyl), -N(d-4 alky!)(C_1-4 alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, and -CN, and further wherein two groups R⁶ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i.₃-0- or -0-(CH₂)i.₃-0- CH₂-; each R⁷ is independently selected from Ci_-5 alkyl, C₂_₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(C_0-3 alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C₁_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(Ci.₅ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0(C₁_₅ alkylene)-0(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-S(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C₁.₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(Ci.₅ alkylene)-S(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-N(C₁-₅

alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- halogen, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-(C₁_₅ haloalkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C_0-3 alkylene)-CN, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N0_2: -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(Co-3 alkylene)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-COOH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-0-

(C,.₅ alkyl), -(C_G.₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C_c.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-NH(Ci_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-N(d.₅ alkyl)(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(d.₅ alkyl)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂, -(d-₃ a!kylene)-S0₂-NH(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀..₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(C _₅ afkyl)(C _-5 alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(Ci.₅ alkyl), and

-(Cc-₃ alkylene)-N(Ci_5 alkyl)-S0₂-(Cv5 alkyl); and n is 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4: armaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof as a medicament. 2. The compound for use according to item 1 , wherein R² is -(C₀-5 alkylene)-A.

3. The compound for use according to item 1 or 2, wherein R² is -CH₂CH₂-A or -CH₂-A.

4. The compound for use according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein A is aryi or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl and said heteroaryl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A. 5. The compound for use according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein A is phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A.

6. The compound for use according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein each R^A is independently selected from C _-5 alkyl, C₂_₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -OH. -0(Ci.₅ alkyl), -0(C_1-5 alkylene)-OH, -0(d.₅ alkylene)-0(C_1-5 alkyl), -SH, -S(C_1-5 alkyl), -S(C_1-5 alkylene)-SH,

alkylene)-S(C₁.₆ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(C_1-5 alkyl), -N(Ci_₅ a!kyl)(C_1-5 alkyl), halogen, d.₅ haloalkyl, -CF₃, and -CN, and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i.₃-0-. 7. The compound for use according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein R³ is -S-.

8. The compound for use according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein R³ is -0-.

9. The compound for use according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein P.⁴ is -CH₂-.

10. The compound for use according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-. -CO-, -C(=0)0-, and a covalent bond.

1 1 . The compound for use according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein R⁶ is selected from C,.₅ alkyl, -(C_1-5 alkyiene)-0-(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-phenyl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- heteroaryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R⁶ .

12. The compound for use according to any one of items 1 to 1 1 , wherein R° is C_v5 alkyl. The compound for use according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein each R is independently selected from d-s alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.s alkynyl, -OH, -0(C-|.₅ alkyl), -0(d.₅ alkylene)-OH, -0(C₁.₅ alkylene)-0(Ci ₅ alkyl), -SH, -S(Ci.₅ alkyl), -S(d-s alkylene)-SH, -S(d-s alkylene)-S(C_{1 -5} alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d.₅ alkyl), -N(C_1-5 alkyl)(d-s alkyl), halogen, d.₅ haloalkyl, -CF₃, -CN, -N0₂, -CHO, -CO-(d-s alkyl), -COOH, -CO-O- (d.5 alkyl), -S0₂-NH₂, -S0₂-NH(d.₅ alkyl), and -S0₂-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), and two groups R⁶ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)_{1 3}-0-.

The compound for use according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein each R⁷ is independently selected from d_₅ alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -OH, -0(d.₅ alkyl), -0(d.£ alkylene)-OH, -0(d s alkylene)-0(C_1-5 alkyl), -SH, -S(d_₅ alkyl), -S(C_1-5 alkylene)-SH, -S(d.₅ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d_₅ alkyl), -N(d-s alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), halogen, d.₅ haloalkyl, -CF₃, and -CN.

The compound for use according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein n is 0, 1 or 2.

The compound for use according to item 1 , wherein said compound is selected from: N-butyl-N-methyl-2-((4-(phenethylamino)quinazolin-2-yl)thio)acetamide;

2-((3-fluorobenzyl)thio)-N-(2-methoxyethyl)quinazolin-4-amine;

N-butyl-2-((2-fluorobenzyl)thio)quinazolin-4-amine; and

a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug of any one of these compounds.

A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as defined in any one of items 1 to 16 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Use of a compound as defined in any one of items 1 to 16 in the preparation of a medicament.

A compound as defined in any one of items 1 to 16 or the pharmaceutical composition of item 17 for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer.

Use of a compound as defined in any one of items 1 to 16 in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of cancer. A method of treating or preventing cancer, the method comprising administering a compound as defined in any one of items 1 to 16 or the pharmaceutical composition of item 17 to a subject in need thereof. The compound for use according to item 19 or the pharmaceutical composition for use according to item 19 or the use of item 20 or the method of item 21 , wherein said cancer is selected from gastrointestinal cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, genitourinary cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, hematological cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, ovarian cancer, brain cancer, neuroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, kidney cancer, skin cancer, and head and/or neck cancer. The compound for use according to item 22 or the pharmaceutical composition for use according to item 22 or the use of item 22 or the method of item 22, wherein said cancer is breast cancer which is selected from triple-negative breast cancer and breast cancer having a BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene mutation. The compound for use according to item 19, 22 or 23 or the pharmaceutical composition for use according to item 19, 22 or 23 or the use of item 20, 22 or 23 or the method of any one of items 21 to 23, wherein said cancer has an activating RAS mutation and/or an activating EGFR mutation. The compound for use according to any one of items 19 or 22 to 24 or the pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 19 or 22 to 24 or the use of any one of items 20 or 22 to 24 or the method of any one of items 21 to 24, wherein the compound, the pharmaceutical composition or the medicament is to be administered orally or parenterally. The compound for use according to any one of items 19 or 22 to 25 or the pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 19 or 22 to 25 or the use of any one of items 20 or 22 to 25 or the method of any one of items 21 to 25, wherein the compound, the pharmaceutical composition or the medicament is to be administered in combination with an anticancer drug and/or in combination with radiotherapy. The compound for use according to any one of items 19 or 22 to 25 or the pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 19 or 22 to 25 or the use of any one of items 20 or 22 to 25 or the method of any one of items 21 to 25, wherein the compound, the pharmaceuticai composition or the medicament is to be administered in combination with a PARP inhibitor and/or an EGFR inhibitor/antagonist, wherein the PARP inhibitor may be selected from BMN-673, olaparib, rucaparib, veliparib, CEP 9722, MK 4827, BGB-290 and 3-aminobenzamide, and further wherein the EGFR inhibitor/antagonist may be selected from gefitinib, erlotinib, lapatinib, afatinib, neratinib, ABT-414, dacomitinib, AV-412, PD 153035, vandetanib, PKI-166, pelitinib, canertinib, icotinib, poziotinib, BMS-690514, CUDC-101 , AP261 13, XL647, cetuximab, panitumumab, zalutumumab, nimotuzumab and matuzumab.

28. The compound for use according to any one of items 1 to 16, 19 or 22 to 27 or the pharmaceutical composition for use according to any one of items 19 or 22 to 27 or the use of any one of items 20 or 22 to 27 or the method of any one of items 21 to 27, wherein the subject to be treated is a human.

29. In vitro use of a compound as defined in any one of items 1 to 16 as an MTH1 inhibitor. The present invention furthermore relates to the following embodiments:

A compound of the following formula (!

R¹ is hydrogen or C s alkyl;

R² is -(CQ.5 alkylene)-A or Ci_₅ alkyl, wherein one -CH₂- unit comprised Ci_₅ alkyl is optionally replaced by -0-;

A is carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl, wherein said carbocyclyl and said heterocyclyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A; each R^A is independently selected from d-s alkyl, C₂-₅ alkenyl, C₂-₅ alkynyl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(d_-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkylene)-OH, -(Co-3 alkylene)-0(C_{1 5} alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(Cv5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(d-s alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ a!kylene)-NH(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ aIkylene)-N(d-s alkyl)(d,.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- halogen, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-(C ₅ haloalkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CN, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N0₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-COOH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-0-

(d-s alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-0-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-N(C₁_₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ a!kylene)-NH-CO-(d-5 alkyl). -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(C_1-6 alkyl)-CO-(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH(C,.₅ alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-S0₂-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(d ₅ alkyl), and

-(C₀_3 alkylene)-N(d_5 alkyl)-S0₂-(C₁.₅ alkyl), and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i-₃-0-; R³ is -S- or -0-;

R⁴ is C_{1 -4} alkylene;

R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO-, -C(=0)0-, -N(R⁵¹)-CO-, -0-C(=0)-, -0-, -N(R⁵¹)-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -S0₂-N(R⁵¹)-, -N(R⁵¹)-S0₂-, and a covaient bond; each R⁵¹ is independently selected from hydrogen and d.₅ alkyl;

R⁶ is selected from C₁.5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(d.₅ alkylene)-OH, -(d.₅ alkylene)-0-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-aryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, -(C₀-₃ alkylenej-cycloalkyl, -CN, halogen, d„₅ haloalkyl, and -CF₃, wherein the aryl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-aryl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R⁶¹; each R⁶¹ is independently selected from d.₅ alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂_₅ alkyny!, -(Co-3 alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(d-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C₁_₅ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-0(C_1-5 alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-SH, -(Co 3 alkylene)-S(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-S(C₁.₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C .₅ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-NH(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C_0-3 a!kylene)-N(d-₅ alkyl)(C,.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- halogen, -(C₀.₃ aikyiene)-(Ci_-5 haloalkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-CN, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-N0₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-(C₁_5 alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-COOH, -(C_0-3 alkylene)-CO-0- (Ci.5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(C₁_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C_G.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH(C₁-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-N(C_1-5 alkyl)(d-s alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-Nh'-CO-(C₁_5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(C₁.₅ alkyl)-CO-(Ci.₆ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH_2l -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH(d ₆ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(C₁.₅ alkyl)(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀..₃ alkylene)-N(Ci_₅ alky^-SO^iC^s alkyl), and -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-phenyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-phenyl is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from C_1-4 alkyl, -OH, -0(C_1-4 alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(C₁_4 alkyl), -N(C_1-4 alkyl)(Cv₄ alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, and -CN, and further wherein two groups R⁶¹ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i.₃-0- or -0-(CH₂) ₃-0-

CH₂-; each R⁷ is independently selected from Ci_₅ alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkylene)-OH, -(Co-₃ alkylene)-0(C_{1 5} alkylene)-0(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C_{0 3} alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C₁_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(Ci.₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(Ci.₅ alkylene)-S(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH(C₁_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(C₁.₅ alkyl)(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- halogen, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-(C-|.₅ haloalkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CN, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N0₂, -(C_0-3 alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO,

-(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-COOH, -(C₀.₃ aSkylene)-CO-0- (C1.5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-NH(C _₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-N(C_{1 5} alkylKC , alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-CO-(C₁ _5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(C₁.₅ alky -CO-Cd.g alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(C,.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(C,.₅ alkyl), and -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-N(C, .5 alkyl)-S0₂-(d.₅ alkyl); and n is 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer.

2. The compound for use according to embodiment 1 , wherein R³ is -S-. 3. The compound for use according to embodiment 2, wherein R² is -CH₂CH₂-A or -CH₂- A.

4. The compound for use according to embodiment 2 or 3, wherein A is aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl and said heteroaryl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A.

5. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 2 to 4, wherein A is phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A. 6. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 2 to 5, wherein R⁴ is

-CH₂-.

7. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 2 to 6, wherein R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO-, -C(=0)0-, and a covalent bond.

8. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 2 to 7, wherein R⁶ is selected from d.₅ alkyl, -(Ci.₅ alkylene)-0-(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl, -(C₀_₃ alkyiene)-heteroaryl, -(C_c.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkylene)- cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R⁶¹.

9. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 2 to 8, wherein R⁶ is C_1-5 alkyl. 10. The compound for use according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein said compound is selected from:

N-butyl-N-methyl-2-((4-(phenethylamino)quinazoiin-2-yl)thio)acetamide;

2-((3-fluorobenzyl)thio)-N-(2-methoxyethyl)quinazolin-4-amine;

N-butyl-2-((2-fluorobenzyl)thio)quinazolin-4-amine; and

a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug of any one of these compounds.

11. The compound for use according to embodiment 1 , wherein R³ is -0-, and wherein R^s is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-. -CO-, -C(=0)0-, -N(R⁵¹)-CO-, -0-C(=0)-, -S0₂-N(R⁵¹)-, and -N(R⁵¹)-S0₂-.

12. The compound for use according to embodiment 1 1 , wherein R² is -CH₂CH₂-A or -CH₂~ A. 13. The compound for use according to embodiment 1 1 or 12, wherein A is aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl and said heteroaryl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A.

14. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 1 1 to 13, wherein A is phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A

15. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 1 1 to 14, wherein R⁴ is

-CH₂-. 16. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 1 1 to 15, wherein R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO-, and -C(=0)0-.

17. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 1 1 to 16, wherein R⁶ is selected from C_1-5 alkyl, -(C_1-5 alkylene)-0-(C-,.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R

The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 1 1 to 17, wherein R' C,.₅ alkyl. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 18 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer. Use of a compound as defined In any one of embodiments 1 to 18 in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of cancer.

A method of treating cancer, the method comprising administering a compound as defined in embodiment 1 to a subject in need thereof.

The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18 or the pharmaceutical composition for use according to embodiment 19 or the use of embodiment 20 or the method of embodiment 21 , wherein said cancer is selected from gastrointestinal cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, genitourinary cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, hematological cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, ovarian cancer, brain cancer, neuroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, kidney cancer, skin cancer, and head and/or neck cancer. The compound for use according to embodiment 22 or the pharmaceutical composition for use according to embodiment 22 or the use of embodiment 22 or the method of embodiment 22, wherein said cancer is breast cancer which is selected from triple- negative breast cancer and breast cancer having a BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene mutation. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, 22 or 23 or the pharmaceutical composition for use according to embodiment 19, 22 or 23 or the use of embodiment 20, 22 or 23 or the method of embodiment 21 , wherein said cancer has an activating RAS mutation and/or an activating EGFR mutation. The method of embodiment 21 , wherein the subject to be treated is a human. In vitro use of a compound as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 18 as an TH1 inhibitor. A compound of the following formula (I)

R² is -(Co-5 alky!ene)-A or Ci.₅ alkyl, wherein one -CH₂- unit comprised in said d-s aikyi is optionally replaced by -0-;

A is carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl, wherein said carbocyclyl and said heterocyclyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A; each R^A is independently selected from Ci.₅ alkyl, C_{2 5} alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C_1-5 a!kylene)-OH, -(Co-3 alkylene)-0(C _-5 alkylene)-0(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-3 alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(d_5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ aIkylene)-S(C₁.₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ aIkylene)-S(d_5 alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH(d_5 alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-N(d.₆ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- halogen, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-(d-5 haioaikyl), -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CN, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NO_?, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C_0-3 alkylene)-CHO, -(Co-3 alkylene)-CO-(d_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-COOH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-0- (d.5 alkyl), -(Co-, alkylene)-0-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(d.₅ alkyl)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ aiky!ene)-S0₂-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(d.5 alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(C ₅ alkyl), and -(Cn-₃ alkylene)-N(d_₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(Ci.6 alkyl), and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i-₃-0-;

R³ is -S- or -0-; R⁴ is C1.4 alkylene;

R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -C(=0)0-, -N(R⁵¹)-CO-, -0-C(=0)-, -0-, -N(R⁵ )-, -S-, -SO-, -S0₂-, -S0₂-N(R⁵¹)-, -N(R⁵¹)-S0₂-, and a covalent bond; each R⁵¹ is independently selected from hydrogen and d-s aikyl;

R⁶ is selected from d.₅ alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C2-5 alkynyl, -( .5 alkylene)-OH, -(C_1-5 alkylene)-0-(Ci_5 alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-aryl, -(C₀.3 alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C₀-3 alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl, -CN, halogen, C_1-5 haloalkyl, and -CF₃, wherein the aryl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-aryl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R⁶¹ ; each R⁶¹ is independently selected from C1.₅ alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(Co-₃ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkylene)-OH, -(C_{0 3} alkylene)-0(C₁₌₅ alkylene)-0(Ci ₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-SH,

-(Co-3 alkylene)-S(d_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C₁.₅ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C_C-₃ alkylene)-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(C_1-5 alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-F, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-Br, -(C₀-3 alkylene)-! , -(C₀.₃ a!kylene)-(d-₅ haloalkyl), -(Co-₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CN, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-N0₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(C₀-3 alkylene)-CO-(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀_3 alkylene)-COOH, -(C₀_3 alkylene)-CO-0-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(d-₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-N(d_5 alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-NH-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(Co-3 alkylene)-N(d.5 alkyl)-CO-(C,.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂,

-(Co-3 alkylene)-S0₂-NH(d-₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(Ci.₅ alkyl)(d-₅ alkyl), -(Co-3 alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(C₁.5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(d.₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(d ₅ alkyl), and -(CQ-₃ alkylene)-phenyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from d.₄ alkyl, -OH, -0(d.₄ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d.₄ alkyl), -N(C,.₄ alkyl)(Ci-₄ alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, and -CN, and further wherein two groups R⁶¹ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i-₃-0- or -0-(CH₂)i-3-0-CH₂-; each R⁷ is independently selected from C,.₅ alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C,.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene Kd^ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0(C₁_5 alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C₁_5 alkyl), -(C_0-3 aikylene)-S(d-s alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(d-s alkylene)-S(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH(C₁_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(d-₅ alky!)(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- halogen, -(C₀.₃ aikylene)-(C _₅ haloalkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CN, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N0₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(Co-3 alkyiene)-CO-(C₁_5 alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-COOH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-0- (d-s alkyl), -(C₀.₃ aIkyiene)-0-CO-(C_1-5 alkyl), -(Co-₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-NH(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-N(C₁.₅ alkyl)(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀_₃ alkyleneJ-NH-CO-fd.s alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-N(C₁.₅ alkyl)-CO-(d.5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C_r,.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(C,.₅ aIkyl)(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(C_{1 5} alkyl), and -(Co-₃ alkylene)-N(C₁-₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(C₁.₅ alkyl); and n is 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof for use as a medicament.

The compound for use according to embodiment 27, wherein R³ is -S-

The compound for use according to embodiment 28, wherein R² is -CH₂CH₂-A or -CH₂- A.

The compound for use according to embodiment 28 or 29, wherein A is aryi or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl and said heteroaryl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A 31 . The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 28 to 30, wherein A is phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A. 32. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 28 to 31 , wherein R⁴ is -CH₂-.

33. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 28 to 32, wherein R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -C(=0)0-, and a covalent bond.

34. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 28 to 33, wherein R⁶ is selected from d_-5 alkyi, -(C_1-5 alkylene)-0-(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and -(C₀-3 alkylene)-cycloaikyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀.3 alkylene)-phenyl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀.3 alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R⁶¹.

35. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 28 to 34, wherein R⁶ is

.5 alkyl.

36. The compound for use according to embodiment 27 or 28, wherein said compound is selected from:

N-butyl-N-methyl-2-((4-(phenethylamino)quinazolin-2-yl)thio)acetamide;

2-((3-fluorobenzyl)thio)-N-(2-methoxyethyl)quinazolin-4-amine;

N-butyl-2-((2-fluorobenzyl)thio)quinazolin-4-amine; and

a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug of any one of these compounds. 37. The compound for use according to embodiment 27, wherein R³ is -0-, and wherein R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -C(=0)O, -N(R⁵¹)-CO-, -0-C(=0)-, -S0₂-N(R⁵¹)-, and -N(R⁵¹)-S0₂-.

38. The compound for use according to embodiment 37, wherein R² is -CH₂CH₂-A or -CH₂- A.

39. The compound for use according to embodiment 37 or 38, wherein A is aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl and said heteroaryl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A.

40. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 37 to 39, wherein A is phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A. 41 The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 37 to 40, wherein R⁴ is -CH₂- 42. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 37 to 41 , wherein R⁵ is -CO-N(R⁵¹)- or -C(=0)0-.

43. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 37 to 42, wherein R⁶ is selected from C_1-5 alkyl, -(C_1-5 alkylene)-0-(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl, -(C_{0 3} alkyiene)-heteroaryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C_0-3 alkylene)- cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R^{6 '} .

44. The compound for use according to any one of embodiments 37 to 43, wherein R⁶ is C_1-s alkyl.

45. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as defined in any one of embodiments 27 to 44 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

The invention will now be described by reference to the following examples which are merely illustrative and are not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the present invention. EXAMPLES

The compounds described in this section are defined by their chemical formulae and their corresponding chemical names. In case of conflict between any chemical formula and the corresponding chemical name indicated herein, the present invention relates to both the compound defined by the chemical formula and the compound defined by the chemical name.

Expression of recombinant MTH1

Recombinant MTH1 was expressed and purified as described in Huber KV et aL Nature, 2014, 508(7495):222-7. In particular, codon-optimized human MTH1 cDNA subcloned into a pETM-1 1 vector (Gunther Stier, EMBL) featuring a His-tag and TEV site was obtained from GenScript (GenScript, NJ, USA) and expressed in the E. coli strain BL21 DE3. After harvesting, bacteria were lysed using buffer (50 mM Tris-HCI pH 7.5, 500 mM NaCI, 5% glycerol, 5 mM -mercaptoethanol, 1 mM PMSF) containing lysozyme (Sigma-Aldrich) and DNase I (Roche). His-tagged protein was purified with NiNTA agarose (Qiagen), washed with buffer, and eiuted with an imidazole gradient. Following removal of the His-tag by incubation with TEV protease, fractions were diaiyzed and purified using size-exclusion chromatography (Sephadex, GE Healthcare). Protein concentration of the purified fractions was determined by UV (A₂₈₀).

4-Aminoquinazoline compounds

The following compounds (1 ) to (3) were obtained from ChemDiv (San Diego, CA, USA) and were tested for their activity on MTH1 as described further below:

Compound (1): N-butyl-N-m n-2-yl)thio)acetamide

Compound (2): 2-((3-fluoro olin-4-amine

Compound (3): N-butyl-2-((2-fluorobenzyl)thio)quinazolin-4-amine

Differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) assay

The DSF assay was performed as follows. Compounds were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and diluted in assay buffer (10 mM HEPES-NaOH. pH 7.5, 500 mM NaCI, final concentration 10 μΜ). Upon addition of MTH1 recombinant protein (final concentration 2 μΜ), SYPRO Orange (Sigma Aldrich) was added and samples were analysed in a qPCR machine as described in literature (Niesen, F.H., Berglund, H. & Vedadi, M., Nat. Protocols 2, 2212- 2221 (2007)). Tm shift values were determined by fitting a curve to the data points using nonlinear regression analysis.

A threshold of 4°C with regard to the shift in MTH1 protein melting temperature (Tm) relative to DMSO controls was applied to distinguish strong from weak binders. Compounds exhibiting a Tm shift greater than 4°C were considered strong binders, and compounds exhibiting a Tm shift greater than 8°C were considered highly potent binders. A strong binding affinity to MTH1 as determined in the DSF assay is known to correlate with an inhibition of the catalytic activity of MTH1 (Huber KV et al„ Nature, 2014, 5Q8(7495):222-7),

The compounds (2) and (3) were found to show a Tm shift between 4°C and 8°C, and compound (1) exhibited a Tm shift greater than 8°C.

These results demonstrate that the compounds of formula (I), including in particular the compounds (1 ) to (3), exhibit strong binding affinity for human MTH1 , which indicates that these compounds are potent inhibitors of MTH1 and can thus advantageously be used for the medical intervention in cancer.

MTH1 catalytic assay

MTH1 hydrolyzes oxidized nucleotides such as 2-OH-dATP and 8-oxo-dGTP, yielding the corresponding nucleoside monophosphate and pyrophosphate (PPi). A luminescence-based assay was performed which monitors the production of PPi generated by MTH1 -mediated hydrolysis of oxidized nucleotides, as described in Huber KV et al., Nature, 2014, 508(7495):222-7 and as further detailed in the following.

The activity of MTH1 was monitored using dGTP (Fermentas) using the PPiLight Inorganic Pyrophosphate Assay (Lonza Rockland Inc.). IC₅₀ values were determined using non-linear regression analysis utilizing GraphPad Prism Software. More specifically, the MTH1 catalytic assay was performed as follows. Half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) were determined using a luminescence-based assay as described previously (Svensson (201 1 ) FEBS Letters 585, 2617-2621 ) with some minor modifications. Briefly, serial dilutions of compounds were dissolved in assay buffer (100 mM Tris-acetate pH 7.5, 40 mM NaCI and l OmM Mg(OAc)₂ containing 0.005% Tween-20 and 2 mM dithiothreitol (DTT). Upon addition of MTH1 recombinant protein (final concentration 2 nM), plates were incubated on a plate shaker for 15 min at room temperature. After addition of the substrate dGTP (Fermentas, final concentration 100 mM), the generation of pyrophosphate (PPi) as a result of nucleotide triphosphate hydrolysis by MTH1 was monitored over a time course of 15 min using the PPiLight Inorganic Pyrophosphate Assay kit (Lonza Rockland). IC₅₀ values were determined by fitting a dose-response curve to the data points using nonlinear regression analysis using the GraphPad Prism software.

For compound (1 ), which is a representative example of the compounds of formula (I) according the invention, an IC₅₀ of 18 nM was determined.

These results confirm that the compounds of formula (I) are potent inhibitors of MTH1 , which makes them highly valuable as therapeutic agents for the treatment or prevention of cancer. It is well established that cancer cells are subject to high levels of oxidative stress due to increased proliferation leading to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a result of mitochondrial respiration. The nucleotide pool represents a major target of ROS and oxidation of DNA bases contributes significantly to mutations and DNA damage. Consequently, tumor cells which bear a considerable amount of genetic aberrations and concomitant defects in DNA repair mechanisms are particularly sensitive to ROS-induced DNA damage. By removing oxidized nucleotides and thus maintaining nucleotide pool homeostasis, MTH1 relieves cancer cells of proliferative stress and is therefore an attractive target for anticancer therapeutics. Indeed, MTH1 levels are increased in Ras-expressing cancers ranging from lung cancer (Speina Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2005, 97:384-95; Kennedy, FEBS Letters, 1998, 429: 17-20) to renal carcinoma (Okamoto, Int J Cancer, 1996, 65:437-41 ), indicating that there is a connection between oncogenic transformation and oxidative stress. This is also supported by the fact that the MTH1 inhibitor SCH 51344 was shown to prevent the growth of fibroblasts infected with a variety of different oncogenes such as v-abl. Remarkably, MTH1 deficiency in knockout mice confers a mild phenotype, indicating that there is a therapeutic window for MTH1 inhibitors (Tsuzuki, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2001 , 98: 1 1456-61 ). The compounds of formula (I) as described and defined herein can thus advantageously be used in the treatment or prevention of cancer.

Claims

New PCT patent application

CeMM - FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM FUR MOLEKULARE MEDIZIN GmbH

Our Ref.: Y1274 PCT S3

A compound of the following formula (I)

wherein:

R¹ is hydrogen or d.₅ alkyl;

R² is -(Co-5 alkylene)-A or d.₅ alkyl, wherein one -CH₂- unit comprised in said Ci-5 alkyl is optionally replaced by -0-;

A is carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl, wherein said carbocyclyl and said heterocyclyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A; each R^A is independently selected from d-5 alkyl, C₂-s alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(C₀.3 alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkylene)-OH, -(Co-3 alkylene)-0(d.5 alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(d_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C _₅ alkylene)-S(d-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(C₁_₅ alkyi)(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- halogen, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-(C₁.₅ haloalkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CN, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-N0₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(Co-₃ alkylene)-CO-(d_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-COOH, -(C_Q.₃ alkylene)-CO-0- (d-5 alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(C_{1 5} alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-N(d.₅ alkyl)(C ₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(C,.₅ alkyl)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(C₁.₅ alkyl)(C₁_₅ alkyl), -(C_c.₃ alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(C₁.₅ alkyl), and -(Co-3 alkylene)-N(C₁-₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(C₁.₅ alkyl), and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group

R³ is -S- or -0-;

R⁴ is Ci-4 alkylene;

R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO-, -C(=0)0-, -N(R⁵¹)-CO-, -0-C(=0)-, -0-, -N(R⁵¹)-, -S-, -SO-, -S0₂-, -S0₂-N(R⁵¹)-, -N(R⁵ )-S0₂-, and a covalent bond; each R⁵¹ is independently selected from hydrogen and d.₅ alkyl;

R⁶ is selected from C ₅ alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(Ci.₅ alkylene)-OH, -(d.5 alkylene)-0-(C -5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-aryl, -(G₀.₃ alky!ene)-heteroaryl, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl, -CN, halogen, C₁.5 haloalkyl, and -CF₃, wherein the aryl comprised in said -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-aryl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyi comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R⁶¹; each R⁶¹ is independently selected from C_1-5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂_₅ alkynyl, -(Co-3 alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(d.5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C,.₅ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(Ci.₅ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-SH, -(Co-3 alkylene)-S(C .5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C,.₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(d-₅ alkylene)-S(Ci-5 alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-NH(Ci-₅ alkyl), -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-N(d.₅ alkyl)(C,.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- halogen, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-(C-i-₅ haloalkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CN, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N0₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(Co-3 alkylene)-CO-(Ci.5 alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-C00H, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-0- (C1.5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(C₁-₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH(Ci-5 alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-N(d-₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-CO-(d-₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(C .₅ alkyl)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), =(C₀-₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH(d-₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alky!ene)-S0₂-N(C₁.₅ alkyl)(Ci.₅ alky!), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(d-5 alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-N(C₁_₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(C₁.₅ alkyl), and -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-phenyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀-3 alkylene)-phenyl is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from C_1-4 alkyl, -OH, -0(C _-4 alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d_4 alkyl), -N(C_1-4 alkyl)(C_1-4 alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, and -CN, and further wherein two groups R⁶¹ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i-₃-0- or -0-(CH₂)_1-3-0- CH₂-; each R⁷ is independently selected from d-5 alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C_2-5 alkynyl, -(C_0-3 alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C₀_₃ alky!ene)-0(d-5 alkylene)-OH, -(Co-3 a!kylene)-0(Ci_5 alkylene)-0(d-5 alkyl), -(Co-₃ alkylene)-SH, -(Co_₃ alkylene)-S(d.5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C .₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-S(Ci.₅ alkylene)-S(C₁_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C_c.₃ alkylene)-N(C_{1 -5} alkyl)(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C₀_₃ alkylene)- halogen, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-(d.₅ haloalkyl), -(C₀_₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CN, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N0₂₎ -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(Co-3 alkylene)-CO-(d_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-COOH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-0- (d-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(d_₅ alkyl), -(d-3 alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-NH(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-CO-(d-₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N(d.₅ alkyl)-CO-(d-₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂, -(C_c.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ aikylene)-S0₂-N(d_5 aikyl)(d_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(C .₅ alkyl), and -(Co-3 alkylene)-N(C _5 alkylJ-SO^CC^s alkyl); and n is 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer.

2. The compound for use according to claim 1 , wherein R³ is -S-

3. The compound for use according to claim 2, wherein R² is -CH₂CH₂-A or -CH₂-A.

4. The compound for use according to claim 2 or 3, wherein A is aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl and said heteroaryl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A.

5. The compound for use according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein A is phenyl which

6. The compound for use according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein R⁴ is -CH₂-

7. The compound for use according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO-, -C(=0)0-, and a covalent bond.

8. The compound for use according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein R⁶ is selected from C₁.5 alkyl, -(C_1-5 alkylene)-0-(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-phenyl, -(C₀-3 alkylene)- heteroaryl, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and -(C_Q.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-phenyl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀.3 alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloa!kyl comprised in said -(C₀-3 alkylene)- heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀-3 alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R⁶¹.

9. The compound for use according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein R⁶ is d.₅ alkyl.

10. The compound for use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said compound is selected from:

N-butyl-N-methyl-2-((4-(phenethylamino)quinazolin-2-yl)thio)acetamide;

2-((3-fluorobenzyl)thio)-N-(2-methoxyethyl)quinazolin-4-amine;

N-butyl-2-((2-fluorobenzyl)thio)quinazolin-4-amine; and

a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug of any one of these compounds.

1 1 . The compound for use according to claim 1 , wherein R³ is -0-, and wherein R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO-, -C(=0)0-, -N(R⁵ )-CO-, -0-C(=0)-, -S0₂-N(R⁵¹)-, and -N(R⁵¹)-S0₂-.

12. The compound for use according to claim 1 1 , wherein R² is -CH₂CH₂-A or -CH₂-A.

13. The compound for use according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein A is aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl and said heteroaryl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A.

14. The compound for use according to any one of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein A is phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A.

15. The compound for use according to any one of claims 1 1 to 14, wherein R⁴ is -CH₂-.

16. The compound for use according to any one of claims 1 1 to 15, wherein R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -CO-, and -C(=0)0-.

17. The compound for use according to any one of claims 1 1 to 16, wherein R⁶ is selected from C_1-5 alkyl, -(C_1-5 alkylene)-0-(C₁_₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)- heteroaryl, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-phenyl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀.₅ a!kylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkylene)- heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.3 alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R⁶ .

18. The compound for use according to any one of claims 1 1 to 17, wherein R⁶ is d.₅ alkyl.

19. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as defined in any one of claims 1 to 18 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer.

20. Use of a compound as defined in any one of claims 1 to 18 in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of cancer.

21 . A method of treating cancer, the method comprising administering a compound as defined in claim 1 to a subject in need thereof.

22. The compound for use according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or the pharmaceutical composition for use according to claim 19 or the use of claim 20 or the method of claim 21 , wherein said cancer is selected from gastrointestinal cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, genitourinary cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, hematological cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, ovarian cancer, brain cancer, neuroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, kidney cancer, skin cancer, and head and/or neck cancer.

23. The compound for use according to claim 22 or the pharmaceutical composition for use according to claim 22 or the use of claim 22 or the method of claim 22, wherein said cancer Is breast cancer which is selected from triple-negative breast cancer and breast cancer having a BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene mutation.

24. The compound for use according to any one of claims 1 to 18, 22 or 23 or the pharmaceutical composition for use according to claim 19, 22 or 23 or the use of claim 20, 22 or 23 or the method of claim 21 , wherein said cancer has an activating RAS mutation and/or an activating EGFR mutation.

25. The method of claim 21 , wherein the subject to be treated is a human.

26. In vitro use of a compound as defined in any one of claims 1 to 18 as an MTH1 inhibitor.

27. A compound of the following formula (I)

wherein:

R¹ is hydrogen or C_1-5 alkyl:

R² is -(Co-5 alkylene)-A or d.₅ alkyl, wherein one -CH₂- unit comprised in said Ci-5 alkyl is optionally replaced by -0-;

A is carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl, wherein said carbocyclyl and said heterocyclyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A; each R^A is independently selected from Ci_₅ alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂.₅ alkynyl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkylene)-OH, -(Co-3 alkylene)-0(C₁_₅ alkylene)-0(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-SH, -(C₀-3 alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C₁.₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(d_₅ alkylene)-S(d_₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-N(d.₅ alkyl)(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- halogen, -(C_0-3 alkyleneMd.5 haloalkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-CF₃, -(C_0-3 alkylene)-CN, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N0_2l -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(Co-3 alkylene)-CO-(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-COOH, -(C_0-3 alkyiene)-CO-0- (C_{1 -5} alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-N(C_V5 alkyl)(Ci.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- H-CO-(Ci.5 alkyl), -(Co-₃ alkylene)-N(Ci_5 alkyl)-CO-(Ci.5 alkyl), -(CQ.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH(C_{1 5} alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(C₁.5 a\k \)(C _& alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(C₁_₅ alkyl), and -(Co-3 alkylene)-N(C_V5 alkyl)-S0₂-(C₁.₅ alkyl), and two groups R^A which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂) -3-0-;

R³ is -S- or -0-;

R⁴ is C alkylene;

R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -C(=0)0-, -N(R⁵¹)-CO-, -0-C(=0)-, -0-, -N(R⁵¹)-, -S-, -SO-, -S0₂-, -S0₂-N(R⁵¹)-, -N(R⁵¹)-S0₂-, and a covalent bond; each R⁵¹ is independently selected from hydrogen and d.5 alkyl;

R⁶ is selected from d_₅ alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C₂_₅ alkynyl, -(d-5 alkylene)-OH, -(C1.5 alkylene)-0-(C_{1 5} alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-aryl, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl, -CN, halogen, d_₅ haloalkyl, and -CF₃, wherein the aryl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-aryl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C_c.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R⁶¹ ; each R⁶¹ is independently selected from C _-5 alkyl, C₂-₅ alkenyl, C₂-5 alkynyl, -(Co-3 alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0(C_{1 -5} alkylene)-OH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(d-5 alkylene)-0(Ci-5 alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-SH, -(Co-3 alkylene)-S(C₁_5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C_0-3 alkylene)-S(C₁.₅ alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -(C_0-3 alkylene)-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH(d.₅ aiky!), ⁼(C₀-₃ a!kylene)-N(d_₅ alkyl)(C_1-5 alkyl), -(C₀_₃ alkyiene)-F, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-Br, -(C₀.₃ alkyiene)-l, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-(C₁.₅ haloalkyl), -(Co-3 alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CN , -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N0₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(C_Q.₃ alkylene)-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-COOH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-0-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alky!ene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀-₃ a!kylene)-CO-NH(C_{1 -5} alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-N(Ci.5 a!kyl)(Ci-5 alkyl), -(Co-₃ aikylene)-NH-CG-(d-5 alkyl), -(Co-3 alkylene)-N(C₁.₅ alkyl)-CO-(d-₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-NH₂, -(Co-3 alkylene)-S0₂-NH(C₁.5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d-₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-NH-S0₂-(d.5 alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-N(C_{1 5} alkyl)-S0₂-(d-s alkyl), and -(Co-3 alkylene)-phenyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀-₃ a!ky!ene)-pheny! is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from d_₄ alkyl, -OH, -0(d.₄ alkyl), -NH₂, -NH(d.₄ alkyl), -N(d.₄ alkyl)(Ci-₄ alkyl), halogen, -CF₃, and -CN, and further wherein two groups R⁶¹ which are bound to adjacent carbon ring atoms may also be mutually linked to form a group -0-(CH₂)i_₃-0- or -0-(CH₂)₁.₃-0-CH₂-; each R⁷ is independently selected from d_₅ alkyl, C₂.₅ alkenyl, C_{2 5} alkynyl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-OH, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkylene)-OH , -(Co-3 alkylene)-0(d-₅ alkylene)-0(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alky!ene)-S(C₁-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(C₁.₅ alkylene)-SH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S(d.5 alkylene)-S(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkyiene)-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-NH(d-₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-N(d_₅ alkyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- halogen, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-(Cv₅ haloalkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CF₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CN , -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N0₂, -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-N₃, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CHO, -(Co-₃ alkylene)-CO-(d-₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-COOH, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-0- (d-5 alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-0-CO-(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀-₃ alkylene)-CO-NH₂, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-NH(d-₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-CO-N(d.₅ alkyl)(d ₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alky lene)- H-CO-(C s alkyl), -(C0-3 alkylene)-N(Ci .s alkyl)-CO-(Ci.s alkyl), -(C0-3 alkylene)-S0₂-N H₂, -(C_0-3 alkylene)-S0₂-N H(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-S0₂-N(d.₅ a!kyl)(d.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-N H-S0₂-(d.₅ alkyl), and -(Co-3 alky!ene)-N(d_₅ alkyl)-S0₂-(d.₅ alkyl); and n is 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof for use as a medicament.

28. The compound for use according to claim 27, wherein R³ is -S-.

29. The compound for use according to claim 28, wherein R² is -CH₂CH₂-A or -CH₂-A.

30. The compound for use according to claim 28 or 29, wherein A is aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl and said heteroaryl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A.

31. The compound for use according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein A is phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A.

32. The compound for use according to any one of claims 28 to 31 , wherein R⁴ is -CH₂-.

33. The compound for use according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -C(=0)0-, and a covalent bond.

34. The compound for use according to any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein R⁶ is selected from C-,.5 alkyl, -(Ci_-5 alkylene)-0-(C _₅ alkyl), -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- heteroaryl, -(C₀-3 alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and -(C₀-3 alkylene)-cycloalkyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀-3 alkylene)-phenyl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀-3 alkylene)- heterocycloalkyL and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(G₀-₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R⁶¹.

35. The compound for use according to any one of claims 28 to 34, wherein R⁵ is alkyl.

36. The compound for use according to claim 27 or 28, wherein said compound is selected from:

N-butyl-N-methyl-2-((4-(phenethylamino)quinazolin-2-yl)thio)acetamide;

2-((3-fluorobenzyl)thio)-N-(2-methoxyethyl)quinazolin-4-amine; N-butyl-2-((2-fluorobenzyl)thio)quinazolin-4-amine; and

a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug of any one of these compounds.

37. The compound for use according to claim 27, wherein R³ is -0-, and wherein R⁵ is selected from -CO-N(R⁵¹)-, -C(=0)0-, -N(R⁵¹)-CO-, -0-C(=0)-, -S0₂-N(R⁵¹)-, and -N(R⁵¹)-S0₂-.

38. The compound for use according to claim 37, wherein R² is -CH₂CH₂-A or -CH₂-A.

39. The compound for use according to claim 37 or 38, wherein A is aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl and said heteroaryl are each optionally substituted with one or more

40. The compound for use according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein A is phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more groups R^A.

41 . The compound for use according to any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein R⁴ is ~CH₂-.

42. The compound for use according to any one of claims 37 to 41 , wherein R⁵ is -CO-N(R⁵¹)- or -C(=0)0-.

43. The compound for use according to any one of claims 37 to 42, wherein R⁶ is selected from C1.5 alkyl, -(C_1-5 alkylene)-0-(C₁.₅ alkyl), -(C₀.3 alkylene)-phenyl, -(C₀-3 alkylene)- heteroaryl, -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heterocycloalkyl, and -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyl, wherein the phenyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-phenyl, the heteroaryl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-heteroaryl, the heterocycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)- heterocycloalkyl, and the cycloalkyl comprised in said -(C₀.₃ alkylene)-cycloalkyi are each optionally substituted with one or more groups R⁶ .

44. The compound for use according to any one of claims 37 to 43, wherein R⁶ is C _-5 alkyl.

45. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as defined in any one of claims 27 to 44 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

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Citations (34)

• 2016
  • 2016-02-23 WO PCT/EP2016/053768 patent/WO2016135140A1/en active Application Filing

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