CA2243826C - Synthesis of acyclic nucleosides - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for preparing enhanced bioavailability antiviral compounds of formula (I) where one of R1 and R2 is -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)2)NH2 or -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)CH2CH3)NH2 and the other of R1 and R2 is -C(O)C3-C21 saturated or monounsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl; and R3 is OH or H, the method comprising: A) the monodeacylation of a diacylated compound corresponding to formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are both -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)2)NH2 or -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)CH2CH3)NH2 (which are optionally N-protected) or R1 and R2 are both -C(=O)C3-C21, saturated or monounsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl; B) acylating the thus liberated side chain 4-hydroxy or side chain 2-hydroxymethyl group with the corresponding -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)2)NH2 or -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)CH2CH3)NH2 or -C(=O)C3-C21, saturated or monounsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl to thereby produce a compound of formula (I); and C) deprotecting as necessary.

Description

WO 97/300;12 PCT/SE97100242 Synthesis of Acyclic Nucleosides Technical Field This invention relates to the field of antivirals and in particular to derivatives of acyclic nucleosides useful against herpes and retroviral infections. The invention providc;s novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods for the treatment or prophylaxis of viral infections employing them, methods for their manufacture and navel intermediates.
~o $ack~ound to the invention The practical utility of many acyclic nucleosides is limited by their relatively modest pharmacokinetics. A number of prodrug approaches have been explored in an effort I5 to improve the bioavailability of acyclic nucleosides in general. One of these approaches involves the preparation of ester derivatives, particularly aliphatic esters, of one or more of the hydroxy groups on the acyclic side chain.
European patent EP 165 289 describes the promising antiherpes agent 20 9-[4-hydroxy-(2-hydroxymethyl)butyl]guanine, otherwise known as H2G.
European patent EP 186 640 discloses 6-deoxy H2G. European patent EP 343 133 discloses that these compounds, particularly the R-(-) enantiomer> are additionally active against retroviraI infections such as HIV. Various derivatives of H2G, such as phosplzonates, aliphatic esters (for example, the diacetate and the dipropionate) and 25 ethers of the hydroxy groups on the acyclic side chain are disclosed in EP
343 I33.
This patent also discloses methods for the preparation of these derivatives comprising the condensation of the acyclic side chain to the N-9 position of a typically 6-halogenated purine moiety or, alternatively, the imidazole ring closure of a pyri:midine or furazano-[3,4-d] pyrimidine moeity or the pyrimidine ring closure of 3o an imidazole moiety, where the acyclie side chain is already present in the precursor pyrimidine or imidazole moiety, respectively. In the broadest description of each of St!~STiTUTE SE~EET (RULE 26) W~ 97/30052 PCTlSE971a0242 these methods the acyclic side chain is pre-derivatised but individual examples also show a one-step diacylation of H2G with acetic or proprionic anhydride and I3MF.
Harnden, et al., J. Med. Chem. 32, 1738 ( 1989) investigated a number of short chain aliphatic esters of the acyclic nucleoside 9-[4-hydroxy-(3-hydroxymethyl)butyl]
guanine, otherwise known as penciclovir, and its 6-deoxy analog. Famciclovir, a marketed antiviral agent, is the diacetyl derivative of 6-deoxy penciclovir.
Benjamin, et al., Pharm. Res. 4 No. 2, I20 ( 1987) discloses sham chain aliphatic to esters of 9-[{1,3-dihydraxy-2-propoxy)-methyl]guanine, otherwise known as ganciclovir. The dipropionate ester is disclosed to be the preferred ester.
Lake-Bakaar, et aL, discloses in Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 33 No. 1, 110-( 1989) diacetate and dipropionate derivatives of H2G and monoacetate and diacetate derivatives of 6-deoxy H2G. The diacetate and dipropionaxe derivatives of II2G
are reported to result in only modest improvements in bioavailability relative to H2G.
International patent application W094124134, published October 27, 1994, discloses aliphatic ester prodrugs of the 6-deoxy N-7 analog of ganciclovir, 2o including the di-pivaloyl, di-valeroyl, mono-valeroyl, mono-oleoyl and mono-stearoyl esters.
International patent application W093/07163, published April 15, 1993 and International patent application W094/22887, published October 13, I994, both disclose mono-ester derivatives of nucleoside analogs derived from mono-unsaturated C 18 or C20 fatty acids. U.S. Patent No. 5,216,142, issued June 1, 1993, also discloses Iong chain fatty acid mono-ester derivatives of nucleoside analogs.
A second approach to providing prodrugs of acyclic nucleosides involves the 3o preparation of amino acid esters of one or more of the hydroxy groups on the acyclic side chain. European patent EP 99 493 discloses generally amino acid esters of SU~STtTUTE S#°tEST (RULS 26) WO 97I3U0:~2 PcrrSE9Trooz4z acycIovir and European patent application EP 308 Q65, published March 22, 1989, dtSCI~Ses the valine and isoleucine esters of acyclovir.
European patent application EP 375 329, published Iune 27, 1990> discloses amino acid ester derivatives of ganciclovir, including the di-valine, di-isoleucine, di-glycine and di-alanine ester derivatives. International patent application W095~'09855, published April 13, 1995, discloses amino acid ester derivatives of penciclovir, including the mono-valine and di-valine ester derivatives.
1o DE 19.126163, published February I, I996 and U.S. Patent no. 5,543,414 issued August. 6, 1996 , disclose achiral amino acid esters of ganciclovir.
European patent application EP 694 547, published 3anuary 31, 1996, discloses the mono-L-valine ester of ganciclovir and its preparation from di-vaIyl-ganciclovir.
i5 European patent application EP 6S4 473, published May 24, 1995, discloses various bis amino acid ester derivatives of 9-[1',2'-bishydroxymethyl)-cyclopropan-1'ylJ
methylguanine.
2o international patent application W095/22330, published August 24, 1995, discloses aliphatic esters, amino acid esters and mixed acetate/valinate esters of the acyclic nucleoside 9-[3,3-dihydroxymethyl-4-hydroxy-but-I-yl]guanine. This reference discloses that bioavailability is reduced when one of the valine esters of the trivaIine ester derivative is replaced with an acetate ester.
Brief Description of the Invention We have found that diester derivatives of H2G bearing specific combinations of an amino acid ester and a fatty acid ester are able to provide significantly improved oral 3o bioavailability relative to the parent compound (H2G). In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is thus provided novel compounds of the formula I
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE Z6) Ra v N ~, N
H2N~ N N z , Ry0 where a) RI is -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)2)NH2 or -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)CHZCH3)NHZ and R2 is -C(O)C3-CZ~ saturated or monounsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl; or b) R1 is -C{~)C3-C~1 saturated or monounsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl and R2 is -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)Z)NHZ or -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)CH~CH3)NH2; and R3 is DH or H;
to and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof The advantageous effect on oral bioavailability of the mixed fatty acid and amino acid esters of the invention is particularly unexpected in comparison to the oral bioavailability of the corresponding fatty acid esters. Based on the results using a urinary recovery assay (Table 1 A) or a plasma drug assay (Table 1B) of HZG
from rats, neither the mono or di-fatty acid esters of H2G provide any improvement in oral bioavailability relative to the parent compound H2G. Indeed the di-stearate derivative provided significantly lower bioavailability than the parent indicating that a stearate ester may be detrimental for improving oral bioavailahility of H2G.
Converting one or both of the hydroxyls in certain other acyclic nucleoside analogues to the corresponding valine or di-valine ester has been reported to improve bioavailability. Conversion of H2G to the coresponding mono- or di-valyl ester derivatives produced similar improvement in bioavailability relative to the ' parent compound. Given that fatty acid derivatives of H2G are shown to be detrimental for improving bioavailability, it was unexpected that a mixed amino acid/fatty acid diester derivative of H2G would provide improved or comparable SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2~) WO 97J300~~2 PCTJSE97J00242 oral bioavailability to that of the valine diester derivative of H2G, based on urine recovery and plasma drug assays, respectively.
Table 1 A

Rl group RZ group Bioavaiiability*

hydrogen hydrogen 8 %

hydrogen stearoyl 12 %

stearo~~i stearoyl 1 %

valyl hydrogen 29 %

valyl valyl 36 %

valyl stearoyl ~6 %

5 * see gical Biolo Example below for details TABLE IB
Rz grc~np RZ group Bioavailaibility#

hydrogen hydrogen 3.8 %

hydrogeal stearoyl 1.9 %

stearoyl stearoyl m %

valyl hydrogen 31.3 %

vaIyl vatyl 35.0 %

valyl stearoyl 29 %

# see H~iological Example 2 below for details to The in~rention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of Formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts in conjunction with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. Further aspects of the invention include the compounds of Formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts for use in therapy and the use of these compounds and salts in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of viral infection in humans or animals.
SUF3ST1TUTE SHEET (~UL.E 26) 'WO 97/30052 PCTlSE97/00242 The compounds of the invention are potent antivirals, especially against herpes infections, such as those caused by Varicella zoster virus, Herpes simplex vints types 1 & 2, Epstein-Barr virus. Herpes type 6 (HHV-6) and type 8 (HHV-8). The compounds are particularly useful against Varicella zoster virus infections such as shingles in the elderly including post herpetic neuralgia or chicken pox in the young where the duration and severity of the disease can be reduced by several days.
Epstein Barr virus infections amenable to treatment with the compounds include infectious mononucleosis/glandular fever which has previously not been treatable but which can cause many months of scholastic incapacity amongst adolescents.
l0 The compounds of the invention are also active against certain retroviral infections, notably SIV, HN-i and HIV-2, and against infections where a transactivating virus is indicated.
is Accordingly a further aspect of the invention provides a method for the prophylaxis or treatment of a viral infection in humans or animals comprising the administration of an effective amount of a compound of Formula I or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt to the human or animal.
20 Advantageously group R3 is hydroxy or its tautomer =O so that the base portion of the compounds of the invention is the naturally occuring guanine, for instance in the event that the side chain is cleaved in vivo. Alternatively, R3 may be hydrogen thus defining the generally more soluble 6-deoxy derivative which can be oxidised in vivo (e.g. by xanthine oxidase) to the guanine form.
The compound of formula I may be present in racemic form, that is a mixture of the 2R and 2S isomers. Preferably, however, the compound of formula I has at least 70%, preferably at least 90% R form, for example greater than 95%. Most preferably ' the compound of formula I is enantiomerically pure R farm.
3d Preferably the amino acid of group R1/R2 t5 derived from an L-amino acid.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) ~ i ~~m~ - Y.Y~. ~ PCT/SE97l00242 Preferably the fatty acid of group R~IR~ has imtotal an even number of carbon atoms, in particular, decanoyl (Cio), lauryl (C12), myristoyl (C,.~), palmitoyl {C~6), stearoyl (Cl8) or eicosanoyl (C2o). Other useful R~IR~ groups include butyryl, hexanoyl, octanoyl or behenoyl {C22). Further useful R,IR~ groups include those derived from myristoleic, myristelaidic, palmitoleic, palmiteIaidic; n6-octadecenoic, oleic, elaidic, gandoic, erucic or brassidic acids. Monounsaturated fatty acid esters typically have the double bond in the traps configuration; preferably in the t~-6, co-9 or cr~-11 position, dependent upon their length. Preferably the R~/R~ group is derived from a fatty acid which comprises a C9 to C,~ saturated, or n:9 monounsaturated, 1o alkyl.
The saturated or unsaturated fatty acid or R,IR~ may optionally be substituted with up to five similar or different substituents independently selected from the group consisting of such as hydroxy, C~-C6 alkyl, Ci-C6 alkoxy, C,-C6 alkoxy Ci-C6 alkyl, I5 CE-C6 alkanoyl, amino, halo, cyano, azido, oxo, mercapto and nitro, and the like.
Most preferred compounds of the formula I are those where Rl is -C(O)CH(CH3}~)NH~ or -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)CH~CH3)NH~ and RZ is -C(O)C9-Cm saturated alkyl.
2a The term "lower alkyl" as used herein refers to straight or branched chain alkyl radicals containing from 1 to 7 carbon atoms including, but not limited ta, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, 1-methylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2-methylpentyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, n-hexyl and 25 the like.
The term "N-protecting group" or "N-protected" as used herein refers to those groups intended to protect the N-terminus of an amino acid or peptide or to protect an amino group against undesirable reactions during synthetic procedures.
3o Commonly used N-protecting groups are disclosed in Greene, "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis" (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1981}, N-protecting groups include acyl groups such as formyl, W~ 97130052 PCT/SE9'7/00242 acetyl, propionyi, pivaloyl, t-butylacetyl, 2-chioroacetyl, 2-bromoacetyl, trifluoracetyl, trichloroacetyl, phthalyl, o-nitrophenoxyacetyl, a-chIarobutyryl, benzoyi, 4-chlorobenzoyl, 4-bromobenzoyl, 4-nitrobenzoyl, and the Like;
sulfonyl groups such as benzenesulfonyl, p-toluenesulfonyl, and the like, carbamate forming groups such as benzyloxycarbonyl, p-chlorobenzyloxycarbanyl, p-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl, 2-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl, p-bromobenzyloxycarbonyi, 3,4-dimethoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, 4-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, 2-nitro-4,5-dirnethoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, I-{p-biphenylyl}-i-methylethoxycarbonyl, oc,oc-dimethyl-3,5-dimethoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, benzhydryloxycarbonyl, t-butoxycarbonyl, diisopropylmethoxycarbonyI, isopropyloxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, alIyloxycarbonyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl, phenoxycarbonyl, 4-nitrophenoxycarbonyl, fluorenyI-9-methoxycarbonyl, cyclopentyloxycarbonyl, adamantyloxycarbonyl, cyclohexyloxycarbonyl, phenyIthiocarbonyl, and the like; alkyl gropus such as benzyl, triphenyimethyI, benzyloxymethyl and the like; and silyl groups such as trirnethylsilyl and the like.
Favoured N-protecting groups include formyl, acetyl, benzoyl, pivaloyl, t-butylacetyl, phenylsulfonyl, benzyl, t-butoxycarbonyl (BOC) and benzyloxycarbonyl {Cbz).
The term "activated ester derivative" as used herein refers to acid halides such as acid chlorides, arid activated esters including, but not limited to, formic and acetic acid derived anhydrides, anhydrides derived from alkoxycarbonyl halides such as isobutyloxycarbonylchloride and the like, N-hydroxysuccinimide derived esters, N-hydroxyphthalimide derived esters, N-hydroxybenzotriazole derived esters, N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxarnide derived esters, 2,4,5-trichlorophenyl derived esters and the like.
suBSrmu-r~ sHSS°r tRU~s Zs~

WO 97/300~~2 PCT/SE9'7100242 Preferred compounds of formula I include:
(R)-9-[2-(butyryloxymethyl)-4-(L-isoleucyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-(4-acetylbutyryloxymethyl)-4.-(L-isaleucyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-(hexanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-isoleucyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R}-9-[4-(L-isoleucyloxy)-2-(octanoyloxymethyl}butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[4-{L-isoleucyloxy)-2-{decanoyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[4-(L-isaleucyloxy)-2-(dodecanoyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[4--(L-isoleucyloxy)-2-(tetradecanoyloxymethyl}butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[4-(L-isoleucyloxy)-2-(hexadecanayloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, l0 {R)-9-[4--(L-isoleucyloxy)-2-(octadecanoyloxymethyl}butyl]guanine, {R)-9-[ 2-{eicosanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-isoleucyloxy)butyi] guanine, {R)-9-[;2-(docosanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-isaleucyloxy}butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[4-(L-isoleucyloxy}-2-((9-tetradecenoyl)oxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[:2-((9-hexadecenoyl)oxymethyl)-4-(L-isoleucyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R}-9-[4.-(L-isoleucyloxy)-2-((6-aetadecenoyl)oxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[4-{L-isoleucyloxy}-2-((9-octadecenoyl)oxymethyl)-butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-(( 11-eicosanoyl)-oxymethyl)-4-(L-isoleucyloxy)butyl]guanine, {R)-9-[2-{{ I3-docosenoyl)-axyrnethyl)-4.-{L-isoleucyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R}-2-amino-9-[2-(butyryloxymethyl)-4-(L-isoleucyloxy)butyI]purine, 2o R)-2-amino-9-[2-{4-acetylbutyryloxymethyl)-4-{L-isoleucyloxy)butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-9-[2-(hexanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-isoleucyloxy)butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-9-[4-(L-isoleucylaxy)-2-(oetanoyloxymethyl)butyi]purine, (R)-2-,amino-9-[4-(L-isoleucyloxy)-2-{decanoyloxymethyl)butyl]gurine, (R)-2-amino-9-[4-(L-isoIeucyloxy}-2-{dadecanoyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-9-[4-(L-isoleucyloxy)-2-(tetradecanoyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R}-2-amino-9-[4-(L-isoleucyioxy)-2-(hexadecanoylaxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-9-[4-(L-isaleucyloxy)-2-(octadecanoyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R}-2-amino-9-[4-(L-isoleucyloxy)-2-(eicosanoyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, {R)-2-amino-9-[2-(eicosanoyloxymethyl}-4-(L-isoleucyloxy)butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-9-[2-(docosanoyloxyrnethyl)-4-(L-isoleucyloxy)butyl]purine, SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2S) IO
(R}-2-amino-9-[4-{L-isol~ucylaxy)-2-((9-tetradecenoyl)oxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-9-[2-{{9-hexadecenoyl)oxymethyl)-4-(L-isaleucyloxy)butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-9-[4-(L-isoleucyloxy)-2-((6-octadecenoyl)oxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-9-[4-(L-isoleucyloxy)-2-{(9-octadecenoyl)oxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-9-[2-({11-eicosanoyl)oxymethyI)-4-(L-isoleucyloxy)butyl]purine, or (R}-2-amino-9-[2-{{ 13-docosenoyl)oxymethyl)-4-(L-isoleucyloxy)butyl]purine, and their pharmaceutically accepable salts.
Further preferred compounds~nclude:
(R)-9-[2-{butyryloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-{4-acetylbutyryloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyioxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-{hexanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-vaiyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R}-9-[2-(octanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-(decanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-(dodecanoyioxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-(tetradecanoyloxymethyl-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R}-9-[2-hexadecanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine, {R)-9-[2-(octadecanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine, {R)-9-[2-(eicasanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-{eicosanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-(docosanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-{(9-tetradecenoyI)oxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-((9-hexadecenoyl)oxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-((6-octadecenoyl)oxymethyl)-4-{L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-{(9-octadecenoyl)oxymethyl)-4-(L-valyioxy)-butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-{{ 11-eicosanoyl)oxymethyl)-4-{L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-(( 13-docosenoyl)oxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-2-amino-9-[2-(butyryloxymethyi)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]purine, {R)-2-amino-9-[2-(4-acetylbutyryloxymethyl)-~-(L-valyloxy)butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-9-[2-{hexanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-9-[2-(octanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]purine, SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RIJt~E 26) dV0 971300.>2 PCTJSE9?J00242 lI
(R)-2-amino-9-[2-(decanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]puri"-:, (R)-2-amino-9-[2-{dodecanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]purine, (R}-2-amino-9-[2-(tetradecanoyloxymethyI)-4-(L-valyloxy}butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-9-[2-{hexadecanoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-9-[2-{octadecanoyloxymethyl)-4.-(L-valyloxy)-butyl]purine, (R}-2-amino-9-[2-(eicosanoyIoxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]purine, (R)-2-.~.mino-9-[2-(docosanayloxymethyl)-4-(L-vaiyioxy)butyl]purine, {R}-2-amino-9-[2-((9-tetradecenoyl)oxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]purine, (R}-2-amino-9-[2-((9-hexadecenoyl)oxymethyl}-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]purine, to (R}-2-;amino-9-[2-((6-octadecenoyi)oxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-9-[2-({9-octadecenoyl)oxymethyl)-4-{L-valyloxy)-butyl]purine, (R}-2-;amino-9-[2-((1 i-eicosenoyl)-oxymethyl}-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]purine, or (R)-2-amino-9-[2-(( I 3-docosenoyl)-oxymethyl)-4-{L-valyloxy)butyl]purine;
and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
Other preferred compounds of formula I include:
(R)-9-[4-{butyryloxy)-2-{L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[4-(4-acetylbutyryloxy}-2-(L-vaiyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R}-9-j4-{hexanoyloxy)-2-{L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-j4-(octanoyloxy)-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, {R)-9-[4-{decanoyloxy)-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-j4-(dodecanoyloxy}-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, {R)-9-j4-(tetradecanoyloxy}-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[4-hexadecanoyloxy)-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[4-(octadecanoyloxy}-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[4-(eicosanoyloxy}-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[4-{docosanoyloxy)-2-{L-valyloxymethyl}butyl]guanine, {R)-9-[4-((9-tetradecenoyi)oxy)-2-(L-valyIoxymethyl)butyl]guanine, {R}-9-[4-{(9-hexadecenoyl)oxy}-2-(L-valyloxymethyl}butyl]guanine, (R}-9-[4-((6-octadecenoyl)oxy}-2-{L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R}-9-[4-((9-octadecenoyl)oxy)-2-(L-valyloxymethyl}-butyl]guanine, SUBaTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2~) WO 97/30052 PCTlsE97100242 (R)-9-[4-(( I I-eicosenoyl)oxy)-Z-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[~-{( 13-docasenoyl)-oxy}-2-{L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R}-Z-amino-9-[4-(butyryloxy)-Z-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R)-Z-amino-9-[4-(4-acetylbutyryloxy)-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, S (R)-2-amino-9-[4-(hexanoyloxy)-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R}-2-amino-9-[4-(octanoyioxy)-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R)-Z-amino-9-[4-(decanoyloxy)-Z-{L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R)-Z-amino-9-[4-(dodecanoyloxy}-Z-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R)-Z-amino-9-[4-(tetradecanoyloxy)-2-(L-valyloxymethyi)butyl]purine, l0 (R)-Z-amino-9-[4-(hexadecanoyioxy)-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R)-Z-amino-9-[4-{octadecanayloxy)-Z-(L-valyloxymethyl}-butyl]purine, (R}-2-amino-9-[4-(eicosanoyloxy)-Z-{L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R)-Z-amino-9-[4-(docosanoyloxy)-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R)-Z-amino-9-(4-((9-tetradecenayl)oxy)-Z-{L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, I5 (R)-2-amino-9-[4-((9-hexadecenoyl}oxy)-Z-{L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R)-Z-amino-9-[4-((6-octadecenoyl)oxy)-Z-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-9-[4-{{9-actadecenoyl}oxy)-Z-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, (R)-Z-amino-9-[4-(( 11-eicosenoyl)oxy)-Z-{L,-valyloxy)butyl]purine, (R)-Z-amino-9-j2-(( 13-docosenoyl)oxymethyl)-Z-(L-vaiyloxy)butyl]purine, or 20 and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
The compounds of formula I can form salts which form an additional aspect of the invention. Appropriate pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of formula I include salts of organic acids, especially carboxylic acids, including but 2S not limited to acetate, trifluoroacetate, lactate, gluconate, citrate, tartrate, maleate, malate, pantothenate, isethionate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate, butyrate, digluconate, cyclopentanate, glucoheptanate, glycerophosphate, oxalate, heptanoate, hexanoate, fumarate, nicotinate, palmoate, pectinate, 3-phenylpropionate, picrate, pivalate, proprionate, tartrate, lactobionate, pivolate, camphorate, undecanoate and 3o succinate, organic sulphonie acids such as methanesulphonate, ethanesulphonate, 2-hydroxyethane sulphonate, camphorsulphonate, 2-napthalenesulphonate, SUF3ST1TUTS St~4EE't' (F3ULE 26) d'4'O 97/30052 PC'TlSE9710U242 benzenesulphonate, p-chlorobenzenesulphonate and p-toluenesulphonate; and inorganic acids such as hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, sulphate, bisulphate, hemisulphate, thiocyanate, persulphate, phosphoric and sulphonic acids.
Hydrochloric acid salts are convenient.
The compounds of Formula I may be isolated as the hydrate. The compounds of the invention may be isolated in crystal form, preferably homogenous crystals, and thus an additional aspect of the invention provides the compounds of Formula I in substantially pure crystalline form, comprising >70%, preferably >90%
to homogeneous crystalline material for example >95% homogeneous crystalline material.
The compounds of the invention are particularly suited to oral administration, but may also be administered rectally, vaginally, nasally, topically, transdermally or IS parenterally, for instance intramuscularly, intravenously or epidurally.
The compounds may be administered alone, for instance in a capsule, but will generally be administered in conjunction with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
The invention extends to methods for preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising bringing a compound of Formula I or its pharmaceutically acceptable 2o salt in conjunction or association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or vehicle.
~rai formulations are conveniently prepared in unit dosage form, such as capsules or tablets, employing conventional carriers or binders such as magnesium stearate, 25 chalk, starch, lactose, wax, gum or gelatin. Liposomes or synthetic or natural polymers such as HPMC or PVP may be used to afford a sustained release formulation. Alternatively the formulation may be presented as a nasal or eye drop, syrup, gel or cream comprising a solution, suspension, emulsion, oiI-in-water or water-in-oiI preparation in conventional vehicles such as water, saline, ethanol, 3o vegetable oil or glycerine, optionally with flavourant and/or preservative andlar emulsifier.
SUBSTITUTE Si-IBET (RULE 26) WO 97130052 ~ .,a PCT/SE97/00242 The compounds of the invention may be administered at a daily dose generally in the range 0.1 to 200 mg/kg/day, advantageously, 0.5 to 100 mg/kg/day, more preferably 10 to 50mglkglday, such as i0 to 25 mg/kg/day. A typical dosage rate for a normal adult will be around 50 to 500 mg; for example 300 mg, once or twice per day for herpes infections and 2 to 10 times this dosage for HIV infections.
As is prudent in antiviral therapy, the compounds of the invention can be administered in combination with other antiviral agents, such as acyclovir, valcyclovir, penciclovir, famciclovir, ganciclovir and its prodrugs, cidofovir, to foscamet and the like for herpes indications and AZT, ddI, ddC, d4T, 3TC, foscarnet, ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, delaviridine, Vertex V~ 478, Agouron AG 1343 and the like for retroviral indications.
The compounds of the invention can be prepared de novo or by esterification of the 1S H2G parent compound~which is prepared, for example, by the synthesis methodology disclosed in European Patent EP 343 133., A typical reaction scheme for the preparation of H2G is depicted overleaf:

~

~ ~ . ":.~...~ , ~m.~
W O 97/30052 w w I PCT/SE97100242 CI
N ~ NJ
/O ~ HZN N
~N
~O
O O-Cl O O -O
N ~ N
I

-. HZN N N
HO
OH
NHZ O _ .
N HN N .
i y ~ i v) H N \N N 4 HZN N N
HO HO~
~ OH
H2G.
The 'condensation in step 1 is typically carried out with a base catalyst such as NaOH or Na~C03 in a solvent such as D1VIF. Step 2 involves a reduction which can be performed with LiBH~/tetrahydrofuran in a solvent such as t-BuOH. The substitution in step 3 of the chlorine with an amino group can be performed under pressure with ammonia. Step 4 employs adenosine deaminase which can be conveniently immobilized on a solid support. Cooling the reaction mixture allows unreacted isomeric precursor to remain in solution thereby enhancing purity.
to Starting materials for compounds of the invention in which R3 is hydrogen may be prepared as shown iwEuropean Patent EP 186 640, These starting materials may be acylated as described for H2G below, optionally after protecting the purine 2-amino group with a conventional N-protecting group as defined above, . especially BOC (t-Bu0-CO-), 2 (Bn0-CO-) or Ph3C-.

WO 97/30052 PCT/SE97l00242 The compounds of the invention may be prepared from H2G as described below in Schemes A and B.
A. Direct acylation method Scheme A
G NHPG
O
HO ~ R~
WQH ~ ~4H
NHPG G
R* O
1 ~ _ O \~
(Je[Jt'Ot~CttOC1 O' _R2* ~ Formula i Scheme A depicts the preparation of compounds in which R~ is derived from io the amino acid and Ra is derived from the fatty acid, but the converse scheme is applicable to compounds where R! is derived from the fatty acid and R2 is derived from the amino acid ester. In the variant specifically depicted in scheme A above, G is guanine or 6-deoxyguanine, PG is an optional N-protecting group or hydrogen, R~* is the valine or isoleucine side chain and R~* is the fatty acid chain. H2G is depicted above as a starting material but this of course may be optionally protected at R3 or the 2 position of the purine with conventional N-protecting groups {not shown). The H2G (derivative) reacts in the first step with an activated R, tx-amino acid derivative, as further described below, in a solvent such as dimethylformamide or pyridine, to give 2o a monoacyiated product. The R1 oc-amino acid may be suitably N-protected with N-BOC or N-CBz or the like. Under controlled conditions, the first acylation can be made to predominantly take place at the side chain 4-hydroxy group on the side chain of H2G. These controlled conditions can be achieved, for example, by manipulating the reagent concentrations or rate of addition, EUBSTtTUTE SHEET (RULE 2G) ~rp g7~~flp ~2 PCTlSE97/0~242 i~
especially of the acylating agent, by lowering the temperature or by the choice of solvc;nt. The reaction can be followed by TLC to monitor the controlled conditions.
After purification, the R1 monoacylated compounds are further acylated on the side chain 2-CH2~H group with the appropriate activated fatty acid derivative to give diacylated products using similar procedures as for the first esterificatian step. The diester products are subsequently subjected to a conventional deprotection treatment using for example trifluoroacetic acid, 1o HCl(aq)/dioxane or hydrogenation in the presence of catalyst to give the desired compound of Formula 1. The compound may be in salt form depending on the deprotection conditions.
The activated R1IR2 acid derivative used in the various acylations may comprise e.g. the acid halide, acid anhydride, activated acid ester or the acid in the presence of coupling reagent, for example dicyciohexylcarbodiimide, where "'acid" in each case represents the corresponding R1/Rz amino acid or the RllRz fatty acid. Representative activated acid derivatives include the acid chloride, formic and acetic acid derived mixed anhydrides, anhydrides derived 2o from alkoxycarbonyl halides such as isobutyloxycarbonylchloride and the like, N-hydroxysuccinamide derived esters, N-hydroxyphthalimide derived esters, N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxamide derived esters, 2,4,5-trichlarophenol derived esters and the like.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26j w~ 97/30052 PCT/SE97/002~2 B. Via~rotection of the side chain 4-hydroxv,group:
Scheme B
i I
G G
HO~ ---.~ ~--Si-O
OOH I \ OOH
i i G
G HO~
\O
( \O
i O~ R * O R2*

G
O O
deprotection R * NHPG ~'O Formula i O R2*
wherein G, PG, R1* and R~* are as described for scheme A.
Scheme B has been exemplified with reference to the preparation of a compound where R1 is derived from an amino acid and R~ is derived from the fatty acid ester, but a converse scheme will be applicable to compounds where 1o RZ is derived from the amino acid and R~ is derived from the fatty acid.
This scheme relies on regiaselective protection of the HZG side chain 4-hydroxy group with a bulky protecting group. In scheme B above this is depicted as t-butyldiphenylsilyl, but other regioselective protecting groups such as trityl, 9-(9-phenyl)xanthenyl, 1,I-bis(4-methylphenyl}-I'-pyrenylmethyl may also be I5 appropriate. The resulting product is acylated at the side chain SUSSTITUTE SHEET (RU>LE 26) i9 2-hydroxymethyl group using analogous reagents and procedures as described in scheme A above, but wherein the activated acid derivative is the R~ fatty acid, for example, myristic, stearic, oleic, elaidic acid chloride and the like.
The thus monoacylated compounds are subjected to appropriate deprotection treatment to remove the side chain 4-hydroxy protecting group which can be done in a highly selective manner with such reagents, depending on the regioselective protecting group, as HF/pyridine and the like and manipulation of the reaction conditions, viz reagent concentration, speed of addition, temperature and solvent etc, as elaborated above. The then free side chain io 4-hydroxy group is ~cylated with the activated a amino acid in a similar way as desct-ibed in scheme A above.
Additional techniques for introducing the amino acid ester of RfIR2, for instance in schemes A, B, C or D herein include the 2-oxa-4-aza-cycloalkane-I5 1,3-dio:ne method described in international patent application no. WO
94/2931 I .
Additional techniques for introducing the fatty acid ester of R~/R2, for instance in schemes A, B, C or D herein include the enzymatic route described in 2o Preparative Biotransformations 1.1 l.$ (Ed S M Roberts, J WiIey and Son, NY, 1995} with a lipase such as SP 435 immobilized Candida antarcticus (Novo Nordisk}, porcine pancreatic lipase or Candida nzgosa lipase.
Enzymatic acylation is especially convenient where it is desired to avoid N-protect:ion and deprotection steps on the other aryl group or the gurine 2-25 amine.
An alternative route to compounds of Formula I in which R3 is hydrogen is to 6-activate the correponding guanine compound of Formula I (wherein the amino ,acid ester moiety of RIIR.~ is optionally protected with conventional 3o N-protecting groups such as BOC) with an activating group such as halo. The thus activated 6-purine is subsequently reduced to purine, for instance with a palladium catalyst and deprotected to the desired 6-deoxy H2G di-ester.
SU~STiTUTE SI-3EET (RULE 26) 'WO 97!30052 PCTlSE97/00242 A further aspect of the invention thus provides a method for the preparation of the compounds of formula I comprising a) optionally N-protecting the purine 2 andlor 6 positions of a compound of 5 formula I wherein RI and RZ are each hydrogen;
b) regioselectively acylating the compound of Formula 1 at the side chain 4-hydroxy group with either i) an optionally N-protected valine or isoleucine group, ii) an optionally substituted, saturated or monounsaturated C3-10 C21COOH derivative, or iii) a regioselective protecting group;
c) acylating at the side chain 2-hydroxymethyl group with i} an optionally N-protected valine or isoleucine derivative, or ii) an optionally substituted, saturated or monounsaturated C3 15 C2rCOOH derivative;
d} replacing the regioselective protecting group at RI, if present, with i) an optionally N-protected valine or isoleucine derivative; or ii) an optionally substituted, saturated or monounsaturated C3-C21COOH derivative; and 20 e) deprotecting the resulting compound as necessary.
Schemes A and B above employ selective acylation to stepwise add the amino acid and fatty acid esters. An alternative process for the preparation of the compounds of formula I
starts with a diacylated H2G derivative, wherein both the acyl groups are the same, and employs selective removal of one of the aryl groups to obtain a rnonoacyl intermediate which is then acylated with the second, differing, acyl group in the same manner as Schemes A and B above.
Accordingly a further aspect of the invention provides a method for the preparation of a 3o compound of the formula I, as defined above, which method comprises A) the monodeacylation of a diacylated compound corresponding to formula I
wherein R! and R~ are both a valyl or isoleucyi ester (which is optionally SUBSTfTUTE SEiEET (RULE 2G) WO 97J3005:L PCT/SE97/00242 N-protected) or are R1 and Rz are both -C(=O;C3-Cat saturated or monounsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl; and B) acylating the thus liberated side chain 4-hydroxy or side chain 2-hydroa;ymethyi group with the corresponding valyl, isoleucyl or-C(=O)C3-C?t saturated or monounsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl; and C) deprotecting as necessary.
This alternative process has the advantage that the preparation of the diacylated I-I2G
derivative is facile and requires little or no purification steps. Selective removal of one i0 only of the acyl groups of a diacylated H2G derivative can be achieved by manipulating the reaction conditions, in particular the temperature, rate of reactant addition and choice of base.
Compounds amenable to this alternative synthesis route are thus of the formula:
Ra N i N
H2N~ N N
R,o is QRa where FZ, and R~ are vaiyl or isoleucyl (which are optionally N~protected) or a -C(=O)C3-C~1 saturated or monounsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl; and R~ is OH or H.
20 For ease of synthesis in this alternative route, it is preferred that Ri and R~ are both initially identical and are mast preferably the same amino acid ester. Such a di-amino acid ester will generally be N-protected during its preparation and may be used directly in this condition in the selective deacylation step.
Alternatively, such an N-protected di-aminoacylated H2G derivative may be deprotected and optionally 25 reprotected, as described below. The unprotected di-aminoacyl H2G
derivative thus comprises one of the following compounds:
SUEST1TUTE SMEET (RUBE 2fi) WO 97/30052 PCT/SE9'7100242 (R)-9-[2-{L-isoleucyloxymethyl}-4-(1,-isoleucyloxy}butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-(L-valyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyioxy)butyi~guanine, (R)-2-amino-9-[4-(L-isoleucyloxy)-2-(L-isoleucyloxymethyl)butyl~purine, and (R)-2-amino-9-[4-(L-valyloxy}-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]purine.
These unprotected H2G diacylated derivatives can be directly subject to selective deacylation of one of the acyl groups (typically the side chain 4-position acyl) followed by enzymatic acylation of the liberated 4-hydroxy as described above.
Alternatively, the unprotected H2G diacylated derivative can be re-protected and 1o then subjected to the selective deacylation, follawed in turn by conventional acylation with the fatty acid ester, as described in Schemes A and B.
Conveniently, such a reprotection step is done with a different N-protecting group, having properties appropriate to the subsequent acylation. For example, it is convenient to employ a lipophilic N-protecting group, such as Fmoc when preparing a di-amino acid H2G derivative, as the lipophilic nature of the protecting group assists with separation of the acylated products. On the other hand, the lipophilic nature of Fmoc is of less utility when conducting an acylation with a fatty acid, and thus it is convenient to reprotect a diacylated H2G with an alternative N-protecting group such as BOC.
It will also be apparent that the preparation of the compounds of formula I
can commence with the novel monoacylated intermediates of step b i), ii) or iii) in the above defined first method aspect of the invention. These compounds are thus of the formula:
Rs ~ i ' N ./ N
H2N~N N

~OR2 where one of R~ and R2 is i) -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)2)NH~ or -C(O)CH(CH{CH3)CH~CH3)NH~
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RUI E 2E) WO 9'11300'2 PG"T/sE97/0024Z

ii) a -C(=O)C3-Cz, saturated or monaunsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl, or iii) a regioselective protecting group;
the other of Ri and R~ is hydrogen; and R3 is OH or H;
Useful compounds thus include;
(R}-9-[2-hydroxymethyl-4-{t-6utyldiphenylsilyl)butyljguanine, (R}-9-[2-hydroxymethyl.-4-(trityloxy)butyl]guanine, to (R.)-9-[2-hydroxymethyI-4-(9-(9-phenyl)xanthenyloxy)butyljguanine, (R}-9-[;2-hydroxymethyl-4-( l , l-bis(4-methylphenyl)-I'-pyrenylmethyloxy)butyljguanine, (R)-9-[.2-hYdroxymethyl-4-(decanoyioxy)butyl]guanine, {R)-9-[;2-hydroxymethyl)-4-(dodecanoyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R}-9-~2-hydroxymethyl-4-(tetradecanoyloxy}butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[:2-hydroxymethyl)-4-(hexadecanoyloxy)butyljguanine, (R)-9-[:2-hydroxymethyl-4-(octadecanoyloxy)butyljguanine, (R)-9-~2-hydroxymethyl)-4-(eicosanoyloxy)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[2-hydroxymethyl-4-(docosanoyloxy)butyljguanine, {R)-9-[4-hydraxy-2-(decanoyloxymethyl)butyljguanine, {R}-9-~ 4-hydroxy-2-(dodecanoyloxymethyl) butyl]guanine, (R)-9-[4-hydroxy-2-(tetradecanoyloxymethyI)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-~ 4-hydroxy-2-(hexadecanoyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, {R}-9-[~.-hydroxy-2-{octadecanoyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, (R)-9-~4-hydroxy-2-(eicosanoyioxymethyl)butyljguanine, {R)-9-[4-hydroxy-2-(docosanoyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine, ' (R}-9-~2-hydroxymethyl-4-{L-vaIyloxy)butyljguanine, (R)-9-~2-hydroxymethyl)--4-{L-isoleucyloxy)butyljguanine, {R)-9-~4-hydraxy-2-(L-isoleucyloxyrnethyl)butyljguanine, (R}-9-~4-hydroxy-2-(L-valyloxymethyl) butyl]guanine.
{R}-2-;amino-9-[2-hydroxymethyl-4-(L-valyloxy)butyljpurine, SIiSSTrTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97130U52 PC IYSE97/OOx42 {R)-2-amino-9-[2-hydroxymethyl)-4-(L-isoleucyioxy)butyl]purine, (R)-2-amino-g-[4-hydroxy-2-(L-isoleucyloxymethyl)butyl]purine, and (R)-2-amino-g-[4-hydroxy-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]purine.
Regioselectively protected, sidechain 4-hydroxy intermediates from step c) of the _ above described fzrst method aspect of the invention are also novel compounds.
Useful compounds thus include:
{R)-g-[2-decanoyloxymethyl-4-(t-butyidiphenylsilyl}butyl]guanine, (R}-9-[2-dodecanoyloxymethyl-4-{t-butyldiphenylsilyl}butyl]guanine, to (R)-9-[2-tetradecanoyloxymethyl-4-(t-butyldiphenylsilyl)butyl]guanine, (R}-9-[2-hexadecanoyloxymethyl-4-(t-butyldiphenylchlorosilane)butyl]guanine, {R}-9-[2-octadecanoyloxymethyl-4--{t-butyldiphenylsilyl)butyl]guanine, (R}-g-[2-eicosanoyloxymethyl-4-(t-butyidiphenylsilyl)butyl]guanine, (R)-g-[2-docosanoyloxymethyl-4-(t-butyIdiphenylsilyl)butyl]guanine, zs An alternative process for the preparation of compounds of the invention of the formula I
~,vherein R3 is -OH is shown in Scheme C.
SUBSTITUTE SWEET (RULE 2~) SCHEME C
oR7 R O -~X1 R402C 02Rr~ HO OH
8402 ,'~ C02R5 --y- --p R~ O
$ O R8 O Rs ~~ OC(O)Rg, HO~~~ OC(O)Rg $ X2 OC(O)Rg lipase R7 O' ORB $ RIO
Cf O Rg HN \
N I ' HZN N $ HZN N N ~ N
HZN ~ N
OC(O)Rg OI-$ 1Q
R 0 _ »- O
H ~I'O
O

f y ~ o ti N N N HZN
~OH R10 R O

OH
N
N ' \ ~ '~ H N~N ~ N~ O
HN N N O
R ~ ~ R10 t0 _ ~---~
O O
OH NHP~
FORMULA i Rii SUBSTITUTE S1~9EET (REILB 26~

WO 97/3002 PCTlSE97/OOZ42 Referring to Scheme C, malonate 1 (R4 and RS are lower alkyl or benzyl or the like) is aIkylated by reaction with from about 0.5 to about 2.0 molar equivalents of acetal 2 (Rg S and R~ are lower alkyl or benzyi and the like or R~ and R~ taken together are -CH?CH~- or -CHZCH~CH~- or -CH~CH2CHzCH~-and XI is a leaving group (for example, CI, Br or I, or a sulfonate such as methanesuIfonate, triflate, p-toiuenesulfonate, benzenesulfonate and the like)) in the presence of from about 0.5 to about 2.0 molar equivalents of a base (for example, potassium t-butoxide or sodium ethoxide or NaH or KH and the like) in an inert 1o solvent (for example, DMF or THF or dioxane or dioxolane or N-methylpyrrolidone and the like) at a temperature of from about -40°C to about I90°C to provide alkylated malonate 3.
Reduction of 3 with from about 0.5 to about 4.0 molar equivalents of an ester to alcohol 15 reducing agent (for example, LiBH4 or Ca(BH4)2 or NaBH4 or LiAlH4 and the like} in an inert solvent {for example, THF or methyl t-butyl ether or t-BuOH and the like) at a temperature of from about -20°C to about 100°C provides diol 4.
Enzymatic esterification of 4 by reaction with from about 1.0 to about 20.fl molar equivalents of a vinyl ester 5 (Rg is C3-C2I saturated or monounsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl) in the presence of a 20 lipase (for example, Lipase PS-30 or Lipase PPL or Lipase CCL and the like}
or a phospholipase (for example phospholipase D and the like} provides the desired stereoisomer of ester 6. This reaction can be carried out in the absence of solvent or in the presence of an inert solvent (for example, methyl t-butyl ether or toluene or hexane and the like}. The reaction is carried out at a temperature of from about -20°C
to about 80°C.
The alcohol substituent of 6 is converted to a leaving group {for example, a halogen or a sulfonate} by reaction with a halogenating agent (for example NBS/P(Ph)3 or NCSIP(Ph)3 or POC13 or NCS/P(Ph)3/NaI in acetone and like) in an inert solvent {for example, rnethylene chloride or toluene or ethylacetate and the Iike) or by reaction with from about 0.8 molar equivalents to about 2.0 molar equivalents of a sulfonyl halide {for example, benzenesulfonylchloride, toluenesulfonylchloride or methane sulfonylchioride and the SUBSTBTUTE SHEET (F~ULE 2fij W~ 9'7/300x2 PC'T/SE97/OOZ4Z

Like) in the presence of from about i .0 to about 4.0 molar equivalents of a base (for example, triethylamine or potassium carbonate or pyridine or dimethylaminopyridine or ethyldiisopropylamine and the like) in an inert solvent (for example methylene chloride or toluene or ethylacetate or pyridine or methyl t-butyl ether arid the like) at a temperature of from about -25°C to about 100°C to provide ester 7. (X2 is a halogen or suifonate leaving group) .
Reaction of 7 with from about 0.9 to about 2.0 molar equivalents of 2-amino-4-chloropurine $ in the presence of from about I.0 to about 6.0 molar equivalents of a base (for ex.arnple, potassium carbonate or NaH or KH or NaOH or KOH or lithium diisopropylamide and the like) in an inert solvent (for example, DMF or THF or acetonitriie or N-methyipyrrolidone or ethanol and the like) at a temperature of from about -25 °C to about 140°C provides substituted purine 9.
i5 Alternatively Mitsunobu coupling (for example P(Ph)3JdiethyI
azidocarboxylate) of alcohol 6 with 2-amino-4-chloropurine 8 provides 9.
Reaction of 9 with from about 2.0 to about 20 molar equivalents of an alcohol RgOH (Rg is an alcohol protecting group such as benzyl and the like) in the presence of from about 2o I.0 to about 6.0 molar equivalents of a base (for example, potassium t-butoxide or potassium carbonate or NaH or KH or lithium diisopropylamide and the like) in an inert solvent (for example, THF or DMF and the like) at a temperature of from about -25°C to about I50°C provides alcohol 10.
25 Removal of the alcohol protecting group R9 of IO (for example, by catalytic hydrogenation in an inert solvent such as ethanol or benzyl alcohol or methanol or THF and the like in the presence of an hydrogenation catalyst such as PdIC or Pd(OH)~ and the like) provides substitued guanine I I.
30 Esteri Fication of I 1 by reaction with a) from about 0.8 to about 2.0 molar equivalents of RIOCOOH and a coupling agent (for example DCCJDMAP) and the like in an inert solvent (for example THF or DMF and the like} or b} from about 0.8 to about 2.0 molar SUBSTITUTE SHt=~T (RULE 26j WO 97130052 PCTlSE97/00242 equivalents of an activated derivative of RIOCOOH (for example, the acid chloride or N-hydroxysuccinimide ester or RioC(O)OC(O)Rlo and the Iike) in the presence of from about 0 to about 3.0 molar equivalents of a base (for example, pyridine or triethylamine or ethyldiisopropyIarnine or DBU or potassium carbonate and the Iike) in an inert solvent (for example, methylene chloride or THF or pyridine or acetanitrile or DMF and the like) at a temperature of from about -25°C to about i 00°C provides ester I2.
The acetal substituent of 12 is deprotected and the resulting aldehyde is reduced by first reacting I2 with from about 0. I to about 10.0 molar equivalents of an acid (for example, l0 triflic acid or HCl or acetic acid or sulfuric acid and the like) in an inert solvent (for example, THF/H20 or methylene chloride/H~O or ethylacetatetFi~O or ethanol/H20 ar methanol/H~0 and the like) at a temperature of from about -25 °C to about 100°C. To the crude reaction mixture is added from about 0. I to about 10.0 molar equivalents of a base {for example, sodium bicarbonate or potassium carbonate or triethylamine or pyridine or I5 KOH and the like), additional inert solvent (for example, THF and or methylene chloride or ethylacetate or methyl t-butyl ether or isopropoanol and the Iike) and from about 0.3 to about 5.0 molar equivalents of an aldehyde reducing agent (for example, sodium borohydride or RaNi/Hz and the like) at a temperature of from about -25 °C to about 100°C to provide alcohol 13.
Reaction of 13 with from about 0.8 to about 3.0 molar equivalents of N-protected amino acid P1NHCH(RI I)COOH or an activated derivative thereof (PI is an N-protecting group and RI I is isopropyl or isobutyl) in an inert solvent {for example, THF or dioxane or dioxolane or DMF or methylene chloride and the like) at a temperature of from about 25°C
to about I00°C provides alcohol 14. N-deprotection of 14 provides the compound of, the invention of formula I wherein R3 is -OH.
Alternatively compound 13 can be reacted with the symmetrical anhydride derived from PtNHCH(R11)COOH (i.e.P,NHCH(R11)C(O)O-C(O)CH(R! i)NHPi) to provide 1 wherein 3o R3 is OH.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (~iUL.E 2fi) WO 97130052 PCT/sE97100242 Anoth~;r alternative process for the preparation of compounds wherein R3 is -OH is shown in Sch~:me D.
SCHEME D
oRt2 ~x1 R402 0285 HO off R402C~ C02R~
i oRt2 °n,z iZ
OC(O)Rg HO '! \ OC(O)R$
X2 r~ OC(OyRe lipase ~ ~ ---~
O R.12 ~ 1;
CI O R, 2 CI

.W ~ \~ N I \> N N
HZN N ~ HN HZN~ N a, ~OC(0)R$ HZN N
OH

HO
~R12 N
N N I ~~ t 2 ~ N O
H N~N
HZN

~ ----.p ----~ _ HO
OH
N
N
~\ N O
\ \~ H N- ' N I
H2N~N N O z . ~ R,0 R,~
o _ OH
NHPt FoRnnu~a t R"
SU~STiTUTE SHI~ET (RUE.E 2~) W4 97130052 PCTlSE97/00242 Maionate 1 (R4 and RS are lower alkyl or benzy! and the like) is alkylated with from about 0.5 to about 2.0 molar equivalents of ether 15 wherein XE is a leaving group (for example Cl, Br or i, or a sulfonate such as methane sulfonate, triflate, p-toluenesulfonate, benzenesulfonate and the like) and Rig is -CH(Ph)z, -C(Ph)3 or -Silt-Bu)(Me)~
and the like (Ph = phenyl) in the presence of from about 0.5 to about 2.0 molar equivalents of a base (far example potassium t-butoxide or sodium ethoxide or NaH or KH and the like} in an inert solvent (for example DMF or'1'HF or dioxane or dioxolane or N-methyl pyrrolidinone and the like) at a temperature of from about -40°C to about 190°C to provide aikylated malonate 16.
l0 Reduction of 16 with from about 0.5 to about 4.0 molar equivalents of an ester to alcohol reducing agent (for example LiBH4 or Ca(BH4)z or NaBH4 or LiAIHø and the like) in an inert solvent {for example THF or methyl t-butyl ether or ethanol or t-butanoi and the like) at a temperature of from about -20°C to about 100°C provides diol 17. Enzymatic 15 esterification of 17 by reaction with from about 1.0 to about 20.0 molar equivalents of a vinyl ester 5 (R8 is C~-C21 saturated or monounsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl} in the presence of a lipase (far example, Lipase PS-30 or Lipase PPL or Lipase CCL and the like) or a phosphoiipase (for example phosphoiipase D and the like) provides the desired stereoisomer of ester i 8. The reaction can be carried out in the absence of solvent or in the 2o presence of an inert solvent (for example methyl t-butyl ether or toluene or hexane or the like). The reaction is carried out at a temperature of from about -20°C
to about 80°C.
The alcohol substituent of 18 is converted to a leaving group (for example a halogen or sulfonate) by reaction with a halogenating agent {for example NBSlP(Ph)3 or NCS/P(Ph)3 25 or POC13 or NCS/P{Ph)3INal in acetone and the like) in an inert solvent {for example methylene chloride or toluene or ethylacetate and the like) or by reaction with from about 0.8 molar equivalents to about 2.0 molar equivalents of a sulfonyl halide (for example benzenesulfonylchloride, toluenesulfonylchloride or methane sulfonylchloride and the like) in the presence of from about 1.0 to about 4.0 molar equivalents of a base (for 30 example triethyiamine or potassium carbonate or pyridine or methyl t-butyl ether and the like) at a temperature of from about -25°C to about 100°C to provide ester 19. (X2 is a halogen or sulfonate leaving group}.
SUSSTITUZ'E SHEE°~' (RULE 26) WO 97/300:12 pCT/$E97/EDOZ4Z

Reaction of I9 with from about 0.9 to about 2.0 molar equivalents of 2-amino-4-chloropurine 8 in the presence of from about 1.0 to about 6.0 molar equivalents of a base (for exr~.mple potassium carbonate or NaH or KH or NaOH or KOH or lithium diisopropyiamide and the Like) in an inert solvent (for example DMF or THF or acetonitrile or N-methylpyrrolidone or ethanol and the like} at a temperature of from about -25°C to about I40°C provides substituted purine 20.
Alternatively, Mitsunobu coupling (for example, P(PH)3ldiethyl azidocarboxylate) of to alcohol 18 with 2-amino-4-chloropurine 8 provides 20.
Reaction of 20 with from about 2.0 to about 20.0 molar equivalents of an alcohol R90H
(Rg is an alcohol protecting group such as benzyl and the like) in the presence of from about 1..0 to about 6.0 molar equivalents of a base (for example, potassium t-butoxide or i5 potassium carbonate or NaH or KH or lithium diisopropylamide and the Iike in an inert solvent: (for example, THF or DMF and the like} at a temperature of from about -25°C to about I50°C provides alcohol 21.
Removal of the alcohol protecting group R9 of 21 (for example by catalytic hydrogenation 20 in an inert solvent such as ethanol or benzyl alcohol or methanol or THF
and the Iike in the presence of an hydrogenation catalyst such as PdIC or Pd(OH)~ and the like) provides substit~,xted guanine 22.
The etl~Ier substitutent of 23 is deprotected by reaction with a) a reducing agent (for 2S example, HCO~H and Pd/C and the like) wherein Rc~ is -CH(Ph}~ or -C(Ph)~, or b) a desilylating agent (for example Bu4NF and the Iike) wherein Rte is -Silt-Bu)(Me)2 and the like to provide 13.
Alcohol 13 can be converted to I as outlined in scheme C.
An additional alternative involves enzymatic esterification of alcohol 4 or 17 with the vinyl erster CHI=CH-OC(O)RIo (i.e. R$ = Rlo in Schemes C and D) to directly incorporate su»sT~°ru-re SHEET f~u~.~ 2s~

WO 97/30052 PCTlSE97100242 into b or 18 the desired carboxylic acid ester of the final product I. This allows the elimination of the ester hydrolysis and reesterification involved in going from 9 to I2 or from 20 to 23.
The processes of Schemes C and D are characterized by the fact that each of the hydroxyl groups of the acyciic side chain is differentiated by the use of different hydroxy protecting groups or precursor groups. This allows the selective acylation of each of the hydroxy groups with either an amino acid or a fatty acid group.
to Schemes C arid D have been illustrated and described with reference to embodiments of the invention wherein R, is derived from an amino acid and RZ is derived from a fatty acid. However, it will be apparent that respective converse schemes will apply to compounds where R~ is derived from a fatty IS acid and R~ is derived from an amino acid.
Detailed Description of the Invention The invention will now be illustrated by way of example only with reference to the following non-limiting Examples, comparative examples and the accompanying 2o Figures, in which:
Figure 1 depicts plasma H2G levels as a function of time in cynomolgus monkeys administered with a compound of the invention or with an alternative prodrug derivative of H2G, as further explained in Biological Example 3; and 2S Figure 2 depicts survival as a function of time for Herpes simplex infected mice administered with various doses of a compound of the invention or a prior art antiviral, as further explained in Biological Example 4. , SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RUL.E 26) W~ 97I300~52 PCT/5E97/00242 33 ' EXAMPLE I
(R)-9-f2-(Stearoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxv)butyll ug anine This e:Kample illustrates the application of preparation scheme A.
a) (R)-9-j4-{N-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-L-valyloxy)-2-(hydroxymethyl) butyl]l;uanine.
H2G (5 g, 19.7 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (300 ml) under heating and was cooled. to room temperature before addition of N-t-Boc-L-vaiine (5.58 g, 25.7 l0 mmol), DMAP {0.314 g, 2.57 mmol) and DCC {6.52 g, 3I.b mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 h and was then filtered. The product was chromatographed on silica gel and eluted with CH~CIZ/MeOH to give 2.4 g of the desired intermediate product.
is IH-NMR (250 MHz, DMSO-d6): 8 0.95 (d, 6H), I.47 (s, 9H), 1.5-I .8 (m, ZH}, 1.96-2.20 (m, 2H}, 3.40 (m, 2H}, 3.9I {t, 1 H), 4.05 (m, 2H), 4.21 (t, 2H}, 4.89 (t, 1 H), 6.6 (br s, :H), 7.27 (d, 1 H), 7.75 (s, IH), 10.7 (br s, 1 H).
b) (R}-9-j4-(N-tort-Butoxycarbonyl-L-valyloxy)-2-(stearoyloxymethyl) 2o butyl~guanine The product from step a) (I85 mg, 0.41 mural} was dissolved in pyridine (5 ml), the solution was cooled in an ice bath and stearoyl chloride { I79 p.I, 0.53I
mmol) was added. The solution was kept in the ice bath for 2 h, then at room temperature for 1 h. It was then evaporated and chromatographed on silica gel. It was eluted with 25 dichloromethane/methanol to give 143 mg of the desired intermediate product.
c) (R}-9-j2-(Stearoyloxymethyl}-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl~guanine.
The product from step b) ( I 38 mg, 0.192 mmol) was cooled in an ice bath and trifluoroacetic acid (5 ml) was added. The solution was kept in the ice bath for 45 3o minutes and was then evaporated to give an oil. Water (0.5 to 1 ml) was added and evaporated twice. The residue was once more dissolved in water (5 mI ), filtered and freeze-dried to give I48 mg of the desired product as the bistrifluoracetate salt.
SUE3ST1TUTE SHEET (RULE 2B) 'P6~0 97/30052 PCT/SE97/00242 'H NMR (250 MHz, DMSO-d~): 0.97 (t, 3H), I .05 (dd, 6H), I.34 (br s, 28 H}, i.59 (m, 2k-I), 1.80 (m, 2H), 2.25 {m, iH), 2.36 (t, 2H), 2.50 (m, 1H)> 3.98-4.18 (m, 5H), 4.35 (t, 2H), 6.6 (br s, 2H), 8.0 (br s, 1H), 8.4 (br s, 3H), 10.9 (br s, 1H).

(R)-9-(2-(Myristoyloxvmethyl)-4-(L-valyloxylbutyllguanine The titled compound was obtained as the bistrifiuoracetate salt in a manner l0 analogous to Example 1 using myristoyl chloride instead of stearoyl chloride in step b).
iH NMR (250 MHz, DMSO-d6): 8 0.97 (t, 3H)> 1.05 (dd, 6H), 1.34 (br s, 20H), 1.57 (m, 2H}, 1.78 {m, 2H), 2.24 (m, IH}, 2.35 (t, 2H), 2.51 {m, 1H), 3.97-4.20 (m, SH), 4.36 (t, 2H), 6.8 (br s, 2H), 8.2 (br s, 1H), 8.5 (br s, 3H), I 1.1 {br s, 1H).

(R)-9-(2-(Oleoyloxymethyl)-4-(L,-valylox~ butyl~guanine The titled compound was obtained as the bistrifluoroacetyl salt in a manner analogous to Example I using oleoyl chloride instead of stearoyI chloride in step b).
IH NMR (250 MHz, DMSO-db): 0.96 {t> 3H), i.05 (dd, 6H), 1.35 (br s, 20H), i.59 (m, 2H), 1.76 (m, 2H), 2.09 (m, 4H), 2.24 (m, 1 H), 2.35 (t, 2H), 2.50 {m, 1 H), 3.97-4.17 {m, SH), 4.35 (t, 2H}, 5.43 (t, 2H), 6.7 {br s, 2H), 8.0 (br s, 1H}, 8.5 (br s, 3H), 11.1 (br s, IH).

Rl-9-f 2-(Butyrylox~vI)-4-(L-valvloxy~buty~guanine a) (R)-9-[4-(N-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-L-valyloxy)-2-{butyryloxymethyl) butyl~guanine DCC (i i0 mg, 0.53 mmol) was dissolved in dichloromethane {i0 ml) and butyric acid (82 mg, 0.93 mrnol) was added. After 4 hours at room temperature the mixture SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97/30052 PC'rlSE97100242 was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in pyridine (5 mI) and (R)-9-[4-(N-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-L-valyloxy)-2-hydroxymethylbutyl]
guanine (200 mg, 0.44 mmol) (Example l, step a) was added. The mixture was stirred for I20 hours at room temperature. According to TLC the reaction was 5 incorrr.plete and more anhydride was made using the procedure above. This anhydride was added and the mixture was stirred for an additional 20 hours.
The reaction mixture was evaporated and chromatographed first on silica gel and then on aluminium oxide, in both cases eluted with dichloromethane/methanol to give 79 mg of the intermediate product.
b) {R)-9-[2-(Butyryloxymethyl}-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine The intermediate product of step a was deprotected in a manner analogous to Example l, step 3 to give 84 mg of the desired product as the bistrifluoracetate salt.
1H NMR (250 MHz, D20): 8 0.88 (t, 3H), i.06 (dd, 6H), I.53 (m, 2H), I.93 (q, 2H), 2.25 (t, 2H), 2.36 (m, IH), 2.60 (m, 1H}, 4.06 {d, 1H), 4.14-4.30 (m, 2H), 4.43 (m, 4I~), 8.99 (br s, I H).

(R)-9-f2-fDecanoyloxymethvl)-4-(L-valylo~)butyll~uanine The titled compound was obtained as the bistrifluoroacetate salt in a manner analogous to Example 1 using decanoyl chloride instead of stearoyl chloride in step b.
1H NMR (250 MHz, Da0): S 0.90 (m, 3H), 1.01 {d, 6H), 1.28 (br s, I2H), 1.5 (m, 2H), l.8 (m, 2H), 2.3 (m, 3H), 2.5 (m, 1H), 4.0-4.4 (m, 7H), 8.I (br s, 1H).
SUI3S't"t"fU'1!'E SHEET (RUL.E 26) (R~-9-I2-DocosanovloxymethvI-4-(t,-valvloxy)bu~tlauanine The titled compound was obtained as the bistrifluoroacetate salt in a manner analogous to Example I but using in step b the DMAP/DCC conditions of Example I, step a) in conjunction with doeosanoic acid in place of the N-t-Boc-L-valine and a mixture of DMF and dichloromethane as solvent.
tH NMR (250 MHz, DMSO-d6): S 0.97 (t, 3H), 1.05 (dd, 6H), I.34 (br s, 36 H), 1.58 {m, 2H), 1.77 (m, 2H), 2.24 (m, IH), 2.35 (t, 2H), 2.50 (m, 1H), 3.97-4.17 (m, SH), 4.35 (t, 2H), 6.7 (br s, 2H), 8.I (br s, 1H), 8.4 (br s, 3H), 11.0 (br s, IH).

R-9-I4-(L-Isoleucvloxy)-2-(stearoyloxymeth~i)butyl~lguanine This example illustrates the application of preparative scheme B.
a) ( R)-9-[2-hydroxymethyl 4-(t-butyldiphenyIsilyloxy) butylJguanine H2G {2g, 8 mmoIe) was coevaporated with dry DMF two times and was then suspended in dry DMF ( I20 ml) and pyridine ( 1 mI). To the suspension was added dropwise t-butyldiphenyichlorosiiane (2.1 znl, 8.2 mmole) in dichloromethane (20 ml) at 0 °C over a period of 30 min. The reaction mixture became a clear solution at the completion of the dropwise addition.
The reaction continued at 0 °C for two hours and was then kept at 4 °C
overnight. Methanol (5 ml) was added to the reaction. After 20 min at room temperature, the reaction mixture was evaporated to a small volume, poured into aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution and extracted with dichloromethane two times. The organic phase was dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated in vacuo. The product was isolated by silica gel column chromatography using a methanol/dichlaromethane system with a stepwise increasing MeC)H concentration . The product was eluted with 7%
Me(7H in CHzCI2 to yield 1.89 g.
SUt3STITUTE Si°4EET (RULE 26j .....
WO 97130052 ~ IPCTISE97/l10242 b) (R)-9-[2-(Stearoyloxymethyl)-4-(t-butyldiphenylsilyloxy)butyl]guanine (R)-9-[2-Hydroxymethyl 4-(t-butyldiphenylsilyloxy)butyl]guanine (231g, mmole) was coevaporated with dry pyridine twice and dissolved in pyridine 5 (20 ml). To the solution was slowly added dropwise stearoyl chloride (1.86 ml, 5.5 mmole, technical grade) in dichloromethane (Z ml) at -5 °C. The reaction was kept at the same temperature for 1 hr and then at 5 °C for 2 hr.
The reaction was monitored by TLC. Additional stearoyl chloride (0.29 ml) at S° C was added due to incompletion of reaction: After 30 min at 5 °C, Io ~ methanol (3 ml) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 20 min. it was then poured into aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution, and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried and the product purified by silica ge column chromatography with stepwise increasing MeOH, eluting with 3.5 % MeOH in CH2Ch. (Yield 2.7 g), c) (R)-9-[(4-Hydroxy-2-(stearoyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine R}-9-[2-(Stearoyloxymethyl)-4-(t-butyldiphenylsilyloxy)butyl]guanine (2.7 g, 3.56 mmole) was dissolved in dry THF (30 ml) and hydrogen fluoride-pyridine (1.5 ml) added to the solution. The reaction was kept at 4°C overnight and 2o monitored by TLC: The reaction reached about 80 % conversion. Additional HF-pyridine was added (0.75 mI). After 4 hr, TLC showed that the starting material had disappeared. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo without raising the temperature and more pyridine (5 ml ) was added and evaporated again: The product was isolated by silica gel column chromatography. (Yield 1.26 g).
d) (R)-9- [4-(N-BOC-L-isoleucyloxy)-2-(stearoyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine (R)-9-[4-Hydroxy-2-(stearoyloxymethyl)butyl] guanine (135 mg, 0.25 mmole) and N-BOC-L-isoleucine (180 mg, 0.78 mmale) were coevaporated wirh_dry~ DMF twice and dissolved in the same solvent (3.5 ml). To the solution was added 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (lb0 mg; 0.78 mmole) and 4-di-methylaminopyridine (4.8 mg, 0.039 mmole). After reaction for 18 hours, the reaction mixture was filtered through Celite and worked up in a conventional manner. The product was *Trademark ~v WO 97/30052 PCT/SlE97J00242 isolated by silica geI column chromatography, eluting at 5 % MeOH in CH~C12.
(Yield 160 mg}
e) (R}-9-[4-(L-Isoleucyloxy)-2-{stearoyloxymethyl)-butyljguanine (R)-9-[4-{ N-BOC-L-isoleucyloxy}-2-{stearoyloxymethyl)butyIjguanine (150 mg, _ 0.205 mmole} from step d) was treated with trifiuoroacetic acid (3 ml) at 0°C for 20 min. The solution was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was coevaporated with toluene twice and kept under vacuum for several hours. The residue was dissolved in MeOH (2 ml) and evaporated to give the trifluoracetate salt as a glass-like to product (Yield 191 mg}.
H 1 NMR (DMSO-d6 -t- D20}: 8 8.35 (s,1 H, base), 4.2I (t, 2H, H-4), 4. I 0 (d, 2H}
3.96 (d, 2H}, 3.90 (d, IH, isoleucine), 2.48 (m, 1H, H-2), 2. I5 (2H, stearoyl), 1.85 (m, 1H, isoleucine), 1.68 (m, 2H), 1.48 (m, 4H), I.68 {m, 28H), 0.81 (m, 9H).
is (R)-9-f2-(Decanoyioxymethyl)-4-( L-isoleucvloxv)butyIlguanine The title compound was obtained as the bistrifiuoroacetyl salt in a manner 2o analogous to Example 7 using decanoyl chloride instead of stearoyi chloride in step b).
IHNMR (DMSO-d6): 8 I I.1 (s, 1H, NI-I), 8.35 (s, br, 3H), 8.28 ( s, 1H, base), 6.75 (s, 2H, NH2 ), 4.23 (t, 2H), 4.07 (d, 2H), 4.05 (m, 3H), 2.4 (m, IH), 2.21 (t, 2H}, 25 1.83 (m, IH), I.66 (m, 2H), 1.45 (m, 2H}, 1.39 (m, 2H), 1.22 (s, 12H ), 0.84 (m> 9H).
SU~3STtTUTE SHEET (RULE ,2B) W~ 97/300:>Z PC'F/5197/00Z42 EXAN(PLE 9 (R)-9-[4-(L-Isoleucvlox )-~-(mvristoYloxvmethyl)butyllcuanine The tit:fe compound was obtained as the bistrifluoroacetyl salt in a manner analogous to Example 1 using N-BOC-L-isoleucine instead of N-BOC-valine in step a) and myristoyl chloride in step b).
iH-N11~IR (DMSO-d6): 8 i0.99(s, 1H), 8.34 (br s, 3H) 8.15 (s, 1H ), 6.67 ( br s, 2H}, 4.23 {t., 2H), 4.05 (d, 2H), 3.97 (m, 3H), 2.48 (m, 1H), 2.20 {t, 2H), 1.85 (m, 1H), 1.65 {m, 2H), 1.41 (m, 4H), 1.23 (s, 20H), 0.85 (m, 9H).
EXAN(PLE 10 R -9- 2-(4-Acetvlbutv lox meth 1-4- -val lox but 1 anine The titled campound was obtained as the bistrifluoroacetate salt in a manner analogous to Example 1 but using in step b) the DCC/DMAP conditions of Example i, step a) in conjunction with 4-acetylbutyric acid instead of N-t-Boc-L-valine.
FH-NNiR (250 MHz, DMSO-d6): 8 1.05 (dd, 6H), 1.77 (m, 4H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 2.24 (m, 1~-3:), 2.36 (t, 2H)> 2.44-2.60 (m, 3H}, 3.95-4.20 (m, 5H), 4.36 {m, 2H), 6.8 (br s, 2I-l), 8.3 (br s, 1H), 8.5 (br s> 3H), 11.1 (br s, 1H).

f R)-9-!~2-Dodecanovloxvmethyl-4-(L-valvloxy)butvli Guanine The titled compound was obtained as the bistriflouroacetate salt in a manner analogous to Example 1 using dodecanoyl chloride instead of stearoyl chloride in step b).
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RUNE 26) 'WO 9'7/30052 PCT/SE97/00242 R)-9-(2-Palmitoyloxvmethyl-4-(L-valvloxv}bull l~uanine The titled compound was obtained as the bistriflouroacetate salt in a manner 5 analogous to Example 1 using palmitoyl chloride instead of stearoyl chloride in step b}.
'H-NMR( 2S0 MHz, DMSO-d6}: 8 0.97 (t, 3H), I.OS (m, 6H), 1.35 (br s, 24H), I.S8 (m, 2H), 1.78 (m, 2H), 2.25 (m, 1 H), 2.35 (t, 2H), 2.5 i (m, 1 H), 3.97-4.18 (m, 5H), 10 4.35 (t, 2H), 6.7 (br s, 2H), 8.1 (br s, 1H), 8.5 (br s, 3H), 11.0 (br s, 1H}.

R - 2-Amino-9-(2-stearo loxvmethvl-4- L-val lox butyl urine IS
This example shows the deoxygenation of group Rt.
a) (R)-2-Amino-9--(2-stearayloxymethyl-4-(N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-L-valyloxy)butyl}-6-ehloropurine:
z0 To a solution of (R)-9-(2-stearoyloxymethyl-4-(N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-L-valyloxy)butyi)guanine from step 2 of Example 1 {646 mg, 0.9 mmole} in acetonitrile were added tetramethyiammonium chloride {427 mg, 2.7 mmole), N,N-diethylaniIine (0.716 ml> 4.5 mmole) and phosphorous oxychloride (0.417 ml, 4.Smmole). The reaction was kept under reflux and the progression monitored by z5 TLC. After 3 hours the reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in dichloromethane, then poured into cold sodium hydrogen carbonate aqueous solution. The organic phase was evaporated and purified by silica geI column chromatography. Yield: 251 mg.
30 H'-NMR (CDCL3): 8 7.76 (1H, H-8}, 5.43 (br,2H, NHS), 4.45-4.00 (m, 7H}, 2.53 (m, IH), 2.28 (t 2H), 2.12 (m, IH), 1.75 (m, 2H}, I.59 (m, 2H), I.43 (9H), I.2S (m, 28H}, 0.96 (d, 3H), 0.87 (m, 6H).
SU~S°TITU°1t'E SHEET (RULE 26) WO 971300:2 PCTlSE97/00242 b) (R)- 2-Amino-9-(2-stearoyloxmethyl-4-(N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-L-valyIoxy)butyl)purine:
To the solution of (R)-2-amino-9-(2-stearoyloxymethyl-4-(N-tent-butoxycarbonyl-L-valyloxy)butyl)-6-chloropurine (240 mg, 0.33 mmole) in methanol/ethyl acetate (6 ml, 3:1 V/V) were added ammonium formate ( 105 mg, 1.65 mmole) and 10%
palladium on carbon ( 15 mg). The reaction was kept under reflux for 1 hour and recharged with ammonium formate (70 mg). After one hour more the TLC showed compl~aion of the reaction and the mixture was filtered through Ceiite and washed t0 extensively with ethanol. The filtrate was evaporated and purified by silica gel column. Yield: 193 mg.
H1-NN(R (CDCL3): X8.69 (s,lH, H-6), 7.74 (s, 1H, H-8), 5.18 (br, s, 2H, NH2), 4.45-4.01 (m, 7H), 2.55 (rn, 1H}, 2.28 (t, 2H}, 2.10 (m, iH), 1.75 (m, 2H}, 1.60 (m, 2H), 1.43 (s> 9H), 1.25 (s, 28H}, 0.96 (d, 31-i), 0.87 (m, 6H}.
c) (R)-2-Amino-9-(2-stearoyloxymethyl-4-(L-valyloxy)butyi)purine:
(R)-2-~'amino-9-(2-Stearoyloxmethyl-4-(N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-L-zo valyloxy)butyl)purine ( 180 mg, 0.26 mmole) was treated with trifluoroacetic acid (5ml) at 0°C for 40 min. It was then evaporated in vacuo and coevaporated successively with toluene and methanol. The residue was freeze-dried overnight to give 195 mg of the desired product.
fH-NI~TR (DMSO-d6): 8 8.78 (s, 1H, H-6), 8.32 (br, 3H), 8.29 (s, 1H, H-8), 4.27 (t, 2H), 4.13 (d, 2H), 3.98 (t, 2H, 2H), 3.89 (m, 1H), 2.47 (m, 1H), 2.18 (m>
3H), 1.43 (m, 2H}, 1.23 (28H), 0.93 (m, 6H), 0.85 (t, 3H).
SUBS'!°1TUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Alternative preparation of (R)-9-(4-Hydroxv-2-(stearoyloxymethvl)butvl~~uanine a) Preparation of ethyl 4,4-diethoxy-2-ethoxycarbonyl-butyrate Et02C~C02Et _ ~~OEt 'OEt Potassium tert-butoxide {141.88, i.11 equiv.) was dissolved in dry DMF (1 L).
Diethyl malonate (266 mL, 1.54 equiv.) was added over 5 minutes.
Bromoacetaldehyde diethylacetal ( 172 mL, 1.14 mole) was added over 5 minutes.
The mixture was heated to i20° C (internal temperature), and stirred at i20° C for 5 hours. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature, poured into water (5 L), and extracted with methyl tent-butyl ether (MTBE, 3 x 600 mL). The organic solution was dried over MgS04, filtered, concentrated, and distilled (0.5 mm, 140° C) to yield the desired diester (244 g, 78%} as a colorless oil.
t5 1H I~TMR (CDCl3) 8 i.19 (t, 6H), 1.28 (t, 6H), 2.22 (dd, 2H), 3.49 (m, 2H), 3.51 (t, 1H), 3.65 (m, 2H) 4.20 (qd, 4H), 4.54 (t, 1H).
b) Preparation of 4,4-diethoxy-2-(hydroxymethyl}-butanol HO ~~OH
~OEt OT Et LiBH4 {purchased solution, 2M in THF, 22.5 mL) and the product of Example 14 step a) {5 g in 15 mL of THF, i 8.1 mrnol) were combined and warmed to 60° C and stirred at 60° C for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and the reaction vessel was placed in a cool water bath. Then triethanolamine (5.97 mL, 1 equiv.) was added at such a rate that the temperature of the reaction mixture was maintained between 20-25 °C. Brine (i7.S mL) was added at a rate such that gas evolution was controlled and the mixture was stirred for 45 minutes at room temperature. The layers were separated, the organic layer was SUSSTiTUTE SkiEET (RUi~E 26' W~ 97/3002 PCT/SE97/00242 washed with brine {2 x I5 mL). The combined brine washes were extracted with MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether, 3 x 20 mL). The combined organic extracts were evaporated and the residue was dissolved in MTBE {50 mL) and washed with brine (25 mL). The brine layer was back-extracted with MTBE (3 x 25 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over Na~S04, filtered, and concentrated to yield the desired diol (3.36g> 15.5 mmol, 97%) as a colorless oil.
jH NMR (CDC13) 8 1.22 (t, 6H}, 1.73 (dd, 2H}, I.92 (m, 1H), 2.67 (bs, 2H), 3.52 (m, 2H ), 3.69 (m, 2H), 3.72 (m, 4H}, 4.62 (t, 1 H).
io c) Preparation of (2R)-2-acetoxymethyl-4,4-diethoxy-butanol HO~OAc Eto ~
oEt Into a 10 ml 1 neck round bottom flask was charged the product of Example 14 step b) (3.8~'~ g, 20 mmol), followed by addition of vinyl acetate (2.6 g, 30 mmol) and finally :Lipase PS 30 (69 mg, purchased from (Amano, Lombard, Illinois). The mixture was allowed to stir at ambient temperature for 16 hours. Progress of the reaction was closely monitored by TLC (2!1 hexane - EtOAc; stained with zo Ce2{SO4}3 and charred on hot plate; r.f. of dial is 0. i > monoacetate is 0.3, bis acetate is 0.75). The reaction mixture was diluted with CH~Ch and filtered through a 5 micron filter. The filter was washed with additional CH~CI~.
The filtrate was then concentrated in vacuo to afford the desired product.
d) Preparation of (2S)-2-acetoxymethyl-4,4-diethoxybutyl toluenesulfanate Ts0'~ OAc EiO
OEt SU~ST1TUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97/30052 PC'I'/SE97/00242 Into a 100 mL 1-neck round bottom flask, equipped with a magnetic stir bar and septum under N2 was charged the crude product of Example 14 step c) (4.62 g, mmol), dry CH2Ch (20 rnL) and Et3N (5.62 mL, 40 mmol}. To this solution was added tasyl chloride (4.76 g, 2S mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 4 hours. Charged HBO {0.27 g, IS mmoI} and stirred vigorously for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with 80 mL EtOAc and mL HBO and the aqueous layer was separated. To the organic layer was added 7S
mI of a S % aq. solution of KH~P04. After mixing and separation of the layers, the aqueous layer was removed. The organic Iayer was washed with 50 mL of saturated NaHC03 solution, dried over Na~S04, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to a constant weight of 7.40 g of the desired product.
tH NMR (CDC13) 8 1.17 {t, 6H}; i.62 (m, 2H); I.94 (s, 3H); 2.i9 (m, IH); 2.45 (s, 3H); 3.42 (m, 2H); 3.6 (m, 2H); 4.03 (m, 4H); 4.51 (t, 1H}; 7.36 (d, 2H); 7.79 (d, 2H).
e) Preparation of CI
N~CI ~?
H2N~N~~N
~OAc Et0 --OEt Into a SO mL 1 neck round bottom flask was charged the product of Example 14 step d) (3.88 g, 10 mmol), anhydrous DMF (20 mL),.2-amino-4-chloro-purine (2.125 g, 12.5 mmol} and KZC03 (4.83 g). The resulting suspension was stirred at 40 °C
under a Nz blanket for 20 hours. The mixture was concentrated to remove most of ' the DMF on a rotary evaporator. The residue was diluted with EtOAc (50 mL) and HBO (50 mL). The reaction mixture was transferred to a separatory funnel, shaken and the aqueous layer was separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (25 mL). The organic layers were combined and washed with S % KH2PO4 (75 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26j WO 97/30052 ~CTISE9710024Z
mL). 'Che organic layer was separated and washed with H~0 (75 mL}, brine (75 mL), dried over Na7S0.~> filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford 3.95 g of crude product. The crude product was slurried with 40 mL of methyl-t-butyl ether.
This mixture was stirred overnight at 4°C and the mixture was filtered. The filtrate was 5 concentrated to afford 3.35 g of the product as an oil (containing 2.6 g of the desired product based upon HPLC analysis).
300 MHz 1H NM1Z (CDCl3) 8 1.I9 (nn, 6H); i.69 (2H); 1.79 (s, IH); 2.03 (s, 3H);
2.52 (rn, 1H); 3.48 {m, 2H); 3.62 (m, 2H); 4.04 (m, 2H); 4.16 {m, 2H); 4.61 (t,lH);
io 5.12 (bs, 2H); 7.81 (s> 1H).
f) Preparation of OBn OH
EtO~
OEt i5 (Bn=benzyl) Into a S00 mL 1 neck round bottom flask was charged benzyl alcohol (136 mL), cooled to 0 °C, followed by portionwise addition of KO-t-Bu (36 g, 32I
mmol).
The temperature was allowed to warm to 40°C, and the mixture was stirred 20 minutes. To this mixture was added at 0 °C the crude product of Example i4 step e) 20 (24.7 g, 64.2 mmol) dissolved in 25 mL anhydrous THF and benzyl alcohol (30 mL). The temperature was allowed to slowly warm to 8 °C over 2 hours.
The reaction mixture was poured into S00 mL ice and was extracted with S00 mL
MTBE. The organic iayer was washed with 250 mL of brine, dried over Na~S04, - filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford 193 g of a benzyl alcohol solution of the 25 desired product. HPLC analysis indicated that the solution contained 25.96 g of the desired product.
SUBSTtTU't'E SHEET (RU9»E 26) w0 97!30052 PCTlSE97100242 300 MHz IH NMR (CDC13) fi I:22 (m,6H); 1.55 (2H); 2.28 {m, 1H); 3.I5 (m, lI-i);
3.40 {m, IH); 3.51 (m, 2H); 3.70 (m, 2H); 4.25 (m, 2H); 4.63 (t,lH); 4.90 (bs, 2H);
5.25 (m, 1H); 5.58 (s, 2H); 7.35 (m, 3H); 7.52 (m, 2H); 7.72 (s, 1H).
MS = (M + H)+ = 416 (CI}.
g) Preparation of ow N N

w2N~N ' N
ow EiO~
oEt Into a i00 mL i neck round bottom flask was charged the crude product of Exalnpie 14 step f) (9.65 g of the benzyl alcohol solution, containing 1.30 g, 3.13 mmol of the 1o product of Example 14, step fj dissolved in absolute EtOH (20 mL). To this was added 0.45 g of 10 %n Pd/C scurried in 5 mL absolute EtOH. The reaction flask was evacuated and charged with H~ three times with a balloon of H2. The reaction flask was pressurized with I atm. H~ and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight.
The reaction mixture was filtered through a pad of diatomaceous earth to remove Pd/ C.
The volatiles were removed in vacuo. The residue was mixed with 25 mL of isopropyl acetate and then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was diluted with EtOAc ( 10 mL}, seeded with the desired product, heated to refiux and then (2 mL) and MTBE (35 ml} were added: The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes.
The precipitate was filtered and dried to a constant weight of 600 mg of the desired 2o product.
300 MHz'H NMR (d6-DMSO) $ 1.16 (m,6H); i.45 ( m, 1H); 1.61 ( m, 1H}; 2.16 (m, IH); 3.45 (m, 2H); 3.40 (m, IH); 3.62 (m, 2H}; 4.02 (m,2 H); 4.53 (t, IH);
4.85 (t, 1H); 6.55 (bs, 1H); 7.75 (s, iH). MS = (M + H)+ = 416 (CI). , su~sTmuTE s~E~T tRU~.E a~) WO 97/300'.12 ~'C~'1SE97/00242 4?
h) Preparation of OH
N
H2,~ ~. ~.
O (CHZ)~6CH3 EtO~
OEt Into a 25 mL 1 neck round bottom flask was charged the product of Example 14 step g) (0.650 g, 2.0 mmol), pyridine (4 mL) and CHzCl2 (2 mL), DMAP { l0mg). The mixture was cooled to -5 °C and stearoyl chloride (790 mg, 2.6 mmol) dissolved in CHzCIa (0.5 mL) was added over 5 minutes. The resulting mixture was stirred 16 hours at -5 °C. Absolute EtOH (0.138 g, 3.0 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred an additional 1 hour. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo.
Toluene (30 mL) was added to the residue and then the mixture was concentrated in l0 vacuo. Again, toluene (30 mL) was added to the residue and then the mixture was concentrated in vacuo. To the residue was added 1 % KHzP04 (25 mL) and this mixture was extracted with CH~C12 (60 mL). The organic layer was separated and was dried over NazS04, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to a constant weight of 1.65 g. The crude product was chromatographed on 40 g of SiOz, eluting with CH2Clz - EtOH, affording 367 mg of the desired product.
300 MHz IH NMR (CDC13) b 0.89 {t, 3H); 1.26 {m, 30 H); 1.65 (m,3 H); 2.32 (m, 1f3:); 3.45 (m, 1 H}; 3.60 (m, 2H); 4.08 (m, 2H); 4.60 (m, 1 H); 6.0 (bs, 2H);
7.53 (s, 1 H).
zo i) Preparation of OH
N~N
H2N~ N~N O
~O~ (CH~isCH3 ' HO--~
Into a 25 mL 1 neck round bottom flask was charged the product of Example 14, step h} (0.234 g, 0.394 mmol) dissolved in THF ( 1.7 mL). To this solution was SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE ~6) added triflic acid (0.108 g) in HBO 180 mg. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. To the reaction mixture was added saturated NaHCO3 solution (10 mL), THF (SmL), CH~Ch (2 mL) and NaBH4 (O.iO g). This mixture was stirred Fox 30 minutes. To the reaction mixture was added a 5 % solution of KH2POa (30 mL}. This mixture was extracted with 2 x I S ml of CH~Ch. The organic layers were combined and dried over Na~SO,~, filtered and concentrated in vacua to a constant weight of 207 mg. This material was recrystailized from EtOAc (8 mL) and CH~CN (0.5 mL) affording 173 mg of the desired product.
300 MHz'H NMR (d6-DMSO) 8 0.82 (t, 3H); I.I9 (m, 30H); 1.41 (m, 4H); 2.19 (t, 2H}; 2.32 (m, 1H); 3.40 (m, 2H}; 3.9 (m, 4H); 4.49 (m, IH); 6.4 (bs, 2H);
7.61 (m, I.SH); 9.55 (m, O.SH).
EXAMPLE I S
IS Alternative t3reparation of (R)-9-(4-(N-tert-butvloxycarbon~-L-valyloxy)-2-(stearo loxvmethyl)bu~li~uanine (R}-9-[2-(Stearoyloxymethyl)-4-(t-butyldiphenylsilyloxy)butylJguanine (4Sg) and THF (9S0 ml) were combined in a 2L flask. Then Boc-L-valine (3.22 g, 0.25 eq) 2o was added, followed by tetrabutylammonium fluoride (1M in THF, 89.05 mL) over I0 minutes. The clear reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours and 50 minutes with monitoring of the reaction progress by TLC (90/ i 0 CH2Cl2/MeOH).
25 Ta the reaction mixture was added Boc-L-valine (35.43 g, 2.75 eq), DCC
(36.67 g, 2.75 eq} and dimethylaminopyridine ( I .1 g, 0. I S eq) in THF (25 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. DCU was filtered off and washed with CHZCl~. The filtrate was concentrated, and the residue was taken up in 2 litres of CH~CL2 and washed with 2L of'/a saturated sodium bicarbonate and brine 3o solutions. On drying and evaporation, approximately 100 g of crude product was obtained. The material was purified by silica chromatography (6000 ml of silica) SUBSTITUTE aHEET (RULE 26) ._.~~ .~.w,~:l WO 97130052 ' ' PCTISE97/00242 using 3% MeOH/CH~Ch.to 5% MeOH/CH~CI~ to obtain 38.22 mg of the desired product.

Alternative preparation of ~R)-9-f2-(steargvIoxvmethvll-4-(L-valyloxyl but~Il~.uanine a) (R)-9-{2-Hydroxymethyl}-4-(t-butyldiphenylsilyloXymethyl)Butyl]guanine . -H2G (450.0 g, 1.78 mot) and N,N dimethylformamide (6:4 kg) were charged into a t0 Bucchi evaporator and the mixture warmed to dissolve the solid. The solution was concentrated to dryness .under. vauum. at no more than 90°C.: The resulting powder was transferred to a 22 litre flask with stirrer, addition'funnel and and tempet'ature probe. N,N-dimethylformamide ( 1.7 kg} was added followed by pyridine (3.53 kg).
The resulting suspension was cooled to -10°C under nitrogen' and sEirred at -5 ~5°C
as t-butylchlorodiphenylsilane (684 g, 2.49 mol) was .added dropwise. The resulting mixture was stirred at -5 ~5°C until the reaction Divas complete (as monitored by .
TLC (10:1 methylene chloridelriiethanol)~ and HPLC (4:6 x 250 mm Zorbax RxCB
(5 microh); 60:40 acetonitrile-aq: NH40AC (0.05 M} at 1.5 mllmin; UV detection at 254 nm}). Water (I6 kg) was added and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes to 2o precipitate the product, then the mixture was cooled to 0°C for 30 rriinutes. The solid was isolated by filtration and the product cake was washed with cold water and sucked dry with air to provide the crude product as an off-white solid. The crude solid was taken up in pydridine (3 kg} and concentrated under vacuum at 60°C to remove water. The dry solid residue was slurried with methanol (l0 kg) at fi0°C for 1-2 hours and filtered while hot. The filtrate was concentrated under vacuum and the solid residue was refluxed with isopropyl acetate (7 kg) far 30 minutes. The mixture was cooled to 20°C and filtered. The filter cake was dried under vacuum at 50°C to provide the title compound as a white solid (555 g).
. b) , (R)-9-{2-(Stearoyloxymethyl)-4-(t-butt'.Idiphenylsilyloxy)butyl]guanine The~product of Example 16, step a} (555 g, 1.113 mol): was charged to a 50 Iitre Buchi evaporator. Pyridine (2.7 kg) was added dropwise to dissolve the solid and * Trademark WO 97130052 PCTIS~97100242 v the mixture was distilled to dryness under vacuum at 60°C. The residue was taken up in fresh pyridine (2.7 kg) and transferred to a 2? litre flask with stirrer, addition funnel and temperature probe. The solution was cooled to -5°C under nitrogen. A
solution of stearoyI chloride (440 g, 1.45 mol) in methylene chloride (1.5 kg) was 5 added so as to maintain a temperature below 0°C. 4-(N,N-dimethylamirio}pyridine ( 15 g, 0. I2 mol) was added and the mixture was ,stirred at=5 - 0°C
for 2-4 hours until conversion was complete (as monitored by TLC ( 10:1 methylene chloridelmethanol) and HPLC (4.6 x 250 mm Zorbax RxC8 (5 micron); 60:40 acetonitrile-aq. NHQOAc (0.05 M) at 1.5 ml/min; UV detection at.254 am)). At the to ~ end of the reaction, acetonitrile (8.7 kg) was added and the mixture was stirred for not less than l5 minutes to precipitate the product. The slurry. was cooled, to 0°C for 2 hours and the solid isolated by filtration and the fitter cake washed with acetonitrile (2 kg). The desired product was obtained as a white solid (775 g).
i5 c) (R)-9-[4-Hydroxy-2-{stearoyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine A solution of the product of Example 16, step b) (765 g; 0.29 mol} in tetrahydrofuran ( I O kg) was prepared in a reactor. A solution of tetra(n-butyl)ammonium~fluoride in tetrahydrofuran (1.7 kg of I M solution, 1.7 mol) was added and the resulting clear solution was stirred at ZO ~ 5°C
for 4 hours, 20 Water {32 kg) was~added and the resulting slurry was stirred for I hour and then cooled to 0°C for 30 minutes. The precipitate was isolated by filtration and the filter .
cake was washed successively with water (10 kg) and acetonitrile (5 kg}. After drying under vacuum at 25°C, 702 g of crude product was obtained.. The crude product was dissolved in refluxing THF (4.2 kg) and water ( 160 g), then cooled to 25 40°C and treated with methylene chloride ( 14.5 kg). The mixture was allowed to cool to 25~5°C for I hour, then.it was cooled to 5~5°C far 1 hour to complete precipitation. The slightly off white powder was isolated by filtration and dried under vacuum at 40°C to yield the desired product (416 g).
3o d) . (R)-9-[4-(N-Cbz-L-valyloxy)-2-(stearoyioxymethyl}butyl]guanine A solution of N-Cbz-L-valine (-169 g, 0.67 mol) in dry 'FHF (750 ml) was prepared in a 2 Iitre flask with mechanical stirrer, thermometer and addition funnel. A
*Trademark solution of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (69.3 g, 0.34 :roI) in THF {250 mt) was added over 5 minutes and the resulting slurry was stirred at 20~5°C for 2 hours. The slurry was filtered and the filter cake was washed with THF (300 mI). The filtrate and wash were charged to a 3 litre flask with stirrer and thermometer. The product of Example I6, step c) (I i6 g, 0.22 mol) was added as a solid, with a rinse of THF
(250 rnI). 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine (2.73 g, 0.022 mol) was added and the white slurry stirred at 20~5°C. Within 1S minutes, the solids were all dissolved and the reaction was complete within 1 hour (as determined by HPLC: 4.6 x 250 mm Zorbax RxC8 column; 85:15 acetonitrile- 0.2 % aq. HC104 at 1 ml/min.; UV
detection at 254 nm; starting material elutes at 4. I min. and product elutes at 5.9 min.). The reaction was quenched by addition of water (5 ml) and the solution was concentrated under vacuum to leave a light yellow semisolid. This was taken up in methanol ( 1.5 litres) and warmed to refiux for 30 minutes. The solution was cooled to 25°C and the precipitate was removed by filtration. The filtrate was concentrated i5 under vacuum. to leave a viscous, pale yellow oil. Acetonitrile, ( I L) was added and the resulting white suspension was stirred at 20 -E-5°C for 90 minutes.
The crude solid product was isolated by filtration, washed with acetonitriie (2 x 100 mI) and air-dried overnight to provide the desired product as a waxy, sticky solid ( 122 g).
This v,~as further purified by crystallization from ethyl acetate {500 ml) and drying under vacuum at 30°C to provide the desired product as a white, waxy solid ( 104 g).
e) (R)-9-I4-(L-valyloxy)-2-(stearoyloxymethyl)butyl~guanine A solution of the product of.Example I6, step d), {77 g} in warm (40°C) ethanol (2.3 Lj was charged to an hydrogenation reactor with 5 % Pd-C {15.4 g). The mixture was agitated at 40°C under 40 psi hydrogen for 4 hours, evacuated and hydrogenated for an additional 4-10 hours. The catalyst was removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated under vacuum to provide a white solid. This was stirred with ethanol (385 mI} at 25°C for 1 hour, then cooled to 0°C and filtered.
The filter cake was dried with air, then under vacuum at 35°C to yield the title compound as a white powder (46 g}.
SUEiSTITUTE SH~~'1" {RUL,E 26) WO 97/30452 PC~'/SE97/00242 R -9- 2- L-Val lox meth I)-4-tstearo ioxv but i guanine a) (R)-9-[2-Hydroxymethyl-4-(stearoyloxy)butyl]guanine.
H2G {506 mg; 2.0 mmol) was dissolved in dry N,N-dimethylformamide (40 ml) with pyridine (400 mg; 5.06 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine {60 mg; 0.49 mmol). Stearoyl chloride { I500 mg; 4.95 mmol) was added and the mixture kept overnight at room temperature. Most of the solvent was evaporated in vacuo, the residue stirred with 70 ml ethyl acetate and 70 ml water, and the solid filtered off, Io washed with ethyl acetate and water and dried to yield 680 mg of crude product.
Column chromatography on silica gel {chloroform:methanol IS:I) gave pure title compound as a white solid.
IH NMR (DMSO-d6) $: 0.86 {t, 3H}; I.25 (s, 28H); I.51 (qui, 2H}; 1.62 (m, 2H);
2.06 {m, 1H); 2.23 (t, 2H); 3.34 (d, 2H); 3.96 (AB'X, 2H); 4.07 (dd, 2H}; 6.30 (br s, 2H); 7.62 (s, IH); 10.45 (s, 1H).
13C NMR (DMSO-d6) b: I3,8 {C18); 22.0 (C17); 24.4 (C3}; 27.7 {C3'); 28.4-28.8 (C4-6, C15); 28.9 (C7-14); 31.2 (CI6); 33.5 (C2); 38.0 (C2'); 44.0 (Cl');
60.616I.8 {C4', C2"); 1 I6.5 (guaCS); 137.7 (guaC7); 151.4 (guaC4); 153.5 (guaC2}; 156.7 (guaC6}; 172.7 {COO).
b) (R)-9-[2-(N-Boc-L-valyloxymethyl)-4-(stearoyloxy}butyl]guanine.
A mixture of N-Boc-L-valine (528 mg; 2,1 mmol) and N,N'-dicyclohexyl carbodiimide {250 mg; 1.21 mg) in dichloromethane (20 ml) was stirred over night at room temperature, dicyclohexylurea filtered off and extracted with a small volume of dichloromethane, and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to a small volume. , (~-9-~2-Hydroxymethyl-4-(stearoyloxy)butyl]guanine (340 mg; 0.654 mmol), 4-dirnethylaminopyridine (25 mg; 0.205 mmol), and dry N,N-dimethylforznamide ( 3o ml) were added and the mixture was stirred for 4h at 50oC under N2. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo to a small volume. Column chromatography on silica gel, 5t3BSTiTUTE ~"°alI~EET (RULE 2B) WO 971300:52 h'CT/sE97/00242 then on aluminum oxide (ethyl acetate:methanol: water 15:2:1 as eluent) gave mg (39%) pure title compound as a white solid.
I H NIviR (CHCl3) 8: 0.85-I.0 (m, 9H) I8-CH3, CH(CH3)2; I.25 (s, 28H) 4-!7-CH2; I.44 {s, 9H) t-Bu; i.60 (qui, 2H) 3-CH2; 1.74 (qua, 2H) 3'-CH2; 2.14 (m, iH) 2'-CH; 2.29 (t, 2H) 2-CH2; 2.4I (m,lH) CH(CH3)2; 4.I-4.3 (m, 6H) C1'-CH2, C2"-CH2, C4-CH2; 5.4 (d, 1 H) ccCH; 6.6 (br s, 2H) guaNH2; 7.73 (s, 1 H) guaHB;
12.4 (br s).
l0 13C NMR (CHC13) 8: 13,9 (CI8); 17,5118.9 (2 Val CH3); 22.4 (C17}; 24.7 (C3);
28.I (C3'); 28.9-29.3 (C4-6, C15); 29.4 (C7-14}; 30.7 (VaI ~iC); 31.7 (C16);
34.0 (C2); 35.9 (C2'); 43.9 (CI'); 58.7 (Val cxC); 61.4/63.6 (C4', C2"); 79.9 (CMe3);
116.4 (guaCS); 137.9 (guaC7); 151.7 (guaC4}; 153.7 (guaC2); 155.7 (CONH);
158.8 (guaC6); 172.1 (CHCOO); 173.5 {CH2CO0).
c) (R)-9-j2-(L-Valyloxymethyl)-4-(stearoyloxy)butyl~guanine.
Chilled trifluoroacetic acid (2.0 g) was added to (~-9-j2-(N-Boc-L-valyloxymethyl)-4-(stearoyloxy)butyl]guanine (180 mg; 0,25 mmol) and the solution kept at room temperature for lh, evaporated to a small volume, and lyophilized repeatedly with dioxane until a white amorphous powder was obtained.
The yield of title compound, obtained as the trifluoracetate salt, was quantitative.
iH NMR (DMSO-db) b: 0.87 (t, 3H) 18-CH3, 0.98 (dd, 6H) CH(CH3)2; 1.25 (s, 28H) 4-17-CH2; I.50 (qui, 2H) 3-CH2; 1.68 (qua, 2H) 3'-CH2; 2.19 (m, 1H) 2'-CH; 2.26 (t, 2H) 2-CH2; 2.40 (m, I H) CH(CHg)2; 3.9-4.25 (m, 7H) C 1'-CH2, C2"-CH2, C4-CH2, ocCH; 6.5 (br s, 2H} guaNH2; 7.79 (s, 1H) guaHB; 8.37 {br s, 3H}
NH3t; 10.73 (br s, I H) guaNH.
13C N,MR (DMSO-d6) S: 14.2 (C18); 17.9/18.3 (2 Val CH3); 22.3 (CI7); 24.6 (C3);
27.7 (C3'}; 28.7-29.1 (C4-6, C15); 29,2 (C7-I4); 29.5 (VaI ~iC); 31.5 (C16);
33.7 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 97!30052 PCT/SE97/00242 (C2); 35.0 (C2'); 44.I (C I'}; 57.6 (VaI txC); 61.6/65.2 (C4', C2"); I I6.I
(guaCS); I I 6.3 (qua, J 290Hz, CF3}; I37.9 (guaC7); 151.5 (guaC4); I54.0 (guaC2);
I 56.7 (guaC6); 158.3 (qua, J I SHz, CF3 CO0} I 69. I (CHCOO); I73. I
(CH~COO).
EXAMPLE I8 .
Alternative re aration of (R)-9- 2-hvdrox methvl-4- stearovlox butvl guanine H2G (7.60 g, 30 mmoi) was heated to solution in dry I7MF (200 mI). The solution was filtered to remove solid impurities, coated to 20° C (H2G
cystallized) and IO stirred at that temperature during addition of pyridine (9.0 g, I 14 mmoI), dimethylaminopyridine (0.46 g, 3.75 mmol) and then, slowly, stearoyl chloride (20.0 g, 66 mmol). Stirring was continued at room temperature overnight. Most of the solvent was then evaporated off in vacuo, the residue stirred with 200 ml ethyl acetate and 200 ml water and the solid filtered aff, washed with ethyl acetate and water and dried to yield crude product. As an alternative to recrystailization, the crude product was briefly heated to almost bailing with I00 ml of ethyl acetate:
methanol: water ( 15:2: I} and the suspension slowly cooled to 30° C
and filtered to leave most of the 2" isomer in solution (the 2" isomer would crystallize at lower temperature). The extraction procedure was repeated once more to yield, after drying in vacuo, 6.57 g {42%) of almost isomer free product.

Preparation of crystalline (R~-9-[2-stearoyloxymethyll-4-(L-valvloxv)butyllguanine z5 The product of Example I6, step c) (20.07 g, 32.5 mmol) was dissolved in absolute ethanol (400 ml) with heating, filtered, and further diluted with ethanol ( 1 I7.5 ml).
To this solution was added water (HPLC grade, 103.5 mI), and the mixture was allowed to cool to 35-40°C. After the mixture was cooled, water (HPLC
grade, 93I.5 ml) was added at a constant rate over I6 hours with efficient stirring.
After all 3o the water was added, stirring was continued for 4 hours at room temperature. The resulting precipitate was filtered through paper and dried under vacuum at room SUBSTITUTE SEtEET (RULE 26) WO 97/300:52 PCTlSE97/U02~2 temperature to obtain the title compound as a white, free flowing crystalline powder (19.43 g, 97%), m pt 169-1'70 °C.
EXAIY,(PLE 20 5 9-R-(4-Hydroxv-2-fL-valvioxvmethvilbutyl) suanine a) To a solution of 9-R-{4-{tent-butyldiphenylsilyloxy}-2-{hydroxymethyi)butyl)guanine (695 mg, 1.5 mmole) in DMF (30 ml} were added :hI-Boc-L-Valine (488 mg, 2.25 mmole), 4-dimethylamino pyridine {30 I~ mg, 0.:?5 mmole) and DCC (556 mg, 2.7 mmole). After I6 hr, the reaction was recharged with N-Boc-L-valine (244 mg) and DCC (278 mg), and was kept for an additional 5 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite and poured into sodium hydrogen carbonate aqueous solution, and then it was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was 15 evaporated and purified by silica gel column chromatography, giving 950 mg the N-~~rotected monoamino aryl intermediate.
b} The above intermediate (520 mg, 0.78 mmole) was dissolved in THF
(15 ml), To the solution was added hydrogen fluoride in pyridine (70 20 30 %, 0.34 ml). After two days, the solution was evaporated and coevaporated with toluene. Purification by silica gel column chromatography gave 311 mg of the protected monoamino acyl compound.
'H-N14~R (DMSO-d6}: 8 10.41(s, 1H), 7.59 (1H), 6.26 (br s, 2H), 4.32 (t, 25 1 H), 3.95 (m, 5H}, 3.46 {m, 2H), 2.41 (m, 1 H), 2.06 (m, I H), 1.45 (m, 2H), 1.39 (s, 9H), 0.90 (d, 6H).
c) The product of step b) (95 mg, 0.21 mmole) was treated with a mixture of trifluoroacetic acid (4 ml) and dichloromethane (6 ml} for 1 hr.
30 The solution was evaporated and freeze-dried, give 125 mg of the unprotected monoaminoacyl product.
SUE3STdTUTE SHEET (RUL.E 26) WO 97/30052 PC'~'/SE97/00242 rH-NMR (DSO): 8 8.88 (s, IH}, 4.32 (m, 4H), 3.96 (d, 1H), 3.68 (m, 2H), 2.63 (m, 1 H), 2.22 {m, 1 H), I ,73 (m, 2H), 1.00 (m, 6H}.

tR)-9-(2-HvdroxvmethvI-4-(L-isoleucytoxv)butvl) guanine , a) To a solution of (R)-9-(2-hydroxymethyl-4-hydroxybutyl)guanine {2.53 g, IO mmole) in DMF (250 ml} were added N-Boc-L-isoleucine(2.77 g, 12 mrnole), 4-dimethylaminopyridine {61 mg, 0.6 morale) and DCC (3.7 g;
l0 I 8 mmole). After reaction for I6 hr at 0°C, N-Boc-L-isoleucine ( 1.3 g) and DCC { 1.8 g) were recharged, and the reaction was kept overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite and the filtrate was evaporated and purified by silica gel column chromatography, giving I:?5 g of the N-protected rnonoamino acyl intermediate.
~H-NMR (DMSO-d6}: b 10.56 (s, 1H}, 7.62 (s, IH), 6.43 (s, 2H), 4.75 {t, iH), 4.15 - 3.80 {m, 5 H}, 3.25 (m, 2H) 2.OS (m, 1H), 1.80-1-OS (m, 14H), 0.88 (m, 6H).
2o b) The intermediate from step a) ( 100 mg, 0.2I mmole) was treated with trifluoroacetic acid (3 m) and for 30 min at 0°C. 'The solution was evaporated and freeaze-dried, give the titled unprotected mono-aminoacyl product in quantitative yield.
2s iH-NMR (DMSO-d6 -r DSO): 8 8.72 (s, 1H), 4.I5 {m, 4H), 3.90 {d, IH), 3.42 {m, 2H), 2.09 (m, 1H}, 1.83 (m, 1H), 1.61 (m, 2H), I.I5 (m, H), 0.77 (d, 3H), 0.71 (t, 3H). .
SU~ST9"t°UT~ ~H~ET (RULE 2fi) 'CVO 97!300:"s2 PCT/SE97lOOZ42 (R)-9-(2-Hvdroxvmethvl-4-( L.-valvloxy)butvllauanine The product of Example I. step a) was deprotected with trifluoroaacetic acid in the same manner as Example I, step c) 'H-NIvTR (250 MHz, DM50-d6): $ 1.04 (dd, 6H), 1.55-1.88 (m, 2H), 2.21 (m, 2H), 3.48 (rn, 2H), 4.00 {m> 1H}, 4.13 (m, 2H), 4.34 (t, 2H), 6.9 (br s, 2H}, 8.21 {s, 1H), t0 8.5 (br s, 3H), 11.I (br s, IH).
EXA11~IPLE 23 (R)-9-~-2-(L-Valvloxvmethyl)-4-(va~loxy)butyl l Guanine I5 a) {R)-9-[4-(N-Boc-L-valyloxy)-2-{N-Boc-t,-valyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine Application of the technique described in Example I, step a), but using 2.7 eqs, 0.28 eqs, and 3.2 eqs of N-Boc-c.-valine, DMAP, and DCC, respectively, resulted in the title compound.
~H NMR (250 MHz, CHCIg) b: 0.95 (m, I2H), 1.42 (br s> I8H), I.8 (m, 2H), 2.14 (m, 2~1:), 2.47 (m, 1H), 4.0-4.4 (m, 8H), 6.5 (br s, 2H), 7.67 (s, IH).
b) (R)-9-[4-(L-Valyloxy)-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl]guanine The titled compound was obtained as the tris-trifluoroacetate salt from the intermediate of Example 20 step a) by deprotection in a manner analogous to 3o Example 1 step c}.
tH NMR (250 MHz, D20) $: I.fl (m, I2H), i.89 (m, 2H), 2.29 {m, 2H), 2.62 (m, r 1H), 4.02 (dd, 2H), 4.38 (m, 6H), 4.89 (br s, ca. 10H), 8.98 (s, IH).
3~
~ EXAMPLE 24 ~R~-9-j4-hvdroxv-2-(stearovloxvmethyl)butyllguanine The titled compound is prepared according to steps a) to c) of Example 7.
SUBSTtTUTE SHEET (RUL.E 26~

'Vd0 97130052 PCT/SE97/00242 IH NMR (2S0 MHz, DMSO-d6 ): b 10.52 (s, I H), 7.62 {s, LH), 6.39 (s, 2H), 4.50 {t, 1H}, 3.93 (m, 4H), 3.42 (m, 2H), 2.45 {m, IH), 2.23 (t, 2H), 1.48 (m, 4H), 1.22 (s, 28H), 0.89 (t, 3H) Rl-9-!2-HvdroxymethyI-4-(stearovloxy)butvll guanine.
The titled compound is prepared by the procedure of Example 17, step a) 1 H NMR (DMSO-d6) b: 0.86 (t, 3H); 1.25 {s, 28H); 1.51 (qui, 2H); I .62 (m, 2H);
2.06 {m, IH); 2.23 (t, 2H); 3.34 (d, 2H); 3.96 {ABX, 2H); 4.07 (dd, 2H); 6.30 (br s, 2H); 7.62 (s, IH); 10.45 (s, 1H).
is EXAMPLE 26 Alternative re aration of R -9- 2-stearo lox methyl -4- L-val lox lbut I
guanine a) (R)-9-j4-N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-valyloxy)-2-{hydroxymethyl)-butyl)guanine Dry H2G {252 mg, I mmol), 4-dimethylaminopyridine ( I22 mg, I mmol) and N-Cbz-L-valine p-nitrophenyl ester (408 mg, 1.1 mmol) were dissolved in dry dimethyl formamide (16 ml). After stirring at 23°C for 30 hours, the organic solvent was removed and the residue carefully chromatographed {silica, 2%-7%
methanol/methylene chloride) to afford the desired product as a white solid ( mg, 31 %).
b) (R)-9-j4-N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-valyloxy}-2-(stearoyloxymethyl)-butyllguanine A solution of stearoyl chloride (394 mg, 1.3 mmoi) in dry methylene chloride (2 mI) was added slowly dropwise under nitrogen to a solution of the product of step a) (243 mg, 1 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (20 mg) in dry pyridine (S ml) at -S°C. The reaction mixture was stirred at that temperature for 12 hours. Methanol (S
SUBSTITUTE St°~EET (RULE 26) WO 97/30(h52 PCT/SE97100242 ml) was added and the reaction stirred for I hour. After removal of the solvent, the residue: was triturated with acetonitriie and chromatographed (silica, 0-5%
methanol/methylene chloride) to afford the desired product {542 mg, 72%).
c} (R)-9-[2-stearoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine The product of step b) (490 mg, lmmol) was dissolved in methanol (30 ml) and 5%
PdIC (100 mg} added. A balloon filled with hydrogen was placed on top of the reaction vessel. After 6 hours at 23°C, TLC showed the absence of starting material.
The reaction mixture was filtered through a 0.45 micron nylon membrane to remove Io the catalyst and the solvent was removed to afford the desired product as a white solid (350 mg, 99%) which was identical (spectral and analytical data) to Example I 6.
EXAI~iPLE 27 i5 Alternative preparation of (R)-9 -(4-hydroxy-2-(L-valyloxvmethyllbutyl) uanine (R}-9-~(4-{L-valyloxy)-2-{L-valyloxymethyl) butyl)guanine from Example 23 step b) ( I00 mg, 0, I26 mmole) was dissolved in 0.1 N NaC?H aqueous solution (6.3 ml, 0.63 tnmole) at room temperature. At intervals, an aliquot was taken and 2o neutralized with 0.5 N trifluoroacetic acid. The aliquots were evaporated and analyzed by HPLC to monitor the progress of the reaction. After 4 hours, 0.5 N
trifluoroaeetic acid solution ( 1.26 mI, 0.63 mmole) was added to the solution and the reaction mixture was evaporated. The desired product was purified by HPLC, (YMC, 50 x 4.6 mm, gradient 0. I % TFA -t- 0-50% 0.1 % TFA in acetonitrile, in 25 nvnutes, LJV detection at 254 nm. Yield: I3.6 %
IH-NMR (DSO): 8 8.81 (s, 1H), 4.36 (m, 4H), 4.OI (d, IH), 3.74 (m, 2H), 2.64 (m, ' 1H)> ?,.25 (m, IH)> 1.73 (m, 2H), 1.03 (dd, 6H).
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Alternative re oration of R -9- 2-h drox meth 1-4- L-valvloxv butyl uanine HPLC separation of the reaction solution from Example 27 gave the titled 5 compound in 29.2~o yield. , 1H-NMR (DM50-d6): 8 8.38 (s, 3H), 8.26 (s, IH), 6.83 ( br s, 2H), 4.23 (m, 2H), 4.06 (m, 2H), 3.91 (m, IH), 3.40 (m, 2H), 2.19 (m, 2H)> I.8 -1.40 (m, 2H}, 0.95 (dd, 6H).

(R)-9-f2-stearovloxymethvl)-4-(L-valvloxv)lbutvlsuanine monohvdrochloride The product of Example 16, step d) (360 mg, 0.479 mmol) was dissolved in a mixture of methanol (I0 ml) and ethyl acetate (IO ml). To the solution was added IO°!o PdJC (100 mg) and 1N HCI (520 micralitres). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours under 1 atm. H~. The reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent evaporated from the filtrate to provide the desired product as a crystalline solid (300 mg}.
FORMULATION EXAMPLE A
Tablet formulation The following ingredients are screened through a 0. I S mm sieve and dry-mixed I0 g (R)-9-[2-(stearoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine 40 g lactose 49 g crystalline cellulose 1 g magnesium stearate A tabletting machine is used to compress the mixture to tablets containing 250 mg of active ingredient.
FORMULATION EXAMPLE B
SUBSTITUTE ~H>w~T (RULE 26) VNO 97/30052 ' <v--~~ - f PCT/SE97100242 Enteric coated tablet The tablets of Formulation Example A .are spray coated in a tablet coater with a solution comprising 120 g ethyl cellulose 30 g propylene glycol lOg sorbitan monooleate ad 1 000 ini aq, dist.
to FORMULATION EXAMPLE C
Controlled release formulation 50 g (R)-9-[2-(stearoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine 12 g hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Methocell I~15) ~5 4.5 g lactose ~ .
are dry-mixed and granulated with an aqueous paste of povidone. Magnesium stearate (0.5 g) is added and the mixture compressed in a tabletting machine to 13 mm diameter tablets containing 500 mg active agent.

Soft capsules 250 g (R)-9-[2-(stearoyloxymethyl)-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl]guanine I00 g lecithin 25 100 g arachis oil The compound of the invention is dispersed in the lecithin and arachis oil and filled into soft gelatin capsules.
*Trademark WO 97!30052 PCTlSE97l00242 BIOLOC:~~ EXAMPLE 1 Bioavailabilitv testing in rats The bioavailability of compounds of the invention were compared to the parent compound H2G and other H2G derivatives in a rat model Compounds of the invention and comparative compounds were administered, per oral (by catheter into the stomach), to multiples of three individually weighed animals to give 0.1 mmol/kg of the dissolved prodrug in an aqueous (Example 4, S, Comparative example I - 3, S, 8), peanut oil (Comparative examples 4, 9,I0) or propylene glycol (Example 1 - 3, 6 - 12, I7, Comparative example 6, 7) vehicle dependent on the solubility of the test compound ingredient. The animals were fasted from 5 hours before to approximately I7 hours after administration and were maintained in metabolic cages. Urine was collected for the 24 hours following administration and frozen until analysis. H2G was analysed in the urine using the HPLC/LTV assay of St~hIe & berg, Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 36 No 2, 339-342 ( I992}, modified as follows: samples upon thawing are diluted I:I00 in aq dist H20 and filtered through an amicon filter with centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes.
Duplicate 30 p,1 samples are chromatographed on an HPLC column; Zorbax SB-C18; 75 x 4.6 mm; 3.5 micron; Mobile phase 0.05M NH4PO4, 3 - 4 % methanol, pH 3.3 - 3.5; 0.5 2D mi/min; 254 nm, retention time for H2G at MeOH 4% and pH 3.33, -12.5 min.
Bioavailability is calculated as the measured H2G recovery from each animal averaged over at least three animals and expressed as a percentage of the averaged 24 hour urinary H2G recovery from a group of 4 individually weighed rats respectively injected i.v.jugularis with 0.1 mmol/kg H2G in a Ringer's buffer 2~ vehicle and analysed as above.
Comparative example I (H2G) was from the same batch as used for preparation of Examples 1 to I2. The preparation of Comparative example 2 (monoVal-H2G) and suBST~°ru°r~ swsET ~RU~.E as) ' 63 3 (diVal-H2G) are shown in Examples 21 and 23. Comparative example 4 (distea.royl H2G) was prepared by di-esterification of unprotected H2G in comparable esterification conditions to step 2 of Example 1. Comparative examples 5 & 8 (VallAc H2G) were prepared analogously to Example 4 using acetic r S anhydride with relevant monovaline H2G. Comparative example 6 (Ala/stearoyl H2G) was prepared analogously to Example 6 using N-t-Boc-L-alanine in step 4.
Comparative example 7 (Gly/decanoyl) was prepared analogously to Example 5 but using the step 1 intermediate made with N-t-Boc-L-glycine. The preparation of Comparative examples 9 and i0 is shown in Examples 24 and 25 respectively. The io results appear on Table 2 overleaf:
SU~3ST~TUTE SHEET (RULE z6) V'V~ 97/30052 PCTlSE97l00242 Com ound Rt R~ Bioavailabilit Comparative example hydrogen hydrogen 8 % -Comparative example valyl hydrogen 29 %

Comparative example vaIyl valyl 36 %

Example I valyl stearoyl 56 %

Comparative example stearoyl stearoyl I

Example 2 valyl myristoyl 57 %

Example 3 valyl oleoyl 5I %

Example 4 valyl butyryl 45 %

Comparative example valyl acetyl I I %
S

Example 5 valyI decanoyl 48 Example 6 valyl docosanoyl 48 %

Example 7 isoleucyl stearoyl 53 %

Example 8 isoleucyl decanoyl 57 %

Example 9 isoleucyl myristoyl 49 Example 10 valyl 4-acetylbutyryl52 %

Example 11 valyI dodecanoyl 46 %

Example 12 valyl palmitoyl 58 %

Example 17 stearoyl vaiyl 52 %

Comparative example alanyl stearoyl 23 %

Comparative example glycyl decanoyl 25 %

Comparative Example acetyl valyl 7 %

Comparative Example hydrogen stearoyl I2%

Com arative Exam le stearo 1 h droaen 7%

Comparison of the bioavailabilities of the compounds of the invention with the comparative examples indicates that the particular combination of the fatty acids at 5 R,/R~ with the amino acids at R~/R.2 produces bioavailabilities significantly greater SUSST(TUTE SHEET (RUL.E 26) than the corresponding diamino acid ester or difatty acid ester. Fir example, in this model, the compound of Example 1 displays 55 %o better bioavailability than the corresponding divaline ester of Comparative example 3. The compound of Example 4 displays 25 % better availability than the corresponding divaline ester.
S
It is also apparent, for instance from Comparative examples 5, 6 and 7 that only the specified fatty acids of this invention in combination with the specified amino acids produce these dramatic and unexpected increases in pharmacokinetic parameters.
1o BIOLOGY EXAMPLE 2 Plasma concentrations in rats A pias~na concentration assay was done in male Sprague L?awley derived rats.
The animals were fasted overnight prior to dosing but were pernutted free access to 1S water. Each of the compounds evaluated was prepared as a solutionlsuspension in propylene glycoi at a concentration corresponding to 10 mg H2G iml and shaken at room temperature for eight hours. Groups of rats (at least 4 rats in each group}
received a I O mglkg ( I mI/kg) oral dose of each of the compounds; the dose was administered by gavage. At selected time points after dosing (0.25, 0.5, I, I.S, 2, 4, 20 6, 9, 12, 15, and 24 hours after dosing), heparinized blood samples (0.4 ml/sample) were obtained from a tail vein of each animal. The blood samples were immediateiy chilled. in an ice bath. Within two hours of collection, the plasma was separated from the red cells by centrifugation and frozen till analysis. The components of interest were separated from the plasma proteins using acetonitrile precipitation.
25 FolIo~~ing lyophilisation, and reconstitution, the plasma concentrations were determined by reverse phase HPLC with fluorescence detection. The oral uptake of H2G and other test compounds was determined by comparison of the H2G area under the curve derived from the oral dose compared to that obtained from a 10 mglkg intravenous dose of H2G, administered to a separate group of rats. The 3o results are depicted in Table IB above, SUl35TITUTE ~aHEET (RU6.E 26) WO 97!30052 k'CTJSE97J00242 ' 66 Bioavailabilit in monkeys.
The compounds of Example 1 and Comparative example 3 (see Biology Example I
above) were administered p.o. by gavage to cynomolgus monkeys. The solutions comprised:
Example 1 1 SO mg dissolved in 6.0 ml propylene glycol, corresponding to 25 mglkg or 0.0295 mmol/kg.
Comparative 164 mg dissolved in 7.0 ml water, corresponding to 23.4 Example 3 mg/kg or 0.0295 rnmol/kg.
Blood samples were taken at 30 min, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, I0 and 24 hours. Plasma was separated by centrifugation at 2500 rpm and the samples were inactivated at 5~°C
IS for 20 minutes before being frozen pending analysis. Plasma H2G levels were monitored by the HPLCIUV assay of Example 30 above.
Figure I depicts the plasma H2G recovery as a function of time. Although it is not possible to draw statistically significant conclusions from single animal trials, it 2o appears that the animal receiving the compound of the invention experienced a somewhat more rapid and somewhat greater exposure to H2G than the animal which received an alternative prodrug of H2G.

25 Antiviral activity Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1)- infected mouse serves as an animal model to determine the efficacy of antiviral agents in vivo. Mice inoculated intraperitoneally with HSV-i at 1000 times the LDsfl were administered either with a formulation 30 comprising the currently marketed anti-herpes agent acyclovir (21 and 83 mg/kg in a 29o propylene glycol in sterile water vehicle, three times daily, p.o.) or the compound of Example 29 {21 and 83 mglkg in a 2% propylene glycol in sterile suss'rt°ru-r~ sHSS~- (RU~.~ 2s~

'Wt? 97130052 PC'T/SE9'7/o0Z4Z

water ~rehicle, three times daily, p.o.) for 5 consecutive days beginning 5 hours after inoculation. The animals were assessed daily for deaths. The results are dispiayed in Figure 2 which charts the survival rate against time. In the legend, the compound of the invention is denoted Ex.29 and acyclovir is denoted ACV. The percentage of ,, 5 mice surviving the HSV-I infection was significantly greater following a given dose of the compound of the invention relative to an equivalent dose of acyclovir.
The foregoing is merely illustrative of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the disclosures made herein. Variations and changes which are obvious Io to one skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope and nature of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
SUk~STf1°U'1"E SHEET (MULE 26)

Claims (6)

Claims

1. A method for the preparation of a compound of the formula I

where a) R1 is -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)2)NH2 or -C(O)CH(CH(CH3) CH2CH3)NH2 and R2 is -C(O)C3-C21 saturated or monounsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl; or b) R1 is -C(O)C3-C21 saturated or monounsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl and R2 is -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)2) NH2 or -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)CH2CH3)NH2; and R3 is OH or H including the tautomeric form wherein R3 is =O;
the method comprising A) the monodeacylation of a diacylated compound corresponding to formula I wherein R1 and R2 are both -C (O)CH(CH(CH3)2)NH2 or -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)CH2CH3)NH2 (which are optionally N-protected) or R1 and R2 are both -C(=O)C3-C21, saturated or monounsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl; and R3 is H or OH including the tautomeric form wherein R3 is =O;
B) acylating the thus liberated side chain 4-hydroxy or side chain 2-hydroxymethyl group with the corresponding C(O)CH(CH(CH3)2)NH2 or -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)CH2CH3)NH2 or -C(=O)C3-C21, saturated or monounsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl to thereby produce a compound of formula I; and C) deprotecting as necessary, wherein the term "optionally substituted" as mentioned above has the meaning of being substituted with up to five similar or different substituents independently selected from OH, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, C1-C6 alkoxy C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkanoyl, amino, halo, cyano, azido, oxo, mercapto, and nitro.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein R1 and R2 both are -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)2)NH2 or -C(O)CH(CH(CH3) CH2CH3)NH2.

3. A compound of the formula II

where one of R1 and R2 is i) -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)2)NH2 or -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)CH2CH3)NH2, which are optionally N-protected by a formyl, acetyl, benzoyl, pivaloyl, t-butylacetyl, phenylsulfonyl, benzyl, t-butoxycarbonyl(BOC) or benzyloxycarbonyl (CBZ) protecting group;
ii) a -C(=O)C3-C21, saturated or monounsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl; and the other of R1 and R2 is hydrogen; or both of R1 and R2 are i) as defined above or are both ii) as defined above, wherein the term "optionally substituted" is as defined in claim 1, and wherein R3 is as defined in claim 1.

4. A compound according to claim 3, wherein both R1 and R2 are -C(O)CH(CH(CH3)2)NH2 or -C(O)CH(CH(CH3) CH2CH3)NH2.

5. A compound according to claim 3, which compound is denoted (R)-9-(2-hydroxymethyl-4-(L-valyloxy)butyl)guanine.

6. A compound according to claim 3, which compound is denoted (R)-9-(4-hydroxy-2-(L-valyloxymethyl)butyl)guanine.