Title of Invention

''CONDENSED AZEPINES AS VASOPRESSIN AGONISTS.''

Abstract

This invention provides novel compounds according to general formula (1) wherein A is a bicyclic or tricyclic azepine derivative, V?1¿ and V?2¿ are both H, OMe or F, or one of V?1¿ and V?2¿ is Br, Cl, F, OH, OMe, OBn, OPh, O-acyl, N¿3?, NH¿2?, NHBn or NH-acyl and the other is H, or V?1¿ and V?2¿ together are =O, -O(CH¿2?)¿p?O- or -S(CH¿2?)¿p?S-; W?1¿ is either O or S; X?1¿ and X?2¿ are both H, or together are =O or =S; Y is OR?5¿ or NR?6¿R?7¿; R?1¿, R?2¿, R?3¿ and R¿4? are independently selected from H, lower alkyl, lower alkyloxy, F, Cl and Br; R?5¿ is selected from H and lower alkyl; R?6¿ and R?7¿ are independently selected from H and lower alkyl, or together are -(CH¿2?)¿n?-; n=3, 4, 5, 6; and p is 2 or 3. The ...

Full Text

CONDENSED AZEPINES AS VASOPRESSIN AGONISTS FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a class of novel chemical entities which act as agonists of the peptide hormone vasopressin. They reduce urine output from the kidneys and so are useful in the treatment of certain human diseases characterised by polyuria. They are also useful in the control of urinary incontinence and bleeding disorders. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Vasopressin is a peptide hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. It acts on the kidney to increase water retention and so reduce urine output. For this reason, vasopressin is alternatively known as "antidiuretic hormone". It also acts on the vasculature, where it produces a hypertensive effect. The cellular receptors that mediate these two actions have been characterised and shown to be different. The antidiuretic action is mediated by the type-2 vasopressin receptor, commonly called the V2 receptor. Agents that can interact with the V2 receptor and activate it in the same way as vasopressin are called V2 receptor agonists (or simply V2 agonists). Such agents will have an antidiuretic action. If these agents interact selectively with the V2 receptor and not the other vasopressin receptor subtypes, thep they will not have the hypertensive effect of vasopressin. This would be an important safety consideration and make such agents attractive for the treatment of human disease conditions characterised by polyuria (which is herein taken to mean excessive urine production). (Formula Removed) In fact,-such an agent is already in use in human therapy. Desmopressin (otherwise [1-desamino, D-Arg6]vasopressin, Minirin™, DDAVP™) is a peptide analogue of vasopressin which is selectively an agonist at the V2 receptor. It is used in the treatment of central diabetes insipidus, which is a condition that results from defective secretion of vasopressin. It is also employed in the control of nocturnal enuresis and may also be of use in the control of nocturia. However, desmopressin is not an ideal agent in all respects. Even the best current syntheses of the agent are lengthy, and desmopressin is not amenable to the most convenient of purification techniques such as crystallisation. Consequently, desmopressin is relatively expensive. It has a very low oral bioavailability, and there is some variability in this parameter. (Formula Removed) Overall then, there exists a need for a selective vasopressin Va receptor agonist that is easy to prepare and purify, and that has a high and predictable oral bioavailability. Such properties are most likely to be obtained with a non-peptide compound. These considerations have led other groups to investigate non-peptide vasopressin V2 agonists, and their results are disclosed in, for example, International Patent Applications WO97/22591, WO99/06403, WO99/06409, WOOO/46224, WOOO/46225, WOOO/46227 and WOOO/46228. The compounds disclosed in these documents are, however, less than ideal. In particular, they have poor oral bioavailabiJity, probably due in part to their low aqueous solubility. The present invention provides compounds with improved solubility and bioavaiiability. Besides its antidiuretic actions, desmopressin is used to increase the concentration in the blood of the coagulation proteins known as Factor Vfll and von Willebrand factor. In the clinical context, this makes desmopressin useful in the treatment of haemophilia A and von Willebrand's disease. Similar applications would be open to the non-peptide agonists of the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As disclosed herein, the present invention relates to a series of compounds that are non-peptide agonists of vasopressin and which are selective for the V2 receptor subtype. The compounds are described by general formula 1 (Formula Removed) wherein: A is a bicyclic or tricyclic azepine derivative selected from general formulae 2 to 7 (Formula Removed) A1, A4, A7 and A10 are each independently selected from CH2, O and NR8; A2, A3, A8, A11, A13, A14 and A15 are each independently selected from CH and N; either A5 is a covalent bond and A6 is S, or A5 is N=CH and A6 is a covalent bond; A8 and A12 are each independently selected from NH and S; A16 and A17 are both CH2, or one of A16 and A17 is CH2 and the other is selected from O, SOX, and NR8, V1 and V2 are both H, OMe or F, or one of V1 and V2 is Br, Cl, F, OH, OMe, OBn, OPh, O-acyl, N3, NH2, NHBn or NH-acyl and the other is H, or V1 and V2 together are =0, -0(CH2)P0- or -S(CH2)PS-; W is either O or S; X1 and X2 are both H, or together are =O or =S; Y is OR5 or NR6R7; ZisSor-CH=CH-; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from H, lower alkyl, lower alkyloxy, F, Cl and Bn R6 is selected from H and lower alkyl; R6 and R7 are independently selected from H and lower alkyl, or together are -(CH2)n-; R8 is H or lower alkyl; n=3, 4, 5 or 6; p is 2 or 3; and x is 0, 1 or 2. The invention further comprises pharmaceutical compositions incorporating these vasopressin agonists, which compositions are particularly useful in the treatment of central diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis and nocturia. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises N-benzylcarbamy! pyrrolidine derivatives defined by general formula 1. (Formula Removed) In this formula, A represents a bicyclic or tricyclic azepine group according to one of the general formulae 2-7. (Formula Removed) A1, A4, A7 and A10 represent divalent groups selected from methylene (-CH2), oxygen (-O—) and substituted nitrogen (-NR8-). A2, A3, A9, A11, A13, A14 and A15 represent either a nitrogen atom (-N=) or a methine group (-CH=). A5 can represent a covalent bond, in which case A6 represents a sulphur atom (-S-) such that the ring that includes these two groups is a thiophene ring. Alternatively, A6 can represent a group -N=CH-, in which case A6 represents a covalent bond such that the ring that includes these two groups is a pyridine ring. A8 and A12 represent either -NH- or a sulphur atom (-S-). A16 and A17 represent divalent groups. Both may be methylene groups (-CH2) or one is a methylene group and the other is selected from hydroxymethylene (-CH(OH)-), difluoromethylene (-CF2), oxygen (-0-), substituted nitrogen (-NR8-) and sulphur or oxidised sulphur (-S-, -SO-, or -SO2-). V1 and V2 may both be hydrogen, methoxy or fluorine, or one may be selected from bromine, chlorine, fluorine, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, benzyloxy, phenoxy, acyloxy, azido, amino, benzylamino and acylamido (Br, Ci, F, OH, O-lower alkyl, OBn, OPh, O-acyl, NH2l NHBn and NH-acyl) provided that the other is hydrogen, or V1 and V2 together may represent an oxygen atom such that the fragment CV1V2 is a carbonyl group (C=O). V1 and V2 may also be an ethylene- or propylene-dioxy or -dithio chain (-O(CH2)2O-, -O(CH2)3O-, -S(CH2)2S-, -S(CH2)3S-) such that CV1V2 is a 1,3-dioxolane, 1,3-dioxane, 1,3-dithioiane or 1,3dithianering. W1 is either an oxygen or a sulphur atom. X1 and X2 may either both be hydrogen, or together they may represent an oxygen or sulphur atom such that the fragment CX1X2 is a carbonyl or thiocarbonyl group (C=0 or C=S). Y is either a group -OR5 or a group -NR6R7. Z represents either a sulphur atom, such that the ring that includes it is a thiophene ring, or it represents a group -CH=CH-, such that the ring is a benzene ring. R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently selected from hydrogen, lower alky) groups, lower alkyloxy groups and the halogens fluorine, chlorine and bromine. R5 may be either a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group. R6 and R7 may each independently be hydrogen atoms or lower alkyl groups, or together they may constitute a chain of between 3 and 6 methylene groups such that, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, they form an azetidine, pyrrolidine, piperidine or perhydroazepine ring. Ra may be hydrogen or a lower alkyl group. In the context of the present disclosure, the term "lower alkyl" is intended to include straight chain and branched alkyl groups and cydoalkyl groups of between 1 and 6 carbon atoms. For example, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tart-butyl, neopentyl and cyclohexyl are all within the scope of the term lower alkyl. The term "acyl" denotes lower a(kyl carbonyi groups such as acetyl, pivaioyl, cydopropylcarbonyl and the like. Formyl is also considered to be an acyl group. Certain compounds of general formula 1 are capable of forming salts with acids or bases. For example, compounds containing one or more nitrogen atoms can form addition salts with mineral and organic acids such as hydrochloric add, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic add, trifluoroacetic acid, methanesulphonic add, citric acid and benzole acid. Compounds containing acidic groups can form salts with bases. Examples of such salts include the sodium, potassium, calcium, triethylamrnonium and tetraethylammonium salts. Furthermore, compounds that have both acidic and basic groups can form internal salts (zwiterions). Insofar as these salts are pharmaceutically acceptable, they are induded within the scope of the invention. The compounds according to general formula 1 all have at least one stereogenic centre (a tetrahedrai carbon atom bearing four different substituents) and so can exist as optical isomers such as enantiomers and diastereomers. Such isomers, and mixtures thereof, are all intended to be within the scope of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, A is a group according to general formula 2. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, A is a group according to general formula 3. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, A is a group according to general formula 4. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, A is a group according to general formula 5. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, A is a group according to general formula 6. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, A is a group according to general formula 7. In a more preferred embodiment, A is a tetrahydro-1-benzazepin-1-yl group, i.e. a group according to general formula 7 in which 2 is -CH=CH- and both A16 and A17 are methylene groups. In another preferred embodiment, one of R1 and R2 is chlorine or a methyl group and the other is hydrogen, with both R3 and R4 also being hydrogen. In another preferred embodiment, one of V1 and V2 is a methoxy or benzyloxy group and the other is hydrogen. In yet another preferred embodiment, X1 and X2 together represent an oxygen atom and Y is -NR6R7. Particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention are those that combine two or more of the above preferred features. A still more preferred embodiment of the present invention is a compound according to general formula 8. (Formula Removed) In general formula 8, W\ R5 and R6 are as defined above for 1. One of Ra and Rb is hydrogen and the other is either chlorine or a methyl group. Rc is either a methyl group or a benzyl group. A yet more preferred embodiment is a compound of general formula 8A in which the stereochemistry is as shown. (Formula Removed) Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is a compound according to general formula 1 in which V1 and V2 are both hydrogen. In a more preferred embodiment, X1 and X2 together are an oxygen atom and Y is NR6R7. More preferred still is a compound according to general formula 9. (Formula Removed) In general formula 9, W1, R5 and R6 are as defined above for 1. One of Ra and Rb is hydrogen and the other is either chlorine or a methy! group. Even more preferred is a compound according to general formula 9A in which the stereochemistry is as shown. (Formula Removed) Individual preferred compounds within the present invention include (but are not limited to) the following: 1-(2-methyl-4-(2l3,4l5-tetrahydro-1-benzazepin-1-ylcarbonyl)benzylcarbamoyl)-L-proline-N-N-dimethyiamide, (4R)-4-hydroxy-1-(2-methyl-4-(2,3,4,5-tetrahydro--1-benzazepin-1-ylcarbonyl)benzyl-carbamoyl)-L-proline-N,N-dimethylamide, (4R)-1-(3-chloro-4-(2,3,4I5-tetrahydro-1-benzazepin-1-ylcarbonyl)benzylcarbamoyl)-4-methoxy-L-proline-N,N-dimethylamide, (4R)-1-{2-chloro-4-(2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-benzazepin-1-ylcarbonyl)benzylcarbamoyl)-4-methoxy-L-proline-N,N-dirnethylamide, (4R)-4-benzyloxy-1 -(2-methyl-4-(2l3,4,5-tetrahydro-1 -benzazepin-1 -ylcarbonyl)benzyl-carbamoyl}-L-proline-N,N-dimethylam}de, (4R)-4-methoxy-1 -(2-methyl-4-(2,3 A5-tetrahydro-1 -benzazepin-1 -ylcarbonyl)benzyl-carbamoyl)-L-proline-N,N-dimethyIamide, (4R)-4-methoxy-1 -(3-methyl-4-(2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1 -benzazepin-1 -ylcarbonyl)benzyl-carbamoyl)-L-proline-N,N-dimethylamidel (4R)-1-(2-chloro-4-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-thieno[3I2-b]a2epin-4-ylcarbonyl)benzyl-carbamoyl)-4-methoxy-L-proline-N,N-dimethylamide, (4R)-1-(4-(10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrroIo[2,1-c](1,4)benzodia2epin-10-ylicarbonyl)-2-methyl-ben2ylcarbamoyl)-4-methoxy-L-proline-N,N-dimethylamide, (4R)-1-(2-chloro-4-(10I11-dihydro-5W-pyrrolo[2,1-c](1,4)benzodiazepin-10-ylcarbonyl)-benzylcarbamoylH-methoxy-L-proline-N,N-dimethylamide, and , 1 1 -dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2, 1 -c](1 ,4)benzodiazepin-1 0-yicarbonyl)-2-methyl-benzylcarbamoyl}-4-methoxy-L-proline-N,N-dimethylthioamide. The compounds of the present invention can be prepared using methods generally known in the art. " The compounds of general formula 1 can be considered to be composed of three linked fragments (A - C). (Formula Removed) The three fragments will generally be prepared separately and then combined at a late stage in the synthesis. Some instances of the various groups (R1 - R4, V1, V2, X1, X2 etc.) might be incompatible with this assembly and so will require the use of protecting groups. The use of protecting groups is well known in the art (see for example "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis", T.W. Greene, Wiley-lnterscience, 1981). Particular groups that may require protection are amines (protected as amides or carbamates), alcohols (protected as esters or ethers) and carboxylic acids (protected as esters). For the purposes of this discussion, it will be assumed that such protecting groups as are necessary are in place. The fragments A, B and C can be combined according to two strategies to give the compounds of formula 1. In the first, fragments A and B are linked to give a fragment corresponding to AB, which is then combined with fragment C. In the second, fragments B and C are linked to give a fragment corresponding to BC, which is then combined with fragment A. The chemistry involved in the condensation of fragment A with B, and that involved in the condensation of fragment B with fragment C, will be the same whichever strategy is followed. We have found that the first strategy is more flexible when working on a small scale and for preparing a selection of compounds.' Nevertheless, it is possible that the second strategy would be advantageous for the preparation of a selected compound on a large scale. Formation of fragment AB (Formula Removed) Here, {A} and {B} represent part structures of the fragments A and B respectively. The formation of amides by the condensation of carboxylic acids with amines is well known. In general, the acid and the amine are mixed in an aprotic solvent .such as dichloromethane or dimethylformamide in the presence of a condensing agent such as a carbodiimide (for example "water-soluble carbodiimide", which is N-ethyl-N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide) or a reactive phosphorus derivative (for example "BOP", which is (benzotriazol-1-yloxy)tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate). The reaction may optionally be catalysed by a tertiary amine such as triethylamine or 4-dimethylaminopyridine. Alternatively, the carboxylic acid may be converted to a more reactive derivative such as the acid chloride. Such a derivative can then be reacted with the amine as described above but without the need for a condensing agent Formation of fragment BC Formation of the urea or thiourea bond between fragments B and C can be most easily achieved by allowing the primary amine corresponding to fragment B to react with a derivative of carbonic acid such as phogene (wherein LG above is chlorine) or carbonyldiimidazole (wherein LG is 1-imidazolyl) to form an intermediate carbamic acid derivative. When W1 is sulphur rather than oxygen, thiophosgene or thiocarbonyldiimidazole is used. The reaction is conveniently carried out in an aprotic solvent such as dichloromethane or dimethylformamide in the presence of a tertiary amine such as triethylamine or N,N-diisopropylethylamine. After allowing sufficient time for the formation of the intermediate, the secondary amine corresponding to fragment C can be added to the reaction mixture. It is not necessary to isolate the intermediate carbamate derivative. As a variation of this process, it is possible to reverse the order of addition of the amines corresponding to fragments B and C, such that the carbamate derivative is formed from the secondary amine, and the primary amine is added subsequently. Overall then, the following intermediates are required for the synthesis of the compounds of the present invention (Formula Removed) Fused azepines according to these general formulae can be prepared according to methods reported in the literature. See for example: Aranapakam et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 1993, 1733; Artico et al., Farmaco. Ed. Sci. 24, 1969, 276; Artico et al., Farmaco. Ed. Sci. 32, 1977, 339; Chakrabarti etal., J. Med. Chem. 23, 1980, 878; Chakrabarti etal., J. Med. Chem. 23, 1980, 884; Chakrabarti etal., J. Med. Chem. 32, 1989, 2573; Chimirri et al., Heterocycles 36,1993, 601; Grunewald etal., J. Med. Chem. 39,1996, 3539; Klunder etal., J. Med. Chem. 35,1992, 1887; Liegeols etal., J. Med. Chem. 37, 1994, 519; Olagbemiro et al., J. Het. Chem. 19,1982,1501; Wright etal., J. Med. Chem. 23,1980, 462; Yamamoto et al., Tet. Lett. 24, 1983, 4711; and International patent application, publication number WO99/06403. Some of them are items of commerce. H)For fragment B (Formula Removed) Because the primary amine and the carboxylic acid groups are incompatible, they must be developed separately and protected. Substituted benzoic acids are well known, and the carboxylic acid is conveniently protected as its methyl ester. The primary amine can be elaborated from the corresponding nitrile (by reduction) or the alcohol (by displacement with a nitrogen nucleophile). The best method will depend on the nature of the substituents R1-R4. Hi) For fragment C (Formula Removed) Pyrrolidine derivatives of this type are prepared according to the methods described in the literature. See for example: Dugave eial., Tet. Lett. 39,1998, 1169; Petrillo et a/., J. Med. Chem. 31,1988, 1148; and Smith era/., J. Med. Chem. 31,1988, 875. Proline and hydroxyproline derivatives of defined stereochemistry are items of commerce and as such are convenient starting materials. The present invention further comprises pharmaceutical compositions that include at least one compound according to the foregoing description as an active constituent The composition may also include a second pharmacological agent such as a spasmolytic or a potassium channel blocker, these agents being known in the art to ameliorate bladder dysfunction. Preferably, the composition includes only one active constituent. The composition will include excipients selected from binding agents, bulking agents, dispersants, solvents, stabilising agents and the like, such excipients being generally known in the art. The excipients used will depend on the intended nature of the formulation, which will, in turn, depend on the intended route of administration. Administration may be oral, transmucosal (such as sublingual, buccai, intranasal, vaginal and rectal), transdermal or by injection (such as subcutaneous, intramuscular and intravenous). Oral administration is generally preferred. For oral administration, the formulation will be a tablet or capsule. Other formulations include dry powders, solutions, suspensions, suppositories and the like. In a further aspect, the present invention is a method of treating or controlling certain human physiological dysfunctions. This method comprises the administration to the person in need of such treatment of an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition, which composition contains a compound according to the foregoing description as an active constituent. The compounds act to reduce urine output, and so the method of the invention can be applied to all conditions in which elevated urine output is a contributory factor. The compounds also increase the production of the blood coagulation proteins known as Factor Vill and von Willebrand factor, and • so the treatment of bleeding disorders can be undertaken. In a preferred embodiment, the condition treated is diabetes insipidus. This is a condition caused by an inability of the body to produce and secrete physiologically active vasopressin, with the result that water re-uptake is greatly reduced and large volumes of urine are produced. In another preferred embodiment, the condition treated is nocturnal enuresis. .This is defined as bladder emptying while the individual is sleeping. It is a condition that mainly affects children and a number of factors may be involved in its etiology. In another preferred embodiment, the condition treated is nocturia. This is defined as production of sufficient urine during the night to require the individual to wake and empty his (or her) bladder. Again, this condition may be the result of a number of factors. In another preferred embodiment, the condition treated is incontinence. This condition is characterised, in part, by reduced bladder capacity and control such that involuntary urination occurs unless the bladder is emptied frequently. Incontinence has been divided into two conditions, stress incontinence and urge incontinence. A number of etiological factors are thought to be involved. Treatment according to the invention is particularly useful for delaying the need for bladder emptying ("voiding postponement") in order to allow the incontinent subject a dry period of a few hours (such as up to four hours). Such voiding postponement may also be useful for the non-incontinent population, for example for people obliged to remain in meetings for extended periods. In another preferred embodiment, the condition treated is haemophilia A or von Willebrand's disease. These are conditions in which Factor VIII or von Willebrand factor production is reduced and the individual suffers from prolonged bleeding. In another preferred embodiment, the composition is administered prior to surgery (including dental surgery) to increase the coagulability of the blood and so reduce peri-operative blood loss. The administration of the compositions of the present invention will generally be under the control of a physician. The physician will determine the amount of composition to be administered and the dosing schedule, taking into account the patient's physical condition and the therapeutic goals. For an adult diabetes insipidus patient, a typical dose might be between 50mg and 1g of the active compound per day, taken as a single tablet or as up to four tablets throughout the day. For routes of administration other than the oral route, the amount of compound will be reduced, since non-oral routes tend to be more efficient in terms of delivering therapeutic agents into the systemic circulation. For the treatment of haemophilia A and von Willebrand's disease the amount of compound may need to be higher than for the treatment of diabetes insipidus. The foregoing general description will now be further illustrated with a number of non-limiting examples. EXAMPLES Abbreviations. The following abbreviations have been used. Ac Acetyl AIBN Azo-bis-(isobutyronitrile) Bn Benzyl BOG te/f-Butyloxycarbonyl (BOC)2O Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate DMF Dimethylformamide Et Ethyl EtOAc Ethyl acetate IPA Isopropanol iPr Isopropyl M.S. Mass spectrometry Me Methyl NBS N-Bromosuccinimide pet. ether petroleum ether, fraction boiling at 60-80°C Ph Phenyl tBu terf-Butyl THF Tetrahydrofuran WSCDI Water-soluble carbodiimide Preparation of Intermediates. Reagents corresponding to fragment A and C were commercially available or prepared according to the published procedures except where detailed in the specific Examples. Reagents corresponding to fragment B were prepared as detailed below. Example A. 4-(terf-Butvloxvcarbonvlaminomethvl)-3-chlorobenzoicacid (Formula Removed) A1. Methyl 4-bromomethvl-3-chlorobenzoate To a solution of methyl 3-chloro-4-methylbenzoate (5.0g, 27.1 mmol) in carbon tetrachloride (50ml) were added NBS (5.8g, 32.0mmol) and AIBN (0.442g, 2.70mmol). The mixture was stirred at reflux for 18h. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and then concentrated in vacua. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica (eluant EtOAc:pet. ether 0:100 to 5:95); yield 5.96g (84%). A2. 4-fferf-Butvioxvcarbonvlaminomethvl)-3-chlorobenzoic add To a saturated solution of ammonia in ethanol (170ml) was added methyl 4-bromomethyl-3-chlorobenzoate from Example A1 (5.5g, 20.9mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h and then concentrated in vacua. The residue was triturated with diethyl ether and the resultant white crystals were filtered off and washed with more diethyl ether. To a solution of this solid in water (100ml) were added solutions of (BOC)2O (5.0g, 23.0mmol) in dioxan (100ml) and sodium hydroxide (1.86g, 4G.Ommol) in water (100ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18h and then concentrated in vacua. The aqueous residue was acidified with citric acid and extracted with chloroform/IPA. The organic layer was washed with water, dried over MgSO4l and concentrated in vacua to give a white solid; yield 2.8g (67%). Example B. 4-Cvano-3-methvlbenzoic acid (Formula Removed) To a solution of 4-bromo-2-methylbenzonitrile (2.0g, 10.2mmol) in THF (100ml) at -78°C under a nitrogen atmosphere was added dropwise a 2.5M solution of n-butyl lithium (4.48ml, 11.2mmol). The mixture was stirred at -78°C for 1h and then poured onto solid carbon dioxide (5g) in THF (50ml). The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature. Water was added (200m!) and the mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (3 times). The aqueous layer was acidified by addition of concentrated HCI and extracted with chloroform (3 times). The combined chloroform extracts were washed with water, dried over MgSO4, and concentrated in vacuoto give a white solid; yield 1,2g (73%). Example C. 4-Cvano-2-methvlbenzole acid (Formula Removed) 4-Bromo-3-methylbenzonitrile (2.0g, 10.2mmol) was reacted following the method of Example B to give a yellow solid which was triturated with hexane and filtered off; yield 0.96g (59%). Reagents corresponding to fragments A, B and C were combined to give the specific Examples as detailed below. Example 1. 1-(2-Methvl-4-(2.3.4.5-tetrahvdro-1-benzazepin-1-vlcarbonvnbenzylcarbamovn-L- proline-N,N-dimethvlamide (Formula Removed) 1 A. 2-Methvl-4-((2.3.4.5-tetrahvdro-1 H-benzoIblazepineM -carbonvl)-benzonitrile. To a solution of 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzof[b]lazepine (0.80g, 5.44mmol) in dichloromethane (50ml) were added 4-cyano-3-methylbenzoic acid (0.96g, 5.95mmol), triethylamine (0.60g, 5.95mmol), 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (0.73g, 5.95mmol) and WSCDI (1.24g, 6.48mmol). The mixture was stirred at reflux for 18h, cooled and evaporated in vacua. The residue was partitioned between EtOAc and 1 M KHSO4. The organic layer was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and brine, dried over MgSO4, and concentrated in vacua. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography on silica (eluant EtOAc:pet. ether 30:70); yield 1.1 Og (70%). 1B. 1 -(4-( Amtnomethvl\-3-rnethvlbenzovn-2.3.4,5-tetrahvdro-1 H-benzo[b]azepine hydrochloride. To a degassed solution of the cyanobenzazepine of Example 1A (1.10g, 3.79mmol) in methano! (50ml) were added concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.98ml, 11.3mmo!) and 10% palladium on carbon (0.80g). Hydrogen gas was bubbled through the mixture for 5h at room temperature. The catalyst was removed by filtering through a 'pad of celite and the filtrate was evaporated; yield 1.23g (98%). 1C. 1-(2-Methvl-4-(2.3.4.5-tetrahydrc-1-benzazepin-1-ylcarbonvl)benzylcarbarnovl)-L-Droline-N,N-dimethvlamide To a solution of the amine of Example 1B (0.10g, 0.302mmol) in DMF (10ml), under a nitrogen atmosphere, were added N,N-disopropyIethylamine (43mg, 0.332mmol) and carbonyl diimidazoie (0.074g, 0.453mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 40 minutes. A solution of proIine-N.Aklimethylamide (0.107g, 0.756mmol) in DMF (1ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for a further 16 hr. The solvent was removed in vacua and the crude material was purified by flash chromatography on silica (eluant methanolidichlorornethane 5:95); yield 0.115g (82%). 1H NMR (CDCI3): δ 1.35-1.55 (1H, m), 1.74-2.10 (3H, m), 2.11 (3H, s), 2.17-2.35 (1H, m), 2.60-2.82 (2H, m), 2.86 (3H, s), 2.90-3.14 (2H, m), 3.05 (3H, s), 3.26 (1H, dd, J=14.9 & 7.2H.Z), 3.40-3.53 (1H, m), 3.64-3.84 (1H, m), 4.03-4.19 (1H, m), 4.29-4.42 (1H, m), 4.55-4.68 (1H, m), 4.74-4.81 (1H, m), 4.85-4.98 (1H, m), 6.58 (1H, d, J=7.7Hz), 6.75-6.89 (2H, m), 6.91-7.06 (3H, m), 7.16 (1H, d, J=6.5Hz), 7,93-8.03 (1H, m) ppm. M.S.: calc m/e=462.26; found [M+H]+= 463.2 Example 2. (4ffl-4-Hvdroxv-1 -(2-methvl-4-(2.3.4T5-tetrahvdro-1 -benzazepin-1 -vlcarbony)benzyl- carbamoyl)-L-proline-N,N-dimethvlamide (Formula Removed) 2A. L-trans-4-Hvdroxvproline-N,N-dimethvlamide hvdrochloride To a solution of BOC-hydroxyproline (2.99g, 13.89mmol) in dichloromethane (100ml) were added N,N-diisopropyiethylamine (3.7ml, 21.24mmol), 4-(dimethy!amino)pyridine (1.74g, 14.24mmol), dimethylamine hydrochloride (1.72g, 21.09mmol) and WSCDI (3.17g, 16.68mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30hr. The mixture was diluted with dichloromethane (100ml) and washed with 0.3M KHSO4, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and brine, dried over MgSO4, and concentrated in vacua to give a colourless gum. This crude material was taken up in 4N HCi/dioxan (50ml) and stirred at room temperature for 1hr and then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was azeotroped with toluene and diethyl ether to give a white solid; yield 0.45g (17%). 2B(4R)-4-Hvdroxv-1-(2-methyl-4-(2,3.4.5-tetrahvdrp-1-ben2azepin-1-ylcarbonyi)benzyl-carbamovl)-L-proline-N,Ndimethylamide. The amine of Example 1B (0.1 Og, 0.302mmol) was reacted with the amine of Example 2A (0.153mg, 0.785mmol) following the method of Example 1C. The product was purified by flash chromatography on silica (eiuant chloroform:methanol:acetic acid 95:4:1); yield 0.95g (66%). 1H NMR (CDCI3): δ 1.65-1.80 (2H, m), 1.85-2.00 (3H, m), 2.05-2.25 (1H, m), 2.10 (3H, s), 2.80-3.10 (3H, m), 2.85 (3H, s), 3.00 (3H, s), 3.40-3.30 (1H, m), 3.45-3.55 (1H, m), 3.65- 3.95 (1H, m), 4.00-4.10 (1H, m), 4.30-4-.55 (1H, m), 4.91 (1H, t, J=7.7Hz), 5.15-5.30 (1H, m), 6.10-6.20 (1H, m), 6.55-6.65 (1H, m), 6.85-7.50 (5H, m) ppm. M.S.: calcm/e=478.26; found [M+H]+= 479.2 Examples 3-116. The additional examples set out in the following Tables were prepared using analogous methods. (Formula and Table Removed) Example 117. In Vitro Biological Characterisation The compounds of the invention are selective agonists at the V2 receptor. In .standard radio-ligand displacement assays, the compounds all give KI values below 10nM for the V2 receptor. Example 118. In Vivo Biological Characterisation The Brattleboro rat is a recognised model for vasopressin deficiency (for a review see FD Grant, "Genetic models of vasopressin deficiency", EXD. Phvsiol. 85, 203S-209S, 2000). The animals do not secrete vasopressin and consequently produce large volumes of dilute urine. Compounds of the invention were administered to Brattleboro rats (0.1-10mg/kg p.o. in methylcellulose. Urine was collected hourly and volumes were compared with control animals. Animals had free access to food and water throughout the experiment. Representative results are given in the Table. Results for Desmopressin are given for comparison. (Table Removed) Example 119. Pharmaceutical composition for tablet Tablets containing 100mg of the compound of Example 1 as the active agent are prepared from the following: Compound of Example 1 200.0g Com starch 71. 0g Hydroxypropylcellulose 18.0g Carboxymethylcellulose calcium 13.0g Magnesium stearate 3.0g Lactose 195.0g Total 500.0g The materials are blended and then pressed to give 2000 tablets of 250mg, each containing 100mg of the compound of Example 5. The foregoing Examples demonstrate that compounds within the scope of the invention are readily prepared using standard chemical techniques, and that these compounds have the biological properties that would be expected of V2 receptor agonists. In particular, the compounds are potent antidiuretics in an animal model of vasopressin deficiency. Thus it is clear that they may be useful in the treatment of human diseases that are currently treatable with Desmopressin, such as central diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis and nocturia. It has further been suggested that antidiuretics such as Desmopressin may be useful in certain types of urinary incontinence. These arguments would also extend to the compounds of the present invention. Desmopressin is also used in the treatment of certain coagulation disorders. There is good evidence to suggest that this action is also mediated through the V2 receptor (set ;r example JE Kaufmann et a/., "Vasopressin-induced von Willebrand factor secretion from endothelial cells involves V2 receptors and cAMP", J. Clin. Invest. 106, 107-116, 2000; A Bernat et al, "V2 receptor antagonism of DDAVP-induced release of hemostasis factors in conscious dogs", J. Pharmacol. EXP. Ther. 282, 597-602, 1997), and hence it would be expected that the compounds of the present invention should be useful pro-coagulants. The scope of the present invention is further defined in the following Claims. We claim: 1. A compound according to general formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (Formula Removed) wherein: A is a bicyclic or tricyclic azepine derivative selected from general formulae 2 to 7 (Formula Removed) A1, A4, A7 and Al°are each independently selected from CH2, 0 and NR8; A2, A¬3, A9, A11, A13, AM and A15 are each independently selected from CH and N; either A5 is a covalent bond and A6 is S, or A5 is N=CH and A6 is a covalent bond; A8 and A12 are each independently selected from NH and S; V1 and V2 are both H, OMe or F, or one of V1 and V2 is OH, OMe, OBn, OPh, 0-acyi. Br, Cl, F, N3, NH2) NHBn or NH- acyl and the other is H, or V1 and V2 together are =0, -S(CH2)PS-or - 0(CH2)P0-: W1 is either 0 or S; X1 and X2 are both H, or together are =0 or =S; YisOR5orNR6R7 Z is S or -CH=CH-; R1T R2. R3and R4are independently selected from H, lower alky), lower alkyloxy. F, Cl and Br; R5 is selected from H and lower alkyl; R6 and R7 are independently selected from H and lower alkyl, or together are - (CH2)n-; R8is H or lower alkyl; n=3, 4, 5 or 6; p=2 or 3; and xis 0, 1 or 2. 2. A compound as claimed in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A is a group according to general formula 2. 3. A compound as claimed in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A is a group according to general formula 3. A. A compound as claimed in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable.salt thereof, wherein A is a group according to general formula 4. 5. A compound as claimed in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A is a group according to general formula 5. 6. A compound as claimed in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A is a group according to general formula 6. 7. A compound as claimed in to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A is a group according to general formula 7. 8. A compound as claimed in Claim 1 or claim 7, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A is a group according to general formula 7, Z is -CH=CH- and both A16 and A17 are -CH2-. 9. A compound as claimed in any of claims I to 8, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein one of R1 and R2 is Cl or Me and the other is H, and both R3 and R^ are H. 10. A compound as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein one of V1 and V2 is OMe or OBn and the other is H. 11. A compound as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein X1 and X2 together are =0 and Y is NR R7. 12. A compound as claimed in any of claims 1 or 7 to 11, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is (Formula Removed) wherein W1 is either 0 or S; one of R-1 and Rb is Cl or methyl and the other is H; Rc is methyl or benzyl; R6 and R7 are independently selected from H and lower alkyl, or together are - (CH V. and n is 3, 4, 5 or 6. 13. A compound as claimed in any of Claims 1 or 7 to 12, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is (Formula Removed) wherein W1 is either 0 or S; one of Ra and Rb is CI or methyl and the other is H; Rf is methyl or benzyl; and R6 and R7 are independently selected from H and lower alkyl, or together are -(CH2)n-; and n is 3, 4, 5 or 6. 14. A compound as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein V1 and V2 are both H. 15. A compound as claimed in claim 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, 7 wherein X1 and X2 together are =0 and Y is NR"R7. 16. A compound as claimed in any of claims I or 7 to 9 or 14 or 15, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is (Formula Removed) wherein W is either 0 or S; one of R" and Wb is Cl or methyl and the other is H; R6 and R7 are independently selected from H and lower alkyl, or together are - (CH2)n,-; and n is 3, 4, 5 or 6. 17 A compound as claimed in any of Claims 1 or 7 to 9 or 14 to 16, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is (Formula Removed) wherein W is either 0 or S; one of Ra and Rb is Cl or methyl and the other is H; R6 and R7 are independently selected from H and lower alkyl, 'or together are - (CH2),-,,-; and n is 3, 4, 5 or 6. 18. A compound as claimed in any preceding claim which is selected from 1-(2-methyl-4-(2,3)4,5-tetrahydro-1-benzazepin-1-ylcarbonyl) benzylcarbamoyl)-Lproline-N,N-dimethylamide, (4R)-4-hydroxy-l-(2-methyl-4-(2I3,4I5-tetrahydro-1-benzazepin-l-ylcarbonyl)benzylcarbamoyl)-L- proline-N,N-dimethylamide, (4R)-1 -(3-chloro-4-(2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1 -benzazepin-l- y1 carbonyl)benzy1 carbamoyl)-4methoxy-L-proline-N,N- dimethylamide, (4R)-1-(2-chloro-4-(2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-benzazepin-1-ylcarbonyiJbenzylcarbamoylHmethoxy-L-proline-N.N-dimethylamide, (4R)-4-benzyloxy-l-(2-methyl-4-(2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-benzazepin-1- ylcarbonyl) benzylcarbamoyl)-L-proline-N,N-dimethylamide, (4R)-4-methoxy-l-(2-methyl-4-(2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-benzazepin-1-ylcarbonyl)benzylcarbamoyl)-L-proline-N,N-dimethylamide, (4R)-4-methoxy-l-(3-methyl-4-(2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-l-benzazepin-1 ylcarbonyObenzylcarbamoylJ-L-proline-N, N- dimethylamide, (4R)-l-(2-chloro-4-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-thieno{3I2-bjazepin-4-ylcarbonyObenzylcarbamoylH-methoxy-L-proline-N.N-dimethylamide, (4R)-1-(4-(IO,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo{2,1-c}(1-4)benzodiazepin-10-yl carbonyl)-2-methylbenzylcarbamoyl)-4-methoxy-L-proline-N,N-dimethylamide, (4R)-1-(2-chloro-4-(10,1 1-Dihydro-5H-pyrrolo{2,1-c}(1 ,4)benzodiazepin- I 0-ylcarbonyl)benzylcarbamoyl)-4-methoxy-L-proline-N,N-dimethylamide, and IO,1 1-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo{2,1-c}(1 ,4)benzodiazepin-IO- ylcarbonyl)-2-methylbenzylcarbamoyl)-4-methoxy-L-proline-N,N-dimethylthioamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

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