Dopamine precursors

Abstract

The invention disclosed herein concerns a novel class of compounds suitable for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's Disease.

1 . A compound of the general formula (I): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein 
         R is a C 1 -C 5  alkyl; and 
         n is zero or 1. 
       
     
     
         2 . The compound according to  claim 1 , wherein n is 1. 
     
     
         3 . The compound according to  claim 1 , wherein the C 1 -C 5  alkyl is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and pentyl. 
     
     
         4 . The compound according to  claim 1 , wherein the C 1 -C 5  alkyl is selected from methyl, n-butyl, iso-propyl, tert-butyl and n-pentyl. 
     
     
         5 . The compound according to  claim 1 , wherein the C 1 -C 5  alkyl is methyl. 
     
     
         6 . The compound according to  claim 1 , wherein n is 1 and R is methyl. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . An inhibitor of oxidative induced inflammatory mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway, the inhibitor having a structure according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         9 . The inhibitor according to  claim 8 , wherein the MAPK is JNK and P38 MAPK . 
     
     
         10 . A composition comprising a compound according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The composition according to claim  4410 , being adapted for oral administration, administration by an aerosol, administration by inhalation, nasal administration, parenteral administration, subcutaneous administration, transdermal administration, intradermal administration, intravenous administration, intramuscular administration, buccal administration, intraperitoneal administration, rectal administration or vaginal administration. 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The composition according to claim  4410 , for use in protecting cells from oxidative stress. 
     
     
         15 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method of reducing or reversing oxidative stress, or an inflammatory state of a human or animal cell, the method comprising treating a subject with a compound of the formula (I): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein 
         R is a C 1 -C 5  alkyl; and 
         n is zero or 1. 
       
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , for treating a disease or disorder characterized by or associated with reduced levels of brain dopamine. 
     
     
         19 . A method of treating a neurodegenerative disease or disorder, or a disease or disorder characterized by or associated with reduced levels of brain dopamine, the method comprising administering a compound to a subject suffering therefrom or having disposition to suffering therefrom, wherein the compound is of the general formula (I): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein 
         R is a C 1 -C 5  alkyl; and 
         n is zero or 1. 
       
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the disease or disorder is caused by damage to the central nervous system. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the disease or disorder is characterized by progressive dysfunction, degeneration and death of neurons optionally synaptically interconnected. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 21 , wherein the disease or disorder is associated or based on oxidative stress, or an inflammatory state of a human or animal cell. 
     
     
         23 . The method according to  claim 22 , wherein the disease or disorder is associated with reduced levels of brain dopamine. 
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the neurodegenerative diseases and disorders is selected from Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxias, Parkinson's disease, secondary parkinsonism, morbus Alzheimer, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multiple system atrophy (MSA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Shy Drager syndrome, dopamine-responsive dystonia, cystic fibrosis, familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy, spongiform encephalopathies, dementia with Lewy body disease (LBD), akinesia, bradykinesia, hypokinesia, frontotemporal dementia with Parkinsonism, spinocerebellar ataxias, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, hereditary dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy, familial British dementia, familial Danish dementia, prion disease, mild brain trauma mTBI, atherosclerosis, and allergic airway disease. 
     
     
         25 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . A compound of the structure (II) or (III):