More particularly, the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein X is a direct bond ;-CH2- ;-CH2-CH2- ;-CHR9- ;-C (O)- ;-0- ;-NH-or NR9 ; Ri is optionally Rio and/or Rn-substituted phenyl ; optionally R10 and/or R, 1-substituted heteroaryl ; optionally Rio and/or Rn-substituted heteroaryl N-oxide; or optionally Rio and/or R1l-substituted naphthyl ; R2 has one of the significances given for Ri ; or is optionally Rio and/or R1l-substituted fluorenyl ; optionally R10-substituted C1-C6 alkyl ; optionally R1O-substituted C2-C6 alkenyl ; optionally RlO-substituted C3-C6 cycloalkyl ; optionally R1O-substituted adamantyl ; or optionally R10-substituted C4-C8 cycloalkenyl ; R3 has one of the significances given for RI ; or is optionally Rio and/or Rl-substituted fluorenyl ; R10-substituted C1-C6 alkyl ; optionally R10-substituted C2-C6 alkenyl ; optionally Rio- substituted C3-C6 cycloalkyl ; optionally Rio-substituted adamantyl ; or optionally R10- substituted C4-C8 cycloalkenyl ; or wherein A is-CH2-,-NH-,-NRg-,-S-,-SO-, SO2- or -O-, n is 0,1 or 2, and the aromatic rings are each, independently optionally Rio-substituted ; each of R4, independently, has one of the significances of R5 ; or is CN; OH; ORe ; F; Cl ; Br; ort ; each of R5, independently, is H; C1-C6 alkyl ; Ci-Ce hydroxyalkyl ; C2-C6 alkoxyalkyl ; Ci-Ce halogenoalkyl ; phenyl ; benzyl ; or heteroaryl ; each of R6, independently, has one of the significances given for R4 ; each of R7, independently, has one of the significances given for R5 ; R8 is H; C1-C6 alkyl ; C2-C6 alkenyl ; C2-C6 alkynyl ; phenyl ; benzyl ; CN; CH2NH2; CH2NHR9 ; CH2NR9R9 ; CH2NHC (O) Rg ; CH2NR9C(O)R9 ; CH2NHC (O) NHR9 ; CH2NR9C(O)NHR9; CH2NR9C (O) NR9R9 ; CH2NHC (O) OR9 ; CH2NR9C (O) OR9 ; CH2NHS02R9 ; CH2N (SO2R9) 2 ; or CH2NR9SO2R9 ; each R9, independently, is C1-C6 alkyl ; C3-C6 cycloalkyl ; C2-C6 alkenyl ; C2-C6 alkynyl ; phenyl ; benzyl ; heteroaryl ; or CF3 ; Rio represents 1 to 4 substituents independently selected from C1-C6 alkyl ; Ci-Ce hydroxyalkyl ; C2-C6 alkoxyalkyl ; C1-C6 halogenoalkyl ; C3-C6 cycloalkyl ; C2-C6 alkenyl ; C3-C6 cycloalkenyl ; C2-C6 alkynyl ; phenyl ; heteroaryl ; heteroaryl N-oxide; F; Cl ; Br ; I ; OH; OR9 ; CONH2; CONHR9 ; CONR9R9 ; OC (O) Rg ; OC (O) OR9 ; OC (O) NHR9 ; OC (O) NR9R9 ; OS02R9 ; COOH; COOR9 ; CF3 ; CHF2; CH2F; CN; NO2 ; NH2 ; NHR9 ; NR9R9 ; NHC (O) Rg ; NR9C (O) Rg ; NHC (O) NHR9 ; NHC (O) NH2; NR9C (O) NHR9 ; NR9C (O) NR9R9 ; NHC (O) OR9 ; NR9C (O) OR9 ; NHS02R9 ; N (S02R9) 2; NR9S02R9 ; SR9 ; S (O) Rg ; S02R9 ; Si (CH3) 3and B (OC (CH3) 2) 2 ; R11 represents two adjacent substituents which form an annulated 4-7 membered nonaromatic ring optionally containing up to two heteroatoms selected independently from N, O and S; and Y is a direct bond;-C (O)-; -C(O)CH2-; -S(O)-; -S(O2)-; -C(S)-; -CH2-; -C(-CH2-CH2-)-; -CH (R4)- or-C (R5) 2-, in free form or in salt form.

Any alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl may be linear or branched. Halogeno is F, Cl, Br or 1.

By heteroaryl is meant an aromatic ring system comprising mono-, bi-or tricyclic systems which contains up to 4 heteroatoms independently selected from N, O and S, such as for example furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, tetrazinyl, indolyl, benzothiophenyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, indazolyl, benzotriazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, phthalazinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl or naphthyridinyl.

Preferred annulated 4-7membered non-aromatic ring as represented by R is annulated 5 or 6 membered non aromatic ring optionally containing 1 or 2 oxygen and include e. g.

-O-CH2-O- or -O-CH2-CH2-O-, attached to 2 adjacent carbon atoms.

The compounds of formula I may exist in free form or in salt form, e. g. addition salts with e. g. organic or inorganic acids, for example, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid when RI, R2, and /or R3 comprises an optionally substituted amino group or a heterocyclic residue which can form addition salts. When the compounds of formula I have one or more asymmetric centers in the molecule, e. g. when a piperidin ring is substituted, the present invention is to be understood as embracing the various optical isomers, as well as racemates, diastereoisomers and mixtures thereof.

In the compounds of formula 1, the following significances are preferred individually or in any sub-combination: 1. R, is optionally Rio-substituted phenyl ; optionally RIO-substituted heteroaryl ; or optionally Rll-substituted phenyl, 2. R2 is optionally R, o-substituted phenyl ; optionally Rio-substituted heteroaryl ; optionally R10-substituted heteroaryl N-oxide; or optionally Rio-substituted naphthyl.

3. R3 is optionally Rio-substituted phenyl ; optionally Rio-substituted heteroaryl ; or optionally R10-substituted naphthyl.

4. Each of R4, R5, R6 or R7, independently, is H; Ci-Ce alkyl ; or benzyl.

5. R8 is H; Ci-Ce alkyl ; or CZ-Cg alkenyl.

6. Rg is Ci-Ce alkyl ; C3-C6 cycloalkyl ; C2-Ce alkenyl ; C2-C6 alkynyl ; phenyl ; benzyl ; heteroaryl ; or CF3.

7. Rio represents 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from Ci-Ce alkyl ; Ci-Ce hydroxyalkyl ; C2-C6 alkoxyalkyl ; Ci-Ce halogenoalkyl ; C3-C6 cycloalkyl ; C2-C6 alkenyl ; C3-C6 cycloalkenyl ; C2-C6 alkynyl ; phenyl ; heteroaryl ; heteroaryl N-oxide; F; Cl ; Br; # ; OH; OR9 ; CONH2 ; CONHRg ; CONRgRg ; OC (O) Rg ; OC (O) ORe ; OC (O) NHR9 ; OC (O) NR9R9 ; OS02R9 ; COOH; COOR9 ; CF3 ; CHF2 ; CH2F ; CN; NO2 ; NH2 ; NHR9 ; NR9R9 ; NHC (O) Rg ; NR9C (O) Rg ; NHC (O) NHR9 ; NHC (O) NH2 ; NR9C (O) NHR9 ; NR9C (O) NR9R9 ; NHC (O) OR9 ; NR9C (O) ORe ; NHS02R9 ; N (S02R9) 2 ; NR9SO2R9 ; SR9 ; S (O) Rg ; SOIR9 and Si (CH3) 3.

8. R11 represents-O-CH2-O-attached on 2 adjacent carbon atoms.

9. X is a direct bond or -CH2-.

10. Y is-C (O)-.

In the preferred compounds of formula I, R10 may represent 1-3 substituents selected from from C, 4alkyl ; phenyl ; heteroaryl ; heteroaryl N-oxide; F; Cl ; Br ; I ; OH; OR9 ; CONH2; CONHRg ; CONRgRg ; COOH; COOR9 ; CF3 ; CHF2; CH2F; NH2; NHRg ; NRgRg ; NHC (O) Rg ; NR9C (O) Rg ; NHC (O) NHR9 ; NHC (O) NH2; NR9C (O) NHR9 ; NR9C (O) NR9R9 ; NHC (O) OR9 and NR9C (O) OR9.

Rg is preferably Ci-Ce alkyl ; Ca-Ce cycloalkyl ; phenyl ; benzyl ; or heteroaryl ; more preferably Ci-Ce alkyl.

The present invention also includes a process for the preparation of a compound of formula I which process comprises a) for the preparation of a compound of formula I wherein X is a direct bond,-CH2-, - CH2-CH2-or-CHR9-and Y is-CO-,-C (O) CH2-,-S (O)- or-S (02)-, amidating a compound of formula 11 wherein R, and R3 to R8 are as indicated above and X'is a direct bond,-CH2-, -CH2-CH2- or -CHR9- with a compound of formula III R2-Y'-A' wherein R2 is as defined above, Y'is-CO-,-C (O) CH2-,-S (O)- or-S (02)- and A'is a leaving group, e. g. Cl or Br, b) for the preparation of a compound of formula I wherein X is a direct bond and Y is-CH2-, submitting a compound of formula 11 as defined above wherein X'is a direct bond, to a reductive amination; or c) for the preparation of a compound of formula I wherein X is CH2-,-CH2-CH2-or-CHR9- and Y is-CO-,-C (O) CH2-,-S (O)- or-S (02)-, reacting a compound of formula IV wherein R2 to R8 and Y'are as defined above, with a compound of formula V R1 X"Hal V wherein Ri is as defined above and X"is CH2-or-CHR9- ; and, where required, converting the resulting compound of formula I obtained in free form into the desired salt form, or vice versa.

The reaction steps a), b) or c) may be performed in accordance with methods known in the art or as disclosed in the Examples below. When R8 comprises a group which should not participate in the reaction, this group may be protected in accordance with methods known in the art.

Compounds of formula 11, used as starting material may be prepared as follows : O. a Rs R NBoc HN3 4 s X N3 4 s ? HN X..,, N N N NH2 reductive amination Boc aminoarvlation NBOC deprotection R NH R4 if x Is a drect eond R4 R4 aikvlation it 'fs other than a direct bond , R6 os wR7 0 6R7 R Rs R6 R7 R6hR R3 Re R3 Re R vN v v B N R7/N(OiPr) 4 X'deprotection Xj i-t2AcNisnotH R R R R R Rr R4 Rs R6 R7 1 4 5 8 7 or reductive aminaton if Ris H wherein X'and R, to R8 are as defined above and Hal is Cl, Br or I. In above formulae, Boc is a protecting group which means tert.-butyloxycarbonyl. This protecting group may be replaced in above reaction scheme by any amino protecting group, e. g. as disclosed in "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis"by T. W. Greene, J. Wiley & Sons NY, 2nd ed., Chapter 7,1991 and references therein, e. g. benzyloxycarbonyl or 9-fluorenylmethoxy carbonyl.

Compounds of formula IV, used as starting material, may be prepared as follows : wherein R2 to R8 and Y are as defined above and Bn is benzyl.

Above reactions may be carried out in accordance with methods known in the art or as disclosed hereafter.

Insofar as the production of the starting materials is not particularly described, the compounds are known or may be prepared analogously to methods known in the art or as described hereafter.

The following Examples are illustrative of the invention, without limitation. Following abbreviations are used: Bn = Benzyl Boc = tert.-Butyloxycarbonyl DMF = Dimethylformamide DMSO = Dimethylsufoxide BINAP = 2,2'-Bis (diphenylphosphino)-1, 1'-binaphthyl THF = Tetrahydrofuran TFA = Trifluoroacetic acid RT = Room temperature Example 1: (2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)- (4-diphenylamino-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl)- methanone A mixture of (4'-Methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-4-yl)-diphenyl-amine (0.25 g, 0.71 mmol), 2,6- dimethylbenzoic acid (0.32 g, 2.13 mmol), 2- (1H-benzotriazole-1-yl)-1, 1,3,3- tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (0.57 g, 1.5 mmol), EtN (i-Pr) 2 (0.6 ml) and DMF (5 ml) is stirred for 16 h at 20°C. The mixture is diluted with t-butyl methylether (25 ml), washed with 2N NaOH (25 ml) and brine (25 mi) and dried with sodium sulfate. The solvent is removed and the residue purified by chromatography (SiO2, t-butyl methylether/cyclohexane 1: 4--+1 : 0). The title compound is isolated as a colorless solid. MS/ESI 482 (M+H) + ; 'H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) & 0. 89 (3 H, s), 1.14-1.25 (3 H, m), 1.39 (1 H, m), 1.59 (1 H, m), 1.75 (1 H, m), 1.83-1.95 (2 H, m), 2.01 (3 H, s), 2.13 (3 H, s), 2.11-2.24 (2 H, m), 2.85 (2 H, m), 2.95 (1 H, m), 3.01 (1 H, m), 3.35 (1 H, m), 3.70-3.83 (2 H, m), 6.77 (4 H, m), 6.92- 7.05 (4 H, m), 7.12 (1 H, m), 7.26 (4 H, m).

(4'-Methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-4-yl)-diphenyl-amine, used as starting material may be prepared as follows : a) A mixture of phenyl-piperidin-4-yl-amine (4.14 g ; 15.0 mmol), iodobenzene (3.06 g; 15.0 mmol), Pd (OAc) 2 (0.14 g ; 0.63 mmol) ; BINAP (0.43 g ; 0.69 mmol), t-BuOK (17.5 ml of 1M solution in THF) in toluene (20 mi) is heated at 110°C for 5 h. The mixture is diluted with ethyl acetate, extracted with sodium hydrogencarbonate and brine and dried with sodium sulfate. The solvent is removed and the residue subjected to chromatography (SiO2, t-butyl methylether/cyclohexane 1: 9--+1 : 1). 4-Diphenylamino-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ter-butyl ester is isolated as a yellow solid. MS/ESI 353 (M+H) + b) A mixture of TFA (5 ml), methylene chloride (5 ml) water (0.25 ml) and 4-diphenylamino- piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ter-butyl ester (1.5 g; 4.2 mmol) is stirred for 2 h at 20°C.

Sodium hydroxide (4N) is added and the mixture extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase is dried with sodium sulfate and the solvent removed. Diphenyl-piperidin-4-yl-amine is isolated as a colorless oil. MS/ESI 253 (M+H) + c) A suspension of diphenyl-piperidin-4-yl-amine (1.26 g, 5.00 mmol), 1- (tert-butyl oxycarbonyl)-4-piperidone (1.00 g, 5.00 mmol), and titanium (IV) isopropoxide (1.42 g, 5.00 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (25 mi) is stirred for 1 h at 80°C and then for 16 h at 20°C.

Diethylaluminum cyanide (10 ml 1 M solution in toluene) is added and the mixture stirred for additional 24 h. The solvent is removed and the crude material dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (25 ml). Methylmagnesium bromide (8.7 ml 3M solution in ether) is added dropwise and the mixture stirred for 3 h at 20°C. Ammonium chloride (10 % solution, 50 ml) and ethyl acetate (50 ml) are added, the organic phase washed with ammonium chloride (10 % solution, 50 ml) and sodium hydrogencarbonate (10 % solution, 50 ml), dried with sodium sulfate and the solvent removed. The residue is subjected to chromatography (Si02, ethyl acetate/cyclohexane 1: 9-*1 : 1). 4-Diphenylamino-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-carboxylic acid tert.-butyl ester is isolated as a colorless solid MS/ESI 450 (M+H) +. d) A mixture of trifluoroacetic acid (2 ml) and water (0.1 ml) is added dropwise to a solution of compound a) above (0.81 g, 1.80 mmol) in methylene chloride (5 ml) and the mixture stirred for 3 h at 20°C. Sodium hydrogencarbonate (10% solution, 10 ml) and ethyl acetate (20moi) are added and the organic phase dried with sodium sulfate. The solvent is removed and the residue sublected to chromatography (RP-18, methanoUH20 1: 3--+0 : 1).

The title compound is isolated as a colorless oil. MS/ESI 350 (M+H) + ;'H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3) zu 0.88 (3 H, s), 1.35 (4 H, m), 1.60 (4 H, m), 1.93 (2 H, m), 2.15 (2 H, m), 2.58 (2 H, m), 2.87 (2 H, m), 2.96 (2 H, m), 3.76 (1 H, m), 6.78 (4 H, m), 6.94 (2 H, m), 7.22 (4 H, m).

By following the procedure of Example 1 and using as starting material (4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-4-yl)-diphenyl-amine, the compounds of formula Xi wherein R2 has the significances as given in Table 1, may be prepared.

Table 1 Example R2 MS/ESI (M+H) + 2 > 483 H, C-b 3 \ CH, 499 " \ i-° 4."b 460 b 5 454 b 6 b= (CH, 470 \S 7 a 522 a 8 H, 468 W 9 s 484 10 560 CH N hic 0t 12 561 e 13 \ c 488 /n 14 a 523 "0 6f 15 504 16 H, 500 H, c =o' 17 506 18 ci 539 c'- zu 19 OH 498 20 < 525 \/ 21 4> 488 OH oe 22 506 / 23 505 24 581 25 535 0- 26 505 27 506 28 521 0 29 505 30 505 H 31 518 32 H, 577 te0- 33 <° 511 34. 493 I 35 $ 493 a 36 530 37 528 38 548 0 \/ 0 HO 39-547 / 40 519 /' \ Example 41: [4'-Methyl-1'-(2, 4,6-trimethyl-benzenesulfonyl)- [1,4'] bipiperidinyl-4-yl]- diphenyl-amine A mixture of (4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-4-yl)-diphenyl-amine (70 mg, 0.20 mmol) and 2,4,6-trimethyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride (65 mg, 0.30 mmol) and diisopropyl ethylamin (0.50 ml) in methylene chloride (3 ml) is stirred for 4h at RT. The mixture is diluted with ethyl acetate, extracted with sodium hydrogencarbonate (10 % solution) and dried with sodium sulfate. The solvent is removed and the residue subjected to chromatography (Si02, t-butyl methylether/cyclohexane 1: 9#1 : 0). The title compound is isolated as a colorless solid.

MS/ESI 532 (M+H) + Example 42: [1'- (2, 6-Dimethyl-benzyl)-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-4-yl]-diphenyl- amine A mixture of (4'-Methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-4-yl)-diphenyl-amine (70 mg, 0.20 mmol) and 2,6- dimethyl-benzaldehyde (34 mg, 0.25 mmol) and Na (OAc) 3BH (53 mg, 0.25 mmol) in 1,2- dichloroethane (10 ml) is stirred at RT for 16 h. The mixture is diluted with ethyl acetate, extracted with sodium hydrogencarbonate (10 % solution) and dried with sodium sulfate.

The solvent is removed and the residue subjected to chromatography (SiO2, tert-butyl methylether/methanol 1: 0-10 : 1). The title compound is isolated as a colorless solid.

MS/ESI 468 (M+H) + Example 43: (2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)- (4-diphenylamino- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl)- methanone A mixture of TFA salt of [1,4'] bipiperidinyl-4-yl-diphenyl-amine (77 mg, 0.23 mmol), 2,6- dimethylbenzoic acid (100 mg, 0.67 mmol), 2-(1H-benzotriazole-1-yl)-1, 1, 3, 3- tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (254 mg, 0.67 mmol), EtN (i-Pr) 2 (2 ml) and DMF (3 ml) is stirred for 5 h at RT. The mixture is diluted with tert-butyl methylether (10 ml), washed with 2N NaOH and brine and dried with sodium sulfate. The solvent is removed and the residue purified by chromatography (Si02, t-butyl methylether/cyclohexane 1: 1-. ethyl acetateoethyl acetate/H20 98: 2). The title compound is isolated as a colorless solid.

MS/ESI 468 (M+H) + [1,4'] Bipiperidinyl-4-yl-dipherylamine, used as starting materials, may be prepared as follows : a) A mixture of diphenyl-piperidin-4-yl-amine (1.06 g ; 4.2 mmol), 4-oxo-piperidine-1- carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (1.0 g ; 5.0 mmol), AcOH (0.62 g ; 10.3 mmol) and Na (OAc) 3BH (1.0 g ; 4.7 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (15 ml) is stirred for 4h at 65°C. The mixture is diluted with t-butyl methylether, extracted with 1 N NaOH and dried with sodium sulfate. The solvent is removed and the residue subjected to chromatography (SiO2, t-butyl methylether/cyclohexane 1: 9--+1 : 0). 4-Diphenylamino- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester is isolated as a colorless solid. MS/ESI 436 (M+H) + b) A mixture of 4-Diphenylamino- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (1.06 g ; 2.4 mmol), TFA (2.5 ml), H20 (0.25 ml) and methylene chloride (5 ml) is stirred at RT for 4 h.

The mixture is added dropwise to ether and the precipitate formed is filtered off. The TFA salt of [1,4'] bipiperidinyl-4-yl-diphenyl-amine is isolated as a colorless solid. MS/ESI 336 (M+H)+ By following the procedure of Example 2 above and using as starting materials [1,4'] bipiperidinyl-4-yl-diphenyl-amine the compounds of formula X2 wherein R2 has one of the significances given in Table 2, may be prepared Table 2 Example R2 MS/ESI 44 CHO 469 H, C 6 45 G CH, 485 H,C-b t-0- 46 cl3 470 48 taCH, 486 47 a 509 cri- N 48 H. 486 --<'' 49 H, CX 547 U I o* Example 51 : {4- [ (4-Bromo-phenyl)-phenyl-amino]-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl}- (2, 6-dimethyl-phenyl)-methanone A mixture of [4- (4-bromo-phenylamino)-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl]-(2, 6-dimethyl- phenyl)-methanone (97 mg; 0.20 mmol), iodobenzene (41 mg; 0.20 mmol), Pd (OAc) 2 (1. 9 mg; 0.008 mmol), BINAP (5.7 mg; 0.009 mmol) and t-BuOK (0.23 ml of 1 M solution on THF) in toluene (3 ml) is heated at 110°C for 16h. The mixture is diluted with ethyl acetate and filtered. The resulting solution is extracted with 2N NaOH and brine and dried with sodium sulfate. The solvent is removed and the residue subjected to chromatography (first Si02, t-butyl methylether/cyclohexane 1: 4--*1 : 0 and subsequently RP-18, methanol/H20 7: 3). The title compound is isolated as a colorless solid. MS/ESI 560 (M+H) +.

[4- (4-bromo-pherylamino)-4'-methyl- [1, 4] bipiperidinyl-1'yl]-2, 6-dimethylphenyl)-methanone, used as starting material, may be prepared as follows : a) 8-(1-Benzyl-4-methyl-piperidin-4-yl)-1, 4-dioxa-8-aza-spiro [4.5] decane is prepared from 1,4-dioxa-8-aza-spiro [4.5] decane and 1-benzyl-piperidin-4-one following a procedure as described in example 1 c). MS/ESI 331 (M+H) +. b) A mixture of 8-(1-benzyl-4-methyl-piperidin-4-yl)-1, 4-dioxa-8-aza-spiro [4.5] decane (2.0 g, 6.1 mmol) and Pd (OH) 2 (20%) on charcoal (1 g) in methanol (30 ml) is hydrogenated for 16h at RT. The catalyst is filtered off and the solvent removed. Crude 8- (4-methyl-piperidin-4-yl)- 1,4-dioxa-8-aza-spiro [4.5] decane is isolated as a yellow oil. MS/ESI 241 (M+H) +. c) (2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)- [4- (1,4-dioxa-8-aza-spiro [4.5] dec-8-yl)-4-methyl-piperidin-1-yl]- methanone is obtained from crude 8- (4-methyl-piperidin-4-yl)-1, 4-dioxa-8-aza- spiro [4.5] decane and 2,6-dimethyl-benzoic acid by following a procedure as described in example 1. MS/ESI 373 (M+H) +. d) A solution of (2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)- [4- (1,4-dioxa-8-aza-spiro [4.5] dec-8-yl)-4-methyl- piperidin-1-yl]-methanone (915 mg; 2.46 mmol) in dioxan (30 mi) and HCI (6N; 30mi) is stirred for 4h at 50°C. The mixture is diluted with ethyl acetate (50 ml), extracted with 2N NaOH and brine and dried with sodium sulfate. Removal of the solvent affords 1'- (2, 6- dimethyl-benzoyl)-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-4-one is isolated as a colorless solid. MS/ESI 329 (M+H) +. e) A mixture of 1'- (2, 6-dimethyl-benzoyl)-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-4-one (49.3 mg; 0.15 mmol), 4-bromo-phenylamine (29 mg, 0.165 mmol), acetic acid (18 mg; 0.30 mmol) and NaBH (OAc) 3 (35 mg; 0.165 mmol) in (CH2CI) 2 (4 ml) is stirred for 16h at RT. The mixture is diluted with ethyl acetate, extracted with 2N NaOH and brine and dried with sodium sulfate.

The solvent is removed and the residue subjected to chromatography (RP-18, methano !/HzO 8: 2--+1 : 0). [4- (4-bromo-pherylamino)-4'-methyl- [1, 4] bipiperidinyl-1'yl]-2, 6- dimethylphenyl)-methanone is isolated as a colorless solid. MS/ESI 484 (M+H) +.

Example 52: {4- [Benzyl- (4-bromo-phenyl)-amino]-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl}- (2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-methanone A mixture of {4-[(4-bromo-phenyl)-phenyl-amino]-4'-methyl-[1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl}-(2, 6- dimethyl-phenyl)-methanone (97 mg; 0.20 mmol), bromomethyl-benzene (376 mg, 2.2 mmol) and K2CO3 (138 mg; 1.0 mmol) in DMF (3 ml) is stirred at 100°C for 16h. The mixture is diluted with ethyl acetate, extracted with 2N NaOH and brine and dried with sodium sulfate. The solvent is removed and the residue subjected to chromatography (first Si02, t- butyl methylether and subsequently RP-18, methanot/HsO 8: 2). The title compound is isolated as a colorless solid. MS/ESI 574 (M+H) +.

Example 53: [4- (Benzyl-phenyl-amino)-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl]- (2, 6- dimethyl-phenyl)-methanone It is prepared from (2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)- (4'-methyl-4-phenylamino- [1,4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl)- methanone and benzyl bromide following a similar procedure as described in example 52.

MS/ESI 496 (M+H) +. The starting material may be prepared from 1'-(2,6-dimethyl-benzoyl)- 4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-4-one, by following a similar procedure as described in example 51e). MS/ESI 406 (M+H)'.

By following the procedure of Example 53 above and using the appropriate starting materials the compounds of formula X3 wherein-X-R, has the significances as indicated in Table 3 below, may be prepared.

Table 3 Example-X-R1 MS/ESI (M+Hj+ 54 517 55 497 / Example 56: (2,4-Dimethyl-pyrtdin-3-yl) {4'-methyl-4- [phenyl- (4-trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-amino]- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl}-methanone It is prepared from 4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ter-butyl ester by using a procedure as described in example 1. MS/ESI 551 (M+H)+. The starting material is prepared from 4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamine and 4-oxo-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester following a procedure as described in example 51 e). MS/ESI 345 (M+H) +.

Example 57: [4- (Biphenyl-4-yl-phenyl-amino)-4'-methyl-[1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl]- (2, 6- dimethyl-phenyl)-methanone It is prepared from 4-phenylamino-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ter-butyl ester and 4-bromo- biphenyl by using a procedure as described in example 1. MS/ESI 558 (M+H) +.

Example 58: {4-[(4-Bromo-phenyl)-phenyl-amino]-[1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl}- (4, 6- dimethyl-pyrimidin-5-yl-methanone It is prepared from [1, 4']bipiperidinyl-4-yl-(4-bromo-phenyl)-phenyl-amine and 4,6-dimethyl- pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid by following a procedure as described in example 1. MS/ESI 548 (M+H)+.

[1,4'] bipiperidinyl-4-yl- (4-bromo-phenyl)-phenyl-amine used as starting materials may be prepared as follows : a) 4- (4-Bromo-phenylamino)-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ter-butyl ester is prepared from 4- bromo-phenylamine and 4-oxo-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester as described in example 51 e). MS/ESI 355 (M+H) +. b) 4- [ (4-Bromo-phenyl)-phenyl-amino]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ter-butyl ester is prepared from 4- (4-bromo-phenylamino)-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ter-butyl ester and iodo-benzene as described in example 51. MS/ESI 431 (M+H) +. c) (4-Bromo-phenyl)-phenyl-piperidin-4-yl-amine is prepared from 4- [ (4-bromo-phenyl)- phenyl-amino]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ter-butyl ester as described in example 1 b).

MS/ESI 331 (M+H). d) 4- [ (4-Bromo-phenyl)-phenyl-amino]- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-carboxylic acid ter-butyl ester is prepared from (4-bromo-phenyl)-phenyl-piperidin-4-yl-amine and 4-oxo-piperidine-1- carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester as described in example 43a). MS/ESI 514 (M+H) +. e) [1,4'] Bipiperidinyl-4-yl- (4-bromo-phenyl)-phenyl-amine is prepared from 4- [ (4-bromo- phenyl)-phenyl-amino]- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-cargboxylic acid tert-butyl ester as described in example 1 b). MS/ESI 414 (M+H) +.

By using a procedure as disclosed above and the corresponding starting materials, the compounds of formula X4 wherein R2 is as defined in Table 4 below, may be prepared.

Table 4 Example R2 MS/ESI (M+H) + 59.. CH, 546 - 60. I ci 587 a- N 61 603 a- 0 62 cl 563 H, c =o- H, CO H. C 64 H, CX 548 J 65 1 ? 625 ", c HIC 66 pH, 641 H, C ZU tri. Example 67: (2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)- [4-(phenyl-pyridin-3-yl-amino)- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl]-methanone It is prepared from 4-phenylamino-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester and 3-bromo- pyridine by using a procedure as described in example 58 and 58b) to e). MS/ESI 469 (M+H)+.

By following a procedure as disclosed above, the compounds of formula X5 wherein R2 is as given in Table 5 below, may be prepared.

Table 5 Example | R2 MS/ESI (M+H) + 68 ß 471 H. cob 69 ars 510 a il .. cri o' a-A 71 CH'486 H,C (-,-o- , bi H, c =o' Example 73: (4,6-Dimethyl-pyrimidin-5-yl)- [4'-methyl-4- (phenyl-pyridin-3-yl-amino)- [1,4']bipiperidinyl-1'-yl]-methanone It is prepared from phenyl-piperidin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl-amine and 4-phenylamino-piperidine-1- carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester using a procedure as described in example 1,1 c) and 1 d).

MS/ESI 485 (M+H) +.

By following the procedure as disclosed in example 73, the compounds of formula X6 wherein R2 has the significances as indicated in Table 6, may be prepared.

Table 6 Example R2 MS/ESI (M+H) + 74'\/"'500 Hs °- 75 a 540 zu 1 76\/483 Example 77: {4- [ (4-Bromo-phenyl)-phenyl-amino]-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl}- (4,6-dimethyl-pyrimidin-5-yl)-methanone It is prepared from 4-bromo-phenyl)-phenyl-piperidin-4-yl-amine and 4-phenylamino- piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ter-butyl ester using a procedure as described in example 1, 1 c) and 1 d). MS/ESI 562 (M+H) +.

Example 78: {4- [4-Bromo-phenyl)-phenyl-amino]-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl}- (2,4-dimethyl-1-oxy-pyridin-3-yl)-methanone It is prepared from (4-bromo-phenyl)-phenyl-piperidin-4-yl-amine and 4-phenylamino- piperidine-1-carboxylic tert.-butyl ester using a procedure as described in example 1, 1c) and 1d). MS/ESI 577 (M+H) + Example 79: [4- (Benzo [1,3] dloxol-5-yl-benzyl-amino)-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidlnyl-1'- fizz(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-methanone It is prepared from 1'- (2, 6-dimethyl-benzoyl)-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-4-one and benzo [1, 3] dioxol-5-ylamine by following a procedure as described in examples 51 and 52.

MS/ESI 540 (M+H) +.

Example 80: {4- [1, 3-Benzodioxol-5-yl- (2-methyl-thiazol-4-ylmethyl)-amino]-4'- methyl-1, 4'-bipiperidinyl-1'-yl}-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-methanone It is prepared from 1'- (2, 6-dimethyl-benzoyl)-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-4-one and benzo [1,3] dioxol-5-ylamine by following a procedure as described in examples 51 and 52.

MS (ESI) 561 (M+H) + Example 81: {4- [ (4-Bromo-phenyl)-pyridin-3-yl-amino]-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'- yl}-(2,4-dimethyl-1-oxy-pyridin-3-yl)-methanone It is prepared from 4-(pyridin-3-ylamino)-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid ter-butyl ester and 1,4- dibromo-benzene by following a procedure as described in example 1. MS/ESI 578 (M+H) +. Example 82: [4- (Benzyl-phenyl-amino)-4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl]-(2, 4- dimethyl-1-oxy-pyridin-3-yl)-methanone It is prepared from phenyl-piperidin-4-yl-amine by following a procedure as described in examples 52 and 1. MS/ESI 513 (M+H) +.

Example 83: (2, 4-Dimethyl-1-oxy-pyridin-3-yl)-{4'-methyl-4-[(2-methyl-thiaz ol-4- ylmethyl)-phenyl-amino]- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-yl}-methanone It prepared from (4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-4-yl)-(2-methyl-thiazol-4-ylmethyl)-phenyl- amine using a procedure as described in example 1. MS/ESI 534 (M+H) +.

(4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-4-yl)- (2-methyl-thiazol-4-ylmethyl)-phenyl-amine, used as starting material, is obtained as follows : a mixture of 4- (benzyl-phenylamino)-4'-methyl- [1,4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-carboxylic acid tert.-butyl ester (1.0 g, 2.16 mmol), ammonium formate (0.5 g, 7.92 mmol) and Pd (OH) 2 (20%) on charcoal (0.25 g) in methanol (25 ml) is heated under reflux for 3 h. The catalyst is filtered off and washed with methanol. The solvent is removed and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate. The organic solution is extracted with 1 N NaOH and brine and dried with sodium sulfate. Removal of the solvent gives crude 4'- methyl-4-phenylamino- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-carboxylic acid tert.-butyl ester which is used in the next step without further purification. MS/ESI 374 (M+H)+.

4'-Methyl-4-phenylamino- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-1'-carboxylic acid tert.-butyl ester is converted into (4'-methyl- [1, 4'] bipiperidinyl-4-yl)- (2-methyl-thiazol-4-ylmethyl)-phenyl-amine using a procedure as described in examples 52 and 1 d).

The compounds of formula I in free form or in pharmaceutical acceptable salt form exhibit valuable pharmacological properties, e. g. as CCR5 antagonists, e. g. as indicated in in vitro tests and therefore indicated for therapy. a) CCR5 membrane binding assay Human CCR5 is used to generate stable transfectants in CHO K1 cells. Membranes prepared from these CCR5 transfectants are used in a radioligand binding assay using 125-1 MIP-1 a as a ligand and the compounds of formula I are tested for inhibitory activity.

The data are reported as ICsos i. e. the concentration of compound required to achieve 50% inhibition of [1-125] MIP-1 a binding. In this assay, compounds of formula I have an IC50 < 1, uM. Compounds of Examples 16,53 and 83 have an IC50 of 2 to 3 nM, respectively. b) CCR5 functional assay-Ca2 ; mobilization Human CCR5 is used to generate stable transfectants in CHO K1 cells. These CCR5 transfectants are used for assessing Ca2+ mobilization in response to stimulation by the CCR5 ligands MIP-1 a, MIP-1 ß, HCC-1 (9-74) or RANTES. For the assay the cells are loaded with a Ca2+-sensitive fluorochrome (Fluo3 or Fluo4). Ligand concentrations between 0.01- 100 nM are used to induce Ca2+ mobilization which is monitored in a fluorometer with appropriate settings.

To assess the activity of the compounds to be tested, a baseline fluorescence reading is taken after which the compounds at the desired concentration are added to the cells and fluorescence is further recorded for a certain time to assess whether compounds show agonistic effects. Next the agonist is added to the mixture and fluorescence monitored. The inhibition of Ca2+ flux in the presence of the compounds to be tested is calculated from the inhibition of maximal fluorescence induced by the agonist. ICN values are calculated from dose-response curves obtained with the compounds. In this assay, compounds of formula I have an IC50 1 1. M. For example, compounds of Example 1,18 and 52 have an ICso of 10, 9 and 4, respectively. c) CCR5 functional assav-chemotaxis CCR5 transfectants are generated in Jurkat T cells or the mouse pre B cell line L1. 2.

Migration of CCR5 transfectants is tested in transwell tissue chamber inserts system with the CCR5 agonist MIP-1a at concentrations of 1-100 nM. Cells migrated in response to the agonist compared to a buffer control are quantified in a flow cytometer. The compounds to be tested are added to the cells and the agonist compartments. IC50 values are calculated from concentration-response curves obtained with the compounds in the presence of MIP- 1 a. In this assay, compounds of formula I have an IC50 1) M. d) Experiments performed in murine animal models show that vessel wall remodeling after experimental injury (e. g. induced by allotransplantation) is significantly inhibited in the absence of functional CCR5.

The compounds of formula I are, therefore, useful in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases or disorders mediated by interactions between chemokine receptors, e. g. CCR5, and their ligands, e. g. in transplantation, such as acute or chronic rejection of organ, tissue or cell allo-or xenografts or delayed graft function, autoimmune diseases, e. g. rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto's thyroidis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, diabetes type l or 11 and the disorders associated therewith, vasculitis, pernicious anemia, Sjoegren syndrome, uveitis, psoriasis, alopecia areata and others, allergic diseases, e. g. allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis, allergic contact dermatitis, inflammatory diseases optionally with underlying aberrant reactions, e. g. inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, intrinsic asthma, inflammatory lung injury, inflammatory liver injury, inflammatory glomerular injury, atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, irritant contact dermatitis and further eczematous dermatitises, seborrhoeic dermatitis, cutaneous manifestations of immunologically-mediated disorders, inflammatory eye disease, keratoconjunctivitis, myocarditis or hepatitis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, e. g. myocardial infarction, stroke, gut ischemia, renal failure or hemorrhage shock, traumatic shock and others, cancer, e. g. solid tumors or lymphatic cancer such as T cell lymphomas or T cell leukemias, metastasizing or angiogenesis, infectious diseases, e. g. toxic shock (e. g. superantigen induced), septic shock, adult respiratory distress syndrome or viral infections, e. g. AIDS. By transplantation is meant allo- or xeno grafts of e. g. cells, tissues or solid organs, for example pancreatic islets, stem cells, bone marrow, corneal tissue, neuronal tissue, heart, lung, combined heart-lung, kidney, liver, bowel, pabcreas, trachea or oesophagus. Chronic rejection is also named graft vessel diseases.

For the above uses the required dosage will of course vary depending on the mode of administration, the particular condition to be treated and the effect desired. In general, satisfactory results are indicated to be obtained systemically at daily dosages of from about 0.01 to10 mg/kg per body weight. An indicated daily dosage in the larger mammal, e. g. humans, is in the range from about 0.5 mg to about 1000 mg, conveniently administered, for example, in divided doses up to four times a day or in retard form. Suitable unit dosage forms for oral administration comprise from ca. 1 to 500 mg active ingredient.

The compounds of formula I may be administered by any conventional route, in particular enterally, e. g. orally, e. g. in the form of tablets or capsules, or parenterally, e. g. in the form of injectable solutions or suspensions, topically, e. g. in the form of lotions, gels, ointments or creams, or in a nasal or a suppository form. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula I in free form or in pharmaceutical acceptable salt form in association with at least one pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or diluent may be manufactured in conventional manner by mixing with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or diluent.

The compounds of formula I may be administered in free form or in pharmaceutical acceptable salt form e. g. as indicated above. Such salts may be prepared in conventional manner and exhibit the same order of activity as the free compounds.

In accordance with the foregoing the present invention further provides: 1.1 A method for preventing or treating disorders or diseases mediated by interactions between chemokine receptors and their ligands, e. g. such as indicated above, in a subject in need of such treatment, which method comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof; 1.2 A method for preventing or treating acute or chronic transplant rejection or inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, e. g. as indicated above, in a subject in need of such treatment, which method comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof; 2. A compound of formula I or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof for use as a pharmaceutical, e. g. in any of the methods as indicated under 1.1 or 1.2 above.

3. A pharmaceutical composition, e. g. for use in any of the methods as in 1.1 or 1.2 above comprising a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof in association with a pharmaceutical acceptable diluent or carrier therefor.

4. A compound of formula) or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof for use in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for use in any of the method as in 1.1 or 1.2 above.

The compounds of formula I may be administered as the sole active ingredient or in conjunction with, e. g. as an adjuvant to, other drugs e. g. in immunosuppressive or immunomodulating regimens or other anti-inflammatory agents, e. g. for the treatment or prevention of allo-or xenograft acute or chronic rejection or inflammatory or autoimmune disorders, a chemotherapeutic agent or an anti-infective agent, e. g. an anti-viral agent such as e. g. an anti-retroviral agent or an antibiotic. For example, the compounds of formula I may be used in combination with a calcineurin inhibitor, e. g. cyclosporin A or FK 506; a macrocyclic lactone having immunosuppressive properties, e. g. rapamycin, 40-0- (2- hydroxyethyl)-rapamycin, CC1779 or ABT578; an ascomycin having immunosuppressive properties, e. g. ABT-281, ASM981, etc.; corticosteroids; cyclophosphamide ; azathioprine; methotrexate; leflunomide ; mizoribine; mycophenolic acid; mycophenolate mofetil ; 15- deoxyspergualine or an immunosuppressive homologue, analogue or derivative thereof; an accelerating lymphocyte homing agent, e. g. FTY720; monoclonal antibodies to leukocyte receptors, e. g., MHC, CD2, CD3, CD4, CD7, CD8, CD11a/CD18, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD40. CD45, CD58, CD80, CD86, CD137, ICOS, CD150 (SLAM), OX40, 4-1 BB or to their ligands, e. g. CD154, or antagonists thereof; other immunomodulatory compounds, e. g. a recombinant binding molecule having at least a portion of the extracellular domain of CTLA4 or a mutant thereof, e. g. an at least extracellular portion of CTLA4 or a mutant thereof joined to a non-CTLA4 protein sequence, e. g. CTLA41g (for ex. designated ATCC 68629) or a mutant thereof, e. g. LEA29Y; adhesion molecule inhibitors, e. g. LFA-1 antagonists, ICAM-1 or-3 antagonists, VCAM-4 antagonists or VLA-4 antagonists; or antichemokine antibodies or antichemokine receptor antibodies or low molecular weight chemokine receptor antagonists, e. g. anti MCP-1 antibodies.

Where the compounds of formula I are administered in conjunction with other immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory or chemotherapeutic therapy, dosages of the co-administered immunosuppressant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory or chemotherapeutic compound will of course vary depending on the type of co-drug employed, e. g. whether it is a steroid or a calcineurin inhibitor, on the specific drug employed, on the condition being treated and so forth. In accordance with the foregoing the present invention provides in a yet further aspect: 5. A method as defined above comprising co-administration, e. g. concomitantly or in sequence, of a therapeutically effective non-toxic amount of a compound of formula I and at least a second drug substance, e. g. an immunosuppressant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective or chemotherapeutic drug, e. g. as indicated above.

6. A pharmaceutical combination, e. g. a kit, comprising a) a first agent which is a CCR5 antagonist, e. g. a compound of formula I as disclosed herein, in free form or in pharmaceutical acceptable salt form, and b) at least one co-agent, e. g. an immunosuppressant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective or chemotherapeutic drug. The kit may comprise instructions for its administration.

The terms"co-administration"or"combined administration"or the like as utilized herein are meant to encompass administration of the selected therapeutic agents to a single patient, and are intended to include treatment regimens in which the agents are not necessarily administered by the same route of administration or at the same time.

The term"pharmaceutical combination"as used herein means a product that results from the mixing or combining of more than one active ingredient and includes both fixed and non-fixed combinations of the active ingredients. The term"fixed combination"means that the active ingredients, e. g. a compound of formula I and a co-agent, are both administered to a patient simultaneously in the form of a single entity or dosage. The term"non-fixed combination"means that the active ingredients, e. g. a compound of formula I and a co- agent, are both administered to a patient as separate entities either simultaneously, concurrently or sequentially with no specific time limits, wherein such administration provides therapeutically effective levels of the 2 compounds in the body of the patient. The latter also applies to cocktail therapy, e. g. the administration of 3 or more active ingredients.