Abstract: The present invention relates to prodrugs of a class of sulfonamides which are aspartyl protease inhibitors. In one embodiment, this invention relates to a novel class of prodrugs of HIV aspartyl protease inhibitors characterized by favorable aqueous solubility, high oral bioavailability and facile in vivo generation of the active ingredient. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these prodrugs. The prodrugs and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are particularly well suited for decreasing the pill burden and increasing patient compliance. This invention also relates to methods of treating mammals with these prodrugs and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A compound having formula (I), wherein A is selected from the group consisting of: (i) phenyl, wherein said phenyl is optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms, C1-6alkyl, C1-3alkoxy, C1-3fluoroalkoxy, nitrile, or —NR7R8 where R7 and R8 are independently hydrogen or C1-3alkyl; (ii) a 5- or 6-membered hetrocyclic group containing at least one heteroatom selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur; and (iii) a fused bicyclic ring (a), wherein ring C represents a heterocyclic group as defined in point (ii) above, which bicyclic ring is attached to group B via a ring atom of ring C; B is selected from the group consisting of: (iv) C1-6alkylene; (v) —MC1-6alkylene or C1-6alkyleneMC1-6alkylene, wherein M is O, S, or —NR2 wherein R2 represents hydrogen or C1-3alkyl; (vi) a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic group containing at least one nitrogen heteroatom and optionally at least one further heteroatom selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur and optionally substituted by C1-3alkyl; and (vii) H

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of compounds of the Formula IR--X--R.sup.1 (I)wherein X is thio, dithio or carbonyl and R and R.sup.1 are defined hereinbelow which comprises reducing a compound of the Formula IIR--A (II)wherein A is chlorosulfonyl or a group of the Formula ##STR1## with a sulfur compound comprising sulfur which is of the (+)4 oxidation degree and is converted into the (+)6 oxidation degree during the process or with a sulfur compound which is decomposed in acidic medium to a compound of the latter oxidation degree in the presence of a catalytic amount but not more than 0.5 mole--related to 1 mole of the starting material of the Formula II--of elemental iodine or a compound capable of delivering hydrogen iodide in acidic medium or a compound which can be reduced to hydrogen iodide in acidic medium with the sulfur compound used.