| abstract |
The invention provides a series of thieno[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives wherein Y represents a linkage of formula C(O) or S(O)2; R1 represents hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, C|-6 alkyl, trifluoromethyl, Ci.6 alkoxy, trifluoromethoxy, C1-6 alkylthio, C1-6 alkylsulphinyl or C1-6 alkylsulphonyl; R2 represents halogen, nitro, cyano, C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkynyl, hydroxy(C1-6)alkyl or formyl; and R3 represents a group of formula (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e): wherein the asterisk (*) represents the point of attachment to the remainder of the molecule. The compounds of formula (I) are selective inhibitors of human MEK (MAPICIC) enzymes and are accordingly of benefit in medicine, for example in the treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, cardiovascular, proliferative (including oncological) and nociceptive conditions. |