Claims for Patent: 8,344,011

Summary for Patent: 8,344,011

Title:	Compounds as opioid receptor modulators
Abstract:	The present invention is directed to novel opioid receptor modulators of Formula (I). ##STR00001## The invention further relates to methods for preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in the treatment of disorders that may be ameliorated or treated by the modulation of opioid receptors.
Inventor(s):	Breslin; Henry J. (Lansdale, PA), Cai; Chaozhong (North Wales, PA), He; Wei (Audubon, PA), Kavash; Robert W. (Glenside, PA)
Assignee:	Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V. (Beerse, BE)
Application Number:	12/838,825
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases:	See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for patent 8,344,011
Patent Claims:	1. A method for treating or pain or gastrointestinal disorder, wherein said pain is centrally mediated pain, peripherally mediated pain, structural or soft tissue injury related pain, pain related to inflammation, progressive disease related pain, neuropathic pain, acute pain, or chronic pain, and wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, or alternating irritable bowel syndrome, in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of Formula (I) ##STR00044## wherein: R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-6alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, and heteroaryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl; wherein when R.sup.1 is phenyl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, phenyl is optionally fused to a heterocyclyl or cycloalkyl; wherein when R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-2alkyl, said C.sub.1-2alkyl is optionally substituted with one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-6alkoxy, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, hydroxy, cyano, amino, C.sub.1-6alkylamino, (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2amino, trifluoromethyl, and carboxy; and further, wherein when R.sup.1 is C.sub.3-6alkyl, said C.sub.3-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-6alkoxy, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, hydroxy, cyano, amino, C.sub.1-6alkylamino, (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2amino, trifluoromethyl, and carboxy; wherein the cycloalkyl and heterocyclyl of C.sub.1-2alkyl and C.sub.3-6alkyl are optionally substituted with one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-6alkyl, hydroxy(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, C.sub.1-6alkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, amino, C.sub.1-6alkylamino, (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2amino, trifluoromethyl, carboxy, aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkoxycarbonyl, C.sub.1-6alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, C.sub.1-6alkylaminocarbonyl, (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2-aminocarbonyl, and aminosulfonyl; furthermore, wherein the cycloalkyl and heterocyclyl of R.sup.1 are optionally substituted with one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-6alkyl, hydroxy(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, C.sub.1-6alkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, amino, C.sub.1-6alkylamino, (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2amino, trifluoromethyl, carboxy, aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkoxycarbonyl, C.sub.1-6alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, C.sub.1-6alkylaminocarbonyl, (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2aminocarbonyl, and aminosulfonyl; furthermore, wherein the aryl and heteroaryl portion of the R.sup.1 substituents aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl and heteroaryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, are optionally substituted with one to three R.sup.11 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-6alkyl; hydroxy(C.sub.1-6)alkyl; C.sub.1-6alkoxy; C.sub.6-10aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl; C.sub.6-10aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkoxy; C.sub.6-10aryl; heteroaryl optionally substituted with one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-4alkyl, C.sub.1-4alkoxy, and carboxy; cycloalkyl; heterocyclyl; C.sub.6-10aryloxy; heteroaryloxy; cycloalkyloxy; heterocyclyloxy; amino; C.sub.1-6alkylamino; (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2-amino; C.sub.3-6cycloalkylaminocarbonyl; hydroxy(C.sub.1-6)alkylaminocarbonyl; C.sub.6-10arylaminocarbonyl wherein C.sub.6-10aryl is optionally substituted with carboxy or C.sub.1-4alkoxycarbonyl; heterocyclylcarbonyl; carboxy; C.sub.1-6alkoxycarbonyl; C.sub.1-6alkoxycarbonyloxy; C.sub.1-6alkylcarbonyl; C.sub.1-6alkylcarbonylamino; aminocarbonyl; C.sub.1-6alkylaminocarbonyl; (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2aminocarbonyl; cyano; halogen; trifluoromethyl; trifluoromethoxy; and hydroxy; provided that no more than one R.sup.11 substituent is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.6-10aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl; C.sub.6-10aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkoxy; C.sub.6-10aryl; heteroaryl optionally substituted with one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-4alkyl, C.sub.1-4alkoxy, and carboxy; cycloalkyl; heterocyclyl; C.sub.6-10aryloxy; heteroaryloxy; cycloalkyloxy; C.sub.6-10arylaminocarbonyl wherein C.sub.6-10aryl is optionally substituted with carboxy or C.sub.1-4 alkoxycarbonyl; heterocyclylcarbonyl, and heterocyclyloxy; R.sup.2 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-8alkyl, hydroxy(C.sub.1-8)alkyl, C.sub.6-10aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkoxy(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, or C.sub.6-10aryl(C.sub.1-8)alkyl; wherein the C.sub.6-10aryl group in the C.sub.6-10aryl-containing substituents of R.sup.2 are optionally substituted with one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-6alkyl, C.sub.1-6alkoxy, hydroxy, amino, C.sub.1-6alkylamino, (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2-amino, aminocarbonyl, C.sub.1-6alkylaminocarbonyl, (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2aminocarbonyl, cyano, fluoro, chloro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, and trifluoromethoxy; and, wherein the C.sub.1-6alkyl and C.sub.1-6alkoxy substituents of aryl are optionally substituted with hydroxy, amino, C.sub.1-6alkylamino, (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2amino, or aryl; A is a-1, optionally substituted with R.sup.3 and R.sup.5; ##STR00045## wherein A-B is N-C; R.sup.3 is one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-6alkyl, aryl, aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, aryl(C.sub.2-6)alkenyl, aryl(C.sub.2-6)alkynyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, heteroaryl(C.sub.1-6)alkenyl, heteroaryl(C.sub.2-6)alkynyl, amino, C.sub.1-6alkylamino, (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2amino, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, trifluoromethyl, and halogen; wherein the aryl, heteroaryl, and the aryl and heteroaryl of aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, aryl(C.sub.2-6)alkenyl, aryl(C.sub.2-6)alkynyl, heteroaryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, heteroaryl(C.sub.1-6)alkenyl, heteroaryl(C.sub.2-6)alkynyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aryloxy, and heteroaryloxy, are optionally substituted with one to five fluoro substituents or one to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-6alkyl, hydroxy(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, C.sub.1-6alkoxy, C.sub.6-10aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, C.sub.6-10aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkoxy, C.sub.6-10aryl, C.sub.6-10aryloxy, heteroaryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, heteroaryl(C.sub.1-6)alkoxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, C.sub.6-10arylamino, heteroarylamino, amino, C.sub.1-6alkylamino, (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2amino, carboxy(C.sub.1-6)alkylamino, carboxy, C.sub.1-6alkylcarbonyl, C.sub.1-6alkoxycarbonyl, C.sub.1-6alkylcarbonylamino, aminocarbonyl, C.sub.1-6alkylaminocarbonyl, (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2aminocarbonyl, carboxy(C.sub.1-6)alkylaminocarbonyl, cyano, halogen, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy, C.sub.1-6alkylsulfonyl, and C.sub.1-6alkylsulfonylamino; provided that no more than one such substituent on the aryl or heteroaryl portion of R.sup.3 is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.6-10aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, C.sub.6-10aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkoxy, C.sub.6-10aryl, C.sub.6-10aryloxy, heteroaryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, heteroaryl(C.sub.1-6)alkoxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, C.sub.6-10arylamino, heteroarylamino; and wherein C.sub.1-6alkyl and C.sub.1-6alkyl of aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl and heteroaryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl are optionally substituted with a substituent selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, carboxy, C.sub.1-4alkoxycarbonyl, amino, C.sub.1-6alkylamino, (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2amino, aminocarbonyl, (C.sub.1-4)alkylaminocarbonyl, di(C.sub.1-4alkylaminocarbonyl, aryl, heteroaryl, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aryl(C.sub.1-4)alkoxy, and heteroaryl(C.sub.1-4)alkoxy; R.sup.4 is C.sub.6-10aryl or a heteroaryl selected from the group consisting of furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, indolinyl, benzofuryl, benzothienyl, benzimidazolyl, benzthiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, quinolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl and quinazolinyl; wherein R.sup.4 is optionally substituted with one to three R.sup.41 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (C.sub.1-6)alkyl optionally substituted with amino, C.sub.1-6alkylamino, or (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2amino; (C.sub.1-6)alkoxy; phenyl(C.sub.1-6)alkoxy; phenyl(C.sub.1-6)alkylcarbonyloxy wherein C1-6 alkyl is optionally substituted with amino; a non fused 5-membered-heteroaryl(C.sub.1-6)alkylcarbonyloxy; a non fused 5-membered-heteroaryl; hydroxy; halogen; aminosulfonyl; formylamino; aminocarbonyl; C.sub.1-6alkylaminocarbonyl wherein (C.sub.1-6)alkyl is optionally substituted with amino, C.sub.1-6alkylamino, or (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2amino; (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2aminocarbonyl wherein each (C.sub.1-6)alkyl is optionally substituted with amino, C.sub.1-6alkylamino, or (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2amino; heterocyclylcarbonyl wherein heterocyclyl is a 5-7 membered nitrogen-containing ring and said heterocyclyl is attached to the carbonyl carbon via a nitrogen atom; carboxy; or cyano; and wherein the phenyl portion of phenyl(C.sub.1-6)alkylcarbonyloxy is optionally substituted with (C.sub.1-6)alkyl(C.sub.1-6)alkoxy, halogen, cyano, amino, or hydroxy; provided that no more than one R.sup.41 is C.sub.1-6alkyl substituted with C.sub.1-6alkylamino or (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2amino; aminosulfonyl; formylamino; aminocarbonyl; C.sub.1-6alkylaminocarbonyl; (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2aminocarbonyl; heterocyclylcarbonyl; hydroxy; carboxy; or a phenyl- or heteroaryl-containing substituent; R.sup.5 is a substituent on a nitrogen atom of ring A selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C.sub.1-4alkyl; R.sup.6 is hydrogen or C.sub.1-6alkyl; R.sup.7 is hydrogen or C.sub.1-6alkyl; R.sup.a and R.sup.b are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-6alkyl, and C.sub.1-6alkoxycarbonyl; alternatively, when R.sup.a and R.sup.b are each other than hydrogen, R.sup.a and R.sup.b are optionally taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are both attached to form a five to eight membered monocyclic ring; L is selected from the group consisting of O, S, and N(R.sup.d) wherein R.sup.d is hydrogen of C.sub.1-6alkyl; and pharmaceutically acceptable enantiomers, diastereomers, racemates, and salts thereof. 2. A method for treating or ameliorating pain or gastrointestinal disorder, wherein said pain is selected from the group consisting of centrally mediated pain, peripherally mediated pain, structural or soft tissue injury related pain, pain related to inflammation, progressive disease related pain, neuropathic pain, acute pain, and chronic pain, and wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is selected from the group consisting of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diarrhea-predominant, irritable bowel syndrome, and alternating irritable bowel syndrome, in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of Formula (1a) ##STR00046## wherein: R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl(C.sub.1-3)alkyl, pyridinyl(C.sub.1-3)alkyl, and furanyl(C.sub.1-3)alkyl; wherein phenyl, pyridinyl, and furanyl are optionally substituted with one to three R.sup.11 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of is C.sub.1-3alkoxy; tetrazolyl, C.sub.3-6cycloalkylaminocarbonyl; hydroxy(C.sub.1-4)alkylaminocarbonyl; C.sub.6-10arylaminocarbonyl wherein C.sub.6-10aryl is optionally substituted with carboxy or C.sub.1-4alkoxycarbonyl; morpholin-4-ylcarbonyl; chloro; fluoro; trifluoromethoxy; methoxycarbonyl; and carboxy; provided that no more than one R.sup.11 is C.sub.6-10arylaminocarbonyl; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or methyl; R.sup.3 is one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methyl and phenyl; wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with one to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of chloro and carboxy; R.sup.4 is phenyl substituted at the 4-position with hydroxy, C.sub.1-3alkylaminocarbonyl, or aminocarbonyl, and optionally substituted with one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, methoxy, and benzyloxy; R.sup.5 is hydrogen; R.sup.a and R.sup.b are each hydrogen; and pharmaceutically acceptable enantiomers, diastereomers, racemates, and salts thereof. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the chronic pain is selected from the group consisting of neuropathic pain conditions, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, post-stroke pain syndromes and cluster or migraine headaches. 4. The method of claim 2 wherein the chronic pain is selected from the group consisting of neuropathic pain conditions, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, post-stroke pain syndromes and cluster or migraine headaches. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-6alkyl, aryl(C.sub.1-4)alkyl, and heteroaryl(C.sub.1-4)alkyl; wherein the aryl and heteroaryl portion of aryl(C.sub.1-4)alkyl and heteroaryl(C.sub.1-4)alkyl are optionally substituted with one to three R.sup.11 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-6alkoxy; heteroaryl optionally substituted with one to two substitutents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-4alkyl, C.sub.1-4alkoxy, and carboxy; carboxy; C.sub.1-4alkoxycarbonyl; C.sub.1-4alkoxycarbonyloxy; aminocarbonyl; C.sub.1-4alkylaminocarbonyl; C.sub.3-6cycloalkylaminocarbonyl; hydroxy(C.sub.1-6)alkylaminocarbonyl; C.sub.6-10arylaminocarbonyl wherein C.sub.6-10aryl is optionally substituted with carboxy or C.sub.1-4alkoxycarbonyl; heterocyclylcarbonyl; cyano; halogen; trifluoromethoxy; and hydroxy; provided that no more than one R.sup.11 is heteroaryl (optionally substituted with one to two C.sub.1-4alkyl substituents); C.sub.6-10arylaminocarbonyl wherein C.sub.6-10aryl is optionally substituted with carboxy or C.sub.1-4alkoxycarbonyl; or heterocyclylcarbonyl. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.6-10aryl(C.sub.1-4)alkyl, pyridinyl(C.sub.1-4)alkyl, and furanyl(C.sub.1-4)alkyl; wherein C.sub.6-10aryl, pyridinyl, and furanyl are optionally substituted with one to three R.sup.11 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-3alkoxy; tetrazolyl; carboxy; C.sub.1-4alkoxycarbonyl; aminocarbonyl; C.sub.1-4alkylaminocarbonyl; C.sub.1-3alkylaminocarbonyl; C.sub.3-6cycloalkylaminocarbonyl; hydroxy(C.sub.1-4)alkylaminocarbonyl; C.sub.6-10arylaminocarbonyl wherein C.sub.6-10aryl is optionally substituted with carboxy or C.sub.1-4alkoxycarbonyl; morpholin-4-ylcarbonyl; cyano; halogen; and trifluoromethoxyl; provided that no more than one R.sup.11 is C.sub.6-10arylaminocarbonyl. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl(C.sub.1-3)alkyl, pyridinyl(C.sub.1-3)alkyl, and furanyl(C.sub.1-3)alkyl; wherein phenyl, pyridinyl, and furanyl are optionally substituted with one to three R.sup.11 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-3alkoxy; tetrazolyl, C.sub.3-6cycloalkylaminocarbonyl; hydroxy(C.sub.1-4)alkylaminocarbonyl; C.sub.6-10arylaminocarbonyl wherein C.sub.6-10aryl is optionally substituted with carboxy or C.sub.1-4alkoxycarbonyl; morpholin-4-ylcarbonyl; chloro; fluoro; trifluoromethoxy; C.sub.1-4alkoxycarbonyl; and carboxy; provided that no more than one R.sup.11 is C.sub.6-10arylaminocarbonyl. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.1 is phenylmethyl, pyridinylmethyl, or furanylmethyl; wherein phenyl, pyridinyl, and (uranyl are optionally substituted with one to three R.sup.11 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methoxy; tetrazolyl; cyclopropylaminocarbonyl; (2-hydroxyeth-1-yl)aminocarbonyl; methoxycarbonyl; phenylaminocarbonyl wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with carboxy; morpholin-4-ylcarbonyl; and carboxy. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.2 is a substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-4alkyl, hydroxy(C.sub.1-4)alkyl, and phenyl(C.sub.1-6)alkoxy(C.sub.1-4alkyl; wherein said phenyl is optionally substituted with one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-3alkyl, C.sub.1-3alkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, fluoro, chloro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, and trifluoromethoxy. 10. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.2 is a substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C.sub.1-4alkyl. 11. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.2 is hydrogen or methyl. 12. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.3 is one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-6alkyl, halogen, and aryl; wherein aryl is optionally substituted with one to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, carboxy, aminocarbonyl, C.sub.1-3alkylsulfonylamino, cyano, hydroxy, amino, C.sub.1-3alkylamino, and (C.sub.1-3alkyl).sub.2amino. 13. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.3 is one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-3alkyl, bromo, and phenyl; wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with one to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, fluoro, iodo, carboxy, aminocarbonyl, and cyano. 14. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.3 is one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methyl and phenyl; wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with one to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of chloro and carboxy. 15. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one R.sup.3 substituent is phenyl. 16. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.3 is a substituent selected from the group consisting of methyl and phenyl; wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of chloro and carboxy. 17. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.4 is C.sub.6-10aryl optionally substituted with one to three R.sup.41 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (C.sub.1-3)alkyl, (C.sub.1-6)alkoxy, phenyl(C.sub.1-6)alkoxy; hydroxy; halogen; formylamino; aminocarbonyl; C.sub.1-6alkylaminocarbonyl; (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2aminocarbonyl; heterocyclylcarbonyl wherein heterocyclyl is a 5-7 membered nitrogen-containing ring and said heterocyclyl is attached to the carbonyl carbon via a nitrogen atom; carboxy; and cyano; provided that no more than one R.sup.41 substituent is formylamino, aminocarbonyl, C.sub.1-6alkylaminocarbonyl, (C.sub.1-6alkyl).sub.2aminocarbonyl, heterocyclylcarbonyl, hydroxy, carboxy, or a phenyl-containing substituent. 18. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.4 is phenyl substituted with one to three R.sup.41 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (C.sub.1-3)alkyl, (C.sub.1-3)alkoxy, phenyl(C.sub.1-3)alkoxy, hydroxy, C.sub.1-6alkylaminocarbonyl, and aminocarbonyl; provided that no more than one R.sup.41 substituent is aminocarbonyl, C.sub.1-6alkylaminocarbonyl, hydroxy, or a phenyl-containing substituent. 19. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.4 is phenyl substituted at the 4-position with hydroxy, C.sub.1-3alkylaminocarbonyl, or aminocarbonyl, and optionally substituted with one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, methoxy, and benzyloxy. 20. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.4 is phenyl substituted at the 4-position with hydroxy, C.sub.1-3alkylaminocarbonyl, or aminocarbonyl, and optionally substituted with one to two methyl substituents. 21. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.4 is phenyl substituted at the 4-position with hydroxy, C.sub.1-3alkylaminocarbonyl, or aminocarbonyl, and substituted at the 2- and 6-positions with methyl substituents. 22. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.5 is hydrogen or methyl. 23. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.5 is hydrogen. 24. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.6 is hydrogen or methyl. 25. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.6 is hydrogen. 26. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.7 is hydrogen or methyl. 27. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.7 is hydrogen. 28. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.a and R.sup.b are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C.sub.1-3alkyl; or, when R.sup.a and R.sup.b are each other than hydrogen, R.sup.a and R.sup.b are optionally taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are both attached to form a live to seven membered monocyclic ring. 29. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.a and R.sup.b are independently hydrogen or methyl. 30. The method of claim 1 wherein R.sup.a and R.sup.b are each hydrogen. 31. The method of claim 1 wherein said compounds are present in their RR, SS, RS, and SR configurations. 32. The method of claim 1 wherein said compounds are present in their S,S configuration. 33. The method of claim 1 wherein said compound is ##STR00047## ##STR00048## 34. The method of claim 1 wherein said compound is the hydrochloride salt of 5-({[2-Amino-3-(4-carbamoyl-2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-propionyl]-[1-(4-phen- yl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-ethyl]-amino}-methyl)-2-methoxy-benzoic acid dihydrochloride. 35. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is the hydrochloride salt of 5-({[2-Amino-3-(4-carbamoyl-2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-propionyl]-[1-(4-phen- yl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-ethyl]-amino}-methyl)-2-methoxy-benzoic acid. 36. The method of claim 1 wherein said pain is centrally mediated pain. 37. The method of claim 1 wherein said pain is peripherally mediated pain. 38. The method of claim 1 wherein said pain is structural or soft tissue injury related pain. 39. The method of claim 1 wherein said pain is related to inflammation. 40. The method of claim 1 wherein said pain is progressive disease related pain. 41. The method of claim 1 wherein said pain is neuropathic pain. 42. The method of claim 1 wherein said pain is acute pain. 43. The method of claim wherein said pain is or chronic pain. 44. The method of claim 1 wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is ulcerative colitis. 45. The method of claim 1 wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is Crohn's disease. 46. The method of claim 1 wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. 47. The method of claim 1 wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is alternating irritable bowel syndrome. 48. A method of claim 2 wherein: R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.6-10aryl(C.sub.1-4)alkyl, pyridinyl(C.sub.1-4)alkyl, and furanyl(C.sub.1-4)alkyl; wherein C.sub.6-10aryl, pyridinyl, and furanyl are optionally substituted with one to three R.sup.11 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-3alkoxy; tetrazolyl; carboxy; C.sub.1-3alkoxycarbonyl; aminocarbonyl; C.sub.1-4alkylaminocarbonyl; C.sub.1-3alkylaminocarbonyl; C.sub.3-6cycloalkylaminocarbonyl; hydroxy(C.sub.1-4)alkylaminocarbonyl; C.sub.6-10arylaminocarbonyl wherein C.sub.6-10aryl is optionally substituted with carboxy or C.sub.1-4alkoxycarbonyl; morpholin-4-ylcarbonyl; cyano; halogen; trifluoromethoxy; C.sub.1-4alkoxycathonyl; or carboxy; provided that no more than one R.sup.11 is C.sub.6-10arylaminocarbonyl; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1-4alkyl; R.sup.3 is one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-3alkyl, bromo, and phenyl; wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with one to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, fluoro, carboxy, aminocarbonyl, and cyano; R.sup.4 is phenyl substituted with one to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (C.sub.1-3)alkyl, (C.sub.1-3)alkoxy, phenyl(C.sub.1-3)alkoxy, hydroxy, C.sub.1-6alkylaminocarbonyl, and aminocarbonyl; provided that no more than one R.sup.41 substituent is aminocarbonyl, C.sub.1-6alkylaminocarbonyl, hydroxy, or a phenyl-containing substituent; R.sup.5 is hydrogen; R.sup.a and R.sup.b are independently hydrogen or methyl; and pharmaceutically acceptable enantiomers, diastereomers, racemates, and salts thereof. 49. The method according to claim 2 wherein: R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl(C.sub.1-3)alkyl, pyridinyl(C.sub.1-3)alkyl, and furanyl(C.sub.1-3)alkyl; wherein phenyl, pyridinyl, and furanyl are optionally substituted with one to three R.sup.11 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of is C.sub.1-3alkoxy; tetrazolyl, C.sub.3-6cycloalkylaminocarbonyl; hydroxy(C.sub.1-4)alkylaminocarbonyl; C.sub.6-10arylaminocarbonyl wherein C.sub.6-10aryl is optionally substituted with carboxy or C.sub.1-4alkoxycarbonyl; morpholin-4-ylcarbonyl; chloro; fluoro; trifluoromethoxy; methoxycarbonyl; and carboxy; provided that no more than one R.sup.11 is C.sub.6-10arylaminocarbonyl; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or methyl; R.sup.3 is one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methyl and phenyl; wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with one to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of chloro and carboxy; R.sup.4 is phenyl substituted at the 4-position with hydroxy, C.sub.1-3alkylaminocarbonyl, or aminocarbonyl, and optionally substituted with one to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, methoxy, and benzyloxy; R.sup.5 is hydrogen; R.sup.a and R.sup.b are each hydrogen; and pharmaceutically acceptable enantiomers, diastereomers, racemates, and salts thereof. 50. The method according to claim 2 wherein R.sup.1 is phenylmethyl, pyridinylmethyl, or furanylmethyl; wherein phenyl, pyridinyl, and furanyl are optionally substituted with one to three R.sup.11 substituents independently selected from is the group consisting of methoxy, tetrazolyl, cyclopropylaminocarbonyl, (2-hydroxyeth-1-yl)aminocarbonyl, phenylaminocarbonyl wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with carboxy, morpholin-4-ylcarbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, and carboxy; provided that no more than one R.sup.11 is phenylaminocarbonyl. 51. The method according to claim 2 wherein R.sup.4 is phenyl substituted at the 4-position with hydroxy, C.sub.1-3alkylaminocarbonyl, or aminocarbonyl, and optionally substituted with one to two methyl substituents. 52. The method according to claim 2 wherein R.sup.4 is phenyl substituted at the 4-position with hydroxy, C.sub.1-3alkylaminocarbonyl, or aminocarbonyl, and substituted at the 2- and 6-positions with methyl substituents. 53. The method of claim 2 wherein said pain is centrally mediated pain. 54. The method of claim 2 wherein said pain is peripherally mediated pain. 55. The method of claim 2 wherein said pain is structural or soft tissue injury related pain. 56. The method of claim 2 wherein said pain is related to inflammation. 57. The method of claim 2 wherein said pain is progressive disease related pain. 58. The method of claim 2 wherein said pain is neuropathic pain. 59. The method of claim 2 wherein said pain is acute pain. 60. The method of claim 2 wherein said pain is or chronic pain. 61. The method of claim 2 wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is ulcerative colitis. 62. The method of claim 2 wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is Crohn's disease. 63. The method of claim 2 wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. 64. The method of claim 2 wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is alternating irritable bowel syndrome. 65. A method for treating or pain or gastrointestinal disorder, wherein said pain is centrally mediated pain, peripherally mediated pain, structural or soft tissue injury related pain, pain related to inflammation, progressive disease related pain, neuropathic pain, acute pain, or chronic pain, and wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, or alternating irritable bowel syndrome in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of 5-({[2-Amino-3-(4-carbamoyl-2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-propionyl]-[1-(4-phenyl-- 1H-imidazol-2-yl)-ethyl]-amino}-methyl)-2-methoxy-benzoic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable enantiomer, diastereomer, racemate, or salt thereof. 66. The method of claim 65 wherein the chronic pain is selected from the group consisting of neuropathic pain conditions, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, post-stroke pain syndromes and cluster or migraine headaches. 67. The method of claim 65 wherein said pain is centrally mediated pain. 68. The method of claim 65 wherein said pain is peripherally mediated pain. 69. The method of claim 65 wherein said pain is structural or soft tissue injury related pain. 70. The method of claim 65 wherein said pain is related to inflammation. 71. The method of claim 65 wherein said pain is progressive disease related pain. 72. The method of claim 65 wherein said pain is neuropathic pain. 73. The method of claim 65 wherein said pain is acute pain. 74. The method of claim 65 wherein said pain is or chronic pain. 75. The method of claim 65 wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is ulcerative colitis. 76. The method of claim 62 wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is Crohn's disease. 77. The method of claim 65 wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. 78. The method of claim 65 wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is alternating irritable bowel syndrome.