Triazole derivatives

1. A compound of the formula (I):

wherein R 1 is lower alkyl which is optionally substituted with halogen, Cyano, N,N-di(lower)alkylcarbamoyl or phenyl optionally substituted with halogen

R 2 is lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, or cyano;

R 3 is lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, or cyano;

X is O;

Y and Z are each CH; and

m is 1;

or a salt thereof.

2. The compound of claim 1 , wherein

R 1 is lower alkyl,

lower alkyl substituted with halogen, cyano, or N,N-di(lower)alkylcarbamoyl;

R 2 is lower alkoxy;

R 3 is lower alkoxy;

X is O; Y and Z are each CH; and m is 0 or 1.

3. The compound of claim 2 , wherein

R 1 is lower alkyl or lower alkyl substituted with halogen;

R 2 is lower alkoxy;

R 3 is lower alkoxy;

X is O; Y and Z are each CH; and

m is 1.

4. The compound of claim 3 , wherein

R 1 is lower alkyl.

5. The compound of claim 1 , which is 3-methoxy-1,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole.

6. A process for preparing a compound (I),

wherein R 1 is lower alkyl which is optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, N,N-di(lower)alkylcarbamoyl, or

phenyl optionally substituted with halogen;

R 2 is lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, or cyano;

R 3 is lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, or cyano;

X is O;

Y and Z are each CH; and

m is 1;

or a salt thereof, which comprises reacting a compound (VI) of a following formula:

wherein R 1 , X and m are each as defined above,

or a salt thereof, with a compound (VII) of a following formula:

wherein R 2 and Y are each as defined above, and L 3 is a leaving group,

or a salt thereof to give a compound (VIII) of a following formula:

wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, Y and m are each as defined above, or a salt thereof, and further reacting with a compound of (IX) of a following formula:

wherein R 3 and Z are each as defined above,

or a salt thereof to give a compound (I) or a salt thereof.

7. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound (I) of claim 1 or a salt thereof, as an active ingredient, and a pharmaceutically non-toxic carrier or excipient.

8. A method of treating pains caused by or associated with osteoarthritis comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of the compound of claim 1 or a salt thereof.

9. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 5 or a salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically non-toxic carrier or excipient.

10. A method of treating pains caused by or associated with osteoarthritis comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of the compound of claim 5 or a salt thereof.