Compounds

1. A compound of the formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

ring B is

in which D is a five-membered heterocyclic or heteroaryl ring, said ring comprising one or two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen, with the proviso that when D contains an oxygen atom, D is heteroaryl;

each W is independently —N—, —(CH)—, or —C— provided that not more than three groups W are —N— in both rings A and B together;

P is any one of formula (a), (b) or (c)

wherein x=0, 1, or 2 and y=0, 1, or 2;

and P and R 3 can be attached to any carbon atom that allows the substitution in one of either the A- or B-ring, or when ring A contains at least one nitrogen atom and P is (c), then P can alternatively be attached to any nitrogen in ring B that allows the substitution;

the dashed bonds denote that P and R 3 , respectively, may be attached to either the A or B ring; but each of P or R 3 may not be simultaneously bound to both rings A and B;

R 1 is

(a) C 1-6 alkyl,

(b) C 1-6 alkoxyalkyl,

(c) straight-chained or branched C 1-6 hydroxyalkyl,

(d) straight-chained or branched C 1-6 alkylhalides,

(e) aryl carbonylmethyl,

(f) C 3-7 cycloalkyl, which is optionally partially unsaturated,

(g) C 3-7 cycloalkyl-C 1-6 alkyl, wherein the cyclic ring is optionally partially unsaturated, or

(h) a group Ar;

wherein Ar is

(a) phenyl,

(b) 1-naphthyl,

(c) 2-naphthyl,

(d) aryl-C 1-6 alkyl,

(e) cinnamyl,

(f) a 5 to 7-membered, optionally aromatic, partially saturated or completely saturated, mono- or bi-cyclic heterocyclic ring, each containing 1 to 4 heteroatoms, selected from oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen,

(g) a bicyclic ring system comprising at least one heterocyclic ring according to (f) and a group Ar,

wherein the group Ar is substituted in one or more positions with

(a) H, X or Y, or

(b) a 5 to 7-membered, optionally aromatic, partially saturated or completely saturated, heterocyclic ring each containing 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur;

R 2 is

(a) H,

(b) C 1-6 alkyl,

(c) C 2-6 alkoxyalkyl,

(d) straight or branched C 1-6 hydroxyalkyl, or

(e) straight or branched C 1-6 alkylhalides;

(f) a group Ar,

or R 1 and R 2 are linked to form a group —CH 2 CH 2 OCH 2 CH 2 —

or, when P is —SO 2 NR 1 R 2 , NR 1 R 2 is:

wherein v is 0-2,

X and Y are independently

(a) H,

(b) halogen,

(c) C 1-6 alkyl,

(d) CF 3 ,

(e) hydroxy,

(f) C 1-6 alkoxy,

(g) C 2-6 alkenyl,

(h) phenyl,

(i) phenoxy,

(j) benzyloxy,

(k) benzoyl,

(l) —OCF 3 ,

(m) —CN,

(n) straight or branched C 1-6 hydroxyalkyl,

(o) straight or branched C 1-6 alkylhalides,

(p) —NH 2 ,

(q) —NHR 4 ,

(r) —NR 4 R 5 ,

(s) —NO 2 ,

(t) —CONR 4 R 5 ,

(u) —NHSO 2 R 4 ,

(v) —NR 4 COR 5 ,

(x) —SO 2 NR 4 R 5 ,

(z) —C(═O)R 4 ,

(aa) —CO 2 R 4 , or

(ab) —S(O) n R 4 , wherein n is 0, 1, 2 or 3,

(ac) —S—(C 1-6 )alkyl, or

(ad) —SCF 3 ; and

R 4 and R 5 are independently

(a) H,

(b) C 1-6 alkyl,

(c) C 3-7 cycloalkyl, or

(d) Ar, as defined above for R 1 ;

alternatively, R 4 and R 5 are linked to form a group —CH 2 OCH 2 —, —CH 2 CH 2 OCH 2 CH 2 — or (CH 2 ) 3-5 ;

R 3 is a group selected from the group consisting of

wherein R 3 is optionally substituted on each carbon atom that allows the substitution with one, two, three, four, five, or six Rq groups, wherein each Rq is (C 1-6 ) alkyl, and wherein two Rq groups can be present on the same carbon atom simultaneously, wherein

R is H or C 1-6 alkyl;

m=1 or 2, and

n=0, 1 or 2;

each R 6 is independently

(a) H,

(b) linear or branched C 1-6 alkyl,

(c) benzyl,

(d) —CH 2 —CH 2 —OH, or

(e) —CH 2 —CH 2 —O—C 1-6 alkyl;

P and R 3 can be attached to the same ring or to different rings of rings A and B; provided that:

(1) when the compound is a compound according to formula (I) wherein P is

P and R 3 both are attached to ring A in the meta- or para-position relative to one another

then R 3 is selected from the group consisting of:

(2) when ring B is

and P is

then P and R 3 are simultaneously attached to the same ring A or B;

(3) when ring B is

and P is

wherein y=0, then P and R 3 are attached to the different rings of rings A and B;

(4) when the ring system A+B is benzofuran or benzothiophene, and P is:

and attached to position 3 in the A+B ring system, and R 3 is a group selected from the group consisting of:

and attached to position 7 in the A+B ring system, then y=1 or 2;

(5) when the ring system A+B is indole, and P is:

and P is attached to position 3 in the A+B ring system, and R 3 is a group selected from the group consisting of:

and R 3 is attached to any one of positions 5, 6 or 7 in the A+B ring system, then y=1 or 2;

(6) when ring B is

and R 1 is Ar and is a partially saturated bi-cyclic heterocyclic ring containing a N atom, the N atom in Ar cannot be attached to the S atom in P;

(7) when rings A and B are both phenyl, together forming a naphthalene ring, and P is any one of formula (a) or (c) substituted in position 7 on the naphthalene ring, then R 3 is not substituted in position 1 on the naphthalene ring; and

(8) when ring D is a pyrrole ring, P is of the formula (c), then R 3 is not of the formula:

substituted in position 3 on the pyrrole ring.

2. The compound according to claim 1 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein

R 1 is

(a) C 1-6 alkyl, or

(e) a group Ar;

Ar is

(a) phenyl,

(b) 1-naphthyl,

(c) 2-naphthyl, or

(f) a 5 to 7-membered, optionally aromatic, partially saturated or completely saturated, heterocyclic ring containing 1 to 4 heteroatoms, selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur,

wherein the group Ar is substituted in one or more positions with

(a) H,

(b) halogen,

(c) C 1-6 alkyl,

(d) —CF 3 ,

(f) C 1-6 alkoxy,

(g) C 2-6 alkenyl,

(l) —OCF 3 ,

(m) straight or branched C 1-6 hydroxyalkyl,

(n) phenyloxy,

(o) benzyloxy,

(v) —NR 4 COR 5 ,

(x) —SO 2 NR 4 R 5 ,

(z) —C(═O)R 4 ,

(ab) —S(O) n R 4 , wherein n is 0, 1, 2 or 3;

(ac) —S—(C 1-6 ) alkyl, or

(ad) —SCF 3 ;

R 2 is

(a) H, or

(b) Cl — 6 alkyl;

or R 1 and R 2 are linked to form a group —CH 2 CH 2 OCH 2 CH 2 —;

X and Y are H;

R 4 and R 5 are each independently H or C 1-3 alkyl; and

R 3 is selected from the group consisting of

wherein R 3 is optionally substituted on each carbon atom that allows the substitution with one or two Rq groups, wherein each Rq is C 1-6 alkyl, and wherein two Rq groups can be present on the same carbon atom simultaneously, wherein

R is H or C 1-6 alkyl;

m=1 or 2,

n=0, and

each R 6 is independently

(a) H,

(b) C 1-6 alkyl, in particular methyl,

(d) —CH 2 —CH 2 —OH, or

(e) —CH 2 —CH 2 —OCH 3 .

3. The compound of claim 1 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R 3 is selected from the group consisting of:

wherein R 3 is optionally substituted on each carbon atom that allows the substitution with one or two Rq groups, wherein each Rq is C 1-2 alkyl, and wherein two Rq groups can be present on the same carbon atom simultaneously, wherein

m=1 or 2; and

R 6 is

(a) H,

(b) C 1-3 alkyl,

(d) —CH 2 —CH 2 —OH, or

(e) —CH 2 —CH 2 —OCH 3 .

4. The compound of claim 1 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein R 3 is selected from the group consisting of:

wherein R 3 is optionally substituted on each carbon atom that allows the substitution with one or two Rq groups, wherein each Rq is C 1-6 alkyl, and wherein two Rq groups can be present on the same carbon atom simultaneously, wherein

R is H or C 1-6 alkyl;

m=1 or 2,

n=0, and

each R 6 is independently

(a) H,

(b) C 1-3 alkyl,

(d) —CH 2 —CH 2 —OH, or

(e) —CH 2 —CH 2 —OCH 3 .

5. The compound of claim 1 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R 3 is selected from:

R 6 is

(a) H,

(b) C 1-3 alkyl,

(d) —CH 2 —CH 2 —OH, or

(e) —CH 2 —CH 2 —OCH 3 .

6. The compound of claim 1 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R 6 is H or methyl.

7. The compound of claim 1 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R 3 is piperazine; homopiperazine; 2,6-dimethylpiperazine; 3,5-dimethylpiperazine; 2,5-dimethylpiperazine; 2-methylpiperazine; 3-methylpiperazine; 2,2-dimethylpiperazine; 3,3-dimethylpiperazine; piperidine; 1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyrazine; or 4-pyrrolidin-3-yloxy.

8. The compound of claim 1 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the groups Y and X are attached to any unsubstituted carbon atom.

9. The compound of claim 1 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein D is a pyrrole, thiophane, or furan ring.

10. The compound of claim 1 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein P is

wherein R 1 , x, and y are as defined in claim 1 .

11. The compound of claim 1 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein P is

12. The compound of claim 11 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R 2 is H.

13. The compound of claim 10 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is a compound having formula (II)

wherein R 1 , x, y, X, and Y are as defined in claim 1 , and R 3 is

wherein R 3 is optionally substituted on each carbon atom that allows the substitution with one or two Rq groups, wherein each Rq is C 1-6 alkyl, and wherein two Rq groups can be present on the same carbon atom simultaneously, wherein

R is H or C 1-6 alkyl,

m=1 or 2,

n=0; and

R 6 is as defined in claim 1 .

14. The compound of claim 13 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein y=0 and x=2.

15. The compound of claim 10 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is a compound having formula (III):

wherein R 1 , x, y, X, and Y are as defined in claim 1 , and R 3 is:

wherein R 3 is optionally substituted on each carbon atom that allows the substitution with one or two Rq groups, wherein Rq is independently H, or C 1-6 alkyl, and wherein two Rq groups can be present on the same carbon atom simultaneously, wherein

R is H or C 1-6 alkyl,

m=1 or 2,

n=0; and

R 6 is as defined in claim 1 .

16. The compound of claim 15 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein y=0 and x=2.

17. The compound of claim 10 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is a compound having formula (IV):

wherein R 1 , x, y, P, X, and Y are as defined in claim 1 , and R 3 is

wherein R 3 is optionally substituted on each carbon atom that allows the substitution with one or two Rq groups, wherein each Rq is C 1-6 alkyl, and wherein two Rq groups can be present on the same carbon atom simultaneously, wherein

R is H or C 1-6 alkyl;

m=1 or 2,

n=0, and

wherein D is a five-membered heteroaryl ring, said ring comprising one or two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen; and when the heteroaryl ring comprises one or two nitrogen atoms, a group R 6 is attached at any nitrogen atom which allows the substitution; and

R 6 is as defined in claim 1 .

18. The compound of claim 17 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein D is a thiophene and P is attached to the D ring.

19. The compound of claim 17 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein D is pyrrole and P is attached to the nitrogen atom in the D ring.

20. The compound of claim 17 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein D is furan and P is attached to the D ring.

21. The compound of claim 10 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is a compound having formula (V)

wherein R 1 , x, y, P, X, Y, and R 3 are as defined in claim 1 , and

wherein D is a five-membered heteroaryl ring, said heteroaryl ring comprising one or two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen; and when the heteroaryl ring comprises one or two nitrogen atoms, a group R 6 is attached at any nitrogen atom which allows the substitution; and

R 6 is as defined in claim 1 .

22. The compound of claim 11 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is a compound having formula (V)

wherein P, X, Y, and R 3 are as defined in claim 1 , and

wherein D is a five-membered heteroaryl ring, said heteroaryl ring comprising one or two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen; and when the heteroaryl ring comprises one or two nitrogen atoms, a group R 6 is attached at any nitrogen atom which allows the substitution; and

R 6 is as defined in claim 1 .

23. The compound of claim 11 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is a compound having formula (VI)

wherein P, X and Y are as defined in claim 1 , and R 3 is

wherein R 3 is optionally substituted on each carbon atom that allows the substitution with one or two Rq groups, wherein each Rq is C 1-6 alkyl, and wherein two Rq groups can be present on the same carbon atom simultaneously, wherein

R is H, or C 1-6 alkyl,

m=1 or 2,

n=0; and

R 6 is as defined in claim 1 .

24. The compound of claim 11 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is a compound having formula (VII):

wherein P, X and Y are as defined in claim 1 , and R 3 is

wherein R 3 is optionally substituted on each carbon atom that allows the substitution with one or two Rq groups, wherein each Rq is C 1-6 alkyl, and wherein two Rq groups can be present on the same carbon atom simultaneously, wherein

R is H, or C 1-6 alkyl,

m=1 or 2,

n=0; and

R 6 is as defined in claim 1 .

25. The compound of claim 11 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is a compound having formula (VIII)

wherein P, X, Y, and R 3 are as defined in claim 1 .

26. The compound of claim 11 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is a compound having formula (IX)

wherein R 7 in formula (IX) is:

(a) H,

(b) C 1-6 alkyl,

(c) benzyl,

(d) —CH 2 —CH 2 —OH, or

(e) CH 2 —CH 2 -O—CH 3 , and

wherein P, X, Y, and R 3 are as defined in claim 1 .

27. The compound of claim 11 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is a compound having formula (X)

wherein P, X, Y, and R 3 are as defined in claim 1 .

28. The compound of claim 12 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is a compound having formula (XI)

wherein X and Y are as defined in claim 1 , and R 3 is

wherein R 3 is optionally substituted on each carbon atom that allows the substitution with one or two Rq groups, wherein each Rq is C 1-6 alkyl, and wherein two Rq groups can be present on the same carbon atom simultaneously, wherein

R is H, or C 1-6 alkyl,

m=1 or 2,

n=0; and

R 6 is as defined in claim 1 .

29. The compound of claim 1 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is a compound having formula (XII):

wherein P and R 3 are attached to the same ring or to different rings of rings A and B, and wherein A, B, W, Y, P, and R 3 are as defined in claim 1 , or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

30. The compound of claim 13 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is:

6-Benzenesulfonyl-4-piperazin-1-yl-quinoline;

6-[(2-Fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylquinoline;

6-(1-Naphthylsulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylquinoline;

6-[(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylquinoline;

6-[(3,5-Dimethylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylquinoline;

6-[(2-Chloro-6-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylquinoline;

6-[(4-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylquinoline;

6-[(2-Methyl-4-tert-butylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylquinoline;

6-[(3,4-Dimethylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylquinoline;

6-[(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylquinoline;

6-[(4-tert-Butylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylquinoline;

6-[(4-Isopropylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylquinoline;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-6-{4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}quinoline;

6-[(4-tert-Butylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(1,4-diazepan-1-yl)quinoline; or

4-(1,4-Diazepan-1-yl)-6-[(4-isopropylphenyl)sulfonyl]quinoline;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any thereof.

31. The compound of claim 15 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is:

7-(2-Chloro-6-methyl-benzenesulfonyl)-1-piperazin-1-yl-isoquinoline;

7-(2-t-Butyl-benzenesulfonyl)-1-piperazin-1-yl-isoquinoline;

7-(3,4-Dichloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1-piperazin-1-yl-isoquinoline;

7-(2,4-Dimethyl-benzenesulfonyl)-1-piperazin-1-yl-isoquinoline;

7-(2,5-Dimethyl-benzenesulfonyl)-1-piperazin-1-yl-isoquinoline;

7-(p-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1-piperazin-1-yl-isoquinoline;

7-Benzenesulfonyl-1-[1,4]diazepan-1-yl-isoquinoline,hydrochloride;

7-(4-tert-Butyl-benzenesulfonyl)-1-[1,4]diazepan-1-yl]-isoquinoline;

7-(2-Chloro-6-methyl-benzenesulfonyl)-1-[1,4]diazepan-1-yl]-isoquinoline;

7-(3,5-Dimethyl-benzenesulfonyl)-1-[1,4]diazepan-1-yl]-isoquinoline;

7-(3,4-Dichloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1-[1,4]diazepan-1-yl]-isoquinoline;

7-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1-[1,4]diazepan-1-yl]-isoquinoline;

7-(3,4-Dimethyl-benzenesulfonyl)-1-[1,4]diazepan-1-yl]-isoquinoline;

7-(2-tert-Butyl-benzenesulfonyl)-1-[1,4]diazepan-1-yl]-isoquinoline;

7-Benzenesulfonyl-1-piperazin-yl-isoquinoline; or

7-(4-tert-Butyl-benzenesulfonyl-1-piperazin-yl-isoquinoline;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any thereof.

32. The compound of claim 17 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is:

4-(1,4-Diazepan-1-yl)-2-(phenylsulfonyl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

4-(1,4-Diazepan-1-yl)-2-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)sulfonyl]thieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

4-(1,4-Diazepan-1-yl)-2-[4-tert-butylphenylsulfonyl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

4-(1,4-Diazepan-1-yl)-2-[4-tert-butylphenylsulfonyl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

4-(1,4-Diazepan-1-yl)-2-[3,4-dimethylphenylsulfonyl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-[(4-Bromophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(1,4-diazepan-1-yl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-(Phenylsulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-(3-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-2-{[4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}thieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-[(2-tert-Butylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-[(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

2-[(4-tert-Butylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-(1-Naphthyl sulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-[(3-Fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

2-(Mesitylsulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-[(2-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-[(2,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-[(2,4-Dimethylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-[(2,5-Dimethylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-[(2-Ethylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

4-(Piperazinyl)-2-(3-methoxybenzyl-sulfonyl)-thienopyridine;

2-(Benzylsulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-2-{[4-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]sulfonyl}thieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-[(3-Bromobenzyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-[(2,3-Difluorobenzyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-[(4-Bromobenzyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-{[2,5-bis(Trifluoromethyl)benzyl]sulfonyl}-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-[(4-Methylbenzyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-{[5-Chloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]sulfonyl}-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-[(3,5-Dimethoxybenzyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

2-[(2-Naphthylmethyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-2-{[4-(1,2,3-thiadiazol-4-yl)benzyl]sulfonyl}thieno[3,2-c]pyridine;

1-(4-Pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)-2-[(4-piperazine-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridin-2-yl)sulfonyl]ethanone; or

1-[4-(Diethylamino)phenyl]-2-[(4-piperazine-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridin-2-yl)sulfonyl]ethanone;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any thereof.

33. The compound of claim 17 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is:

1-(4-Methylphenylsulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine;

1-(3-Chloro-2-methylphenylsulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine;

1-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine;

4-(4-Piperazin-1-yl-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine-1-sulfonyl)-benzonitrile;

1-(4,5-Dichloro-thiophene-2-sulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine;

1-(2-Chloro-4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine;

1-Phenylmethanesulfonyl-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine;

1-(5-Chloro-thiophene-2-sulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine;

1-(4-Butyl-benzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine;

1-(4-Phenoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine;

1-(Phenylsulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine;

1-[(4-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine;

1-[(4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine;

1-[(2-Methoxy-5-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine; or

4-Piperazin-1-yl-1-{[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any thereof.

34. The compound of claim 23 , wherein the compound is:

N-(4-Methylphenyl)-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

2-Bromo-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-3-sulfonic acid p-tolylamide;

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)-n-phenylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid (3-fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-amide;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid (4-isopropyl-phenyl)-amide;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid p-tolylamide;

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-(2-cyclohex-1-en-1-ylethyl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

2-(4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridin-2-ylsulfonyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline;

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-(2-thien-2-ylethyl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-[1-(1-naphthyl)ethyl]thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-(4-hexylphenyl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

N-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl] thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

N-(2,3-Difluorobenzyl)-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

2-Bromo-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-(2-cyclohex-1-en-1-ylethyl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-3-sulfonamide;

2-Bromo-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-[(1S)-1-(2-naphthyl)ethyl]thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-3-sulfonamide;

2-Bromo-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl] thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-3-sulfonamide;

2-Bromo-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-(2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-3-sulfonamide;

N-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

N-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-N-[-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

N-(3-Ethylphenyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

N-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

N-(4-Bromo-2-methylphenyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

2-(4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinoline;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid (2-thiophen-2-yl-ethyl)-amide;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid (4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxy-phenyl)-amide;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid phenethyl-amide;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid (2,6-diethyl-phenyl)-amide;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid (3-phenyl-propyl)-amide;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid (3,3-diphenyl-propyl)-amide;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid [2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-amide;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid 4-trifluoromethyl-benzylamide;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid benzyl-ethyl-amide;

N-(3-Ethylphenyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-3-sulfonamide;

N-(4-Isopropylphenyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-3-sulfonamide;

N-(4-Methylphenyl)-4-(pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

N-(4-Methylphenyl)-4-(piperidin-4-yloxy)thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

N-(2,3-Difluorobenzyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

N-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylthieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid phenylamide;

4-Piperazin-1-yl-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid (4-tert-butyl-phenyl)-amide;

4-(4-Methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid phenylamide;

4-(4-Methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid (3-chloro-phenyl)-amide;

2-Bromo-4-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-3-sulfonic acid phenylamide;

4-(4-Methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-3-sulfonic acid (4-methylphenyl)-amide; or

N-Phenyl-7-piperazin-1-ylthieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any thereof.

35. A compound of claim 24 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is:

N-(4-methylphenyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylfuro[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

N-phenyl-4-piperazin-1-ylfuro[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; or

N-phenyl-7-piperazin-1-ylfuro[2,3-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any thereof.

36. A compound according to claim 25 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is the compound

4-piperazin-1-yl-thiazolo[4,5-c]pyridine-2-sulfonic acid phenylamide;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

37. A compound according to claim 26 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is the compound

N-(4-methylphenyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

N-phenyl-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; or

N-phenyl-7-piperazin-1-yl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any thereof.

38. A compound of claim 27 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is:

4-Chloro-N-[4-(pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)-1-naphthyl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-Methoxy-N-[4-(pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)-1-naphthyl]benzenesulfonamide;

5-Chloro-N-[4-(pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)-1-naphthyl]thiophene-2-sulfonamide;

4-Chloro-N-[4-(piperidin-3-yloxy)-1-naphthyl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-Methoxy-N-[4-(piperidin-3-yloxy)-1-naphthyl]benzenesulfonamide;

5-Fluoro-2-methyl-N-[4-(piperidin-4-yloxy)-1-naphthyl]benzenesulfonamide;

5-Chloro-N-[4-(piperidin-4-yloxy)-1-naphthyl]thiophene-2-sulfonamide;

4-Chloro-N-{4-[(3S)-pyrrolidin-3-yloxy]-1-naphthyl}benzenesulfonamide; or

4-Chloro-N-{4-[(3R)-pyrrolidin-3-yloxy]-1-naphthyl}benzenesulfonamide;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any thereof.

39. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) of claim 1 , or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.

40. The compound of claim 1 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein P is

41. The compound of claim 40 , or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R 2 is H.