Tetrasubstituted imidazole derivatives as cannabinoid CB1 receptor modulators with a high CB1/CB2 receptor subtype selectivity

The present invention relates to 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazole derivatives as selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor modulators, in particular CB1 receptor antagonists or inverse agonists having a high CB1/CB2 receptor subtype selectivity, to methods for the preparation of these compounds and to novel intermediates useful for the synthesis of said imidazole derivatives. The invention also relates to the use of a compound disclosed herein for the manufacture of a medicament giving a beneficial effect. A beneficial effect is disclosed herein or apparent to a person skilled in the art from the specification and general knowledge in the art. The invention also relates to the use of a compound of the invention for the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a disease or condition. More particularly, the invention relates to a new use for the treatment of a disease or condition disclosed herein or apparent to a person skilled in the art from the specification and general knowledge in the art. In embodiments of the invention specific compounds disclosed herein are used for the manufacture of a medicament useful in the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. The compounds have the general formula (I) wherein the symbols have the meanings given in the specification.