Author: claimsbot

1. A compound of formula I
all pharmaceutically acceptable salts and stereoisomers thereof,
wherein:
n is a single bond or a double bond;
R1 is selected from the group consisting of halogen, cyano, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014NR8R9, \u2014CO2R8, \u2014CONR8R9, \u2014OR8, \u2014NR8COR9, \u2014NR8CONR8R9, \u2014NR8CO2R9, \u2014OCONR8R9, \u2014NR8S(O)mR9, \u2014NR8S(O)mNR8R9, \u2014NR8S(O)mOR9 and \u2014OS(O)mNR8R9; provided that R1 is not C1-C6 alkyl when R2 and R3 are C1-C6 alkyl and R6 is a substituted phenyl;
R2 is selected from the group consisting of halogen, cyano, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014NR8R9, \u2014CO2R8, \u2014CONR8R9, \u2014OR8, \u2014NR8COR9, \u2014NR8CONR8R9, \u2014NR8CO2R9, \u2014OCONR8R9, \u2014NR8S(O)mR9, \u2014NR8S(O)mNR8R9, \u2014NR8S(O)mOR9 and \u2014OS(O)mNR8R9;
R3 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl;
R6 is selected group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl,

wherein the R6 group has a molecular weight of less than 200 atomic mass units;
R7 is absent when n is a double bond;
R7 is selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, \u2014COR8, \u2014CO2R8, \u2014CONR8R9 and \u2014S(O)mR8 when n is a single bond;
R8 and R9 independently selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl;
R8 and R9 taken together can optionally form a 4, 5, 6, or 7 membered optionally substituted heterocyclyl ring or a 5 or 6 membered optionally substituted heteroaryl ring; and
m is an integer of 1 or 2.
2. The compound according to claim 1, wherein:
R1 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014OR8 and \u2014NR8R9;
R2 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014OR8 and \u2014NR8R9;
R3 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl;
R6 is selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl,

wherein the R6 group has a molecular weight of less than 200 atomic mass units;
R7 is absent;
R8 and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl;
R8 and R9 taken together can optionally form a 5, 6, or 7 membered optionally substituted heterocyclyl ring or a 5 or 6 membered optionally substituted heteroaryl ring; and
n is a double bond.
3. The compound according to claim 2, wherein:
R6 is selected from the group consisting of H , optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl,

wherein the R6 group has a molecular weight of less than 200 atomic mass units.
4. The compound according to claim 3, wherein:
R2 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014OR8 and \u2014NR8R9.
5. The compound according to claim 4, wherein:
R1 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014OR8 and \u2014NR8R9.
6. The compound according to claim 5, wherein:
R3 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl.
7. The compound according to claim 1, wherein:
R1 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014OR8 and \u2014NR8R9;
R2 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014OR8 and \u2014NR8R9;
R3 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl;
R6 is selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl and optionally substituted heterocyclyl,

wherein the R6 group has a molecular weight of less than 200 atomic mass units;
R8 and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl;
R8 and R9 taken together can optionally form a 5, 6, or 7 membered optionally substituted heterocyclyl ring or a 5 or 6 membered optionally substituted heteroaryl ring; and
n is a double bond.
8. The compound according to claim 7, wherein:
R6 is selected from the group consisting of H, methyl, ethyl and isopropyl.
9. The compound according to claim 8, wherein:
R2 is selected from the group consisting of aryl and heteroaryl wherein the aryl or heteroaryl group is optionally substituted with the group consisting of H, alkyl, haloalkyl, halogen, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, \u2014OR8, \u2014CO2R8, \u2014CONR8R9, \u2014SO2R8, and \u2014SO2NR8R9.
10. The compound according to claim 9, wherein:
R1 is selected from the group consisting of heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, \u2014OR8 and \u2014NR8R9 wherein the heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy or heteroaryloxy group is optionally substituted with the group consisting of H, cyano, haloalkyl, alkyl, halogen, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, \u2014OR8, \u2014CO2R8, CONR8R9, \u2014SO2R8, and \u2014SO2NR8R9.
11. The compound according to claim 10, wherein:
R3 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl and heterocyclylalkyl, wherein the arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted with the group consisting of hydrogen, cyano, haloalkyl, alkyl, cycloalkyl, halogen, hydroxyl, amino, \u2014OR8, \u2014NR8NR9, \u2014SO2R8, \u2014SO2NR8R9, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, and aryl.
12. The compound according to claim 1, wherein:
R1 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014OR8 and \u2014NR8R9;
R2 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014OR8 and \u2014NR8R9;
R3 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl;
R6 is selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl,

wherein the R6 group has a molecular weight of less than 200 atomic mass units;
R7 is selected from the group consisting of H , optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, \u2014CONR8R9, \u2014CO2R8, \u2014COR8 and \u2014SO2R8;
R8 and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl;
R8 and R9 taken together can optionally form a 5, 6, or 7 membered optionally substituted heterocyclyl ring or a 5 or 6 membered optionally substituted heteroaryl ring; and
n is a single bond.
13. The compound according to claim 12, wherein;
R6 is selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl,

wherein the R6 group has a molecular weight of less than 200 atomic mass units.
14. The compound according to claim 13, wherein;
R7 is selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, \u2014COR8, \u2014CO2R8, \u2014CONR8R9 and \u2014SO2R8.
15. The compound according to claim 14, wherein:
R2 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014OR8 and \u2014NR8R9.
16. The compound according to claim 15, wherein:
R1 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014OR8 and \u2014NR8R9.
17. The compound according to claim 16, wherein:
R3 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl.
18. The compound according to claim 1, wherein:
R1 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014OR8 and \u2014NR8R9;
R2 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014OR8 and \u2014NR8R9;
R3 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl;
R6 is selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl,

wherein the R6 group has a molecular weight of less than 200 atomic mass units;
R7 selected from the group consisting of H, \u2014COR8, \u2014CO2R8, \u2014CONR8R9 and \u2014SO2R8;
R8 and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl;
R8 and R9 taken together can optionally form a 5, 6, or 7 membered optionally substituted heterocyclyl ring or a 5 or 6 membered optionally substituted heteroaryl ring; and
n is a single bond.
19. The compound of claim 1 selected from:
20. The compound of claim 1 selected from:
21. The compound of claim 1 selected from;
22. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising: one or more compound of Formula I
all pharmaceutically acceptable salts and stereoisomers thereof,
wherein:
n is a single bond or a double bond;
R1 is selected from the group consisting of halogen, cyano, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014NR8R9, \u2014CO2R8, \u2014CONR8R9, \u2014OR8, \u2014NR8COR9, \u2014NR8CONR8R9, \u2014NR8CO2R9, \u2014OCONR8R9, \u2014NR8S(O)mR9, \u2014NR8S(O)mNR8R9, \u2014NR8S(O)mOR9 and \u2014OS(O)mNR8R9;
R2 is selected from the group consisting of halogen, cyano, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014NR8R9, \u2014CO2R8, \u2014CONR8R9, \u2014OR8, \u2014NR8COR9, \u2014NR8CONR8R9, \u2014NR8CO2R9, \u2014OCONR8R9, \u2014NR8S(O)mR9, \u2014NR8S(O)mNR8R9, \u2014NR8S(O)mOR9 and \u2014OS(O)mNR8R9;
R3 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl;
R6 is selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl,

wherein the R6 group has a molecular weight of less than 200 atomic mass units;
R7 is absent when n is a double bond;
R7 is selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, \u2014COR8, \u2014CO2R8, \u2014CONR8R9 and \u2014S(O)mR8 when n is a single bond;
R8 and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl;
R8 and R9 taken together can optionally form a 4, 5, 6, or 7 membered optionally substituted heterocyclyl ring or a 5 or 6 membered optionally substituted heteroaryl ring; and
m is an integer of 1 or 2; and
at least one pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.
23. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 22, further comprising: at least one other therapeutic agent.
24. A pharmaceutical combination comprising a pharmaceutical composition of claim 22 and a therapeutic agent selected from anti-obesity agents; appetite suppressants; and agents used to treat substance abuse and addictive disorders.
25. A pharmaceutical combination of claim 24 wherein the other therapeutic agent may be administered prior to, simultaneously with, or following the administration of the pharmaceutical composition of claim 22.
26. A pharmaceutical combination of claim 24 wherein the anti-obesity agent is selected from melanocortin receptor (MC4R) agonists; melanin-concentrating hormone receptor (MCHR) antagonists; growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) antagonists; galanin receptor modulators; orexin antagonists; CCK agonists; GLP-1 agonists and other pPre-proglucagon-derived peptides; NPY1 or NPY5 antagonists; NPY2 and NPY4 modulators; corticotropin releasing factor agonists; histamine receptor-3 (H3) modulators; aP2 inhibitors; PPAR gamma modulators; PPAR delta modulators; acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) inhibitors; 11-\u03b2-HSD-1 inhibitors; adiponectin receptor modulators; beta 3 adrenergic agonists, including AJ9677, L750355 and CP331648 or other known beta 3 agonists; thyroid receptor beta modulator; lipase inhibitors, including orlistat and ATL-962; serotonin receptor agonists, including BVT-933; monoamine reuptake inhibitors or releasing agents, including fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, chlorphentermine, cloforex, clortermine, picilorex, sibutramine, dexamphetamine, phentermine, phenylpropanolamine and mazindol; anorectic agents, including topiramate; ciliary neurotrophic factor, including Axokine; brain-derived neurotrophic factor; leptin and leptin receptor modulators and other cannabinoid-1 receptor antagonists, including SR-141716 and SLV-319.
27. A pharmaceutical combination of claim 24 wherein the agent used to treat substance abuse and addictive disorders is selected from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; methadone; buprenorphine; nicotine; and bupropion.
28. A method for treating substance abuse, a dependence disorder, bulimia, obesity or any disease resulting in the patient becoming overweight, comprising: administering to a patient in need of treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to formula I:
all pharmaceutically acceptable salts and stereoisomers thereof,
wherein:
n is a single bond or a double bond;
R1 is selected from the group consisting of halogen, cyano, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014NR8R9, \u2014CO2R8, \u2014CONR8R9, \u2014OR8, \u2014NR8COR9, \u2014NR8CONR8R9, \u2014NR8CO2R9, \u2014OCONR8R9, \u2014NR8S(O)mR9, \u2014NR8S(O)mNR8R9, \u2014NR8S(O)mOR9 and \u2014OS(O)mNR8R9;
R2 is selected from the group consisting of halogen, cyano, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, \u2014NR8R9, \u2014CO2R8, \u2014CONR8R9, \u2014OR8, \u2014NR8COR9, \u2014NR8CONR8R9, \u2014NR8CO2R9, \u2014OCONR8R9, \u2014NR8S(O)mR9, \u2014NR8S(O)mNR8R9, \u2014NR8S(O)mOR9 and \u2014OS(O)mNR8R9;
R3 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl;
R6 is selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl,

wherein the R6 group has a molecular weight of less than 200 atomic mass units;
R7 is absent when n is a double bond;
R7 is selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, \u2014COR8, \u2014CO2R8, \u2014CONR8R9 and \u2014S(O)mR8 when n is a single bond;
R8 and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl and optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl;
R8 and R9 taken together can optionally form a 4, 5, 6, or 7 membered optionally substituted heterocyclyl ring or a 5 or 6 membered optionally substituted heteroaryl ring; and
m is an integer of 1 or 2.
29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the obesity is due to genetic or environmental causes, including overeating and bulemia, polycycstic ovary disease, craniopharyngeoma, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Frohlich’s Syndrome, Type II diabetes, growth hormone deficiency, Turner’s Syndrome and other pathological states characterized by reduced metabolic activity or reduced energy expenditure.
30. The method according to claim 28 in which substances of abuse or dependence include alcohol, amphetamines, amphetamine-like substances, caffeine, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, nicotine, opioids, phencyclidine, phencyclidine-like compounds, sedative-hypnotics, benzodiazepines, other known or unknown substances, or combinations of the substances of abuse.
31. The method according to claim 30 wherein the substance abuse or dependence may occur without physiological dependence.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1-7. (canceled)
8. A method of detecting surface plasmon resonance of a sample containing one or more analytes, comprising:
(1) providing an array comprising:
(a) a substrate comprising a transparent material;
(b) a grating layer adhered to the substrate, the grating layer having a plurality of grating structures fixed to the upper surface of the grating layer; and
(c) a plurality of nanostructures formed on the grating layer such that a local resonance field based on the nanostructures is generated when light is incident to the surface of the grating layer;

(2) contacting the sample with one or more biomolecules attached to the grating layer; and
(3) detecting a shift in the surface plasmon resonance associated with the sample.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the detecting is performed with a photodetector array.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the detecting is performed with a charged coupled device (CCD).
11-17. (canceled)
18. A method of detecting surface plasmon resonance of a sample containing one or more analytes, comprising:
(1) providing an array comprising
(a) a substrate comprising a transparent material;
(b) a grating layer adhered to the substrate; and
(c) a plurality of nanostructures formed on a surface of the grating layer such that a local resonance field based on the nanostructures is generated when light is incident to the surface of the grating layer, wherein the nanostructures are spaced
(i) with a first periodic pattern having a size which is greater than the wavelength of the light incident to the surface of the grating layer; and
(ii) with a second periodic pattern having a size which is less than the wavelength of the light incident to the surface of the grating layer;
(2) contacting the sample with one or more biomolecules attached to the grating layer;
(3) positioning the array such that the light is incident to the surface of the grating layer;
(4) capturing the light via a sensor; and
(5) identifying substances in the sample based on a spectrum of the captured light.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the sensor is a photodetector array.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the sensor is a charged coupled device (CCD).
21. The method of claim 18, further comprising detecting a shift in the surface plasmon resonance associated with the sample.
22. The method of claim 8, further comprising identifying at least one substance in the sample based on the detecting.

1-173. (canceled)
174. A method of treating a skin condition or disease characterized by ulceration, inflammation, or blistering of the skin comprising applying to the skin an allantoin-containing composition in a therapeutically effective amount, wherein the allantoin-containing composition comprises an oil-in-water emulsion comprising:
greater than 2.0% allantoin;
an emulsifier system including:
(i) an acidic wax; and
(ii) an anionic emulsifier that is substantially hydrophilic and is soluble in water; and an acid to adjust the pH of the composition to a value in the range of from approximately 3.0 to approximately 6.0.
175. The method of claim 174 wherein the pH of the composition is from approximately 4.0 to approximately 5.0.
176. The method of claim 174 wherein the emulsifier is selected from the group consisting of ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium oleyl succinate, ammonium lauryl sulfosuccinate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, ammonium laureth sulfate, sodium N-lauryl sarcosinate, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
177. The method of claim 176 wherein the emulsifier is sodium lauryl sulfate.
178. The method of claim 174 wherein the acidic wax is selected from the group consisting of beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, siliconyl beeswax, siliconyl carnauba wax, and a synthetic acidic wax.
179. The method of claim 178 wherein the acidic wax is beeswax.
180. The method of claim 174 wherein the skin condition or disease is selected from the group consisting of epidermolysis bullosa, decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, milia, eczema, urticaria, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, arthritis, gout, lupus erythematosus, acne, alopecia, carcinomas, psoriasis, rosacea, miliaria, skin infections, post-operative care of incisions, post-operative skin care following any variety of plastic surgery procedures, skin care following radiation treatment, care of dry, cracked or aged skin and skin lines.
181. The method of claim 180 where the skin condition or disease is selected from the group consisting of decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcers and diabetic ulcers.
182. The method of claim 174 further comprising administering an additional therapeutic agent in a therapeutically effective quantity.
183. The method of claim 182 wherein the additional therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, leukotriene antagonists, and monoclonal antibodies.
184. The method of claim 174 wherein the composition further comprises at least one of:
(a) an emollient component comprising at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of lanolin oil, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cod liver oil;
(b) at least one antioxidant selected from the group consisting of butylated hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole;
(c) a preservative component comprising at least one preservative selected from the group consisting of methylparaben and propylparaben;
(d) tetrasodium EDTA; and
(e) a solvent component comprising at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, and glycerin.
185. The method of claim 175 wherein the composition comprises an oil-in-water emulsion comprising:
water;
sodium lauryl sulfate;
propylene glycol;
tetrasodium EDTA;
citric acid;
lanolin oil;
cetyl alcohol;
stearyl alcohol;
an acidic wax selected from the group consisting of beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, siliconyl beeswax, siliconyl carnauba wax, and a synthetic acidic wax;
cod liver oil;
butylated hydroxytoluene;
methylparaben;
propylparaben;
greater than 2.0% allantoin; and
fragrance.
186. The method of claim 185 wherein the acidic wax is beeswax.
187. The method of claim 185 wherein the composition comprises:
from about 50% to about 90% of water;
from about 0.5% to about 4.0% of 30% sodium lauryl sulfate;
from about 2.0% to about 9.0% of propylene glycol;
from about 0.05% to about 0.5% of tetrasodium EDTA;
from about 0.05% to about 0.5% of citric acid;
from about 5% to about 15% of lanolin oil;
from about 1% to about 10% of cetyl alcohol;
from about 1% to about 5% of stearyl alcohol;
from about 0.5% to about 5% of an acidic wax selected from the group consisting of beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, siliconyl carnauba wax, and beeswax, siliconyl carnauba wax, and a synthetic acidic wax;
from about 1.0% to about 7.0% of cod liver oil;
from approximately 0.1% to approximately 1.0% of butylated hydroxytoluene;
from approximately 0.1% to approximately 0.5% of methylparaben;
from approximately 0.1% to approximately 0.5% of propylparaben;
from greater than 1.0% to approximately 12.0% of allantoin; and
from approximately 0.05% to approximately 0.5% of fragrance.
188. The method of claim 187 wherein the acidic wax is beeswax.
189. The method of claim 187 wherein the composition comprises:
approximately 67% of water;
approximately 2.5% of sodium lauryl sulfate;
approximately 5.7% of propylene glycol;
approximately 0.15% of tetrasodium EDTA;
approximately 0.09% of citric acid;
approximately 10.6% of lanolin oil;
approximately 3.5% of cetyl alcohol;
approximately 1.7% of stearyl alcohol;
approximately 2.5% of an acidic wax selected from the group consisting of beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, siliconyl beeswax, siliconyl carnauba wax, and a synthetic acidic wax;
approximately 2.0% of cod liver oil;
approximately 0.5% of butylated hydroxytoluene;
approximately 0.3% of methylparaben;
approximately 0.25% of propylparaben;
approximately 3.00% of allantoin; and
approximately 0.20% of fragrance.
190. The method of claim 189 wherein the acidic wax is beeswax.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A membrane fuel cell delimited by bipolar plates comprising a cathodic compartment and an anodic compartment, said cathodic compartment comprising means for feeding air from the bottom to the top, said anodic compartment comprising means for feeding a hydrogen-containing fuel from the top to the bottom, at least one of said cathodic and anodic compartment comprising a flow distributor consisting of a porous material.
2. The cell of claim 1 wherein said at least one compartment comprising a porous flow distributor is the cathodic compartment.
3. The cell of claim 1 wherein said porous material is selected from the group consisting of three-dimensional reticulated materials, sintered materials, juxtaposed meshes and juxtaposed expanded sheets.
4. The cell of claim 1 wherein said porous material has a porosity dimensioned for generating a gaseous flow pressure variation not higher than 0.5 bar.
5. The cell of claim 1 wherein said porous material has a porosity dimensioned for generating a gaseous flow pressure variation not higher than 0.1 bar.
6. The cell of claim 1 wherein said porous material has a void volumetotal volume ratio not lower than 50%.
7. The cell of claim 6 wherein said ratio is equal to or higher than 75%.
8. The cell of claim 1 comprising a heat extraction device crossed by liquid water in communication with said cathodic compartment through calibrated holes on the relevant bipolar plate delimiting the cell.
9. A fuel cell stack comprising a multiplicity of cells of claim 1.
10. A method for operating the cell of claim 1 or the stack of claim 9 comprising feeding said cathodic compartment with air in a dry state and at al pressure lower than 3 bar.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein said pressure is lower than 1.2 bar.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein the temperature of the air discharged from the upper part of said cathodic compartment is less than or equal to the dew point defined by the ratio of moles of water of reactionoverall moles of discharged air and water vapor.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the regulation of said temperature of discharged air is obtained by adjusting the temperature of a cooling fluid circulating inside the cell.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein said cooling fluid is water injected in the lower part of the cell in the proximity of the air feed.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said water is injected in the lower part of the cell through calibrated holes present on the bipolar plate facing said cathodic compartment.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein said calibrated holes are in communication with a heat extracting device whence said water injected in the lower part of the cell proceeds.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the flow-rate of the water flowing in said extracting device is substantially equivalent to the flow-rate of said water injected through said calibrated holes.
18. The method of claim 14 wherein the regulation of the flow-rate of said injected water is carried out as a function of the electrical current output.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein said regulation is achieved by acting on the operating regime of an injection pump.
20. The method of claim 14 wherein said injected water and said air feed have a constant flow corresponding to the value required for the maximum nominal electrical output.