The invention discloses and claims benzimidazole compounds of formula (I):wherein X is C—R2; Y is C—R2 or C—R3; W and Z are each C—R3; R1 is an optionally substituted aryl, heteroaryl or a saturated 5- or 6-membered monocyclic heterocyclic radical or a bicyclic heterocyclic radical; and A5 is H or alkyl; or a stereoisomer, a racemate, an enantiomer or a diastereoisomer of said compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; the use of compounds of formula (I) for the treatment of a disorder of proliferation of blood vessels, uncontrolled angiogenesis, a fibrotic disorder, a disorder of proliferation of mesangial cells, a metabolic disorder, allergy, asthma, thrombosis, a disease of the nervous system, retinopathy, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, muscle degeneration, solid tumors and cancers, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvants or diluents and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) and one or more. antimitotic agents.