The invention is directed to certain
biphenyl compounds. Specifically, the invention is directed to compounds according to Formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and Y are as defined below, and to pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof. The compounds of the invention are KSP inhibitors, particularly human KSP inhibitors, and can be useful for the treatment for a variety of diseases and conditions, such as
cancer, hyperplasias,
restenosis,
cardiac hypertrophy, immune disorders, fungal disorders, and
inflammation. Accordingly, the invention is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the invention. The invention is still further directed to methods of inhibiting KSP and treatment of conditions associated therewith using a compound of the invention or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the invention. In an additional aspect, the invention provides methods of screening for compounds that will bind to a KSP
kinesin, for example compounds that will displace or compete with the binding of the compounds of the invention. The methods comprise combining a labeled compound of the invention, a KSP
kinesin, and at least one candidate agent and determining the binding of the candidate bioactive agent to the KSP
kinesin. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods of screening for modulators of KSP
kinesin activity. The methods comprise combining a compound of the invention, a KSP kinesin, and at least one candidate agent and determining the effect of the candidate bioactive agent on the KSP
kinesin activity.