Bile acid recycling inhibitors for treatment of hypercholemia and cholestatic liver disease

Abstract

Provided herein are methods of treating or ameliorating hypercholemia or a cholestatic liver disease by administering to an individual in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an Apical Sodium-dependent Bile Acid Transporter Inhibitor (ASBTI) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also provided are methods for treating or ameliorating a liver disease, decreasing the levels of serum bile acids or hepatic bile acids, treating or ameliorating pruritis, reducing liver enzymes, or reducing bilirubin comprising administering to an individual in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of ASBTI or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composition for use in the treatment of hypercholemia comprising non-systemically administering to an individual in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the composition comprising an Apical Sodium-dependent Bile Acid Transporter Inhibitor (ASBTI) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
         2 . The composition for use in  claim 1 , wherein the ASBTI decreases at least 20% of serum bile acid or hepatic bile acid levels in the patient. 
     
     
         3 . The composition for use in  claim 1 , wherein less than 10% of the ASBTI is systemically absorbed. 
     
     
         4 . The composition for use in  claim 1 , wherein the ASBTI is a compound of Formula II: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 q is an integer from 1 to 4; 
 n is an integer from 0 to 2; 
 R 1  and R 2  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, dialkylamino, alkylthio, (polyalkyl)aryl, and cycloalkyl, 
 wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, dialkylamino, alkylthio, (polyalkyl)aryl, and cycloalkyl optionally are substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , N + R 9 R 10 R w A − , SR 9 , S + R 9 R 10 A − , P + R 9 R 10 R 11 A − , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , CO 2 R 9 , CN, halogen, oxo, and CONR 9 R 10 , 
 wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, (polyalkyl)aryl, and cycloalkyl optionally have one or more carbons replaced by O, NR 9 , N + R 9 R 10 A − , S, SO, SO 2 , S + R 9 A − , P + R 9 R 10 A − , or phenylene, 
 wherein R 9 , R 10 , and R w  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, acyl, heterocycle, ammoniumalkyl, arylalkyl, and alkylammoniumalkyl; or 
 R 1  and R 2  taken together with the carbon to which they are attached form C 3 -C 10  cycloalkyl; 
 R 3  and R 4  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, acyloxy, aryl, heterocycle, OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , SR 9 , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , and SO 3 R 9 , wherein R 9  and R 10  are as defined above; or 
 R 3  and R 4  together ═O, ═NOR 11 , ═S, ═NNR 11 R 12 , ═NR 9 , or ═CR 11 R 12 , 
 wherein R 11  and R 12  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkenylalkyl, alkynylalkyl, heterocycle, carboxyalkyl, carboalkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, cyanoalkyl, OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , SR 9 , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , CO 2 R 9 , CN, halogen, oxo, and CONR 9 R 10 , wherein R 9  and R 10  are as defined above, provided that both R 3  and R 4  cannot be OH, NH 2 , and SH, or 
 R 11  and R 12  together with the nitrogen or carbon atom to which they are attached form a cyclic ring; 
 R 5  and R 6  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, quaternary heterocycle, quarternary heteroaryl, OR 9 , SR 9 , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , and -L z -K z ; 
 wherein z is 1, 2 or 3; each L is independently a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, a substituted or unsubstituted aminoalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl; each K is a moiety that prevents systemic absorption; 
 wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, quaternary heterocycle, and quaternary heteroaryl can be substituted with one or more substituent groups independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, polyether, aryl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkyl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, halogen, oxo, R 15 , OR 13 , OR 13 R 14 , NR 13 R 14 , SR 13 , S(O)R 13 , SO 2 R 13 , SO 3 R 13 , NR 13  OR 14 , NR 13 NR 14 R 15 , NO 2 , CO 2 R 13 , CN, OM, SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 13 R 14 , C(O)NR 13 R 14 , C(O)OM, CR 13 , P(O)R 13 R 14 , P + R 13 R 14 R 15 A − , P(OR 13 )OR 14 , S + R 13 R 14 A − , and N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , 
 
       wherein:
 A −  is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion and M is a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, polyether, aryl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycle can be further substituted with one or more substituent groups selected from the group consisting of OR 7 , NR 7 R 8 , S(O)R 7 , SO 2 R 7 , SO 3 R 7 , CO 2 R 7 , CN, oxo, CONR 7 R 8 , N + R 7 R 8 R 9 A − , alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkyl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, P(O)R 7 R 8 , P + R 7 R 8 R 9 A − , and P(O)(OR 7 ) OR 8  and 
 wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, polyether, aryl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycle can optionally have one or more carbons replaced by O, NR 7 , N + R 7 R 8 A − , S, SO, SO 2 , S + R 7 A − , PR 7 , P(O)R 7 , P + R 7 R 8 A − , or phenylene, and R 13 , R 14 , and R 15  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, heteroaryl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, quaternary heteroarylalkyl, and -G-T-V—W, 
 wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, and polyalkyl optionally have one or more carbons replaced by O, NR 9 , N + R 9 R 10 A − , S, SO, SO 2 , S + R 9 A − , PR, P + R 9 R 10 A − , P(O)R 9 , phenylene, carbohydrate, C 2 -C 7  polyol, amino acid, peptide, or polypeptide, and 
 G, T and V are each independently a bond, —O—, —S—, —N(H)—, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, —O-alkyl, —N(H)-alkyl, —C(O)N(H)—, —N(H)C(O)—, —N(H)C(O)N(H)—, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenylalkyl, alkynylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycle, substituted or unsubstituted carboxyalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted carboalkoxyalkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, and 
 W is quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, quaternary heteroarylalkyl, N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , P + R 9 R 10 R 11 A − , OS(O) 2 OM, or S + R 9 R 10 A − , and 
 R 13 , R 14  and R 15  are optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from the group consisting of sulfoalkyl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , SR 9 , S(O) R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , oxo, CO 2 R 9 , CN, halogen, CONR 9 R 10 , SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 9 R 10 , PO(OR 16 )OR 17 , P + R 9 R 10 R 11 A − , S + R 9 R 10 A − , and C(O)OM, 
 wherein R 16  and R 17  are independently selected from the substituents constituting R 9  and M; or 
 R 14  and R 15 , together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a cyclic ring; and 
 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, acyl, heterocycle, ammoniumalkyl, alkylammoniumalkyl, and arylalkyl; and 
 R 7  and R 8  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl; and 
 one or more R x  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, acyloxy, aryl, arylalkyl, halogen, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, heteroaryl, polyether, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, OR 13 , NR 13 R 14 , SR 13 , S(O)R 13 , S(O) 2 R 13 , SO 3 R 13 , S + R 13 R 14 A − , NR 13 OR 14 , NR 13 NR 14 R 15 , NO 2 , CO 2 R 13 , CN, OM, SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 13 R 14 , NR 14 C(O)R 13 , C(O)NR 13 R 14 , NR 14 C(O)R 13 , C(O)OM, COR 13 , OR 18 , S(O) n NR 18 , NR 13 R 18 , NR 18 R 14 , N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , P + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , amino acid, peptide, polypeptide, and carbohydrate; 
 wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, polyalkyl, heterocycle, acyloxy, arylalkyl, haloalkyl, polyether, quaternary heterocycle, and quaternary heteroaryl can be further substituted with OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , SR 9 , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , oxo, CO 2 R 9 , CN, halogen, CONR 9 R 10 , SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 9 R 10 , PO(OR 16 )OR 17 , P + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , S + R 9 R 10 A − , or C(O)M, 
 wherein W is O or NH, R 31  is selected from 
 wherein R 18  is selected from the group consisting of acyl, arylalkoxycarbonyl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, heteroaryl, alkyl, 
 wherein acyl, arylalkoxycarbonyl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, heteroaryl, alkyl, quaternary heterocycle, and quaternary heteroaryl optionally are substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , SR 9 , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , oxo, CO 3 R 9 , CN, halogen, CONR 9 R 10 , SO 3 R 9 , SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 9 R 10 , PO(OR 16 )OR 17 , and C(O)OM, 
 wherein in R x , one or more carbons are optionally replaced by O, NR 13 , N + R 13 R 14 A − , S, SO, SO 2 , S + R 13 A − , PR 13 , P(O)R 13 , P + R 13 R 14 A − , phenylene, amino acid, peptide, polypeptide, carbohydrate, polyether, or polyalkyl, 
 wherein in said polyalkyl, phenylene, amino acid, peptide, polypeptide, and carbohydrate, one or more carbons are optionally replaced by O, NR 9 , R 9 R 10 A − , S, SO, SO 2 , S + R 9 A − , PR 9 , P + R 9 R 10 A − , or P(O)R 9    
 wherein quaternary heterocycle and quaternary heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, polyether, aryl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkyl, halogen, oxo, OR 13 , NR 13 R 14 , SR 13 , S(O)R 13 , SO 2 R 13 , SO 3 R 13 , NR 13 OR 14 , NR 13 NR 14 R 15 , NO 2 , CO 2 R 13 , CN, OM, SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 13 R 14 , C(O)NR 13 R 14 , C(O)OM, COR 13 , P(O)R 13 R 14 , P + R 13 R 14 R 15 A − , P(OR 13 )OR 14 , S + R 13 R 14 A − , and N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , 
 provided that both R 5  and R 6  cannot be hydrogen or SH; 
 provided that when R 5  or R 6  is phenyl, only one of R 1  or R 2  is H; 
 provided that when q=1 and R x  is styryl, anilido, or anilinocarbonyl, only one of R 5  or R 6  is alkyl. 
 
     
     
         5 . The composition for use in  claim 4 , wherein:
 q is 1;   n is 2;   R x  is N(CH 3 ) 2 ;   R 7  and R 8  are independently H;   R 1  and R 2  is alkyl;   R 3  is H, and R 4  is OH;   R 5  is H, and R 6  is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, quaternary heterocycle, quarternary heteroaryl, OR 9 , SR 9 , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , and -L z -K z ;   wherein z is 1, 2 or 3; each L is independently a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, a substituted or unsubstituted aminoalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl; each K is a moiety that prevents systemic absorption;   wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, quaternary heterocycle, and quaternary heteroaryl can be substituted with one or more substituent groups independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, polyether, aryl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkyl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, halogen, oxo, R 15 , OR 13 , OR 13 R 14 , NR 13 R 14 , SR 13 , S(O)R 13 , SO 2 R 13 , SO 3 R 13 , NR 13 OR 14 , NR 13 NR 14 R 15 , NO 2 , CO 2 R 13 , CN, OM, SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 13 R 14 , C(O)NR 13 R 14 , C(O)OM, CR 13 , P(O)R 13 R 14 , P + R 13 R 14 R 15 A − , P(OR 13 )OR 14 , S + R 13 R 14 A − , and N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − ,   wherein A −  is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion and M is a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, polyether, aryl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycle can be further substituted with one or more substituent groups selected from the group consisting of OR 7 , NR 7 R 8 , S(O)R 7 , SO 2 R 7 , SO 3 R 7 , CO 2 R 7 , CN, oxo, CONR 7 R 8 , N + R 7 R 8 R 9 A − , alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkyl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, P(O)R 7 R 8 , P + R 7 R 8 R 9 A − , and P(O)(OR 7 ) OR 8  and   wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, polyether, aryl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycle can optionally have one or more carbons replaced by O, NR 7 , N + R 7 R 8 A − , S, SO, SO 2 , S + R 7 A − , PR 7 , P(O)R 7 , P + R 7 R 8 A − , or phenylene, and R 13 , R 14 , and R 15  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, heteroaryl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, quaternary heteroarylalkyl, and -G-T-V—W,   wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, and polyalkyl optionally have one or more carbons replaced by O, NR 9 , N + R 9 R 10 A − , S, SO, SO 2 , S + R 9 A − , PR, P + R 9 R 10 A − , P(O)R 9 , phenylene, carbohydrate, C 2 -C 7  polyol, amino acid, peptide, or polypeptide, and   G, T and V are each independently a bond, —O—, —S—, —N(H)—, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, —O-alkyl, —N(H)-alkyl, —C(O)N(H)—, —N(H)C(O)—, —N(H)C(O)N(H)—, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenylalkyl, alkynylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycle, substituted or unsubstituted carboxyalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted carboalkoxyalkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, and   W is quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, quaternary heteroarylalkyl, N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , P + R 9 R 10 R 11 A − , OS(O) 2 OM, or S + R 9 R 10 A − , and   R 9  and R 10  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, acyl, heterocycle, ammoniumalkyl, arylalkyl, and alkylammoniumalkyl;   R 11  and R 12  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkenylalkyl, alkynylalkyl, heterocycle, carboxyalkyl, carboalkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, cyanoalkyl, OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , SR 9 , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , CO 2 R 9 , CN, halogen, oxo, and CONR 9 R 10 , wherein R 9  and R 10  are as defined above, provided that both R 3  and R 4  cannot be OH, NH 2 , and SH, or   R 11  and R 12  together with the nitrogen or carbon atom to which they are attached form a cyclic ring;   R 13 , R 14  and R 15  are optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from the group consisting of sulfoalkyl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , SR 9 , S(O) R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , oxo, CO 2 R 9 , CN, halogen, CONR 9 R 10 , SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 9 R 10 , PO(OR 16 )OR 17 , P + R 9 R 10 R 11 A − , S + R 9 R 10 A − , and C(O)OM,   wherein R 16  and R 17  are independently selected from the substituents constituting R 9  and M; or   R 14  and R 15 , together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a cyclic ring; and is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, acyl, heterocycle, ammoniumalkyl, alkylammoniumalkyl, and arylalkyl   
     
     
         6 . The composition for use in  claim 4 , wherein the compound of Formula II is 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         7 . The composition for use in  claim 4 , wherein the compound of Formula II is 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         8 . The composition for use in  claim 4 , wherein the compound of Formula II is 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         9 . The composition for use in  claim 4 , wherein the compound of Formula II is 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         10 . The composition for use in  claim 4 , wherein the compound of Formula II is 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         11 . The composition for use in  claim 4 , wherein the compound of Formula II is 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         12 . The composition for use in  claim 1 , wherein the ASBTI is a compound of Formula I: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein: 
         R 1  is a straight chained C 1-6  alkyl group; 
         R 2  is a straight chained C 1-6  alkyl group; 
         R 3  is hydrogen or a group OR 11  in which R 11  is hydrogen, optionally substituted C 1-6  alkyl or a C 1-6  alkylcarbonyl group; 
         R 4  is pyridyl or optionally substituted phenyl or -L z -K z ; wherein z is 1, 2 or 3; each L is independently a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, a substituted or unsubstituted aminoalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl; each K is a moiety that prevents systemic absorption; 
         R 5 , R 6 , R 7  and R 8  are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, halogen, cyano, R 5 -acetylide, OR 15 , optionally substituted C 1-6  alkyl, COR 15 , CH(OH)R 15 , S(O) n R 15 , P(O)(OR 15 ) 2 , OCOR 15 , OCF 3 , OCN, SCN, NHCN, CH 2 OR 15 , CHO, (CH 2 ) p CN, CONR 12 R 13 , (CH 2 ) p CO 2 R 15 , (CH 2 ) p NR 12 R 13 , CO 2 R 15 , NHCOCF 3 , NHSO 2 R 15 , OCH 2 OR 15 , OCH═CHR 15 , O(CH 2 CH 2 O) n R 15 , O(CH 2 ) p SO 3 R 15 , O(CH 2 ) p NR 12 R 13 , O(CH 2 ) p N + R 12 R 13 R 14  and —W—R 31 , wherein W is O or NH, and R 31  is selected from 
       
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein p is an integer from 1-4, n is an integer from 0-3 and, R 12 , R 13 , R 14  and R 15  are independently selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted C 1-6  alkyl; or 
         R 6  and R 7  are linked to form a group 
       
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         
           wherein R 12  and R 13  are as hereinbefore defined and m is 1 or 2; and 
         
         R 9  and R 10  are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen or C 1-6  alkyl; and 
         salts, solvates and physiologically functional derivatives thereof. 
       
     
     
         13 . The composition for use in  claim 12 , wherein the compound of Formula I is 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         14 . The composition for use in  claim 1 , wherein the ASBTI is a compound of Formula III: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 each R 1 , R 2  is independently H, hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, —C(═X)YR 8 , —YC(═X)R 8 , substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, or -L-K; or R 1  and R 2  together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 3-8-membered ring that is optionally substituted with R 8 ; 
 each R 3 , R 4  is independently H, hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, —C(═X)YR 8 , —YC(═X)R 8 , substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, or -L-K; 
 R 5  is H, hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, —C(═X)YR 8 , —YC(═X)R 8 , substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, 
 each R 6 , R 7  is independently H, hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, —C(═X)YR 8 , —YC(═X)R 8 , substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, or -L-K; or R 6  and R 7  taken together form a bond; 
 each X is independently NH, S, or O; 
 each Y is independently NH, S, or O; 
 R 8  is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, or -L-K; 
 L is A n , wherein
 each A is independently NR 1 , S(O) m , O, C(═X)Y, Y(C═X), substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl; wherein each m is independently 0-2; 
 n is 0-7; 
 
 K is a moiety that prevents systemic absorption; 
 provided that at least one of R 1 , R 2 , R 3  or R 4  is -L-K; 
 
       or a pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The composition for use in  claim 1 , wherein the ASBTI is a compound of Formula IV: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein
 R 1  is a straight chain C 1-6  alkyl group; 
 R 2  is a straight chain C 1-6  alkyl group; 
 R 3  is hydrogen or a group OR 11  in which R 11  is hydrogen, optionally substituted C 1-6  alkyl or a C 1-6  alkylcarbonyl group; 
 R 4  is pyridyl or an optionally substituted phenyl; 
 R 5 , R 6  and R 8  are the same or different and each is selected from:
 hydrogen, halogen, cyano, R 15 -acetylide, OR 15 , optionally substituted C 1-6  alkyl, COR 15 , CH(OH)R 15 , S(O) n R 15 , P(O)(OR 15 ) 2 , OCOR 15 , OCF 3 , OCN, SCN, NHCN, CH 2 OR 15 , CHO, (CH 2 ) p CN, CONR 12 R 13 , (CH 2 ) p CO 2 R 15 , (CH 2 ) p NR 12 R 13 , CO 2 R 15 , NHCOCF 3 , NHSO 2 R 15 , OCH 2 OR 15 , OCH═CHR 15 , O(CH 2 CH 2 O) n R 15 , O(CH 2 ) p SO 3 R 15 , O(CH 2 ) p NR 12 R 13  and O(CH 2 ) p N + R 12 R 13 R 14  wherein 
 
 p is an integer from 1-4, 
 n is an integer from 0-3 and 
 R 12 , R 13 , R 14  and R 15  are independently selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted C 1-6  alkyl; 
 R 7  is a group of the formula 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         
           wherein the hydroxyl groups may be substituted by acetyl, benzyl, or —(C 1 -C 6 )-alkyl-R 17 , 
           wherein the alkyl group may be substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups; 
         
         R 16  is —COOH, —CH 2 —OH, —CH 2 —O-Acetyl, —COOMe or —COOEt; 
         R 17  is H, —OH, —NH 2 , —COOH or COOR 18 ; 
         R 18  is (C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl or —NH—(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl; 
         X is —NH— or —O—; and 
         R 9  and R 10  are the same or different and each is hydrogen or C 1 -C 6  alkyl; and salts thereof. 
       
     
     
         16 . The composition for use in  claim 1 , wherein the ASBTI is a compound of Formula V: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 R v  is selected from hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; 
 One of R 1  and R 2  are selected from hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl and the other is selected from C 1-6 alkyl; 
 R x  and R y  are independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, mercapto, C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkoxy, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 amino, C 1-6 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2; 
 R z  is selected from halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carboxy, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, C 1-6 alkyl, C 2-6 alkenyl, C 2-6 alkynyl, C 1-6 alkoxy, C 1-6 alkanoyl, C 1-6 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 amino, C 1-6 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-6 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, C 1-6 alkoxycarbonyl, N—(C 1-6 -alkyl)sulphamoyl and N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2  sulphamoyl; 
 n is 0-5; 
 one of R 4  and R 5  is a group of formula (VA): 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         R 3  and R 6  and the other of R 4  and R 5  are independently selected from hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carboxy, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, C 1-6 alkyl, C 2-6 alkenyl, C 2-6 alkynyl, C 1-6 alkoxy, C 1-6 alkanoyl, C 1-6 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 amino, C 1-6 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-6 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, C 1-6 alkoxycarbonyl, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)sulphamoyl and N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2  sulphamoyl;
 wherein R 3  and R 6  and the other of R 4  and R 5  may be optionally substituted on carbon by one or more R 17 ; 
 
         X is —O—, —N(R a )—, —S(O) b — or —CH(R a )—;
 wherein R a  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl and b is 0-2; 
 
         Ring A is aryl or heteroaryl;
 wherein Ring A is optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 18 ; 
 
         R 7  is hydrogen, C 1-6 alkyl, carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl;
 wherein R 7  is optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 19 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 20 ; 
 
         R 8  is hydrogen or C 1-6 -alkyl; 
         R 9  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; 
         R 10  is hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 1-10 alkoxy, C 1-10 alkanoyl, C 1-10 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 amino, N,N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 3  ammonio, C 1-10 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-10  alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, C 1-10 alkoxycarbonylamino, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, carbocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) p -R 21 —(C 1-10 alkylene) q - or heterocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) r -R 22 —(C 1-10 alkylene) s -; wherein R 10  is optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 23 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 24 ; or R 10  is a group of formula (VB): 
       
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein: 
         R 11  is hydrogen or C 1-6 -alkyl; 
         R 12  and R 13  are independently selected from hydrogen, halo, carbamoyl, sulphamoyl, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl; wherein R 12  and R 13  may be independently optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 25 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 26 ; 
         R 14  is selected from hydrogen, halo, carbamoyl, sulphamoyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkenyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 1-10 alkanoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, carbocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) p -R 27 (C 1-10 alkylene) q - or heterocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) r -R 28 —(C 1-10 alkylene) s -; wherein R 14  may be optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 29 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 30 ; or R 14  is a group of formula (VC): 
       
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         R 15  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; and R 16  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; wherein R 16  may be optionally substituted on carbon by one or more groups selected from R 31 ; 
         or R 15  and R 16  together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a heterocyclyl; wherein said heterocyclyl may be optionally substituted on carbon by one or more R 37 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 38 ; 
         m is 1-3; wherein the values of R 7  may be the same or different; 
         R 17 , R 18 , R 19 , R 23 ; R 25 ; R 29 ; R 31  and R 37  are independently selected from halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkenyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 1-10 alkoxy, C 1-10 alkanoyl, C 1-10 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 amino, N,N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 3 ammonio, C 1-10 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, C 1-10 alkoxycarbonylamino, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, carbocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) p -R 32 (C 1-10 alkylene) q - or heterocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) r -R 33 —(C 1-10 alkylene) s -; wherein R 17 , R 18 , R 19 , R 23 ; R 25 ; R 29 ; R 31  and R 37  may be independently optionally substituted on carbon by one or more R 34 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 35 ; 
         R 21 , R 22 , R 27 , R 28 , R 32  or R 33  are independently selected from —O—, —NR 36 —, —S(O) x —, —NR 36 C(O)NR 36 —, —NR 36 C(S)NR 36 —, —OC(O)N═C—, —NR 36 —C(O)— or —C(O)NR 36 —; wherein R 36  is selected from hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl, and x is 0-2; 
         p, q, r and s are independently selected from 0-2; 
         R 34  is selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, carbamoyl, ureido, amino, nitro, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, vinyl, allyl, ethynyl, formyl, acetyl, formamido, acetylamino, acetoxy, methylamino, dimethylamino, N-methylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, methylthio, methylsulphinyl, mesyl, N-methylsulphamoyl, N,N-dimethylsulphamoyl, N-methylsulphamoylamino and N,N-dimethylsulphamoylamino; 
         R 20 , R 24 , R 26 , R 30 , R 35  and R 38  are independently selected from C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkanoyl, C 1-6 alkylsulphonyl, C 1-6 alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, benzyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, benzoyl and phenylsulphonyl; and 
         wherein a “heteroaryl” is a totally unsaturated, mono or bicyclic ring containing 3-12 atoms of which at least one atom is chosen from nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen, which heteroaryl may, unless otherwise specified, be carbon or nitrogen linked; 
         wherein a “heterocyclyl” is a saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, mono or bicyclic ring containing 3-12 atoms of which at least one atom is chosen from nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen, which heterocyclyl may, unless otherwise specified, be carbon or nitrogen linked, wherein a —CH 2 — group can optionally be replaced by a —C(O)— group, and a ring sulphur atom may be optionally oxidised to form an S-oxide; and 
         wherein a “carbocyclyl” is a saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, mono or bicyclic carbon ring that contains 3-12 atoms; wherein a —CH 2 — group can optionally be replaced by a —C(O)— group; 
       
       or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or in vivo hydrolysable ester or amide formed on an available carboxy or hydroxy group thereof. 
     
     
         17 . The composition for use in  claim 16 , wherein the compound of Formula V is
 1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((R)-1-carboxy-2-methylthio-ethyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxy-2-(R)-hydroxypropyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxy-2-methylpropyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxybutyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxypropyl)carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxyethyl)carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxy-2-(R)-hydroxypropyl)carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N-(2-sulphoethyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxyethyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((R)-1-carboxy-2-methylthioethyl)carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N-{(S)-1-[N—((S)-2-hydroxy-1-carboxyethyl)carbamoyl]propyl}carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxy-2-methylpropyl)carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxypropyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-[N—{(R)-α-carboxy4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine; or   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N-(carboxymethyl)carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.   
     
     
         18 . The composition for use in  claim 1 , wherein the ASBTI is a compound of Formula VI: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 R v  and R w  are independently selected from hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; 
 one of R 1  and R 2  is selected from hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl and the other is selected from C 1-6 alkyl; 
 R x  and R y  are independently selected from hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl, or one of R x  and R y  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl and the other is hydroxy or C 1-6 alkoxy; 
 R z  is selected from halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carboxy, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, C 1-6 alkyl, C 2-6 alkenyl, C 2-6 alkynyl, C 1-6 alkoxy, C 1-6 alkanoyl, C 1-6 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 amino, C 1-6 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-6 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, C 1-6 alkoxycarbonyl, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)sulphamoyl and N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2  sulphamoyl; 
 n is 0-5; 
 one of R 4  and R 5  is a group of formula (VIA): 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         R 3  and R 6  and the other of R 4  and R 5  are independently selected from hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carboxy, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, C 1-6 alkyl, C 2-6 alkenyl, C 2-6 alkynyl, C 1-6 alkoxy, C 1-6 alkanoyl, C 1-6 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 amino, C 1-6 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-6 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, C 1-6 alkoxycarbonyl, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)sulphamoyl and N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl; wherein R 3  and R 6  and the other of R 4  and R 5  may be optionally substituted on carbon by one or more R 17 ; 
         X is —O—, —N(R a )—, —S(O) b — or —CH(R a )—; wherein R a  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl and b is 0-2; 
         Ring A is aryl or heteroaryl; wherein Ring A is optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 18 ; 
         R 7  is hydrogen, C 1-6 alkyl, carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl; wherein R 7  is optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 19 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 20 ; 
         R 8  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; 
         R 9  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; 
         R 10  is hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkenyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 1-10 alkoxy, C 1-10 alkanoyl, C 1-10 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 amino, N,N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 3  ammonio, C 1-10 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-10  alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, C 1-10 alkoxycarbonylamino, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, carbocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) p -R 21 —(C 1-10 alkylene) q - or heterocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) r -R 22 —(C 1-10 alkylene) s -; wherein R 10  is optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 23 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 24 ; or R 10  is a group of formula (VIB): 
       
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 R 11  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; 
 R 12  and R 13  are independently selected from hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkenyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 1-10 alkoxy, C 1-10 alkanoyl, C 1-10 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 amino, C 1-10 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl; wherein R 12  and R 13  may be independently optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 25 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 26 ; 
 R 14  is selected from hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkenyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 1-10 alkoxy, C 1-10 alkanoyl, C 1-10 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 amino, N,N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 3 ammonio, C 1-10 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, C 1-10 alkoxycarbonylamino, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, carbocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) p -R 27 —(C 1-10 alkylene) q - or heterocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) r -R 28 —(C 1-10 alkylene) s -; wherein R 14  may be optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 29 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 30 ; or R 14  is a group of formula (VIC): 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         R 15  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; 
         R 16  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; wherein R 16  may be optionally substituted on carbon by one or more groups selected from R 31 ; 
         n is 1-3; wherein the values of R 7  may be the same or different; 
         R 17 , R 18 , R 19 , R 23 , R 25 , R 29  or R 31  are independently selected from halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl, amidino, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkenyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 1-10 alkoxy, C 1-10 alkanoyl, C 1-10 alkanoyloxy, (C 1-10 alkyl) 3 silyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 amino, N,N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 3 ammonio, C 1-10 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, C 1-10 alkoxycarbonylamino, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, carbocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) p -R 32 —(C 1-10 alkylene) q - or heterocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) r -R 33 —(C 1-10 alkylene) s -; 
       
       wherein R 17 , R 18 , R 19 , R 23 , R 25 , R 29  or R 31  may be independently optionally substituted on carbon by one or more R 34 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 35 ;
 R 21 , R 22 , R 27 , R 28 , R 32  or R 33  are independently selected from —O—, —NR 36 —, —S(O) x —, —NR 36 C(O)NR 36 —, —NR 36 C(S)NR 36 —, —OC(O)N═C—, —NR 36 C(O)— or —C(O)NR 36 —; wherein R 36  is selected from hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl, and x is 0-2; 
 p, q, r and s are independently selected from 0-2; 
 R 34  is selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, carbamoyl, ureido, amino, nitro, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, vinyl, allyl, ethynyl, formyl, acetyl, formamido, acetylamino, acetoxy, methylamino, dimethylamino, N-methylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, methylthio, methylsulphinyl, mesyl, N-methylsulphamoyl, N,N-dimethylsulphamoyl, N-methylsulphamoylamino and N,N-dimethylsulphamoylamino; 
 R 20 , R 24 , R 26 , R 30  or R 35  are independently selected from C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkanoyl, C 1-6 alkylsulphonyl, C 1-6 alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, benzyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, benzoyl and phenylsulphonyl; 
 
       or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or solvate of such a salt, or an in vivo hydrolysable ester formed on an available carboxy or hydroxy thereof, or an in vivo hydrolysable amide formed on an available carboxy thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The composition for use in  claim 18 , wherein the compound of Formula VI is
 1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-1′-phenyl-1′-[N′-(carboxymethyl) carbamoyl]methyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N′—((S)-1-carboxypropyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-1′-phenyl-1′-[N′-(carboxymethyl) carbamoyl]methyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N′—((S)-1-carboxyethyl)carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepine;   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.   
     
     
         20 . The composition for use in  claim 1 , wherein the dosage of the ASBTI is between about 10 μg/kg/day and about 300 μg/kg/day. 
     
     
         21 . The composition for use in  claim 1 , wherein the dosage of the ASBTI is any dosage from about 14 μg/kg/day to about 280 μg/kg/day. 
     
     
         22 . The composition for use in  claim 1 , wherein the dosage of the ASBTI is any dosage from about 14 μg/kg/day to about 140 μg/kg/day. 
     
     
         23 . The composition for use in  claim 1 , wherein the dosage comprises between 0.1 to 20 mg of the ASBTI. 
     
     
         24 . A composition for use in the treatment of a cholestatic liver disease or pruritis comprising non-systemcally administering to an individual in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the composition comprising an Apical Sodium-dependent Bile Acid Transporter Inhibitor (ASBTI) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
         25 . A composition for use in the treatment of a cholestatic liver disease or pruritis comprising non-systemcally administering to an individual in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the composition comprising an Apical Sodium-dependent Bile Acid Transporter Inhibitor (ASBTI) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the ASBTI is a compound of Formula II: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 q is an integer from 1 to 4; 
 n is an integer from 0 to 2; 
 R 1  and R 2  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, dialkylamino, alkylthio, (polyalkyl)aryl, and cycloalkyl, 
 wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, dialkylamino, alkylthio, (polyalkyl)aryl, and cycloalkyl optionally are substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , N + R 9 R 10 R w A − , SR 9 , S + R 9 R 10 A − , P + R 9 R 10 R 11 A − , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , CO 2 R 9 , CN, halogen, oxo, and CONR 9 R 10 , 
 wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, (polyalkyl)aryl, and cycloalkyl optionally have one or more carbons replaced by O, NR 9 , N + R 9 R 10 A − , S, SO, SO 2 , S + R 9 A − , P + R 9 R 10 A − , or phenylene, 
 wherein R 9 , R 10 , and R w  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, acyl, heterocycle, ammoniumalkyl, arylalkyl, and alkylammoniumalkyl; or 
 R 1  and R 2  taken together with the carbon to which they are attached form C 3 -C 10  cycloalkyl; 
 R 3  and R 4  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, acyloxy, aryl, heterocycle, OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , SR 9 , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , and SO 3 R 9 , wherein R 9  and R 10  are as defined above; or 
 R 3  and R 4  together ═O, ═NOR 11 , ═S, ═NNR 11 R 12 , ═NR 9 , or ═CR 11 R 12 , 
 wherein R 11  and R 12  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkenylalkyl, alkynylalkyl, heterocycle, carboxyalkyl, carboalkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, cyanoalkyl, OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , SR 9 , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , CO 2 R 9 , CN, halogen, oxo, and CONR 9 R 10 , wherein R 9  and R 10  are as defined above, provided that both R 3  and R 4  cannot be OH, NH 2 , and SH, or 
 R 11  and R 12  together with the nitrogen or carbon atom to which they are attached form a cyclic ring;
 R 5  and R 6  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, quaternary heterocycle, quarternary heteroaryl, OR 9 , SR 9 , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , and -L z -K z ; 
 wherein z is 1, 2 or 3; each L is independently a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, a substituted or unsubstituted aminoalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl; each K is a moiety that prevents systemic absorption; 
 
 wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, quaternary heterocycle, and quaternary heteroaryl can be substituted with one or more substituent groups independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, polyether, aryl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkyl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, halogen, oxo, R 15 , OR 13 , OR 13 R 14 , NR 13 R 14 , SR 13 , S(O)R 13 , SO 2 R 13 , SO 3 R 13 , NR 13 OR 14 , NR 13 NR 14 R 15 , NO 2 , CO 2 R 13 , CN, OM, SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 13 R 14 , C(O)NR 13 R 14 , C(O)OM, CR 13 , P(O)R 13 R 14 , P + R 13 R 14 R 15 A − , P(OR 13 )OR 14 , S + R 13 R 14 A − , and N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , 
 
       wherein:
 A −  is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion and M is a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, polyether, aryl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycle can be further substituted with one or more substituent groups selected from the group consisting of OR 7 , NR 7 R 8 , S(O)R 7 , SO 2 R 7 , SO 3 R 7 , CO 2 R 7 , CN, oxo, CONR 7 R 8 , N + R 7 R 8 R 9 A − , alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkyl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, P(O)R 7 R 8 , P + R 7 R 8 R 9 A − , and P(O)(OR 7 ) OR 8  and 
 wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, polyether, aryl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycle can optionally have one or more carbons replaced by O, NR 7 , N + R 7 R 8 A − , S, SO, SO 2 , S + R 7 A − , PR 7 , P(O)R 7 , P + R 7 R 8 A − , or phenylene, and R 13 , R 14 , and R 15  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, heteroaryl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, quaternary heteroarylalkyl, and -G-T-V—W, 
 wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, and polyalkyl optionally have one or more carbons replaced by O, NR 9 , N + R 9 R 10 A − , S, SO, SO 2 , S + R 9 A − , PR, P + R 9 R 10 A − , P(O)R 9 , phenylene, carbohydrate, C 2 -C 7  polyol, amino acid, peptide, or polypeptide, and
 G, T and V are each independently a bond, —O—, —S—, —N(H)—, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, —O-alkyl, —N(H)-alkyl, —C(O)N(H)—, —N(H)C(O)—, —N(H)C(O)N(H)—, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenylalkyl, alkynylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycle, substituted or unsubstituted carboxyalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted carboalkoxyalkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, and 
 
 W is quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, quaternary heteroarylalkyl, N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , P + R 9 R 10 R 11 A − , OS(O) 2 OM, or S + R 9 R 10 A − , and 
 R 13 , R 14  and R 15  are optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from the group consisting of sulfoalkyl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , SR 9 , S(O) R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , oxo, CO 2 R 9 , CN, halogen, CONR 9 R 10 , SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 9 R 10 , PO(OR 16 )OR 17 , P + R 9 R 10 R 11 A − , S + R 9 R 10 A − , and C(O)OM, 
 wherein R 16  and R 17  are independently selected from the substituents constituting R 9  and M; or 
 R 14  and R 15 , together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a cyclic ring; and 
 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, acyl, heterocycle, ammoniumalkyl, alkylammoniumalkyl, and arylalkyl; and 
 R 7  and R 8  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl; and 
 one or more R x  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, acyloxy, aryl, arylalkyl, halogen, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, heteroaryl, polyether, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, OR 13 , NR 13 R 14 , SR 13 , S(O)R 13 , S(O) 2 R 13 , SO 3 R 13 , S + R 13 R 14 A − , NR 13 OR 14 , NR 13 NR 14 R 15 , NO 2 , CO 2 R 13 , CN, OM, SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 13 R 14 , NR 14 C(O)R 13 , C(O)NR 13 R 14 , NR 14 C(O)R 13 , C(O)OM, COR 13 , OR 18 , S(O) n NR 18 , NR 13 R 18 , NR 18 R 14 , N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , P + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , amino acid, peptide, polypeptide, and carbohydrate; 
 wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, polyalkyl, heterocycle, acyloxy, arylalkyl, haloalkyl, polyether, quaternary heterocycle, and quaternary heteroaryl can be further substituted with OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , SR 9 , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , oxo, CO 2 R 9 , CN, halogen, CONR 9 R 10 , SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 9 R 10 , PO(OR 16 )OR 17 , P + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , S + R 9 R 10 A − , or C(O)M, 
 wherein W is O or NH, R 31  is selected from 
 wherein R 18  is selected from the group consisting of acyl, arylalkoxycarbonyl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, heteroaryl, alkyl, 
 wherein acyl, arylalkoxycarbonyl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, heteroaryl, alkyl, quaternary heterocycle, and quaternary heteroaryl optionally are substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , SR 9 , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , oxo, CO 3 R 9 , CN, halogen, CONR 9 R 10 , SO 3 R 9 , SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 9 R 10 , PO(OR 16 )OR 17 , and C(O)OM, 
 wherein in R x , one or more carbons are optionally replaced by O, NR 13 , N + R 13 R 14 A − , S, SO, SO 2 , S + R 13 A 31  , PR 13 , P(O)R 13 , P + R 13 R 14 A − , phenylene, amino acid, peptide, polypeptide, carbohydrate, polyether, or polyalkyl, 
 wherein in said polyalkyl, phenylene, amino acid, peptide, polypeptide, and carbohydrate, one or more carbons are optionally replaced by O, NR 9 , R 9 R 10 A − , S, SO, SO 2 , S + R 9 A − , PR 9 , P + R 9 R 10 A − , or P(O)R 9 ; 
 wherein quaternary heterocycle and quaternary heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, polyether, aryl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkyl, halogen, oxo, OR 13 , NR 13 R 14 , SR 13 , S(O)R 13 , SO 2 R 13 , SO 3 R 13 , NR 13 OR 14 , NR 13 NR 14 R 15 , NO 2 , CO 2 R 13 , CN, OM, SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 13 R 14 , C(O)NR 13 R 14 , C(O)OM, COR 13 , P(O)R 13 R 14 , P + R 13 R 14 R 15 A − , P(OR 13 )OR 14 , S + R 13 R 14 A − , and N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , 
 provided that both R 5  and R 6  cannot be hydrogen or SH; 
 provided that when R 5  or R 6  is phenyl, only one of R 1  or R 2  is H;
 provided that when q=1 and R x  is styryl, anilido, or anilinocarbonyl, only one of R 5  or R 6  is alkyl. 
 
 
     
     
         26 . The composition for use in  claim 25 , wherein:
 q is 1;   n is 2;   R x  is N(CH 3 ) 2 ;   R 7  and R 8  are independently H;   R 1  and R 2  is alkyl;   R 3  is H, and R 4  is OH;   R 5  is H, and R 6  is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, quaternary heterocycle, quarternary heteroaryl, OR 9 , SR 9 , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , and -L z -K z ;
 wherein z is 1, 2 or 3; each L is independently a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, a substituted or unsubstituted aminoalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl; each K is a moiety that prevents systemic absorption; 
 wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, quaternary heterocycle, and quaternary heteroaryl can be substituted with one or more substituent groups independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, polyether, aryl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkyl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, halogen, oxo, R 15 , OR 13 , OR 13 R 14 , NR 13 R 14 , SR 13 , S(O)R 13 , SO 2 R 13 , SO 3 R 13 , NR 13 OR 14 , NR 13 NR 14 R 15 , NO 2 , CO 2 R 13 , CN, OM, SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 13 R 14 , C(O)NR 13 R 14 , C(O)OM, CR 13 , P(O)R 13 R 14 , P + R 13 R 14 R 15 A − , P(OR 13 )OR 14 , S + R 13 R 14 A − , and N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − ,
 wherein A −  is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion and M is a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, polyether, aryl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycle can be further substituted with one or more substituent groups selected from the group consisting of OR 7 , NR 7 R 8 , S(O)R 7 , SO 2 R 7 , SO 3 R 7 , CO 2 R 7 , CN, oxo, CONR 7 R 8 , N + R 7 R 8 R 9 A − , alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, arylalkyl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, P(O)R 7 R 8 , P + R 7 R 8 R 9 A − , and P(O)(OR 7 ) OR 8  and 
 
 wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, polyether, aryl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycle can optionally have one or more carbons replaced by O, NR 7 , N + R 7 R 8 A − , S, SO, SO 2 , S + R 7 A − , PR 7 , P(O)R 7 , P + R 7 R 8 A − , or phenylene, and R 13 , R 14 , and R 15  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, polyalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, heteroaryl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, quaternary heteroarylalkyl, and -G-T-V—W, 
 wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, arylalkyl, heterocycle, and polyalkyl optionally have one or more carbons replaced by O, NR 9 , N + R 9 R 10 A − , S, SO, SO 2 , S + R 9 A − , PR, P + R 9 R 10 A − , P(O)R 9 , phenylene, carbohydrate, C 2 -C 7  polyol, amino acid, peptide, or polypeptide, and 
   G, T and V are each independently a bond, —O—, —S—, —N(H)—, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, —O-alkyl, —N(H)-alkyl, —C(O)N(H)—, —N(H)C(O)—, —N(H)C(O)N(H)—, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenylalkyl, alkynylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycle, substituted or unsubstituted carboxyalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted carboalkoxyalkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, and
 W is quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, quaternary heteroarylalkyl, N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , P + R 9 R 10 R 11 A − , OS(O) 2 OM, or S + R 9 R 10 A − , and 
   R 9  and R 10  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, acyl, heterocycle, ammoniumalkyl, arylalkyl, and alkylammoniumalkyl;   R 11  and R 12  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkenylalkyl, alkynylalkyl, heterocycle, carboxyalkyl, carboalkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, cyanoalkyl, OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , SR 9 , S(O)R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , CO 2 R 9 , CN, halogen, oxo, and CONR 9 R 10 , wherein R 9  and R 10  are as defined above, provided that both R 3  and R 4  cannot be OH, NH 2 , and SH, or   R 11  and R 12  together with the nitrogen or carbon atom to which they are attached form a cyclic ring;   R 13 , R 14  and R 15  are optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from the group consisting of sulfoalkyl, quaternary heterocycle, quaternary heteroaryl, OR 9 , NR 9 R 10 , N + R 9 R 11 R 12 A − , SR 9 , S(O) R 9 , SO 2 R 9 , SO 3 R 9 , oxo, CO 2 R 9 , CN, halogen, CONR 9 R 10 , SO 2 OM, SO 2 NR 9 R 10 , PO(OR 16 )OR 17 , P + R 9 R 10 R 11 A − , S + R 9 R 10 A − , and C(O)OM,   wherein R 16  and R 17  are independently selected from the substituents constituting R 9  and M; or
 R 14  and R 15 , together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a cyclic ring; and is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, acyl, heterocycle, ammoniumalkyl, alkylammoniumalkyl, and arylalkyl 
   
     
     
         27 . The composition for use in  claim 25 , wherein the compound of Formula II is 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         28 . The composition for use in  claim 25 , wherein the compound of Formula II is 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         29 . The composition for use in  claim 25 , wherein the compound of Formula II is 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         30 . The composition for use in  claim 25 , wherein the compound of Formula II is 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         31 . The composition for use in  claim 25 , wherein the compound of Formula II is 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         32 . The composition for use in  claim 25 , wherein the compound of Formula II is 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         33 . A composition for use in the treatment of a cholestatic liver disease or pruritis comprising non-systemcally administering to an individual in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the composition comprising an Apical Sodium-dependent Bile Acid Transporter Inhibitor (ASBTI) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the ASBTI is a compound of Formula I: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein: 
         R 1  is a straight chained C 1-6  alkyl group; 
         R 2  is a straight chained C 1-6  alkyl group; 
         R 3  is hydrogen or a group OR 11  in which R 11  is hydrogen, optionally substituted C 1-6  alkyl or a C 1-6  alkylcarbonyl group; 
         R 4  is pyridyl or optionally substituted phenyl or -L z -K z ; wherein z is 1, 2 or 3; each L is independently a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, a substituted or unsubstituted aminoalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl; each K is a moiety that prevents systemic absorption; 
         R 5 , R 6 , R 7  and R 8  are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, halogen, cyano, R 5 -acetylide, OR 15 , optionally substituted C 1-6  alkyl, COR 15 , CH(OH)R 15 , S(O) n R 15 , P(O)(OR 15 ) 2 , OCOR 15 , OCF3, OCN, SCN, NHCN, CH 2 OR 15 , CHO, (CH 2 ) p CN, CONR 12 R 13 , (CH 2 ) p CO 2 R 15 , (CH 2 ) p NR 12 R 13 , CO 2 R 15 , NHCOCF 3 , NHSO 2 R 15 , OCH 2 OR 15 , OCH═CHR 15 , O(CH 2 CH 2 O) n R 15 , O(CH 2 ) p SO 3 R 15 , O(CH 2 ) p NR 12 R 13 , O(CH 2 ) p N + R 12 R 13 R 14  and —W—R 31 , wherein W is O or NH, and R 31  is selected from 
       
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein p is an integer from 1-4, n is an integer from 0-3 and, R 12 , R 13 , R 14  and R 15  are independently selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted C 1-6  alkyl; or 
         R 6  and R 7  are linked to form a group 
       
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         
           wherein R 12  and R 13  are as hereinbefore defined and m is 1 or 2; and 
         
         R 9  and R 10  are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen or C 1-6  alkyl; and 
         salts, solvates and physiologically functional derivatives thereof. 
       
     
     
         34 . The composition for use in  claim 33 , wherein the compound of Formula I is 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         35 . A composition for use in the treatment of a cholestatic liver disease or pruritis comprising non-systemcally administering to an individual in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the composition comprising an Apical Sodium-dependent Bile Acid Transporter Inhibitor (ASBTI) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the ASBTI is a compound of Formula III: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein:
 each R 1 , R 2  is independently H, hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, —C(═X)YR 8 , —YC(═X)R 8 , substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, or -L-K; or R 1  and R 2  together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 3-8-membered ring that is optionally substituted with R 8 ; 
 
         each R 3 , R 4  is independently H, hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, —C(═X)YR 8 , —YC(═X)R 8 , substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, or -L-K;
 R 5  is H, hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, —C(═X)YR 8 , —YC(═X)R 8 , substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, 
 
         each R 6 , R 7  is independently H, hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, —C(═X)YR 8 , —YC(═X)R 8 , substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, or -L-K; or R 6  and R 7  taken together form a bond;
 each X is independently NH, S, or O; 
 each Y is independently NH, S, or O; 
 R 8  is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-aryl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, or -L-K; 
 L is A n , wherein
 each A is independently NR 1 , S(O) m , O, C(═X)Y, Y(C═X), substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl; wherein each m is independently 0-2; 
 n is 0-7; 
 
 K is a moiety that prevents systemic absorption; 
 provided that at least one of R 1 , R 2 , R 3  or R 4  is -L-K; 
 
         or a pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug thereof. 
       
     
     
         36 . A composition for use in the treatment of a cholestatic liver disease or pruritis comprising non-systemcally administering to an individual in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the composition comprising an Apical Sodium-dependent Bile Acid Transporter Inhibitor (ASBTI) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the ASBTI is a compound of Formula IV: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein
 R 1  is a straight chain C 1-6  alkyl group; 
 R 2  is a straight chain C 1-6  alkyl group; 
 R 3  is hydrogen or a group OR 11  in which R 11  is hydrogen, optionally substituted C 1-6  alkyl or a C 1-6  alkylcarbonyl group; 
 R 4  is pyridyl or an optionally substituted phenyl; 
 R 5 , R 6  and R 8  are the same or different and each is selected from:
 hydrogen, halogen, cyano, R 15 -acetylide, OR 15 , optionally substituted C 1-6  alkyl, COR 15 , CH(OH)R 15 , S(O) n R 15 , P(O)(OR 15 ) 2 , OCOR 15 , OCF 3 , OCN, SCN, NHCN, CH 2 OR 15 , CHO, (CH 2 ) p CN, CONR 12 R 13 , (CH 2 ) p CO 2 R 15 , (CH 2 ) p NR 12 R 13 , CO 2 R 15 , NHCOCF 3 , NHSO 2 R 15 , OCH 2 OR 15 , OCH═CHR 15 , O(CH 2 CH 2 O) n R 15 , O(CH 2 ) p SO 3 R 15 , O(CH 2 ) p NR 12 R 13  and O(CH 2 ) p N + R 12 R 13 R 14  wherein 
 
 p is an integer from 1-4, 
 n is an integer from 0-3 and 
 R 12 , R 13 , R 14  and R 15  are independently selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted C 1-6  alkyl; 
 R 7  is a group of the formula 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         
           wherein the hydroxyl groups may be substituted by acetyl, benzyl, or —(C 1 -C 6 )-alkyl-R 17 , 
           wherein the alkyl group may be substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups; 
         
         R 16  is —COOH, —CH 2 —OH, —CH 2 —O-Acetyl, —COOMe or —COOEt; 
         R 17  is H, —OH, —NH 2 , —COOH or COOR 18 ; 
         R 18  is (C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl or —NH—(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl; 
         X is —NH— or —O—; and 
         R 9  and R 10  are the same or different and each is hydrogen or C 1 -C 6  alkyl; and salts thereof. 
       
     
     
         37 . A composition for use in the treatment of a cholestatic liver disease or pruritis comprising non-systemcally administering to an individual in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the composition comprising an Apical Sodium-dependent Bile Acid Transporter Inhibitor (ASBTI) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the ASBTI is a compound of Formula V: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 R v  is selected from hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; 
 One of R 1  and R 2  are selected from hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl and the other is selected from C 1-6 alkyl; 
 R x  and R y  are independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, mercapto, C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkoxy, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 amino, C 1-6 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2; 
 R z  is selected from halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carboxy, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, C 1-6 alkyl, C 2-6 alkenyl, C 2-6 alkynyl, C 1-6 alkoxy, C 1-6 alkanoyl, C 1-6 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 amino, C 1-6 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-6 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, C 1-6 alkoxycarbonyl, N—(C 1-6 -alkyl)sulphamoyl and N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2  sulphamoyl; 
 n is 0-5; 
 one of R 4  and R 5  is a group of formula (VA): 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         R 3  and R 6  and the other of R 4  and R 5  are independently selected from hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carboxy, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, C 1-6 alkyl, C 2-6 alkenyl, C 2-6 alkynyl, C 1-6 alkoxy, C 1-6 alkanoyl, C 1-6 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 amino, C 1-6 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-6 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, C 1-6 alkoxycarbonyl, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)sulphamoyl and N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2  sulphamoyl;
 wherein R 3  and R 6  and the other of R 4  and R 5  may be optionally substituted on carbon by one or more R 17 ; 
 
         X is —O—, —N(R a )—, —S(O) b — or —CH(R a )—;
 wherein R a  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl and b is 0-2; 
 
         Ring A is aryl or heteroaryl;
 wherein Ring A is optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 18 ; 
 
         R 7  is hydrogen, C 1-6 alkyl, carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl;
 wherein R 7  is optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 19 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 20 ; 
 
         R 8  is hydrogen or C 1-6 -alkyl; 
         R 9  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; 
         R 10  is hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 1-10 alkoxy, C 1-10 alkanoyl, C 1-10 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 amino, N,N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 3  ammonio, C 1-10 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-10  alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, C 1-10 alkoxycarbonylamino, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, carbocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) p -R 21 —(C 1-10 alkylene) q - or heterocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) r -R 22 —(C 1-10 alkylene) s -; wherein R 10  is optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 23 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 24 ; or R 10  is a group of formula (VB): 
       
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein: 
         R 11  is hydrogen or C 1-6 -alkyl; 
         R 12  and R 13  are independently selected from hydrogen, halo, carbamoyl, sulphamoyl, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 1-10 alkanoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl; wherein R 12  and R 13  may be independently optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 25 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 26 ; 
         R 14  is selected from hydrogen, halo, carbamoyl, sulphamoyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkenyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 1-10 alkanoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, carbocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) p -R 27 —(C 1-10 alkylene) q - or heterocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) r -R 28 —(C 1-10 alkylene) s -; wherein R 14  may be optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 29 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 30 ; or R 14  is a group of formula (VC): 
       
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         R 15  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; and R 16  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; wherein R 16  may be optionally substituted on carbon by one or more groups selected from R 31 ; 
         or R 15  and R 16  together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a heterocyclyl; wherein said heterocyclyl may be optionally substituted on carbon by one or more R 37 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 38 ; 
         m is 1-3; wherein the values of R 7  may be the same or different; 
         R 17 , R 18 , R 19 , R 23 , R 25 , R 29 , R 31  and R 37  are independently selected from halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkenyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 1-10 alkoxy, C 1-10 alkanoyl, C 1-10 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 amino, N,N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 3 ammonio, C 1-10 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, C 1-10 alkoxycarbonylamino, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, carbocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) p -R 32 —(C 1-10 alkylene) q - or heterocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) r -R 33 —(C 1-10 alkylene) s -; wherein R 17 , R 18 , R 19 , R 23 , R 25 , R 29 , R 31  and R 37  may be independently optionally substituted on carbon by one or more R 34 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 35 ; 
         R 21 , R 22 , R 27 , R 28 , R 32  or R 33  are independently selected from —O—, —NR 36 —, —S(O) x —, —NR 36 C(O)NR 36 —, —NR 36 C(S)NR 36 —, —OC(O)N═C—, —NR 36 C(O)— or —C(O)NR 36 —; wherein R 36  is selected from hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl, and x is 0-2; 
         p, q, r and s are independently selected from 0-2; 
         R 34  is selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, carbamoyl, ureido, amino, nitro, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, vinyl, allyl, ethynyl, formyl, acetyl, formamido, acetylamino, acetoxy, methylamino, dimethylamino, N-methylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, methylthio, methylsulphinyl, mesyl, N-methylsulphamoyl, N,N-dimethylsulphamoyl, N-methylsulphamoylamino and N,N-dimethylsulphamoylamino; 
         R 20 , R 24 , R 26 , R 30 , R 35  and R 38  are independently selected from C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkanoyl, C 1-6 alkylsulphonyl, C 1-6 alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, benzyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, benzoyl and phenylsulphonyl; and 
         wherein a “heteroaryl” is a totally unsaturated, mono or bicyclic ring containing 3-12 atoms of which at least one atom is chosen from nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen, which heteroaryl may, unless otherwise specified, be carbon or nitrogen linked; 
         wherein a “heterocyclyl” is a saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, mono or bicyclic ring containing 3-12 atoms of which at least one atom is chosen from nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen, which heterocyclyl may, unless otherwise specified, be carbon or nitrogen linked, wherein a —CH 2 — group can optionally be replaced by a —C(O)— group, and a ring sulphur atom may be optionally oxidised to form an S-oxide; and 
         wherein a “carbocyclyl” is a saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, mono or bicyclic carbon ring that contains 3-12 atoms; wherein a —CH 2 — group can optionally be replaced by a —C(O) group; 
         or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or in vivo hydrolysable ester or amide formed on an available carboxy or hydroxy group thereof. 
       
     
     
         38 . A composition for use in the treatment of a cholestatic liver disease or pruritis comprising non-systemcally administering to an individual in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the composition comprising an Apical Sodium-dependent Bile Acid Transporter Inhibitor (ASBTI) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the ASBTI is a compound of Formula VI: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 R v  and R w  are independently selected from hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; 
 one of R 1  and R 2  is selected from hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl and the other is selected from C 1-6 alkyl; 
 R x  and R y  are independently selected from hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl, or one of R x  and R y  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl and the other is hydroxy or C 1-6 alkoxy; 
 R z  is selected from halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carboxy, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, C 1-6 alkyl, C 2-6 alkenyl, C 2-6 alkynyl, C 1-6 alkoxy, C 1-6 alkanoyl, C 1-6 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 amino, C 1-6 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-6 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, C 1-6 alkoxycarbonyl, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)sulphamoyl and N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2  sulphamoyl; 
 n is 0-5; 
 one of R 4  and R 5  is a group of formula (VIA): 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         R 3  and R 6  and the other of R 4  and R 5  are independently selected from hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carboxy, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, C 1-6 alkyl, C 2-6 alkenyl, C 2-6 alkynyl, C 1-6 alkoxy, C 1-6 alkanoyl, C 1-6 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 amino, C 1-6 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-6 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, C 1-6 alkoxycarbonyl, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)sulphamoyl and N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl; wherein R 3  and R 6  and the other of R 4  and R 5  may be optionally substituted on carbon by one or more R 17 ; 
         X is —O—, —N(R a )—, —S(O) b — or —CH(R a )—; wherein R a  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl and b is 0-2; 
         Ring A is aryl or heteroaryl; wherein Ring A is optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 18 ; 
         R 7  is hydrogen, C 1-6 alkyl, carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl; wherein R 7  is optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 19 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 20 ; 
         R 8  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; 
         R 9  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; 
         R 10  is hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkenyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 1-10 alkoxy, C 1-10 alkanoyl, C 1-10 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 amino, N,N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 3 ammonio, C 1-10 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, C 1-10 alkoxycarbonylamino, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, carbocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) p -R 21 —(C 1-10 alkylene) q - or heterocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) r -R 22 —(C 1-10 alkylene) s -; wherein R 10  is optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 23 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 24 ; or R 10  is a group of formula (VIB): 
       
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 R 11  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; 
 R 12  and R 13  are independently selected from hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkenyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 1-10 alkoxy, C 1-10 alkanoyl, C 1-10 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 amino, C 1-10 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl; wherein R 12  and R 13  may be independently optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 25 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 26 ; 
 R 14  is selected from hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkenyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 1-10 alkoxy, C 1-10 alkanoyl, C 1-10 alkanoyloxy, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 amino, N,N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 3 ammonio, C 1-10 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, C 1-10 alkoxycarbonylamino, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, carbocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) p -R 27 —(C 1-10 alkylene) q - or heterocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) r -R 28 —(C 1-10 alkylene) s -; wherein R 14  may be optionally substituted on carbon by one or more substituents selected from R 29 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 30 ; or R 14  is a group of formula (VIC): 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         R 15  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; 
         R 16  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; wherein R 16  may be optionally substituted on carbon by one or more groups selected from R 31 ; 
         n is 1-3; wherein the values of R 7  may be the same or different; 
         R 17 , R 18 , R 19 , R 23 , R 25 , R 29  or R 31  are independently selected from halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl, amidino, C 1-10 alkyl, C 2-10 alkenyl, C 2-10 alkynyl, C 1-10 alkoxy, C 1-10 alkanoyl, C 1-10 alkanoyloxy, (C 1-10 alkyl) 3 silyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)amino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 amino, N,N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 3 ammonio, C 1-10 alkanoylamino, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 carbamoyl, C 1-10 alkylS(O) a  wherein a is 0 to 2, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoyl, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoyl, N—(C 1-10 alkyl)sulphamoylamino, N,N—(C 1-10 alkyl) 2 sulphamoylamino, C 1-10 alkoxycarbonylamino, carbocyclyl, carbocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC 1-10 alkyl, carbocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) p -R 32 —(C 1-10 alkylene) q - or heterocyclyl-(C 1-10 alkylene) r -R 33 —(C 1-10 alkylene) s -; wherein R 17 , R 18 , R 19 , R 23 , R 25 , R 29  or R 31  may be independently optionally substituted on carbon by one or more R 34 ; and wherein if said heterocyclyl contains an —NH— group, that nitrogen may be optionally substituted by a group selected from R 35 ; 
         R 21 , R 22 , R 27 , R 28 , R 32  or R 33  are independently selected from —O—, —NR 36 —, —S(O) x , —NR 36 C(O)NR 36 —, —NR 36 C(S)NR 36 —, —OC(O)N═C—, —NR 36 C(O)— or —C(O)NR 36 —; wherein R 36  is selected from hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl, and x is 0-2; 
         p, q, r and s are independently selected from 0-2; 
         R 34  is selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, carbamoyl, ureido, amino, nitro, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulphamoyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, vinyl, allyl, ethynyl, formyl, acetyl, formamido, acetylamino, acetoxy, methylamino, dimethylamino, N-methylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, methylthio, methylsulphinyl, mesyl, N-methylsulphamoyl, N,N-dimethylsulphamoyl, N-methylsulphamoylamino and N,N-dimethylsulphamoylamino; 
         R 20 , R 24 , R 26 , R 30  or R 35  are independently selected from C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkanoyl, C 1-6 alkylsulphonyl, C 1-6 alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N—(C 1-6 alkyl)carbamoyl, benzyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, benzoyl and phenylsulphonyl; 
       
       or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or solvate of such a salt, or an in vivo hydrolysable ester formed on an available carboxy or hydroxy thereof, or an in vivo hydrolysable amide formed on an available carboxy thereof. 
     
     
         39 . The composition for use in any one of  claims 24 - 38 , wherein the ASBTI decreases the levels of serum bile acids or hepatic bile acids, reduces bilirubin, reduces liver enzymes, lowers intraenterocyte bile acids/salts, or reduces necrosis and/or damage to hepatocellular architecture. 
     
     
         40 . The composition for use in any one of  claims 24 - 39 , wherein the ASBTI decreases elevated levels of lipoprotein X; elevated levels of AP (alkaline phosphatase); elevated levels of LAP (leukocyte alkaline phosphatase); elevated levels of gamma GT (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase); elevated levels of 5′-nucleotidase; pruritus; elevated serum concentration of conjugated bilirubin; elevated serum concentrations of nonconjugated bilirubin or delta bilirubin; and presence of xanthomas. 
     
     
         41 . The composition for use in any one of  claims 24 - 40 , wherein the cholestatic liver disease is an obstructive cholestasis, non-obstructive cholestasis, extrahepatic cholestasis, intrahepatic cholestasis, primary intrahepatic cholestasis, secondary intrahepatic cholestasis, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC), PFIC type 1, PFIC type 2, PFIC type 3, benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC), BRIC type 1, BRIC type 2, BRIC type 3, total parenteral nutrition associated cholestasis, paraneoplastic cholestasis, Stauffer syndrome, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, contraceptive-associated cholestasis, drug-associated cholestasis, infection-associated cholestasis, Dubin-Johnson Syndrome, primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), gallstone disease, Alagille syndrome, Dubin-Johnson Syndrome, biliary atresia, post-Kasai biliary atresia, post-liver transplantation biliary atresia, post-liver transplantation cholestasis, post-liver transplantation associated liver disease, intestinal failure associated liver disease, bile acid mediated liver injury, MRP2 deficiency syndrome, or neonatal sclerosing cholangitis. 
     
     
         42 . The composition for use in any one of  claims 24 - 41 , wherein the cholestatic liver disease is characterized by one or more symptoms selected from jaundice, pruritis, cirrhosis, hypercholemia, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, lung pneumonia, increased serum concentration of bile acids, increased serum concentration of bilirubin, hepatocellular injury, liver scarring, liver failure, hepatomegaly, xanthomas, malabsorption, splenomegaly, diarrhea, pancreatitis, hepatocellular necrosis, giant cell formation, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastrointestinal bleeding, portal hypertension, hearing loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, anorexia, peculiar smell, dark urine, light stools, steatorrhea, failure to thrive, and renal failure. 
     
     
         43 . The composition for use in any one of  claims 24 - 42 , wherein less than 10% of the ASBTI is systemically absorbed. 
     
     
         44 . The composition for use in any one of  claims 24 - 43 , further comprises a second agent selected from ursodeoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, cholic acid, taurocholic acid, ursocholic acid, glycocholic acid, glycodeoxycholic acid, taurodeoxycholic acid, taurocholate, glycochenodeoxycholic acid, and tauroursodeoxycholic acid. 
     
     
         45 . The composition for use in any one of  claims 24 - 44 , wherein the ASBTI is administered before ingestion of food, optionally wherein the ASBTI is administered less than about 60 minutes or less than about 30 minutes before ingestion of food. 
     
     
         46 . The composition for use in any one of  claims 24 - 45 , wherein the ASBTI is administered orally. 
     
     
         47 . The composition for use in cla any one of  claims 24 - 46 , wherein the ASBTI is administered as an ileal-pH sensitive release or an enterically coated formulation. 
     
     
         48 . The composition for use in any one of  claims 24 - 47 , further comprising a vitamin supplement. 
     
     
         49 . The composition for use in  claim 48 , wherein the vitamin supplement comprises a fat-soluble vitamin. 
     
     
         50 . The composition for use in  claim 49 , wherein the fat-soluble vitamin is vitamin A, D, E, or K. 
     
     
         51 . The composition for use in any one of  claims 24 - 50 , further comprising an agent selected from the group consisting of cholestyramine, antihistamine, rifampin, nalaxone, Phenobarbital, dronabinol, methotrexate, corticosteroid, cyclosporine, and colchicines. 
     
     
         52 . The composition for use in any one of  claims 24 - 51 , further comprising the use of partial external biliary diversion (PEBD). 
     
     
         53 . The composition for use in any one of  claims 24 - 52 , wherein the individual in need thereof is nonresponsive to ursodiol. 
     
     
         54 . The composition for use in any one of  claims 24 - 53 , further comprising a compound selected from
 1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((R)-1-carboxy-2-methylthio-ethyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α[N—((S)-1-carboxy-2-(R)-hydroxypropyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxy-2-methylpropyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxybutyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxypropyl)carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxyethyl)carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxy-2-(R)-hydroxypropyl)carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N-(2-sulphoethyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-2,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxyethyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((R)-1-carboxy-2-methylthioethyl)carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N-{(S)-1-[N—((S)-2-hydroxy-1-carboxyethyl)carbamoyl]propyl}carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxy-2-methylpropyl)carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N—((S)-1-carboxypropyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-[N—{(R)-α-carboxy4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine; and   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N-(carboxymethyl)carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,5-benzothiadiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-1′-phenyl-1′-[N′-(carboxymethyl) carbamoyl]methyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N′—((S)-1-carboxypropyl)carbamoyl]-4-hydroxybenzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-1′-phenyl-1′-[N′-(carboxymethyl) carbamoyl]methyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepine;   1,1-dioxo-3,3-dibutyl-5-phenyl-7-methylthio-8-(N—{(R)-α-[N′—((S)-1-carboxyethyl)carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamoylmethoxy)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepine;   and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.   
     
     
         55 . The composition for use in any one of  claims 24 - 54 , further comprising a bile acid sequestrant or binder.