Synthesis of new pyrrolo[2, 3-b]pyridines as a potent inhibitor of tumour necrosis factor alpha.

The MAP kinase p38 plays a key role in the biosynthesis of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and 1L-1beta. Accordingly, new pyrrolo[2, 3-]pyridine derivatives 5a-d were prepared from 2-amino-3-cyanopyrroles 3a-d via the intermediate propenylaminopyrroles 4a-d. Then the compounds 5a-d were tested for their ability to inhibit the production of TNF-alpha in vivo in rats. The most potent compounds 5a and 5b possess enhanced ability to inhibit the production of TNF-alpha stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide.