Pharmacological properties of indazole derivatives: recent developments.

The chemistry of indazole and its N-oxide derivatives is very well-known. Indazole derivatives were extensively studied as bioactive compounds, such as anti-aggregatory and vasorelaxant activity by NO release and increase of cGMP levels and anticancer effects, antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties, among others. Recently, the research and development in the medicinal chemistry of these systems have produced compounds with contraceptive activities for men, for the treatment of osteoporosis, inflammatory disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. On the other hand, indazole N-oxide derivatives were poorly studied as bioactive compounds, but recently compounds with antiparasitic properties were produced. In this presentation, recent developments in the chemistry and medicinal chemistry of indazole and its N-oxide derivatives will be reviewed.