METHIMAZOLE DERIVATIVES AND TAUTOMERIC CYCLIC THIONES TO INHIBIT CELL ADHESION

摘要

The present invention relates to novel compounds and methods of use for inhibition and prevention of cell adhesion and cell adhesion-mediated pathologies. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising these compounds and methods of using them for inhibition and prevention of cell adhesion and cell adhesion-mediated pathologies. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention can be used as therapeutic or prophylactic agents. In particular, methimazole derivatives and tautomeric cyclic thiones have the ability to inhibit the adhesion and the migration of leukocytes. In addition to being active anti­inflammatories, the methimazole derivatives and tautomeric cyclic thiones and their physiologically tolerable salts, derivatives and prodrugs are generally suitable for the treatment (i.e., for the therapy and prophylaxis) of diseases that are based on the interaction between VCAM-1 and its ligands or can be influenced by an inhibition of this interaction. In particular, the methimazole derivatives and tautomeric cyclic thiones are suitable for the treatment of diseases that are caused at least partly by an undesired extent of leukocyte adhesion and/or leukocyte migration or are connected therewith, and for whose prevention, alleviation or cure the adhesion and/or migration of leukocytes should be decreased.