EM 405: a new compound with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and no gastrointestinal side-effects

EM 405 has analgesic and antitussive effects, probably exerted by noradrenaline uptake inhibition and local anaesthetic actions. It showed anti-inflammatory, which may be due to anti-histaminic and indirect sympathomimetic properties. As oral application of EM 405 did not induce gastrointestinal side effects a possible ulcer preventing action was investigated. EM 405 reduced gastric ulcers induced by ethnology or indomethacin with ED50 values of 45 and 26 mg/kg p.o. Stress-induced ulcer was inhibited with an ED50 of 34 mg/kg. EM 405 reduced basal and stimulated gastric secretion by reducing volume as well as H(+)- and Cl(-)-production. Therefore ulcer prevention by EM 405 may be explained by its inhibitory effects on gastric secretion. The results characterise EM 405 as a novel anti-inflammatory compound with ulcer-protective action.