Atiprimod (AnorMED)

Atiprimod is a macrophage-targeting oral cytokine inhibitor which is being developed by AnorMED as a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Phase I trials have been successfully completed and phase II multicenter trials have been approved by the FDA [303260]. The compound was discovered in a joint research and development program with SmithKline and French (now SmithKline Beecham, SB) but following acceptance of the phase II protocol by the FDA, SB decided not to proceed with further development of atiprimod as a result of an internal restructuring program [350042]. All rights to atiprimod and other azaspiranes developed in this program have reverted to AnorMED, which is seeking corporate partners for further development of the compound [303260,337657]. The compound was originally disclosed in European patent, EP-00310321, entitled 'Preparation of N-aminoalkyl-2-azaspiro[4.5]decanes and analogs as immunosuppresants', while a cost-effective, efficacious pilot plant synthesis has also been described [298722].