Effects of FR50948, a new orally active antiallergic agent, in experimental allergic models

The antiallergic activity of sodium 10-(2,3-dimethyl pentanamido)-4-oxo-4H-pyrimido [1,2-C] quinazoline-3-carboxylate-hydrate (FR50948) was studied and compared with the activities of sodium cromoglycate (SCG) and lodoxamide. FR50948 had inhibitory effects on type I and type III allergic reactions, but not on type II and IV allergic reactions. FR50948 also had weak inhibitory effects on inflammation (carrageenin paw edema and adjuvant arthritis) and SRS release from rat neutrophils, but no antagonistic effects to histamine and serotonin. The inhibitory effect of FR50948 on IgE-mediated type I allergic reactions was essentially the same as those of SCG and lodoxamide, because FR50948 inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells and had cross tachyphylaxis with SCG in the rat PCA test. However, FR50948, like lodoxamide, had a stronger activity than SCG and was effective by the oral route, unlike SCG which was effective only by the parenteral route. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of FR50948 on type III reactions and inflammatory reactions were much more potent than those of SCG and equal to those of lodoxamide, and the effect on IgG-mediated PCA was stronger than that of either reference drug. These results suggest that FR50948 will be beneficial in clinical use.