Structure-activity relationships of selected phenazines against Mycobacterium leprae in vitro

Structure-activity relationships of phenazines against Mycobacterium leprae were investigated by using an in vitro radiorespirometric assay. In general, activity in ascending order was observed in compounds containing no chlorine atoms, a monochlorinated phenazine nucleus, and chlorines in the para positions of both the anilino and phenyl rings. The most active compounds contained a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine substitution at the imino nitrogen. Most of these chlorinated phenazines were considerably more active in vitro than clofazimine (B663).