Recent Developments of Thalidomide Derivatives Possessing Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Thalidomide (α-N-phthalimidoglutarimide) was a widely used drug in the late 1950s as a hypnotic/ sedative agent. Thalidomide was subsequently withdrawn from the market due to teratogenicity in the early 1960s. Surprisingly, even after the initial impact of the thalidomide disaster, the drug was still used in the therapy of many diseases, and research studies in the field of thalidomide derivatives have significantly increased because of its tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) production regulating effect. Recently, novel thalidomide derivatives have been synthesized as anti-inflammatory lead -candidates. This review will summarize the recent development of thalidomide derivatives which possess antiinflammatory activity.