Synthesis of New Pyrrolo[2, 3‐b]pyridines as a Potent Inhibitor of Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha

The MAP kinase p38 plays a key role in the biosynthesis of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) and 1L‐1β. Accordingly, new pyrrolo[2, 3‐]pyridine derivatives 5a—d were prepared from 2‐amino‐3‐cyanopyrroles 3a—d via the intermediate propenylaminopyrroles 4a—d . Then the compounds 5a—d were tested for their ability to inhibit the production of TNF‐α in vivo in rats. The most potent compounds 5a and 5b possess enhanced ability to inhibit the production of TNF‐α stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide.