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Arzneimittelforschung 2011; 61(1): 66-72
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1296169
Special Themes
Editio Cantor Verlag Aulendorf (Germany)

Human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors, a novel approach for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases

Johann Leban
1   4SC AG, Martinsried, Germany
,
Daniel Vitt
1   4SC AG, Martinsried, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
28 November 2011 (online)

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Abstract

Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), a novel and recently discovered enzyme, is involved in the biosynthesis of uridine. Leflunomide (CAS 75706-12-6), a drug approved for the treatment of treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), was identified as an inhibitor of DHODH.

Structure based drug design using the leflunomide/DHODH X-ray structure yielded novel inhibitors with improved pharmacological properties. Such drug candidates are in clinical trials against various autoimmune diseases.

Key words

CAS 75706-12-6 - Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors - Disease modifying antirheumatic drug - Leflunomide - X-ray structure based drug design
 

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