Methimazole derivatives and tautomeric cyclic thiones to treat autoimmune diseases
US6365616B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12Q1/6897
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention provides methods for treating autoimmune diseases in mammals and for preventing or treating transplantation rejection in a transplant recipient. These methods utilize specifically-defined methimazole derivatives and tautomeric cyclic thione compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing those compounds. These compounds and compositions have been found to be at least as effective as methimazole in terms of pharmaceutical activity, while having less of an adverse affect on thyroid function. They are also more soluble in conventional pharmaceutical vehicles than methimazole. An assay for screening the activity of compounds useful against autoimmune diseases (ability to suppress expression of MHC Class I and II molecules) is also taught.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.