Small Molecule p38 MAP Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases: Novel Structures and Developments During 2006-2008

The p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase plays a central role in inflammation. It has been the subject of extensive efforts in both basic research and drug discovery for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis, where aberrant cytokine signaling is the driver of the disease. This article reviews the patent and journal publication activities during 2006-2008 describing novel small molecule p38 alpha inhibitors.