Linomide has been investigated as a treatment for some cancers (including as adjuvant therapy after bone marrow transplantation in acute leukemia) and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis[1][2] and recent-onset type I diabetes.[3] Several trials have been terminated due to serious cardiovascular toxicity.
Synthesis
Ethyl 2-(methylamino)benzoate is condensed with ethyl malonate. Amine-ester interchange of that compound with N-methylaniline results in formation of the amide linomide.
^Hedlund G, Link H, Zhu J, Xiao BG (June 2001). "Effects of Linomide on immune cells and cytokines inhibit autoimmune pathologies of the central and peripheral nervous system". International Immunopharmacology. 1 (6): 1123–30. doi:10.1016/s1567-5769(01)00041-8. PMID11407306.
^Gross DJ, Weiss L, Reibstein I, Hedlund G, Dahlén E, Rapoport MJ, Slavin S (June 2001). "The immunomodulator Linomide: role in treatment and prevention of autoimmune diabetes mellitus". International Immunopharmacology. 1 (6): 1131–9. doi:10.1016/s1567-5769(01)00042-x. PMID11407307.
^EP 59698, Eriksoo, Edgar; Sandberg, Eva Britt-Marie & Stalhandsk, Lars Johan Torbjörn, "Heterocyclic carboxamides, compositions containing such compounds, processes for their preparation and methods of treatment therewith", published 1982-09-08, assigned to AB Leo; E. Eriksoo et al., U.S. patent 4,738,971 (1988 to AB Leo).