Imidazopyrimidines, potent inhibitors of p38 MAP kinase.

The MAP kinase p38 is implicated in the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. Inhibition of cytokine release may be a useful treatment for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. A novel series of imidazopyrimidines have been discovered that potently inhibit p38 and suppress the production of TNF-α in vivo.