Thalidomide - Analogs and Mechanisms of Action

In an elegant review, Dr. Y. Hashimoto (Current Medical Chemistry, 5: 163, 1998) points out that Thalidomide has potent effects upon the alpha Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-alpha). Structural modifications of Thalidomide are under investigation. Some analogs have far stronger TNF-alpha effects while others are potent non-steroidal androgen antagonises or have anti-angionenesis properties.

The teratogenic properties of Thalidomide-related compounds remain undefined. Perhaps current research will identify therapeutically useful and non-teratogenic Thalidomide analogs.