Synthesis, spectral studies and Anti-inflammatory activity of glycolamide esters of niflumic acid as potential prodrugs

In order to reduce the gastric irritation caused by direct contact mechanism of the carboxylic acid group, a series of glycolamide esters of niflumic acid (CAS 4394-00-7) (1) have been prepared as biolabile prodrugs by reacting appropriate 2-chloroacetamides with niflumic acid. The required 2-chloroacetamides were obtained by the condensation of chloroacetyl chloride and corresponding amine. Their structures were confirmed by UV, IR and H-1 NMR spectra. Selected compounds were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats at the doses of 45, 90 and 150 mg/kg b.w. Prodrugs showed comparable anti-inflammatory activity (67.1-79.4 %) at 150 mg/kg b.w. with respect to niflumic acid (70.3%) at 45 mg/kg b.w., indicating moderate release of niflumic acid in vivo. The highest activity was observed with diethylamine (4) and pyrrolidine (9) derivatives.