Imidazolyl benzimidazoles and imidazo[4,5-b]pyridines as potent p38alpha MAP kinase inhibitors with excellent in vivo antiinflammatory properties.

Herein we report investigations into the p38alpha MAP kinase activity of trisubstituted imidazoles that led to the identification of compounds possessing highly potent in vivo activity. The SAR of a novel series of imidazopyridines is demonstrated as well, resulting in compounds possessing cellular potency and enhanced in vivo activity in the rat collagen-induced arthritis model of chronic inflammation.