Linomide (
roquinimex,
LS 2616) is a
quinoline-3-carboxamide with pleiotropic immune modulating capacity and it has
therapeutic effects in several experimental animal models of
autoimmune diseases.
Linomide has been evaluated in clinical trials for
multiple sclerosis, and was indeed shown to have disease inhibitory effects. However, due to unexpected side effects recorded in patients treated with
Linomide, premature termination of clinical trials was required. The basic mechanism(s) of action of
Linomide in inducing beneficial effects in
autoimmune diseases is still elusive. Some experimental evidence indicates that
Linomide influences the regulation of the
cytokine profile, resulting in the inhibition of autoimmune and
inflammation pathologies. This review focuses on
Linomide applied in models for autoimmune and
inflammation pathologies of the central and the peripheral nervous system, and summarises its very encouraging disease inhibitory effects and their potential pharmacological basis. The beneficial effects recorded with
Linomide in both experimental and clinical trials emphasise the possible value of substances with
Linomide-like activity for clinical use in autoimmune and
inflammation pathologies in the near future.