EFFECT OF ETH615, AN INHIBITOR OF LEUKOTRIENE SYNTHESIS AND IL-8 GENE-EXPRESSION, ON MURINE DERMATOSES

ETH615 xy]-N-[3-fluorobenzyl]-phenylaminomethyl-4-benzoic acid) is a p otent inhibitor of leukotriene biosynthesis in A23187-stimulated leuko cytes, and of IL-8 gene expression in LPS-stimulated PBMC. It shows an ti-inflammatory activity in a canine model of dermal inflammation. A t opical formulation is present in phase 11 clinical trials. In the pres ent study the effect of ETH615 on oxazolone-induced acute inflammation and phorbol ester-induced chronic inflammation in the mouse ear was i nvestigated. Betamethasone (0.04 mg/ear) and ETH615 (1-1.5 mg/ear) sig nificantly inhibited both the oedema formation and the PMN infiltratio n. The cream and ointment formulations of ETH615 developed for clinica l studies were equally active. ETH615 is thus an anti-inflammatory age nt in these murine models of dermatosis.