A series of nicotinamide N-oxides was synthesized and shown to be novel, po
tent, and selective antagonists of the CXCR2 receptor. Furthermore, these c
ompounds showed significant Functional activity against GRO-alpha -driven h
uman neutrophil chemotaxis. Compounds of this class may be useful for the t
reatment of inflammatory, auto-immune, and allergic disorders. (C) 2001 Els
evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.