A series of 4-(2-carboxymethylthiomethyl)pyridines and related compounds, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, are disclosed as having immunoregulatory activity. Preferred compounds include 4-(2-carboxymethylthiomethyl)pyridine [alternatively named 2-(4-picolylthio)acetic acid] and (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl esters thereof, and 4-(1-formylmethylthiomethyl)-pyridine [alternatively named 2-(4-picolylthio)acetaldehyde] and bis(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl or cyclic acetals thereof. These acids, esters, aldehydes and acetals also have utility as intermediates in the synthesis of the corresponding 4-(2-hydroxyethylthiomethyl)pyridines.
本发明揭示了一系列4-(2-羧甲基
硫甲基)
吡啶及其相关化合物及其药学上可接受的盐,具有免疫调节活性。优选化合物包括4-(2-羧甲基
硫甲基)
吡啶[另名2-(4-
哌啶甲
硫基)
乙酸]及其(C.sub.1-C.sub.4)烷基酯,以及4-(1-甲酰甲
硫甲基)
吡啶[另名2-(4-
哌啶甲
硫基)
乙醛]及其(C.sub.1-C.sub.4)双烷基或环状
缩醛。这些酸、酯、醛和
缩醛也可作为合成相应的4-(2-羟乙
硫甲基)
吡啶的中间体而使用。