Cyclic amides are inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor and can be used to combat cachexia, endotoxic shock, and retrovirus replication. A typical embodiment is 3-phenyl-3-(1-oxoisoindolin-2-yl)propionamide.
Novel nitriles are inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor α and phosphodiesterase and can be used to combat cachexia, endotoxic shock, retrovirus replication, as asthma, and inflammatory conditions. A typical embodiment is 3-phthalimido-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) propionitrile.