Recent advancements in the development of heterocyclic anti-inflammatory agents.

Most of the anti-inflammatory drugs in clinical practice are becoming outdated owing to their potential side and adverse effects. These are found to be highly unsafe for long term use. Thus, since last few years, new anti-inflammatory agents are being developed and number of them are in advanced stages of clinical trials. Heterocyclic molecules have gained great attention of chemists due to their similarity to different biological precursors. In the current review, we have highlighted the recent developments (2015 onwards) in designing and synthesis of various heterocyclic anti-inflammatory molecules along with detailed SAR studies. The principal objective of this review is to provide a profound overview of the recently explored heterocyclic anti-inflammatory agents belonging to various classes such as pyrazole, pyrimidine, benzimidazole, indole, and other related heterocyclic compounds. In addition, an enlarged view on potential interactions of synthetic preparations with target inflammatory enzymes or cytokines has been provided. We have also enlisted lead compounds undergoing different clinical trials against inflammation. The elementary aim of this review is to provide restructured knowledge regarding heterocyclic molecules which will be valuable for the scientists working in the field of anti-inflammatory chemistry. The authors believe that lead compounds mentioned in the report will help to design and develop novel anti-inflammatory drug molecules targeting various factors involved in the progression of inflammation.