SAR, species specificity, and cellular activity of cyclopentene dicarboxylic acid amides as DHODH inhibitors.

Novel DHODH inhibitors were developed based on a previously described series by introduction of heteroatoms into the cyclopentene ring and hydroxyl groups attached to it. Also, the hydrophobic biphenyl side chain was replaced with benzyloxy phenyl groups. Activities on human, rat, and mouse enzymes indicate a species specificity of these inhibitors.