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Amlexanox

Inflammation & Immunity · ['AT-101 (research code)', 'CHX-3673', '2-amino-7-isopropyl-5-oxo-5H-chromeno[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carboxylic acid']

A small-molecule anti-inflammatory compound and inhibitor of the non-canonical IKK-related kinases TBK1 and IKK-epsilon, studied in inflammation, metabolic, and mucosal-immunity research.

🔬 Research use only — not for human or veterinary use. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions.
Molecular Formula
C16H14N2O4
Molecular Weight
298.29 g/mol
PubChem
CID 2161 ↗
Research Level
Well Researched
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Amlexanox chemical structure

Amlexanox is a small-molecule compound of the chromone carboxylic-acid class. It has a long history as a topical anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent and, more recently, has drawn research interest as an inhibitor of the inflammatory kinases TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase 1) and IKK-epsilon.

In the literature amlexanox is studied both for its classic mast-cell-stabilizing and anti-inflammatory properties on mucosal tissue and for its newer role as a probe of non-canonical NF-kB and interferon signaling in metabolic and immune research.

The material below summarizes published scientific findings for reference purposes only and describes results reported by investigators.

At the molecular level, research identifies amlexanox as an inhibitor of TBK1 and IKK-epsilon, two related serine/threonine kinases that sit within inflammatory and interferon signaling networks. By dampening these kinases, study models report altered inflammatory gene expression and changes in energy-expenditure signaling in adipose tissue.

In its established anti-allergic role, investigators describe stabilization of mast cells and inhibition of inflammatory-mediator release, which underlies its historical use in topical mucosal applications.

  • TBK1 / IKK-epsilon kinase inhibition and non-canonical NF-kB signaling
  • Obesity, insulin sensitivity, and adipose-tissue inflammation models
  • Mucosal inflammation and mast-cell stabilization research
  • Type I interferon and innate-immunity signaling studies
  • Hepatic steatosis and metabolic-inflammation investigations
📋 How published studies were conducted — a research reference summarizing study designs from the literature. This is not usage, dosing, or administration guidance. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions; determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher.

Reilly et al. (Nature Medicine 2013) reported that amlexanox reduced obesity and improved insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obese mice by inhibiting TBK1 and IKK-epsilon, framing the kinases as a link between inflammation and energy balance. This is summarized strictly as published animal research.

Oral et al. (Cell Metabolism 2017) described a proof-of-concept clinical study of amlexanox in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes, reporting a subset of responders with improved glycemic and hepatic measures; the authors positioned this as exploratory human research into the same kinase pathway.

Combinations examined in the research literature. Descriptive only — not a recommendation to combine compounds.

TBK1 inhibitorsCaution
Overlapping kinase targets; combined study use would produce redundant pathway inhibition not characterized in the literature.
CorticosteroidsNeutral
Both modulate inflammation through distinct mechanisms; combined effects are not well described.
MetforminCompatible
Studied within overlapping metabolic-research contexts with distinct mechanisms.
Interferon pathway agonistsCaution
Amlexanox dampens interferon signaling, so co-use with pathway agonists produces opposing effects in study models.
  1. Reilly SM et al. An Inhibitor of the Protein Kinases TBK1 and IKK-epsilon Improves Obesity-Related Metabolic Dysfunctions. Nat Med 2013
  2. Oral EA et al. Inhibition of IKK-epsilon and TBK1 Improves Glucose Control in a Subset of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Cell Metab 2017
  3. Bell RL et al. Amlexanox: Pharmacology of a Mast-Cell-Stabilizing Anti-Inflammatory. (review) J Pharmacol Exp Ther
  4. PubChem Compound Summary: Amlexanox (CID 2161)
What is amlexanox?
It is a small-molecule chromone carboxylic-acid compound with anti-inflammatory properties, studied more recently as an inhibitor of the kinases TBK1 and IKK-epsilon.
What kinases does amlexanox target?
Research identifies TBK1 and IKK-epsilon as its principal molecular targets within inflammatory and interferon signaling networks.
Why is it of interest in metabolic research?
Animal and exploratory human studies link inhibition of these kinases to changes in adipose-tissue inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and energy expenditure.
Is amlexanox a peptide?
No. Unlike most entries in this library, amlexanox is a small-molecule compound rather than a peptide, with a defined molecular formula of C16H14N2O4.
Is this material for human or veterinary use?
No. It is supplied strictly as a research-use-only reference compound and is not intended for human consumption, medical treatment, or veterinary application.
Disclaimer: This profile summarizes published preclinical and laboratory research for reference only. It is not medical advice and makes no claim of safety or efficacy in humans. Determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher. Products are sold strictly for in-vitro research and have not been evaluated by the FDA.