Since the mechanism of action of thalidomide and its analogs is not fully clear and the bioreceptor for these substances has not been identified, the insight into the relationship between the structure and activity of thalidomide and its analogs are mostly derived from molecular modelling and continued research investigation.
The information on SAR of thalidomide and its analogs is still in process so any trends detailed here are observed during individual studies.
Research has mainly focused on improving the TNF-α and PDE4 inhibition of thalidomide, as well as the anti-angiogenesis activity.