Azidofibrate. Synthesis and evaluation of its effects on fat cell lipolysis in vitro.

Synthesis and biological properties of a new ethyl alpha-(p-chlorophenoxy)-isobutyrate (clofibrate) analogue are described. Replacement of the chlorine atom of the parent drug by an azido group has been attempted in order to avoid the proliferative action on liver peroxysomes. The new compound showed a good degree of inhibition of rat fat cell lipolysis and its action, qualitatively different from that of clofibrate, bears some analogy with that of nicotinic acid.