Losmapimod is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of the alpha and beta isoforms of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), with potential immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory activities. Upon oral administration, losmapimod inhibits the activity of p38alpha/beta MAPK, thereby preventing p38alpha/beta MAPK-mediated signaling. This may result in the inhibition of the production of proinflammatory cytokines. p38 MAPK, a serine/threonine protein kinase, plays an important role in regulating the transcription and translation of cytokines involved in inflammation including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and IL-8.