Selective, orally active, ATP-competitive inhibitor of p38α MAPK (IC50 values are 3.2, 122 and > 50000 nM for p38α, p38β and p38γ respectively). Demonstrates no activity against a range of other kinases including ERK2, JNK1 and MAPKAP2. Prevents development of diabetes and alleviates mild and moderate hyperglycaemic states in NOD mice.