A novel series of 6-amino-2, 4-lutidine (6-AL) derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity. Starting from the pharmacophoric β-ketoamide grouping present in oxicams, we prepared the N-(4, 6-dimethylpyridin-2-yl) acetoacetamide (4), via acylation of 6-AL by a lactone, the benzoylacetamide (5) by aminolysis of ethyl benzoylacetate, and carbox-amides 6–9 issued from methyl 1-oxotetralin-2-carboxylates. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by the inhibition of oedema in carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. Although acetoacetamide 4 proved less potent than the 3-fluorobenzamide 1, transformation into its enamine prodrug derivative 12 conferred high inhibitory activity.