2-(2-Methyl-quinoline-4ylamino)-N-(2-chlorophenyl)-acetamide, a novel anilidoquinoline derivative, was synthesised and evaluated for its therapeutic efficacy in treating Japanese encephalitis. The compound showed significant antiviral and antiapoptotic effects in vitro. Significant decreases in viral load (P < 0.01) combined with an increase in survival was observed in Japanese encephalitis virus-infected mice treated with 2-(2-methyl-quinoline-4ylamino)-N-(2-chlorophenyl)-acetamide. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy.