Design and Structural Evolution of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in a multitude of severe diseases. Despite MMPs being considered druggable targets, past drug-discovery programs have not delivered the anticipated clinical benefits. This review examines the latest structural evolution of small-molecule inhibitors of MMPs, with a focus on the development of novel chemical entities with improved affinity and selectivity profiles. X-ray crystallographic data of the protein targets and cocrystal structures with inhibitors proved to be key for the success achieved during this ambitious endeavor. An evolutionary view on the structural diversity generated for this class of molecules is provided. This encouraging development paves the way for the clinical utilization of this class of highly relevant therapeutic targets. The structure-based design of superior MMP inhibitors highlights the power of this technique and displays strategies for the development of treatment options based on the modulation of challenging drug targets.

Targeted Polypharmacology: Discovery of a Highly Potent Non-Hydroxamate Dual Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-10/-13 Inhibitor.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in many diseases like cancer, atherosclerosis or arthritis. Interest in MMP inhibition has been revitalized very recently as the knowledge on the underlying network of biological pathways is steadily growing. On the basis of this new insight into the relevance of MMP-10 and MMP-13 within the MMP network and the ban of hydroxamate inhibitors from clinical development, the discovery of non-hydroxamate multitarget drugs against specific MMPs is of foremost interest. Here, we disclose the discovery of a very potent and selective non-hydroxamate MMP-10/-13 inhibitor. The high potency (IC50 of 31 nM [MMP-10] and 5 nM [MMP-13]) and selectivity over MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -8, -9, -12, and -14 enable this compound to decipher disease causing MMP networks and to generate new treatment options through targeted polypharmacology.