The design and synthesis of novel N-hydroxyformamide inhibitors of ADAM-TS4 for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Two series of N-hydroxyformamide inhibitors of ADAM-TS4 were identified from screening compounds previously synthesised as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (collagenase-3). Understanding of the binding mode of this class of compound using ADAM-TS1 as a structural surrogate has led to the discovery of potent and very selective inhibitors with favourable DMPK properties. Synthesis, structure-activity relationships, and strategies to improve selectivity and lower in vivo metabolic clearance are described.