Matrix Metalloproteinases as Valid Clinical Target

Title: Matrix Metalloproteinases as Valid Clinical Target

Volume: 13 Issue: 3

Author(s): Barbara Fingleton

Affiliation:

Keywords: Inflammation, remodeling, acute therapy, topical, cardiovascular disease

Abstract: The matrix metalloproteinase family of enzymes has been a pharmaceutical target for over 20 years. In that time, many drugs have been developed but none have successfully passed clinical trials. A significant problem has been development of dose-limiting side-effects that were revealed during long-term clinical trials in diseases such as arthritis and various cancers. There are, however, other clinical settings where evidence for MMP function contributing to the pathophysiology of disease is strong. A number of these settings will be discussed here together with evidence from animal models that MMP inhibition is a valid strategy to be considered. A major advantage with many of these settings is that drug exposure may not have to be long-term and/or systemic thus reducing the possibility that side-effects will stymie MMPI-based therapy.

Cite this article as:

Fingleton Barbara, Matrix Metalloproteinases as Valid Clinical Target, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2007; 13 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161207779313551