Discovery of CGS 27023A, a Non-Peptidic, Potent, and Orally Active Stromelysin Inhibitor That Blocks Cartilage Degradation in Rabbits

Abstract

Structure-activity relationships of a lead hydroxamic acid inhibitor of recombinant human stromelysin were systematically defined by taking advantage of a concise synthesis that allowed diverse functionality to be explored at each position in a template. An ex vivo rat model and an in vivo rabbit model of stromelysin-induced cartilage degradation were used to further optimize these analogs for oral activity and duration of action. The culmination of these modifications resulted in CGS 27023A, a potent, orally active stromelysin inhibitor that blocks the erosion of cartilage matrix.