Patent Evaluation Pulmonary- Allergy,Dermatological, Gastrointestinal & Arthritis: Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors

In this patent, Chiroscience disclose a series of ′-mercaptoamides and protected ′-mercaptoamides which are said to be potent inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and of tumour necrosis factor-′ (TNF-′) production. As with other agents of this type, the compounds of the invention may have potential for the treatment of a wide range of diseases involving connective tissue breakdown and/or inflammation. Although a number of in vitro enzyme assays and in vivo disease models are described, no biological data are given to support any of the above claims.