Synthesis and structure - Activity relationship of α-sulfonylhydroxamic acids as novel, orally active matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors for the treatment of osteoarthritis

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-containing endopeptidases that play a key role in both physiological and pathological tissue degradation. These enzymes are strictly regulated by endogenous inhibitors such as tissue inhibitors of MMPs and α₂-macroglobulins. Overexpression of these enzymes has been implicated in various pathological disorders such as arthritis, tumor metastasis, cardiovascular diseases, and multiple sclerosis. Developing effective small-molecule inhibitors to modulate MMP activity is one approach to treat these degenerative diseases. The present work focuses on the discovery and SAR of novel N-hydroxy-α-phenylsulfonylacetamide derivatives, which are potent, selective, and orally active MMP inhibitors.