Despite the irregularities of MMP function, clinical MMP cancer and arthritis trials are under way. But although a handful of small-molecule inhibitors have entered preclinical and even Phase III trials, few if any have demonstrated the desired specificity and lack of side effects. Compounds tested are too far-reaching, and often cause joint pain or deterioration because of unwanted interactions with the wrong MMPs. As in many chemotherapy treatments, insufficient specificity and unwanted toxicity are a problem. Both enzymes interact with aggrecan, a component of cartilage whose degradation causes cartilage to lose its compressibility and resilience.
Arthritis develops as matrix proteins in the cartilage tissue break down.
But processing the data gained from such accomplishments and finding the perfect inhibitor takes time. The right inhibitor, says Cheresh, must be orally active and not easily degraded. L.M. Coussens et al. Inc. All rights reserved. We welcome your opinion.