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.