Microsomal prostaglandin E₂ synthase-1 inhibitors: a patent review

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Microsomal prostaglandin E₂ synthase-1 (mPGES-1) catalyzes the terminal step of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) generation. It is strongly upregulated in inflamed tissues and overexpressed in tumors and it has been recognized as a key enzyme in inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, stroke and cancer. Thus, a great effort has been devoted in developing synthetic mPGES-1 inhibitors as novel anti-inflammatory agents.

Areas covered: This review article summarizes the mPGES-1 inhibitors presented in patent literature from 2000 to August 2016 and their biological evaluation, discussing their activities in vitro and in vivo.

Expert opinion: The side effects of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors on the gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system showcase the urgent need for the discovery of novel potent and safe anti-inflammatory drugs. mPGES-1 inhibitors may present superior safety in comparison to existing anti-inflammatory drugs. The first synthetic inhibitor of mPGES-1 was reported in 2001 and up to now a variety of structurally different inhibitors has been developed. However, only recently two inhibitors entered clinical trials and none has reached yet the market. More preclinical and clinical studies on mPGES-1 inhibitors are needed to realize if indeed they may become novel agents for the treatment of inflammation and cancer.

KEYWORDS:

• Cancer
• inflammation
• inhibitors
• microsomal prostaglandin E₂ synthase-1
• prostaglandin E₂

Article highlights

• Microsomal prostaglandin E₂ synthase-1 (mPGES-1) catalyzes the terminal step of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) generation.

• mPGES-1 is strongly upregulated in inflamed tissues and overexpressed in tumors.

• mPGES-1 inhibitors may be safer anti-inflammatory agents overcoming the side effects of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors.

• More preclinical and clinical studies on mPGES-1 inhibitors are urgently needed to realize if indeed they may become novel agents for the treatment of inflammation, pain and cancer.

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Declaration of interest

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This paper has not been funded.