Synthesis and evaluation of novel heterocyclic MMP inhibitors

A variety of novel heterocyclic compounds were synthesized and evaluated for MMP inhibition. Broad spectrum inhibition of MMPs 1, 2, 9, and 12 was found with pyridinone-based compounds while N-heterocyclic triazoles and tetrazoles were largely ineffective. A highly selective tetrazole inhibitor for MMP-2 was discovered.