Inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitors: a patent and scientific literature review (2002-2016)

INTRODUCTION

Inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is an enzyme involved in the de novo biosynthesis of guanine nucleotides. To date human IMPDH inhibitors have been approved for prevention of organ transplant rejection and as anti-viral agents. More recently, the use of IMPDH inhibitors for other indications including cancer and pathogenic microorganisms has been pursued. Areas covered: IMPDH inhibitors disclosed primarily in the patent and scientific literature from 2002 to the present are discussed. Several interesting chemotypes that have not been pursued by patent protection are also highlighted. Expert opinion: Progress has been made in the development of IMPDH inhibitors, particularly compounds that are structurally distinct from mycophenolic acid and nucleoside-based inhibitors. However, clinical progression has been hampered primarily by a limited understanding of the enzyme's role in disease pathophysiology. Finally, most of the IMPDH inhibitors developed over the past fourteen years fall within a relatively narrow set of chemotypes. This provides opportunities for expanding IMPDH inhibitor chemical space to further evaluate this class of molecular targets.

Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase as a target for antiviral, anticancer, antimicrobial and immunosuppressive therapeutics

Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the de novo biosynthesis of guanine nucleotides. In recent years it has become the target of multiple drugs in an attempt to cure a variety of diseases. Possible therapeutic drugs range from antiviral and anticancer to immunosuppressive targets. Research has shown that if IMPDH is effectively inhibited, cancerous growth can be slowed and virus replication can be stopped. Microbial and parasitic IMPDH differ significantly from the human isoforms and targeting those isoforms could lead to effective treatments for many diseases. Inhibiting IMPDH is an extremely promising therapy for a variety of disease states. Isoform- and species-selective inhibition is desirable and scientists are making significant progress in these areas.