cipemastat

Cipemastat (also known as Ro 32-3555 or Trocade) is an orally active, selective matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor that preferentially targets collagenases, specifically interstitial collagenase (MMP-1), neutrophil collagenase (MMP-8), and collagenase 3 (MMP-13), as well as gelatinase B (MMP-9). Developed by Roche, cipemastat was primarily investigated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis to prevent cartilage and bone destruction. Although it demonstrated a favorable safety profile and advanced to Phase III clinical trials, its development was discontinued after failing to show significant efficacy in slowing the progression of joint damage. More recently, preclinical academic research has explored its potential neuroprotective effects in experimental models of bacterial meningitis, such as pneumococcal meningitis and neurolisteriosis, where it has been shown to reduce hippocampal apoptosis and brain injury.

Brand names

Trocade

Other names

cipemastatcipemastatum