ND-322

ND-322 is a small molecule, slow-binding selective inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP, also known as MMP-14). Developed by researchers at the University of Notre Dame, it targets the MT1-MMP/MMP2 axis, which is critical for extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, cell invasion, and tumor metastasis. In preclinical studies, ND-322 has demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth, migration, and invasion of melanoma cell lines and significantly reduce in vivo tumor growth and metastasis in orthotopic mouse models. It has also shown synergistic potential when combined with the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and is reported to be well-tolerated in vivo.