V85546

V85546 is a selective, orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP-12), also known as macrophage elastase. Developed by Vernalis (now a subsidiary of HitGen), the compound was designed to target the underlying tissue remodeling and inflammatory processes associated with respiratory and inflammatory conditions. MMP-12 is primarily secreted by macrophages and plays a critical role in the degradation of extracellular matrix components, particularly elastin. By inhibiting MMP-12, V85546 aimed to prevent lung tissue damage and reduce the inflammatory response in diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.