Highly Selective MMP-12 Antibodies

Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12), is a member of a family of potent inflammatory mediators and therefore an important pharmacological target. It’s role in the pathogenesis of diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and asthma is well established.  Studies have also shown MMP-12 contributes to the pathogenesis of neurological diseases like stroke, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis.  Highly specific MMP-12 inhibitors are desirable to treat the diseases described in this paragraph since broad spectrum MMP inhibitors in the past have failed clinical trials due to their off-target effects.

Researchers from the University of California, Riverside have developed potent monoclonal antibody inhibitors with high MMP-12 selectivity.  These antibodies have applications in pharmaceuticals and biomedical sciences. Specifically, these antibodies may be developed as  therapies for inflammatory and neurological diseases.