Succinyl hydroxamates as potent and selective non-peptidic inhibitors of procollagen C-proteinase: design, synthesis, and evaluation as topically applied, dermal anti-scarring agents

Succinyl hydroxamates 1 and 2 are disclosed as novel series of potent and selective inhibitors of procollagen C-proteinase (PCP) which may have potential as anti-fibrotic agents. Carboxamide 7 demonstrated good PCP inhibition and had excellent selectivity over MMPs involved in wound healing. In addition, 7 was effective in a cell-based model of collagen deposition (fibroplasia model) and was very effective at penetrating human skin in vitro. Compound 7 (UK-383,367) was selected as a candidate for evaluation in clinical studies as a topically applied, dermal anti-scarring agent.