title: Novel nitric oxide synthase inhibitors: a patent review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Knowledge of NO and its function in cell signaling has rapidly developed since its biological effects were first described in 1977. It is formed from L-arginine by NOS isoforms (nNOS, iNOS and eNOS). These enzymes are products of separate genes, encoded on three different chromosomes and responsible for regulating a variety of functions within cells and tissues. NOS isoforms are currently under investigation as targets for novel therapeutics in especially neurodegenerative disorders, inflammation and pain. Many important questions regarding these messengers and signaling molecules remain to be answered.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review gives an overview of patents covering drug-like inhibitors for the NOS isoforms filed and published within the last 6 years, up to September 2010, as well as insight into recent highlights in this area.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The NOS isoforms are attractive targets in drug design for various pathological conditions and have received considerable interest over recent years. With the advances in molecular biology, modeling software, synthesis, bioassays, and our understanding of the NOS enzymes and the function of NO, novel bioavailable and highly selective drug therapies utilizing this mode of action may soon see the light.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Joubert
authors.forename: Sarel F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Malan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015195:Drug Design; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D010330:Patents as Topic
chemical_list: D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase