TREATMENT OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH MATRIX METALLOPROTEASES BY INHALATION OF SYNTHETIC MATRIX METALLOPROTEASE INHIBITORS

摘要

The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases associated with matrix metalloproteases. More specifically, the present invention relates to the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases associated with matrix metalloproteases by inhalation of synthetic matrix metalloprotease inhibitors. Exemplary respiratory diseases associated with matrix metalloproteases that may be treated by the methods of the invention include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic bronchitis. An exemplary synthetic matrix metalloprotease useful in the methods of the invention is ilomastat.