Method of inhibiting membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase

摘要

The invention is a method of inhibiting the activity of membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase (MT-MMP) in biological systems. Accordingly, the invention permits the treatment of medical conditions in mammals that are characterized by MT-MMP activity, and especially those conditions characterized by excessive MT-MMP activity. The method employs a tetracycline compound, preferably a non-antimicrobial tetracycline, and more preferably 6-demethyl-6-deoxy-4-de(dimethylamino)tetracycline (CMT-3) or 6-alpha-deoxy-5-hydroxy-4-de(dimethylamino)tetracycline (CMT-8) to inhibit the MT-MMP activity.