Microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) catalyzes the terminal step of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) generation. It is strongly upregulated in inflamed tissues and overexpressed in tumors and it has been recognized as a key enzyme in inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, stroke and cancer. Thus, a great effort has been devoted in developing synthetic mPGES-1 inhibitors as novel anti-inflammatory agents. Areas covered: This review article summarizes the mPGES-1 inhibitors presented in patent literature from 2000 to August 2016 and their biological evaluation, discussing their activities in vitro and in vivo. Expert opinion: The side effects of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors on the gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system showcase the urgent need for the discovery of novel potent and safe anti-inflammatory drugs. mPGES-1 inhibitors may present superior safety in comparison to existing anti-inflammatory drugs. The first synthetic inhibitor of mPGES-1 was reported in 2001 and up to now a variety of structurally different inhibitors has been developed. However, only recently two inhibitors entered clinical trials and none has reached yet the market. More preclinical and clinical studies on mPGES-1 inhibitors are needed to realize if indeed they may become novel agents for the treatment of inflammation and cancer.
Keywords: Cancer; inflammation; inhibitors; microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1; prostaglandin E2.