Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors: a patent review

Importance of the field: Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors have been shown to effectively increase the levels of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and reduce the levels of dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids, which may be translated to therapeutic potentials for multiple disease indications. It has been claimed that sEH inhibitors can be used to treat hypertension, diabetes, stroke, dyslipidemia, pain, immunological disorders, eye diseases, neurological diseases and other indications. Areas covered in this review: A comprehensive synopsis of patent literature on sEH inhibitors is provided. What the reader will gain: A total of more than 100 patent publications describing multiple classes of sEH inhibitors are analyzed. These include amides, ureas, thioamides, thioureas, carbamates, acyl hydrazones, chalcone oxdies, etc. In addition to selected in vitro and in vivo data of representative sEH inhibitors, a wide range of proposed applications of sEH inhibitors are also summarized. Take home message: Several sEH inhibitors with potent in vitro and in vivo target inhibition appear promising, including one Phase II clinical candidate. The clinical evaluation will be critical to assess the proclaimed therapeutic utility of sEH inhibition.