Novel nitric oxide synthase inhibitors: a patent review

Areas covered: 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. Expert opinion: 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.