JNJ0966 is a potent, highly selective inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) with IC50 of 440 nM in proMMP-9 activation assays. JNJ0966 shows no effect on MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, or MMP-14 catalytic activity and does not inhibit activation of the highly related MMP-2 zymogen. JNJ0966 inhibits proMMP-9 maturation, reduced proMMP-9 maturation through intermediate states to active fully processed enzyme. JNJ0966 reduces motor symptoms in mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and penetrates into the brain.
