Patented inhibitors (2002 – 2005) of the transcription factor NF-κB

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a central transcriptional factor and a pleiotropic regulator of many genes involved in immunological responses. Dysregulation of NF-kappaB can lead to a wide variety of diseases, including those related to inflammation and cancer. Therefore, NF-kappaB and the signalling pathways that regulate its activity have become a focal point for intense drug discovery and development by a number of drug companies and academic groups. Small-molecule inhibitors of regulatory enzymes or of NF-kappaB itself, gene therapy, decoy oligonucleotides or various biologicals have been reported and patented as potential candidates for drug development. This article reviews patents claiming NF-kappaB inhibitors during the period 2002 - 2005. Some of these inhibitors may be developed to therapeutics and used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and tumour chemoresistance.