A series of N-carboxyalkyl peptides were prepared to test their inhibi
tory activity against human stromelysin (MMP-3), collagenase (MMP-1),
and gelatinase A (MMP-2). Linear alkyl and omega-aminoalkyl residues w
ere employed as replacements for a phenethyl group yielding inhibitors
with in vitro activities comparable to their corresponding aromatic a
nalogs.