Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors with cardiovascular therapeutic potential

The recent patent literature concerning inhibitors of the various nitric ox ide synthase (NOS) isoforms and their therapeutic potential in cardiovascul ar disorders is reviewed. Though the preponderance of data points to the in timate involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and the NOS isoforms in multiple ca rdiovascular disease states, it is not completely clear if and how NOS inhi bitors with varied selectivity profiles will be beneficial. However, patent s and patent applications encompassing a wide variety of structural types c laim therapeutic use in cardiovascular diseases. This patent literature is examined and structural comparisons between the inhibitors and the endogeno us ligands and co-factors are discussed.