Inhibition of cartilage breakdown by isothiazolones

Isothiazolones and isoselenazolones have been found to inhibit IL-1beta induced breakdown of bovine nasal cartilage in an organ culture assay. The synthesis and preliminary SAR of these compounds are described. These compounds represent a novel, non-peptide lead series approach to the mediation of the chronic cartilage breakdown associated with arthritic disease.