Advances and strategies in NADPH oxidase inhibitors and activators patents.

The NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes were identified as a family of seven isoforms contributing to the production of reactive oxygen species. During the past 15 years, this class of enzymes has increasingly gained interest from the academic and pharmaceutical laboratories. Extensive research efforts focused on the decryption of their mechanism of action has shown that Nox enzymes are the most important source of reactive oxygen species and key contributors in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Recent publications and patents suggest that NOX modulators may provide major opportunities in many diseases as novel therapeutics. This review covers application patents and current state-of-the-art on Nox modulators from 2005 to December 2013 and examines the different approaches patented to modulate the activity of Nox enzymes.