A brief review of the biochemistry and pharmacology of Eglin c, an elastase inhibitor.

Eglin c is a small protein inhibitor of human leucocyte elastase and cathepsin G which has potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of disease states associated with inflammation. In particular, Eglin c has been proven effective in experimental animal models of emphysema and shock. While initial studies indicate that Eglin c is virtually non-toxic and does not produce deleterious effects to the cardiovascular system, central nervous system or basic metabolism (unpublished results), an allergenic potential of the protein has not yet been ruled out.