Inhibitors of 11β-HSD1: A Potential Treatment for the Metabolic Syndrome

11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11 beta-HSD1) is the enzyme that converts cortisone to cortisol. A growing body of evidence suggests that selective inhibition of 11 beta-HSD1 could potentially treat the metabolic syndrome. This review provides an overview of compounds reported to have in vivo inhibitory activity against this enzyme. A major focus of this review is Amgen's 11 beta-HSD1 program which includes a variety of in vivo data for a lead compound from our thiazolone class of inhibitors. Finally, an update on the current known clinical data is discussed.