Recent Developments in the Field of Non Peptidic alpha v beta 3 Antagonists

The alpha v beta3 receptors which are members of the group of the cellular adhesion molecules (CAM), are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoprotein receptors involved in processes such as cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, cell migration and signalling. Integrin alpha v beta 3 receptor is expressed on almost cells originating from the mesenchime and seems to mediate several biological processes, including adhesion of osteoblasts to the bone matrix, migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, and angiogenesis. Many efforts were done in the last 15 years in order to individuate inhibitors for alpha v beta 3 receptors, due to their involvement in important pathophysiological functions. In fact, selective alpha v beta 3 antagonists offer new therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of several human pathologies like osteoporosis, restenosis and diseases involving neovascularization such as rheumatoid arthritis, tumour induced angiogenesis and methastasis. Purpose of this account is to summarize the recent developments in the field of non peptidic alpha v beta 3 antagonists