Inhibitors of 11beta-HSD1: a potential treatment for the metabolic syndrome.

11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) is the enzyme that converts cortisone to cortisol. A growing body of evidence suggests that selective inhibition of 11beta-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 11beta-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.