Therapeutic Potential of Vascular Adhesion Protein‐1 (VAP‐1)/Semicarbazide‐Sensitive Amine Oxidase (SSAO) Inhibitors: Current Medicinal Chemistry and Emerging Opportunities

ABSTRACT Semicarbazide‐sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) is a vascular enzyme and expressed in high concentrations in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), localized in the caveolae of the plasma membrane, and the endothelial cells. SSAO is classified as a copper amine oxidase and encoded by the amine oxidase copper‐containing 3 gene. SSAO exists both as a soluble protein and as a tissue‐bound transmembrane protein. The latter is often called vascular adhesion protein 1. Vascular adhesion protein‐1 or VAP‐1, encoded by the AOC3 gene, is a pro‐inflammatory and multifunctional molecule belonging to the SSAO family. It assists the transformation of primary amines to aldehydes resulting in the production of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. Work from the last two decades, has shown that VAP‐1/SSAO plays a role in several physiological and pathological processes, making it a potentially valuable target for therapeutic development. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of the inhibitors of VAP‐1/SSAO that are being developed specifically for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Here in we have highlighted important aspects of the compounds investigated in therapeutic applications. Furthermore, we have outlined potential avenues for innovation with the aim of maximizing the therapeutic efficacy of VAP‐1/SSAO inhibitors in clinical settings.