Small Molecule Lysyl Oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) Inhibitors: The Identification of an Inhibitor Selective for LOXL2 over LOX

Two series of novel LOXL2 enzyme inhibitors are described: benzylamines substituted with electron withdrawing groups at the para-position and 2-substituted pyridine-4-ylmethanamines. The most potent compound, (2-chloropyridin-4-yl)­methanamine 20 (hLOXL2 IC₅₀ = 126 nM), was shown to be selective for LOXL2 over LOX and three other amine oxidases (MAO-A, MAO-B, and SSAO). Compound 20 is the first published small molecule inhibitor selective for LOXL2 over LOX.