beta-Keto sulfones as inhibitors of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I and the mechanism of action.

The design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of beta-keto sulfones as 11beta-HSD1 inhibitors and the mechanism of inhibition are described here. This class of compounds is not active against 11beta-HSD2 and therefore may have therapeutic potential for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.