Our MMP-8 selective inhibitor (R)-1-[3′-methyl-biphenyl-4-sulfonylamino]-2-methylpropyl phosphonic acid has been shown to play an in vivo protective effect in experimental models of multiple sclerosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and ventilator-induced lung injury, thus corroborating the link between MMP-8 up-regulation and systemic inflammatory diseases.21–23. The gene discussed is MMP8; the disease is systemic inflammatory response syndrome.