The invention provides inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases that are useful
for encouraging the development of healthy skin and for treating wounds. The inhibitors
are peptides having sequences related to cleavage regions of the proenzyme forms
of matrix metalloproteinases. The peptide inhibitors of the invention can be formulated
into therapeutic compositions, lotions, creams, skin covering and wound dressings
that facilitate healing and healthy skin development, discourage scarring and wrinkling
and ameliorate the effects of healing.
