GM-6001 is a broad-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor with potential anticancer activity. GM-6001 is a member of the hydroxamic acid class of reversible metallopeptidase inhibitors. The anionic state of the hydroxamic acid group forms a bidentate complex with the active site zinc. Examples of enzymes that ilomastat inhibit include thermolysin, peptide deformylase, and anthrax lethal factor endopeptidase (LF) produced by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.