The present invention relates, in a first aspect, to novel angiogenesis inhibitors based on gold(I)-alkynyl complexes. More specifically, the present application relates to the use of compounds having a phosphine or carbene group, Au(I), alkynyl and an aromatic optionally bonded to the alkynyl via a linker. These compounds show excellent inhibition of angiogenesis in a person. In addition, for carbene-containing compounds according to the present application, cytotoxic properties have been shown, more particularly for treatment of cancer. The present application further relates to novel pharmaceutical compositions comprising carbene-gold(I)-alkyne complexes, and to novel antirheumatics, angiogenesis inhibitors or cytostatics.
