| abstract |
A first aspect of the present invention relates to a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, complex or prodrug thereof, wherein: R3 is selected from cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl, R9 is a substituted 5 or 6-membered aryl or a heteroaryl group or a 6,5- or 6,6-fused diaryl or heteroaryl group. The compounds of formula (I) exhibit unexpectedly high dual efficacy for human cathepsin S and K and are useful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), atherosclerosis, and atherosclerosis uterine (ECM) and chronic pain. |