| abstract |
The invention relates to a compound which is [b]-fused bicyclic proline derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound or the salt thereof, and methods of treating diseases, including, but not limited to, methods of preventing or inhibiting joint cartilage damage and preventing or treating diseases characterized by joint cartilage damage, joint inflammation, or joint pain. The [b]-fused bicyclic proline derivatives are compounds of Formula I as described above. Diseases characterized by joint cartilage damage or joint pain include, for example, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is also characterized by joint inflammation. This invention also relates to methods of synthesizing and preparing the [b]-fused bicyclic proline derivatives, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |