| abstract |
(57) SUMMARY The present invention provides compounds that are useful as inhibitors of metalloproteases and are effective in treating diseases characterized by excessive activity of these enzymes. In particular, the present invention relates to a compound having the structure according to the claimed formula (I), or an optical isomer, diastereomer or enantiomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a biodegradable alkoxyl thereof. Pertains to an amide, ester, acyloxyamide, or imide. Also disclosed is a method of treating a disease characterized by metalloprotease activity using a compound, a pharmaceutical composition and the compound, or a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound. |