| abstract |
The invention provides compounds which are useful as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases, and which are effective in treating conditions characterized by excess activity of these enzymes. In particular, the present invention relates to a compound having a structure according to formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are described in the claims, a stereoisomer or enantiomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt, or biohydrolyzable alkoxyamide, ester acyloxyamide, imide or derivative thereof. Also disclosed are compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating diseases characterized by matrix metalloprotease activity using these compounds or the pharmaceutical compositions containing them. |