The present invention provides a matrix metalloproteinase inhibiting compound having structure (VIII) or a salt, an enantiomer, a diastereomer, a racemate, or a tautomer thereof. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a method of changing the conformation of a matrix metalloproteinase, a method of inhibiting a matrix metal metalloproteinase, and a method of treating osteoarthritis. ##STR1##
This patent claims priority as a national-phase application of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US00/16323 (Int'l Filing Date Jul. 12, 2000; WIPO Int'l Publ. No. WO 01/05389; Int'l Publ. Date Jan. 25, 2001 (in English)), which, in turn, claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/144,133 (filed Jul. 16, 1999). The entire texts of both those patent applications are incorporated by reference into this patent.
