USE OF SULFONYL ARYL OR HETEROARYL HYDROXAMIC ACIDS AND DERIVATIVES THEREOF AS AGGRECANASE INHIBITORS

摘要

This invention is directed to a process for inhibiting aggrecanase activity. The process comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a sulfonyl aromatic or heteroaromatic hydroxamic acid, a derivative thereof, o r a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the hydroxamic acid or derivative to a host animal. The compound generally corresponds in structure to the followin g formula: , wherein W and the R groups are described in more detail in Applicants' specification.