INHIBITION OF TNF PRODUCTION

摘要

Certain hydroxamic acid derivatives, previously known in the art as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases such as collagenase are capable of inhibiting the production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) by cells, and thus are useful in the management of diseases or conditions mediated by overproduction of, or over-responsiveness to, TNF. The compounds in question are known in the art from the following patent publications: US 4599361, EP-A-0236872, EP-A-0274453, WO 90/05716, WO 90/05719, WO 91/02716, EP-A-0489577, EP-A-0489579, EP-A-0497192, WO 92/13831, WO 92/22523, WO 93/09090, and WO 93/09097. They have general formula (I) or (Ib) wherein substituents R1-R5 may vary widely according to the disclosures of those patent publications.