Abstract: Novel thyroid receptor ligands are provided which have the general formula (I) where R1 is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbons or cycloalkyl of 3 to 7 carbons; R2 and R3 are the same or different and are hydrogen, halogen, alkyl of 1 to 3 carbons or cycloalkyl of 3 to 5 carbons, at least one of R2 and R3 being other than hydrogen; n is an integer from 0 to 4; R4 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon, an aromatic hydrocarbon, carboxylic acid ester thereof, alkenyl carboxylic acid or ester thereof, hydroxy, halogen, cyano, or a phosphonic acid or an ester thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptible salt thereof. A method for treating diseases associated with metabolism dysfunction or which are dependent on the expression of a T3 regulated gene, such as obesity, hypercholesterolemia, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, and goiter, is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds according to the formula ##STR1## in which: Ha=I or BrX=CH.sub.2 or C=OR.sup.1 =C.sub.1-4 alkylR.sup.2 =--NHSO.sub.2 R.sup.3 ;--NHCOR.sup.3 ; or--NHCONHR.sup.3where R.sup.3 =--CF.sub.3,C.sub.1-3 alkyl, 4-R.sup.4 C.sub.6 H.sub.4 --;where R.sup.4 =C.sub.1-4 alkoxy-; hydroxy-; fluoro-; or nitro-;or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.The compounds may particularly be used in the treatment of T3 regulated gene disorders and diseases.