Abstract: This invention is directed to sulfonyl aromatic hydroxamic acid compounds and salts thereof that, inter alia, inhibit matrix metalloprotease (MMP) activity and/or aggrecanase activity. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the compound corresponds in structure to one of the following formulas: wherein W2, the R groups, and —A—R—E—Y are described in more detail in Applicants' specification. This invention also is directed to a process that comprises administering such a compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a host animal having a condition associated with MMP activity.

Abstract: A sulfonyl divalent aromatic or heteroaromatic ring hydroxamic acid compound that inter alia inhibits matrix metalloprotease activity is disclosed as are a treatment process that comprises administering a contemplated sulfonyl divalent aromatic or heteroaromatic ring hydroxamic acid compound in a MMP enzyme-inhibiting effective amount to a host having a condition associated with pathological matrix metalloprotease activity.