Abstract: Compounds of the formulas ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H and R.sup.2 is alkyl (3-8C) or wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 taken together are --(CH.sub.2).sub.n -- wherein n=3-5;R.sup.3 is H or alkyl (1-4C);R.sup.4 is a substituted or unsubstituted fused or conjugated bicycloaryl methylene;X is OR.sup.5 or NHR.sup.5, wherein R.sup.5 is H or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl (1-12C), aryl (6-12C), aryl alkyl (6-16C); orX is an amino acid residue or amide thereof; orX is the residue of a cyclic amine or heterocyclic amineare useful for treating conditions which are characterized by unwanted matrix metalloprotease activities.