Abstract: The present teachings provide compounds of formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, and esters, wherein R1, R2, and X are as defined herein. The present teachings also provide methods of making the compounds of formula I, and methods of treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or compounds of formula I to a mammal including a human.

Abstract: This invention relates to modulating (e.g., inhibiting) protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B).

Abstract: Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) such as PTP1B can play a role in regulating a wide variety of cellular responses such as insulin signaling. Substituted bicyclic fused-thiophene compounds can inhibit PTP1B and thereby induce greater insulin sensitivity. Accordingly, PTP1B inhibition can provide an alternate treatment for PTPase-mediated disorders such as diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention is broadly directed to methods of screening viral-binding compounds. In particular, the present invention provides cell-free assays to rapidly screen libraries of compounds for viral-capsid binding activity. Such compounds are useful for anti-viral treatments.

Abstract: Agents having the structure,U--CH.sub.2 --V--CH.sub.2 --W,and agents having the structure,U--CH.sub.2 --V--CH.sub.2 --W--X--Y--Z,where U, W, and Z are double fused aromatic rings, V is a single six-membered aromatic ring with a hydroxyl group constituent, X is a polar group, and Y is a positively charged group, are disclosed. The double fused aromatic rings can be a five-membered aromatic ring, or a six-membered aromatic ring, fused to a six-membered aromatic ring; the double fused aromatic rings can comprise heteroatoms. The agents can be used as capsid stabilizing or antiviral agents.