Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of preventing or treating diseases or conditions associated with excessive cell proliferation, remodeling, inflammation, and vasoconstriction. Particularly, this invention is directed to methods of treating cardiovascular diseases or conditions such as stent restenosis and thrombosis, vascular thrombosis, cerebral vasospasm, atherosclerosis, systemic hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and sexual dysfunction. The method comprises identifying a subject in need of the treatment, and administering to the subject an effective amount of a novel Rho kinase inhibitor compound to treat the disease.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of preventing or treating diseases or conditions associated with alterations in cellular integrity including alterations in endothelial permeability, excessive cell proliferation or tissue remodeling. Particularly, this invention is directed to methods of treating diabetic nephropathy, malaria, or cancer. The method comprises identifying a subject in need of the treatment, and administering to the subject an effective amount of a novel rho kinase inhibitor compound to treat the disease.

Abstract: This invention is directed to prodrugs of rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors. These prodrugs are in general the ester or the amide derivatives of the parent compounds. These prodrugs are often weak inhibitors of ROCK, but their parent compounds have good activities. Upon instillation into the eyes, the ester or the amide group of these prodrugs is rapidly hydrolyzed into alcohol, amine, or acid, and the prodrugs are converted into the active base compounds. The prodrugs of ROCK inhibitors provide several advantages such as delivery of higher concentrations of the active species into the target site and reduction of ocular discomfort. The invention is also directed to a method of treating ophthalmic diseases such as glaucoma, allergic conjunctivitis, macular edema, macular degeneration, and blepharitis, by administering an effective amount of a ROCK prodrug compound of Formula I to the eyes of the patient in need of.

Abstract: This invention relates to synthetic bifunctional compounds comprising a first rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibiting compound and a second pharmaceutically active compound with complementary activity; the first and the second compounds are covalently linked by a biologically labile bond. This invention also relates to methods of making such compounds. The invention also relates to methods of using such bifunctional compounds in the prevention or treatment of diseases or conditions that are affected or can be assisted by altering the integrity or rearrangement of the cytoskeleton. Particularly, this invention relates to methods of treating ophthalmic diseases such as disorders in which intraocular pressure is elevated, for example primary open-angle glaucoma, using the bifunctional compounds.