Abstract: The invention provides compounds which are useful as inhibitors of metalloproteases, and which are effective in treating conditions characterized by excess activity of these enzymes. In particular, the present invention relates to a compound having a structure according to Formula (I) ##STR1## as described in the claims, or an optical isomer, diastereomer or enantiomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt, or biohydrolyzable alkoxyamide, ester, acyloxyamide, or imide thereof. Also disclosed are compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating diseases characterized by metalloprotease activity using these compounds or the pharmaceutical compositions containing them.