Abstract: The invention relates to compounds that are selective inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them and to their use in the prevention and/or treatment of MMP-associated diseases. The invention also relates to methods for identification of lead compounds that are selective inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases.

Abstract: Novel capsaicin derivatives of general formula I ##STR1## wherein R, R.sub.1 to R.sub.7 and X may be a variety of substituents, processes for the production thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and use thereof as pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula ##STR1## wherein Ph is a phenyl group which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from halo (i.e. fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo), C.sub.1-4 alkyl, amino, C.sub.1-4 alkylamino, di-C.sub.1-4 alkylamino, nitro, sulphonyl, aminosulphonyl, trihalomethyl, carboxy, C.sub.1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, amido, C.sub.1-4 alkylamido C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, C.sub.2-4 alkenyl, cyano, aminomethyl or methylsulphonyl; R.sup.a and R.sup.b, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen or alkali metal (e.g. sodium or lithium) atom or a C.sub.1-4 (e.g. ethyl) group; m is 0 or 1; Y is a group of formula:--NH--CH.sub.2 --CO--or a group of formula: ##STR2## where R.sup.1 is hydrogen or methyl;R.sup.2 is alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms or is methylthiomethyl; andZ is --OR.sup.3 or --NR.sup.4 R.sup.5 where R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are each hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms (i.e. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, or t-butyl) and R.sup.