Abstract: A process for the production of the catalytic domain, without propeptide, of a matrix metalloproteinase is described which comprises culturing transformed host cells carrying a DNA sequence encoding the catalytic domain as well as a method for screening for inhibitors of a matrix metalloproteinase; a method for determining the 3-dimensional structure of the catalytic domain of a matrix metalloproteinase; and pharmaceutical compositions of human stromelysin catalytic domain protein which are useful in treating herniated vertebral discs, dermal ulcers, modifying scar tissue formation, and joint diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inhibiting connective tissue degradation that comprises administering to a patient having a condition in which connective tissue is degraded a therapeutically effective amount of a compound having the formula where R1, R2, R3, and R4 are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, halo, amino, nitro, C1-C6 alkyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, CF3, CN, S(O)n—, R6 and R7 are independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or acyl; n is 0 to 2; R8 is hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl; W is S or O; Z is C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, or NR9R10; R9 and R10 are independently hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl; and R5 is where Y is hydroxy, thiol, amino, or NHCN; X is sulfur or oxygen; and Q is sulfur, oxygen, NH, or NCN, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

Abstract: The manufacture and use of compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein Y is O or S, R.sub.1 is hydrogen or alkyl, and R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are hydrogen or various substituent groups, and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. The compounds have activity as inhibitors of the IL-I or other agonist-induced proteoglycan degradation in bovine nasal cartilage and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds are described to treat conditions advantageously affected by such inhibition including arthritis.

Abstract: The manufacture and use of compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein Y is O or S, R.sub.1 is hydrogen or alkyl, and R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are hydrogen or various substituent groups, and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. The compounds have activity as inhibitors of the IL-I or other agonist-induced proteoglycan degradation in bovine nasal cartilage and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds are described to treat conditions advantageously affected by such inhibition including arthritis.