The present invention is directed to synthetic bridged bicyclic compounds that are inhibitors of rho-associated protein kinase. The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention is additionally directed to a method of preventing or treating diseases or conditions associated with cytoskeletal reorganization. The method comprises administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a Rho kinase inhibitory compound of Formula I, wherein said amount is effective to influence the actomyosin interactions, for example, by leading to cellular relaxation and alterations in cell-substratum adhesions. In one embodiment, the method treats increased intraocular pressure, such as primary open-angle glaucoma. In another embodiment, the method treats diseases or conditions of the lung associated with excessive cell proliferation, remodeling, inflammation, vasoconstriction, bronchoconstriction, airway hyperreactivity and edema.
