The present invention relates generally to pharmaceutical agents, and in particular, to metalloprotease inhibitor compounds. More particularly, the present invention provides a new class of dual acting MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibiting compounds that exhibit increased potency, metabolic stability and/or reduced toxicity in relation to currently known MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibitors for the treatment of pain and other diseases. Additionally, the present invention relates to methods for treating pain, addiction and/or withdrawal symptoms in a patient comprising administering to the patient a pain-reducing effective amount of a present compound.
