Hypersulfated disaccharides of formula I and other hypersulfated disaccharides disclosed herein are used to treat diseases or conditions associated with human neutrophil elastase imbalances. The disaccharides and/or intermediates useful to prepare such compounds are prepared from heparin. The diseases and conditions which are treated with a compound of formula I include chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and cystic fibrosis (CF). The formulations are delivered to the lungs in an aerosol formulations or dry powder means or via nebulization. Oral forms are also suitable.
