The invention relates to a compound of the general formula (I),as defined herein which is useful in modulating the activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) and are useful for treating pathologies in which such modulation is beneficial, as in the case of metabolic syndrome or of noninsulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical preparations containing such a compound, processes for preparing and intermediates useful in the preparation of a such a compound.