The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds. More specifically the present invention pertains to certain amido-thiophene compounds that, inter alia, inhibit 11&bgr；-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11&bgr；-HSD1). The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, to inhibit 11&bgr；-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1； to treat disorders that are ameliorated by the inhibition of 11&bgr；-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1； to treat the metabolic syndrome, which includes disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, and associated disorders including insulin resistance, hypertension, lipid disorders and cardiovascular disorders such as ischaemic (coronary) heart disease； to treat CNS disorders such as mild cognitive impairment and early dementia, including Alzheimer's disease； etc.
