4-AMINOBUTANOIC ACID DERIVATIVES AND DRUGS CONTAINING THESE DERIVATIVES AS THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT

Aminobutanoic acid derivatives represented by general formula (I), wherein each symbol is as defined in the description, and salts thereof. Because of inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase, the compounds of formula (I) are useful in preventing and/or treating rheumatism, osteroarthritis, deforming osteroarthrosis, pathologic bone resorption, osteoporosis, paradentosis, interstitial nephritis, arteriosclerosis, pulmonary emphysema, liver cirrhosis, corneal damage, corneal ulcer, diseases in association with metastatic infiltration or proliferation of cancer cells, autoimmune diseases (Crohn's disease, Sjögren's disease), diseases in association with leukocyte migration into vessels and infiltration, angiogenesis, multiple sclerosis, aortic aneurysm, endometriosis, post-PTCA reconstriction, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, transient cerebral ischemic attack, etc.