Aminobutyric acid derivatives and pharmaceutical composition containing the same as active ingredient

Aminobutylic acid derivatives of the formula (I): wherein the symbols are as defined in specification; and non-toxic salts thereof. Because of inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase, the compounds of the formula (I) are useful for prevention and/or treatment of diseases, for example, rheumatoid diseases, arthrosteitis, osteoarthritis, unusual bone resorption, osteoporosis, periodontitis, interstitial nephritis, arteriosclerosis, pulmonary emphysema, cirrhosis, cornea injury, cornea ulcer, metastasis, invasion or growth of tumor cells, autoimmune disease, disease caused by vascular emigration or infiltration of leukocytes, arterialization, multiple sclerosis, arota aneurysm, endometriosis, restenosis after PTCA, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack.