A taxonomic revision of Neobuprestis kerremans (Coleoptera : Buprestidae) with the description of a new genus and two new species.

The genus Neobuprestis Kerremans 1903 is redefined and a new genus Burnsiellus gen. n. is defined. The putative relationships of Neobuprestis and Burnsiellus gen. n. are discussed. A key to the species of the two genera are provided. Balthasarella Obenberger 1958 is made a subgenus of Neobuprestis and its type species B. melandryoides Obenberger 1958 is synonymised with Strigoptera frenchi Blackburn 1892. Strigoptera marmorata Blackburn (1892), Neobuprestis albosparsa Carter (1924), Neobuprestis trisulcata Carter (1932) are transferred to Burnsiellus gen. n. from Neobuprestis. Two new species are described: Neobuprestis (Balthasarella) williamsi sp. n., Burnsiellus lobatum sp.n.

The synthesis and biological evaluation of non-peptidic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors.

Novel sulfonamide matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors of general formula (9) were synthesised by a route involving a stereoselective conjugate addition reaction. Enzyme selectivity was found to be dependant on the nature of the sulfonamide substituents. Compounds (9f, 9q) are potent selective collagenase inhibitors with good oral bioavailability.

The synthesis of novel matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors employing the Ireland-Claisen rearrangement.

Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors of general formula (1) were synthesised by a route involving an Ireland-Claisen rearrangement which enables systematic modification of the substituent alpha to the hydroxamic acid. An analogue (12c) possessing an alpha-cyclopentyl group is a potent broad spectrum inhibitor that displays high and sustained blood levels following oral dosing in both the rat and marmoset ex-vivo bioassays. This compound and analogues are also potent inhibitors of TNF alpha release.