The present invention relates generally to bis-amide group containing pharmaceutical agents, and in particular, to multicyclic bis-amide MMP-13 inhibitor compounds. More particularly, the present invention provides a new class of MMP-13 inhibiting compounds, containing a pyrimidinyl bis-amide group in combination with a heterocyclic moiety, that exhibit an increased potency and solubility in relation to currently known bis-amide group containing MMP-13 inhibitors.