Azetidinone derivatives of formula (I) in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, which may be the same or different, is each selected from hydrogen or C.sub.(1-8) alkyl; R.sup.3 is C.sub.(1-8) alkyl or C.sub.(3-8) cycloalkyl each of which may be optionally substituted; X is a linker group; Y is an aryl group; and n is 0, 1 or 2; and excluding benzyl (4-methylthio-2-oxo-azetidin-1-yl)acetate are inhibitors of the enzyme Lp PLA2 and are of use in therapy, in particular treating atherosclerosis.
式(I)中的Azetidinone衍
生物,其中R.sup.1和R.sup.2,可能相同也可能不同,每个都选择自氢或C.sub.(1-8)烷基;R.sup.3是C.sub.(1-8)烷基或C.sub.(3-8)环烷基,每个都可以选择性地取代;X是连接基团;Y是芳基团;n为0、1或2;不包括苄基(4-甲
硫基-2-氧代-氮杂环
丙酮-1-基)
乙酸酯是Lp P
LA2酶的
抑制剂,并且在治疗中有用,特别用于治疗动脉粥样硬化。