In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula:

##STR00001##

where R.sup.1-R.sup.6, a, b, and Z are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds.

In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula:

##STR00001##

where R.sup.1-R.sup.6, a, b, and Z are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds.

Compounds and methods of modulating 15-PGDH activity, modulating tissue prostaglandin levels, treating disease, diseases disorders, or conditions in which it is desired to modulate 15-PGDH activity and/or prostaglandin levels include 15-PGDH inhibitors and 15-PGDH activators described herein.

Compounds and methods of modulating 15-PGDH activity, modulating tissue prostaglandin levels, treating disease, diseases disorders, or conditions in which it is desired to modulate 15-PGDH activity and/or prostaglandin levels include 15-PGDH inhibitors and 15-PGDH activators described herein.

The invention provides compounds and monomers having a carbonate linkage. The monomers can be used to form homopolymers or can be coupled with other monomers to provide a wide variety of non-homopolymers. The invention further provides a wide variety of compositions comprising the compounds, monomers, and polymers. In the exemplary structures below, Q, A, R, and n are as described herein.

##STR00001##

In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: ##STR00001##
where R.sup.1-R.sup.6, a, b, and Z are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds.

In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: ##STR00001##
where R.sup.1-R.sup.6, a, b, and Z are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds.

Compounds and methods of modulating 15-PGDH activity, modulating tissue prostaglandin levels, treating disease, diseases disorders, or conditions in which it is desired to modulate 15-PGDH activity and/or prostaglandin levels include 15-PGDH inhibitors and 15-PGDH activators described herein.

The invention provides processes for preparing intermediates useful for preparing compounds of the formula: ##STR00001##
or a tautomer or salt thereof, where R.sup.1-R.sup.5, a, b, X and P.sup.2, are as defined in the specification.

The invention provides processes for preparing intermediates useful for preparing compounds of the formula: ##STR00001##
or a tautomer or salt thereof, where R.sup.1-R.sup.5, a, b, X and P.sup.2, are as defined in the specification.