Selected novel carboxylic acid substituted heterocycle compounds are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of inflammation, tissue degradation, cancer, fibrosis and related diseases. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prophylaxis and treatment of inflamation, tissue degradation and related diseases. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes.