DIARYL DERIVATIVES AND THEIR USE AS MEDICAMENTS

Compounds of formula (I) in which W is O, S, S(O) or S(O)2; X is -SR4, -S(O)R4, or -S(O)2R4, -S(O)2NR5R6; or X is -C(O)NR5R6 provided that -C(O)NR5R6 is located at the 3', 4' or 5' position; Y is O or H2; Z is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, optionally substituted alkoxy, aralkoxy, acyloxy or alkoxycarbonyloxy; R is hydrogen, halogen, trifluoromethyl, lower alkyl or cycloalkyl; R1 is hydroxy, optionally substituted alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroarylocy, aralkyloxy, cycloalkoxy, heteroaralkoxy or -NR5R6; R2 is hydrogen, halogen or alkyl; R3 is halogen or alkyl; R4 is optionally substituted alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl or heteroaryl; R5, R6 and R7 are independently hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroaralkyl; or R5 and R6 combined are alkylene optionally interrupted by O, S, S(O), S(O)2 or NR7 which together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5- to 7- membered ring; n represents zero or an integer from 1 to 4; pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds; a method to prevent and treat diseases associated with an imbalance of thyroid hormones, such as hypo-and hyperthyroidism, obesity, osteoporosis and depression; and, a method of lowering LDL cholesterol and Lp(a) levels in mammals using such compounds.