N-(5-isoxazolyl)biphenylsulfonamides, N-(3-isoxazolyl)biphenylsulfonamides and derivatives thereof that modulate the activity of endothelin

N-(5-isoxazolyl)biphenylsulfonamides and N-(3-isoxazolyl)biphenylsulfonamides and methods for modulating or altering the activity of the endothelin family of peptides are provided. In particular, N-(5-isoxazolyl)biphenylsulfonamides and N-(3-isoxazolyl)biphenylsulfonamides and methods for inhibiting the binding of an endothelin peptide to an endothelin receptor or increasing the activity of endothelin peptides by contacting the receptor with a sulfonamide are provided. Methods for treating endothelin-mediated disorders by administering effective amounts of one or more of these sulfonamides or prodrugs thereof that inhibit or increase the activity of endothelin are also provided.