F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. and Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. have patented 5-[2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-7-yl]-5-[4-phenoxyphenyl]hexahydropyrimidine-2,4,6-trione derivatives acting as matrix metalloproteinase-9, (MMP-9) inhibitors potentially useful for the treatment of dry eye.