The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds. More specifically the present invention pertains to certain amido-thiophene compounds that, inter alia , inhibit 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11 β-HSD1 ). The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo , to inhibit 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1; to treat disorders that are ameliorated by the inhibition of 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1; to treat the metabolic syndrome, which includes disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, and associated disorders including insulin resistance, hypertension, lipid disorders and cardiovascular disorders such as ischaemic (coronary) heart disease; to treat CNS disorders such as mild cognitive impairment and early dementia, including Alzheimer's disease; etc.