The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) ##STR00001## wherein A, Y, Z.sup.1, Z.sup.2, R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 and X.sup.1 to X.sup.4 have the meaning as cited in the description and the claims. For example A is 4'-fluorobiphen-4-yl; Y is --S(O).sub.2NH--; R.sup.1, R.sup.2 are H; X.sup.1, X.sup.2, X.sup.4 are CH; X.sup.3 is C--F; Z.sup.1 is .dbd.O; and Z.sup.2-R.sup.3 is N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3).sub.2. Said compounds are useful as 11.beta.-HSD1 inhibitors. The invention also relates to the preparation of such compounds as well as the production and use as medicament.