Azole compounds represented by formula I: ##STR00001## wherein ring A is
isoxazole and the like, R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group
and the like, R2 is a hydrogen atom and the like, and R3 is a substituted
or unsubstituted alkyl group and the like, and pharmaceutically
acceptable salts thereof inhibit the physiological activity of
lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), and are useful as for the prophylaxis or
treatment of diseases in which inhibition of the physiological activity
of LPA is useful for the prophylaxis or treatment thereof, such as
diseases involving the LPA receptor.