| abstract |
(57) [Summary]nThe present invention relates to substituted nicotinamides represented by formula (V) and their analogs or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof, wherein Ar ′ and Ar are independently optionally Substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, provided that the ring structure of the optionally substituted heteroaryl does not contain more than two nitrogen atoms; 11 Is hydrogen or alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, each of which is optionally substituted. The invention also relates to the discovery that compounds having formula (V) are activators of caspases and inducers of apoptosis. Thus, the compounds of the present invention can be used to induce cell death in a variety of clinical situations where uncontrolled cell growth and abnormal cell proliferation occur. |