| abstract |
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I: in which R 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4 are as defined in the Summary of the Invention. Compounds of formula I are capable of disrupting the BCL-2 interations with proteins containing a BH3 domain. Disrupting this interaction can restore the anti-apoptotic function of BCL-2 in cancer cells and tumor tissue expressing BCL-2. The invention further provides a process for the preparation of compounds of the invention, pharmaceutical preparations comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds in the treatment of cancerous diseases. |