| abstract |
This invention provides novel caspase inhibitors of formula I: n nwherein R 1 is hydrogen, CHN 2 , R, or —CH 2 Y; R is an aliphatic group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, a heterocyclyl group, or a heterocyclylalkyl group; Y is an electronegative leaving group; R 2 is CO 2 H, CH 2 CO 2 H, or esters, amides or isosteres thereof; X 2 —X 1 is N(R 3 )—C(R 3 ), C(R 3 ) 2 —C(R 3 ), C(R 3 ) 2 —N, N═C, C(R 3 )═C, C(═O)—N, or C(═O)—C(R 3 ); each R 3 is independently selected from hydrogen or C 1-6 aliphatic; Ring C is a fused aryl ring; n is 0, 1 or 2; and each methylene carbon in Ring A is optionally and independently substituted by ═O, or one or more halogen, C 1-4 alkyl, or C 1-4 alkoxy. The compounds are useful for treating caspase-mediated diseases. |